ON/OFF CAMPUS Design by Zhaneta Zhekova
RE WE IN GOOD HANDS? The pandemic has halted many ambitions of the Dundee University Students’ Association for this academic year. Yet, the organisation is undergoing its periodic review to reassess wider strategy and next steps. We speak to those at the heart of the proposed changes.
W
e’ve made it. The second semester has officially begun. Do you remember the plans you had made for this academic year? Be it city-breaks or more parties with friends. Perhaps you run a Society and had a list of vibrant brand-new events scheduled for this year or maybe you were the one looking forward to attending more of those events.
was elevated. Students liked the changes, and so the Terrace became a popular spot for students’ meetings. With serving premium alcohol range and better-quality cocktails, and the addition of genuinely delicious-tasting mocktails, the Terrace has also contributed to the creation of a more responsible drinking culture on our Campus.
When the reality struck, we had to readjust. We saved many of our ideas ‘for later’ as we all tried to make the most out of what was left. It was not only individuals but entire organisations that had to change. Dundee University Students’ Association (DUSA) has had to ensure prioritising students’ welfare while also undergoing an internal review.
Towards the end of last semester, feelings of insecurity intensified. Many of us were unsure if we’ll be able to return to our homes across Scotland, the UK, Europe and the world. Hence, DUSA organised a Christmas Dinner for all to enjoy. “The attendance was high and the event attracted both British and international students,” says Cheryl-Ann Cruickshank.
I spoke to the CEO of DUSA, Cheryl-Ann Cruickshank, about her opinion on the organisation’s performance throughout the first semester and their plans for the second one. Rebecca Johnston, the Vice President of Representation, provided me with some insightful information about the nature and stage of the mentioned review. Pauline Meikleham, the Organisational Change Consultant, told me more about the recently launched ‘Future Leaders Forum’ – initiated by Ms Cruickshank striving for positive change in DUSA.
Throughout the year, DUSA has made sure to not only provide for, but also to always represent the students. Following the announcement of the planned merger of the School of Social Sciences, School of Humanities, and the School of Education and Social Work, DUSA issued an open letter resulting in ongoing consultations between the University and Students. However, DUSA had not acted on its own.
LOOKING INTO THE PAST Cheryl-Ann Cruickshank, Chief Executive Officer of DUSA, argues that despite all the difficult circumstances, the Executive team and DUSA have performed ‘very well’. Many initiatives were put aside but the new ones emerged as the students’ needs had changed. According to Ms Cruickshank, it was not an easy task to ensure high staff morale. Nevertheless, DUSA has always retained full functionality. They made sure to utilise each moment of the relaxed restrictions, while maintaining a high sanitary regime. Hospitality was revitalised: new menus were introduced, and the quality of the Terrace beverages
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“It is a representative body, so it will act when the students – the ones it represents – request it to act.” The first semester was one long experimental lesson. A lesson none of us signed up for, but the truth is, having gained all that experience, we have every reason to hope for this semester to be as good as possible.