Glasgow School of Art Students’ Association (GSASA) announced yesterday (Wednesday) that it is joining the National Union of Students (NUS). This follows a referendum earlier this week in which an overwhelming majority of Glasgow School of Art student voters backed joining NUS.
Glasgow School of Art Students’ Association (GSASA) announced yesterday (Wednesday) that it is joining the National Union of Students (NUS). This follows a referendum earlier this week in which an overwhelming majority of Glasgow School of Art student voters backed joining NUS.
Glasgow School of Art students now join the around half a million students and apprentices represented by NUS Scotland, as well as the around 7 million represented by NUS across the UK. As a campaigning organisation NUS works with its members to defend, promote and extend the rights of students and apprentices. It aims to create a society in which everyone can access and thrive in education regardless of their background, and where students and apprentices are valued as active citizens.
As a new member Glasgow School of Arts Students’ Association will now be able to contribute to, shape and build campaigns for a fairer, better education system in Scotland and across the UK.
The referendum was held alongside GSASA’s largest student elections in recent years which saw Rufus Horton elected as Student President and Charli Runcie voted in as Vice President - Education for the 2025/26 academic year.
Commenting, NUS Scotland President Sai Shraddha S. Viswanathan said:
‘We are delighted to have GSA Students’ Association join the ranks of NUS. As we face crises in university and college funding, and as the cost of living fast outpaces the average student’s or apprentice’s income it has never been more important that we come together in a national movement.
Glasgow School of Art students joining demonstrates that despite the challenges we face our movement is only going from strength to strength. I am incredibly excited to see the valuable contributions GSA’s students will bring as we all fight together for a better funded, sustainable and fairer education system in Scotland.’
Commenting, GSA Students’ Association President Alicia Bickerstaff (2024/25 academic year) said:
“We couldn’t be happier that our students have voted to join the National Union of Students. We’re excited to bring the specific needs of art students into the national conversation.
“We are proud to offer a strong range of services to our students including active social spaces, a network for creative development, an entertainment venue and a forum for their views to be heard. Now as members of NUS Scotland GSA’s students’ voices will be stronger and go further, helping to influence positive change across Scotland and the whole of the UK.”
Alicia Bickerstaff (left) and Sai Shraddha S. Viswanathan (right)
