By Lucas Spicer.
The DCU Business School Student Leader election has shifted direction following the withdrawal of MSc in Management (Business) student Shashank Ramesh.
Ramesh’s decision leaves Nivedhika Stanley Paul Blessing, a third-year BA in Business Studies student currently on INTRA placement, as the remaining candidate in the race.
The Business School Student Leader role acts as a bridge between students and faculty, representing student concerns, supporting initiatives, and contributing to discussions that shape the academic and social experience within the school.
As part of election coverage, The Bulletin interviewed both candidates about their priorities and understanding of the position.
During his interview, Ramesh indicated that he believed the role would begin immediately rather than in the following academic term, a key structural detail of the position. He has since withdrawn from the race.
With the election now uncontested, attention shifts to Niv’s plans and how she intends to represent Business School students.
The candidate said her decision to run was shaped by observing previous student leadership within the school, particularly the work of former Business School leader Sadhana Sambandam.
“Looking back, I think Sadhana really inspired me to enrol for this role. I really loved the Erasmus and INTRA talk that she had arranged when she was the business rep, and I’d love to see more of that for my peers next year,” she said.
A central focus of her platform is expanding peer-led initiatives, particularly around INTRA and Erasmus preparation, helping students make more informed decisions earlier in their academic journey.
Currently on placement, she acknowledged the importance of maintaining strong communication channels with students on campus and emphasised structured engagement to stay connected to student concerns.
Addressing the change in the race, Niv said she was “genuinely surprised” by the withdrawal but remained focused on the process itself.
“Nothing about the situation changes how I approach the election because the process still matters and it does not confirm an automatic win. There is still a minimum amount of votes to be achieved,” she said, adding that campaigning remains an opportunity for visibility, awareness, and listening to student concerns.
Former Business School Student Leader from 2024 to 2025, Sadhana R.Sambandam, who previously worked closely with Niv, described her as a committed and engaged representative.
“From the very beginning, she stood out for her energy, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the students she represents. She doesn’t just listen, she shows up, follows through, and fights to make sure student concerns are taken seriously,” she said, adding that effective student leadership requires the ability to “listen carefully, challenge constructively, and push for real change.”
Student engagement remains central to the election process. Laura, who oversees the nomination process, encouraged participation from the student body.
“All candidates should encourage as many students as possible to vote in the Students’ Union elections. We encourage every student to engage with all candidates’ campaigns, allowing them to make an informed choice. All ballot papers include the option to reopen nominations,” she said.
While student leadership elections often see lower turnout, the role remains an important channel through which student concerns reach decision-making structures within the university.