Student Union President - Alex Wilson
The Sabbatical Officer with overall responsibility for representing Winchester Student Union and the students of the University of Winchester. The President is also an Officer Trustee with legal responsibilities, as well as a full time employee of Winchester Student Union, during their term of office.
The President directly oversees all 'cross union' activities, including:
- Equality, diversity and student demographic representation
- Environment & sustainability
- Communications
- Celebrating student & union success
Manifesto: Alex Wilson
Email: su_pres@winchester.ac.uk
Phone: 01962 827415
Twitter: @winchesterpres
Instagram: @winchester_pres
Facebook: Alex Wilson (President)
More about Alex:
What did/do you study?
I studied BSc Psychology and Child Development from 2021 to 2024
What SU run events and activities have you been a part of?
My biggest involvement with the Students’ Union was within Performing Arts Winchester (PAW). I was their Wellbeing Representative in my first year, and then was elected Chair in both my second and third year.
It was great to be a part of so many successful shows and have the opportunity to lead and work with a variety of wonderful people.
I have also previously been a Student Senate member as well as a Student Academic Representative (StAR). This lead in me running to be a part of the Executive Committee as a Student Officer in 2023/24. It really gave me an insight into what being President could be like, and I really enjoyed representing and being a voice for students. It also meant I had an active involvement with Freshers Fayre, Recharge Festival and Speak Week – which were great with talking to students!
What are your top Manifesto points?
- Supporting Students through the General Election and a potential new government – I was hoping the General Election would have come later into my terms, but there is still a lot that can be done for students, especially once we know who our new Government will be. It’s seeming that there’s not much mention on how parties are planning to support the Higher Education Sector so it seems important to build a rapport with local MP’s and lobby for important issues that students at Winchester are currently experiencing, including the Cost of Living.
- Helping students get involved and have a voice within our campaigns – with the union being student led, I’d love to introduce a variety of opportunities for students to get involved with campaigns, whether it be pop ups, going out and talking to students, or supporting with coming up with ideas on campaigns they’d like to see. I’m hoping this will also highlight what we get up to within the Membership side of the Union and what we offer to students as well as BOP and nighttime events 😊
- Supporting Students adjust into University life through developing tips and tricks, videos or an online guide – Students start university at such different points in their lives and that’s completely okay! I feel it’s important that there’s resources that could show support in adjusting to becoming independent. For example: budgeting tips, cooking, shopping and laundry
What made you run in the Elections to become an officer?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Student Officer in 2023/24, particularly with my involvement with Officer campaigns and going out and talking to students about topics that are important for them. I wanted to ensure many of the initiatives introduced that had benefitted me as a student continued. Being a student can sometimes come with challenges and I am passionate about supporting and lobbying for the student experience so you can flourish as students!
What’s your favourite thing about Winchester?
It’s a very common answer, but I truly love how pretty it is. I also think it’s great that there’s a selection of coffee shops within walking distance!
What has been your proudest moment during your student journey (so far)?
It definitely has to be my Student Officer campaign called ‘Bring a Bag’. This was a competition to get Activity Groups involved with donating food to the Bookcase or clothes to the Clothes Drive. The amount of donations was heartwarming and made me feel as if I’d help contribute to helping students through the Cost of Living.
What do you like doing when you aren’t being a Winchester SU Officer?
I really enjoy reading a good book. I currently spend the majority of my time (and money) in The Works and Waterstones, and I have a To Be Read pile that arguably could be taller than me. I also enjoy going to the gym, trying to teach myself languages (a month away from a year’s Duolingo streak, if you were wondering) or going out and grabbing a coffee somewhere.
What's your favourite film?
I really struggle with sitting and watching films for a long time, but I always seem to go back and watch Wild Child!
