Ayman Benmati

Get to know Ayman

I stood for election because UCL is one of the top universities in the world. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always feel like this. For that reason, I decided to run in the Leadership Race. I want to enact real change to the academic experience so that UCL really feels like the 10th best university in the world.

This year the current Coronavirus crisis has completely changed the way we go about our lives - education is by no means immune to these changes. In the space of a few weeks, all learning has been digitised. We’ve seen a complete overhaul of the extenuating circumstances system. I want to make sure we don’t go back on any of this progress. Rather I want to make sure we continue to make progress in this direction.

Read my manifesto here

Projects & Priorities

Ensure students have a fair and equitable experience of assessment that allows them to reach their potential irrespective of their background.

Working on the BAME awarding gap, ensuring UCL responds to the recommendations in SU reports,and that UCL enacts the necessary policy changes.

30/11: In progress, working alongside TAG and other relevant groups. 

31/05: Working to address the spike in technical difficulties with Assessment UCL.

ONGOING

Students are supported when faced with particular challenges, through a fair and accessible extenuating circumstances procedure. 

Continue work on extenuating circumstances and self certification.

30/11: Partially completed, new EC policy announced for this AY. Needs to be seen through. 

18/02: Policy is being drawn up.

08/04: Policy finalised, approved at ARQASC.

COMPLETED

Through empowered, valued and supported academic reps, students have a quality education that is shaped by them. 

Ensure the Academic Rep network sees greater investment, continue to develop lines of communication to and between reps, and work to improve training and induction of academic representatives.

30/11: Will pick up progress in term 2 with respect to business partnering.

18/02: Bid for funding made to UCL.

08/04: UCL has agreed to invest £102,000 into the network.

COMPLETED

Students have an excellent UCL experience commensurate and responsive to their expectations and contribution. 

Continue efforts with SUAF and other organisations building greater insight into student priorities and work on rebuilding lost educational opportunities. 

30/11: In progress.

31/05: Discussing potential fee increases and pushing for further scholarships and bursaries with TFWG.

ONGOING

Students have an improved, accessible and meaningful lasting memory of UCL when they graduate. 

Work with UCL in rethinking graduations and developing an attractive and accessible programme of events for graduants. 

30/11: Provided feedback on UCL proposals, working closely alongside UCL on delivering a model for graduations we are happy with.

18/02: Engaging with the graduations working group to ensure that graduations this year offer an excellent experience for students.

08/04: Graduations incl. catch up were successful and received positive feedback.

31/05: Currently working on July graduations in Logan Hall.

COMPLETED

Student Trustees are empowered and engaged, giving students greater confidence in how we are governed. 

Review induction of student trustees, initiating engaging and informal opportunities for them to come together. 

30/11: In progress.

ONGOING