Introduction:
William Sarenden is a philosophy student with a strong passion for debate and representation. He has been an active member of our community for the past two years.
Before joining Birkbeck, William studied Philosophy at A Level and then spent a year at Winchester University. Alongside his studies, he gained experience working in local government and historical house management.
Since starting at Birkbeck in 2021, William has taken on several leadership roles. He first became the Course Representative for Philosophy and later the Academic Representative for Philosophy on the Students' Union Parliament. His dedication and leadership were recognised when he ran for and won the position of Welfare Representative, earning the most votes and becoming the Chairman of the Students' Union.
As Welfare Lead last year, William worked hard to address student concerns. He revised the AI policy to help students understand the proper use of artificial intelligence, set up a food pantry that provides over 300 meals a month to students in need, and launched an Anti-Loneliness campaign to build a stronger community at Birkbeck. He also introduced several free resources for students, offering important information on campus safety and ways to cope with the cost of living.
This year, William is your Education Lead, and is here to represent all Birkbeck students. His manifesto has a strong focus on student feedback and improving communication at university
Manifesto:
1. Enhanced Course Representation: Revamp the Course Representative system to effectively incorporate student feedback, collaborate with the college, and introduce new benefits for students.
2. Artificial Intelligence Awareness: Making sure there is AI guidelines on what can and can’t be used in relevant areas, and making sure there are regular communications on the proper use of AI.
3. Improved Communication: Implement measures to ensure consistent and timely communication, especially with regards to enrolment, timetabling, and assessment results, along with clear response time standards for emails.
4. Create Study Spaces: Create additional areas outside of the library where students can relax, socialise and study comfortably.
5. Optimised Support Systems: Overhaul both the 'Mitigating Circumstances' and 'Ask' systems to better cater to student needs and ensure efficient resolutions of issues.
A Bit About Me...
What is your role?
As a representative for Birkbeck students, I am your Chairman and Education Lead. My primary responsibility is to advocate for all students, which is the most crucial aspect of my role. By highlighting areas needing improvement within the University, I aim to enhance the higher education experience for all students. This advocacy ensures that the changes proposed are personalised and validated by the student body.
In my capacity as Education Lead, I am tasked with conveying the concerns and suggestions of students to influence policy changes. I collaborate with the University on decisions impacting the student population and represent Birkbeck's educational quality. I have the authority to initiate and campaign for changes within the University to improve the student experience.
As Chairman, I undertake various responsibilities, including overseeing the board of trustees, the Executive, and the finance committee for the Students' Union. I also act as the line manager for the CEO on behalf of the board and serve as the primary contact for the University.
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I was born in London, raised in Hertfordshire, and now reside in London again, where I am pursuing my passion for Philosophy. As a 21-year-old male in my final year of study, I chose to study Philosophy due to my love for debates and exploring life's profound questions. I am deeply committed to ensuring that students receive enriching educational experiences and fostering a society where everyone feels comfortable and valued. Prior to my current role, I have experience in local government and managing a historic house.
Why did you run in the elections?
My motivation for running in the elections was to serve as a bridge between students and the University, representing diverse viewpoints and creating lasting changes to enhance the University experience. Initially, I served as the representative for first-year philosophy students and then progressed to the Student Parliament as the Academic Member for Philosophy.
In my second year, I was elected Chairman and Welfare Lead for our community. This role allowed me to address numerous student issues, campaign on various topics, collaborate with the University on policy changes, and connect with many incredible members of our community. I believe my contributions in these roles have positively impacted Birkbeck students, and I am eager to continue making a difference.
Currently, as your Education Lead, I have outlined several clear goals for my term, including reforming the course representative system, creating new study and relaxation spaces for students, and finding innovative ways to improve the student experience. I am passionate about driving change and fostering a society where individuals feel free to be themselves, and I plan to do everything I can for our community.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
My favourite TV shows are "Doctor Who" (specifically new Who, seasons 1-8) and "Fleabag"!