Mahar Haroon Sagheer

Academic Lead Officer

My name is Mahar, and I'm your Academic Lead Officer this year.

I am dedicated to ensuring every student receives the support, resources, and opportunities they deserve. Drawing on my experience as a Student Representative, Student Ambassador, and Campus Representative, I have actively advocated for students, helped peers secure jobs, and provided academic guidance.

In this role, I am committed to pushing for clearer assessment criteria, better feedback quality, flexible deadlines, and improved mental health support. I am also working to enhance career opportunities through internships, workshops, and networking events. Your education matters, and I am focused on making it fairer, more supportive, and more empowering. Together, we will create real change.

Aidan Dawson

Wellbeing Lead Officer

My name is Aidan, and I'm your Wellbeing Lead Officer this year.

As your Welfare Officer, I vow to make sure that your experience throughout university is a rewarding and supportive one. I will do this by supporting your psychological and physical health through advocating more counselors and shorter waiting times, launching well-being campaigns on stress management, and ensuring work-life balance is just among the agenda lines. My aim is to develop an open, stigma-free culture wherein you would be comfortable enough to seek support.

Leading the Student Experience Committee, I will make sure that decisions are taken by your voice. I will fight for more support against academic stress, in housing, and financial issues for diverse student representation and work with university leaders to bring systematic changes that benefit you. I will also enhance your overall student experience by having wellness events, improving campus facilities in terms of silent spaces, and having your feedback drive further action. My aim is that every student feels supported and empowered to succeed.

Kara Ashurst

Institue Officer

My name is Kara, and I'm your Institue Officer this year.

Hi, I’m Kara Ashurst and I am all about enhancing the student experience at the University of Cumbria. It gives me real insight as to how we can make a positive impact on the future, immediately.  Being an Alumni of the Brampton Road Campus, it is my passion to create an atmosphere where each student can really excel. I will be a passionate, resolute and fruitful representative for my fellow students, ensuring that their voice is heard through effective listening and common-sense solutions for student-led change.

I plan to create a warm student support community with the help of the UCSU officers and staff. Issues will be tackled through regular feedback meetings and an open-door policy. My approach is to closely work with university leaders in making sure your feedback has a direct impact on what and how we teach. I will frequently visit campuses and have online meetings to keep in touch. I aim to create real, lasting positive change for our university.

Sunny Elvy

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer

My name is Sunny, and I'm your EDI Officer this year.

Sunny: Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Studies student from Ambleside. “Representation is important, but true belonging is feeling valued, connected, and comfortable. As an EDI Officer, I will be advocating for student-voiced needs, communicating with those in power to make real change. Greater diversity, inclusion, equality, and belonging benefit everybody by valuing varied perspectives within the university and beyond.”

My eclectic background and advocacy work have prepared me for this role. My work as an ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and British Exploring Society was around ensuring that young people could access adventure, being a voice for them, speaking even at Buckingham Palace on matters of diversity and inclusion. My personal journey and experience working with ‘underserved’ youth will certainly inform my approach. It will help me relate to the students, solve difficulties, and celebrate positive changes that foster belonging.

Oscar Clements-Robertson

Mature Students Officer

My name is Oscar, and I'm your Mature Students Officer this year.

My aim is to establish improved communication channels and processes for attendance and feedback, especially for those unable to be physically present for all lectures. I also plan to promote student societies and coordinate communal activities that benefit both mature students and recent graduates, fostering stronger bonds across all age groups and courses. I want to bring you opportunities you might not know exist, empowering mature students to leverage their knowledge and experience. This could involve connecting courses with relevant professionals or raising awareness of resources and workshops to support your creative endeavors. Finally, I'll work to make our workspaces enjoyable for all students, from beginners to those seeking a professional environment – whether that means better amenities like accessible microwaves or individualized industry-standard workspaces.

Harry Glynn

Online Learner Officer

My name is Harry, and I'm your Online Learner Officer this year.

As a second-year online Project Management student, I've experienced the unique challenges and benefits of virtual learning firsthand. My aim as the Online Learner Officer is to enhance this experience for all age groups, ensuring accessibility and success. My project management background has honed my communication skills, vital for connecting with diverse individuals remotely, including international teams. I've also developed strong organizational skills balancing my degree and full-time work, much like many online students. I understand that improving remote learning is a gradual process, but I am confident in my abilities to tackle these challenges one step at a time.

While online study offers incredible flexibility, it can also lead to isolation. My main priority is to foster a sense of connection among online students, combating the stigma that they miss out on the "full" university experience. I plan to achieve this by utilizing existing University of Cumbria networks and introducing new communication methods like forums, polls, and web chats. I will also facilitate monthly Teams drop-in sessions to gather feedback, both positive and negative, ensuring our union effectively improves the online community. I'm eager to represent and communicate on behalf of online students, creating an enjoyable, open space to share their triumphs and struggles.

Muhsina Nessa

Social Officer

My name is Muhsina, and I'm your Social Officer this year.

I'm excited to apply for the role of Social Officer, driven by my passion for creating a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging community. My strong organizational skills and ability to connect with people make me confident in this position. A key priority is ensuring everyone feels included and valued; I'll introduce diverse activities—themed events, casual get-togethers, and interactive workshops—to foster a stronger, more connected community where everyone belongs. I'll also leverage social media to enhance communication, share updates, and encourage feedback, ensuring events are well-publicized and meet community needs. This open line of communication will give everyone a voice in shaping our social calendar.

Collaboration is another key focus. Working closely with other officers, committees, and organizations will lead to more innovative and successful events by pooling resources and increasing participation. My highly organized, creative, and proactive approach means I thrive in planning and executing events smoothly, handling challenges efficiently. I'm dedicated to bringing energy and a fresh perspective to this role, aiming to make our community more engaging, inclusive, and fun, where everyone can connect, relax, and create lasting memories.