What’s a Rector?

If I had a genie’s lamp, my first wish would be to understand what a Rector is. My second would be to understand what the University Court does. My third would be to understand the discord between the two. Most students are aware that there has been a conflict between the University’s current Rector and the University Court. If you were hoping this article would clarify the matter, you will be disappointed. Feud aside, the real question is whether the student body has adequate motivation and knowledge to participate meaningfully in the upcoming Rector’s election.

Some terms desperately need defining. The Rector is a student-elected representative who advocates for student interests in the University Court, the University’s governing body. The University Court oversees the University’s financial planning, senior appointments, and strategic direction (whatever that means). The current Rector, St Andrews alumna Stella Maris, was elected in 2023. The term is three years, ending in October 2026. The Rector attends Court meetings, presents student perspectives, and votes on decisions that are nearly all boring but nonetheless important, like the annual budget. All from the University’s website — you’re welcome.

Many students seem to lack a basic knowledge of how the University is run. My own study involved asking my friends over the week whether they knew what the Rector or the University Court does. Most had no answer. Before anyone accuses me of biased statistical inference, my study aligns with other engagement patterns. The 2024 Students’ Association elections had a turnout of 32.9%. Although it was a 4% increase from the year before, two-thirds of the student body did not vote.

While a Bravo producer would jump at the chance to make a reality show of St Andrews’ recent university politics, there is, in all reality, no good in belittling the seriousness of the situation. Confusion from past controversies makes it harder to build an informed student community. Public back-and-forth statements between the current Rector and the University Court point us in different directions. In the end, no one wants to go any direction at all. It feels like choosing a side when your friends break up. The communication we receive is as tedious and ineffective as that 1930s research paper you’re assigned for your tutorial, the kind only available as a photoscan. Without an understanding of how our university operates, students are less equipped to assess leadership decisions or participate critically in university life. 

Ignoring university politics can also be a stepping stone to ignoring other politics. Many have colourful opinions of policymakers and governments. I know few who could tell you what any main party’s programme actually says. A culture where opinions are shaped more by sensational media coverage than by a substantive understanding of policy is dangerous. Most of our interaction with politicians comes from the tabloids’ daily shockers about what colour socks they’re wearing, distracting us from their actual work and impact. Make of it what you will, but this could help explain the UK’s staggering “PM-per-capita.” 

Students are, however, equally responsible for recognising the importance of participating in any democracy, including the Rector’s election. So, think before you archive that union email the millisecond it hits your inbox. 

On that note, I want to revise my third wish: for us all to cast an educated vote during the upcoming Rector’s election. If my third wish proves to be too ambitious, I’ll suggest a more humble proposal: world peace.

The Rector’s election will take place on 15 and 16 October. Information on voting and nominations can be found on the Union website.

Illustration by Tess Barbey