Widening Access and Participation Officer

Ramsay Bader promotes initiatives related to affordability and resources.

Contact Me!

• [email protected]

About the Role

The Widening Access and Participation Officer ensures that the University’s diverse student population is represented within St Andrews.

Specifically, the Widening Access & Participation Officer:

• Promotes widening access & participation initiatives and voluntary opportunities to the student body.
• Ensures that students coming from a widening access & participation background are well represented.
• Represents the Students’ Association on University open days
• is an active member of the Equality Committee
• Serves on the Students’ Representative Council
• Regularly communicates via online channels and in person with students regarding access and participation
• Reports to the SRC on matters relating to widening access & participation
• Liaises regularly with the University Admissions, the Principal Ambassador, the Association President, the Director of Wellbeing and Equality, and other elected officers

Role holders take office in April and end their term in March the following year. On average, the Widening Access and Participation Officer spends between 5 and 8 hours per week on their role.

About Me

Hi! I'm Ramsay, and I am a second-year student studying International Relations & Economics. I grew up in New York City, and spent time studying in the UK and South Africa. I come to this position to amplify the voice and concerns of widening access students, and to ensure that they are supported to the full extent that we can provide and that these students are represented across the University in every decision made. If you have any concerns, suggestions, or want to meet - email me at [email protected]

University can be a daunting and unfamiliar place for many students, especially if they have specific concerns that can make them feel isolated. My position ensures students feel comfortable knowing there is a member to represent their concerns. This position specifically listens to WAAP students experiences and worries, ensuring that proper structure and support can be put in place to better their time at university and of the future students too. For example, promoting funds, scholarships and bursaries, advocating for more affordable accommodation and encouraging university outreach in schools. It is essential to support students through their time at university and give them a sense of belonging.

Being your WA&P Officer means communicating with students from widening access backgrounds and listening to their concerns, whether they are financial, social, or just general. By listening to students’ concerns and experiences, I can promote widening access initiatives and provide support, ensuring that students from widening access backgrounds are well-represented in the student body.

Previous holders

Note that the position title was Member for Widening Access until 2014/15, and Member for Widening Access and Participation until 2021/22.