Pronouns: He/Him

Introduction

Hi, I’m Samuel, and I’m in my final year studying engineering. My experience as a class rep and school convener means I know the representative and governance structures of the University and Students’ Union inside out and can hit the ground running.

What are your three priorities for the year?

Education

• Relevant assessment methods: 100% weight exams and essays are outdated. I will work with the university to encourage assessments that maintain academic standards while developing the skills students need to succeed in the workplace.
• Engaging Classes: There are better ways to learn than being talked at for 50 minutes. I’ll encourage the university to deliver teaching that engages students in active participation during class.
• More group study spaces: Group work only works if we have the right spaces for it. I will work with the university to identify spaces on campus that can be redeveloped for group working.

Representation

• Class rep training: Enhance training for class reps by offering sessions more specific to the school they are in.
• Who’s your class rep? I’d give free badges to class reps to make starting the conversation easier.
• Streamline feedback: I’ll develop a smaller number of SSLC models by merging similar processes across schools.

Communication

• Feedback: Encourage SSLCs to release action plans based on feedback they have received.
• Unified student portal: MyAberdeen? Student Hub? MyTimetable? MyCurriculum? University homepage? There are too many places to search for the information you need. Lobby the university to unify the online offering.

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

As both a class rep and a school convener this year, I have experienced the entire feedback process firsthand. I know what works well and what needs ground-up reform.

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

Lack of funding is the single biggest issue affecting the student experience. University cuts mean there are fewer course choices available for our degrees, impacting quality. Cuts to the Students' Union budget mean we have fewer resources to deliver the advice and advocacy that students deserve. I’ll Work with NUS at a national scale to lobby the government to restore funding, and I’ll work with the university to develop a fair and sustainable funding model for the Students’ Union.