My Policies as Association President
Solid Compromise: We are a part of the University, and when we have something to say they need to be able to hear it. I am a big believer in compromise and hearing both sides of the issue at stake, but if YOU are passionate about an issue, I will not waiver from your side and will stick up for us under any and all pressures. No cracking.
Continuing to Widen Access: I have worked on the Development Department's phone campaign and I can't even begin to tell you the number of people I have spoken with that say "what are you doing about bringing in poorer people, how are you solving your portrait of elitism"? I let them know that we are trying, and that we really aren't solely an elitist university: there is so much more to St Andrews than Champorting would have you believe! Widening Access is something that has been contributed to greatly by previous Presidents, but unfortunately behind the scenes. I want the world to know that ANYONE can come here, fit in, and have fun. We are a diverse student body and we unfortunately still need to show that to outsiders. Youtube Videos, A student version of Ever to Excel, Working with the Ambassadors to make sure they don't give dull tours: You name it Lets do it!
Redevelopment: I'm excited to maybe finally be the president to see through the final bits of our long awaited redevelopment project. Even though we have finished planning, it is far from over! I've been working with the people planning the new community garden in Albany park for quite some time now and I've learned that even a few raised beds and a fence can hassle the strongest leaders and hard to work around. However I am prepared to work with these challenges! I, perhaps like yourself, have been in societies, with groups, or by myself without access to necessary facilities ) We are going to get through this, and make sure we have the spaces and funds available for your groups! One way to solve this predicament would be to use our new website to have a complete and interactive list of rooms available even outwith the union, so you are never without a practice spot or meeting space, AND you could book it at the weekends!
Accommodation: I will work closely with the University to see what can be done about lowering rents and providing more space. The Accommodation Survey this year was a huge step forward and I aim to follow that up. I can't promise anything here; too many before me have said "I WILL LOWER RENTS". There are many obstacles in the way, and the Union President can not waive a magic wand and make rents decrease. What I can do is make sure that the university makes a priority to keep low cost accommodation throughout its halls and owned properties.
Working With You (Involvement): If elected, I will be at your gigs, and at your rehearsals, at your talks, and at your meals (if its alright with you of course for me to come, no "SUDDENLY NATHAN"). This year I implemented the first format for soliciting funding for projects from the SRC without being a society. At the moment it is only for Environmental projects, but I will expand this.
Sitting behind a desk for an open office hour or behind a computer screen just doesn't cut it. At one point the virtual world was cool, but I feel it is pretty over-saturated. I want to be out there with you, getting to know you and informing you face to face as well as listening to your concerns. Serving as your president is not a 9-5 job. It is an around the clock job, a being everywhere job, and a getting stuff done quickly sort of job. I'm ready to haul ass, kick ass, and some unthought of third thing with 'ass' in it for you. Because this position can not be filled by someone with a vendetta or wanting a new role to put on a CV, it must be filled by someone with passion! I simply and very humbly want to make your student experience better than mine was: and mine was awesome.
Challenge accepted? Of Course.
Continuing to Widen Access: I have worked on the Development Department's phone campaign and I can't even begin to tell you the number of people I have spoken with that say "what are you doing about bringing in poorer people, how are you solving your portrait of elitism"? I let them know that we are trying, and that we really aren't solely an elitist university: there is so much more to St Andrews than Champorting would have you believe! Widening Access is something that has been contributed to greatly by previous Presidents, but unfortunately behind the scenes. I want the world to know that ANYONE can come here, fit in, and have fun. We are a diverse student body and we unfortunately still need to show that to outsiders. Youtube Videos, A student version of Ever to Excel, Working with the Ambassadors to make sure they don't give dull tours: You name it Lets do it!
Redevelopment: I'm excited to maybe finally be the president to see through the final bits of our long awaited redevelopment project. Even though we have finished planning, it is far from over! I've been working with the people planning the new community garden in Albany park for quite some time now and I've learned that even a few raised beds and a fence can hassle the strongest leaders and hard to work around. However I am prepared to work with these challenges! I, perhaps like yourself, have been in societies, with groups, or by myself without access to necessary facilities ) We are going to get through this, and make sure we have the spaces and funds available for your groups! One way to solve this predicament would be to use our new website to have a complete and interactive list of rooms available even outwith the union, so you are never without a practice spot or meeting space, AND you could book it at the weekends!
Accommodation: I will work closely with the University to see what can be done about lowering rents and providing more space. The Accommodation Survey this year was a huge step forward and I aim to follow that up. I can't promise anything here; too many before me have said "I WILL LOWER RENTS". There are many obstacles in the way, and the Union President can not waive a magic wand and make rents decrease. What I can do is make sure that the university makes a priority to keep low cost accommodation throughout its halls and owned properties.
Working With You (Involvement): If elected, I will be at your gigs, and at your rehearsals, at your talks, and at your meals (if its alright with you of course for me to come, no "SUDDENLY NATHAN"). This year I implemented the first format for soliciting funding for projects from the SRC without being a society. At the moment it is only for Environmental projects, but I will expand this.
Sitting behind a desk for an open office hour or behind a computer screen just doesn't cut it. At one point the virtual world was cool, but I feel it is pretty over-saturated. I want to be out there with you, getting to know you and informing you face to face as well as listening to your concerns. Serving as your president is not a 9-5 job. It is an around the clock job, a being everywhere job, and a getting stuff done quickly sort of job. I'm ready to haul ass, kick ass, and some unthought of third thing with 'ass' in it for you. Because this position can not be filled by someone with a vendetta or wanting a new role to put on a CV, it must be filled by someone with passion! I simply and very humbly want to make your student experience better than mine was: and mine was awesome.
Challenge accepted? Of Course.