FTO April Update

Let's see what your Full Time Officers have been doing for you this month!

Rachel, Sebi, Cameron and Holly sitting by the loch

CAMERON, PRESIDENT

National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland Conference

This month, Cameron attended the NUS Scotland Conference in Fife, where student unions from across the country came together to discuss the key national issues affecting students. Alongside Holly, Cameron took part in important discussions around the funding crisis in further and higher education, and how we can collectively lobby the Scottish Government for better investment in students and the sector.

A major focus of the conference was the "Manifesto for Our Future"  -  a student-led set of demands ahead of next year’s Scottish General Election. Cameron helped shape the conversation around the top five priorities students want political parties to commit to, ensuring student issues inside and outside of the classroom are front and centre in political debates. This is a pivotal moment for the student movement to get organised and push for real change.

Edinburgh Student Partnership Agreement

Cameron has also been working with student unions across Edinburgh to strengthen collaboration and boost the impact of local campaigning. With students making up nearly 20% of Edinburgh’s population, there is huge untapped potential to make our voices heard on key issues like transport, housing, and civic representation.

By coming together, the unions are aiming to use their collective strength to lobby the City of Edinburgh Council more effectively, while also leveraging their proximity to the Scottish Parliament to influence national policy. Significant progress has been made this month, with draft proposals underway for what a formal partnership could look like - exciting work that will help ensure students are properly represented across the city and beyond.

HOLLY, VP ACADEMIC

Strategy 2035

I have continued to be in many conversations within the University in developing the upcoming strategy. It’s been great having the opportunity to share areas of good practice and drive this focus on areas for enhancement – especially for the student experience. 

SoSS Dissertation

For those studying in SoSS, you will know there was a School cohort-wide extension provided due to many students facing delays regarding their ethics approval. This was a great opportunity to work collaboratively with the Department Officers and key University staff members in supporting our students during this final piece of coursework.  

External Involvement – Scottish Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP)

Recently I have had the opportunity to meet with other Institutions across the sector to work on projects to develop resources to enhance the student experience in further and higher education. This has been great fun working and collaborating with others, whilst working on together on a shared goal.  

Galashiels High Mill redevelopment

Recently we collaborated with the staff in the Borders campus on addressing student concerns about the changes being made to the campus. Through a co-ordinated event we were able to work together, and students were able to share their thoughts and feelings.  

Awards Season

As you will have seen on our recent social media posts, we hosted two fabulous awards ceremonies recognising all the great stuff staff and students have done over the past year. It was great fun being able to host such an exciting evening.  

RACHEL, VP WELLBEING

Awards Season

We kicked off the month with the excitement of awards season – both the Oscars and our Volunteer Awards were a tremendous success. It was truly heart-warming to see our hardworking staff and students being recognised for their incredible contributions. The atmosphere at both events was filled with pride, celebration, and a real sense of community. A huge thank you to everyone who made these evenings so special.

Annual Leave

After all the excitement, I managed to squeeze in two weeks of annual leave to recover from the busy start to the month – and to celebrate my birthday! It was a perfect opportunity to recharge and reflect before heading into the next busy season.

Anaphylaxis Kits

Some brilliant news: the Anaphylaxis Kits have finally arrived! They are located just behind the door to Liberty’s, and staff are currently being trained up to ensure everyone is fully prepared. This is a fantastic step forward for the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our community.

Exam Packs

It’s that time of year again – exam season is upon us. We’re out and about with our exam packs, so keep an eye out! Alternatively, you can pop into our Advice Hub to pick up a little pick-me-up to help you through this stressful period. Best of luck to everyone sitting exams!

 

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