The Mature HE student is under-represented as we juggle family commitments and work with intense Uni timetables. I began Uni at 45 years in Pathways after 18 years in teaching.
The mature officer needs to be the voice of the students who may have been out of education for some years and have some anxiety returning to learning and entering HE. This particular group often have many other challenges and commitments to deal with, which the school leaver has yet to experience in life. This can make University even more complex.
I entered Uni at the age of 45 years in 2019, firstly in Pathways and have had many challenges to face in life.
In addition to this, I believe I can be the voice for the mature student group, as I am an experienced teacher outside of Uni and known as a good organiser and communicator. The mature students would feel they have a point of contact to express their concerns, put forward ideas and opinions and feel valued members of the University's community.