Executive Union Presidents Announced in Student Elections

The University of St Andrews Student Association, also known as the Union, announced the results of the 2026 Students’ Association Elections on Friday, 27 March. These are full-time, paid roles that those elected will undertake for one year, starting June 2026. 

Emily Bannister, President of Education

The President of Education represents students on matters related to learning, teaching, and research in St Andrews. The President of Education is one of two members of the Executive Team who hold a seat on the University Court.

Bannister is returning for her second year as President of Education. In her second year manifesto, she pledged to “de-bubble” the Union to “ensure all undergraduate and postgraduate students have a place in union feedback, and in national and international student campaigns.” She also plans to introduce a new credit model to prevent over-assessment and over-crediting, alongside campaigning to reduce student numbers to maximise resources. This comes as a response to concerns about the use of union rooms and halls for teaching and the availability of study spaces. Bannister also pledges to expand the extensions and part-time work systems, and to modernise teaching by introducing ethical AI training during matriculation, as well as encouraging the University to divest from unsustainable and unethical funds. 

Read her full manifesto here.

Amy Elvins, President of Union Affairs

The President of Union Affairs is accountable for steering the strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the Students’ Association. They work with the Association Executive, student leaders, and Union team to ensure its services, governance, and structures reflect student needs. The President of Union Affairs is the other member of the Executive Team who serves on the University Court.

Elvin ran on the values of transparency, visibility, and realism, and three key goals: “accommodation,” “bursting the bubble,” and “cost of living.” On accommodation, she pledges to focus on “realistic, viable accommodation options for students who need them — bridging the gap between housing in town, Dundee, and around Fife. Greater support and information for the transition from Halls to Private Lets.” Elvin also pledges to increase support for carers, commuters, mature and flexible learners, and provide them with “targeted and consistent student services support.” Her last aim is to continue and expand the Spare Spoon and Campus Larder initiatives and work to tailor commercial spaces to student priorities and interests. 

Read her full manifesto here.

Robert “RoMo” Moran, President of Student Opportunities

The President of Student Opportunities supports students in activities and development outside of their studies, overseeing a wide range of student groups, including 'networks' and societies. 

Moran is returning for his second year as President of Student Opportunities. He based his campaign around a desire to support the continuation and development of changes initiated this year, including physical construction on the Union and the Byre Theatre. His top priorities include the installation of a Union-run Wetherspoons and increasing employability and job support through the creation of a Union Employability Team. Moran also aims to increase society's voices in elections and education, create a postgraduate events team, and build a foundation for a “world-leading Drama and Music Union.” 

Read his full manifesto here.

Bartosz Rogala, President of Wellbeing and Community

The President of Wellbeing and Community represents student interests regarding diversity and inclusion as well as mental and physical health. They work with the Union and the University on how to approach issues like mental health, harassment and discrimination, sexual violence, physical health, and safety. 

Rogala’s priorities are addressing the global youth wellbeing and mental health crisis by increasing resources and access for St Andrews’ students. His top priorities are nighttime safety, loneliness, promoting happiness through community-building efforts, and protecting students from discrimination alongside other challenges. He aims to establish a new method to report and deter sexual assault, address the challenges students experience as a result of global conflict, and support LGBTQ+ individuals in the wake of the recent Supreme Court ruling. 

Read his full manifesto here.

Aidan Horsburgh, Athletic Union President

The Athletic Union President is in charge of student sport at the University, encompassing club sport, recreational sport, and representation within and beyond the University.

Horsburgh aims to prioritise community, accessibility, and presence as Athletic Union President this year. He hopes to expand advertising and community support for student sport and resolve disputes over academic commitments on Wednesday to free the afternoons for sport. 

Read his full manifesto here.