Welcome to The Student Cut
Your voice, your college. Welcome to the first edition of The Student Cut, your Students’ Association newsletter for the 2026/27 academic year!
It’s been a busy start to the year across our Dumfries and Stranraer campuses. From Freshers’ Fair and Halloween celebrations to Challenge Poverty Week, student representation and support, here’s what has been happening around your college.
Freshers’ Fair · SA News
Freshers’ Fair 2026: Thank You!
Over three days, more than 20 local organisations and college teams joined us to welcome students.
Our Freshers’ Fair ran from 1st to 3rd September in the Main Reception Corridor. Over three days, more than 20 local organisations and college teams came along to meet new and returning students.
Stalls covered housing advice, financial wellbeing, health, carers’ support, youth work and community groups – so whatever you need this year, you now know who to ask.
There were also activities and giveaways, including:
- Warhammer 40K, Dungeons & Dragons and board game demonstrations from GrimDark Gamers Club.
- Fitness challenges from PureGym.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along and to all the stallholders who gave their time to support our students.
Remember: Your Students’ Association is here throughout the year if you’d like to get involved, ask questions or share feedback.
Your SA Team
Meet Your Students’ Association Officers
Your Students’ Association officers for 2026/27 represent students across the Dumfries and Stranraer campuses, helping to make sure your views and experiences are heard.
Vanessa Douglas
President
Karen McIntosh
Vice President – Dumfries
Laura McColm
Vice President – Stranraer
Staff Contact
Luke Wells
Student Engagement & Capacity Lead
I support the Students’ Association and work with students to make sure your voice is heard. Find me inthe Student Association Hub or email
Wellsl@dumgal.ac.uk
Find the team in the Students’ Association Hub or email studentassociation@dumgal.ac.uk.
NUS Scotland President Visit
We were delighted to welcome NUS Scotland President Justine Pedussel to Dumfries and Galloway College to meet our officers and students.
It was a great chance to share what matters to students here and hear about NUS Scotland’s national campaigns.
College News
Challenge Poverty Week 2026
From 5 to 9 October, the Students’ Association marked Challenge Poverty Week with lunchtime stalls on the Dumfries campus (12–2pm), following the daily themes set by the Poverty Alliance, who lead the week nationally.
Monday
Social Security
Loreburn Housing Association joined us on campus.
Tuesday
Energy
An SA stall on energy grants and support, with guidance from Home Energy Scotland, Energy Action Scotland, British Gas Energy Trust and CPAG Scotland.
Wednesday
Skills Development
Skills Development Scotland ran a stall down by their office on campus.
ThursdaY
Tackling Child Poverty
The Holywood Trust joined us, and the SA shared information on cheap meals, food banks and other support.
Friday
Communities & Volunteers
Citizens Advice (DAGCAS), Midsteeple Quarter and Scotwest Credit Union joined us on campus.
Thank you to everyone who came along. Missed us and need help with money, energy or food? Speak to our Student Advisers (StudentAdviser@dumgal.ac.uk) or visit the foodbank in the Student Hub.
Foodbank Replenished
The Student Hub foodbank has been restocked, thanks to Myra, our Morrisons Community Champion, who has been a great help and organised a donation of items.
A huge thank you to Myra and to the customers of Morrisons for their generosity. Anyone who needs it can help themselves – no questions asked.
Class Rep Conferences
At our two conferences, held separately at the Dumfries and Stranraer campuses, Class Reps got the chance to be trained in their new role, meet their curriculum managers and get to know their fellow reps.
Thank you to everyone who took part – your voice makes a real difference.
Halloween · Sports Hall
A Spooktacular Halloween Lunchtime!
Games, prizes and free Halloween food took over the Sports Hall on Tuesday 27th October.
What a fun lunchtime! Students and staff swapped classes for a range of Halloween activities in the Sports Hall — from mummy-wrapping races to pumpkin-lantern target games.
There were prizes up for grabs throughout, free Halloween food to keep everyone going, and even a surprise visit from Spider-Man.
A big thank you to Vanessa and Karen for organising such a fun lunchtime!
You Said, We Did
Your feedback helps make college life better, and we’re pleased to share another change that’s happened because students spoke up.
You Said
“We shouldn’t have to pay for hot water.”
We Did
Sorted! Hot water is now free. Just ask the canteen staff directly.
DONE
Keep sharing your ideas. If there’s something you’d like to see improved around college, let your Students’ Association know.
Help & Other Resources
Student Association Resources
Student Support
Welfare Self-Referral Form
Need support? Connect with our Student Adviser team for help with mental health, funding, housing, or general wellbeing. We are here for you!
Student Counselling Service
If you feel you would benefit from professional, confidential support, yoy can self-refer to our Student Counselling Service.
*Please note that our counsellors will reach out to you directly via Microsoft Teams, so make sure your Teams notifications are switched on and you check your messages daily!
SAAS Applications for 2026/27
Funding applications for the 2026/27 academic year are officially open. Go to the SAAS website and submit your application early, ensuring your finances are fully in place for the start of your course.
Student Advisers
Our dedicated Student Advisers — Lindsay Chisholm, Jan Clark, and Tanja Livingstone — are here to support you throughout your college journey. Whether you are seeking advice on student funding, housing, course concerns, or your general wellbeing, the team provides a safe, confidential space to talk.
You can easily reach out to them for support by email
Student Funding
We are dedicated to ensuring that financial worries are never a barrier to your learning! If you are studying at levels 1–6, our Student Funding Team is here to offer clear guidance, advice, and support on a range of options, including:
- FE Bursary & EMA
- Childcare Support (FE & HE)
- Discretionary Funds (Housing & Emergency)
We understand that applying for funding can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you through the eligibility criteria, help complete your applications, and provide updates.
Please note: Students at Level 7 and above must apply for their main funding directly through SAAS.
Get in Touch
- Location: The Point, Room 1012 (directly left of reception)
- Email: studentfunding@dumgal.ac.uk
- Phone: 01387 734 240
- Appointments: Private chats, in-person, phone, or MS Teams, are welcome upon request.
Other Student Help
- Foodbank available in the Student Hub
- Free Soup & Roll available from Canteen at Lunch
- Lunch vouchers are available from Student Advisers for those in need
- Free Breakfast in the Canteen — speak with Canteen Staff
Got a Story for The Student Cut?
Have you been involved in something exciting at college? Got an achievement to celebrate, an event to promote or an idea for a future edition?
Your Students’ Association wants to hear from you!
You can also visit the Students’ Association Hub or find DGCSA on Facebook.