Wednesday 23-09-2026 - 15:24

 

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What are Student Officers?

Student Officers represent Manchester Met students (you!) at all levels of decision making within the University, and campaign for positive changes on anything that impacts student life and your experience at uni.

These individuals represent your academic interests. They lead The Union’s political direction and are the bridge between students and the university, making sure your opinions are voiced and hold the University to account on decisions that affect you. 

Student officers are your go-to team for anything related to student life. They’re full-time representatives who work to address the issues that matter most to you. 

How are they elected?

The Student Officer Elections happen every year with students just like you deciding who’ll be the new Student Officer team. 

The team is made up of 5 different roles: President, Wellbeing Officer, Education Officer, Societies and Development Officer, and Sports Officer.

During the annual elections any Manchester Met student can stand for election and all students at the university will have the opportunity to vote.

Who's part of this year's Student Officer team?

President: George Charlton

Wellbeing Officer: Sara Kopacz

Education Officer: Gracie Otley

Societies and Development Officer: Aliza Hussain

Sports Officer: Imogen Holland

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Get to know your Student Officer Team 2026/2027

 

About George

What did you study at uni?

I studied BSc Economics with Overseas Study.

Which place in the UK would you recommend students visit?

When I think of the UK, I think of some amazing cities. However, what makes the UK stand out is it's beautiful countryside, beaches and national parks. So I would recommend having a hike around the Peak District, you will not regret it.

What is your favourite movie of all time?

La La Land, without a doubt. This movie has changed my life in so many ways. It came to me at a time where I was struggling with motivation for playing my piano. Now, I am enthused by performing the soundtrack, and also have a renewed passion for jazz.

What's your hidden talent?

My hidden talent, is that I know all the words to pretty much all of Eminem's major rap songs. Come to Karaoke in Boundary to see for yourself.

Which piece of advice would you give to students starting university now?

My piece of advice to a new student would be to say yes. You're in a new city, new home, new challenges and that can be scary. But this is the time to truly find who you are. Say yes to that event you saw online, but don't have any friends to go with. Say yes to that new restaurant you saw on Tiktok. Say yes to new friendships and experiences. Say yes to things you normally wouldn't say yes too. As a graduate now, I look back on my time at University, and I am so glad - that I said YES.

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About Gracie

What did you study at uni?

I studied International Business Management.

Were you in any societies or sports clubs whilst at uni?

I joined a couple of societies in the beginning including entrepreneurs and running society. It took me a while to find my people on campus and it was especially difficult in first year, so at the end of my first year/beginning of my second I began the Lifestyle and Wellness society with a group of random girls! A few months later it became a society of hundreds of students and I was put forward to nominate myself to run as an officer...it's safe to say the rest was history! The society is still running today by a group of girls that met for the first time during socials last year and I now live with my best friend who I met through one of our socials and became chair when I became an officer!

What’s your favourite animal?

It's got to be a dog! How can you not love them?! My dream dog is a maltipoo and still is! I actually did a video on this the year I became Wellbeing Officer and it has not changed hahah.

What’s your go-to coffee order?

It depends on the season. Summer has to be an Iced Latte and winter always a Latte! I have recently made the shift to oat milk in both and makes it so much nicer I looove!

Which piece of advice would you give to students starting university now?

It takes time. Time to adjust, time to make friends and time to become who you are meant to become through uni (and that's ok!). It might seem like everyone has their lives figured out at uni but the majority of the time they are feeling exactly the same way as you. Say YES to every opportunity that comes your way, every opportunity to say hello to someone new and every opportunity to explore new experiences such as societies and events at uni, even if you only have the time for an hour or so to attend something small. While you can meet incredible people at uni, this is also an amazing time to build the best relationship with yourself too! You have always got this and reach out to us at The Union if you are ever in doubt. We really are all in this together!

 

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About Sara

What did you study at uni?

I studied BSc Sport and Exercise Science with a Placement Year.

What’s your dream holiday destination?

New York or Thailand (sorry can't pick one)

What are your hobbies?

My favourite hobbies are Dance, Running, Going for coffee / trying new cafes, and creating social media content

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

That you can walk pretty much everywhere and that there is so much to do every single day!

Which piece of advice would you give to students starting university now?

Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you’re not sure they’re for you. Try not to talk yourself out of something before you’ve even given it a go - what if you end up absolutely loving it? University is all about discovering new things, meeting people and learning more about yourself, so say yes to opportunities and give things a chance!

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About Aliza

What did you study at uni?

I studied Business Management With Law.

Were you in any societies whilst at uni?

I was part of Manchester Asian Society (ASOC).

What does your perfect Sunday look like?

Making a Roast Dinner and watching Netflix

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Chocolate Ice cream

Which piece of advice would you give to students starting university now?

Take advantage of all events and activities the University and the Union has to offer!

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About Imie

What did you study at uni?

I studied Psychology! I really enjoyed it at A-Level so carrying it on at uni was great as I got to learn about so many things, from Culture, Childhood and even Sport.

Were you in any sports clubs whilst at uni?

Yes! I was part of Women’s Football throughout uni, having played my whole life I knew wanted to join. It brought me some of my best friends, kept me active and of course introduced me to Wednesday Nights, and gave me the confidence to run for Sports Officer.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Going straight into working has been amazing but going travelling and exploring more countries has always been on my bucket list! I’m hoping to tick off Copenhagen from the list soon.

What’s your favourite TV show?

My fav TV show is probably New Girl

Which piece of advice would you give to students starting university now?

The best piece of advice I can give is to go at your own pace! There can be a lot of pressure to go to every night out, every event and constantly be socialising but some of my fav days while I was settling into uni was spent in my flat both on my own or with my flatmates just watching films. Equally if your pace is going out loads then do that too!

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And there you are, you have been officially introduced!

The Officers are here to help, support and provide you with as many opportunities as possible. They are here to provide the students of Manchester Met with a clear voice and always act in your best interests.

Your Officers reside on the third floor of The Union so pop in and say hi!