Hi! My name is Oliver Sweeney and I am running for the position of Inverness Depute President. I am currently studying HNC Business and Management, and I intend to continue towards a degree.
As Depute President I will listen, advocate and campaign in order to contribute to the building of an inclusive and supportive learning environment where we can all thrive.
I have returned as a mature student having dropped out during Covid due to stress and limited support in what was an unsuitable learning environment for me. Looking back, I now see this as an invaluable experience as I know first hand how hard it can be to keep up and fit in sometimes.
I was previously a Student Voice Representative and have experience with HISA. I am back, full of motivation, and ready to make a positive contribution to our student community.
If elected, these are some of the vital issues that I will address:
Student Support and Retention
I believe we need an environment that promotes more accessible and inclusive support. According to the 2025-2027 UHI Outcomes Report, 16-19 year olds and over 25s are the most likely to drop out. Let’s address this by pushing for more on-campus peer and professional support as well as stress-busting activities such as Pets As Therapy, sports days, mindfulness events and on-site gym classes.
Cost of living support
I will campaign for fairer rents and better facilities in student accommodation, via UHI and Scottish Government channels. I believe we can push for greater hardship support and a wider distribution of bursaries for students. I will work on creating an easy-to-access directory of local businesses providing student discounts, as well as encouraging more businesses to offer this.
Active Life - Better Travel
So many of us depend on unreliable buses. I feel strongly that a move towards active travel to the college on a daily basis will make the campus a safer place and have a positive impact on students’ health, both physically and mentally. I believe an active travel bursary for e-bikes/bikes/scooters, as well as working with local bike shops to offer better student discounts would offer a positive solution to the bus problem.
Being Listened To
Student feedback is more valuable than ever. We can always do better to listen to students, so I promise to be visible and available to students throughout the campus. I will work closely with the Student Voice body to address your issues and advocate on your behalf, where and when it counts.
So, get online and vote!
My name is Oliver Sweeney, I am running for Inverness Depute President. You can contact me at 15000847@uhi.ac.uk if you have any questions or concerns.
Please consider voting for me between 10am Tuesday the 23rd September and Mid-day on Thursday the 25th September.