Introduction
Hello! I’m Kirsten, a 3rd Year History-Politics student and proud Aberdonian. I joined UoA using a widening access route in 2022. For the last few months, I have worked tirelessly as part of the Save UoA Languages campaign against cuts and redundancies in modern languages, and to have the student voice heard. This brought me to the Scottish Parliament, and even to chatting about the issue with First Minister Humza Yousaf. My goal is to champion student voices and ensure we are genuinely equal partners at this university.
What are your three priorities for the year?
Accountable
- Stop the Cuts!
No more cuts to staff or courses. Staff working conditions are student learning conditions.
- Students as Partners
Students voices must be heard at EVERY level of decision-making. UoA management cannot snub students ever again.
- Reviewing Student Democracy
- Too few students understand AUSA, never mind with engage with it. I’ll conduct a review of all SU representation structures.
- Class Reps
Current training is scarce and slow. Through an application to the Development Trust, I’ll employ UoA students to train reps.
- Monthly Accountability Sessions
I’ll introduce drop-ins with guests like Jo-Anne Murray, UoA Vice Principal Education, who has already started similar sessions.
Accessible
- Digital Accessibility
Many courses lack basic accessibility. I’ll lobby the university to introduce mandatory digital accessibility training for staff. Students must have access to disability support when they require it, without having to ask.
- Hybrid Options
Sometimes responsibilities mean we miss class. I’ll introduce an option for students to attend lectures remotely.
- Medical Library
A teaching hospital needs an equipped, working library. RAAC in Polwarth must be tackled as an urgent priority.
- Disabled Students
Develop a smoother system for accessing DSA. I’ll remove the need for students with disability provisions to complete extension request forms.
- Cost-of-Living
I’ll scrap unjust resit fees once and for all, and introduce a cost-of-graduation fund, supporting struggling students to purchase gowns, caps and guest tickets.
Aberdeen
- One UoA Community
I’ll work with university so that every student feels at home here. I’ll create a dedicated SU space at Foresterhill, an autonomous SU for the students of Qatar, and at Old Aberdeen, a new community hub for students.
- One City
I’ll relaunch the Aberdeen Students’ Forum as a dedicated network for the students of the city, alongside other unions.
What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates?
With three years’ experience working in tertiary education, and previous experience as a student officer, I bring expertise from working nationally in organisations such as sparqs (as a class rep trainer) and Education Scotland. Currently I work at the University in eLearning, focusing on course accessibility. I have advocated for students at the Scottish Parliament, and to the FM. My skills, and campaign experience mean I can fight for students as we navigate through more cuts, mergers, and possible programme reviews.
What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it?
The biggest issue facing students is funding. Whether that’s our university’s funding, or student finances, budgets are at breaking point. I will fight for an accountable, accessible, comprehensive University of Aberdeen, open to the many, and not the few.
