Abertay student president elected to NUS Scotland leadership
The President of Abertay University’s Students’ Association – Conor Marshall – has been elected as Vice-President (Communities) of NUS Scotland.
This important role focuses on welfare, citizenship, sustainability and ethics – all areas that overlap with Conor’s interests and work as President of Abertay SA.
Every year at NUS Scotland's annual conference student representatives from colleges and universities across the country elect students to take up roles as the political leadership of the organisation.
There are three full-time leadership positions: President, Vice-President (Education) and Women's Officer. Together with the volunteer position of Vice-President (Communities) they make up the team that leads NUS Scotland.
In his manifesto, Conor set out three main aims: firstly, to make it easier for communities of students across Scotland to be involved in decision-making within the NUS so that their voices are heard and so that they feel engaged in what is happening within their organisation.
Secondly, to equip students with the skills they need to have an impact within the local community, particularly in terms of ensuring that elected representatives are aware of the issues that are important to students.
Thirdly, to launch a grassroots campaign to protect the environment, focusing specifically on the issue of fracking.
Speaking about his new role Conor Marshall said:
"It’s a huge honour to be elected as Vice-President for Communities. The student movement has a proud history of campaigning for progressive change, leading the charge on a wide range of social and environmental issues.
“I honestly believe that we have the potential to play a powerful role in influencing and leading change in our local and national communities, but we can only do this by acknowledging the importance of our own community: our united student movement.
“I ran for this position for three reasons: to offer my skills to the students of Scotland, because I thought I would have a lot to give in this role; to raise the profile of Abertay nationally; and to give a voice to small, specialist institutions in our union more generally.
“I want to build consensus, get people involved, and use creative and innovative ways to engage people on campuses across Scotland in our campaigns.
"As someone relatively new to the movement, I hope I can bring a new perspective to the work we do over the next year, and I look forward to working with the other elected representatives, and students across Scotland, to tackle some of the big issues facing our communities over the next year."
Conor will begin his voluntary role, which he will hold alongside his duties as President of Abertay SA, on 1 July.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Kirsty Cameron T: 01382 308935 M: 07972172158 E: k.cameron@abertay.ac.uk
