As we're almost halfway through the year, check out this update from our Vice President Education, Gary Souter!
Seeing as I’m almost halfway through my year as Vice President (Education) and coming up to the festive break. I think it is an ideal time to take a minute to reflect on my experience so far. As a “mature student” I’ve worked in all manner of jobs in varying industries throughout my life but representing the students of UHI has been the most exciting and at times challenging job I’ve had the pleasure of doing.
Celebrating Success
One of the highlights of the last 6 months has been given the privilege of attending a number of graduation ceremonies across the country. From the breath-taking scenery of Oban and the west coast to Orkney’s awe-inspiring St Magnus Cathedral, and the honour of joining the academic procession through the centre of Perth with the Lord Provost flanked by the town’s high constables.
I was continually impressed, inspired, and at times in tears at the wonderful stories and achievements of the students. The magic of seeing someone take their first steps in tertiary education all the way through to those earning the right to call themselves Doctor.
The Student Voice
One key part of my day-to-day work is being a voice for the student body at the highest level of decision making in the University. I’ve had many experiences in board meetings and have little fear in making sure I get my point across. My time on UHI Court, The Academic Council and the various other committees that are part of my remit has been incredibly insightful. At times it has been quite daunting as there is a lot to learn very quickly but I discovered quite quickly that everyone is fighting for the same cause.
At times we’ve had to raise our voice a little to make sure that the students are represented in every meeting that counts but the input has always been warmly welcomed. As well as my core appointments, I’ve taken on responsibilities out with my normal remit to fill gaps in our local team where necessary. For example, I’m currently on the board of management at UHI Shetland. Which will be a great learning experience, getting to know the local culture and the nature of the student experience there and maintaining the Prescence of a student voice at board meetings.
While times are tough and difficult decisions have to be made. The University as a whole is set for an exciting future and myself, the President and the rest of our team are fighting hard to ensure that the impact on the students is considered at every opportunity.
On the Road
UHI is a unique institution, and the partner colleges are spread all over the country. As a cross campus officer, it does offer some unique challenges, but the incredible opportunities and experiences greatly outweigh them. When I started my role, I made a commitment to try to cover as much ground as possible.
Whilst I’ve not managed to visit every partner yet, I’ve had some wonderful experiences engaging with students and other stakeholders both in person and online. I had the privilege of representing the student body in Stornoway for a ministerial visit from the minister for further and higher education. Learning about the unique student experience there, their unique needs and coaxing information out of the other stakeholders about how we could make some significant changes to the experience.
I travelled with the President to Perth for the good vibes festival organised by the local team. It was wonderful to see a vibrant and bustling event with students from across a spectrum of demographics getting involved. The nature of my role means I rely on an effective chain of communication to know what’s going on on the ground, but these events, whilst enjoyable are also incredibly helpful as I get to actually chat to students and hear their concerns in person.
PowerPoints & Public Speaking
I’ve spent a good portion of my life on stage, usually in some daft costume or wielding a musical instrument. However, this year I’ve had the opportunity to put on a different kind of performance. Earlier in the year I had a wonderful opportunity to deliver in person inductions at UHI Moray to a wide range of students across varying levels and subject areas. It’s been a steep learning curve but it’s a part of the job I’ve grown confident in.
As well as delivering the in-person inductions, I’ve delivered several training sessions for the new batch of Student Voice Reps. The opportunity to be physically involved in the groundwork as well as co-chairing the committee that oversees the SVR system was a great experience. Every session I was thoroughly impressed and motivated by the passion and enthusiasm of the student voice reps and keen to see how they progress through the year.
Something that is roasting hot topic in education just now is AI. In particular AI and how it affects assessment. It’s something I’m personally quite passionate about and wanted to fight to ensure that when the University begins regulating the use of AI that the focus is on how we can benefit and support students, and staff and make the most of the exciting opportunities AI tools have to offer. As part of this, I’ve joined the short life working group that will refine the policy before taking it to the Academic council to approve it. Earlier this semester the University hosted a symposium on AI in Education, and I delivered a presentation on how I, as a neurodivergent student used AI language tools to help me through the final year of my degree and how other students can benefit from it. This has opened a few doors, and I will continue to ensure that there is a student voice at every opportunity as we learn more and push further on into the world of AI.
Semester 2
We’re coming up to the break for the festivities and I will be taking the time to catch up with friends and family before preparing myself for whatever comes my way in the next 6 months. You do spend a good amount of time in this role triaging, having to put certain things aside to focus on more immediate concerns. I hope to find more time in the next semester to push on with some issues that both affected me personally during my studies and concerns and ideas that students have brought to me over the year.
A focus on improving communication, ensuring that courses are advertised transparently, that module choices are clearly explained, and students are informed well in advance if their desired module is unavailable. I will continue to push on with the work on AI and hope that a policy for use in assessments will be in place before my time is potentially up. I have begun exploring the feasibility of a fund or bursary that will support students who can not afford their robes for graduation. I know personally, it was the most memorable day of my life and I want to ensure that everyone has the same access to that experience regardless of their financial situation.
I will be running again for Vice President next semester. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far, the team at your students’ association is friendly, welcoming, supportive and inspiring. And seeing the impact the work we do on the student experience is truly rewarding. I hope that I’ll get the opportunity to build on the experiences, and relationships I’ve formed to make as much impact as possible again. However, if another wonderful candidate gets the opportunity to represent you, I feel like in my next job I won’t stray too far from student representation.
Thank you / Mòran taing
Gary Souter
Vice President (Education) Your Students’ Association (2023/24)