Your elected representatives here at DUSA and the University of Dundee
Tánaiste Custance
DUSA President
president@dusa.co.uk
As your President, I’m here to build our collective power by working with you, not above you. I lead by serving—helping turn individual struggles into collective solutions.
I believe we hold more power than we realise. Too often, education feels like it’s only about passing exams, rather than discovering what it means to be human and socially engaged. I studied Community Education because I believe learning should be liberating. As the poet Langston Hughes wrote “I see that my own hands can make / The world that’s in my mind.”
As a working-class, queer, and autistic person, I take the struggle for equality and dignity seriously. My priorities this year include defending essential student services—like disability support and counselling—from further university cuts, protecting your academic interests, and making sure any consultation with students is genuine and meaningful, not just a ‘tick-box’ exercise.
Most students work part-time to fund their studies. As a trade unionist, I’m passionate about improving working conditions for students and making sure DUSA plays a role in making work in Dundee fairer. I also want to challenge the high rents – you do not deserve to be ripped off by anyone!
At the national level, I work with other student unions across Scotland to put student interests front and centre with politicians and parties. Higher education is underfunded, and too often, universities mismanage the money they do have.
Other political issues I care about include: the climate crisis, the genocide in Palestine, supporting student sex workers, trans rights, neurodiversity and fighting the rise of the far-right.
Please feel free to contact me via email (president@dusa.co.uk) or Instagram (@dusapresident)
Ramya Shiva
VP of Academia
vpa@dusa.co.uk
Hi, I’m Ramya, your Vice President Academic (VPA) for this year! I’m currently doing my MSc in Business Analytics here at the University of Dundee.
When I first came here as a student, I faced all the usual struggles—confusing policies, slow feedback, and sometimes not knowing who to ask for help. That’s why I’m here now. I want to make learning smoother, clearer, and fairer for all of you.
As an international student myself, I know how hard it can be to settle in, handle studies, and figure out how things work. So don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’m here to support you.
This year, I’ll focus on making academic policies easier to understand and making sure support is available when you need it. I’ll also work on better access to learning materials, and yes—more captioned lectures and notes that actually work with screen readers!
AI is becoming a big part of education too, so I’ll help run workshops that explain how to use it properly without the stress or confusion.
Most importantly, I want to put student wellbeing first. University life is more than just deadlines and grades—it’s about feeling supported and having a voice.
I’m really looking forward to working with you all this year. Let’s make it a great one together! If you ever need help or just want to talk, I’m always here.
Don’t forget to follow me for updates: @ramya_vpa
Kyle Gray
VP of Representation
vpr@dusa.co.uk
Ruby Mugisha
VP of Student Wellbeing
vpsw@dusa.co.uk
Tom Christison
VP of Student Activities
vpsa@dusa.co.uk
Hi, I’m Tom, I’m really excited to be stepping into the role of Vice President for Student Activities at DUSA! Alongside this position, I’ll also be continuing my studies in fourth-year History and English. I’ve always been passionate about student societies. During my time at university, I’ve served on the History Society committee and been actively involved with both Magdalen and the SRC.
In my new role, I’ll be working to support and oversee societies across campus, helping to keep student life vibrant and full of events all year round. My top priority is making sure your student experience is the best it can be! I’m pretty much a walking encyclopaedia when it comes to societies, and I can’t wait to use that knowledge to support you. Whether you’re starting a society or looking to take yours to the next level, I’ll be here—along with our amazing Societies Officer, Dani McFawns—to help make it happen. Looking forward to a fantastic year with you all!
Ivy Gerber
VP of Community
vpc@dusa.co.uk
Hi, I’m Ivy, your Vice President of Community (VPC) for the upcoming academic year. Alongside this role, I’m currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in Politics.
My focus this year is to highlight the benefits that both university and DUSA offers for students whether it be sports, events or professional services to benefit the student body. I’m passionate about celebrating the diverse cultures and communities that make up the University of Dundee, and I’m committed to supporting their growth and visibility.
Our university community is small but incredibly special — something I deeply value. My goal is to create inclusive, welcoming spaces that reflect the same sense of belonging and connection that I’ve experienced here by running events, campaigns and many more alongside my fellow executives.
Collaboration is at the heart of a strong community, and I’m excited to work closely with societies, the university, and DUSA to deliver events and campaigns that represent and engage our entire student body.