Oleksandr Shtepan

Election post

Course

Studying NQ ESOL for Study Level 6 (ESOL) at Sighthill Campus

What are your top three priorities for students?

Vote for Vice-President Activities Oleksandr

Hello everyone! I’m Oleksandr Shtepan.

Three years ago, I arrived in Scotland from Ukraine, and Edinburgh College became my home, my community, and my new big family. I’m standing for the role of Vice-President Activities because I bring 25 years of experience in advertising and strategic communications, a strong organisational background, and lots of creative energy. I know how to turn ideas into real projects, how to build campaigns, and how to connect people around shared values and clear goals.

As your Vice-President Activities, I want to use this experience to create a meaningful space for your personal and professional growth. I dream that every single student comes to college with joy – not only to study, but also to discover their talents, practise new skills, and feel part of something bigger. I believe student activities are not “extra”; they are a powerful way to build confidence, friendships, networks, and future careers.

My top three priorities for you are:

1. Create a live communication platform

A student-led space where every voice matters. Through surveys, feedback, and bold ideas, we will listen to students from all campuses, courses, ages, and backgrounds. Whether you run, use a wheelchair, play football, code, game, knit, debate, protect the planet, garden, or speak different languages, there will be a place for you.

2. Empower and foster societies

All societies are great and small. I will support you in starting, growing, and promoting your clubs – from sports and outdoor activities to creative, cultural, and academic communities.

3. One family: students and alumni

I want current students and graduates to feel like one family. Each of you is an ambassador of Edinburgh College. Together, we will celebrate individuality, empower difference, and open more opportunities for your future.

How will your priorities improve the student experience at Edinburgh College?

These three priorities focus on placing students at the centre of everything we do.

A live communication platform means we don’t guess what you need – we ask, listen, and respond. You will see your ideas turning into real events, projects, and support. This creates awareness, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging: one home, one family, sharing space, time, and values.

By empowering societies, we make it easier for you to find your people: to play sport, create art, debate big ideas, explore sustainability, or simply have a safe place to be yourself. I will support you with organisation, communication, promotion, and by building connections with college staff and external partners. Your communities will become more active, more visible, and more confident.

Bringing students and alumni together will expand your horizons beyond the classroom. Alumni can offer mentorship, inspiration, and real examples of how college experiences lead to careers. Together, using the United Us Podcast and other platforms, we will build bridges between students, societies, the college, local communities, and industries. This will create more opportunities to build skills, expand your mind, and shape your future.

Why should students vote for you?

As a Vice-President Activities, I will bring brightness and buzzin’ energy into college life. Benefit from my experience in communications, and let’s use the United Us Podcast as a promo platform, giving you a real voice and space for self-expression. Together, we will celebrate difference and diversity, connect people, and include everyone. I will stand beside every society, support outstanding initiatives, and help you turn your vision into action. Be bold, be involved, expand your opportunities. I’m your booster for a more vibrant, inclusive, future-focused student life.

Please vote for VP Activities, Oleksandr Shtepan.