Vice President Student Support

Tasmia Ahmed 

For the past three years I have dedicated considerable time working with students from underrepresented communities through various impactful ways. Now, I want to be at the forefront campaigning for change directly.

My name is Tasmia, and I want to be your next VP Student Support. I’ve worked in mental health services, student disability advocacy and student welfare - not just talking about change, but making it happen.

Why me?

Championing Accessibility: 2+ years of experience working for a company raising awareness of assistive tech and the Disabled Students’ Allowance. Here, I developed a deep understanding of prominent issues and concerns.

Mental Health Advocate: 3+ years working in a therapy clinic, informing on stigmatised mental health concerns and advocating for underrepresented groups such as victims of Racial and Sexual Trauma.

Student Change: Former Welfare Officer and Marketing Officer at Glasgow University’s Muslim Student Association - making change for Muslim students on campus.

What I Will Do as VP Student Support

Improve Mental Health Support

• Advocate for more culturally competent mental health training on campus for student listeners and relevant counselling services. Students deserve tailored support.
• No one should be waiting months for help, I want to improve counselling access by developing links with external support services.

Enhance Accessibility

• Make sure students are aware of the Disabled Students’ Allowance and receive application support.
• Create a student-led accessibility feedback system to hold the university accountable as and when concerns arise.

Stronger Representation

• Work closely with student societies to ensure diverse student voices shape university policy.
• Launch anti-racism campaigns and work with stakeholders to support ethnic minorities on campus.
• Amplify the voices and concerns of first-generation university students whose unique experiences should never be ignored.
• Support home students, with a focus on enriching their social connection on campus.

Academic Support

• Work with the VP of Education to review University of Glasgow’s 22-point grading system.
• Ensure lecture accessibility, exam accommodations, and note-taking support are prioritised.
• Push to diversify career fairs and better support students with career anxiety.

I’m not here to make empty promises, I want to make real change. I’ve spent years working directly with students, listening to their concerns, and pushing for better support. Now, I want to take that work further and ensure that every student - no matter their background - has the resources, representation, and support they need to thrive.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about students. Vote for me, and let’s create a university that works for everyone.

#TforVP

 

Frank Chen (He/Him)

Hey, this is Frank (He/Him), a 4^th year Politics & Sociology student who’s running to be your next VP student support!

Why am I running?

I started to experience firsthand the obstacles students faced when COVID-19 disrupted our university life in 2021. We have faced a dire housing and living cost crisis since 2022. I feel helplessness and confusion while the university keeps investing in weapons and students are facing insufficient support.

As a queer, neurodivergent feminist student of colour, I want to ensure every student at UofG receives the support they need. To make sure I can do it, I have been actively engaged in student affairs through various society participation, Class Representation and volunteering. As a dedicated human rights campaigner, I am running to make real change happen to reflect our shared values of equity, fairness and community.

If elected, I will:

Cap Accommodation Costs:

• Demand UofG freeze and lower accommodation rent, leading to an influence on the broader housing market.
• Ask UofG to disclose profits from accommodation fees, and CAP profits that come from student rent.
• Simplify the bureaucratic Rent Guarantor Scheme, as the current lengthy process and excessive proof requirements make tenants unlikely to secure housing.

Review University’s approach to addressing Gender-based Violence

• Active Bystander Training: expand it to every student, giving practical strategies to safely intervene in harmful or discriminatory situations.
• Specialised Staff Training: ensure key staff and society leaders receive instruction on survivor support, complaint handling, and trauma-informed practices.

Improve Transparency

• Regular Financial Disclosures: Publish detailed SRC spending reports and meeting minutes, ensuring students know how funds are allocated and why decisions are made.
• Question the Principal: Organise Q&A sessions where students can directly talk with senior management about budget priorities, investments, and policy changes, pressure them to end arms investments.

End Loneliness & Promote Neurodivergent Welfare

• Conduct the first university-wide survey on student isolation and use findings to design tailored programs (Buddy/Mentorship, intercultural exchange events) to improve mental health.
• Safe Social Spaces: Transform underused SRC areas into daily Community Cafés with board games for everyone, and peer-led discussion circles for neurodivergent students.

Support minorities, Refugee and International Students

• Expand Language support to ensure equity for students who speak English as a Second Language.
• Holding non-local friendly/working visa provider Job Fairs.
• Strengthen Global Reputation: Collaborate with UofG to enhance its standing in world rankings.

Expand Low-Cost Hot Meals:

• Reopen the food hub in Fraser Building Level 3 (there used to be freshly baked pizza at fair prices there),
• Extend existing canteen opening time in JMS, QMU & GUU to cover dinner,
• Lobby for a new canteen on campus! After finding a location, let students decide on its style and menu.

Campaign Plan

• Divestment from Arms & Reproductive rights
• ESEA Heritage Month
• Rename the former Adam Smith Building based on student wishes!

Vote Frank #1 for the first Asian VP Student Support\(^o^)/~

 

Ayshah Jansen

My name is Ayshah Jansen, I am a 3^rd year Biomedical Engineering student and I am running for Vice President of Student Support at the SRC.

I feel privileged to be studying at an established university and despite the challenges I have faced, like so many other students do, I still consider being at the University of Glasgow to be an amazing opportunity. While completing my studies I have been an active member of university societies and have had a part-time job throughout, so I understand the commitment and struggles that come with an immersive university life. I believe, if I am to be elected by the student body, I will better the university experience for all, with mental, physical and emotional wellbeing being at the forefront of my work within the SRC.

My experience:

• Current President of the Feminist Society
• Campaigns coordinator of the Feminist Society
• Current Secretary for Glasgow Students for Choice
• Volunteer at the ‘Fight for the Night March’

My Priorities:

Gender-Based Violence

• Continuing the support of the EmilyTest Charter, with an emphasis of getting GBV counsellors sign posted to students in need
• Reflecting on the Morag Ross Report and evaluating the progress made thus far
• Mandatory welfare training for those elected as Welfare Officers, especially those on the executive board of student unions
• Pledge by student unions to invest time into developing effective welfare protocols 

Divestment of Arms

• Having an open conversation with the university board about divestment, what it means and how it is possible
• Having a higher student engagement regarding divestment, with educational and informative resources being made available for all students
• Review of the Expected Behaviour Policy (Section 37), and implementation of a Student Activism Guide to provide clarity and support to students who choose to participate in protests

Wellbeing

• Providing more accessible mental health resources on Moodle to support the wellbeing of the student body, such as a digital workbook following the ‘Mind Your Mate/ Yourself’ programme
• Working towards Good Cause reform, with Choice4Change being at the forefront, which covers cases regarding sexual and reproductive health, such as abortion.
• Signposting Students to free Good Cause claim support, such as letters of support from the disability service
• Implementing Harm Reduction focused projects, such as ‘Street Angels’ to support students after HIVE nights
• Also focusing on sexual health related support, with STD testing drop ins, affordable contraception and pregnancy test options available to the student body.
• Strong action to be taken against those who exhibit discriminatory behaviour, such as Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism and Transphobia

Cost of Living

• Working with professionals within the university to provide comprehensive financial literacy support for the whole student population
• Supporting home students, student carers and those in part-time work with timetabling and academic support.

 

Rahul Ramesh Baviskar

Manifesto for Vice President Student Support

My name is Rahul Ramesh Baviskar, and I’m standing to be your next Vice President Student Support. I believe every student at the University of Glasgow deserves a nurturing, inclusive, and responsive environment where academic success and personal wellbeing go hand in hand. Today’s campus faces unprecedented challenges from rising living costs and housing shortages to heightened mental health pressures and evolving policies affecting international students. I am committed to addressing these issues head‐on, ensuring your voice is at the heart of every decision.

Addressing Student Wellbeing
Recent surveys and news reports reveal that mental health remains a top priority. I will work tirelessly to enhance mental health services by collaborating with counselling teams to secure better funding, reduce waiting times, and launch proactive workshops and peer support initiatives.

Supporting International, Local & Diverse Communities
Campus changes, like the Safe Zone attendance app for international students, underscore the evolving landscape of student life. I pledge to ensure that new policies are implemented with empathy and clear communication. Additionally, I will champion support for home students facing financial pressures and advocate for multi-diversity celebrations that honour all cultures and traditions because our collective strength comes from every voice, not just the majority.

Driving Sustainability
I will lead initiatives to shift our university toward sustainability by reducing waste, cutting energy costs, and promoting green practices. A sustainable campus not only protects our environment but also lowers operational expenses benefits that can be reinvested into student services, making a tangible difference in our daily lives.

Enhancing Campus Facilities
Recognizing that study needs vary, I will push for 24-hour library access, ensuring a safe, quiet space for late-night study and research. Extended library hours will support diverse schedules and help all students thrive academically.
Moreover, I will advocate for affordable, multi-cuisine food options on campus and in the library. In the face of rising inflation, providing nutritious, culturally diverse, and inexpensive meals will ease financial stress and enrich our communal dining experience.

Strengthening Communication and Community
I am committed to building a connected campus by organizing regular town halls, real-time feedback surveys, and digital forums that ensure every concern is heard. By strengthening communication between students, staff, and administration, we can create a resilient and inclusive community.

Conclusion
Our campus is a vibrant community with immense potential, but we must ensure every student feels supported and valued. As your Vice President Student Support, I promise to be a tireless advocate bridging gaps between administration and student life, promoting sustainability and diversity, and enhancing facilities that directly benefit you. Together, we can build a University of Glasgow where every student can succeed, feel heard, and truly belong.