Student Union President Eva Curran summarises what was a particularly busy first month of 2024 at Strath.
By Eva Curran (She/Her)
Welcome back, everyone! I hope you all had the loveliest break and HAPPY NEW YEAR! I can honestly say that this is the first time I’ve been excited to be back at work. After taking some time to unwind in Val Thorens (shoutout to Strath Snow), I’m feeling pumped for Semester 2 and all the good things that are to come. So, let’s jump into what’s been going on the past few weeks.
Last semester was filled with wins. I’m so happy to say that after months of campaigning, we’ve achieved Spring Graduations! This will be hugely beneficial to our January starts, especially our international students who are often unable to attend their graduation due to their visas expiring before the usual graduation diet. A special shoutout to our International Student’s Rep, Ishan, for highlighting this issue and working with me to change it! In Semester 1, the University launched its 2030 strategy, detailing the direction that Strathclyde take over the coming years. The Exec and I were involved in the conversations and creation of the strategy, ensuring that students and their needs were at the forefront of the strategy.
We started this semester off with our Refreshers Fair – filled with networking events, fairs, and of course, Kwaku’s Karaoke. The Creative Hub has now launched, showcasing our students’ skills to the wider university community. This includes an art exhibition that will be running in the Heart Office until the 9th of February, so head along to Level 1 of the Union to check it out! We also have our Girls’ Night In on the 8th of February in Strath Sport, a free event for women to access the gym, fitness classes and the swimming pool. I’ll see you there.
I’ve been working closely with our students to fundraise for Palestine. Our peaceful vigil to call for a ceasefire last month included speakers from both the University and the Union. It was a beautiful display of solidarity, led by our Jewish and Muslim students. Next month, the Strathclyde University Muslim Students Association (SUMSA) and I have organised a 25-mile walk, symbolising the length of the Gaza Strip, to raise money for Medical Aid for Palestinians. On February 18, please join us on our walk of solidarity with the displaced Palestinians and donate if you can. More information is available on the Union website.
We’ve got a lot of great events and campaigns to get involved with next month, so be sure to keep an eye on our website. AND – nominations are now open for elections! It’s an amazing opportunity to make positive changes to Strathclyde, build your confidence and skill set and improve your CV, all whilst being paid! I can’t recommend it enough.
As always, you can reach me at strathunion.president@strath.ac.uk or my Instagram @evastrathprez. I’ll also be hosting monthly drop-ins at Roasters, 12pm on the first of each month, if you want to pop by for a chat.
Take care,
Eva x
Eva Curran, she/her
Marketing student and President at Strath Union
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