EUSA sabbatical candidates state their case

EUSA – quick statistics

* 126 seats
* 42 seats vacant
* 22 positions elected
* 41 seats contested
* 135 candidacies
* 94 members standing

President

Thomas Graham

The University has tighter budgets than at any time in the last decade and the students graduating this year will be entering the worst job market in years. This means that your students' association needs to be more effective than ever at representing your interests and achieving tangible results that improve your student experience and your chances of getting a decent job when you graduate.

Scottish universities have a particular set of funding problems – while it was right that we don’t have top-up fees in Scotland, we need to ensure that the Government doesn’t let our university fall behind its English counterparts.

Given all of this, you need a student president with a track record of delivering results and a president who'll work day-in, day-out to get a better deal for students.

I’ve already run the Right to Rent campaign that stopped HMO quotas which would have limited the number of students who live in an area, secured £7,500 of funding to improve communities for students, and made the internet in halls 10x faster.

I also delivered the extension of library opening hours ‘til midnight which is good but it’s not enough – I am determined to have a 24-hour library at this university. I’ll also reduce campus bike crime by 50 per cent, introduce a dentist on campus, and increase capacity on the KB bus by 25 per cent at peak times.

For all of the other things I will do if elected, check out my website: www.thomasgraham.net. I came to this university because I thought it was one of the best. I’m determined that when I leave it will be.

For me, this isn't a one-way conversation - I want to hear what you'd like to see your Students' Association doing. Just get in touch through my website if you've got any ideas, comments or questions.

Oliver Mundell

I am standing to be president because I want to offer all students a clear choice between a professional student politician and someone who is interested in improving the student experience and living like a student. I might not have a flashy website but I do have the ideas, passion and determination to get more than just the job done - I also have very funny video which you should definitely check out!

In order to be open with you it’s important to state I am not nor have I ever been a member of any political party or group. This is not because I’m apolitical. It’s just like most people I’ve lost respect for all the main parties and do not feel they represent my values. During this election I’m concentrating on the things I can achieve like 24-hour libraries and DoS led feedback as well as getting you more involved. However I don’t think that being in a party is a negative and I’d ask you to vote for me not my opponents because I’m the best person to do the job based on my positive manifesto, which you can find in full on my website.

I am not interested in a career as a politician – win lose or draw this is the last time I’m standing for a paid elected office. I want to represent you because I love being at this university and I am confident I can make it better for everyone. My tag line is three simple yet very important words that would be at the heart of my presidency: funding, feedback and freedom.

Liz Rawlings

We are all at university to get a degree. This simple fact is often overlooked by EUSA presidents who are supposed to be representative of YOU. In the National Student Survey Edinburgh University came last in the UK for feedback and assessment; this is unacceptable. The fact is, while Edinburgh is often cited as one of the top universities in the UK, its resources and facilities let students down. We should have a 24-hour library; we should have better feedback; we should have lecturers whose priority is teaching and not research.

That is why I am running for EUSA President – to make your education a priority and get you a better degree. This year I have petitioned the Scottish Government to give more funding to teaching, campaigned extensively for a 24-hour library and proposed a motion to the EUSA General Meeting to get you better feedback, which passed. I am the only candidate who will put your education first, and I can promise three achievable aims – a 24-hour library, better feedback and an improved DOS system.

However, I know that getting a degree isn’t just about academic work. I have spent my years at Edinburgh working on The Student newspaper. Last year I edited The Student and I want to be a journalist when I graduate. I have represented students through my journalism, campaigning on HMO Quotas, environmental issues, arms investment and equality representation. Last year I was nominated for the Guardian student reporter of the year for my work on student campaigns and have also acted as a student voice on a national level – writing for the Scotland on Sunday and the Independent as a student correspondent.

You will all have societies you’re involved with, and these are the backbone to our education experience. Our societies need more support from EUSA. They should be able to book rooms for events online in an easy-to-use system and they should have priority over the corporate and private parties EUSA hires Teviot rooms out to. They should also have a centralised support network and more financial help for big events.

Not only should a degree be valuable, but affordable too. You can’t get a good degree if you are struggling financially. The EUSA catering outlets in George Square and Kings Buildings are too expensive. Moreover, they are of poor quality. I will make sure you have fresh, affordable food in the Unions. Having a lunch selection of hot food, as well as fresh baguettes, paninis and salads is not much to ask for – other Universities have them, so why not Edinburgh? I will also implement a centralised careers service on campus to make it easier to find part-time jobs. SAGE is a great service but it needs a walk-in office to offer friendly, personable advice for students looking to make money to complement their studies.

We are in a learning institution and we should make the most of it. I will deliver free language courses for all students and a second-hand bookshop in Potterow and Kings Buildings where you can sell your old books and buy next year’s textbooks for affordable prices.

My policies are all achievable and these are just a few of many. Please see my website www.lizrawlings.co.uk for my full manifesto. I am dedicated to getting you a better degree and I will work tirelessly to achieve this. I hope Journal readers will get in touch and tell me how I can help make their education experience better.

Benedict Robbins

I am an ordinary student who seeks to embrace extraordinary vision.

There are so many things I want to say to you about the changing world we live in. As I look at the world I see change; I see transition; I see a time where society is questioning and looking for hope and trust. I mean alcohol consumption is one of the highest in the world here in Scotland, whilst there are many areas of the community, which are deprived, and looking for a new solution. I see students facing the negative multiplier effect of economic crisis, along with inflation rise, and rent increase. I see failure in the systematic approach to support all students of all situations. I see schemes existing in the university, which are under-utilised, and services, which are unknown. Most of all I see the small things of human interaction that most people overlook. The are the things that tangibly affect the university community. I see these things not because I am a politician but because I am one of you, an average student.

So why am I running? I believe it is important to live what I believe. That ordinary people can do extraordinary things, that leaders should appeal to ordinary people.

I stand for an ideology of believing that if you want change you have to be active not passive. By me running I hope to bring the focus to you the average student, hear your voice of what you want and hopefully bring up issues that will tangibly affect all of our lives as students. I want to be a “peoples” president.

In this way I can serve you which is why I have enrolled for president and president only.

I am so passionate about living these values regardless of any position, they are values I live, not values for a political campaign. Values of how co-exist, interact and build relationships effect all of us.

I have always believed that anyone can make a difference; all they have to do is start moving forward. So here I am trying to move forward to make a difference for the majority of students. I acknowledge my opponent’s experiences within EUSA outweigh mine and if you’re looking for strictly a politician they are probably better candidates. Yet, I believe the student president should represent us, give us voice, bringing policies that come from us. My ambition is not to succeed but be a person of value.

I am not perfect, I’ve made countless mistakes but I learn from them, overlooking what was in the past and striving for that which lies in the future. God has given me a talent to communicate in relationships which will make me easily accessible to my fellow students. Trust and faith is my core, they are entwined. It is my faith that inspires me to believe that life is a precious gift and full of blessings and what inspires me to serve you the best I can. I am only one, but I am one, I cannot do everything, but I can do something, what I can I will and do by the grace of god.

As I said, I am an ordinary student who seeks to embrace an extraordinary vision.

James Rodger

A native of Paisley, James is a fourth year Philosophy student and the current convenor of the Debating Union and since starting University he has also worked twenty hours a week to fund his studies. James personally understands the dilemmas that real students deal with every day; passionate about the things that all students care about he aims to deliver what a EUSA President should. James needs your vote so he can be an open ear and impartial voice raising the daily concerns of the student body.

James thinks the best way to improve student life begins with listening to students. He will continue to hold weekly surgeries through the run-up to the elections and, if you elect him, for the entire duration of his presidency. The diverse and ever-changing student voice needs a EUSA president who is eager and able to hear other people’s ideas and promote real change, not rigid partisan promises.

James has been an active member and a leader of societies whilst studying in Edinburgh and believes that societies need the support of the University, in particular their students' association, in order to succeed. Societies are an integral part of our university and the experience of being a student in Edinburgh. James has seen that EUSA isn’t making things easy for the University’s great array of societies. Things like the provision of regular meeting rooms, access to funding sources and advice on how to run themselves effectively are currently not given to student societies by the Student’s Association and as President James would make empowering the student run, student centred student societies.

James recognises that students working in business, societies or as volunteers are only the most visible of those who cannot keep a standard set of academic working hours. This is why he would take the call for 24-hour library opening times in George Square to the highest level, campaign for longer opening hours in Kings Buildings and fight for the University to return to the ATHENS login system to give students easy access all popular journals at home. It is a fact that we are all here to study and James wants to make it as simple as possible for all students to succeed.

Vice President (Academic Affairs)

Evan Beswick

In February this year, York university’s library agreed to 24-hour opening following pressure from students and their representatives. The University of Edinburgh has yet to do this. Despite being ranked 23rd in the world for research, our university lacks some of facilities needed to create a learning environment of equal standing to that of its research.

As your prospective VPAA, I’m looking forward to delivering real solutions on issues of learning, teaching and representation to ensure we are provided with world-class facilities here at the University of Edinburgh. 

That’s why I’m proposing practical measures like a 24-hour library, a long-overdue replacement to WebCT, lecture podcasts and weekly VPAA drop-ins to drive improvements in the quality of our academic experience at Edinburgh.  

But it’s also up to your VPAA to work outside of the university – to lobby MSPs for increased funding for teaching, and to work with the students’ associations at other research-intensive universities to make sure Edinburgh can provide the facilities appropriate to a leading teaching institution.

One of our greatest challenges remains a shortfall in the funding provided to universities by the Scottish government. By ensuring representation is coordinated at every level of the higher education system—from DoSs and academics, to class and school reps, and your sabbatical officers and NUS delegates—progress here is well within our collective reach.

I’m running for this position because I’ve experienced the problems—and successes—studying at this university brings. I’ve also been fortunate enough to amass the sort of experience which means I’ll be able to represent your interests in a confident, positive way.

Last year I helped set up this newspaper, and have been the editor since September. I’d struggle to summarise just what running a newspaper and a small business has taught me: knowledge of the issues relevant to us as students; good communication with MSPs and local officials; and a sense of the hard work and planning that helps turn ideas into reality.

Learning, teaching & representation: better with Beswick!

Robert Jenkin

I am very proud to have been actively involved in student representation for the last 3 years, firstly as a school representative and this year as your Teaching and Learning Convener. Within both roles I have been actively fighting for improvements to the student experience at Edinburgh.

This year I have been organising the EUSA Teaching Awards which are about rewarding those teachers that show commitment to their teaching, so that there is an incentive for teachers to give the time and attention necessary to give you the learning experience you deserve.

I have been campaigning to improve feedback, working with School Reps from across the University to make sure students get the feedback they deserve and need. I’ve also been ensuring that the Government doesn’t tell universities what they can and can’t teach, as well as joining EUSA’s protests to remove VAT on food bought at university outlets, and calling on the government to give more funds for university teaching.

I have a whole range of policies, covering all aspects of academic life and all of which will have tangible, visible results. Some of these things I’ve already started, some I’ll be able to start on the day I take office. Most importantly, they’re all pledges that affect every student, whether you’re an undergraduate, mature or postgraduate; international or UK student.

-Keep up the fight for 24 hour libraries and labs across the campus.

-Work with the university to make sure more is done to help first year students settle into academic life

-Ensure that student-focused catering at student-focused prices is provided in study areas

-Produce a EUSA league table of schools and departments to name and shame those departments that fail students

-Ensure all careers fairs are at KB and the central area

-Ensure that postgraduate tutors get the right training to teach undergraduate courses to a high standard

-Get more print credit machines around campus and introduce an online top-up facility

-Keep up the fight for improved feedback in every course in every school!

Vice President (Services)

Simon Kirkland

My name is Simon Kirkland; I am a 4th year history student and am running for Vice President Services. During my time at Edinburgh university ive had the opportunity to work with loads of different people from all areas of the university. As student coordinator of Edinburgh Students’ Charities Appeal (ESCA) ive organised dozens of events for charitable causes that have all been shaped around raising substantial amounts of money for loads of good causes but also making sure the events we put on are a lot of fun that students can engage in. I feel this makes me an ideal candidate for VPS.

The unions and services available to the students at the University of Edinburgh are in many ways excellent and I feel the key problem is enabling students to utilise the services that are on offer. Another problem is that students and societies have not been involved in the development of the unions and on the decision making process of how we move our unions forward. I am looking to bring a fresh approach to the post and ensure that the students are involved as much as possible in all decisions made regarding the unions. For instance I want to get Teviot Underground refurbished into a venue that we can all be proud of, but I also want to make sure that we use student input and skills in the design process to ensure we get a facility that we can all be proud of.

I am currently a duty manager in the Worlds End pub and restaurant, this managerial experience has given me priceless skills in working with people and facilitating a wide variety of individuals to contribute to a working environment. In ESCA I have been an integral part in motivating volunteers and ensuring we run the best events we can that have made a serious amount of money and got students involved. With ESCA ive had the advantage of working with EUSA on many occasions which means I am aware of how it works and runs but ive also seen it from the outside and recognise that a fresh approach is needed to get students to interact with their students association. At the end of the day the unions are there for all students and I want to make sure that all the services they provide are utilised, and more importantly that they are made available to students as simply as possible. For example I want to introduce a web based booking system so that students and societies can easily book rooms/facilities and are fully aware of everything that is available to them.

I have had an amazing time at Edinburgh university and I believe the experience that I have gained through working with the Students Association as well as outside of it and throughout Edinburgh as a whole enable me to bring a fresh outlook to the VPS position and ensure that we as Students are the integral part of our unions development.

James Wallace

In the last four years serving you on Union Executive and the Committee of Management I have witnessed first hand the substantial problems within our Union. It is finally time that a VPS candidate gave you the true facts...

Students are disconnected, the majority rarely use our buildings, drinks are overpriced, Big Cheese is our only club event, food is not cheap with limited diversity, and the finances are actually worse than shares in RBS.

Lets face it, our Union is in crisis and urgent action is required. This involves experience, dedication and the desire to radically change and improve our Union. I have dedicated my time and effort at Edinburgh to improving services in the small ways that I can, such as introducing 99p coffee, 50p pool, TVs in Kings Buildings, food and drinks deals...

However, the VPS is fundamentally where the power lies to significantly change the fortunes of our Union and to turn it around. As often quoted we are the ‘oldest purpose built student Union in the world.’ Our Union used to be at the heart of student life; it was innovative, creative, successful and was the envy of every educational institution around the globe. Our University still is one of the most prestigious in the country and it is time our Union reflected that.

It is from this ambition and desire that I am standing for Vice President Services. It is time to rise to the challenge that we face. I intend to use the experience I have built since first year to actually do (and not just say) the following:

Better Marketing department- without good advertising nothing will improve as students will be unaware of our activities. How many of you know that as students you can hire Union rooms with a bar and get a DJ provided all for free!

Society/Student night- For one night each week Teviot will become what it was made for. Events will be in all rooms ranging from poker, to dance to bands.

Baguette/Sandwich deli counters- Students want them and we don’t provided them. The food will be fresh, cheap and tasty.

Reduce Drink Prices- It is possible to reduce prices and actually make more money. We have done it with 99p coffee and can do it with your drinks prices.

More events- It is unacceptable that the only event we have is the Big Cheese with the next successful being the quiz.

And finally- Get rid of the overdraft- We get a grant of £850,000 for the Union specifically, make £350,000 during the festival and end up broke by the end of the year. We have a substantial debt paying over £40,000 in interest alone. This is just pure incompetence and must be both a short term and a long term priority to fix.

In summary, I am a 4th year law student, serving you since first year, and have the desire, experience and vision to transform our Union.

Vote James Wallace – taking care of business...

Vice President (Societies & Activities)

Louise Fellows

"It’s time to put our Student’s Association back into the hands of the student body; something which I think we have seen the beginning of through the work of the current sabbaticals. However, the fact that the VPSA position almost went uncontested shows us that there is still a problem, and that students who don’t believe they have an input need to be empowered. I believe that this can be done through close work with Societies, and I propose that I am the person to do it.

Though apathy is a problem for some students, those who have joined societies have already shown that they want something more than a degree from Edinburgh University, and it is this that I wish to encourage. Not only large, dominant societies, but also smaller developing ones, should have an input into EUSA, thereby generating a wider representation of the student body. I hope to allow this, both by communicating directly with society members, and by encouraging societies to work with each other, to create a stronger basis for EUSA’s decisions. Societies are already an enriching part of the university experience, but I want to make society members feel that they are part of something bigger; part of EUSA.

As the president and founder of Diabetes Society, and as a student who upholds two jobs, I am more than aware of the hard work involved in juggling studies and societies. In particular, establishing the Diabetes Society opened my eyes to the obstacles involved in this process, several of which I wish to tackle if I become VPSA. Diabetes society also showed me the challenges of getting a society off the ground, but this has been achieved through enthusiasm and commitment, as well as working with other societies. Not only have I seen a emerge, but I have also seen another society dissolve, making me aware of the problems that societies face, and as such I would like to increase support for new, small or struggling societies. By no means should societies give up their own priorities, but they should feel that these are important to EUSA. Individually, most societies represent only a small proportion of the student body, but together they make up a large part of it, and their voices should be heard.

I wanted to end by saying that I come from the “outside” of EUSA, not the “inside”, but this distinction should not exist. As a matriculated student, I am a member of EUSA, and if I become VPSA, I want to ensure that other students feel the same."

Camilla Pierry

Are you part of a society? Did you get involved in Freshers’ Week? Have you used any of the University student support services? Do you think any of these could be improved? I do.

I’m a third-year history student running to be VPSA, the officer covering welfare and societies: everything from sexual health and landlords to Freshers’ Week. Why am I doing this? I’ve been involved in so many aspects of student life this year and I genuinely believe that there is so much more EUSA could be doing to improve the student experience at Edinburgh.

Why should you vote for me? I believe I have relevant experience in every aspect of this position. On the welfare side, I have an unrivalled record of front-line welfare support to students. I’m the current President of support service Nightline and a volunteer in the Advice Place. Both positions have been real eye-openers, and my welfare manifesto is built on this experience of the issues genuinely faced by Edinburgh students. In terms of societies, I’ve seen the problems from both sides. I’ve been part of numerous different groups at grass-roots and am the President of a large society, but I’m also your representative on EUSA’s Board of Directors, I sit on the committee that has distributed £15,000 of society funding this year and I organised the Societies’ Oscars at the end of last month. I’ve experienced first hand the difficulties in running a society and have often been frustrated by the lack of EUSA support and communication. Our societies are still not prioritised highly enough and I want to change that.

This experience has enabled me to put together an achievable manifesto that will really make a difference. There’s just so much that I want to do to help improve our time at University. Mental Health Mentors for better long-term support, informal peer support groups and increased support in the transition to a University workload, with a procrastination workshop built into every first-year course, are just a few of my welfare policies. For societies, I will deliver a Societies’ Minibus, overhaul the stressful funding application system, drive for investment in the Pleasance Theatre and introduce a funded weekly society taster scheme.

My full manifesto will be released on my website – www.camillapierry.co.uk – very soon, with more of the things I hope to do if elected as VPSA. I’ve worked tirelessly this year, not to tot up achievements but because I’m passionate about the things that I do. I’m the candidate with fresh ideas, a genuine passion for all sides of the job and a proven history of getting things done. I’d really appreciate your vote.