Hi, my name is Astrid and I’m an EU student from the Netherlands. I’ve worked closely with the Union as an Equalities officer and on society committees. I’m running for Union President because I believe that, no matter who you are or where you come from, you should have the opportunity to do well at university. I know there are many barriers to these opportunities, and despite my fantastic four years at Stirling I believe there is still a lot that can be done to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. With your help, I’d love to remove those barriers!
#WeCanDoIt!
Student welfare
- Ensure that the University and Union are fighting for your rights and making concrete commitments for students from outside of the UK in a turbulent political era.
- Make your voice heard with First bus, by pressuring council to negotiate more punctual and frequent bus times.
- More bus routes at student prices. Student prices outside of Stirling town, such as Alloa and Clackmannanshire.
- The Student Services Hub is unacceptable, the long waiting times and lack of confidentiality need to be fixed.
- Improve representation and progression of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education. This would be done through the University achieving a bronze award in the ECU’s Race Equality Charter.
- Get the University more accessible. Electric doors need fixed and disabled parking needs expanding and enforcing.
- Make the Equalities steering group a success.
- Improve the structure and employment status of Accommodation Liaison Students.
Study support
- Ensure that there is enough study space particularly during exam times.
- Lack of a laptop should not hinder your ability to study. Therefore, a deficit of working desktop computers is a problem that needs fixing.
- Develop an app or webpage letting students know when and where there are available study spaces.
- Compulsory exam feedback.
Mental health
- Hire another counsellor. Stirling University currently has one counsellor for every 6000 students leading to unacceptably long waiting times. Find out which issues students are struggling with and hire a counsellor with experience in that area.
- Make sure counsellors can handle specialist issues appropriately and professionally (grief counselling, LGBT+ issues, etc).
Rent and Housing
- Wider rent support for more students. Extend financial support of the Accommodation Enhancement Fund to make sure everyone who needs support, gets it.
- Help students know their rights when it comes to letting.
- As the student population is growing we need to work together with the council to develop realistic solutions to the housing shortage.
- LGBT+ approved landlords. Add an option to the Stirling Digs website to ensure that your landlord is LGBT+ friendly.
Healthy eating and environment
- More healthy food options to fit into the “Healthy Body Healthy Mind” campaign to align with University’s image of sporting excellence.
- More choice in food options in Venue.
- Reduce waste, especially water bottles and plastic cutlery.
- Increase the number of water fountains.
