NUS elections open today

The National Union of Students are holding their annual conference this coming April in Liverpool. Each year they invite delegates from each Student’s Association to represent their student body on a national level. The NUS act as a lobbying group to influence the government.

This year it’s gone to election and students must vote for their Aberdeen representatives.

To help you decide, here’s a Tab taster of the nominees.

1. Why are you running for the election?

Rory: I feel that I am successful in projecting a clear message, I will be able to represent students well and I am new to student politics so I can bring a fresh approach, plus the experience would be incomparable.

Liam: I am certain that as part of a strong team I can make a positive difference at the 2014 NUS conference.

Rachel: Because I would like to get Scotland and Aberdeen back involved with the National Union of Students. We need to fight for the right for our education, take responsibility for our education, take it away from government policy. The apathy of students terrifies me. Also, I’ve heard that the NUS UK conference can be a bit of a brawl, and I’m ready for a fight.

Alannah: I’m running because I think that NUS UK can sometimes forget the broader picture. I want to make sure that their direction of travel will be for the benefit of students now as well as in 10 years time.

 2. What could you bring to the role?

Rory: As I mentioned, I will bring a fresh approach!

Liam: I was NUS delegate last year, I have some experience and I can build upon that. Make sure that we can vote properly on motions brought up at conference in order for them to reflect Aberdeen students

Rachel: I haven’t always been involved in student politics so I feel that I can relate to the students who wouldn’t necessarily think about these things and use that try and get them more engaged with their university experience. Also, if I go I will be publishing as The Tab Aberdeen and informing the student body of the issues and decisions raised.

Alannah: A critical perspective that is hopeful of what NUS UK could be.

Liam Fuller

3. What is your unique selling point?

Rory: Drive, enthusiasm and a commitment to supporting Aberdeen University students.

Liam:  I’m not willing to stand down if I believe in something.

Rachel: I’m fresh meat, and of course the publishing of articles whilst at the conference. I think a lot of people are excited at the prospect at sending a Tab editor to this conference.

Alannah: I am not afraid to ask difficult questions as well as give praise when its due. I think there is a need for more constructive criticism without going over the top with rhetoric.

Alannah Ainslie

4. What would you want to achieve at the conference?

Rory: Ensure that NUS takes individual student associations seriously and focuses on union development, ensure we stand up for student rights, fight government cuts to education, fair student loan system, and greater protection for international students.

 Liam: Mainly, ensure that we aren’t ignored on a national level. It is important for the smaller unions to not feel disregarded as we deserve an equal say.

Rachel: Hopefully give Scotland – Aberdeen – a louder and more prevalent voice.

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Alannah: I think it would be the constructive criticism again. I might throw a shoe if there is too much rhetoric. Also I’m experienced in conferences, motions and policy, confident to speak against motions which I don’t think are best, and for those which do. I’m still a second year student, I feel like I still have a lot which I can contribute, over a longer period of time. The decisions made at conference will actively effect my education.

Rory MacFarlane

5. What would you do with Butchart if you had unlimited funds?

Rory: Obviously I would firstly introduce a bar, however an all year round puppy room wouldn’t go amiss either.

Liam: I would knock it down, start again to build a union that everyone can contribute their ideas to- my priority would be to build to the cinema and provide an adequate, chilled out and informal study space.

Rachel: A 24 hour food and drink facility, a proper union and a theatre. Plus a 24 hour Wray Thomson comedy show.

Alannah: The main purpose of a student association is always going to be geared towards the most active students and societies. But its important to have facilities that the general student feels it can use. So, maybe a decent bar, faith centre and free laser tag. Actually just the last one. Wait unlimited funds? I guess I’d give a living grant to all students, so that their education really was free and funded.

 6. Tab or Gaudie?

Rory: Whilst I do like the Gaudie, The Tab is a good outlet for student opinion and it’s good at getting students involved with journalism. I feel that Rachel Donald is a worthy editor as she has abolished the sexism!

Liam: I think that the Tab is an important outlet for the views of students. It is good in that it is very different from the Gaudie- though that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Rachel: Tab! I think that if you’re not reading it then you’re not a true student. Kidding… not kidding…am I kidding?

Alannah: Well my pal was in featured in the ‘style’ section in the Gaudie, so if you do a feature on my shiny orange boots you could win me over.

Rachel Donald

7. Lastly – shag, marry, avoid: Sir Ian Diamond, John from Tesco and the Guitar Wifey.

Rory: I would shag John! Marry the wee wifey and avoid Ian at all costs.

Liam: Avoid Ian Diamond, shag wifey and marry John, he looks nice.

Rachel: I would marry Diamond solely to annoy him all day long. Shag wifey (just cos) and that leaves me avoiding John..

Alannah: I don’t know about the other ones, but I would marry Ian Diamond. We would be one of those marriages where we didn’t have to talk nor see each other very much. I might be able to donate some of his £335,000 salary to the student movement, student support and to support striking lecturers.

One further candidate – Matthew Moore – is also standing in the election, but he didn’t reply to our emails… However, you can read all of the manifestos here. 

The elections begin on Tuesday at 9am and you have until 5pm Thursday. 

Vote here!