Meet Your Department Rep – Catherine Jean Mackie: Social Sciences

Whilst studying at university, students have the opportunity to represent the needs of students in their course in the form of Class and Department Representatives.

GCU’s Department Reps exist to support the work of Class Representatives and build links between them, their wider School and the Students' Association.

In their role as a Department Rep, they are expected to keep in touch with the Class Representatives in their department and produce a report for the Students' Association once per trimester.

We caught up with our Social Sciences Department Rep Catherine Jean Mackie to find out about why she decided to become a Department Rep and learn about her as a person:

What year of study are you in?:

I’m in my third year studying Social Sciences!


Why did you decide to become a Department Rep?:

Before I started university, I already had experience representing young people as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Glasgow Southside and a member of Glasgow Youth Council, so I decided to run as a Class Rep in 1st and 2nd year, and then became Department Rep in third year!


What’s involved in the role?:

Being a Department Rep means I get to attend different meetings such as SAGE Meetings and Student Voice Meetings to represent students studying Social Sciences, as well as working with our Class Reps!

What have you been working on as a Department Rep?:

Last Trimester, I started to become familiar with being a Department Rep as it's a step up from being a Class Rep, and I got used to the different meetings I attend. This Trimester, I’m looking forward to further representing students on any issues they are facing, and I’m hoping to work more closely alongside the Social Sciences Class Reps!

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a Department Rep?:

My advice to anyone considering running for Class/Department Rep is to go for it, as it's a valuable opportunity to make a difference! From personal experience, I’d also say to not be nervous attending Student Staff meetings, as the lecturers are welcoming at meetings!

What are you most looking forward to in 2021?:

I’m most looking forward to (hopefully) being able to see friends and family when restrictions are able to be eased, as although video calls work, I miss seeing people in person!


What is your favourite food?:

My favourite food has to be chicken Katsu curry - yum!

If you could be one person in the world for the day, who would it be and why?:

If I could be anyone in the world for one day, it’d have to be Nicola Sturgeon. I look up to her as a political role model, and it would be a unique experience getting to be the First Minister for a day!

What is the first place you would like to go to on holiday after the pandemic?:

After the pandemic, the first place I want to go on holiday is Strasbourg, as I was supposed to go last year with Glasgow Youth Council but the trip was cancelled due to COVID-19!

You've been sent to a desert island but can only take one item...what are you taking with you?:

If I could only take one item with me to a desert island, I’d take my Kindle with me so I could enjoy reading on the beach!

Find out more about Department Reps on the GCU Students’ Association website

By Rachael McAlonan

Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media