Hello! My name is Nick LaRue, I am a 3rd year Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) student, and I am running for the position of Co-Curricular officer.
Clubs and Societies play a very crucial role in our lives as students at the University of Stirling. They not only provide us the social fabric upon which we can socialize with one another with a shared common interest outside of the lecture halls and seminars, they also give us a place where we can develop skills and acquire knowledge that will set us up for success in the professional world.
Being in the SMIF committee during my third year of university I have come to realize the significance our Clubs and Societies play in maintaining social relationships in our university, as well as the incredible under-recognition of their presence. With the help of my fellow committee members both in the SMIF and in other Clubs and Societies, I have identified the main problem we face, that being the enormous lack of awareness and engagement throughout the student body regarding the existence of our vibrant and passionate Clubs and Societies.
Apart from the Freshers Fayre and a small spot on the Student Union’s website, our Clubs and Societies suffer from an enormous lack of marketing endeavors on the part of the Student Union, which lead to the exceptional underutilization of our Clubs and Societies. Therefore, it is my main priority if I am elected as your Co-Curricular Officer to increase the marketing efforts through the Student Union by:
1. Developing a dedicated webpage for our Clubs and Societies events.
2. Improving our Clubs and Societies awareness via digital and physical marketing methods.
3. Collaborating with our Professors to promote our Clubs and Societies.
4. Spreading awareness of the possibility of attending Clubs and Societies for the first couple times without needing a membership
Another important reason why we join our Clubs and Societies is for the professional skills and knowledge we can acquire, which I have experienced firsthand in the SMIF, therefore it is my secondary priority if I am elected as your Co-Curricular officer to increase the ability Clubs and Societies have to impart professional skills and knowledge by:
1. Coordinating with our Clubs and Societies to identify events to partake in.
2. Increasing and facilitating the funding of our Clubs and Societies to attend regional and national events.
3. Collaborating with our Professors to back our Academically oriented Clubs and Societies.
4. Increasing the ability of our Clubs and Societies to bring their own guests.
Make UoS Aware!