Representation at DUSA is built on a connected network of students working together to make sure every voice is heard – from lectures, to the University’s highest decision-making bodies.
Class Reps are the foundation of student representation. They gather feedback from their classmates and share it at Student-Staff Liaison Committees (SSLCs), where they work alongside academic staff and module leaders to discuss learning and teaching matters. These meetings are also attended by the School President and sometimes the School Vice President, who both support Class Reps and ensure key themes are raised at a school level.
Each academic school has a School President, elected by students to represent the school as a whole. School Presidents sit on School Boards, where they meet with senior school staff and a member of DUSA’s Executive team to discuss broader academic and student experience issues.
School Presidents also attend the School President Forum every 4 weeks, chaired by the Vice President of Representation, to share updates, discuss common themes, and influence University-wide improvements. DUSA’s CEO and the University VP Education and Student Experience also attend these meetings.
School Presidents also sit on the Student Representative Council (SRC), which is DUSA’s main representative body. Also in attendance are:
· The DUSA Executive – 7 elected students
· SRC Chair – an elected student
· Five elected Councillors
· The Sports Union President
· The Independent Member of Court, another elected student
· Rector/Rector’s Assessor
The SRC meets once a month to listen to concerns and discuss what matters most to students. They pass motions, help inform decision making, and work together to make campus life better for everyone.
The DUSA Executive are elected by the whole student body. Four of them work full time, and 3 of them work on a part time basis to represent students across all aspects of University life. They sit on a wide range of University committees, including Senate and School Boards, and lead on key campaigns, services, and student policy development.
DUSA is a registered charity, and its Board of Trustees is the highest governing body within the organisation. The Executive Officers also serve as Trustees, forming half of the Board. They work alongside seven additional trustees from a range of backgrounds, who bring professional experience from areas such as finance, governance, and higher education. Together, they oversee DUSA’s strategic direction, finances, compliance as a registered charity, and approve any major policy changes. The Board meets every 6 weeks and is supported by four subcommittees, comprised of trustees and DUSA’s senior management team, to review DUSA’s performance and ensure the charity continues to act in students’ best interests.
The DUSA Board governs the students’ association itself, while the University Court governs the University of Dundee. The DUSA President and Independent Member of Court sit on the University Court to represent the student voice at the University’s highest level.
DUSA supports over a hundred student societies, covering everything from academic interests and cultural groups, to hobbies and socials. Each society is run by a committee of student volunteers. Every four weeks, society committee members are invited to attend the Societies Council, where society-wide policies and procedures are discussed, updates from the DUSA Societies Team are shared, and committees can raise ideas or challenges.
The Societies Council helps ensure that student-led activities remain collaborative, inclusive, and aligned with DUSA’s values, while giving society leaders a direct voice in shaping how DUSA supports student groups.
This year, the SRC looks a little different. We’ve had some students reach out with questions about the restructure, so we want to explain what’s changed and why.
DUSA Volunteers are more than just a group of individuals working together – it’s a family where students find a sense of belonging and discover the true value of community.
The University of Dundee has advised us that, due to its own financial difficulties, there will be a 34% reduction in funding to your Students’ Association this year.
We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Dr Fortune Gomo, a graduate of our university who made her home here in Dundee. We stand with Dr Gomo’s family during this unimaginable loss. Fortune, you will not be forgotten.