Friday 07-08-2020 - 12:14

As we come to the close of another year, Hamad Momin, your VP welfare officer, has reflected on the academic year and his expectations for his 2020/21 term.

 

What were your thoughts going into the role – how do you feel about it now?

I was really excited and looking forward to the role, although to be completely honest I was not always entirely sure what to expect during different circumstances. I can definitely say the role has pushed me to my limits and at times outside my comfort zone, but this has allowed me to successfully carry out my role and make a positive impact to the lives of students here at Kingston.

 

Despite the challenges it has been worth the time and effort spent, with many lessons learnt and many obstacles overcome. I am really looking forward to continuing the work carried out and working together with another strong team!

 

Go on, brag – can you list some of your key achievements over the year?

• worked closely with the University Senior Leadership Team, Faith Department and Estates team to develop the brand NEW Kingston Hill Faith and Spirituality Centre with over £310,000 of new investment being agreed by the Board of Governors and University SLT for this work. These facilities will be ready in time for when students are back this academic year! 
• Helped set up and run a successful KUBacker campaign raising over £6100 for the Annual Charity Week campaign which supports orphans and needy across the globe.
• Ran several key major themed events and activities such as Black History Month and Islamophobia Awareness Week. Helping to lead a sold-out event with the renowned rapper, journalist, author, activist and poet, Akala as he gave a stimulating talk titled, ‘The Power of Education’.
• Helped to set up the Faith and Spirituality Advisory Group and sat in these meetings, working hard to review and update the entire Faith and Spirituality’s policies, procedures and practices, encompassing every policy and procedure to govern the delivery of faith and spirituality at Kingston University.
• Helped to implement and train our students and staff on our new Guest Speaker Policy at the Union of Kingston Students.
• Influenced the recruitment process for UKS and sat on numerous panels for key positions for both UKS and the university ensuring that students concerns were understood and at the heart of the candidates passion.
• Worked with the University to agree to commit to improving and delivering more faith provision at Kingston School of Arts and Penrhyn Road campus, in line with a new campus masterplan for the university over the next 5 years.

during the COVID-19 pandemic, what support or achievements have you provided for the students?

I worked closely with our biggest and most charitable society, ISOC, to lead the way in securing food packages for students across the university. These were for students who were stuck without food and self-isolating. 

 

“After the lockdown was announced we spoke to students who told us that they were struggling to leave their halls of residence to access food.  I am very proud of our Students’ Union and Islamic Society for responding at such a speed”

How have you felt about the year overall?

It was challenging, but rewarding! It has been worth the time and effort spent, with many lessons learnt and many obstacles overcome. 

What do you want to achieve in your role as president for 2020/21 academic year?

My next steps are…

• Work closely with the University to provide better mental health and counselling services.
• Continue to combat discriminatory policies and practices, ensuring that updated policies are implemented.
• Work closely with the University estates team to ensure the brand-new Kingston Hill facilities are ready and meet the needs of our students.
• Help to provide Postgraduate Scholarships opportunities for Minority Groups that are under-represented in PG studies and more likely to not go into further education or do well.
• Work to ensure there is more provision and research carried out into the BAME Student Experience by UKS.
• Help set up a platform to tackle hate crimes and hate incidents.
• More focused opportunities for our BAME students.
• Ensure equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded within UKS.