Seven Questions with... Osman Teklies

What is your role and what does it involve?

My role is the Union Affairs Sabbatical Officer which, as the name suggests, is involved with all parts of the Union! I am the lead officer on democracy, helping to facilitate divisive issues that flare up throughout the year via our policy zones – forums of elected members that debate and vote on ideas submitted by students. I lead on sustainability and work to make the Union more sustainable and with more opportunities for students to get involved in sustainability initiatives – whilst also overseeing the operations of our commercial services from the cafes to the gym. As the face of the Union, I am responsible for communicating what the Students’ Union is doing, which involves everything from the weekly newsletter, to social media videos and the blogs on our website! If you want to take on my role next year, join the Leadership Race and stand for election.

How long have you been at UCL?

This is my fourth year at UCL – I've been studying an undergraduate chemistry degree for the past three years, plus my current role as Union Affairs Sabbatical Officer. I've witnessed a lot of change in my time here at UCL, not least as a result of a global pandemic which changed the way we work forever!

The Union's sabbatical officers were what inspired me to stand for election, as they fought tirelessly on our behalf for a No Detriment policy that would ensure that students who were already struggling during lockdown were provided with a safety net. Having seen the positive changes that sabbatical officers brought about, I was inspired to be a part of that legacy.

What achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I’m really excited to be working to bring the Students’ Union's Sustainability Strategy to life – it sets out Students' Union UCL's vision of becoming the most sustainable Students' Union in the UK. As the Union Affairs Officer, my role covers both sustainability and the operations of the Union which positions me to facilitate the systemic changes needed within the organisation. I have been bringing an evidence-based analytical approach to the table and am working with external consultants to commission a comprehensive environmental audit of the Students' Union to pinpoint the areas of the Union responsible for the most carbon emissions. I also chair a sustainability working group made up of the managers responsible for different areas of the strategy and we have made significant progress towards implementing all of the Year One objectives of the strategy.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

Student spaces at UCL are woefully lacking for the largest university in the UK. It’s partly the reason I wanted to stand for election; having been an undergraduate student travelling far distances to play sports, having to utilise inadequate prayer rooms or attempting to find a social study space for my group project was sometimes difficult.

The UCL Strategic Plan, which will set the direction of UCL for the next five years, presents an opportunity for investment in a new Students’ Union building and sportsground that will be able to meet the needs of our large and diverse student body. My work has involved getting the proposal for a new central hub into the strategy paper and influencing various UCL, non-UCL and alumni stakeholders to gather support for this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Students were promised a new building in 1959 and this year the wait could finally be over!

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

I am a big fan of Marvel films and Spider-Man: No Way Home has to be one of my top popcorn films. Even though I followed all the spoilers beforehand, I was still blown away by the emotional storyline and surprise cameos.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be afraid to take risks and say yes to more opportunities that come your way. Every mistake you make is something you can learn from.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I have a lot of family in Australia and when I was younger I went there on holiday and got so bored that I ended up going to school for a couple weeks!