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By Alicia Adejobi
& Ollie Joy
James Ricci was confirmed as Bournemouth University’s new student president on Friday 6th March after a record-breaking election.
Ricci, 23, a final year Psychology & Computing student described how he felt moments before the announcement ‘Elated, I was just walking around shaking, lost in my own thoughts. Now, I concentrate fully on the promises I have made to the students at Bournemouth University. I really wanted to win and I didn’t think it would happen; all week I thought Sam was going to win it. Both have run great campaigns’
Ricci has made a number of promises geared toward transforming BU into the UK’s first ‘green university’ with the environment being the centrepiece for his campaign. The new president plans to make small changes at first such as electrical timers for computers, printers and lights, using natural ventilation instead of air conditioning and energy efficient lighting where possible. Ricci has bigger plans on his agenda too. He wants the charity, RAG, to get involved in raising funds for a solar panelled water heating system which he claims ‘Would be the first steps to a self sustainable energy production-plant.’ The money saved from his eco-plan would then be passed onto the students in the form of affordable food such as meal-deals in the student shop and a reduction in bus fairs for those who commute.
Ricci even goes as far to announce an attempt to lessen the level of tuition fees and provide assistance for those struggling in the economic downturn. These are big promises from the student president-elect and one wonders how they can be implemented effectively, if at all. But that wasn’t all, Ricci promised to address the issue of improving the heavily over-subscribed gym and even giving the old fire station a makeover to align with the high-standards of former projects such as the media school and library. Furthermore, he wants to see quicker and more in-depth feedback from tutors implementing what he describes as ‘inter-module harmonics’ whereby tutors meet to stagger the yearly workload and ease academic pressures.
The new president-elect also had time to spare a thought for his competitors, who took the election right to the wire ‘The guys ran such great campaigns and it’s got to be hard to take, but in the end only one person can win,’ added Ricci.
Runner-up Same Steele, who had fought a hard-hitting campaign, gallantly insisted he was not disappointed ‘I’m not disappointed, James is a good man and he has a lot of good ideas. I can hold my head up and high and it came down to 33 votes. He campaigned well. Students picked him so he’s obviously the right man for the job. I did everything I could do. They will really improve Bournemouth University. I really wanted to try and make a difference but it wasn’t to be.’
The other runner-up, Dan Matalon was unavailable for comment after the result.
The election itself had the biggest turnout in the university’s history with over 1,700 people almost double last year at 900.
Although Bournemouth University ushers in a new era for the students’ union this is also a time to say goodbye to our current President Fred Ruffle who due to stand down from his post this summer. Unlike George Bush, Fred will not be leaving behind a trail of blunders, but a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. So far it has been an eventful year for the Student Union team, who have not only organised charity fundraising events, but beaten world records, as well as carrying out their everyday job of looking after the students. This year, the Student Union of Bournemouth University (SUBU) has exclusively developed a Leadership Programme, which is designed to improve communication and leadership skills. The programme appears to be popular and has encouraged students to interact with new people.
But what does the man himself have to say about his busy yet successful reign? “It has been a great, life-changing experience. I have enjoyed meeting so many different people from different backgrounds. I admit it was scary taking control at the age of 21, but I have loved the challenge and having to learn new things”. Although he has had an enjoyable experience as President, Fred explains why he is not keen to serve a second term. He says “I didn’t apply again as I have been fortunate enough to have worked with such an amazing team of people, and I want to keep the good memories I have. I don’t know what next year could bring”. The head of the Student Union reminisces about the highlights of his time in power so far, and says he enjoyed Fresher’s Week. “It is definitely one of my favourite memories, because everyone was so excited. There were so many fresh faces with whom I could relate to because they didn’t know what to expect and neither did I as the new President”.
Not only is President Ruffle going to be standing down from his position, but the current Vice President of Communications will not be returning for a second year. Adelaide Allen will be jetting off to Australia next year and will be leaving good memories behind. “I would love to stay on for another year but I’ve made plans to get out there and see the world. It has been a worthwhile experience and it has enabled me to incorporate my PR, marketing and journalistic skills into the job. It has led me on a journey of personal development”. Adelaide says that her personal highlights have been getting publicity through the world record attempt, and the everyday interaction with different people.
But what do the students of Bournemouth University want from their next Student Union team? Retail Management student Jessica, 21, says “I think we have a very good and strong union, and they should just continue to listen to the students. The only thing they need to do is publicise the new Leadership Programme more, as it is a good way to encourage students to interact with others”. Scriptwriting student Oliver Page, 20, says “Our Student Union provides a really good service to students, and I like the charity events they organise. But I think they need to work on getting more students involved with the union and making them more aware of their services”.
With all the success the ‘Ruffle-administration’ has had it seems that the next team to take office will have a tough job ahead of them. But before a new president is sworn in, the current president has some words of advice. “Good luck! It took a while for me to find my feet, but don’t panic because you’ll soon get to grips with it”.
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