Alexa Thiel
Candidate for CUSU Sport & Wellbeing Officer 2015/16
Manifesto
Who am I?
My name is Alexa Thiel and I am running in the CUSU Elections for the position of Sport & Wellbeing
Officer 2015/16. I am in my final year, studying Criminology and Psychology. Currently, I represent
the university on the netball first team, as I have for four seasons. I was fortunate enough to be
elected president of the Coventry University Netball Club last season. During this time C.U.N.C.
achieved two near promotions, three conformations and three varsity wins, resulting in our award
for 'Best Club Performance' and my nomination for 'Best Club Leader'. All the while, we were
increasing our involvement in volunteering and the local community. Operating as president gifted
me with great insight into the way in which the SU is run as well as links with the surrounding
community. I am passionate about both sport and student well-being at Coventry University and I
am running for Sport and Wellbeing Officer 2015/2016 in the CUSU elections as I want to make a
difference at the Student Union and I believe I am the person for the job.
Why vote for me?
I will... PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING
As Sport and Wellbeing Sabbatical Officer, I would endeavour to operate in cohesion with my fellow
sabbatical officers in order to improve well-being on campus. Students come to university to study a
subject but learn so much more in the process. Students gain their independence and accept
responsibility for their health and well-being while here, and I hope to aid in this process wherever
possible. For example, campaigns such as ‘SHAG’ week and ‘Mental Health Awareness’ week provide
students with the opportunity to discuss their individual queries or issues, gain access to any
resources or services they may require and become more knowledgeable with regards to their
health, ultimately bettering their university experience. Health and well-being is integral to
university life and I would strive to be at the forefront of frequent campaigns to aid and educate the
student body.
I will... PROMOTE ACCESS TO STUDENT SUPPORT
Having been a student at the university for four years now, I am well aware of the plentiful services
offered by the university to support, foster and maintain the health and wellbeing of students. Most
will finish their degree without ever knowing some of these facilities exist! I want to change that.
First and foremost, the aim is for the student population to remain as healthy and happy as possible,
but I want each and every student to know that should they need it, help is available in almost every
form. I would like to be a sign post for that help. Not only do I want to organise awareness
campaigns on campus to encourage healthy living but if elected, I want to be approachable as an
individual. I want the sabbatical team as a whole to become more accessible to the student
population so students know they can come to us about any of their problems or worries, whether
they concern sexual or mental health or queries on housing or finance; anything at all.
I will... INCREASE PARTICIPATION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY SPORT
As sport and wellbeing sabbatical officer, I would endeavour to support and increase the
involvement of international students in university sports teams. I imagine coming to England for the
first time, let alone joining a sports team, can be a daunting and difficult prospect. I want to make
the process easier and I believe the SU’s ‘Give it a Go’ initiative is an excellent way of achieving this
and encouraging students involved in new sports. If elected, I would ensure this initiative is widely
promoted at the beginning of term to make certain that new and international students are aware
of the opportunities that exist and receive the chance to platform their skill.
I will... INCREASE RECOGNITION AND COVERAGE OF CU SPORT
As Sport and Wellbeing Sabbatical Officer, I would strive to unite and open the lines of
communication and support between students, sports clubs and the local population. If we are truly,
'one team' with 'one dream', then I believe we should relish one another's achievements. To
increase cohesion between sports clubs and the average student alike, I would advocate and
collaborate with the sabbatical team to increase media coverage of CU sport. I want to see and hear
about how our teams fair every Wednesday. Wherever sponsorship takes us on a Wednesday night,
I want to see the scores on the board. Why not re-invent 'Team of the Month'? Every single student
represents this university in one way or another and each and every one of us should be able to take
pride in that role. Promotion of this sort only acts to further increase membership, opportunity and
support of sports clubs.
I will... PROMOTE 'ONE COVENTRY' AND CREATE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
I endeavour to make 'One Coventry' a reality. As Sport and Wellbeing Officer, I would strive to unite
and open the lines of communication and support between students, staff, sports clubs and the
community. Sport at Coventry University is forever expanding, yet our facilities are not. Fostering
ties with the local community is an ideal way to gain access to additional facilities while amplifying
our volunteering and fundraising opportunities. By seeking out and developing links with local
schools, we create volunteering opportunities for sports clubs to send students in to coach, mentor
and share their knowledge of their respective games. Links such as these serve not only to provide
experience but to ease the pressure and simply the requirement of Team Phoenix clubs to meet
their volunteering targets. In addition, if we give to the community, we are far more likely to receive.
I will... IMPROVE ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
As Sport and Wellbeing Sabbatical Officer, I would make every effort to improve access to
equipment and facilities. I would strive to ensure allocation of time is as fairly distributed as possible
between clubs in order to best suit and support development. It is my hope to gain access to
affordable facilities as close to the campus as possible, to ensure students are not deterred by
distance or transport issues when considering university sport.
I will... SUPPORT THE STUDENT VOICE
Communication is key. I firmly believe feedback is fundamental to success. As Sport and Wellbeing
Officer, I would enthusiastically listen to student feedback. Based on what YOU report, I would make
recommendations and communicate with my fellow sabbatical officers as well as the student union,
to create an environment to suit you/your club; an environment that is mature, successful and
receptive to change. I want to know YOUR thoughts on university sport and well-being and how YOU
believe they can be bettered.
I will... SUPPORT CLUB DEVELOPMENT (OLD AND NEW)
If elected Sport and Wellbeing Officer, I would support and maintain the emergence, expansion and
development of sports clubs, both existing and new. As Sport and Wellbeing Officer, I would ensure
that I support the emergence of new clubs and strive to uncover any and all hidden talent the
student body has to offer. The Coventry Ladies GAA team formed in 2015 and became British
champions in the same season and I believe this is a great testament to the potential of Coventry
University students and athletes. Not only this but I would strive to provide constructive ideas on
how existing clubs can further develop, crucially providing club-specific feedback on a regular basis.
In keeping with this theme, I would like to create a rise in recreational sport at Coventry University. I
would like to ensure those who are not on the performance teams are still afforded the opportunity
to both play and develop their skill, which I believe will only serve to improve the quality and
breadth of their respective clubs. As Sport and Wellbeing Officer, I will look to support and develop
all clubs, irrespective of size, in every way I can.
I will... ORGANISE AND PROMOTE VARSITY 2016 - MAKE IT BIGGER AND BETTER
Whether you are a sportsman/woman or not, varsity can be enjoyed to the fullest! Varsity is an
incredible opportunity to bring students from across the university together in pursuit of a common
goal - victory against Warwick! To foster to collective fighting spirit, I would suggest the sabbatical
team start promotion early utilising social media outlets and resources available to us, to encourage
maximum interest and support. In keeping with tradition, I believe the showcase is better placed
later in the season - to give us all something to look forward to! As Sport and Wellbeing Officer, I
would endeavour to ensure varsity is a highly organised, smooth operation which accommodates
both players and spectators, ensuring each and every sports team receives maximum support from
students and the SU also. If you're a student at Coventry University, I want you to be involved. Let's
increase participation, increase funding and increase coverage and let's make Varsity 2016 BIGGER
and BETTER than ever!
I hope from my manifesto it is evident that I am truly passionate about both sport and student
wellbeing at Coventry University. In truth, this manifesto merely scratches surface of what I would
strive to achieve as the CUSU Sport & Wellbeing Officer. Above are my priorities, however other
areas for my attention and intention include:
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Officials training for students/players
Delivery of sports kit
Availability of transport
Development of the sport scholarship recruitment process
Organisation of inter-hall competitions
Engagement with alumni
Organisation of the sports ball
I would like to be elected as Sport and Wellbeing Officer 2015/2016 in the CUSU elections as I desire
to make a difference at the Student Union and I believe I am most capable of doing so.
Together Everyone Achieves More.
Please vote ALEXA THIEL #1 for Sport & Wellbeing Officer 2015/16.
Thank you.