Making Student Representation Matter: Building Trust between Students and the Institution at the University of St Andrews
In my tenure as Rector at the University of St Andrews, I've committed to bridging the gap between the student body and the institution. This role serves as a vital conduit for student voices, ensuring their concerns and ideas are elevated to the highest echelons of university governance.
Central to my approach is the collaborative engagement with students, transcending personal agendas to create meaningful avenues for their voices within the university's governance framework. My role as a liaison is pivotal, fostering strong relationships with university staff to ensure student voices lead to actionable outcomes.
Trust forms the bedrock of effective student representation. It flourishes through a steadfast commitment to student welfare and equitable representation. By championing resources and support systems tailored to our diverse student community, I aim to empower every student to feel valued and engaged.
This article delves into the significance of staff collaboration in my role, outlines the strategic integration of university pillars for impactful representation, and shares insights into the successful student-staff collaboration on the University of St Andrews "Do No Harm" framework.
Effective Collaboration with Staff
A key aspect of advocating for student representation and welfare at St Andrews is nurturing productive engagements with our dedicated staff. Recognizing their expertise in both academic disciplines and social change is essential. Collaborating with staff means leveraging their insights for initiatives and policy reforms that resonate across the university community.
Effective staff collaboration hinges on clear communication and a deep understanding of their needs and concerns. This foundational knowledge facilitates their active involvement in crafting and implementing policies that promote equity and inclusivity.
Integrating the University's Strategic Pillars
The University of St Andrews is guided by five strategic pillars that shape its mission and vision. These pillars embody a holistic approach to education, research, and community engagement, acknowledging the interconnectedness of societal and academic challenges. My advocacy for equitable education access and enhanced community well-being aligns with these pillars, underscoring our commitment to the multifaceted challenges we face.
Aligning my efforts with the university's strategic objectives ensures that student representation is both meaningful and contributory to the overarching university mission.
Collaboration on the "Do No Harm" Framework
A noteworthy example of student-staff collaboration under my tenure as Rector's Assessor involved the "Do No Harm" framework. This initiative, borne from an in-depth analysis of staff-student dynamics and the nature of student concerns, aimed to address issues such as microaggressions, including those unintentional acts born out of unawareness or misunderstanding by staff members.
The development of the "Do No Harm" framework was comprehensive and inclusive, designed to instil greater student confidence in the system by making visible those experiences often overlooked. The framework sought not only to pre-empt potential harm but also to empower students to voice their experiences, ensuring their concerns are taken seriously and addressed.
At the heart of this initiative was the goal to raise awareness about behaviours and attitudes that could impede education access. By encouraging personal and private reflection among staff members, the framework aimed to foster a culture of empathy and understanding, avoiding public confrontations that might lead to defensiveness.
The "Do No Harm" framework epitomizes the collaborative spirit between student representatives and staff, driving meaningful change and enhancing the educational experience at St Andrews.
Looking Forward: Future Collaborations and Enhancements
I am committed to deepening engagement with both staff and students to foster greater collaboration. My manifesto as Rector includes initiatives like regular student forums and enhanced communication channels to improve engagement and address student concerns more effectively.
As Rector, my aim is to ensure that the student voice not only resonates within the university's governance but also catalyses tangible improvements in the university experience. By synergizing with students and university governance, I strive to be a bridge that facilitates an environment where student initiatives and concerns lead to substantive enhancements.
About the author
Stella Maris is the current Rector at the University of St Andrews, with a focus on student representation and welfare. Her background in student governance equips her with a distinctive perspective, advocating for an inclusive and responsive university community.
