On Friday March 10, Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA) announced the results of its annual elections.
Sharan Atwal has been elected as the new President, taking over from Niamh Roberts.
The Vice-President Sabbatical roles have been filled by Lauren Byrne, re-elected as VP Welfare, Alma Kalina Reißler as VP Community, Katie Hardwick as VP Activities and Services and Carl Harper as VP Education.
This year’s voter turnout has seen a 5 per cent increase on the previous year, with over 20,000 votes cast.
The University of Edinburgh has 49,000 students.
Elected President Sharan Atwal said she is “very thankful for all the support” and she “can’t wait to stir the pot and use my voice to see some real change.”
The Student spoke to the newly elected VP Education Carl Harper.
Carl highlighted the need for transparency in the university system.
They emphasised how they wanted to support students in making hidden changes in the curriculum transparent, especially changes in extensions and special circumstances.
Carl summarised how they wanted to make students feel they “have a better learning experience” that’s “accessible and inclusive.”
Re-elected VP Welfare Lauren Byrne said she is “looking forward to continuing my work on gender-based violence and widening participation.”
VP Activities and Services Katie Hardwick said: “I look forward to bringing my own experiences as a low-income student to really see some change.”
She continued, “I can’t wait to get stuck into issues such as the cost of living crisis and making the activities and services we have on offer here at Edinburgh as accessible as possible.”
The Student also spoke to the new VP of Community Alma Kalina Reißler.
Alma re-emphasised their manifesto points, especially looking at ways to protect tenants and improve their well-being in the cost-of-living crisis.
They are currently “looking at food options” and a few days ago spoke to a student panel on the housing crisis.
The Student spoke to the incumbent president Niamh Roberts, who has been re-elected as a campaign officer for sustainability.
Niamh emphasised how much there is still to do, and called the election process a “war of attrition,” wishing the newly elected officers the best of luck.
The Student asked Niamh what their plans were for the upcoming role.
Niamh stressed how the role is less accountable to the university and wants to use the role to expose the framework of the university.
They said that the university sees itself as “one in a big sea of actors” in the climate debate, but should see itself as more accountable for its impact on climate change.
Niamh added: “I think the way the university treats student activism is shameful.”
Full election results were published on the EUSA website on March 13.
Image: “teviot row house” by Jon Vrushi licensed by CC BY 2.0