I remember getting off the train at Salford Crescent, I remember attending my open day at the University, I remember the green campus and the proximity to Manchester was why I wanted to attend Salford.

Five years later I am still here.

Two years too many some would say, but my final two years have been as Vice President and President of your Students’ Union. I stood on the manifesto for President on the key points below:

Campaign to keep the cap on tuition fees 

Year round timetables

More Student Social Space

Longer Library Opening Hours Off Peak

Two Day Activities Fair and Fresher’s Ball

Promote religious diversity and interfaith groups

I am proud to say that as a team; including the officers I have worked alongside, Students’ Union staff members and students’ we have managed to achieve all of my manifesto points.  

This year has been different; not just about ticking my manifesto points off; honestly it has been the most challenging year of my life.

One of the proudest moments was at about 5:30am on the 10 November 2010 when a very tired and grumpy Ricky came onto campus to be greeted by 400 students to go on the National Demo.

It was an honour to march with thousands of students on the streets of London against an increase in fees, sadly we did not win the battle and it was heart wrenching to watch the vote go through, but also to watch the scenes of violence as the story unfolded.

The Union has certainly changed over the last five years, the Union I remember was all about the 15 hours, the Pav and that was about it. The Union now more than ever is actually delivering for students’ on a daily basis. Whether that is about campaigning and lobbying for change, training course reps, providing academic advice, getting involved in a student activity group or a cheeky pint in Yours Bar, the Union now means something to each and every student at Salford.

I want to say a massive public thank you for all the support, advice and guidance I have received over the last two years.

This does not just include the officers, and staff within the union but my close friends who have had to hear about it every minute I am awake.

It has been an honour to be your president over the last year and a truly amazing year it has been. I wish Caroline and her team the best of luck for the year she has ahead. Good luck to you all in your exams, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your time at Salford.

I certainly did!

Ricky Chotai

SU President 10/11