Manifesto Analysis: Director of Events and Services
MILO HILL
Director of Events and Services (DoES) candidate Milo Hill presents a thorough and spirited manifesto, concentrating on the reopening of 601 and the development of society and Union-run events, Union social media usage, and support for subcommittees and societies. Mr Hill has an impressive portfolio of experience, having worked as bar staff in the Union for over two years, held the title of Rock and Metal Society President 2023-24, and Transgender and Non-Binary Officer with Saints LGBT+ 2023-24.
Reopening of 601 and Union Events
Mr Hill focuses heavily on their plans for the reopening of the 601 club and the development of events spaces within the Union, aiming to increase attendance at Union events and all four of the Union’s bars. Kicking this off, Mr Hill suggests a large-scale reopening party, looking into making 601 a laser tag venue, and introducing pitcher drinks to Main Bar, Sandys, and Beacon Bar. While these ideas are promising, the lack of confidence behind their execution as well as the lack of logistical and financial justification suggest that they may be overambitious for a venue that less than 50 percent of the student body will have experienced. This absence of a typical Freshers’ Week by nearly the entire student body is a point that Mr Hill emphasises throughout their manifesto. Mr Hill expresses a desire to implement one free-of-charge event during Freshers’ Week for students and guarantees a range of inclusive events that appeal to the wider student body. Mr Hill wishes to highlight the importance of hosting more intimate, “small club vibe” society events that do not require the 601 space, and for those who do not participate in university drinking culture. This strategy is commendable and a focal point for their plans to increase attendance for all members of the St Andrews community. The candidate’s intentions are enthusiastic and sincere yet, at times, fall short of being pragmatic. Mr Hill does not apply budgetary considerations throughout their manifesto, yet in its place, does not hesitate to roll out their creative and dynamic visions.
Communication and Social Media Outreach
Mr Hill brands “effective communication” as a vital component to ensuring success for the Union. Mr Hill underscores their goal to enhance social media presence on the Union page to help increase student attendance at events, as well as to publicise what the DoES is doing in the role effectively. Mr Hill plans to introduce a regular schedule for uploading Union event advertisements and will implement an up-to-date calendar of all society events that will be easily accessible online. Expanding interaction through Instagram and TikTok platforms is also a main objective for Mr Hill, as they label these platforms as the primary channels for communication between students. Additionally, they insightfully draw up current issues that Non-Facebook users face; Mr Hill wishes to implement mechanisms for events and tickets to be available and advertised without the use of Facebook groups. Hitherto, whilst this suggestion holds merit, it will seemingly be difficult to achieve. While Mr Hill has produced a passionate manifesto, their remarks are highly repetitive regarding social media and communication. Their plans to use “innovative ways to increase attendance” and make it easier for students to contact and receive support on social media platforms from the DoES are vague and could be improved with detailed suggestions.
Subcommittee and Society Support
Mr Hill’s leading statement is that “the sheer number of student societies is one of the most wonderful parts of St Andrews''. They continue to promise equality of resources and experiences amongst societies, and ‘support’ for student societies in the process of transition and in general, however, an explanation of what this ‘support’ involves, fails to be defined in their manifesto. Some of Mr Hill’s most promising ideas are a revamp of the room booking system, acknowledging the Union’s purposes outside of nightlife, and the suggestion of creating exhibitions featuring student artists, in collaboration with societies and theme weeks. Mr Hill also encouraged an expansion of sober nightlife events and pledged to work with Saints LGBT+, BAME, and STAR to enhance inclusivity and representation within events. Mr Hill displays strong intentions to increase opportunities and exposure for societies through the Union. However, it is unclear whether these ambitions extend to non-uni affiliated societies and how they play into their plans to increase attendance at Union events.