To start off with let me introduce myself
My name is Kirsten and I am doing a bachelors degree in combined STEM. I've had a very unique path, I did attend uni for a few months before leaving (It was a biomedical degree) I wasn't prepared for the realities of what working with things like Ebola would entail and came to the conclusion that it wasn't for me. I worked until my mother became ill and then had to become a carer. That process has been taxing but has given me more empathy than any other life experience ever could. Between life and education, I became an author, publishing more poems than I can recount and working with amazing people throughout the journey. Through that stuff I was able to help get legislation passed that has helped protect Scotland's environment and get Endometriosis recognised as the serious condition that is and has been for a long time. Honestly, I could go on forever, but the point is that I have the life experience that is required to be a Deputy President.
What are my policies and how would they come into effect?
- A proper mental health program with access to therapists and subsides for CBT
- An environment program (student-led sustainability programs)
- Proper support and guidance for SEND students and others with additional needs
- Monthly student meetups in each region to tackle the isolation issue
- An employment scheme to help final-year students gain a job
- Dedicated support for mature students and their unique set of challenges
- Alternative examination ProctorU – Sitting exams at a traditional uni hall instead of using the online system
- Exchange program between the OU and partnering universities so that students could make new connections, access research facilities, and gain a richer experience
- New sports and clubs such as rowing club, darts club, cricket club, a hiking club, coffee club, and whatever other activities that the student body requests en mass.
Obviously if I became the Deputy President I would need to get permission from whoever is the president before enacting these policies (out of respect). But if everything were to go to plan then I would write each proposal, present them to the Student Leadership Team, I would then discuss feasibility, cost, and student demand.
If the SLT approved one of my proposed policies (for this example I will be using the mental health program) then the following would happening:
- I'd start work with the OU Wellbeing Team, Student Support Services, and an outside partner like BetterHelp and relevant financial bodies.
- Then I would gather student evidence to strengthen each proposal (think of surveys, student panels, and focus groups)
- Negotiate with the university and ensure that everyone is happy
- Then implementation begins – during this process I will ensure everything runs as it should
If any problems were to arise then I would work with each department to make sure that the best outcome can be reached.
So, why do I want to be Deputy President?
I asked myself that question a lot before putting my name forward. The honest answer is that throughout my life, I’ve had a consistent drive to do good for others — no matter where I am or who I’m with. Supporting people, improving systems, and making things fairer has always felt natural to me. Stepping into this role simply feels like the right way to put that instinct to work for the whole student community and in a way that is rooted in honesty and positivity.
If you've gotten this far then I want to thank you for taking the time to read what I have written. Regardless of the outcome, I hope we can all continue to enjoy this election experience and learn from it what we can. Again, thank you for giving me this opportunity to express myself.
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