SRC holds by-election for vacant sabbatical position

A new Vice President of Student Activities will be elected, following the vacancy being uncontested during the Spring election.

The Student Representative Council’s (SRC’s) by-election for Vice President of Student Activities will open on Thursday 24 April at 9am. This role carries the responsibilities of organising Welcome Week, promotion and support of societies, and advocating for student volunteers. Ten students are running for election.

This by-election comes after the position was left vacant following the Spring elections in March, as the only candidate dropped out. This vacancy occurred despite the annual salary of £24,600 available to the successful candidate. However, with ten candidates there seems a surplus of choice this time around.

The vast majority of candidates promise more inclusive University events, suggesting that improvements to make events more disabled-friendly and accessible is a priority this year. “Inclusive” and “accessible” have become key buzz words in this election - an encouraging sign for University events going forward.

Not only do candidate manifestos demonstrate a more disability-friendly approach to socials, but quieter and less “University culture” typical approaches as well. Respective candidates Husen Arif Bhabhrawala and Sukriti promise events suitable for introverts and those who do not drink alcohol. Eoghan Morris also promises to push for “additional quiet spaces”.

Rachel Webster commits to further society empowerment by seeking to provide more free spaces on campus to be used. Khushi Ashwani puts her focus on celebrating the various cultures at the University of Glasgow, and pushing for societies to be easier to join and better funded.

Ayushi Sharma’s manifesto promises to “improve well-being support” after reports this year of very long wait times and inefficiency in the University’s pastoral care. This sentiment towards mental health is shared by candidate Ritwij Raj, aiming to set up free monthly workshops.

Candidates Tobias Cooper and Naman Mehta have respectively put emphasis on Welcome Week in their manifestos, each expressing a desire to improve on previous years. Mahadev Parimal Vaghela aims to support more niche societies and promote better resourcing for student-led publications. 

Manifestos written by each candidate can be found on the SRC website.

Candidate applications are strong, eclipsing the momentary vacancy that has caused this by-election to come into effect.

Voting will take place through the UofG Life app from 9am to 5pm on 22 April. Results will be announced in the following hour.

Published 21 April 2025