For Student Volunteering Week 2025, we are shining a light on RGU’s Student School Officers. School Officers are responsible for listening to student feedback, working in partnership with staff to make enhancements, and representing their peers.

Master of Architecture student Jaydn shares his experience as Student School Officer (SSO) for the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment.

The application process

When I first heard about the opportunity to become a Student School Officer (SSO) at RGU, I knew I had to apply. I genuinely care about the Scott Sutherland School and wanted to leave a lasting impression, contributing to meaningful change within the school. As someone who is confident and comfortable speaking to almost anyone, I knew I would thrive in this role.

The application process was straightforward and gave me an opportunity to truly reflect on my motivations. It allowed me to pinpoint exactly what I wanted to focus on as an SSO. The interview process was a great platform for me to showcase my personality and discuss my involvement in various activities throughout my studies, such as co-presiding over the 5710 Architecture Society.

It felt natural to express my drive for student advocacy and leadership – although I was still nervous about having a Teams interview with a tutor I’d known for five years – because, let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like trying to sound professional while knowing they’ve witnessed you sleep-deprived and stress-eating during review/deadline season. 

What I’ve been doing as a Student School Officer and balancing it with my studies

Since stepping into the role, I have been involved in a diverse range of activities. I have taken part in course validation panels, attended external events such as the NE Build Your Future event, and played an active role in RIAS, particularly within the education committee. Additionally, I have been part of the Student Experience Sub-Committee (SESC), which has introduced me to some fantastic people and given me insight into the incredible work that goes into ensuring students remain the University’s top priority.

Balancing this role with my studies has been manageable, as I am accustomed to taking on multiple commitments. I thrive in a busy environment and view these additional responsibilities as opportunities to develop soft skills that extend beyond academic studies. I enjoy being the ‘yes’ man, signing myself up for as many enriching experiences as possible. These experiences contribute to my overall growth and make my university journey even more fulfilling.

My favourite aspects of the role

One of my favourite aspects of being an SSO is gaining insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of the University. Seeing the dedication and hard work of staff to enhance the student experience is truly inspiring. The networking opportunities that come with the role are incredible, offering chances to meet influential people in the field.

However, what I love most is being a support system for students, especially younger ones. Speaking to a tutor can sometimes feel daunting, whereas having a fellow student to confide in creates a more approachable and relatable support system.

How the role has benefitted me

This role has significantly benefitted both my personal and professional development. It allows me to engage in responsibilities beyond my studies, breaking away from the standard academic experience. The organisational skills and commitment required have given me a glimpse into what working life will be like.

Moreover, meeting influential people and realising that they are just human beings like the rest of us has been eye-opening. Many students feel intimidated by those in high positions, but this role has helped me overcome that perception and engage confidently with professionals – whilst being myself!

Why should other students get involved in volunteering roles?

For any student considering applying for an SSO or similar role at RGU, I highly encourage you to go for it. If you want to expand your knowledge and skillset beyond your primary field of study, this is the perfect opportunity. You may even discover a new niche that you love, opening doors to different career paths. Moreover, being able to make a real change in the school and the University is incredibly rewarding, especially within such a large institution.

My advice for future SSOs would be to have confidence in your abilities and be willing to step up for new opportunities. You never know where these experiences might lead. Not only will they provide you with invaluable skills to discuss with future employers, but they could also open doors within RGU itself if you decide to pursue a career in higher education. The impact you can make is incredible, and I highly recommend embracing the opportunity.

Jaydn Walker

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The post Volunteering as a Student School Officer – Jaydn’s experience appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Fourth year Diagnostic Radiography student Julia shares her experience of the course and the support she received at RGU with many personal challenges including being a carer for her dad and experiencing a stroke at just 24 years-old.

Why Radiography?

My name is Julia and I am currently in my fourth year studying Diagnostic Radiography. I am 24, and when I left school at 18 I had no clue what I wanted to do. I decided to apply for any and every job that I could in my local area and ended up in dental nursing.

During my time studying for my qualification and working full time, the Dentists I worked with would take a lot of intra-oral x-rays as routine to diagnose issues that could not be seen above the gums. Alongside this, I learned a lot at college about the importance of x-rays and radiation protection. From there, I knew I did not want to do dental nursing forever and so decided to do a night course at college to get my higher human biology (I wasn’t great at school).

Thankfully, this experience and finally a pass at biology meant I was accepted at RGU for the Diagnostic Radiography course.

How was your experience of the course going through many personal challenges?

My first year was during COVID-19 so I did a lot of self-teaching and relied on my previous knowledge of anatomy to get through. However, I loved every second of it. My favourite part of this course has been placement. Getting hands-on experience and putting book knowledge into practice has cemented my love for the course. It also helps that I love to talk and build rapport with patients.

Unfortunately, during my first year, my father was suffering with dementia and so juggling studying and being his carer was a unique experience to say the least. However, the support from placement sites, lecturers and friends got me through and I am still in the course so I must have done something right!

During the summer of 2024 (just before starting my fourth year), I suffered an ischemic stroke that majorly affected my speech, word finding, and overall concentration. I had many appointments to attend and felt worried about returning to university. Again however, after relaying my concerns to the lecturers and insisting that I continued as normally as possible, I was listened to and referred to the appropriate people to discuss additional support for the duration of my course.

I spoke to the Inclusion Centre and Occupational Health who both agreed that it was important for me to take things at my own pace. Therefore, measures were put in place to ensure I was able to continue my studies. Although to some this may have knocked them back, and some days it does feel like I should have given myself some rest, I am so thankful to the team at RGU for their understanding and overall compassion towards me during this time.

Do you have any advice to share to current and future students?

Ultimately, my advice to students is: communication with the lecturing team and placement site co-ordinators is key. If they don’t know your struggles and concerns then they won’t be able to assist you in getting the best out of your time.

I would not have been able to continue this course if it wasn’t for the support from the University, and I am so glad they allowed me to adapt my learning so that hopefully I will graduate next summer with the rest of my class.

Julia Calder

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