SU Executive Minutes
Time: / 14:00Date: / 26/02/2015
Location: / 273
Exec Present: / · David Suber – CP Democracy & Education [DS]
· Kabir Joshi – CP Activities & Events [KJ]
· Simon Campbell – Academic Affairs Officer [SC]
· Max Lohnert – Academic Affairs Officer [ML]
· Roisin Crowley – Disabled Students and Carers’ Officer [RC]
· Tom King – LGBTQ Officer [TK]
· Hannah Slydel - Womens Officer [HS]
· Luna Cottis – Entertainments Officer [LC]
· Tracey-Ann Munroe – Mature Students Officer [TM]
· Tom Oliver – Accommodation Officer [TO]
· Phoebe Fisher – Environment Officer [PF]
· Ana-Luiza Olanescu – International Officer [AO]
Others Present: / · Amy Dawson – Governance and Communications Coordinator [AD]
· Maksut Saka – Work Experience Student
Apologies: / · Georgie Robertson – CP Campaigns & Welfare [GR]
· Ruman Ayub Hasan – Anti-Racism Officer [RH]
· Grace Wilcock – Campaigns Officer [GW]
Agenda / Who / Discussion/Action
1. Hustings / DS / It was proposed that the sabbatical officers run the hustings this year.
TO suggested that a student representative rather than a staff member leading hustings would be helpful for students
It was agreed that both Kabir and David would host hustings
2. Mature Students’ Coffee Afternoon Feedback / TM / TM reported feedback from the coffee afternoon. Main problem reported was issue of careers advice for mature students. Internships/working abroad/CV help etc all aimed at younger students.
TO suggested speaking to other Universities and finding out what they do and whether it is effective.
DS reported that he has been less in touch with careers this year than other departments. He advised TM to start a conversation directly with Careers service & offered to set up a meeting between TM and head of careers.
TM suggested an open meeting instead. RC agreed and said this was also relevant to disabled students and carers.
TO suggested that before the meeting, find out what mature students are looking for in regards to careers advice.
HS suggested bursaries for students who can’t afford placements/unpaid internships. DS said the School would argue they don’t have the money. Group had a discussion about exclusionary nature of unpaid internships and what can be done about it. TK suggested the School looks at companies who offer paid internships and approach them first.
The group discussed careers service communications & the way careers interacts with students.
ACTION: DS to organise an open meeting with careers department before 20th March.
3. Dinwiddy / RC / RC reported that Dinwiddy blocked off the only access ramp for 36 hours. Stairs were consequently blocked when ramp was opened, meaning students who needed to access the ramp couldn’t. RC also reported other accessibility problems in relation to Dinwiddy, including students being told to leave their rooms for four hours with little notice.
TO suggested a letter from the SU to Dinwiddy.
DS said that if the Union works with the School on this it could lead to a greater outcome.
ACTION – DS to organise meeting with registry. TO & RC to draft a letter
4. NUS Conference / TK / TK commented that NUS Conference deadline for submission of policy is soon. The Union is able to submit 1400 words of policy.
KJ explained that at NUS Black Students meeting, charity commission law motion was developed. Something to ask our delegates to support.
ACTION – GR to develop motion to take to National Conference
5. Any Other Business / KJ / KJ proposed allowances to be made for students with disabilities affecting their speech in the hustings. Exec agreed.
ACTION – AD to email candidates asking to be made aware of students with disabilities affecting their speech.