Matthew Paterson

Matthew paterson

Vice President Education

About Me

Hi everyone!

My name is Matthew, and this year I will be serving as your Vice President Education. While I was still a student at Royal Holloway I studied Politics and International Relations, and I can't wait to work on getting your voice heard. While I was a student, I worked as a Duty Manager at the SU Shop and as a Student Ambassador for The Purpose Coalition, advocating for social mobility in the UK. This is something I want to bring to the role as VP Education to make sure our University provides opportunities for all regardless of background.

Our role at the Students' Union is to make student life better, and with that in mind if you have any ideas or changes you want to see make sure to get in touch with me at my socials linked on the right!

My priority 8

  • Reduce Deadline-Stacking: 

    • As a student I know how an intense clustering of deadlines and coursework into a week or even just a few days can be stressful and make your work worse.
    • By working with the University and academic departments I will seek to centralise how deadlines are set to help tackle this issue.
    • With this in mind we are always looking for information to help us fully understand the issue and create a compelling case so get involved in any surveys or focus groups we run - or just drop me an email!
  • Increase Social and Study Spaces: 

    • It's always tricky after your lecture with a six-hour gap to fill to decide where to study quietly, eat, or socialise - not least because of how full all the spaces actually is.
    • This year I will work on this priority to address this issue for on-campus and commuter students ensuring comfortable and welcome spaces to go when the Library is packed.
    • Once again, if you have any thoughts on this priority make sure to get in touch to have your voice heard!

 

These are the priorities assigned to me, but I have personal objectives too relating to the Commuter Student Experience and Personal Tutor Support. At the SU we are aware Priority 8 are what students want to see us work on, but that it's not the only thing! Make sure to help us keep up to date with any issues affecting a student community - all your Officers and your Union are here to make student life better!

More than anything I want to hear from you this year, and I can't wait to meet and speak to as many of you as I can over this year - so once again get in touch!

The Role

Not only is the Vice President Education the Deputy President of the Students’ Union but they also sit on a number of high level committees including Academic Board where the academic strategy of the College is decided.

Alongside this, VP Education sits on the Union’s Board of Trustees. They work on campaigns aimed at improving the academic experience on campus and have a real impact on the academic rep system, empowering students to make change on their courses and within their departments.

What I'm Working On


Executive updates 2024/25

Latest Blogs

Officer Statement: Supreme Court Ruling

Wed 30 Apr 2025

As your elected officer team and as a Students’ Union, our first and foremost priority is the wellbeing, safety, and inclusion of every single one of our members. We want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for our Transgender community here at Royal Holloway.

 
The Role of a Sabb

Thu 23 Jan 2025

Nominations for the Leadership Elections are now open! This is your opportunity to step forward and nominate yourself to become one of our leaders for 2025/26. If you're successful, this blog highlights the roles and responsibilities you'll take on as part of this exciting journey.

 
Halloween Costume Idea: A Spooky Psychometric Test

Mon 28 Oct 2024

It’s spooky season. But I joke of course, because psychometric tests don’t have to be as scary as everyone says. Let’s demystify them.
First of all: What is a psychometric test? Some of you may be asking. Madelaine explains in this blog!

 
Skills Week: Summer Internships

Mon 28 Oct 2024

I'm not trying to scare you - I know the academic year has only just begun. But, especially if you're in second year, you may have already heard murmurs of the summer internship applications. From finance weeks at multinational banks to vacation schemes at the Magic Circle law firms, it seems like everyone is vying for the same big names.

 
Upskilling: Right here on Campus!

Mon 28 Oct 2024

Hi all! Welcome to Skills Week, where I (Madelaine) will be running through the nuts and bolts of how you can best set yourself up for the world of work. Don't worry; I'm easing you into it, as today I'll be running through all of the things you can get up to on campus that will teach you tons of skills that employers look for!

 
Uni 101: Common Concerns

Wed 18 Sep 2024

Everyone wants to know what they’re getting into when they start university, but it can be hard to work out where to find the information you’re looking for.
We’re going to break down some common concerns and worries you may be experiencing, and give our tips for how to overcome them, and where to go to find support.

 
 
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