St Andrews University students call for overhaul of rector selection process

Several hundred students have signed a petition which calls for an overhaul of the process which resulted in the new St Andrews University rector being elected unopposed because she was the sole candidate.

While students are not necessarily opposed to Mrs Stihler taking up the role of rector, dismay has been expressed by a section of the student population at the “lack of a democratic process”.

Under the rules of the students’ association, which oversaw the 2014 rectorial election: “In the case of one candidate being validly nominated, no election shall take place and this candidate will be automatically appointed.”

Opponents say in order to take office, the rector should have a “democratic mandate” from the students of St Andrews University.

They argue a lack of nominations does not necessarily reflect apathy on the part of the student body.

Fourth-year history student Ali West, a former gender equality officer with the Student Representative Council, who has co-organised the petition, said they were “all very pleased” with the petition’s progress.

Ms West said it was their intention to present the motion at the next meeting of the SRC on Tuesday.