Introducing your 23/24 Officers! Say Hi to President Luke, VP Activities Sophie, VP Welfare Joe and VP Education Charlotte! Your officers are here to represent the views of YOU and ensure that you're getting the best academic and student experience whilst at studying here. The role of officers is to raise awareness of issues and campaign for change. They are also involved in making decisions alongside senior university staff and attend various key meetings to get student voice heard at the highest levels.

"We're thrilled to introduce ourselves and share our passion for making your University experience at UCLAN the best it can be. Together, we form the core team dedicated to advocating for your needs, amplifying your voices, and enhancing every facet of student life.”

Your President this year is Luke Fitzgerald - "As your President, I'm committed to ensuring your time at UCLAN is transformative and enriching. From fostering a vibrant campus culture to advocating for positive changes, my goal is to create an inclusive and empowering environment where every student thrives!"

The Union President is here to represent all UCLan students at a University, local and even national level! Luke will regularly be meeting with the University’s Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor’s Group to share students’ feedback and champion their concerns to ensure that your voice is heard at the most senior level. The President is also the official spokesperson for the Students’ Union, is the Chair of the Trustee Board and also has a seat on the University board! Luke’s main priority is being here for all students and helping you as much as they can! - You can contact them at SUPresident@uclan.ac.uk

Your Vice President of Activities is Sophie Barratt - "Hey there, I'm Sophie, your VP Activities! My role is all about igniting your extracurricular experience. I'm here to provide you with a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events that cater to your passions and help you forge lasting connections. I’m also working on supporting sports clubs and societies when it comes to transport and accessibility for disabled students!"

Sophie will be working with our Sports Clubs, Societies and Volunteering to ensure that not only are there lots of great opportunities for you to be involved in, but also that we’re continually developing our student groups and volunteers! They will also regularly meet with key University services and facilities to ensure student groups are able to make the most of things like the UCLan Sports Arena and other spaces on campus. Sophie’s key focus this year is to increase accessibility in the SU! - You can contact Sophie at SUActivities@uclan.ac.uk

Your Vice President of Welfare is Joe Bigland! "Greetings! I'm Joe, your VP Welfare. My mission is your well-being. I'm dedicated to ensuring your mental, emotional, and physical health is a priority. From support services to fostering a safe and nurturing environment, I'm here to be your advocate."

Joe is here to work on how students are supported whilst at University. They will regularly be meeting with key University and external services which offer support to students on everything from mental health and wellbeing, to housing and disability support to ensure you’re able to access services you need to support you through your studies. They also work closely with our Liberation Reps, who represent the voices and needs of marginalised students at UCLan. Joe’s main campaigns this year will be working on the importance of men’s mental health and working with victims of domestic and sexual abuse. - You can contact Joe at SUWelfare@uclan.ac.uk

Your Vice President of Education is Charlotte Lastoweckyi! - "I'm Charlotte, your VP Education. My focus is on enhancing your learning journey. I work to elevate the quality of education, champion your academic needs, and facilitate engaging opportunities for growth and development. I’m particularly interested in awarding gaps and academic student support when first-generation, black, asian and international students first join UCLan!”

Charlotte is here to represent your academic interests whilst studying. They will regularly be meeting with senior figures of the University who are responsible for the teaching and learning, academic support and overall student experience. They will also be working closely with School Presidents and Course Reps to amplify your voice at all levels of the University! Charlotte’s main priority is to work on the awarding gap between students from marginalised communities and make sure everyone is on an equal playing field and gets the most out of their academic journey! - You can contact Charlotte at SUEducation@uclan.ac.uk

“We're more than just titles – we're here to be your allies and advocates in navigating the student journey. From addressing concerns to amplifying your achievements, we're driven by your needs and aspirations.

Connect with us, share your ideas, and let's work together to create an unforgettable university experience. Your voices matter, and we're here to make them heard."

The officers have been elected by your fellow students in the 2023 student elections and are here to support you. To find out more about each of the officers visit the Elected Officers page to read each officer's manifesto and find out what they are up to throughout the year.

Their inboxes are always open so don't hesitate to get in touch if you need or want to raise anything about us or the University!