Introduction

Hey, my name is Emily McQuoid, and I am a History and Politics student. I am running for AUSA’s student president role. I started in student politics rather recently, being involved with motion writing at the student council and as a committee member across several societies and sports clubs.

What are your three priorities for the year?

1. Development and Progression of EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion)

Our student body is one of the most diverse in the UK and Scotland. Therefore, I will progress the inclusivity of diverse voices in all sectors of university and union life.  I will create more events and opportunities that are not only inclusive to all regardless of gender, race, age, or ability but celebrate this diversity. Moreover, I will advocate for the development of student-led fundraising and campaigns.

Diversity is something to champion, and I will be lobbying the university and NUS Scotland for equal representation of our diverse student body.

2. Decolonising the University

As part of the 2040 Strategy, our university has the ambition to be an anti-racist, decolonised institution. There needs to be a wider approach to this that is not limited purely to the curriculum but inclusive to the culture here, including societies, clubs, and welfare. I will fight for wider engagement of the Decolonising network – by progressing student-led decolonising initiatives, insights and passions. Moreover, I will continue to develop an ethical and sustainable framework within the university and AUSA to interrogate our suppliers within this context.

3. A Collaborative Community

There lacks a structure in place to work with our university staff as a student body outside of the classroom. There have been many instances where staff have exhibited excitement regarding student events (e.g. society specific/freshers fair) and wanting to be engaged with them. By greater integration of the university and student body, there can be wider elements of learning and diversity for student life and university culture on and off campus. I am committed to establishing these links. Moreover, I will create spaces for greater inclusivity of Fosterhill to engage and foster a greater sense of collaborative community.

What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates? 

I am a curious and passionate person. I have been actively involved in the wider university community, and I have taken part in a working-groups at AUSA, which have been successful in instigating change. I am eager to know more about this organisation and its intricacies: I can hit the ground running since I have developed trust and healthy working relationships with staff and students here. I feel like I have the right qualities and network to successfully represent a variety of voices.

What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it?        

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting the student body throughout. Students are unable to commit fully to their studies or enjoy extra-curricular activities when their well-being is at stake. I can empathise with this on a personal level. The student union, the university and the government have a responsibility towards students facing this crisis. I will lobby at a national level, and I am committed to making sure greater and more extensive support is prioritised and facilitated for students facing hardships.