THE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING STUDENTS UNION

11/02/2016

Communities Zone Executive Committee

Minutes

There will be ameeting of the Communities Zone Executive Committeeon the11th February 2016 in the Ian King Meeting Room at 1:00pm. In order to ensure the meeting is kept to time please ensure all attached papers are read in advance. Apologies should be emailed .

1IN ATTENDANCE

1.1Members Present

Lauren MarriottLMVP Communities

Lea BarbettLBEnvironment & Ethics Officer (Co-opted)

Callum DerrickCDStudent Representative

Hollie IrvineHICommunities Officer

Rachael KinnairdRKClub President

Anuraag MukhiaAMStudent Representative

Jess LoganJLStudent Representative

Megan MilneMMClub President

Scott MacKay SM Clubs & Societies Officer

Anni RahtuARInternational Students Officer

1.2In Attendance

Vittorio IocolanoVIStudent

1.3Observers

Alban DicksonADStudent Activities & Volunteer Coordinator

1.4Apologies

Andrew KinnellAKUnion President

1.5Absent without Apologies

Kieran DalyKDMedia Officer

2MATTERS ARISING

3ADOPTION OF MINUTES

Minutes from the previous semester’s meetings are available online.

4CHALLENGES TO ORDER PAPER

Item 8.1.4 moved to follow 7.1

5RESIGNATIONS AND ELECTIONS

6DATES TO NOTE

6.1Women in Media fundraising quiz (12th February) ahead of conference in Manchester (4-6th March)

6.2Charity Cup (16th-18th February)

6.3Clubs Ball (Nominations open until 18th February)

6.4Musical Theatre (16th February)

6.5Musical Theatre (4th March)

6.6Greek System SocietySpring Fling (16th March)

6.7SUDS Osage County performance (16th-18th February)

6.8Elections nominations close on the 19th February.

7REPORTS

7.1LMWorking on Employability Festival. Those who attended the Women in Leadership workshop felt empowered. Volunteering Day involved a graphic facilitator creating a piece of work which is now displayed in the office. Focus turned to Charity Cup and International Festival.

7.2SMLast semester I received many enquiries from clubs, less so this semester. Working towards Clubs Academy and AGM workshops to ensure that clubs understand quoracy and attendance of a Union officer before electing next year’s committee.

MMWhen are AGMs to be held by?

LM1st April, before the newly elected committee takes place on the 1st June.

7.3LMOn behalf of HI, currently working on housing fayre, and attended a conference in Edinburgh with Union staff on Monday 8th February. Last year we the Union had distributed Ready to Rent packs in halls and asked students on their main housing issues.

7.4LBGreen Impact campaign sees the first event next week. Zero-Waste work is ongoing. Currently recruiting volunteers, running training and having regular atrium stalls for the Fair Share. Also changing the theme of the Fair Share next week.

LMVolunteers are very important in the future of the Green & Blue Space

7.5ARContacting clubs and societies for the International Festival, although have received little word back.

LMI have provisionally booked stalls for each internationally-themed society and the language immersion group for the festival, so just need to inform clubs of this. Unfortunately there is no availability of the German band for entertainment, but money will be available for acquire quiz prizes.

7.6JLOn behalf of KD, Air3 held a 00’s night in Venue on the 10th February, upcoming Women in Leadership quiz will help fund 3 women from each media society to attend the conference in Manchester. Brig working towards an issue next month. AirTV planning their Highland trip later this month.

LMBrig cannot afford to print an issue this month as there is no money left in the budget.

AMCould they print less editions in future, once every 3 months?

8DISCUSSION AND DECISION TOPICS

8.1Clubs & Societies Constitution(s)

8.1.1University of Stirling Fitness Club

LMThis is for the more social aspect and experience of going to the gym

ARhelps find people you can work out with

SMThis is a nice bridge between clubs and sports

Passed. 9 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions.

8.1.2University of Stirling Rounders Club

LMI questioned the similarities to being a sports team, however they intend to avoid set training times and keep it accessible as a recreational sport.

SMI think it’s brilliant having recreational societies

LMWhen the sabbatical officers went to America we met student activities staff and learned how clubs and sports are grouped together, leaving elite and varsity levels of sport separately.

AMThis is great for people too shy to join a sports club.

JLAre they able to book pitches?

LMProvided they member booking has a gym membership, yes.

CDAt what point does the distinction come in?

LMAt the intention to compete, but not relevant if purely recreational as this society appears to be.

Passed. 9in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions.

8.1.3University of Stirling TEDx Society

LMThis originates from Ana, the president of the Business Club.

CDTEDx is a platform for learning and provides seminars

SMPerhaps has some overlap with the Teaching & Education society, but not enough to cause an issue.

Passed. 9 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions.

8.1.4Stirling University Midichlorian Lightsaber Academy

VII am originally from Italy, and attended this academy at home, which takes its form from martial arts joined with the Star Wars brand. We use plastic blades for practice. We are looking to create a community of like-minded people interested in Sci-Fi. Activities include lessons with theory and then supervised fights. I don’t believe it is dangerous because we teach health and safety. In the 3 years I have been involved there has been no accident. We include choreography and will provide plenty of give-it-a-go sessions.

LBI think this is an amazing idea.

LMI am happy with this, as he has clearly thought about the risks and safety elements.

VIWe focus on control and strategic battles through two styles such as 1-handed strong attacks and others more focused on movement.

CDWhy is this not a sport?

LMIt is more about the fandom element, similar to the Quidditch team.

Passed. 9 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions.

8.2Club Grant Applications

8.2.1University of Stirling Paintball Society

SMBefore the start of the academic year we received invitations sparking a pipe dream to compete further afield. Semi-competitive sense will provide a new level of experience to members. 20 people can attend, due to the high costs.

LMOnly £200 from club fundraising is being contributed.

CDSo club funds include this? Can the Union offer transport deals?

LM£700 from members, but only requesting £283? It has been a hard year for Paintball with your regular site shutting down, sponsors withdrawn.

SMOnly managed 1 paintball trip per semester, usually aim for 3. 26th-27th March.

LMFriday Union quizzes are opening up for fundraising

Passed for £2008 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention

8.2.2University of Stirling Italian Society

LMThis is to finance a component of their trip.

ARThe trip will already be taking place

LMWe have encouraged them to apply, but it is now short notice.

CDNeed to know more detail and information

Rejected9 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions.

8.2.3University of Stirling Business Club

LMIs this for everyone on the tour? Business Club and Italian Society are collaborating.

CDWe can’t make that assumption

SMI think there is a discrepancy in funds already raised

ARPlenty in the club balance at present

LBHow does it cost so much for this particular tour? It must be inclusive of transport too.

LMThey have already fundraised a lot. We should offer something towards this tour. However, further planning and a greater level of detail would have certainly improved this.

Passed for £2009 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstention

8.2.4University of Stirling Spanish Society

LMThis activity is for next week, but it is unclear how much is being contributed and how many students are attending.

AMWhat aspect is being applied for?

LMCannot arrange an emergency meeting in time, before the date of the event starting.

SMI’d advise more fundraising, but there is only a small window for it.

8.3Charity Cup

LMPresented an overview of events. Every society and sports club competes to win £100 for the club and all raised money goes to their nominated charity. Last Man Standing event in the atrium on Thursday, Sports Team appear to be very engaged already.

8.4Clubs Ball

LMAt the next meeting I will bring letters to be distributed in an effort to identify sponsors.

JLI’d like to suggest Mary’s Meals as the charity benefitting from the fundraising at the event.

CDI would nominate CLIC Sargent

LMThe hotel has a price of £4.50 per person for a glass of sparkling fizzy wine on reception. This could be manageable with a cheaper photobooth. There will have to be a slight increase in ticket price. I am looking for support in sourcing vintage luggage, a life ring and other objects of a nautical or 1920s theme. A string quartet may be included at the beginning of the evening.

CDMatch up with vintage posters, possibility of borrowing items.

LMWe will also need help with moving balloons.

9ANY OTHER COMPETANT BUSINESS

10DATE OF NEXT MEETING

TBC, to follow mid-semester

11RESERVED BUSINESS