Candidate: Shama Monjur

Tēnā koutou katoa,

My name is Shama Monjur and I am writing to express my sincere interest in the position of Student Representative on the University of Auckland Council. I strongly believe that the perspective of the students are central to building a thriving community and I am committed to ensuring that their diverse ideas and concerns are heard by the Council.

I am currently studying in the Master of Information Technology programme, specializing in Cybersecurity, which gives me an important insight into the experiences of women in STEM. Alongside my studies, I work as a Quality Lead managing AI projects, where I am involved in aligning my team with the needs of upper management and ensure that they are well-equipped to be able to meet high-paced, deadline-driven projects. I believe that these skills directly translate to my responsibilities as a student representative acting as the bridge between the student population and the Council.

At my previous university, I mentored more than 100 first-year students, supporting them through their complex issues of new beginnings, academic stress and celebrating their successes. I also served as Joint Secretary of the Adventure Club, where I organised activities for large groups and promoted environmental initiatives. These roles showed me how important it is to listen to different voices, create safe and inclusive spaces, and stand up for what matters to a community.

As an international student myself, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate a new environment. This additional perspective could allow me to connect with my peers and be mindful of the challenges they face which may not be visible in administration policies. The University of Auckland is home to a myriad of diverse students and it is important to pay attention to all of those different perspectives. I want to bring those lived experiences into Council discussions, so policies reflect the realities of everyday student life, whether that means affordability, wellbeing, or inclusion.

Living and studying in Aotearoa has shown me the importance of listening, sharing, and walking alongside others. Guided by the values of Te Tiriti, I want to carry that approach into this role, making sure the choices made about teaching and research are shaped by what matters to students, not just statistics. I want to help build an environment in the university where every student feels they belong and their aspirations count.

If elected, I will be a clear and approachable link between students and Council, ensuring that their voices are not only heard but acted upon. I will advocate for decisions that balance academic excellence with genuine care for student wellbeing, while making sure that perspectives from international, postgraduate, and under-represented groups are included in every discussion. My goal is to serve as a representative who listens carefully, speaks up with integrity, and works to shape a University where every student feels supported and valued.

Thank you for your consideration,
Shama Monjur