Athletic Union President
The AU President is a full-time elected sabbatical officer who dedicates a year away from studies for the development of university sport and works closely with sports club committees to support their growth and development.
As part of the wider Sabbatical Team representing the student voice, the AU President works closely with the five elected Students’ Association Officers – Students’ Association President, the Director of Education, the Director of Student Development and Activities, the Director of Wellbeing and the Director of Events and Services – to help shape the student experience here in St Andrews.
As the elected student representative the AU President also represents the interests of the Athletic Union to the wider University, interacting with key stakeholders such as the Principal’s Office, Development and Student Services. The President also represents the University externally in BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) and SSS (Scottish Student Sport) forums.
Meet the president
Role of the AU President
The President [elected by and accountable to the membership of the Athletic Union] is directly responsible for the day to day management of student members of the Executive and for chairing the Executive Committee. The President is accountable to the Proctor, and works in partnership with the Assistant Director (Sport Development), alongside other Saints Sport staff members.
Key Responsibilities
- To undertake general President’s administrative tasks such as responding to emails from clubs, BUCS/SSS representative tasks, all paperwork for meetings and signing any relevant paperwork.
- To represent the interests of the Athletic Union to the University and interact with all University bodies (e.g. Principal’s Office, DSE, Alumni Office, Development Office, and Students’ Association) in addition to external organisations, companies and ad hoc committees. Undertake a public relations role.
- To working in conjunction with the Department of Sport to encourage participation in sporting activities in the University at all levels.
- To ensure the financial sustainability and smooth organisation of the Athletic Union and its constituent clubs.
- To uphold the Constitution of the Athletic Union and implement its policies.
- To continue to develop good working relationships within the AU and with the DSE now collectively known as Saints Sport.
- To help organise student elections alongside the Students’ Association.
- To adhere to the internal Athletic Union President’s Job Description, reviewed annually by the Executive Committee and the Department of Sport (where appropriate).