Adam Johnston is a second-year International Politics student running for the position of Vice President for Communities in this year’s Union elections. With a strong passion for student advocacy and experience in student governance, Adam aims to drive ‘meaningful’ change by focusing on ‘housing, mental health, and student engagement’.
Adam’s journey toward candidacy was started by his two year long involvement in the Student Union and other Stirling University societies. Having served as a student trustee and a member of the Communities Zone Executive Committee (CZEC), and as the current president of the Stirling Univeristy Politics Society (SUPS), he understands the leadership qualities the role requires.
Adam’s decision to run was solidified when he learned of his nomination, an honor that reinforced his belief in his ability to lead.
“I have always been a strong campaigner for student issues and currently serve as the president of the student political society. Politics is my life, and I am deeply passionate about representing student interests,” Adam said.
“There is a lot of apathy among students regarding union politics, and I want to change that perception.
“If students aren’t engaged with the union, how can we achieve anything?”
Adam aims to bridge the existing gap between students and the union, emphasising the importance of unity in achieving progress.
He acknowledges that currently, many students feel disconnected and apathetic from the union and aims to promote a more inclusive and approachable environment.
While acknowledging the efforts of the current VP for Communities, Adam believes there is a broader, systemic issue at the core. He thinks the university’s focus on diversity is performative rather than substantive, leaving students without the necessary support.
“The university loves to claim accessibility, but for students with physical mobility challenges, navigating Cottrell can feel impossible.
“The waiting lists for support services can be years long, leaving students struggling with no help in sight,” he said.
“We cannot ignore the fact that Stirling University often prioritises optics over action.
“The current VP has focused on housing, which is important, but we keep hitting brick walls with the university administration.
They refuse to admit their shortcomings unless it benefits their public image,” Adam said.
He differentiates himself from fellow candidates by pledging to be relentless in advocating for student interests, in particular neurodiversity in support services and accommodation.
Adam promises to take direct action by engaging with accommodation services and advocating for fairer rent prices, even if it means creating public pressure on the university.
The university’s student support services, according to Adam, require urgent attention. He points out that students with disabilities and mental health challenges often face hurdles when seeking assistance.
Adam’s approach includes advocating for mandatory mental health first-aid training, increasing awareness of neurodiversity issues, and petitioning the accommodation team to improve inclusivity measures.
He also highlights the need for a more accessible mentoring service, stating that students should not have to fight alone for their needs.
At the core of Adam’s leadership philosophy is the belief that effective leaders must listen to and empower others. He envisions a more transparent and collaborative student union, where decisions are made collectively, and more students feel heard.
“If elected, I want my term to be one where a consensus is built around a university experience that allows everyone to thrive. I will ensure that student voices are heard and that they never have to fight the university alone,” Adam said.
If elected, Adam’s actions would focus on his three core pledges:
Student Housing Advocacy – Continuing efforts to improve student housing conditions, including organising forums where students can share their experiences directly with university officials.
Mental Health Support – Holding meetings with the student support team to highlight neurodiversity-related challenges and pushing for tangible solutions.
Student Engagement Expansion – Enhancing communication between the Student Union and students, potentially through online forums, to ensure all voices are represented.
For Adam, impact begins with immediate and visible action: “The university won’t feel pressured to change unless we show them that students stand together.
“The housing protests last year, despite their significance, were ignored. We need a stronger, united student voice that cannot be brushed aside.”
When it comes to social issues such as mental health, housing, and financial stability, Adam believes that these issues are interconnected and must be addressed simultaneously.
He argues that financial barriers often exacerbate mental health struggles and that student support services need more funding.
“The university claims financial constraints prevent them from expanding services, but their records show they have the money. It’s time we hold them accountable,” Adam said.
“We need coordinated action from students to apply pressure and create real change.”
Adam Johnston’s candidacy for VP for Communities is built on a foundation of advocacy, transparency, and collective action.
He urges students to stand together to push for meaningful change, believing that true progress will only come when students actively participate in shaping their university experience.
“United we stand, divided we fall,” he said.
“We must keep fighting, keep pushing, and eventually, we will break through the barriers the university has put in place. Change is possible, but only if we demand it.”
Featured Image Credit: Stirling University Student Union.
I am a third-year Politics and Journalism Studies student at the University of Stirling (2022-) and a writer and sub-editor for the Brig for over a year (Nov. 2023-), focusing mainly on political topics.
