Election Issue: Vice-Presidential Candidate - Zoe Stathis

Special Issue: Melbourne University Law Students' Society Elections

Issue 7, Semester 2

As Vice President, what would be your key policy focus? In practical terms, how would you bring this about?

My key policy focus is increased support for Mental Health and Wellbeing Services. This degree is challenging and can impact on our mental health. That’s why I have been actively working with both MLS faculty and the UniMelb Counselling and Psychology Services (CAPS) to highlight accessibility issues students have been facing. 

There is still a long way to go in this space. As VP, I will continue to push faculty to make counselling appointments more accessible, as well as adding other resources through the LSS. This includes adding a wellbeing page to the MULSS website with links to external services, fact sheets and helpful articles. 

What do you see as being the special value of the LSS, as distinct from the role of other student groups?  

The LSS has so many unique and diverse portfolios that are all about giving students opportunities to succeed, as well as have fun and take breaks from study. As Women’s Director this year, I’ve seen how dedicated each and every Director, Representative and Leadership Team member is to putting on events, running the competitions, careers panels, education services, workshops, networking nights, and bringing in a diverse range of speakers to share their experiences in the legal profession with students. Everyone truly cares about what they can do to enhance the experience of all students beyond their classroom studies. 

What should the student body expect of the LSS? Are you able to deliver on those expectations, and if so, why?

All students should expect committee members to be receptive and responsive to their needs and ideas. As one of the women’s directors, it was important to me that when students came to me with new ideas or feedback, I really took that on board and did everything I could to make changes or make an event happen. This year we were able to add financial literacy and networking workshops to the Women’s Verbal Assertiveness workshop, as well as add the Women’s Cultural Diversity Breakfast event. This was all thanks to the input and suggestions of students. 

On a larger scale, I created a survey for MLS students which encouraged them to share their experiences or issues in using CAPS. After receiving the responses, I worked hard to articulate the feedback and concerns to MLS and CAPS. As VP I will continue to listen and advocate for students.

For more on the 2020 Elections and to view candidate profiles, visit the MULSS website here.

Voting is open from 9am Monday 9 September till 5pm Friday 13 September.