Students’ Union Election: Candidate Watch – Vice-President For Education

UCC’s annual Student Union Elections take place next week, with voting taking place on March 4th, 5th and 6th. This year, as part of the election registration process, candidates were asked to answer five questions for The University Express about their campaign, their manifesto and their plans were they to be elected. Each day, we will be running through the different positions and shining a light on each of the candidates. In this issue, we focus on the position of Vice-President For Education, which is being contested for by Catherine Dawson. Catherine Dawson

What made you choose to run for this position?I ran for this position because I honestly believe I am the best person for the role. I have plenty of ideas for small changes with big impacts and I am very knowledgeable of many different aspects of student life. I feel this will help me to help all students achieve their full potential.If you had to choose one point from your manifesto as your main goal, what would it be?All of my points that are in my manifesto are close to my heart but I truly believe that they are only a short list of what I intend to do. After talking to the current education officer, he stressed the importance of the incoming academic strategy and ensuring that there is a smooth transition!What do you think sets you apart from the other candidates for your position?I think what sets me apart from anyone else who would run for education officer is my passion for the role. I have been helping people with academic issues since I was in first year and through working with Peer Support Leading and the Disability Activism and Awareness Society, my drive for helping my fellow students has increased exponentially.What experience do you have that you feel will help you, if you get the position?From being an academic rep for the past 3 years, I have been involved in numerous departmental meetings where I have had to complain to staff directly about particular modules. Since, modules have changed and teaching styles have changed. Knowing that I have changed things for the better for my peers, empowers me to change things for the better for the university.What do you feel was the SU’s greatest success this year?I think the greatest success this year for the Student Union was the transparency. Knowing that my union was doing the best that they can to help everyone. It was a thorough breath of fresh air and really gave me the drive to get even more involved than I already was.