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Our Q and A with the candidates for 2018 LSS Vice-Presidents Alana Perna As Vice President, what would be your key policy focus? In practical terms, how would you bring this about? I will work to diminish the pressures law students face, whether that be with wellbeing, access to resources or feeling like their concerns are leaps and bounds away from faculty’s reach. I have personally struggled with all three issues and felt that I had nobody to turn to. I will be attentive and approachable, enabling MLS students to share how they want MLS to change. My focus is to advocate, support and promote engagement. What do you see as being the special value of the LSS, as distinct from the role of other student groups? Honestly, law school has been the most difficult experience of my life. I have struggled to maintain or even find that ~balance~ everyone talks about. However, I will confess that law school feels like home to me, and it is, for the most part, because of the connections I’ve made through my year as Comps Director/Mom on the LSS. This is a community I feel I belong to, and hope to keep developing so that everyone feels like this is their community too. What should the student body expect of the LSS? Are you able to deliver on those expectations, and if so, why? The student body should expect that their representatives do just that – actually REPRESENT what they want and need from their time here. We aren't superheroes and we aren’t robots, but we certainly do care. This year I listened to criticisms about judge’s consistency and the lack of feedback and made effective changes that promoted confidence, learning and engagement. The student body should expect that I will do everything in my power to ensure the directors I am overseeing feel supported (read: adding an external comps director), yet challenged to be transparent and continue strengthening their individual portfolio and the LSS in its entirety. The student body can expect that I will do everything in my power to hear them, advocate for them, and take on the feedback leaders need to hear to be good at what they do. I hope to work with you & make the changes we need. Vote 1 Alana. Ayu Maylinda As Vice President, what would be your key policy focus? In practical terms, how would you bring this about? Student equity and wellbeing. It’s what I do and what I know. Unaddressed systemic issues are a stain on MLS’ reputation. For instance, a friend of mine has recently fallen through the cracks due to the combination of draconian Special Consideration policies and an overworked Wellbeing Coordinator (us who sit on the Student Equity and Wellbeing Committee know that one Wellbeing Coordinator is insufficient). MLS still doesn’t have support in place for students who simply cannot afford to study full-time (rent is a real thing), and for minorities who feel uncomfortable navigating what is a rather homogenous (and homogenizing) place; it sometimes forgets its nature as a public institution, and ignores the fact that meritocracy is not foolproof. I’m saying this not to promote an agenda, but because it is the reality that Tilly and I have witnessed. The difference between the LSS and Faculty is that they have the ability to make lasting systemic changes, while we can propose solutions and agitate for change. I would continue to provide feedback to Faculty via the SEWC (the VP also sits on this committee) and direct advocacy. I wasn’t afraid to address a Faculty member about the way he spoke to students in a revision class; why should I stop now? What do you see as being the special value of the LSS, as distinct from the role of other student groups? Technically, every JD student is a member of the LSS; combined with its visibility and diverse range of portfolios, it becomes the main port of call for most students. Doesn’t mean it’s special. It’s just the largest. What should the student body expect of the LSS? Are you able to deliver on those expectations, and if so, why? The LSS comprises students who voluntarily adopt roles to promote students’ interests. With power comes responsibility, albeit tempered with an acknowledgement that LSS officebearers are also fellow students. However, part of delivering on expectations is also being flexible enough to accommodate responses to valid criticism. With that in mind, hopefully we can deliver on our promises. Jimi Muirhead As Vice President, what would be your key policy focus? In practical terms, how would you bring this about? We’ve finally made the idea of Non-Drinker Discount tickets a reality (see: Spring Social) and I’d love to make it routine at events next year. It’s the largest piece of student body feedback I’ve received as Activities Director and would like to be responsive to that. My idea of “how-to” manuals comes from my and others experience of needing lecture recordings or special consideration at a time of crisis only to realize the arduous process of accessing these services. Orientation information should include manuals that clearly outline the requirements and process for access so students are prepared before the crisis or illness arises. Finally, VP’s are there as much to facilitate change as they are to create their own. I will push directors under my management to be proactive on election policies and be responsive to student feedback. What do you see as being the special value of the LSS, as distinct from the role of other student groups? MULSS goes further than other student societies I’ve experienced. I kept away from that side of Uni in undergrad, but moving from Perth for the JD I found the LSS to be the main facilitator of how I made friends, built a network, and found careers paths and jobs. I am blown away by the variety of initiatives the LSS undertakes simply because students would probably find it useful or enjoyable – and there’s always room to grow. What should the student body expect of the LSS? Are you able to deliver on those expectations, and if so, why? Students should expect an LSS that is responsive to the cohort and brings effective change when addressable concerns arise. My ideas are practical, achievable and direct responses to issues I’ve seen arise in the building. I will help others on the committee bring tangible change to MULSS and the law school at large. I’ve seen the LSS evolve a lot over my two years on the committee. I know what can and can’t be done and the best ways to go about it. Karri Walker As Vice President, what would be your key policy focus? In practical terms, how would you bring this about?
What do you see as being the special value of the LSS, as distinct from the role of other student groups? I think that the LSS is what makes the MLS experience so enjoyable. We are so lucky to have access to so many amazing social events and comps! The reason that I want to be VP is to ensure that everyone’s experience at law school is the best that it can be! What should the student body expect of the LSS? Are you able to deliver on those expectations, and if so, why? The student body should expect the LSS to be committed and dedicated. This year I have, organised a lecture with Uncle Wayne Atkinson, introduced an acknowledgment to country, organised an on-country walk and am working on introducing another Indigenous law subject. I think I have made a real impact on MLS in such a short time, and I really want to continue fostering such positive social change within the law school. Sarah Strangio As Vice President, what would be your key policy focus? In practical terms, how would you bring this about? My key policy is to make the role of VP more external, using the privileged position of VP to allow greater feedback. I'm passionate about how the LSS has enhanced my time at MLS so I want everyone to be able to feel that way. This means giving students opportunity to voice opinions, not just at election time or in de minimis. In order to do so I want to start monthly drop in sessions where people can raise any issues that are concerning them. What do you see as being the special value of the LSS, as distinct from the role of other student groups? The LSS does more than any other student group I’ve come across in my time at Melbourne Uni. While many provide drinking events, the LSS does so much more. There is so many facets to the LSS, with each attempting achieve various aims. For me, not only have I made so many great friends but I've sharpened my skills through competitions and met some leading lawyers in the industry through the careers events. And finally, when I'm done with thinking about law, the LSS has provided me with yoga and netball to take out my stress. This is all for free too, meaning there is access to all. While some people may forget, this is why the LSS is special and something we are so lucky to have. What should the student body expect of the LSS? Are you able to deliver on those expectations, and if so, why? The student body should expect an inclusive LSS that cares about all students. I want people to stop feeling intimidated in approaching the office and instead feel that it is a place they can stop by for a chat. I like to think that starting drop in sessions will create a dialogue and show I am happy to listen. In this way, I feel the LSS will then be able to receive input from the wider student body. Furthermore, the students should expect the events the LSS delivers to be continued in a the best way possible as well as a few more initiatives to further involve students. I plan to work actively with each of the Directors of the portfolios, helping them to develop new ideas. Don't forget to Vote! Unlike Malc's stupid postal survey your vote will actually impact the result! The voting form is live now HERE  Comments are closed.
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