Caitlyn Taft from SCAN interviewed Grizedale JCR Presidential Candidate, Shlok Sagar, on why he is running for Grizedale JCR President.
Over the past few days, I have interviewed various JCR Presidential candidates across campus. I asked them all nine questions, two tailored towards their personal lives and previous work on the JCR.
- What are your reasons for running for Grizedale president?
Shlok has been a member of Grizedale’s JCR for the entire time he’s been at Lancaster. He’s currently the JCR’s President.
“I love planning events and I like representing my college at SU meetings. I love the college and I want to continue making it better to the best of my ability.”
2. What are the main points of your manifesto that you would like to emphasise?
In his manifesto, Shlok highlighted numerous points that he wants to focus on, and he is currently focusing on as well.
“I want to build upon the strong foundation of Grizedale’s JCR, having good engagement with the wider student body is so important. Grizedale is a diverse college, and as an international student, it was hard for me coming to Lancaster. I know it can be difficult for international students and students from smaller communities. Also, I love what Green Lancaster do. A lot of our events have been unsustainable, and I want to change that. Eradicating food waste, by donating food to any students who need it, left over by events is something we’ve already been doing.”
3. What sets you apart from the other candidates?
As he has the experience of being President, he also told me more about his time on the JCR.
“I have the experience. I know how the inner workings of the college, the JCR, and the Students’ Union meetings. I want to make sure that Grizedale is an inclusive, fun, and safe space. I’ve loved being President and I’m excited to potentially continue my role.”
4. What would your priorities be if you won the election? Alternatively, what would be your first priority?
Highlighting social events, advertisements, and student voices, Shlok told me:
“The first thing I want to do is follow up on what’s happening with Extrav and to ensure there are advertisements for it, months prior, to gain engagement and excitement for it. I also want to establish a student form more, which we already have on our Instagram. Their [students] input will be guiding us, it’s what the students want at the end of the day.”
5. What do you want to change about your current JCR?
During the interview, Shlok took time to praise his JCR and emphasise the importance of their well-being.
“I’m very lucky with the JCR we have right now. Everyone’s motivated to make it better. I want them to all feel appreciated and heard. I want to prioritise knowing what they want and how they feel, and seeing how that fits in with the wider student body.”
6. Can you tell me a bit about your college and are there any parts of it (social events, welfare talks, group/JCR activities, etc) you are wanting to continue with/ develop on?
From the way that Shlok spoke about Grizedale, it was evident that he cares deeply about the college, and he has found great friends through it.
“Grizedale is my home. I spend my days in the JCR room. More than anything, this college is my home. I have good relationships with everyone in the college, like the College Manager, the bar staff, and the porters. Grizedale is a nice environment to be in and I want others to view it the same way I do.”
7. As you’re currently President of Grizedale, what have you learned in the past 3 months and what are you most excited about?
Since becoming Grizedale’s JCR President, he spoke about how his voice and role have an impact on university-wide decisions.
“There’s been a positive change in appreciation of JCRs by the SU. I have a voice that helps make uni-wide decisions. This is really exciting for me. I also love learning from events that haven’t been successful so I know how to work with my team, and how we can improve them.”
8. As you’ve been Socials Officer, VP Socials, and President for Grizedale JCR, what have you learned over the past 3 years of being in the JCR?
As he started as a typical JCR member, he has since progressed to the higher levels of the JCR, appreciating and thanking those who have helped him.
“I’ve had help from the Assistant Dean, and I like leading a team to do good things. It’s something that comes pretty naturally to me. I know how the JCR runs and how every role should operate.”
9. What’s your college slogan/saying/song and what does it mean to you?
‘Up the Hogs’ is the slogan for Grizedale.
“I love saying it randomly, it’s fun. Our college song is Never Forget by Take That. To be honest, I used to not like it but now it’s quite an emotional song for me.”
Voting for JCR Presidents opens today. Check out the SU website to vote for your college JCR members this year.
