University is a life-changing experience — and the way we experience it matters to all of us. I know this only too well, as someone who has developed a wealth of society, charity, and political experience at Stirling and beyond. Your Union acts as a valuable voice to your opinion on the university’s work, and it is important your voices are heard.
As Union President, I will prioritise direct student interests. Whomever you are, wherever you come from, I want you to have a productive and enjoyable student experience, and shall seek to be a strong, constructive voice on your behalf. Put simply, I will Make Students Matter.
If elected, I aim to:
- Fight for the best housing conditions and maintain rent hardship protections
- Improve transport services and vehicle space efficiency on campus
- Expand environmental protection measures as society moves into a new age
- Unlock your Union by reviewing website usability and policy access
- Make Support Matter by campaigning on key facets of student life
Housing
Prioritise student needs in accommodation, and its conditions, both on and off campus. Maintain rent hardship fund levels and increase awareness of it to students so those students who need help can get it. Work to improve halls allocation system and establish a minimum notice period for room cancellations.
Transport
Continue negotiations with First Bus and Stirling Council to provide more cost-effective and punctual bus services. Student voices have helped improve bus services here before, and can do so again.
Greater protections for bicycles, including a shelter area and review of locker system and storage to encourage greater usage of bicycles.
Environment
Create recycling parity to give students and staff equal chance to use mixed recycling bins as non-recycling bins. Explore additional energy efficiency methods for campus buildings, including insulation and solar panels.
Launch divestment campaign to make the university abandon investments in fossil fuels. Pressure the university to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points and use electric vehicles for Estates & Campus Services.
Unlock your Union
Revamp student union website and introduce app to increase usability. Include clear signposts to Union policies, minutes and relevant archives where feasible, and publicise key policies.
Make Support Matter
Campaign to improve everyday mental health with information on exercises and the invaluable counseling services here. Explore ways to make campus more autism-friendly, including participating in the National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour on Union premises. Continue working with the Union to provide information and advice on sexual education matters such as safe sex and consent.
Encourage more non-alcoholic and relaxed social events at Freshers Week, and explore ways to welcome students of a more insular disposition at what is typically a major transitional period.
Continue to push for the Student Services Hub to provide greater privacy and appropriate help for students urgently requiring it.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!