Sustainability Rep Candidate Introduction

As a candidate for the new post of Sustainability Rep on the student leadership team, I just wanted to introduce myself.

I have been studying with the Open University since 2013 and am currently working towards a languages degree in French and Spanish, having previously gained a BA in Humanities (English Language). I have been volunteering as an OUSA student rep on the Languages and Applied Linguistics Board of Studies since 2022 and recently joined the WELS Academic Committee.

I am interested in becoming a sustainability rep as I think it is very important that we all contribute to a more sustainable world. As an existing OUSA rep, I am familiar with the processes of the university and have experience of sitting on OU committees. One of the most important aspects of student representation is that we are working together with the university to achieve progress in all areas that affect students.

As sustainability rep, I would want, first of all, to raise awareness of sustainability within both the student and OU staff communities. I think it is paramount that all changes and actions taken by the university have student input and sustainability is as important as any other aspect of the student experience.

My focus as a student rep is always to make sure that issues affecting students are raised in university committees, and to pursue realistic, achievable goals. In terms of sustainability, this means taking a holistic approach to ensure that improvements in sustainability are achieved while maintaining high standards and ensuring that individual student needs are met.

A vote for me is a vote for an experienced student representative with a broad approach to improving the student experience, while at the same time improving sustainability across the university.