Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman MSP stands to be Dundee University Rector
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman, who represents Dundee as part of the North East region, is running to be the new Rector of Dundee University.
Ms Chapman has stood in solidarity with staff and students since the University’s Principal resigned in November after revealing a £30 million deficit. University management plans to plug this financial hole with cuts to student services and compulsory redundancies.
Announcing her bid to stand, Ms Chapman said:
“I am so grateful to the students and staff who have asked me to stand, and who feel supported by the work I’ve done to speak up for them in Parliament as their MSP. I want to be a campaigning rector who is a strong voice for students.
“When it comes to the University’s recovery, both students and staff have not been included or meaningfully involved in the conversation. Senior management has walked this great institution into a financial crisis, entirely shredding trust.
“This isn’t the time for more nodding along and business as usual. There needs to be someone in the room reminding management that they wouldn’t be there without the hard work of staff and students. We need transparency in university governance.
“Student services and staff must not be made to pay the price for the University’s reckless financial mismanagement. I will be campaigning for the reinstatement of support for the breakfast club and pantry, and for more investment in mental health support for students."
Ms Chapman added:
“The Rector election is an important opportunity for students to send a message about the kind of university that they want Dundee to be.
“Between my previous experience as Rector of Aberdeen University, my commitment to education as a public good, and my background as an academic and now a campaigning politician, I can bring a mix of experience and radicalism to the University’s governing body."
To be an eligible candidate, nominees must receive support from 50 students by 10 March. If more than one nomination is entered, an election will be held.