What relevant experience, skills and qualities do you have that make you a strong candidate for this elected position?
As your candidate for Vice President of Education, I come with a wealth of education experience.
This will be my third degree having previously studied geology and for a PGDE in primary education.
Prior to studying at RGU I worked as a primary teacher.
Reflecting on my previous experience I have always been a teacher and going forward I always will be a teacher.
There is no greater feeling to an educator than when a student is engaged and inspired in their learning and that is what I want for all students here at RGU.
In my short time at RGU I have been class rep, set up a network for mature students, held several committee positions and joined the university's education for sustainable development steering group, and as part of that the climate literacy group, to work to embed sustainability and climate literacy across the curriculum in all schools.
Priority Aim 1
Support - education looked very different during lockdown and whilst it is great to be back on campus, learning face-to-face again, we cannot rely on the same assumptions we did prior to the pandemic. Yes, this is adult education, and we strive for independent learning but we students need more support than we did prior to the pandemic to achieve this. The university needs to acknowledge and respond to the gaps in teaching, learning and experiences missed because of lockdown.
We need a clearer understanding of:
The learning.
The expectations on us.
Where we get support.
The feedback process.
Priority Aim 2
Sustainability and climate literacy - I want to continue to work with the university as it develops its curriculum and course portfolio to embed sustainability and climate literacy across all schools, to ensure this is a continuously adapting process that meets the needs of the students.
We, the students, are the ones that will bear the consequences of inaction, but we are also the agents that will drive the change.
We need to hold the university to account, and get our ideas heard, to ensure its meeting and exceeding its climate and sustainability goals.
Priority Aim 3
Student voice - I want to hear from you. When it comes to your education and your learning journey at RGU so far:
What do you think is working well?
What do you think could be improved?
What do you think is missing?
I have thoughts and ideas of what I think needs to be improved, based on my own experiences, but this position is first and foremost about representing the student voice, your voice and making sure it is heard, so you can get the most out of your time here.
So I want to hear from you!
What is the biggest issue currently facing RGU students, and how will you work with the rest of the Student Presidents and Vice Presidents to tackle this?
For me, we have a generation of students coming to university over the next few years who carry a legacy of gaps in their teaching and learning experience because of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic – I worked as a teacher during lockdown, and I am well aware of those gaps.
What I want to see, and my number 1 priority, is an increase in education and learning support for students, to help transition them into adult education, alongside a targeted campaign to ensure all students are aware of the excellent welfare and support services already provided by the university.