My name and role:
Kirsten Munro – Deputy President
Can you give some information about your role?
As Deputy President, I am in charge of the reps but I also am responsible for the funding and welfare of PhD students, as well as stepping in when the President is ill or indisposed. Above all else in my role, I am here to represent the student body.
What made you want to be part of our Student Leadership Team?
It was my life experience, and the gaps I noticed as a student within this institution that made go for this role. Plus, I had a gut feeling that I could do substantial good in this role and felt that it was the right thing to do.
What are you hoping to achieve in the 2026–2028 term?
In my tenure, I have a multitude of things I plan on achieving:
- A decent number of events for students across Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland.
- The exchange program between universities (in Scotland first then expanded after) and the OU, so students can get to know each other and access resources that other universities have to offer.
- An alternative to ProctorU, so that students have the choice between online examinations and in-person examinations in exam halls.
- Computer courses for older students, since technology is becoming so endemic and necessary.
- A solid mental health program for all students so that they are receiving proper treatment...
- ... And a university allotment to help people learn about sustainability, and gain skills that enable independence.
- AI legislation passed for PhD students, as well as proper funding for them too
If I can achieve this in my tenure then I'll be happy.
Tell us some fun facts about yourself!
- I've been an author and poet for almost ten years.
- I grow herbs / veggies via hydroponics, and am aiming to be self-sufficient.
- I am aiming to get data centres closed and pesticides banned in Scotland.
- Birds are my favourite animal, and when I'm older I am going to open a sanctuary for abandoned and injured birds.
- Lastly, I am a STEM student – I work with Raspberry Pi to create different projects.
And finally – what do you love about the OU?
I love how the OU embraces everyone equally, regardless of their history and background – it is democratic in a way our wider societies are missing at the moment.
How to contact me:
Email me
Please note that a handful of Open SU staff team members have access to this mailbox.