Justine Pedussel, the current student housing officer is no stranger to student politics. She has already made a name for herself as a passionate advocate for students while tackling the housing crisis.
However, she is taking on a new challenge running for VP Communities. She plans to continue her advocacy through this role by representing students’ voices on issues affecting the student community.
Pedussel’s manifesto is built upon the goal of creating a safe, accessible, inclusive, and sustainable campus. Four core pillars which she hopes will create a positive campus environment for all students.
Brig sat down with Pedussel to discuss her campaign.
Reputation for uplifting student voices
During Pedusell’s time as housing officer she has made a name for herself as a advocate for student voices.
Pedusell has had first hand experience, talking directly to students via canvassing accommodation across the univerisity.
She consulted with students directly about their living conditions, finding multiple problems from broken windows to wasp nests found on the properties.
Pedusell was instrumental in getting Donnelly’s heating problem fixed which had been affecting students for over two years.
As previously discussed Pedusell is not afraid to hold the powers at be accountable for their actions for the better welfare of the student body.
“One of my proudest achievements within this role was that I got management to listen to us, to hear the students concerns and effect real change, as previously we were just being ignored,” she said.
Pedusell brought to light students’ initial reactions to living in housing with internal issues such mould, broken windows and heating issues.
“These are students that in some cases have just left home and when they are put in housing like Polworth or Donnelly that have these issues.. they think that’s what they deserve.. which not the case… Students deserve basic rights regardless of age or status.”
Pedusell hopes to continue to educate students about their rights if she is elected.
Holding the university to account to effect change
When asked about the recent revelation that Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the university Gerry McCormac had accepted a £68,000 pay rise during cost of living crisis, Pedussel was not shy in voicing her concerns.
“Its atrocious,” she said. “I cannot believe he has got a pay increase when students are starving.
“As housing officer I found that 15 per cent of students were homeless during their studies and the majority have struggled to feed themselves and that’s not normal. And for our vice chancellor to be getting a pay rise is unbelievable.”
It’s clear from meeting Pedussel that she is not concerned with ruffling a few feathers by calling out what she and a large majority see as injustices within the community.
Plan of action
Pedussel will aim to put her experience with canvassing by starting consultations with students of all walks of life, in particular minority groups giving them a platform on which they can voice their concerns.
“There is some parts of our campus is inaccessible, as a disabled student I can tell you that the majority of it is built for abled bodied students,” she said.
“There needs to be an extensive consultation on a wider level and implant these changes which I plan to do. “
It’s clear upon talking with her that she is passionate about being the voice to create change decided by the students themselves therefore improving their experience at university as a whole.
From this she will use her experience working with the union to invoke change.
She will encourage students to attend the general meetings in order to get their voice heard creating a united community for all aspects of the student body.
She plans to encourage and expand from the sustainability measures that the university has already created such as the community garden in order to create a greener campus that will not only serve us but will last for future generations.
It’s impossible to talk about this role without talking about socieies which is an internal part of this role.
Pedussel has a great deal of experience with societies. She was one of the main coordinators for STAR, an avid member of global justice and member of the law society for 3 years to just name a few. She has also collaborated with multiple societies therefore understanding the power of numbers, and students working as a united force.
“One of the most important things is seeing the value of each society.”
Justine Pedussel
Why should you vote for Pedussel
Pedussel has a long list of experiences and achievements advocating for students right behind her heading into this new role. Not only that but in her short time at university she has built up connections and relationships with the union and people in power to help create change.
If elected she would not be implementing her vision for a safer, accessible and inclusive campus alone. As she is running as the Stirling solidarity space candidate alongside her are Aaron Caulfield, Toby Wordie, and Ben Alker.
When asked why she people should vote for her for Vice President of communities , Pedussel laughed at the “cringy” statement that came to mind, however said it anyway showing a genuine love for this campus and desire to help better it .
“I believe in Stirling university and I believe in the potential it has and I want to be apart of it.”
Justine Pedussel
Voting opens on Tuesday, February 27 at 10am.
Featured Image Credit: Justine Pedussel
