My name is Harry Sampson and I’m your friendly neighbourhood Communications Officer. Today I’ll be giving you a democracy update!
Though I’m sure the slightly blurred photo from my phone has filled you will a definitive sense of democratic fervour and new found interest in feedback, I think it is sensible to just have a quick reminder of how our democracy works.
Below is a handy picture that highlights the various forums and committees we have:
Second are the committees. These are different from forums in two aspects; first, they are chaired by a sabbatical (full-time) officer, and second, are only attended by related officers and nominated students. As forums ‘feed’ up into committees, these nominated students will have been elected from the forum they attended to represent its findings. All the previous feedback from the forums are discussed and refined, with the results sent forward to the Student Senate meeting.
Third is the big one, Student Senate. It is this we held today in the board room. This is only attended by the officers, General Manager, trustees and students from the related committees and university faculties.
Today we covered the minutes of the previous meeting, discussed and approved additions to bye-laws (policies guiding our actions and key events), and accepted new trustees recommended by the appointments committee.
A central part of every Student Senate is holding your elected officer to account. This mostly involves listening to the various activities the sabbatical officers have been up to, followed by active questioning/interrogation by the other attending members.
Some interesting events were brought up I’d also like to bring to your attention:
- Student Voice Day was a success, with more to follow in coming years
- The Student-Led Teaching Award nominations are open
- The Winton Fundraiser is on this Thursday, with games and prizes
- Get Involved Fayre encouraged a strong uptake in society membership
- Many new societies have been founded this year (including Clay Pigeon Shooting and Labour Society)
- The SU is currently looking at the length of the academic year after feedback from the Student Voice Jar
- The President wrote a reply to the recent government green paper
P.S. I am currently in the process of updating the SU website’s listings of sports teams and societies – if you want your group page updated, send a message to [email protected] for a quick reply!