Meet Your Student Officers

A new year at the SU means new students, new opportunities and a brand new team of Student Officers- also known as SOs!

Now you may be asking yourself, “what are Student Officers and why should I care?”

To answer this as quickly as possible: Your Student Officers are elected by you, the students of Queen’s in the annual SU Elections that run in Feb-March every year.

Throughout your year at uni, they will organise campaigns, take part in external lobbying and plan events to make the changes that you want to see at Queen’s.

So with this in mind, here’s the main things you need to know about your SOs…

What did you study at Queen’s?

I am doing a masters in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology, within the School of Biological Sciences.

What made you run for your post?

I’m not really sure why I ran originally last year. However, I re-ran because working as a student officer has been one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had and I have loved it, even with all its ups and downs. I want to continue my work from this year and continue to fight for us.

What have you got planned for this year?

Aside from the tonne of emails that fill my inbox, I’d like to focus on cost of living; we’ve done some great work this year that I’d like to see continue and expanded.

I’d like to advocate for clubs and societies, it’s one of the main ways students engage, make friends and have fun outside of their studies. Id like to expand and speed up Queen’s move to net zero, this is something that has always been dear to my heart and Queen’s should be a trailblazer for Belfast.

Any advice for new students at Queen’s?

Get stuck in, especially early on; join some sports clubs and societies and try something new, attend events that we organise especially during Freshers’ Fortnight.

Attend your lectures, not just to learn but again it’s a good way to make friends, plus you’re already paying for them.

Try to meet as many new people as you can, you never know when or where you’ll fall over a friend for life, remember everyone is in the same boat as you. University is a chance to expand your horizons, it’s never too late to grab that opportunity.

What did you study at Queen’s?

I studied Irish Language and History. I wanted to study at Queens due to its excellent languages department, and since I’m from Belfast I wanted to remain close to home while also studying at a world class university.

What made you run for your post?

I ran for the post after being involved in the union for over two years, having worked as a rep for my entire time at university I felt it was time for me to give back to the union that had supported me by becoming an officer.

What have you got planned for this year?

This year I plan to platform and expand the power of reps within the university, this will allow them to better advocate for their course mates along with increasing the democratisation within the university.

Any advice for new students at Queen’s?

Take advantage of everything the Union has to offer, from social events to advice and support, there’s always something going on for you and your mates to go to and enjoy.

What did you study at Queen’s?

I studied a BA in Drama and English and have just started my MA in Arts Management.

What made you run for your post?

The university and the SU have been a huge part of my university life, so I want to give back by being a student voice this year to help give every student that same experience. I have a passion for supporting underrepresented students and this is massively the case when it comes to postgraduates. I want to help make the change that our students need.

What have you got planned for this year?

I want to give back what the university has offered me by evolving and creating events suitable for not only returning graduates but especially those who are new to our university. In order for our students to gain the most out of their academics, the equal balance with events and activities helps to mould their experience. I wish to further support our students financially by helping to continue free meals in the SU and fighting for more support for students on placement.

Any advice for new students at Queen’s?

Get involved in a many things as you can. Whether that be a club or society, to volunteering, to enterprise. Queen’s SU offers something for everyone from new experiences to expert opinions, with the aim of making every student’s experience here unique and beneficial.

What did you study at Queen’s?

I studied BSc Psychology with Professional Placement.

What made you run for your post?

I have studied at Queen’s for four years and have seen the significant changes made during this time. I have always felt that Queen’s is like my home, especially as an international student. I understand that international students face a lot of challenges. Working as an Equality and Diversity Officer is a great opportunity to amplify diverse voices at Queen’s.

What have you got planned for this year?

As an Equality and Diversity Officer, my responsibility is to represent specific student groups. There are three priorities I will focus on this year.

First, I will work on reducing financial barriers for international students by providing guidance on seeking housing and part-time jobs, both on and off campus. Second, I will ensure that professional resources are available for LGBTQIA+ students, including counseling services, helplines, and support groups. Third, I will work on meeting the needs of disabled students, with a particular focus on raising awareness of neurodiverse students.

Any advice for new students at Queen’s?

The Student Union is always your home. Whenever you face any challenges or need help, we are always here for you! Please feel free to get in touch with us. Get involved and enjoy your time at Queen’s, as time goes by so fast. Participating in events, fairs, and activities at Queen’s will definitely enrich your daily life.

What did you study at Queen’s?

I am an undergraduate student in Politics, which prepared me for the level of Machiavellian scheming required to be a Student Officer. Just kidding, sort of. It has definitely been very useful in my time in post, especially given that 2024 is the year of elections. Much of the job relates to navigating the often tricky politics of the north of Ireland, as well as the delightful bureaucracies of Queens.

What made you run for your post?

Pure unadulterated lust for power. Alongside a healthy dose of the desire to make change.  The Students’ Union is many things to many people, but first and foremost it is a vehicle for change, and the best tool students have for improving their conditions at university.

If you also feel that you want to make a difference, I would strongly recommend taking part in any and all SU activity. Whether that is becoming a rep, councillor or even running to be student officer.  It is an experience that is well worth the stresses of an election.

What have you got planned for this year?

 This year I’m going to be working to facilitate the officer teams campaigns and provide the tools for students to run their own campaigns successfully. Also, with Stormont back up and running (fingers crossed it stays that way), we can hopefully expand our influence on national education policy. We’re big fish, in a small pond, so the student movement should be at forefront of shaping the national agenda.

That’s not to forget engagement, I intend to work with clubs and societies to represent their issues and help them grow. And of course, big fat events.

Any advice for new students at Queen’s?

Pure unadulterated lust for power. Alongside a healthy dose of the desire to make change.  The Students’ Union is many things to many people, but first and foremost it is a vehicle for change, and the best tool students have for improving their conditions at university.

If you also feel that you want to make a difference, I would strongly recommend taking part in any and all SU activity. Whether that is becoming a rep, councillor or even running to be student officer.  It is an experience that is well worth the stresses of an election.

What did you study at Queen’s?

At Queen’s I studied a Masters in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice. Before that I did my undergraduate at Lancaster University in Politics and International Relations.

What made you run for your post?

I first decided to run for Welfare because as a student I had worked on several campaigns including a successful rent strike in Lancaster that saved students over £1000 on their rent . I felt that my experience, particularly in housing activism would be useful in the fight against the cost-of-living crisis.

I decided to re-run this year because comprehensive change doesn’t happen over night and during my first year in office I set several campaigns into motion that I wanted to see through to completion, especially the drug and alcohol impact campaign which runs over two years.

What have you got planned for this year?

My number one priority this year is running the drug and alcohol impact (DAI) programme effectively. The groundwork has already been laid and starting from September, we have some amazing plans that I can’t wait to see in action.

Outside of DAI, I will be working on long-term solutions to the housing crisis. I will work with the Belfast Student Housing Co-Op group on establishing of student housing co-operatives and lobby Stormont for better protections for student renters.

I will continue my work to foster a consent culture on campus and will be working on several student safety initiatives.

Any advice for new students at Queen’s?

My biggest piece of advice for new students is to get stuck in and take every opportunity you can. Whether that’s getting involved with student activism, a club or society, or student volunteering. Queen’s Students’ Union has so much to offer and the more you do the more you will get out of your university experience.

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Your Student Officers are here to represent and support you throughout your time at Queen’s. You can find out more about your Student Officers, including contact details or read their full manifestos here!