Vice President Student Activities

Sukriti . 

Husen Arif Bhabhrawala

Hey Folks! I'm Husen, and I'm excited to run for your next Vice President Student Activities. As a student who's experienced both the highlights and challenges of campus life, I'm passionate about creating a vibrant community where everyone finds their place. With your support, we can transform student life at Glasgow into something truly special!

WHY I'M RUNNING (GOOD QUESTION!)

University should be more than just lectures and deadlines—it should be where you discover new passions and build lasting friendships. I've been actively involved in campus activities, seen what works, what doesn't, and I'm ready to bring fresh energy to the SRC. I'm approachable, practical, and genuinely committed to making OUR university experience memorable.

WELCOME WEEK REIMAGINED 💥
- Create a "Global Glasgow" day specifically addressing international student isolation
- Introduce a "Society Taster Marathon" where you can sample multiple groups in one day
- Implement a buddy system pairing new students with returning ones based on matching interests
- Ensure all events have clear accessibility information and dietary options

SOCIETIES THAT THRIVE 🏆
- Establish a £1000 "Inclusion Fund" for societies developing new accessibility initiatives
- Create a monthly "Society Spotlight" program with promotional support and resources
- Simplify the room booking system that many societies struggle with
- Develop a "Society Starter Kit" with templates and guidance for new groups

MAKING STUDENT LIFE INCLUSIVE 📖
- Launch a "Midweek Meetup" series of alcohol-free social events
- Work with Disability Services to audit and improve society accessibility
- Create dedicated postgraduate networking events each semester
- Build bridges between home and international students through collaborative cultural celebrations

AMPLIFYING STUDENT VOICES 📣
- Establish a termly "Media Skills Workshop" series for aspiring writers and content creators
- Create a centralized platform showcasing all student publications
- Advocate for increased funding for student-led creative initiatives
- Facilitate regular forums between student media and university leadership

Let's create the Glasgow experience we all deserve! I'm Husen—approachable, practical, and ready to work with YOU to make OUR university community vibrant and inclusive. On April 24th, vote for positive change that puts students first!

#HusenForVPSA
#HusenHappens
#GlasGOhusen
#InHusenWeTrust

Khushi Aswani 

I believe every student should feel encouraged to dream big, create, and lead. As your VP Student Activities, I’m committed to turning our beloved University of Glasgow into a place where memorable experiences and fresh ideas come to life.

Imagine kicking off the academic year with a Welcome Week designed especially for us. Picture a week-long celebration where every new student is greeted with warm welcomes at iconic locations such as the Tower Building, the cutting-edge ARC, and bustling spots around the West End. Imagine a carefully curated Welcome Week experience with guided campus tours, interactive workshops, and social mixers that introduce our unique traditions while paving the way for new friendships and opportunities.

As a fourth-year computer science student and the founding president of the Desi Society, I’ve had the honour of seeing firsthand how well-organized events can transform a campus and liven up lives. My experience in planning successful gatherings and managing diverse teams will ensure that each event, from high-energy concerts to thoughtful panel discussions, is inclusive and meticulously crafted to celebrate our unity in diversity.

Our clubs and societies are the lifeblood of campus culture at Glasgow. I plan to simplify the process for joining and supporting these groups so that every idea, no matter how big or small, can thrive. By working closely with society leaders and streamlining affiliation and funding processes, I will create a support network that removes barriers and allows every club to shine. Whether you’re passionate about arts, sports, or academic pursuits, your vision and your club deserves a platform.

My volunteer work in The Gambia taught me the importance of service and empathy, working with underprivileged women and children. I will draw on that experience to develop programs that enrich our campus life and contribute to the wider community. With me as your VPSA, you can expect initiatives such as mentorship programs, dynamic skills workshops, and community outreach projects that will not only bolster your personal development but also make a positive impact in Glasgow.

Listening to your concerns is key. I promise to create channels where every student’s voice is heard and respected. I stand for fairness and will support causes that resonate with our community, sparking thoughtful conversations and driving meaningful change on campus. In collaboration with student media, I will ensure that our achievements, challenges, and ideas are shared openly, fostering a culture built on trust and transparency.

I am ready to lead with strength and humility, drawing on our rich heritage and the innovative spirit of the University of Glasgow. Let’s work together to build a campus where every student feels supported, empowered, and ready to succeed. Join me in shaping a university that is both innovative and inclusive; a place where tradition meets forward-thinking energy, and every student has the opportunity to shine. Vote Khushi for VP Student Activities!
 

Tobias Cooper

Hi! I’m Tobias (they/them) and I’d like to be your VP for Student Activities. I’m a fourth-year Music/Theology student, and as a queer neurodivergent person my involvement in clubs and societies has helped me so much in making friends and finding my own community here at Glasgow. I believe that societies are an integral part of the student experience, and I would like to use the position of VPSA to improve the lives of societies even more by doing the following:

-    Making clubs and societies more aware of the resources, particularly grant funding, available to them from the SRC. 
    Applying for a grant can be a scary prospect, but it doesn’t need to be. There is         money available to your society if you need it. I would also increase the inventory of     the lending library, asking societies what they have need for.

-    Making SRC induction for committee members more engaging! 
Everybody is sick of zoom calls. If these induction and training sessions had an in-person option that was more participatory, it could build positive collaborative relationships between societies.

-    Improving relations between societies and their relevant faculty, particularly when there are multiple societies relating to a single subject area. 
Society-staff links aren’t just for purely academic societies, and making more societies appealing to staff will in turn make your lecturers seem less monolithic, and likely improve academic engagement. 

Experience:

-    I have been a consistent member of many music and performing arts societies, having done many performances with Music Club and Shakespeare Society.

-    I have a breadth of committee experience - I was Ordinary Member and Secretary of the Alexandrians; Welfare Officer and Treasurer of Big Band; and President of Board Game Society. 

-    My first-hand knowledge of a variety of committee roles means that I can confidently advise new committees about how to run their societies successfully. I have plenty of experience utilising the SRC resources available to societies, which I can use to encourage and guide others through those processes. 

Welcome Week and Events:

-    I have been a Freshers’ Helper with the QMU, and have worked alongside both unions in organising large-scale events as well as events for societies, such as Big Band’s residential weekend; the end of term ‘Jazz Extravaganza’ featuring Jazz Society and Byres Road Big Band; and I worked as the Technical Director for Shakespeare Society’s ‘Unbard Festival’ - all of which were highly attended and had high student satisfaction. 

-    This also evidences my ability as a team leader and delegator, which are essential traits for this position.

-    The SRC has done a great job of organising Welcome Week activities throughout my time at Uni, and I would like to continue and build upon this. Everyone loves a free ceilidh and a movie night, so why not host these events more often? I would also encourage more jointly hosted events between SRC and societies.

-    I will implement the creation of a detailed map of stalls’ locations during the Welcome Fayre, grouping similar societies closer together to reduce congestion!

Naman Mehta

Naman Mehta – Empowering You, Enriching Our Campus!

My name is Naman Mehta, and I am honoured to stand for the position of Vice President Student Activities at GUSRC. The University of Glasgow is a vibrant, diverse community, and I believe strongly that every student should experience a university life filled with meaningful opportunities, personal growth, and a true sense of belonging. If elected, I will  organise  vibrant and memorable Welcome Week to warmly introduce new students to university life. Furthermore, I'll ensure year-round campus events, festivals, and cultural celebrations that continuously engage and unite our diverse student body, celebrating the richness of our shared university experience.

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1. A Warm Welcome, An Engaging Campus

I recognise the importance of welcoming and integrating new students effectively into university life. Therefore, I will prioritise the organisation of an inclusive and dynamic Welcome Week, working collaboratively with student bodies and GUSRC staff. I will also plan and execute diverse, enjoyable campus events throughout the academic year, strengthening our student community’s bonds, celebrating our diversity, and promoting student wellbeing.
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2. Simplified Support for Clubs and Societies

Clubs and societies form the heart of campus life—I’ll ensure they have maximum support and minimum bureaucracy.

I am dedicated to simplifying and improving the processes around student clubs and societies, I will work closely with the SRC President, staff, and student leaders to streamline affiliation processes and fairly allocate grants. My goal is to reduce administrative burdens, allowing student groups to focus on what truly matters: organising enjoyable, innovative events and creating enriching experiences for all students.
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3. Championing Your Graduate Attributes

Your future matters—I'll help you build the skills employers want.
To do this, I will actively collaborate with GUSRC volunteering initiatives and University staff to expand personal development opportunities available to every student. By engaging in these activities, students can build valuable skills and graduate better prepared for future careers and life beyond academia.

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4. Fostering Entrepreneurial Excellence: Building Practical Skills for Future Leaders

Recognising the entrepreneurial spirit among students, I will actively develop and promote entrepreneurship-focused events on campus. These events will include practical workshops, guest speaker sessions with successful entrepreneurs, innovation challenges, and networking opportunities. By collaborating with local businesses, industry leaders, and alumni entrepreneurs, I will ensure these events provide students with valuable insights, hands-on skills, and real-world experiences. My goal is to encourage and nurture innovative thinking, practical problem-solving abilities, and entrepreneurial confidence among Glasgow students, preparing them not only to succeed but to lead in their future careers.
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In conclusion, my commitment is clear: I will dedicate myself fully to fostering inclusivity, enhancing student activities, supporting personal and professional development, and ensuring that every student at the University of Glasgow feels genuinely valued and engaged. Together, we can continue to build a thriving, inclusive, and vibrant campus community.

Thank you for your consideration—I would be honoured to have your vote for Vice President Student Activities.

Eoghan Morris 

Hello there! I’m Eoghan and I would love to be your new VP Student Activities! 

If Elected I aim to:

• Transform underused spaces, giving societies more opportunities and flexibility.
• Foster a sense of community on campus through deeper collaboration
•  Improve accessibility by providing more resources and signposting existing materials. 

I will do this by: 

Empowering Clubs and Societies:

I plan to reach out to societies throughout the year, offering support and the extensive services the SRC provides to make running their societies smoother, and ensure a bigger and wider sense of community on campus. To achieve this, I would:

 

• Hold bigger and better events for students throughout the year and offer more support for societies to facilitate Big Ideas and collaborations.
• Enable societies to book underused rooms, and extend building opening hours where possible, empowering societies and strengthening engagement with their members.
• Advocate for both weekend and further weekday access of university roomsA for societies to run events. 
• Foster better relations between societies and SRC council, and between our other Unions.

Community and Engagement:

• During Welcome Week, ensure that Major Campaigns and Events are clearly signposted so that students can get more involved.
• Continue the close partnership between the VPSS and VPSA, giving a voice to societies in planning events like Women’s History, and LGBTQ History Months and East and South Asian Heritage Month.
• Hold mixers for different groups for example, home students and international students.
• Collaborate with our environmental officer to make our university more sustainable, reflecting our responsibility to both the community and environment. This will be front and centre during Welcome week.

Accessibility and Inclusion:

I would strive for an SRC that provides inclusive and non-discriminatory access to all events.

 

• Signpost and highlight events which are accessible, how, and to whom on the SRC events page. Aim to introduce an accessibility filter for SRC events.
• Offer support and resources for societies seeking to make their own events more accessible.
• Collaborate with the VPSS, Disability Officer, and other Equality Officers to promote the inclusion of sensory spaces and additional quiet spots, especially during Welcome Week and campus events. 

My Experience:

 

• Being on SRC Council I have a solid understanding of how the SRC functions and allowing me to build strong connections within our student community.
• I have been involved with many societies, including Amnesty UK and the Nerd Collab, and so I understand the concerns facing societies.
• I loved my experience as an SRC Welcome Helper and would be honoured to put on an incredible week for new and existing students.

Thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto. I promise to advocate relentlessly for clubs and societies, ensuring that every decision is made with their needs in mind.
With your support, I hope to make our campus a place where every voice is heard, every event is inclusive, and every student feels part of something bigger.

Vote Eoghan #1 for VPSA

Mahadev Parimal Vaghela

Hello! I am Mahadev Vaghela and I would love to be your new Vice President Student Activities. The best aspect of studying at University of Glasgow is being a part of this diverse community fostered by the university and the SRC. Some of my best memories come from events organised by societies I am a part of and I would love to give back to this amazing community by being a part of the SRC and working in the best interest of YOU, the students.

If I am elected you can expect:

Better Promotion and Support to Clubs and Societies

 

• Regular promotion on the SRC and university social media platforms to increase visibility.
• Pushing university to grant better funding for clubs and societies.
• Push university to allocate more on-campus spaces for society activity and events.
• Encourage big collaborative events between societies to foster a stronger sense of unity and cater to a wider audience and work with university to make sure those places are equipped and well-maintained.
• Support niche and minority-interest clubs and societies by organising events with them on welcome week and promoting them.
• Encourage and empower regional societies to organise cultural events on festivals to celebrate diversity and make students from across the world feel included.

Improved Welcome Week Events

 

• Plan a more structured and well-organised welcome week to make sure new students are not missing out on anything.
• Organise better events and repeats of popular ones to avoid overcrowding but also ensuring every student gets a chance to participate.
• Putting a greater emphasis on making the events accessible for specially-abled students.
• More catered events and making sure dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, halal, and common allergies are not only met, but they get enough options.
• Bring back last year’s hits like the headphone disco and Ceilidh.

Strengthened Student-Led Publications

 

• Establish a clear and direct communication channel within the SRC to ensure creators are not getting stuck in bureaucratic loops.
• Push university to invest more in student-led publications to ensure they have the necessary resources and equipment.
• Promote their work thus boosting engagement across the campus.

General Goals

 

• Promote volunteering across the university to help students learn valuable and transferrable skills while also boosting their CV.
• More emphasis on exam de-stress events and spread more awareness about it to help alleviate students’ exam and deadline pressure.

I am passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment for every student at the University of Glasgow. By voting for me you are choosing someone who will tirelessly advocate for your needs and work to make student life more engaging, fulfilling and FUN!

Thank you for reading my manifesto and let’s make this happen together!

Ritwij Raj

 

About Me:

Hey everyone, Pryvit, Nihao, and Namaste! I’m Ritwij Raj, an MSc candidate and Adam Smith Global Challenges Scholar, running for VP of Student Activities. I’m also the Class Representative for my cohort and a Student Rep on the Responsible and Sustainable Management Committee at the Adam Smith Business School. Additionally, I served as the President of my undergraduate institution's Media Cell for three years.

I am the Editor-in-Chief of The Prode, a platform where I’ve interviewed over 100 world-renowned personalities, including world leaders, a prime minister, a Nobel laureate, ministers, army generals, diplomats, MPs, and scientists from over 30 countries. I have also gained experience working and interning at some of the leading firms in marketing and public relations. 

My background in media, marketing, student activities, combined with my passion for human rights, especially Ukrainian rights, LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, racial justice, and refugee rights, fuels my vision for more inclusive and impactful student activities at Glasgow University. 

My Priorities:

1. Sustainable & Inclusive Events:

All SRC events will be eco-friendly and accessible to everyone, including students with disabilities. I will ensure the use of eco-friendly cups, braille signboards, and offer sign language interpreters at major events. Event communications will also be available in the top three languages spoken on campus, in addition to English.

2. Welcome Week Enhancements:

I will organize more sober events for students who prefer alcohol-free socializing and enhance Welcome Week by providing free goodie bags to all enrolled students, which will include a fridge magnet, a tote bag, and a self-help nonfiction book. 

3. Mental Health & Well-being Initiatives:

I will organize free monthly mental health workshops led by trained professionals to break down stigma. Additionally, I will offer free bi-monthly yoga sessions to help students improve their overall well-being.

4. Free Language Courses: 

I will introduce free Scottish Gaelic classes to help international students connect with Scotland’s rich culture and heritage. 

5. Strengthening Clubs & Societies:

I will strengthen clubs and societies by introducing a mentorship program where established societies guide new ones. I will secure more funding opportunities and provide seed funding to new clubs. Additionally, I will organize leadership training workshops every semester and facilitate industry networking opportunities once per semester to support career growth for all registered societies. 

6. Enhanced Podcast Studio Access:

I will increase the number of podcast setups, allowing more students to create and share their content and the initiative will not just be limited to clubs and societies but also to normal students for booking. I will also launch The SRC Podcast, featuring expert discussions on geopolitics, global health, environmental sustainability, LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and business trends. Students will vote on podcast topics to ensure the content stays relevant.

7. Cultural Exchange:

I will launch a monthly 'Make a Friend' Potluck to encourage cross-cultural interactions. Students can pre-book for free, enjoy diverse cuisines, and create meaningful connections. 

Let’s Rebuild Student Activities with Ritwij! 

Ayushi Sharma

“Let’s Make Your University Experience More Vibrant, Fulfilling & Unforgettable!”

Hi everyone! I’m Ayushi Sharma, a Chartered Accountant (CA), MBA student at the University of Glasgow, and a dedicated Class Representative (CR). My passion lies in leadership, storytelling, and community building.

I had the opportunity to represent UOG in Canada at one of the biggest competitions, where I met students from 44 universities. This experience gave me valuable insights into enhancing student engagement and inclusion. Being an international student studying with local students, I understand the needs of both groups and will ensure they are reflected in student programs.

As CR, I have actively advocated for students, ensuring their voices are heard. My experience includes team building, leadership programs, corporate town halls, college fests, cultural programs, and mental health initiatives. These have given me the skills to organize impactful events, collaborate with teams, and bring creative ideas to life.

I want to create a university experience that is inclusive, engaging, and empowering from your first day to your last and beyond!

My Vision as VPSA

I will enhance student clubs & societies with more support, funding & a ‘Club Connect’ platform. I’ll expand volunteering & leadership opportunities, organize bigger cultural & social events, and improve mental well-being support through safe spaces & wellness activities. I will empower student voices by strengthening media representation and ensure equal involvement for both local & international students!

Why Vote for Me?

I am a proactive leader who believes in action, bold ideas & inclusivity. I will work to make student life exciting, supportive & truly unforgettable from day one, to graduation, and beyond!

#YourVoiceMatters #VoteAyushiForVPSA #UOGLifeUnforgettable #StrongerTogether #BeyondAcademics

Rachel Webster

Hello! I’m Rachel Webster and I’m running to be your Vice President of Student Activities!

Having spent the last four years active on campus, I can confidently say I love the University of Glasgow with my whole heart. 
The activities, clubs and societies here at UofG have the power to shape our social-lives, well-being, and our sense of belonging here at university, hence I’m committed to ensuring these continue to thrive and grow. 

Experience

I have been a huge ambassador for student activities throughout my studies, working with various student unions and the university itself to improve student experience in Glasgow. I’ve been an academic parent, student ambassador, sports captain, sports club executive, fresher helper, union committee member and most recently I was Convener of Communications over at the GUU. 

I’ve worked with both the ASBS and UofG Go Abroad team to advertise student opportunities for career and personal growth and worked specifically with our incoming cohort to give guidance on their wider university experience. 

It would be wrong not to reference my #wehavemorefun background at the GUU, where I coordinated major student events and worked alongside external partners to encourage student engagement. I have been working hard to bring students onto campus and ensure they are having fun™, hence it would be an honour to continue this work with the SRC. 

Welcome Week 

Having had the experience of fresher helping twice and the responsibility of organisation and oversight of GUU Freshers last year, I’m qualified to plan and coordinate Welcome Week. 
I would love to use this week to reduce ambiguity about life on campus and improve familiarity with on-campus facilities. Moving into Glasgow and joining our cohort can be scary, and I would love to put my experience towards making orientation more enjoyable for everyone. 

Focus for the Year  

1.    Empower our Clubs and Societies

• Recognise the extra-curricular support facilitated by our student-run clubs and societies, by improving their visibility and recognition.
• Provide more spaces for FREE use on campus, easing club/society organisation and event management. 
• Streamline communication between clubs/socs and the SRC, so feedback and support can flow seamlessly.  

2.    Increase Inclusivity and Accessibility

• Advocate for greater accessibility both financially and physically, removing barriers to participation and improving financially transparency. 
• Promoting more events centred around mental health and well-being, providing tools to help students manage the stress that comes with a degree.
• Strengthen our engagement with international student communities, and home-student networks, ensuring these groups have equal access opportunities. 

3.    Promote A Fun, Engaged and Active Campus 

• Champion our vibrant and diverse student union culture, by working with other unions on campus to maintain relations and provide continued opportunities for students to explore new passions. 
• Introduce office-hours, open to any student, club or society to discuss events and engagement. 
• Foster leadership, innovation and collaboration amongst our incredible student community, representing student interests and encouraging student involvement in everything UofG has to offer. 

University is too short to not have some fun… VOTE FOR RACHEL #1 FOR VPSA!