Widening Participation Officer

Hannah Clarkson

I firmly believe that being actively involved in a society is instrumental in enhancing the student experience. Sports societies specifically also improve both physical and mental health. Unfortunately, the high cost of memberships for UofG Sport and clubs, acts as a considerable barrier for many students, especially those who are WP. I will collaborate with other student bodies to ensure that a solution can be provided via grants or discounts and that WP students can have equal opportunities in accessing sport and extracurricular activities.

In addition to financial barriers, I aim to work with the WP team to create an easier means of accessing wellbeing support. WP is about so much more than just financial aid, it’s also about navigating complex issues that make being a student that bit harder. Establishing an accessible designated support team that you can reach out to and feel comfortable with is vital for empowering students to achieve success in particular times of adversity.

Finally, I would like to foster an environment in which students can give feedback on the processes that they find beneficial, identity areas that need significant improvement. It is student voices alone that can paint the true picture of support needed.

Amy Hutchison

Hello! My name is Amy, and I’m a fourth-year MEduc student running for re-election as a Widening Participation (WP) Officer.

Over the past year, I have gained valuable experience with the SRC—not only as the current WP Officer but also by representing the SRC on the Library and Student Voice Committees and serving as a Class Representative.

These experiences have deepened my understanding of student concerns and strengthened my ability to advocate for meaningful change. My commitment to ensuring all students’ voices are heard and real solutions are implemented has only grown. If re-elected, I will continue to focus on:

• Expanding targeted support: Collaborating with the Colleges to introduce tailored initiatives for WP students, such as bursaries for placements.
• Breaking down financial barriers: Providing greater support for WP students with the costs of joining clubs and societies.
• Building community: Facilitating more WP mixers to foster connections and a sense of belonging.
• Enhancing mental health support: Strengthening links between WP students and university mental health services.
• Supporting the transition to university: Working with outreach programmes to help prospective WP students navigate the journey into higher education.

Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and I remain fully committed to making that a reality.

Oliwia Kolbusz (she/her)

Hello! I am Oliwia (she/her), a 2^nd year Veterinary Bioscience student, and I am running to be your next Widening Participation Officer!

Widening Participation is important to me because I participated in some widening access programmes offered by the university, I believe they are crucial in providing access to higher education for disadvantaged groups. I am passionate about equality and provision of support for those who need it most.

I aim to:

• Provide an optional connection to students from similar backgrounds, to allow support and communication between each other
• Begin a mentoring system so newer students can have someone to talk to about concerns or questions
• Continue the current efforts made by the university and SRC
• Work closely with other Welfare & Equal Opportunity Officers to support students in all aspects of life

Although widening participation covers a large scope of people and areas, I am determined to be a great Widening Participating Officer and ensure that all needs are met.

Thank you for your consideration. Vote Oliwia!

Hannah Watters

Hello! My name is Hannah, and I’m a third year Theatre/Politics student with lived experience as a WP student. I have undertaken this role this year and would be honored to continue helping support my fellow students. If re-elected I would -

• Continue to hold the University accountable for creating well-being rooms and safe spaces on campus.
• Advocate for a designated quiet space at all SRC events, most significantly being Welcome Week. 
• Find a space for a dedicated Widening Participation event. It is important to create a space for us WP students to come together. 
• Work with student unions on the possibility of using Dry January drinks menus year round to cater for sober students.
• Support the transitions between summer programs, and access courses to full time study. 
• To continue to work with my fellow welfare officers on the basis we are all intersectional individuals who may have concerns that fall under various of the Welfare Officer remits. 

In the past year, I have made excellent progress with my fellow welfare reps on a number of projects to improve student experience. I hope to continue to create the most inclusive and welcoming UofG possible.