2nd Student Council Meeting 2015-16, Agenda

Thursday 12th November, 18:00, PK017, Pilkington Building (Medway)

Exec Committee

Harry Hodges (HH) President

Roisin Dunne (RD) VP Education

Scarlett Dempsey (SD) VP Welfare

Tony Whitehead (TW) VP Student Activities

Vivian Van Lent (VV) Greenwich Campus Officer

Seraphina Simmons-Bah (SS) Avery Hill Campus Officer

Robert Warwick (RW) Medway Campus Officer

Chris Hughes (CH) LGBT+ Officer

Amber Doy (AD) Women’s Officer

Hannah Woolcott (HW) Volunteering Officer

Chris Neal (CN) Postgraduate and Part-Time Officer

Keira Johnson (KJ) Mature Students Officer

Olumide Oyewo (OO) Black Students Officer

Lauren Shean (LS) Disabled Students Officer

Abiodun Philip Solanke (AS) International Students Officer

Societies Reps Sports Reps

Rhiannon Ashley (RA) Louis Hale (LH)

Steven Thomson (ST) Kafayet Olaleye (KO)

Bradley Moore (BM) Charlie Woollard (CW)

Martina Puja (MP) Amelia Blanks (AB)

Kerri Devlin-Alce (KD) Charlotte Crisp (CC)

Faculty Officers

ACH Meike Imberg (MI) ACH Rafia Naveed (RN)

ACH Jazib Ali (JA) ACH Simon Sparrow (SSpar)

BUS Luke Ellis (LE) - Chair BUS Christian Still (CS)

BUS Prince Yawson (PY) BUS Georgia Letts (GL)

FEH Ian Little (IL) FEH Fariha Parvin (FP)

FEH Olusolu Osineye (OOsin) FEH Jaye Brown

FES Paris Pishilis (PP) FES Victoria Roberts (VR)

FES Maureen Okposio (MO) FES Gail Kennedy (GK)

In Attendance

Gary Naylor (Minute Taking) Membership Services Manager

Conor Shanahan (Minute Taking) Representation and Employability Intern

Jenny Poulton (Minute Taking) Campaigns and Policy Assistant

Agenda

1. Apologies for absence

If you unable to attend please send apologies to Conor Shanahan

(c.shanahan@gre.ac.uk)

2. Chairs Welcome and Announcements

2.1 Meeting Guidelines

3. Elections and related business

Section A: Reports

4. Note of minutes from last meeting

Student Council is asked to note the minutes of the meeting

5. Minutes from Sub‐Committees and Working Groups of Student Council

Student Council is asked to note the activities of sub‐committees

6. Reports from the Trustee Board (HH)

Student Council is asked to note the report from the Trustee Board.

7. Reports from and questions to the Sabbatical Officers.

Student Council is asked to note reports from Sabbatical Officers and ask questions.

7.1 President Report

7.2 VPW Report

7.3 VPE Report

7.4 VPSA Report

8. Reports from and questions to Part‐time Officers.

Student Council is asked to note reports from part‐time officers and ask questions.

9. Questions to Student Representatives.

Student Council is asked to present questions to student representatives.

Section B: Motions and Amendments

10. Motions and amendments proposed by Sub‐Committees and Campaign Groups

11. Motions and amendments proposed by members of Executive Committee

11.1 No Platform Policy (RD/SD)

11.2 Reimbursement of Placement Expenses (KO/CW)

12. Other Motions and amendments

13. Policy Lapse

Section C: Any Other Business

SUUG Student Council Meeting Minutes from first meeting of the 2015/16 academic year held on Thursday, 29th

October 2015, in 11_2017, Stockwell Street, Greenwich Campus, commencing at 18:00. Present: Harry Hodges (HH)

Tony Whitehead (TW) Scarlett Dempsey (SD) Roisin Dunne (RD) Vivian Van Lent (VV) Seraphina Simmons-Bah (SS) Chris Hughes (CH) Amber Doy (AD) Hannah Woolcott (HW) Olumide Oyewo (OO) Lauren Shean (LS) Abiodun Phillip Solanke (AS) Rhiannon Ashley (RA) Steven Thomson (ST) Bradley Moore (BM) Martina Puja (MP) Kerri Devlin-Alce (KD) Louis Hale (LH) Charlie Woollard (CW) Charlotte Crisp (CC) Meike Imberg (MI) Jazib Ali (JA) Rafia Naveed (RN) Simon Sparrow (SSpar) Luke Ellis (LE) Chair Prince Yawson (PY) Christian Still (CS) Ian Little (IL) Olusola Osineye (OOsin) Fariha Parvin (FP) Jaye Brown (JB)

President Vice President Student Activities Vice President Welfare Vice President Education Greenwich Campus Officer Avery Hill Campus Officer LGBT+ Students' Officer Women Students Officer Volunteering Officer Black Students’ Officer Disabled Students’ Officer International Students’ Officer Societies Rep Societies Rep Societies Rep Societies Rep Societies Rep Sports Rep Sports Rep Sports Rep ACH Faculty Officer ACH Faculty Officer ACH Faculty Officer ACH Faculty Officer BUS Faculty Officer and elected Chair BUS Faculty Officer BUS Faculty Officer FEH Faculty Officer FEH Faculty Officer FEH Faculty Officer FEH Faculty Officer

In Attendance:

Gary Naylor – Membership Services Manager and Minute Taker Conor Shanahan – Representation and Employability Intern and Minute Taker Jenny Poulton – Campaigns and Policy Assistant and Minute Taker

Agenda Item 1: Apologies

Apologies were received from Chris Neal, Victoria Roberts, Amelia Blanks, Georgia Letts, Kafayat Olaleye. Late apologies were received from Robert Warwick, Keira Johnson. No Apologies were received from Paris Pishilis, Victoria Roberts, Maureen Okposio, Gail Kennedy.

Agenda Item 2: Chairs Welcome and Announcements

HH welcomed everyone to the meeting and explain that he would be the acting chair until Council elected a permanent one in the next agenda point.

Agenda Item 3: Elections and Related Business

3.1: Election of Student Council Chair

HH invited Council Members to nominate themselves. 2 Nominations for chair were made. The candidates for Chair were LE and MI. - HH invited candidates to give a 1 minute speech. - HH explained the process for voting by secret ballot. Secret ballot took place and results were counted. LE: 15 MI:12 Abstention: 1 LE was elected as Chair of Student Council for 15/16 session. HH gave up his role as acting Chair.

3.2: Election of Sub-Committees

Student Trustees Sub-Committee – HH, TW, HW, SS, CS, IL, MP, KD Honorary Life Membership Sub-Committee – RD, CH, MI, LH Appeals Sub-Committee – RD, AD, IL, ST Policy Sub-Committee – TW, HH, HW, VV, MI, JB, CC, LH

Agenda Item 4: Notes of Minutes from Last Meeting

Minutes circulated in papers, no notes

Agenda Item 5 Minutes from Sub-committees and Working Groups of Student Council

N/A

Agenda Item 6 Reports from Trustee Board

HH – suggested written report after each Trustees meeting. Noted Student Trustee sub-committee need to meet early next week.

Agenda Item 7 Reports from and Questions to the Sabbatical Officers

Questions to the President:

Reports can be found on the Student Union Website. Video Report Shown. RD: Whats happening with Student Consultation Framework? HH: Meeting Tomorrow, will circulate progress to SC. RD: Third Term Review? HH: Meetings held Academic DVC to ensure students views are heard. University say that the third term change was due to contractual issues and confidential matters. Meetings sending mixed messages. RD: Placement Support? HH: Faculty Officers will be involved in consultation. Harry to set up meeting RD: Representation Systems? HH: Liverpool SU use a shadow council with cross-section of students to evaluate the representative quality of SC. More open structures emerging in sector – by end of year possibilities to be explored. LE: Is Olu involved with BME researching? HH: Yes LE: Has Tony been involved in Sports Strategy? HH: Working in partnership on this with Tony.

Questions to VP Welfare

Reports can be found on the Student Union Website. Video Report Shown. LE: Housing Roadshows – are they happening? SD: Booked in, going to consult students. LE: Across all 3 campuses? SD: Yes IL: What’s happening with Time to Change pledge?

SD: Picked this up from previous VPW, a lot of work is happening on this. LS: How effective has nightline been? SD: Not many results as its not been a month, posters and stickers incoming – working with Bar Lat manager to create a safe space for people to use Nightline BM: What is official name of Sexual Health Month? SD: Sexual Health and Wellbeing Month KD: Why hasn’t Black History Month been successful? SD: Down to planning. Very busy summer, stuff happened but not as much as I wanted. LE: Is it worth starting earlier? SD: Falls more under SU not just VP Welfare. OO: BHM failed because of planning. SU doesn’t have the right structure for black events. ST leaves 7.35pm CH: Have you thought about getting RA’s involved with nightline? SD to investigate

Question to VP Education:

Reports can be found on the Student Union Website. Video Report Shown. RD: Use faculty-based support workers to contact PRs/University Staff. LE: What’s happening with Faculty Officer hoodies? RD: Still chasing OO: Can I have figures for BME? RD: Yes MI: regarding Student Led Teaching Awards, can you make report detailed? RD: Putting a business plan together, going to report on it at the next SC SS: Have you asked students if it’s what they want? RD: Students don’t want to go if they have to pay, trying to secure funding so it can be free. No consultation yet. SD: The money could go elsewhere IL: Employability within the curriculum, do you get feedback on employability in courses? AD: Humanities don’t take Employability seriously, so we don’t either LH: Language Modules in courses? RD: Looked into it, funding is an issue, hard to make a new module, student consultation into it to see if there is a desire.

Question to VP Student Activities:

Reports can be found on the Student Union Website. Video Report Shown. TW: Struggling to find content for Why Not On Wednesdays, need a green screen, whats on weekly email, waiting for the resources. KD: Why have you chosen to separate societies from Team Greenwich? TW: Was supposed to be a community thing, but it became very sports orientated. Was hard to put out benefits for activities as they are so varied. Trying to make societies @ Greenwich and Team Greenwich equal. KD: What’ve you done to advertise the societies page? TW: Societies council and Committee Group. JA: Update on Olympiad? TW: Waiting on responses, Get Active involved.

Agenda Item 8 Reports from and Questions to the Part-time Officers

LGBT+ Students Officer report given No questions Black Students Officer report given No questions Women’s Students Officer report given

AD: Prepared for free period week, currently recruiting volunteers, lots of people staffing stall, wearing red, packing up bags. SD: More sanitary products arriving in 2nd and 3rd term. IL: Have you taken into account different ethnicities in talking about sanitary products? AD: Very discrete, no aggressiveness. SD: Will be made available in all toilets including gender neutral. Disabled Students Officer report given HH: What’s a rant box? LS: A place for disabled students to vent their feelings. RD impressed with report turnaround. Greenwich Campus Officer report given CS: What’s happening with microwaves? VV: People are not engaging. Want to work with the Sustainability Hub to provide lunchboxes. CS: Paper Petition? VV: Will ask staff at SU if can use petition at work. Avery Hill Campus Officer report given IL: There are no food/facilities after 4 when lectures go on until 7. What are you doing about this? SS: Hard to get the university to invest in anything big for Mansion site. HH taking comments further. Volunteering Officer report given No questions OO and PY leave.

Agenda Item 9 Questions to Student Representatives

N/A

Agenda Item 10 Motions and amendments proposed by Sub-Committees and Campaign groups

N/A

Agenda Item 11 Motions and amendments proposed by members of Executive Committee

11.1: Zero Tolerance on Sexual Harassment

SD Proposes SD: this is a previous policy which has now lapsed, it is a vital policy. If we don’t who else will? Some of the research has been updated. Sexual harassment of woman students has gone up. Added point about anonymous reporting system. Students should not have to put up with sexual harassment regardless of demographic and this policy allows people to challenge it. Happy to take amendments but not lose it. Amendment 1:Point 2 –include any kind of comments which make someone uncomfortable. Scarlett is a quote. Add Union notes “any unwanted comments which makes someone uncomfortable are unacceptable”. Y:28 N:0 A:0

Passed – Amendment is added into the main motion. Amendment 2: change from Sparrows Bar and Bar Lat to add Coopers at Medway. Passes Unanimously.

Passed – Amendment is added into the main motion. Question: what is punishment? Part of disciplinary panel. Can ban people, pass onto police, pass onto Uni. So panel decides if something is assault? Yes and also what to do.

Question: how do we define what kind of stuff is taken to disciplinary panel? We can identify trends where things keep happening then we look into putting in protection. The zero tolerance policy means the victim decides. For: AD- met with people from good night out and they will train student staff and others on anti-sexual harassment training and so it is feasible. Against: none. Vote - Y:28 N:0 A:0

Passed – Motion becomes SUUG Policy.

11.2: Accessible SUUG: Subtitles for SUUG videos

RD: closed captions are not good enough, we need to do better. All videos from SUUG must have proper subtitles and encourage soc and sports to do so and asking Uni to also do this. CS: there is an option to add captions. RD:This falls under comms team to decide. IL: Amendment: subtitles need to be dyslexia friendly. SU resolves 4, make document outlining how to make dyslexia friendly subtitles. Vote - Y:28 N:0 A:0 Passed – Amendment is added into the main motion. AD: Amendment: Mandate societies to provide transcripts or subtitles. Vote - Y:20 N:3 A:5 Passed – Amendment is added into the main motion. TW: Amendment: change should to will. Vote - Y:28 N:0 A:0 Passed – Amendment is added into the main motion. VV Amendment: include people with English as a second language. Recommendation, international student brings back. Vote - Y:0 N:28 A:0 Amendment falls. CS Amendment: backdate to start of academic year for SUUG. Passes Unanimously Vote - Y:28 N:0 A:0 Passed – Amendment is added into the main motion. Vote - Y:28 N:0 A:0 Passed – Motion becomes SUUG Policy.

11.3: #CutTheCosts Westminster Lobby Attendance

RD- NUS ask us to do lots of things. We should ask student council rather than just letting sabs decide. Adding to democracy. HH: Amendment: to 1. The NUS have not provided it and so it isn’t h&s checked. NCAFC have run it. We shouldn’t endorse it merely aid students. TW Against: shouldn’t be a motion, should be an AOB.

RD: Didn’t know so please vote down and bring back as AOB. Vote - Y: 0 N:28 A:0 Motion Falls

11.4: Refugee Support Policy

HH explains IL: Amendment: Union Resolves to support refugees in the country rather than Calais TW: Are you saying to replace Calais with the UK IL: Refugees are already being helped in Calais HH: Support refugees in the UK, Calais and further a field Y: 27 N: 0 A: 1 Passed – Amendment is added into the main motion. KD: Only lobby the university owned halls or private ones too? HH: Anything the university has interest in Against: AD – Everything should be utilised for our students, students might feel jaded if provisions are given to refugees in students. For: IL: University has recently sent out there are vacancies in halls AD: Just wanted to make sure this had happened BM: If the rooms were to be taken up, what happens to students who urgently need accommodation HH: That’s why it says temporarily, this is only a short term option for transition. SSpar: Before I’d feel comfortable voting on it I’d want to know the policy on refugees finding permanent housing, what happens if they refuse to leave if denied housing. TW: All of that will be taken into consideration by the university. HH: Not our responsibility, it will be the universitys’. Amendment: AD: Resolve the SU will assist with the transition of refugees into the student community at the UoG Against: SD – We have lapse in policy that could be amended to make sure that happens Y:26 N:0 A:2 Passed – Amendment is added into the main motion. MP leaves Amendment CS: Temporary membership to the Union ACTION: To ask for staff what is needed for this to happen Dropping the amendment until clarification is found. Against: Sspar: not enough knowledge For: HW: General interest from student body for this as chair of RAG Against: VV: There isn’t enough information, students might be left vulnerable For: KD: This is a crisis on massive scale and its our obligation to help as a students union AS leaves. SD: We cant amend it if it doesn’t exist. If we don’t back it who will, we need to make change across the world. The logisitics will be worked on by the university Vote - Y: 20 N: 0 A: 6 Passed – Motion becomes SUUG Policy.

Agenda Item 12 Other Motions and amendments

N/A

Agenda Item 13 Policy Lapse

No platform to be revisited others will lapse

Agenda Item 14 Any Other Business

Disciplinary Panels AOB- AOB-

HH: President, Vice-President and A Student Council member needed for two separate panels Harry Hodges, Roisin Dunne, CH, SSPAR, CS, JA, FP, RA, BM , KD SD: Need to know dates and information before finalising panel LE: Pool can be approached when needed SD: Is 5 minutes ok for SC videos? Sabbs to send out email SD- Can people give feedback on dates aswell in email. MI: Can we have a SC facebook group. HH: This has been best most engaged SC, especially PTO reports, and thankyou.

Meeting Closed at 9.45

Harry Hodges - Student Consultation Framework: Manifesto

Progress;

Since the last meeting of Student Council, we have hosted the 2nd

Task & Finish Group which is where the bulk of the work leading on

the Student Consultation Framework (SCF) is taking place.

What

information can

you provide?

Senior University staff, student representatives, the SU CEO and

myself explored a number of areas relating to the creation of a

complimentary system which would provide a ‘bottom-up’ policy

creation approach along with the SCF which is in effect a ‘top-

down’ approach.

We discussed the importance of creating a ‘culture’ of

consultation focusing on communication as a key facet.

Embedding and expanding on the Union and Universities ‘You Said

We Did…’ Programme.

What is the next

step in the

campaign?

There are a number of the next steps before we establish the 3rd

(and potentially last meeting of the T&F Group);

SU CEO and I are working with each different ‘department’ of the

University (outlined in examples of Matrix), to identify how SCF fits

into current University policy and practice and create number of

appendix to attach to the draft.

We will also be creating an internal best practice or guidance doc

which outlines what the SU’s most ‘impactful’ comms platforms are

and therefore the recommendations to what comms to use for

which Consultation level.

How does this

tie in with my

manifesto?

In my manifesto I spoke in detail about wanting to offer Students

the opportunity to directly input and impact on the decisions that

affect them.

This piece is designed with that exact intention. To ensure and

consolidate how Students must be consulted on decisions that

impact them, rather than simply informed of the decisions when it

is too late.

Harry Hodges - Safety/Anti-Violence: Reactionary

Brief overview of

campaign

Improving safety in Student Union premises and tackling Violent

behaviour:

Looking at our current practice and policy regarding reporting

violent behaviour and further measures to help prevent it.

Potentially expanding the ‘good Night Out’ Campaign to include

violent behaviour or creation of a ‘Safe Night Out’ expansion.

How does this

campaign

directly affect

students?

It will directly impact students by ensuring that they know the

forums and means by which they can report any violent behaviour

and have the knowledge and platform of their Students Union

‘Zero Tolerance to Violence Policy’ to rely.

What progress

have you made

in this

campaign?

Discussions have been initiated with the Commercial services

manager as well as individual Bar Managers, specifically Sparrows

manager.

What comes

next in the

campaign?

Exploration of this topic with the Stewards at Sparrows and Bar Lat

to ensure that this work is based upon their practical experiences

and knowledge.

Looking into other Unions successful attempts to ensure student

safety and tackle violent behaviour.

Considering preventative measures which will positively impact on

peoples expectations and encourage positive attitudes.

Reviewing current policy surrounding ‘Zero Tolerance’ to violence,

and providing guidance document to disciplinary panels that

outlines the Union’s stance on violent behaviour.

Exploring our reporting procedures to ensure that appropriate

procedure is in place so that students who witness or are at the

receiving end of threatening or violent conduct are able to safely

and swiftly report it.

How are you

engaging

students in this

campaign?

This has come from direct number of reports being submitted and

carried through to Union disciplinary hearings, continued work with

service users (attendee’s) to trail different preventative methods

along with working with current student staff to ensure that things

taken forward are appropriate.

Harry Hodges - Dreadnought Consultation: Manifesto

What is the

campaign?

Dreadnought Consultation is based upon ensuring that Students have the

opportunity to contribute meaningfully in the development of their new

students Hub.

How will this

Campaign directly

impact students?

This Campaign is orientated around the development of a ‘consultation

culture’ and giving Students the direct means by which to become and

perceive themselves ‘change makers’.

It will directly impact on Students through the development of this culture

and through the tangible outcomes their opinions will influence.

Progress so far?

One stage of Consultation has been carried out with 1,190 individual

votes being cast by students online and over 400 people voting in person

during Freshers Fairs.

This information has been passed to the architects to decide décor of

both the Café and Basement Bar and a ‘you Said We Did…’ Comms

report will be created in due course.

What is the next

step in the

campaign?

Next step of the Campaign is to identify what other elements Students

would like to contribute too and how we can make them as significant as

possible.

The Greenwich PTO and I have devised a launch day for the SU’s

Dreadnought microsite which will run in collaboration with the Universities

but be focused on Student Consultation rather than the history of the

building.

We will be looking to run outreach opportunities for Students at

Greenwich and Avery in December, along with an online platform for

them to contribute and learn more about.

Scarlett Dempsey - Avery Hill Windows Update : Reactionary Goal

What was

asked?

Open up the Avery Hill Windows: Since starting my role I have

received many emails regarding the locking of the Avery Hill

Windows and the discomfort some students have faced due to

hall windows only opening at the top but not fully. Students asked

me to address the issue with the accommodation team at the

University.

What

information can

you provide?

I had a meeting with the accommodation team to discuss the

issue and after conversations it seems that due to health and

safety the University are unable to open the windows fully, full stop.

This is due to the risk of students being able to fall out of them and

could cause serious injury.

What is the next

step in the

campaign?

Whilst health and safety may restrict windows being open fully it is

still important to provide students with a comfortable living and

studying environment, I am currently working on ensuring all

students are provided a fan for their rooms as well as a more

efficient fan for social areas, such as the kitchen. The University are

able to provide lamps and fridges, this should be mirrored with

fans.

I will work with the Avery Hill Campus Officer to use a range of

platforms including housing roadshows to ensure this is enough for

students as we have no chance of the windows changing and

seeing if any other viable and timely methods can be produced

from the student body.

If this option of fans is rejected by the University without suitable

alternatives provided, I will aim to run a student led campaign day

on Avery Hill Campus in conjunction with Avery Hill Campus Officer

and students.

How does this

directly affect

students? How

does it align

with my role as

VP Welfare?

The fact students have actually brought their concerns to me

reflects that it is directly affecting students living at Avery Hill and I

feel that when the weather gets hotter it will cause even more

discomfort and so taken action now should prevent this from

happening.

Ensuring that students have a safe and healthy living environment

is not something I should just be concerned with as VP Welfare but

also links in to my fair accommodation on campus manifesto goal.

Scarlett Dempsey - Time to Change Ambassadors: Manifesto Goal (Mental

Health Awareness/Active Campaigning Network)

Brief overview of

campaign

Recruiting & Empowering students and staff to become Time To

Change Ambassadors: Following up from a suggestion made at

Student Council to considering Time To Change Ambassadors, I

have decided to set up a few workshops to allow students to

come along and find out all the information they need if they are

considering becoming an ambassador and what little ways they

can make the change.

How does this

campaign

directly affect

students?

It creates not only a network of people with similar passions and

goals but also allows students who already are champions or those

signing up to be to feel supported by the Students’ Union. The

more students we have who are ambassadors the more we have

students discussing mental health and thus more students who feel

they have somewhere to turn. Whilst it is development for those

becoming an ambassador it is also widens support for the whole

student body.

What progress

have you made

in this

campaign?

We are planning to run these workshops on all three campuses as I

haven’t had masses of time since the last student council I have

just been looking into

What comes

next in the

campaign?

I have planned several Mental Health Roadshows throughout the

year where I will go out and talk to students about the services we

offer and to promote open speech around the topic. I am also

working with the Student Wellbeing Team at the University on the

Time to Change Pledge which is due to be signed in February

which has a plan of how the University & SU can ensure mental

health stays on the agenda. In this plan there are awareness

weeks, mental health first workshops and further support provisions,

this should help the affiliation to Nightline in the future.

As well as this I plan to keep the new Disabled Students’ Officer

informed and take on any ideas from them.

What meetings

are you

mandated to

attend to

achieve this?

I have a follow up meeting with the University regarding the Time

to Change pledge before the December student council meeting,

this will hopefully produce one of the almost ready to go pledges

and so I am happy to bring the pledge to council to discuss

thoughts after this. I will also be setting up a meeting with some of

the people at time to change to ensure we deliver these

workshops effectively.

Scarlett Dempsey - International Students Guarantor Scheme: Evolution of

Manifesto Goals

What was

the

campaign?

Off Campus Accommodation: One of my manifesto goals was to

work on how students provide information and support when

looking to rent in the private housing market. This includes support

on where to look for properties, tenants’ rights and how to avoid

being conned.

What

changes

have been

made?

I will also be looking into and lobbying the University to offer an

International Students guarantor scheme. This would mean that

more students have access to private accommodation through

the University offering to guarantee on behalf of the international

student. International students are particularly vulnerable in the

private sector as they may be forced to compromise their rights

due to not be able to provide a UK based guarantor and therefore

this works well with my campaign to ensure all students are

protected.

Why have I

made

these

changes?

International students have to often pay between 6 months to a

year’s rent in advance due to them being unable to provide a UK

guarantor, this opens up the floor for rogue landlords and a lack of

tenancy rights. Other Universities have made the step to reduce the

amount they pay in one go as well as heighten landlord controls

by working as an acting guarantor to ensure monthly instalments

can be paid by the student. Many other Universities have had

great results from this and the cost is almost covered by a one off

admin fee therefore I see this as something we should be striving to

offer as it supports a minority group within our student body and

does not even eat away at resources, there is no reason why we

shouldn’t have it.

What

comes next

in the

campaign?

To compare schemes and papers produced by other

University particularly those in London Uni’s to shape a

scheme that works for our students.

Consult international students particularly on housing

roadshow days on their experiences in the private sector

and check this is something they would actually find useful

Arrange meetings with the University to ‘get the ball rolling’

on this issue and work on how we can support our

international students.

Roisin Dunne - Awareness Campaigns: Reactionary Goal (Lack of

Communication by University)

What was

asked?

Too often students are complaining that information is not being

communicated to them. They’re either receiving this information

too late (before they’re able to change their decision on an issue

such as module changes) or they’re not informed at all and only

find out the change once they rely on something.

What

information can

you provide?

There are always reasons given why students were not informed of

decisions with enough notice but there are times where this can be

easily avoided. Through some of the awareness campaigns I’m

currently running with EDU, I realised that more needs to be done

on communication to help facilitate these campaigns being

shown to students by academic staff.

What is the next

step in the

campaign?

Look into a communication timeline that the university will need to

adhere to when communicating change to students. This may link

with the student consultation framework however I haven’t seen

the framework yet to be able to work this out.

How does this

directly affect

students? How

does it align

with my role as

VP Education?

Information would be communicated to students with enough

notice to be able to act and make informed decisions. This would

hopefully stop some of the core frustrations felt by students.

Students can’t make informed decisions without being given all the

information they require to make the decisions.

I am there to advocate the student voice in many

meetings/decision-making committees but only so much can be

done if this isn’t be communicated to students. Similarly, the sooner

students are made aware of changes which don’t go to these

meetings/committees and are held within the faculties the sooner

they can be made public and we can advocate for change

before they affect students.

Roisin Dunne - Textbook Exchange: Manifesto Goal

Brief overview

of campaign

A platform for students to buy and sell their textbooks.

How does this

campaign

directly affect

students?

This is a popular request from students. The ability to buy and sell

textbooks on the same platform as everyone else, the ability to find

your course/programme books easily, a way new first years can

access books from new second years at the beginning of term etc.

This will help save students a lot of money, especially on particular

courses where they’re required to buy multiple books per module.

What progress

have you made

in this

campaign?

I am meeting with Clifton at the University on the 19th with our

Communications Coordinator to see whether we could use some

of the functionality on portal to achieve this. Failing that, we will

see whether we can use the University’s Wordpress account. I will

also be asking ILS whether there is a possibility that we have

physical stall/area in the library where this can take place. I will be

involving faculty officers in this conversation about what we’d like it

to look like, what we’d like included, what kind of functionality do

we require etc. We will then (hopefully) be able to release a

version that we can ask students to look at and give feedback on.

What comes

next in the

campaign?

Actually having the meeting with Clifton and the relevant person in

ILS (a couple FO’s were particularly interested in this so if they’d like

to come to the meeting holla at me!)

Consider the options available.

Talk through options with FO’s

Feedback to Student Council decision made/show any evidence

of what it will look like

What meetings

are you

mandated to

attend to

achieve this?

Meeting on the 19th

Subsequent meeting with ILS about physical stall/area

Roisin Dunne - Drafts for coursework: Evolution of Manifesto Goals

What was the

campaign?

To have reasons why some departments/courses are allowed to submit

drafts, for these to be communicated to students and, where possible, for

this to be more regulated.

What changes

have been

made?

There are more problems than just whether drafts are allowed. Other issues

such as dissertation preparation time, supervisor involvement, word count

limitations, in-assessment citations and preparatory sessions were also

brought us as issues. E.g. some courses are allocated supervisors before

the summer and are able to research during the summer; some receive

them in September; some students still haven’t received their supervisors.

Many of these dissertation modules hold the same number of credits yet

are not being given the adequate amount of time to complete.

Why have I made

these changes?

Multiple complaints from students, in particular students from the faculty of

Education and Health. I have been involved in numerous

conversations/emails discussing the issues as there have been concerns

about the quality of their written work being compromised by recent

changes.

What comes next

in the campaign?

We’re in the early stages! I’m still collating information from students, I’ve

yet to sit down with the faculty officers to discuss these issues and I haven’t

yet planned out this campaign. I want to consult with more students, gain

a better understanding then discuss this with relevant stakeholders – this

might be something that is dealt with through Academic Quality and

Standards Committee. It’ll be important to find allies in this campaign and

see how we can achieve this.

Considering introduction of the GPA

The HEA has published a report on the Grade Point Average (GPA) pilot project 2013-2014

(https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/node/11124) which was launched at an event held on 28 May 2015.

This short paper aims to inform discussion as to whether we should adopt the GPA at Greenwich.

Why use GPA?

It has long been argued by some that the Honours Degree Classification (HDC) system used in the UK

is no longer fit for purpose. The key criticisms are that it does not differentiate sufficiently between

students in terms of their performance, it is not recognised outside the UK and there is limited

transparency in how the HDC is calculated. It is further argued that the 2:2/2:1 ‘cliff’ is unhelpful to

students and seen as too blunt to be useful to employers. Thus, proponents of the GPA system

argue that it:

1. Provides greater granularity and, therefore, a more accurate representation of a student’s

performance and achievement.

2. Is internationally recognised, something that is increasingly important given globalisation.

3. Is better for employers through greater transparency (around the calculation of the

algorithm) and granularity.

4. Motivates greater student engagement in their learning.

The pilot

Details of the pilot are provided in the report but essentially 21 providers reflecting the diverse

range of HE providers piloted the GPA system. On this basis three recommendations have been

made:

1. A single GPA scale should be adopted across UK HE providers.

2. HDC and GPA systems should be run in parallel for five years (‘dual running’) at which point a

review should be undertaken.

3. Institutional autonomy should be maintained in terms of a range of regulatory and policy

GPA-related matters.

Considerations

In light of the HEA report, it is proposed that we introduce the GPA as a further element of the

student's transcript in order to augment the HEAR content and HDC. In a more developed model,

consideration would need to be given to the raft of areas related to assessment policy and practice

(refer pages 26-28 of the HEA report).

Specific issues for us to consider are:

What is our philosophy of learning, given our student population, and how should this

inform the algorithm? That is, do we have a model which calculates the ‘straight average’ of

all marks (students ready to study in HE from when they join, deeper student learning from

the outset) or do we give greater weight to marks accrued in the later years (a

developmental model, concept of exit velocity)?

What are the implications for our student record system?

How might we engage in awareness raising and education of staff, students and potential

employers around the GPA?

If we wish to move beyond simply introducing the GPA as an additional component of the

score, are there areas of policy and practice that we might prioritise for review?

Professor Susan J Lea

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)

June 2015

Tony Whitehead - Open Days: Reactionary

Brief overview.

The university have asked us for years to try to be more involved

with their open days but haven’t been able to make it worth it for

our groups. They have now decided that they are willing to offer

some financial incentives for our groups to help create a better

atmosphere at the open days.

How does this

directly affect

students?

It could be a good way for student groups to earn extra money for

themselves just by showcasing what they do to perspective

students.

What progress

have you

made?

We are currently in discussions around the details of the amount of

money provided and also what will be expected of the groups.

What comes

next?

We will try to scope interest from student groups and if it we agree

on something reasonable we will push for the groups to help. If we

cannot agree something acceptable I image it will be back to the

drawing board.

Tony Whitehead - What’s on Wednesday Video: Manifesto Goal

Brief overview.

What’s on Wednesday. It will be a weekly video send out every

Monday with results from the previous week and fixtures for next.

Also society’s activities and events upcoming and reports.

How does this

directly affect

students?

It will be another avenue for students to find out about the

activities that our student groups are taking part in on all three of

our campuses. With the new policy for subtitles/transcripts on all

union videos, it will be a much easier way for students to access

information, while remaining accessible to all students.

What progress

have you

made?

I’ve worked with the team and decided that it’s possible and we

have good ideas for it. Just trying to get a regular green screen

booking for weekly filming. We have been offered a room KW-006

but I’m unsure if its suitable and am waiting for the team to look at

it.

What comes

next in the

campaign?

If the room is good enough for what we want then start filming

asap. If not then keep looking for suitable equipment and working

on other ways to achieve it.

Tony Whitehead - Sports Kits: Manifesto goal

Campaign title

& brief

overview.

We have had the same sports kits for over 5 years and they are not

fit for purpose, which has led to multiple sports teams buying new

kits. Also we have had bad service and received bad feedback

regarding the online kit-store so we are looking to change kit

provider from Kukri as basically we have had enough.

How does this

campaign

directly affect

students?

Although the new playing kits will mainly affect the sports teams,

the online kit-store, although guided by sports teams, would be

accessible by all students to buy Greenwich branded sportswear.

This currently is not available to them.

Where is the

campaign

currently?

We will be having a meeting with Rhino sports on Thursday the 12th

of November to discuss the service they will provide. Also the

changeover and how best to implement that. We have chosen

Rhino as an initial main focus because Kent union have recently

made a similar transition to them and have recommended them

to us.

What comes

next in the

campaign?

Depending on how this meeting goes, begin the changeover

gradually to them for teams that are in desperate need of new kits.

Then get the sports teams to help build the online kit-store. Or try to

find another company if the service isn’t what we would require.

11.1 No Platform Policy Motion

Proposed by: Roisin Dunne, VP Education

Seconded by: Scarlett Dempsey, VP Welfare

This Union believes

1. That discriminatory & fascist views are still rife in all aspects of society

2. That it should be made clear that fascists, racists and other bigots are not

welcome on Union premises or at any Union event.

3. That students and Students’ Unions have a long proud record of achievement in

the fight against discrimination and fascism.

4. That in line with the Union's equal opportunities policy, the Union should be at the

forefront of campaigns to combat prejudice wherever it is found and in whatever

forms it takes.

5. That a ‘no platform’ policy is a key element in the fight against discrimination on

campus.

6. That the no-platform policy compliments equal opportunities polices and the

public order act.

7. That ‘no platform’ policies safeguard its members from being subjected to the lies

and hatred of racists, bigots and fascists.

8. That this policy is not designed to stifle genuine debate but to prevent members of

the Union having to listen to the lies and hatred of racists, bigots and fascists.

This Union resolves

1. Not to allow any individual who is known to hold discriminatory or fascist views to

enter Union premises.

2. Not to allow any individual who is known to hold discriminatory or fascist views to

speak at a Union event.

3. Not to allow any individual who is known to hold discriminatory or fascist views to

distribute any written or recorded material in the Union that expresses those views.

4. That no elected officer of the Union will speak on a platform with an individual

who is known to hold discriminatory or fascist views.

5. That resolutions one to four shall be known as the Union's 'no platform policy'

6. To widely publicise this policy, not only to its members but also to the institution.

7. To incorporate the no-platform policy into the Union's disciplinary procedure and

use this procedure accordingly.

8. To condemn and to campaign against the University if they allow anyone that

holds discriminatory or fascist views onto University property.

9. That the words ‘discrimination’ and ‘discriminatory’ in this policy refer to

discrimination or discriminatory views against any person or persons based on but

not limited to: age, gender, sexuality, disability, faith and race.

11.2 Reimbursement of placement expenses

Proposer: Kaf Olaleye

Seconder: Charlie Woollard

Union Notes

1. Nursing students have all their transport to placements reimbursed for the full

amount.

2. Primary Education students do not receive any reimbursement at all.

3. Primary Education students find it very difficult to work as they don’t have

enough time during placement weeks.

Union Believes

1. It is unjust to expect students to have to pay for travel to their placements,

without the opportunity to earn it, or without any help from the University.

Union Resolves

1. The Exec team will challenge the university on why this is the case.

2. The Exec team will pursue all available options to resolve this issue.