Here's some of what I've been working on this year so far...

As BCUSU's Vice President Opportunities & Community, I have been passionately working since July 1st to support and raise the profile of diverse communities at BCU.

Read Asad's profile

Supporting international students

As part of my manifesto, I aimed to be a supporter of international students and provide them with comprehensive support services and easing issues related to visa and immigration, lack of academic support and language support to help them navigate life in a new country.

I have provided substantial support to international students by collaborating with the BCU's International Office. At the start of the year we managed to bring a visa advisor onto campus, streamlining the visa process significantly for students. 

Feedback from international students told us that paying tuition fees has been difficult due to fluctuating economies in their home countries, we are currently in discussions with the University to consider flexible payment plans so that international students aren't at risk of losing their place at BCU. If you're an international student struggling with your fees, log an enquiry to speak with our Advice Team.

Contact our Advice Team

Part-time, placement and graduate opportunities

Another of my manifesto points was to connect students with businesses to access professional development opportunities. I worked with BCU Careers+ to promote their Careers Carnival on Tuesday 31st October, which put students in the same room as potential employers like H&M, Jaguar Land Rover, KPMG, Footasylum and more. 

If you're looking to enhance your employability and get help towards your future career path, make sure you check out Careers + events, workshops and activities.

Find out more: Careers +

Student community events

With our Officer Team, I have been keen to organise events that reflect the diverse culture at BCU, like the Hallow-scream Party, Indian Society's Diwali event, and our Black Student Showcase during Black History Month.

I've also supported BCUSU in their Big Welcome events, which bring together new students and give them the opportunity to build friendships, including the Big Welcome Fair, Speed Friending, Student Mixers, Big Welcome trips, and society meet-ups during Give it a Go month. 

Visibility and leadership

I have tried to maintain a visible presence across all BCU campuses, including regular visits to City South and other satellites campuses, to engage with students and inform them of how they can get involved with BCUSU. Using our Officer Team instagram page, I have communicated support for issues related to finance and housing. 

As part of my role, I've taken an active role in various committees, from IT to Health & Safety, ensuring student concerns are heard and that the policies implemented have a positive impact on their experience. 

The Officer Training that helped me prepare for the role, including NUS Lead and Change training, has enhanced my leadership skills and more importantly allowed me to serve students at BCU more effectively.