My name and role:
Caelan Grant – Area Representative, Scotland
Can you give some information about your role?
In simple terms, my job is to be the voice for students studying in Scotland, making sure their views, experiences and needs are properly heard and represented. I am a point of contact and a public face for Scottish students, and I work to ensure that whenever decisions are being made, the Scottish perspective is part of the conversation. My role is about championing Scotland's students, closing the feedback loop on the issues that matter to them, and making sure they feel connected, listened to and genuinely represented.
What made you want to be part of our Student Leadership Team?
The role had been sitting vacant for a while, and as a Scottish student myself, I understand what it feels like when your voice is not being heard. So much of Scotland is remote, and I know first-hand the particular challenges that can bring for students. I wanted to step in and help change that, to contribute to a more inclusive OU, and to make sure Scottish students are properly represented and never overlooked.
What are you hoping to achieve in the 2026–2028 term?
Over the 2026–2028 term, I want to make sure Scotland has a proper voice at the table and that our views are actively collected rather than assumed. I am also keen to arrange a range of virtual and online events that give Scottish students real opportunities to meet one another and feel part of a community. Alongside that, I want to raise more awareness of Open SU, so that more Scottish students know it is there for them and know how to get involved.
Tell us some fun facts about yourself!
My partner Kiefer and I are completely outnumbered by our four French Bulldogs, which is basically like having toddlers who never grow up. They are all named after the Kardashian kids, a guilty pleasure of mine, so meet Stormi, Saint, Tatum and Mason.
I am also a spaghetti bolognese devotee. Kiefer and I love it so much we probably have it three or four times a week, and honestly we are not sick of it yet.
And finally, I am very much a night owl, so my fellow SLT members should not be surprised if they get the odd email from me at three in the morning.
And finally – what do you love about the OU?
I know it sounds a cliché, but what I love about the OU is right there in the name – it is open. It gives people from all different walks of life the opportunity to access education, no matter their circumstances or where they are starting from. I also love how innovative it is. The fact that the OU was doing remote learning long before the rest of the world caught up shows just how ahead of its time it has always been, and that you can earn a full university degree completely remotely still opens doors for people who might otherwise never have had the chance.
How to contact me:
Please note that a handful of Open SU staff team members have access to this mailbox.