Press release
Welcome to Dundee!
Hello everyone, and welcome to the University of Dundee!
Published on 18 September 2026
The DUSA Executive
Whether you’re arriving in Dundee for the very first time or coming back for another year, I hope you’re excited for everything the year ahead has to offer. My name is Tom Christison, and I’m your DUSA President for 2026/27.
University is, of course, about getting your degree, but it’s also about everything that happens around it: the people you meet, the things you get involved in, the nights out, the societies, the opportunities you never expected to take and the memories you make along the way. DUSA exists to help make all of that happen.
Meet your DUSA Executive for 26/27
I’m incredibly lucky to work alongside six other elected students who make up your DUSA Executive:
Tom Christison – President
I lead your Exec, and represent and advocate for Dundee students across the University and beyond.
[email protected] | @dusa.president
Ramya Shiva – Vice President of Academia
Ramya represents students on education, academic quality and the student learning experience.
[email protected] | @dusa.vpa
Chethan Gollahalli – Vice President of Representation
Chethan leads and supports student representation, your representatives and elections across the University.
[email protected] | @vprdusa
Ruby Mugisha – Vice President of Student Wellbeing
Ruby represents students wellbeing and welfare, working closely with University support services.
[email protected] | @vpsw.dusa_ruby
Sam Murray – Vice President of Student Activities
Sam helps our societies develop and thrive, and also convenes the Societies Council.
[email protected] | @vpsa.dusa
Rachel Robertson – Vice President of Fundraising
Rachel leads RAG and supports student fundraising and charity activity across DUSA.
[email protected] | @vpf.dusa
Sean Kwok – Vice President of Communities
Sean champions under-represented students, inclusion and connections between students and our wider community.
[email protected] | @vpc.dusa
Or for the whole team:
[email protected] | @dusa.exec
Together, we were elected to represent you and deliver our shared manifesto. Everything we do this year is built around three priorities: supporting your academic experience, building belonging and supporting your wellbeing, and being open, honest and accessible.
Our offices are located in the top floor of 1 Cross Row (the building opposite the main library) if you are ever looking for us, and if you see us around campus, come over and say hello!
Your Exec aren’t the only students representing you. We’re joined by our Division Presidents, representing students across each academic Division, and our Student Representative Council (SRC), which brings together elected students from across the University.
The first SRC meeting of the year takes place on Tuesday 22 September at 5:30pm in Dalhousie 1F06 and all students are very welcome to attend.
Together, we work to make sure your voice is heard in every corner of the University.
DUSA is your Students’ Association. When you matriculate, you automatically become a member.
We’re independent from the University and exist to represent and support you. From Advice & Support and student representation to societies, volunteering, fundraising, events and our student-run venues – DUSA belongs to you.
One of the best places to start is our Freshers’ Fair this SATURDAY!
With societies covering everything from courses, cultures, gaming, performing arts and plenty more, there’s almost certainly something for you, and if there isn’t, you can start your own.
You might turn up knowing absolutely nobody and leave having met some of your closest friends. That was certainly the case for me!
There are also loads of other ways to get involved, such as by volunteering which supports the local community, gives you great experience and is a fantastic way to meet new people!
Our RAG – Raising and Giving community is fundraising for Dundee Women’s Aid this year, kicking off with a RAG takeover of Sip Happens on Tuesday 22 September.
Sip Happens is our weekly Tuesday pub quiz in The Liar! It’s developed quite a fanbase, and some regular teams have even developed their own Instagram accounts, so clearly people take it very seriously!
You can also see what’s on at DUSA throughout the year.
The Liar, Premier & cost of living
The Liar is our café and bar, while Premier is our student-run shop. Money spent in our venues is reinvested into DUSA and the services we provide for students.
We also run cost-of-living initiatives including FoodStop every Tuesday and our Campus Pantry. Keep an eye on your inbox for Pantry sign-ups, or find out more about cost-of-living support.
The year ahead
It would be wrong to welcome you without acknowledging that 2026/27 will not be an ordinary year.
As the University continues its financial recovery, there will be significant changes across campus. Our priority is simple: representing you, protecting your interests and making sure your voices are heard.
We’ll keep you updated, and I’d also encourage you to follow our award-winning student newspaper, The Jute Journal, for independent student journalism on what’s happening across our University.
DUSA’s independent and confidential Advice & Support team can help with academic issues, housing, complaints, mitigating circumstances and much more. If something goes wrong – or you simply don’t know who to ask – please reach out.
And keep an eye out for VPSW Ruby’s Wellbeing Wednesdays emails, and Ruby’s first wellbeing event of the semester which is happening next Wednesday 23 September with dog therapy in Pavement Café from 11:30am–12:30pm!
One piece of advice from me...
Get involved, get out there and have a fantastic time.
Join a society. Try something new. Speak to the person sitting next to you. Volunteer. Go to an event. Explore Dundee.
On behalf of myself, your DUSA Executive and everyone at your Students’ Association, welcome to Dundee!
I hope you have a brilliant year, and if you see us in the Exec around campus, feel welcome to come over and say hello!
Tom Christison
President
Dundee University Students’ Association