Danny Lipatovs

Education Officer:

Hi, I'm Danny, your Vice President for Education at Undeb Bangor Students' Union. It's a very fancy title which just means that you can come to me with any issues or feedback concerning education, wellbeing or student life on campus. My job is to make sure your voices as students are heard at the top levels of university decision-making and any changes that happen take into account the student perspective and is communicated clearly and transparently. 
A bit about me: I have just graduated with a BA in Geography, with my dissertation being focused on people's lived experience in Latvia following the collapse of the Soviet Union. I particularly enjoyed areas of my course focused on geopolitics, renewable energy, sustainability, policy and governance. I was heavily involved in the Geography Society, being the academic liaison before becoming the Chair, while also being Treasurer for the Windsurfing Club, and enjoyed volunteering with any group focused on conservation work. 
This year, we as a team of Student Officers have 3 key focus areas: 
•    We want you as students to easily find your people, primarily working on changes within the Union itself, with broader collaborations across the University and wider community too. 
•    The University must see students as partners within our education, not just “customers” who bring funding. This means involving students in major decision-making processes and maintaining constant dialogue with key changes happening across campus. 
•    We aim to protect and promote the Welsh language and culture across the University. We are lucky to live in such a culturally rich and proud community with extensive history and must not allow this to be diminished. 
Personally, I am a huge advocate for students having opportunities to gain skills and experience and to develop your employability before you graduate, so that you feel confident and ready to succeed with whatever pathway you choose to pursue.  
I'm really looking forward to working with you all this year, and please, don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any ideas or queries! 

Follow me on Instagram: @vpeducation_bangor