STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION

What is the Students' Association 

The Students’ Association is the representative organisation for students within West College Scotland. It’s run by students for students and aims to maintain and improve the student experience, both within the College and on a national level through affiliated membership of the National Union of Students (NUS).

What does the Students’ Association do?

The Students' Association gives the voice to all students at all levels across the College. The aims and objectives of the Association are:

  • To advance the education and social development of its members and students of the College as a whole.
  • To represent the interests of its members and act as a channel of communication in dealing with the College and other bodies.
  • To promote and protect the welfare of its members.
  • To promote, encourage and co-ordinate student clubs, societies, sports and social activities. 
  • To provide a mechanism for liaison with other Students' Associations or Union.

Can anyone be part of the Students’ Association?

Membership of West College Scotland Students’ Association and NUS is free and automatic to individual students studying here (both full-time & part-time). Students have the right, however to opt out of membership from the Association at the start of each academic year.

Get in touch by emailing: student.association@wcs.ac.uk

MEET THE TEAM

Freshta Qaderi - Student President, Greenock

Freshta Qaderi is the Student President for Greenock at West College Scotland, representing students across the Finnart and Waterfront campuses. She is currently studying ESOL Upper Intermediate at the Paisley campus, Before relocating to the UK in 2024, Freshta spent nearly a decade working in the financial sector in Afghanistan. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration (Management) from Afghanistan, completed in 2017. In Scotland, she has further developed her leadership skills through programs such as the Wide Horizons Women’s Development Programs with the Scottish Refugee Council (2025), which enhanced her confidence, teamwork, and communication. Freshta is dedicated to ensuring that the voices of all students are represented and supported across West College Scotland.

Samantha Mason, Student President, Paisley

Samantha Mason is the Student Association President for our Paisley campus. Samantha is also a student at West College Scotland, currently studying HND Software Development at Paisley. Last year she studied HNC Computer Science at West having first come to the College as part of the schools’ programme, undertaking NPA Games Development. Samnatha is committed to ensuring transparency and accessibility across the College, as well as seeking to foster a renewed sense of community.

Summer McCafferty, Student President, Clydebank

Summer McCafferty is the Student President for Clydebank, and looking to pursue a career in accountancy. Prior to her current role, Summer was a Student Class Representative and a Students' Assocaition volunteer. As a young carer herself, Summer is passionate about ensuring the College's students get the wellbeing and academic support they need to balance course work with other responsibilities.

Where to find us

  • Clydebank
    In the canteen to the left-hand side of the entrance
  • Greenock
    Finnart Street – Ardgowan 4
  • Waterfront
    Room 207 on the first floor
  • Paisley
    Canteen, ground floor of the Renfrew North Building

Get Involved

Voluntary Officer

You can become a Voluntary Officer that will help us work on a specific area, this could include:

  • Mental Health
  • Care Experience
  • ESOL
  • LGBT
  • Sports
  • Charity

Class Representative

Become a Class Rep and play a vital role within the College, by ensuring that the student voice is represented and heard. As a Class Rep you will represent the views of your class group and keep your group fully informed of any developments or issues that impact upon them during their time at college. This is done through curriculum meetings at the end of each block

What are the benefits of getting involved?

Make a difference – Being a Class Rep allows you to get actively involved in the decisions made about your education. It is a great way of increasing the quality and standards within the college and can benefit you, your peers and future students.

Transferable Skills – There are countless skills you can develop as a Class Rep such as: negotiation, diplomacy, problem solving and communications skills, both in your training and in your role. These are skills that can benefit your studies, personal life and in your future career.

Employability

Prospective employers want to see more than just a qualification and often look for those with the types of skills above. If you can show you have done something outside of your course, then this will prove you can juggle different responsibilities.