Kevin talking to a student
Life has been enjoyably hectic since being approached to be Rector. Election week was devoted to visiting halls of residence, speaking to student societies; debating with the other candidates on what were the key issues which the Rector could get involved with and hope to make a difference. And really that process has not changed since the resounding success of election night on 31 October.
The only formal role of the Rector is to chair the University Court, and I now have the first such occasion under my belt. Decisions are taken there which affect the life of everyone at this University and those who are still to come, whether it be spending on teaching; sports facilities; accommodation or addressing issues such as ethical investment and environmental performance.
Traditionally however the wider role of the Rector is to have a sound understanding of the issues that matter to students and to ensure that their voice is heard. So the bulk of my time has been spent getting up to speed with concerns which have been raised with me - and building a relationship with those in the university who have responsibility to respond. Key issues of course include affordable accommodation and the future of Fife Park; library redevelopment; improving the provision for sports and fitness. I have met with the new Principal as well as key figures such as the Proctor, Prof Christopher Smith and the Director of Student Services Dr Chris Lusk to gain their perspective. Students also bring individual concerns to the regular Meet the Rector Sessions which I have established in the Union and I assist where I can.
There is also no end of invitations to chair, contribute to, or simply to be present at the myriad of activities for which St Andrews is renowned. I have moderated meetings for the European Society as well as the very successful Class Reps Forum; broadcast on STAR; had lunch with Ian Rankin after he opened the new Museum of the University of St Andrews (well worth a visit); and chatted with Sir Jackie Stewart as he received his honorary degree.
Of course there are particular issues and causes which matter to me and to which I would like to lend my support and experience. My background is in international development and the environment. My current role as Scottish Information Commissioner (my office is based in St Andrews) promotes transparency and accountability by public authorities. I want to bolster the good work which has already been done in St Andrews on ethical investment; fair trade; and improving energy efficiency and reducing consumption. I want to promote even better communication within the university and with the world outside. I want the University to be a good citizen in the way it positions itself and performs as a major institution in Scotland.
I am fortunate in that I have the invaluable grounding of having been a student here (In fact we have the unique circumstance that all 5 Rectors - at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee as well as St Andrews- are graduates of their institutions). I lived in David Russell Halls (as was), in Albany Park and in private rented accommodation. I was elected to the SRC; I was in university teams for football and cross country; I was active in campaigns to improve teaching learning and assessment, and to provide scholarships to displaced students from Chile and South Africa. And in all of that I made time to study economics, philosophy and medieval history en route to a degree in Modern History.
So, I regard St Andrews as "my university" and am serious about enjoying my time as Rector. Don't hesitate to contact me about any issue or activity you think I can help with.
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