student council - queen mary students' union · pdf filestudent council is asked to note...

of 31 Student Council, October 2016, Agenda (First Draft)

Agenda

Tuesday the 10 October 2016, in the Blomeley Rooms, Mile End Campus

1.0 Apologies

If you are unable to attend the meeting please send your apologies to

[email protected]

2.0 Chair’s Welcome and Announcements

Chair to open the meeting and make announcements.

Section A: Reports

3.0 Note the minutes of the last Council meeting

Student Council is asked to note the minutes of the meeting held on 24 April 2016.

4.0 Minutes from Committees

Student Council is asked to note the activities of committees.

4.1 Education Zone Committee

4.2 Barts and The London Students’ Association Board

4.3 Societies Board

4.4 RAG Committee

4.5 Club Sport Committee

5.0 Reports from and questions to the Executive Committee

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the Union’s Executive officers:

5.1 Executive Action Plan

Student Council is asked to note the Students’ Union Executive Action Plan.

5.2 President Action Plan

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the President.

5.3 Vice President Barts & the London Action Plan

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the Vice President Barts & The London.

5.4 Vice President Welfare Action Plan

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the Vice President Welfare.

5.5 Vice President Education Action Plan

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the Vice President Education

6.0 Reports from / questions to Student Representatives and Part-Time Officers

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the Union’s Student Representatives and Part-time

Officers.

Section B: Motions and Amendments

7.0 Motions

Student Council

mailto:[email protected]


7.1 Should the Union Amend Bye-Law 8: Student Representatives and Part-time officers?

7.2 Amendment to Bye Law 20

7.3 Should the Union Amend Bye-Law 8: Student Representatives and Part-time Officers?

7.4 Should the Union ban the illegal prevention and banning of the use of electronic devices during

lectures and seminars?

7.5 The Union should lobby the University to provide adequate space for Friday Prayer, and provide a

temporary solution in the meantime

7.6 Policy passed at Student Council will be allocated to the relevant staff or executive officers

7.7 The Union should ensure there is an alcohol free space in the Students’ Union Hub, and that it

hosts more Alcohol Free events

7.8 Rites of Passage should be held in St. Paul’s Cathedral again this year

7.9 The BLSA brand shouldn’t need to appear alongside the QMSU brand in all cases

7.10 Whitechapel Welcome Fair Allocations Should be Reserved for BL Groups

7.10.1 Whitechapel Welcome Fair Allocation Should be Reserved for BL Groups Amendment

7.11 Length of time to approve speakers by Queen Mary Students’ Union

8.0 Policy Lapse


Action Plan 2016/17

Miranda Black

President

Sumeera Ahmad

VP Education

Adam Sparkes

VP Welfare

William Atkins

VP Barts & the

London

In previous years the action plans for the Executive Officers have been included in the papers and

were updated monthly.

We are now providing a direct hyperlink to the action plans which will be updated regularly with our

progress.

We look forward to updating verbally and welcome your questions.

Links to Executive Action Plans:

Joint Executive action plan

President (Miranda)

VP Education (Sumeera)

VP Welfare (Adam)

VP Barts and The London (William)

Executive Committee

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vJLZZVKimy8N_CkE0j_B9GsDfYuAx1zmcxz73o00bjY

https://drive.google.com/open?id=16YquCnPEcJAnaFRXky2Cgbdk5XzoJnZoBxcclz24IDA

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lsk0aaSB8u-9-ADFr9P_PeLnCDduK5g3ZV5GEz0Rvmw

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1NkLcuTync_t4yWFfUavKxNabEYMP6MGXjFVtXnVBCi0

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qpJXaKwdZroQFzVEH9xApAZmd3UxPB1bPcJkkqH9pY4


Barts and the London

Mahnur Khan Barts and The London Faculty Representative (Clinical)

Since coming into role, I have had a handover with the previous co-chairs of SSLC, and met

with our staff chair. We arranged the dates for the meetings that take place once a month,

for the year.

I gave a talk to the direct entrant students on Student support.

My co-chair took my place as I could not make the date, and gave a talk on “how to make

the most of your clinical placement”. We have our first meeting planned for the week of SC.

We have 5 course reps in each year group – and are now awaiting first year course rep

elections to take place, following this we will arrange a course rep training for BL students

on site, probably the following week. I have represented the student body at MEC and MCC.

I am working with the university to merge forces for our annual Career’s Fair, its all very

preliminary at the moment but we are scheduling it for the end of Feb/beginning of March.

I have also attended a joint education zone meeting, in which we discussed our aims and

objectives for the year.

I concluded with one of my main objectives being getting a vending machine in the Garrod

building

Kieran Nandhra Barts and The London Faculty Representative (Dental)

So far the new freshers have been assigned mentors and we’ve had positive feedback from

them stating that they have been helpful to acclimatise them to university life, in addition,

we have been notified of the Queen Mary Student Survey and are pushing for more people

to fill out the survey within the coming weeks. This year I intent to improve the feedback on

work that is sent in and improve the organisation of the timetable, last year there were

essays and exams which conflicted in the timetable and made it hard for people to do well in

either, complaints occurred regarding revision timetables due to receiving the exam

timetable late. I hope to get the timetable out in the term before exam season. So far there

has only been one problem reported about Q Review from BDS 4 about the fact that there

were no recorded lectures prior to the 28th September, bearing in mind that Barts students

start earlier. Finally, I intend to work closely with the Education Committee to introduce

longer library hours for Barts students.

Ruari McGowan Barts and The London Faculty Representative (Pre-Clinical)

Sophie Hoque Campaigns Officer (BL)

Student Representatives and Part-

Time Officers


I am currently pulling together a Self-defining Women’s Discussion Panel and a Disability,

Mental Health and SLD Discussion Panel consisting of students at BL. A call was put out in

the bulletin, week beginning 26/9. The panels’ functions are to highlight important issues

faced by said liberation groups and discuss solutions by meeting termly. The panels should

mean a wider number of students who identify as part of the said liberation groups are

reached, as they will consist of students from different courses/year groups.

Secondly, I am organising BLSA’s ‘Tea and talk’ event on World Mental Health Day (10th

October) to encourage students to talk about their mental health.

Finally, I am working with Logan (BL Welfare) on the Consent Campaign branding and

message to be launched on 18th October.

Shyam Patel Dental Society President

My name is Shyam Patel and I am the student dental president. My official term of office

began on the 1st August.

From this date, myself and the rest of the DentSoc committee have:

Created a freshers pack for the dental freshers

Helped the freshers settle in at Mummies and Daddies. We gave our own

presentation and handled the dental freshers separate to the medics. And regrouped

with them and the Mummies and Daddies event in the Griff-Inn

Hosted our freshers event, Cartoon Networking

We participated in the freshers fayre, where we managed to get more subscribers

Held an Icebreaker event for the fresher dentists

Continuing our efforts with staff of the dental school to help maintain the high

quality of teaching that is offered. Which is an extensive task that involves 4

committees to ensure that this being done

We are currently in the process of delivering our standard events, namely Student

Staff Quiz, Christmas Party and a Barts and Kings social.

We are working to gain sponsorships from external companies

We are managing students participation in the annual BDSA Sports Day, held later

this week

Working to deliver the Presidential Inauguration, where the student and staff dental

presidents are announced

We have selected our new mentors under our mentoring scheme.

Have organised a talk with Oral B to 2nd and 5th year dental students. They all will

receive a brand new toothbrush.

Our society has 18 committee members that are individually coordinated to carry out their

own purpose for DentSoc.


We are doing well so far and need to keep going so we can host our events and make better

and maintain the teaching at the dental school.

Shu Ki 'Jennifer' Lok International Representative (BL)

Since coming into the post of BL International Representative, I have had several meetings

with the international student experience and liaison coordinator to discuss the issue of

international students, including EU students, being underrepresented in the Student’s

Union. Earlier in the year, I attempted to set up an international student society at Barts and

the London in order to provide a network of support that is specific to international students

at BL. However, due to the difficulties we encountered when looking for someone to take up

the treasurer post, the plan was put on hold. As an alternative, we are now setting up an

international student committee at BL, and the committee is currently recruiting. The

deadline for application for being part of the committee is Friday 14th October, 2016. I am

currently in the process of producing questions for the survey which is going to be

conducted within this term. The survey will be conducted for international students to see

what their BLSA experience has been and how supported they feel by the BLSA.

Sandali Wickrama Multi-Cultural Representative (BL)

I am currently in the process of seeing if I can book the Griff for a film screening of "Dear

Black People" for black history month. If that is not possible I will organise a room in the

Garrod and speak to ACS about seeing if they would like to introduce the event and be

involved in collaborating to or on other black history month events.

Other update would be starting to see when would be a good time to have the multicultural

fair this year.

Arran Dokal and Emma Vilventhraraja Postgraduate Research Representative (BL)

Thomas 'Tom' Longbottom RAG Officer (BL)

My time so far as BL RAG officer has been very busy. I began by putting together my

committee during the summer through an application process. I have 8 people on my

committee with a good structure that covers the different areas around RAG. From here the

first thing to organise was the Freshers Brighton RAG Raid which took place on the 2nd

October. Despite not selling all the tickets for this event, we managed to raise around £520

which

I believe was a huge success and those who came along certainly had a good time.

During the lead up to freshers, I worked with my committee mainly on promotional things

such as a RAG video, creating an Instagram and Twitter account and general posters and

other advertising.

After attending the RAG conference during the summer, I gained many ideas for the year

and Rob Hunter and I decided one part of our respective RAGs this year would be a 'QM VS

BL' theme to get students competing and wanting to raise more money.


Going forward, I have many plans for the year I would like to do. The next thing is a RAG

Halloween Poundstretcher at the griff in later in the month. I have also begun launching a

Budapest Marathon challenge which will take place next year in October.

Ross Johnston Societies Officer (BL)

The societies board have met for their first meeting on the 8th September, which I lead. We

affiliated a variety of societies both QMSU and BLSA. Also granting money to societies in

the first round of grant funding. The meeting went swimmingly with the board being

generally on the same page. Due to this I have been drafting up a document that will be sent

to all societies stating what we will not be giving grant funding for and generally what we

will to streamline the whole process by allowing societies to gain a knowledge the grant

funding process and therefore benefiting societies as a whole. I have been replying to

general emails and helping societies out with their general day to day running due to

committee members being new to their roles, with no major problems coming up in the first

few weeks of term. Also the Big Hello was very successful with a high attendance at the

event with a further event being held as not all the information was giving due to the higher

than normal numbers.

Megan Annetts Sports Officer (BL)

Since coming into posts I have already had multiple meetings with members of Club Sport

staff, members of the BLSA board, my club sport committee members and the BL club sport

captains/ presidents. Additionally I have created a BLSA Sport Facebook and Instagram

page which is so far proving to be a suitable platform in terms of getting the message out

about sport to the BL students. Before welcome week started I contacted all the presidents

and asked for information about taster sessions they were holding which I compiled into

one document and printed as flyers to disperse around halls on move in day, as well as

sharing this information online. I have run my first Final Whistle event which went very well

and I hope next month will be just as good.

I have had meetings with individual clubs who were concerned following grant allocations

and gathered feedback on how to improve the development plan process and also

discussed ideas to support the clubs who are facing particular financial hardships this year.

My meetings have covered many topics including Sport Strategy which is a discussion

about how the direction both BL and QM sports should go over the next 5 years focussing

on overarching themes such as participation and performance.

Emma Norris Vice President Barts

Since coming into the role, I have been busy working with the rest of the BLSA team. We

had a successful away weekend with the student council which was particularly interesting

as well as fun. Myself and Nina also took on the role of organising a handover meeting

between the old and new BL officers, we learnt a bit about each officers aims for the year

and played a number of team building games, before finishing off with a brick lane curry!


To help the ENTs team, we have put together a calendar up until Christmas to help with

planning of events and managing external bookings in the Griff Inn. We have also started

planning a big Halloween event, which hopefully will generate a bit of money for RAG. I

have also been attending BLSA monthly meetings.

Nina and I have also started communications with venues for Association Dinner and Rites

of Passage. We will be getting in touch with the graduation services to try to confirm the

dates with for the BL graduation, and speaking to the finalists as to when they would like

their Graduation Dinner to be.

Tanina 'Nina' Younsi Vice President London

Since coming into post I have been working closely with BLSA president Will and Emma (VP

Barts) in beginning the preparations in organising or flagship events. Emma and I also

organised a handover day at the whitechapel campus. We have been looking at venues and

attending meetings for the events. Most notably, we have met with St Paul's and we are

excited for Rites of Passage again this year. Freshers has gone extremely well and we have

improved support and visibility. There is still lots of work to do, but we're off to a good start.

Sameer Shekar Volunteering Officer (BL)

It has been an exciting start for BL Volunteering with the affiliation of two new BL

Volunteering groups (Doctors of the World and Cancer Awareness in Teenagers and Young

People Society London East). We are also working with two potential new groups to put the

necessary actions in place for their affiliation. The start of term also saw the first round of

the Volunteering Grant, where we worked through the successful applications and funding

of 4 groups, and, after an incredible amount of interest in volunteering groups at welcome

fair, we are now planning the second BL Health Fair (to take place in January).

Logan Bell Welfare Representative (BL)

I was concentrating on Mummies and Daddies as well as Help Squad. Mummies and

Daddies was a great evening enjoyed by all, we ran into some problems owing to the fact

that so many new students delayed their move in date, but this has now been resolved. The

Help Squad performed well at both Dawson and Floyer, with participants going out of their

way to welcome the first years.

My next priorities are out firm welfare and "The Consent Campaign" with its accompanying

workshop on consent and sexual well being to all first year medical students. We've

contacted third years with some helpful tips and tricks from a student's perspective, as well

as set up Facebook groups for each firm. There's still a great deal to be done and this will

become an on going project throughout the year.

I'd also like to ensure that the first years are given the appropriate advice and reassurance

in preparation for their first exam later in October, and will be thinking of a way to address

the issue throughout the coming weeks.

Mile End


William Dyer and Tilly' Marcilio Disabled Students and Specific Learning Difficulties

Representative (Mile End)

Tilly: I have mostly been occupied with case-work – setting up focus groups, directing

freshers, and going to meetings with 2nd/3rd year students. I tried to ensure that freshers’

week was accessible. I tried to ensure that accessibility training was given to

societies/sports groups/RAG groups. It was not. I attempted to be directly involved in

creating the materials for the training that was not given. I attended the welfare zone

meeting, and have started planning various events and pushing (with Adam) for an

accessibility audit – as lifts are down, routes are awful, and doors aren’t automatic.

Will: I have been working with DDS and the Union to stop lecturers from trying to ban

students from using laptops and tablets in lectures and seminars. Also, helping the union to

put together assessable training. This added to the individual casework that I have been

doing. I have also been working with the union on the upcoming accessibility audit being

done of all QM and BL campuses, making sure that it is all encompassing. I have also been

working with DDS on Dyslexia awareness week and making sure that students know the

services that are available to them.

Petros Petrikkos Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Representative

Before Week 1, I had the pleasure to meet with my colleague Chowdhury and discuss a bit

more our joint roles and key objectives for the new academic year. Having been re-elected

and having attended the Education Quality Board before, I briefed Chowdhury on how the

EQB operates, and went through a few points together before his meeting with Brad and

Sumeera. A few days after that, I attended a celebratory event at the Senior Common Room

at Queens’ Building, where I met new Faculty staff members, including the new Dean for

Taught Programmes for HSS, as well as the new Vice-Principal for HSS. Moreover,

Chowdhury and I have attended a meeting with the Dean for Taught Programmes, Dr

Colleen Cotter. While at the meeting with the Dean, we outlined our main policies for the

year, including our mutual objective to improve the QReview service and to raise awareness

over Faculty and QMSU policy. Additionally, we have been invited to the first HSS Executive

Meeting for 2016-2017 with Vice-Principal Professor Matthew Hilton on October 19th. Lastly,

I am looking forward to attending Senate for the very first time in mid-October.

Chowdhury Albab Kadir Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Representative

Last one month has been the most hectic and busy year for me at the university. I am

Chowdhury Albab Kadir, the Humanities and Social Science Representative of the Student

Union. I sit at the Education Quality Board Meeting along with the Vice President

(Education) in order to represent the student interests and act as a mediator between the

student body and the university in the maintenance of education policy. We had our EQB

meeting where key decisions concerning Year Abroad Programme, intercalated medical

program, and other decisions concerning greater student satisfaction. The meeting was

followed by another introductory meeting with the Dean of Taught Programme, who


discussed our priorities and agenda for the year, and discussed some of the possible

means of achieving that. The meeting was attended by the other HSS representative, along

with me. The key observation has been that both the representatives from the HSS have

common agendas, particularly working on making Qreview available to every school, and

handling the issue of copyright infringement. Lastly, I also attended and volunteered in the

Book Fair that was organized by the Student Union. I also have a series of meetings lined in

the month of October.

Shamrin Quddus International Representative (Mile End - Education)

After the elections I had a meeting with Sophia MacBlain. We discussed events that are

going to take place or planning to organise for International students such as Language

Cafe. We also discussed about having an online platform for incoming international

students. After the new session started I introduced myself to the new international

students at the QMSU welcome in the Great Hall.

Fahad Chowdhury International Representative (Mile End - Welfare)

Hey, I am Fahad your international representative. I have been involved in welcome week for

a while. I have wen to the international welcome programme to introduce myself. I was there

at the big quiz where I spoke to international students and helped them to associate to other

international students. I was also present at the fresher’s fair welfare stall and Student

council stall. I have made sure all the international students know who their International

Representative. Most successful activity was the mailing list I got. I have over 100 students

who signed up to the international mailing list to get updates of the events me and Sophia

are going to plan. I am happy how I got the opportunity to meet all the international students

and tell them what I can do for them .

Etienne Mustow Multi-Cultural Representative (Mile End)

I am currently trying to arrange for an evening in either October/November that students

from QMUL who engage in Afro/Caribbean music can enjoy. This would involve a

professional DJ who would cater to any requests any student had since, upon speaking to

many "multicultural" students, there was said to be a lack of student nights (amidst

Monday's Calling and Poundstretcher) at QMUL that directly appeal to these students.

So my immediate aim is to hold firm to one of the three points of my manifesto - promoting

multi-cultural student engagement at QMUL - and to continue talks with the multicultural

representative of Bart's to promote cultural engagement across the campuses. This would

be via multiple events (notably, the multicultural fair) so that we could have an air of cultural

pride across the entirety of QMBL and I believe, honestly, this would help ease the

noticeable tension between students of Bart’s and students of QMUL.

I envision collaborating with any cultural society in QMUL who needs my advice or input to

make as many events on the Mile End campus possible; thereby bettering the welfare of all

students through different cultural engagement and participation.

Maksud Mazumder Postgraduate Research Representative (Mile End)


Robert Hunter RAG Officer (ME)

In my first couple of months working as RAG officer, I have done a number of things to work

towards the targets I set myself on my manifesto. The first of these is that I have worked to

try and create more awareness and engagement around the RAG brand, by using social

media and getting people to notice us on campus. This was done through a RAG raid and

through our RAG stall at the welcome fair, as well as appointing a member of the RAG

Committee to overlook social media and promotion to ensure any messaging is clear and

consistent. Alongside the committee, we have begun to reach out to societies and clubs to

try and get them more involved as a group in RAG, especially looking towards RAG week

later in the year. We have begun discussions and planning for RAG Week, working

alongside Tom and BL RAG to make RAG week a cross campus competition, in order to

engage as many people as possible and increase the amount of money that we raise. I have

also picked the nominated charities for the year (Mind and Breast Cancer Now), through

student nominations and a student vote at the welcome fair.

Hashim Mastan Science and Engineering Faculty Representative

Lewis Williams Science and Engineering Faculty Representative

Since stepping into the role of Science and Engineering Representative, I have met with the Dean of Teaching for the department, organising a plan of action for how we will communicate and immerse ourselves as part of the student representation. I have also discussed with various Union staff members ideas relating to the sustainability of the S&E department and ways in which we can encourage a greener focus, i.e. giving our less lecture hand-outs and promoting more online resources. I have also begun to collate information on each department’s student support systems, especially surrounding examinations and assessments, in order to examine how student’s welfare is looked after during their education. I aim to make sure that more students are aware of the procedures surrounding “Fit to Sit” and “Extenuating Circumstances” and have the knowledge to utilise these procedures when necessary. I have also begun researching into ‘QEngage’ and will begin contacting each of the schools to assess how they are using this feature and whether it is being utilised in the best way possible. Farhasaad Shahid Societies Officer (Mile End)

So far in my role, I have been helping individual societies with filling out grant forms and in

the process of creating new societies and other forms and such. I have also been in contact

with different societies cross-campus to enhance possibilities to attend events at other

campuses. Unfortunately, I have missed out on the first societies board meeting, but I am

looking forward to the next one. I am going to complete my action plan for the year with the

Societies Coordinator very soon. I am looking forward to setting up a societies quiz event in

collaboration with Charity Week. I have also been working closely with Alvin and other

relevant members with the new strike and disaffiliation policy to make the system more

simple and fairer, which will be presented at the next student council meeting.

Clayton Bevas Sports Officer (Mile End)


Started work with a number of clubs to obtain further funding for the club. The aim is to

obtain something for the 2017-18 season. Put together the club sport committee (CSC).

Discussed with the CSC on the problem of late club development plans and any penalties

that ensue for the 2016-17 season. Attended CSC meeting and discussed a number of topics

revolving around sport and general activity. Finalised Hail Mary dates for sport clubs for the

upcoming year. Supporting the promotion of O2 touch rugby event. Attending LGBT+ event

to try and increase inclusion in sport/activity in demographics who have lower involvement.

Winston Lo Volunteering Officer (Mile End)

Signs have been fantastic for QMSU Volunteering at the start of this academic year.

Volunteering kicked off with a bang, with an incredibly successful Freshers’ Fair, with over

800 people signing up for more information on volunteering.

Sameer and I have met with Bronwen to discuss and allocate the first round of the Project

Fund to our volunteering groups - amongst the groups where the funds have been granted

to are: QMBL Marrow, Bow Foodbank, BL Sex Ed, and Teddy Bear Hospital. The latter,

(Teddy Bear Hospital) had a record number of volunteers (200!!!) attending their welcome

event, which is wonderful news!

In other news, we are about to launch our project to “make volunteering hip”! So far, we

have received healthy feedback, with One-Day Volunteering Leaders voicing their support

and willingness to help the project. This project will aim to revamp the presentation of

QMSU Volunteering on multimedia around campus – that being largely through creating

videos of volunteering experiences and integrating with QMSU media outlets. That being

said, we have addressed the success of this project will rely on the consistency and

continuity of content creation.

Finally, the latest event QMSU Volunteering is undergoing is collaborating with QMSU RAG

for World Mental Health Day on the 10th October. This will entail raising awareness of

mental health issues at Library Square, with volunteers creating artwork and fundraising for

local mental health charities.

Laura Potter Welfare Representative (Mile End)

At the first Welfare Zone meeting, I discussed a previous motion which looked into the

possibility of recruiting a full-time Mental Health Officer within the SU (April 2016). It is

understood that this is to be explored further once the Mental Health Board (sub-group for

Welfare Zone) has met. Here, we will discuss a list of possible options.

I considered presenting motions to the upcoming student council (today). This included

improving the inclusion of interrupting students with QMSU activities (such as volunteering,

societies and student media). I also considered redrafting and resubmitting a QMSU Zero

Tolerance policy. However I decided against submitting these motions due to ongoing work

in these areas from other members of the SU.


There are also ongoing talks with QMBL Mental Health Awareness Society regarding Mental

Health Awareness Week this year. President also mentioned the possibility of working

together on a Mental Health Festival.

I have been organising World Mental Health Day, which falls on Monday 10th October. There

will be an opportunity for students to get involved with chalking, running an information

stall and fundraising for local mental health charities. I have met with Richard, VP Welfare,

RAG, societies and volunteering to discuss. Volunteers can sign up at;

http://doodle.com/poll/6micrabrkd4a5gkw, and the Facebook event is;

https://www.facebook.com/events/1819691291645987/. Activities will take place in Library

Square.

Josephine 'Jo' Whitehouse Womens Representative (Mile End)

As written in my manifesto, one of my main aims for this year is to take steps to bring about

the implementation of consent talks and workshops for first years. Whilst such talks have

not been instigated this year, Miranda and I have been discussing holding voluntary talks

this term to gauge the interest there would be for such a programme. Then we would be

looking to help ensure consent talks are prepared for the next intake of students.

In addition to consent talks, I am in process of organising an event in conjunction with

Queen Mary Young Greens and QMEquality called “Women in Politics in Activism”. This is

scheduled to be held in on International Women’s day, the 8th of March 2017. I also plan on

organising other events in a similar vein, my current idea being ‘Women in Media’ which

would involve influential women working within media coming to talk to Queen Mary

students about their experiences within their professions.

Anis Islam Student Media Officer

I was first welcomed and introduced by Emma Gault in early September where I was given a

brief of my role and what I am expected to do.

My first involvement with the media heads was during “The Big Hello” Where we had our

separate meeting from the societies. Which gave me the opportunity to meet with them and

tell them my manifesto. As well as organising dates for this year.

Our first meeting was held at the end of November where we split our 3.3-thousand-pound

budget among the media outlets which was not easy considering PMP just became an outlet

and The Vulture was now active. So we had more places to split the money.

It took a lot of scrimping but it was all completed without too many issues. However, we

were heavily reliant on the money remaining from last year.

The money split was proportionally imbalanced with some outlets getting more than others

with QMTV getting the least.

Fortunately, though it does look like all of our outlets are going to run and be active with

much more prints and editions going out on the whole. With a specific mention of Vulture

which will be doing much more and possibility coming to mile end campus.

Alexandros Mantzalos Commercial Services Officer

http://doodle.com/poll/6micrabrkd4a5gkw

https://www.facebook.com/events/1819691291645987/


Currently dealing with retail to discuss what to do with wastage as we have a lot of products

that go out on the weekend in venues that close during the weekend. The idea is to donate

the majority to the homeless and those in need by working closely with volunteers, whilst in

venues that open till late we use an app to sell the products at a cheaper price to benefit the

student as well as to ensure the food isn’t going to waste.

Looking to bring back more themed events to our events team, meeting with events team

had to be rescheduled. Looking at fun social non-alcoholic events, i.e. eating contests as

they would be new. After the incredible success to wings night on specific Thursdays we’re

looking to make them more frequent as well as possibly brining in new food nights.

Currently in talks with a few societies regarding using drapers lounge during the day so that

we can promote both our societies and our venues when most people are on campus. There

will be meetings throughout the week 2 and week 3 to expand on social media at QMSU.

7.0 Reports from / questions to Student Representatives and Part-Time Officers

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the Union’s Student Representatives and Part-time

Officers.


Section B: Motions and Amendments

8.1 Should the Union Amend Bye-Law 8: Student Representatives and Part-time officers?

Proposer: Aisha-Asher Morgan (NUS London Black Students Officer. Vice-President QM Pan-African

Society).

Seconder: Etienne Mustow (Multicultural Representative, Mile End), Sandali Wickrama (Multicultural

Representative, Barts), Adam Sparkes (VP Welfare, Mile End).

Why do you want the Union to change this Bye-Law?

“Multi-Cultural” is far too vague a term to use when representing ethnic minority students on campus.

We believe that “Black and Minority Ethnic” is a far more transparent, and universally recognised,

term, that avoids confusion when engaging with wider political bodies such as the NUS Black

Students’ campaign.

What changes do you want to make?

Replace each mention of “Multi-Cultural” with “Black and Minority Ethnic”.

2.1.1 (iii)

2.1.2 (iii)

2.3.3 (ii)

2.3.3 (vi)

2.4.3

2.4.3 (i)

2.4.3 (ii)

2.4.3 (iii)

2.4.3 (iv)

2.4.9

2.4.9 (i)

2.4.9 (ii)

2.4.9 (iii)

2.4.9 (iv)

Delete:

8.1.8

“multi-cultural students” Members who self-define as of African, Asian or Caribbean descent.

Insert:

8.1.8

“Black and Minority Ethnic” Members who self-define as of African, Asian, Caribbean, Arab, Latin

American and Pacific descent.


Should the Union Amend Bye-Law 15: Societies?

Proposer: Farhasaad Shahid, ME Societies Officer and Ross Johnston, BL Societies Officer


Currently the Union has two options when dealing with any disciplinary issues with groups: issuing

strikes as per the fair usage policy leading to an 8 academic week ban from booking rooms within the

Union, or suspending part or all of the support given to societies as per the disaffiliation process in the

Societies Bye-Law.

In the first instance, where appropriate, the Union wants to be able to correct group behaviour in a

supportive way to ensure group activity is carried out safely, rather than enacting the disaffiliation

process immediately and banning groups. However with 250+ groups, it is difficult to apply leniency to

a vast array of varied situations and remain consistent.

We want to make these changes so that there is a fair and consistent reception warning and strike

system, and update the appeals process in the current disaffiliation process.


DELETE

2.4 Disaffiliation

2.4.1 The Societies Officer (Mile End), Societies Officer (BL) or Vice President Welfare, with advice

from the Societies Committee and/or the Societies Coordinator, may suspend some or all support

given by the Union to a Society upon evidence of one or more of the following:

(i) It being inactive for a period of two semesters or longer.

(ii) There being financial mismanagement.

(iii) There being a violation of the Union's Articles of Association, bye-laws or policies.

(iv) A contravention of their own Constitution.

(v) Any of the criteria outlined in 2.2 is not being met.

2.4.2 Upon Disaffiliation, or suspension of support, the society has ten working days within which to

appeal to the President of the Union. The Union President or nominee will then have the responsibility

for conducting an investigation into the appeal. This evidence will then go to the next meeting of the

Societies Committee, to which the Society concerned will be allowed to also present their case. The

Societies Committee will then decide one of three options:

(i) To lift the suspension

(ii) Continue the suspension

(iii) Disaffiliate the society

2.4.3 If the Societies Committee decides to lift the suspension, then the society must enter a trial

period to demonstrate they are active in accordance with this bye-law. This trial period shall last either

6 weeks or until the next meeting of the Societies Committee, whichever is shorter.

2.4.3.1 At the end of the trial period if the Society is considered active there suspension will remain

lifted, if the Society has not proven to be active they will automatically be disaffiliated from the Union.

Societies can be re-affiliated with or without financial support.


Amendment to Bye Law 20

Proposed by: William Dyer (Disability and Specific Learning Difficulties Representative)

Seconded by: Petro Petrikkos (Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Representative)

Remove Bye Law 20 – Student Staff Protocol and insert.

Bye Law 20 - Student Staff Protocol

1. Introduction

1.1 The Union works in a democratic environment and the relationship between members of staff and

Student Officers is a valuable and important one. The Union employs staff (referred to as salaried

staff) to support Student Officers and provide professional advice, managerial expertise and

continuity.

1.2 This document aims to provide general guidance and broad principles, and to provide avenues for

the resolution of problems as and when they arise. These relationships are expected to change

periodically as new Officers are elected, new policies developed and new initiatives are begun. Staff

and Student Officers are expected to take personal responsibility for the continuous development of

an effective working environment, and to approach new or challenging situations in a professional,

proactive and reasonable manner. Courtesy between student officers and members of staff is

expected at all times.

1.3 Complaints or suggestions by Student Officers about individual members of staff will not be raised

in a public forum, but will be directed to the President who will refer the matter to the Chief Executive

for investigation. Conversely, any complaint by a member of staff about a Student Officer should be

raised with the President in the first instance.

1.3.1 Any complaint regarding the President or the Chief Executive shall be dealt with by person or

person(s) outside of the Union appointed by the Board of Trustees.

2. Definitions

2.1 Member -

A current student at QMUL, and therefore a member of The Union. This includes all Members and

any student who has opted out of membership of the Union, in relation to any matter where they are,

or have been, on the Union’s premises, or otherwise using or participating in the Union’s services or

activities, or those of its clubs and societies.

2.2 Political Policy -

Policy that is developed and approved by the elected student officers through the democratic

structures; e.g. affiliation to NUS or educational funding policy

2.3 Policies -

Are documents, largely developed by staff which provides frameworks and procedures for the day-to-

day operations of the organisation e.g. Expenses Policy, Internet and Email Use Policy

2.4 Salaried Staff -

Are individuals or groups of individuals who are employed by The Union, and are not students

studying at The Union.

2.5 Elected Officers -

Those holding elected positions within the Union, comprising:-

Executive Officers (as referred to in Byelaw 6)


Part time Officers and Student Representatives (as referred to in Byelaw 8), including the

Chair of Council

Students Union Media Group Editorial Team (the Executive Editor, Managing Editors and

Station Managers as referred to in Byelaw 13)

Clubs’ and Societies’ Representatives (Principal Officers and Committee Members as

referred to in Byelaws 14 and 15)

NUS delegates

Any others from time to time holding elected positions within the Union, whether on a cross

campus basis or whether as a representative of Mile End students or of Barts and The

London students

2.6 Student Staff -

Are individuals or groups of individuals who are employed by The Union and are The Union students

studying at QMUL.

3. Introduction

3.1 This document provides a set of guidelines which ensure that:

3.1.1 The Union is a democratic institution.

3.1.2 There is clarity over the respective roles and responsibilities of Salaried Staff, Managers,

Directors, Lay Trustees, Student Trustees, Student Officers and Student Staff.

3.1.3 The Union complies with all relevant employment legislation.

3.1.4 The Union’s direction should be set by student officers, with salaried staff providing guidance

whilst respecting the mandate of student officers.

4. Accountability Framework

4.1 The Union staff are employed to carry out work on behalf of the Student Council and the

motions that it passes under Article 7. In the first instance staff are accountable to a designated

manager who in turn is accountable to the Chief Executive, who is in turn accountable to the Student

Council, through the Executive Officers.

4.2 Staff duties and responsibilities are governed by job descriptions and the line of accountability

is an agreed term of employment and should be respected at all times and in settings when staff are

engaged in work on behalf of the Union.

4.3 This protocol does not affect staff conditions of employment not does it diminish any rights

which staff have by virtue of their membership of trade union(s) or relevant employment legislation.

5. Protection from Harassment for Staff

5.1 Staff are entitled to protection from verbal or physical harassment. A criticism of staff falling under

the definitions within this policy not raised through the procedures as outlined, will be considered as

harassment.

5.2 Any harassment, physical or verbal abuse of QMSU staff may result in the withdrawal of all staff

servicing the situation or event where the harassment/abuse has taken place. In this event the

relevant manager and the President will meet as soon as practically possible.

5.3 Wherever staff are subject to harassment, physical or verbal abuse, regardless of the events the

matter shall be recorded and reported to the President, Chief Executive and Human Resources

Manager.

6. Salaried Staff and Student Officers


6.1 Student Officers provide political leadership to the Union, defining political policy through

democratic means. They represent the members of the Union and work closely with staff to ensure

that the operations of the Union, cater for, and are responsive to, the needs of the members.

6.2 The Union’s Chief Executive and Senior Management Team have responsibility for ensuring the

organisational direction is informed and influenced by the political agendas of Student Officers.

6.3 In many instances Student Officers work particularly closely with staff members. Staff members

and officers are expected to invest time and effort to ensure that productive working relationships are

developed. Broadly, however, the work of staff is directed through the management structure, and

Student Officers’ (with the exception of executive officers) impact on the day-to-day work of staff

should in most cases be limited to the development of political policy, discussions within the Board of

Trustees, and discussions with members of the Senior Management Team.

6.4 The Trustee Board is the only body with Student Officers empowered to discuss individual staff

members, and to discuss matters relating to recruitment, appointment, remuneration and terms and

conditions of salaried staff.

6.5 Student Officers should actively ensure that discussions about individual salaried staff, on

conduct, performance, recruitment and/or terms and conditions do not take place in either informal or

formal the Union meetings, or:

In University or external media;

On online fora, social networking sites or websites;

In formal or informal QMSU meetings

6.6 The Trustee Board delegate their responsibility for ensuring fair elections to the returning Officer

and Deputy returning Officers, and all associated administrative functions to appropriate salaried staff,

so as not to undermine their right to take an active role in the political aspect of any election process.

6.7 Salaried Staff and Student Officers are expected to nurture effective working relationships, but

relationships of an intimate nature between salaried staff and Student Officers should be avoided. If a

relationship of this nature arises, it should be disclosed an executive officer to protect all involved from

accusations or perceptions of conflict of interest. Intimate relationships between staff or between

Student Officers, which may lead to a conflict of interest or a perceived conflict of interest, should be

disclosed.

7. The Role of Staff

7.1 Salaried staff are expected to provide professional advice to the Student Officers in their areas of

expertise, but should not seek to unduly influence political policy decisions or the political policy

positions of Student Officers

7.2 Salaried staff may not participate in, or seek to influence, the democratic processes of QMSU.

7.3. Salaried staff should not publicly comment on political policy or political direction, including:

In University or external media;

On online fora, social networking sites or websites;

In formal and informal QMSU meetings

7.4 Salaried staff should not enter into discussion with The Union members about the performance of

Student Officers or be encouraged to enter into such discussions by a Student Officer.

7.5 Unless defined at ‘Student Staff’ in accordance with the Definitions Section of this policy, the

responsibilities and restrictions placed on Salaried staff members override the privileges of the Union

membership. In practice this means:

Salaried staff cannot participate in democratic meetings, expect the Clerk of Student Council;


Salaried staff cannot stand or vote in Union elections

7.6 Student Staff enjoy the full rights and privileges of membership, save for any restriction placed on

that staff member whilst on duty. In particular:

Student Staff may not campaign on an issue or in an election whilst at work for the Union

Clauses 6.1 to 6.4 apply to Student Staff whilst at work at the Union.


Should the Union Amend Bye-Law 8: Student Representatives and Part-time Officers?

Proposer: Lewis Williams (Science and Engineering Faculty Representative)

Seconded by: Robert Hunter (RAG Officer), Laura Potter (Welfare Representative), Josephine

Whitehouse (Women’s Representative), Adam Sparkes (Vice President Welfare), Lucy Madeley


Certain Student Unions have a part time officer on Student Council dedicated to environmental and

sustainability issues. At QMSU, it is within the President’s role to be the lead on sustainability issues

for the union. QMSU aspires for Green Impact awards, and has a specific action point in its strategic

plan to embed environmental and ethical processes across the Union. QMSU Student Council should

have an officer who prioritises campaigning on sustainability issues across all of QMUL campuses.

This officer should work alongside QMSU President in setting sustainability and environmental policy

direction.


Insert:

3.1.4 (iii) Sustainability Officer (Cross Campus)

Insert:

3.4.13 The Sustainability Officer (Cross Campus) shall:

(i) Represent the interests of students at the Union on issues relating to the environment and

sustainability.

(ii) Represent the interests of the students at the Union's Environmental and Ethical Group.

(iii) Working alongside relevant members of Union staff, including the QMSU President, with

events, training and campaigns, relating to the Union’s sustainability and environmental issues.

(iv) Work with the Union’s Environmental and Ethical Committee on the NUS’ Green Impact

scheme and QMUL’s Green Mary Scheme.

(v) Work with the Union to lobby the university to take into account environmental issues.

(vii) Fulfil additional duties as outlined in the Bye-Laws.


Should the Union ban the illegal prevention and banning of the use of electronic devices

during lectures and seminars?

Proposed by: Petros Petrikkos (Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Representative)

Seconded by: William Dyer (Disability and Specific Learning Difficulties Representative), Sumeera

Ahmad (Vice-President Education), Chowdhury Albab Kadir (Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty

Representative), Alexandros Mantzalos (Commercial Services Officer)

What do you want to happen?

I want the Union to ban the illegal banning or prevention of use of electronic devices during lectures

and seminars.

Why have you proposed this idea?

It has come to my attention that students are increasingly concerned with how some lecturers have

started preventing students at lectures and seminars from using their laptops, tablets, and other

electronic devices. Students who need to take their notes on their device and/or may have reading

material that prefer to bring to the class on their screens rather than paying for printing do not favour

this approach taken by lecturers.

For student with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties, using an electronic device in lectures

and seminars is a vital coping strategy. Under the Equality Act, singling out student in this way is

active discrimination and illegal and should be terminated at once. No policy, both within the

University and the UK exists that would allow lecturers to ban the use of devices as such, therefore

such practices should not be tolerated.

What impact will this have?

This will ultimately allow students to bring their reading and notes, as well as to take additional notes

on their electronic devices. Taking into account the fact that students are always responsible for their

own actions, as well as the fact that students should be free to exercise their right to education and

learning in whatever ways they feel more comfortable with, this will give them back what they have

been deprived of.

References:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance


The Union should lobby the University to provide adequate space for Friday Prayer, and

provide a temporary solution in the meantime

Proposed by: Adam Sparkes (Vice President Welfare)

Seconded by: Sumeera Ahmad (Vice President Education)

What do you want?

For Blomeley Rooms 1 and 2 to be unavailable for bookings between 12:30pm and 2:30pm every

Friday in the academic year, and to have them available for Prayer Space with immediate effect while

the QMSU Executive Officers lobby to ensure the Octagon, or a suitable alternative, is provided for

Prayer.

Why do you want it?

For a number of years now the Students’ Union have been trying to secure adequate space to hold

Friday Prayer for our Muslim students.

There are a huge number of Muslim students in QMUL who have a weekly religious obligation to

observe Friday prayer. Unfortunately, these students are currently not being accommodated for on a

weekly basis due to venue capacity. The venues that we currently offer are at times becoming

overcrowded, which is both uncomfortable for use and a health and safety concern.

Your executive officers, on behalf of QMSU, are currently pursuing the Octagon as the preferred, and

only space they currently see as feasible to hold Friday Prayer.

What impact should this have?

1. With immediate effect, Blomeley Rooms 1 and 2 will be available on Fridays between 12:30-

2:30pm, when the Students’ Union building is open, for Friday Prayer. This is unless the Octagon, or

any other space with the necessary capacity, is free for Prayer.

2. QMSU Executive Officers will pursue and fight for the Octagon to be made available for

Friday Prayer during the academic year.


Policy passed at Student Council will be allocated to the relevant staff or executive officers

Proposed by: Adam Sparkes (Vice President Welfare)

Seconded by: Miranda Black (President), Sumeera Ahmad (Vice President Education), William

Atkins (Vice President Barts and The London)

What do you want?

After every Student Council, Executive Officers and relevant staff should meet to allocate policy to

staff and or officers within the Union whom it would be most applicable and relevant to their role to

ensure the policy is carried out, worked on and implemented.

Why do you want it?

Currently there are countless policies that have not been acted on or fully implemented. Some of this

policy dates back to years ago.

All policy which is passed at Student Council should be implemented as soon as possible.

Decisions made at Student Council should be setting direction for the Union, with the Union’s

Executive Officers, and therefore policy passed should be acted on and completed at the earliest

opportunity.

If we are effectively acting on and delivering what students want, students are more likely to engage

with the Students’ Union and our democratic processes.


1. After every Student Council, the Executive Officers will sit down with the Deputy-CEO and the

relevant Representation and Democracy staff member and allocate policy to appropriate staff and/or

student officers within five working days of that Student Council Meeting.

2. Once a policy is allocated to the relevant individuals or group, they will work to ensure the

policy is implemented and or changes made.

3. When this is taking place, staff and or officers should actively try to involve the proposer and

or seconders at every stage to ensure that their vision is being carried out. If those who have

proposed the motion cannot or do not want to be involved in implementing the policy, the onus is on

the individual(s) that the policy has been allocated to.


The Union should ensure there is an alcohol free space in the Students’ Union Hub, and that it

hosts more Alcohol Free events

Proposer: Adam Sparkes (Vice-President Welfare)

Seconder: Sumeera Ahmad (Vice-President Education)

What do you want?

That the Students’ Union Hub (the social space behind reception) is an alcohol free space, and any

events hosted within it, or are branded as ‘Hub nights’ are free from alcohol.

Why do you want it?

Queen Mary University of London has a growing population whom are alcohol free. Whether due to

personal choice not to drink, faith obligations, or being under the age of 18.

Many students that belong to these groups feel left out due to the amount of events that promote

drinking alcohol in the evening, and the fact that most of our alcohol free events are held during the

day.

At QMSU we are committed to improving ALL of our students’ lives, so we should be providing

spaces and events for all of our students regardless of their lifestyle choice regarding the

consumption of alcohol.


1. That the Hub (the social space behind reception) is an alcohol free space, and any events

hosted within it, or are branded as ‘Hub nights’ are free from alcohol.

2. That during the Welcome Week period at the beginning of Semester 1, QMSU will hold a

large scale alcohol free event in each of the weeks. This could include events such as but not limited

to, an alcohol free Quiz, film night, food tasting/making event.


Rites of Passage should be held in St. Paul’s Cathedral again this year

Proposer: William Atkins (Vice-President Barts and The London)

Seconders: Emma Norris (BLSA Vice-President Barts), Tanina Younsi (BLSA Vice-President

London), Shyam Patel (Dental President), Adam Sparkes (Vice-President Welfare)

What do you want?

1. To hold the Rites of Passage Ceremony in St Paul’s Cathedral again this academic year

2. The planning and execution of the Rites of Passage Ceremony to continue to be led by elected

BLSA officers

Why do you want it?

The Rites of Passage ceremony for medical and dental students has been held in St. Paul’s

Cathedral for the last two academic years (2014/15 and 2015/16) The planning and execution of the

event has been led by BLSA elected officers in previous years, with operational and technical support

from QMSU staff, and the ceremony has been a financial, operational and reputational success in

these years.

What Impact will this have?

Holding the Rites of Passage Ceremony in St. Paul’s Cathedral is important for ensuring the

continued success of the event this academic year (2016/17) Holding the Rites of Passage Ceremony

at St Paul’s Cathedral will improve student experience at Barts and The London School of Medicine

and Dentistry


The BLSA brand shouldn’t need to appear alongside the QMSU brand in all cases


Seconders: Adam Sparkes (Vice-President Welfare)

What do you want?

For the BLSA logo to be used on its own without always having to be accompanied by the QMSU logo

in Union marketing and communications, Union outlets based on the Whitechapel and Charterhouse

Square, and in the BLSA Building.

Why do you want it?

Because at the moment the current QMSU marketing guidelines outline that any marketing material

produced with the BLSA logo should also include the QMSU logo in the design. This confuses

students studying at the SMD, who identify with Barts and The London and BLSA. BLSA is a division

of QMSU, and therefore it is not necessary to include the QMSU brand on all BLSA marketing

materials and communications from the Union.


Improve relationships between Barts and The London Students and the Union by demonstrating

support for BLSA as a brand.


Whitechapel Welcome Fair Allocations Should be Reserved for BL Groups


Seconders: Emma Norris (Vice-President Barts), Tanina Younsi (Vice-President London)

What do you want?

To ensure that stalls at the Whitechapel Welcome Fair are reserved solely for BL student groups and

Union stalls.

Why do you want it?

The Whitechapel Welcome Fair is primarily for the purpose of advertising BL student groups to

students studying at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. In the past there have

been significant capacity issues with the Whitechapel Welcome Fair. It was certainly the case this

year that the demand for stalls outstripped availability. Any extra capacity that there has been in the

past has been allocated to Mile End groups on an ad hoc basis and this process places pressure on

officers and a strain on their relationship with certain groups. Reserving the stalls at the Whitechapel

Welcome Fair solely for BL student groups would resolve this.


Clubs and societies will be absolutely clear regarding who is entitled to a stall at the Whitechapel

Welcome Fair and who is entitled to a stall at the Mile End Welcome Fair. It will also be more

straightforward for students attending the fairs, to know exactly where they can find particular groups

and opportunities.


Whitechapel Welcome Fair Allocations Should be Reserved for BL Groups Amendment

Proposer: William Dyer (Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties Rep, ME)

In 'What do you want?’ delete ‘reserved solely for’ and replace it with ‘given in the first instance to’

In 'What Impact will this have?’ delete "Clubs and societies will be absolutely clear regarding who is

entitled to a stall at the Whitechapel Welcome Fair and who is entitled to a stall at the Mile End

Welcome Fair.” and replace it with "Clubs and societies will be absolutely clear regarding which

societies are being given preferential treatment for being given a stall at the Whitechapel Welcome

Fair and who is given preferential treatment for being given a stall at the Mile End Welcome Fair."

The amended policy proposal would be as follows:

What do you want?

To ensure that stalls at the Whitechapel Welcome Fair are given in the first instance to BL student

groups and Union stalls.

Why do you want it?

The Whitechapel Welcome Fair is primarily for the purpose of advertising BL student groups to

students studying at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. In the past there have

been significant capacity issues with the Whitechapel Welcome Fair. It was certainly the case this

year that the demand for stalls outstripped availability. Any extra capacity that there has been in the

past has been allocated to Mile End groups on an ad hoc basis and this process places pressure on

officers and a strain on their relationship with certain groups. Reserving the stalls at the Whitechapel

Welcome Fair solely for BL student groups would resolve this.


Clubs and societies will be absolutely clear regarding which societies are being given preferential

treatment for being given a stall at the Whitechapel Welcome Fair and who is given preferential

treatment for being given a stall at the Mile End Welcome Fair. It will also be more straightforward for

students attending the fairs, to know exactly where they can find particular groups and opportunities.


Length of time to approve speakers by Queen Mary Students’ Union

Proposed by: William Dyer (Disability and Specific Learning Difficulties Representative)

Seconded by: Petros Petrikkos (Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Representative)

QMSU notes:

1. That the current policy regrading the length of time to approve speakers to speak at QMSU

societies events.

2. That the current time frame of 20 working days to get a speaker approved is causing many

societies to not have events altogether.

3. That the number of days to get a speaker approved to speak has been lower in the past.

4. That Queen Mary, University of London currently needs 10 working days notice to process a

room booking.

QMSU believes:

1. That it would improve the lives of societies officers if the speakers could be approved in a

shorter space of time.

2. That it would make the process of room bookings with external speakers much easier if they

were brought in line with each other

3. That bringing the number of working days down for speaker approval in a complex task and

need to involve many different stakeholders within the union.

4. That the executive officer is the best team to come up with proposals as to how to reduce this

time period.

QMSU resolves:

1. That the executive are the most appropriate committee to come up with proposals, by the end

of the first semester of the 2016/2017 academic year, to bring definitive policy motions to the

first student council of the second semester within the same academic year.

2. That the aim of the executive officers should be to reduce the length of time to approve

speakers to 10 working day. With the possibility of reducing it further.

3. That an executive officer shall give an update to every Student Council meeting until definitive

proposals have been implemented.


9.0 Policy Lapse

Link to Policy Recommendation

Exam Preparation Materials for New Courses/ Unita in S&E and HSS Lapse

The University should provide adequate space for Muslim Friday Prayer Lapse

Ensuring Students can feedback about QMSU Services Ltd Renew

Support 3 Cosas Campaign Lapse

Back the Strike Action on 3rd December Lapse

https://www.qmsu.org/pageassets/policy/Exam-Preparation-Materials-for-New-Courses-Units-in-SE-and-HSS.pdf

https://www.qmsu.org/pageassets/policy/The-University-should-provide-adequate-space-for-Muslim-Friday-prayer.pdf

https://www.qmsu.org/pageassets/policy/Ensuring-students-can-feedback-about-QMSU-Services-Ltd.pdf

https://www.qmsu.org/pageassets/policy/Support-3-Cosas-Campaign.pdf

https://www.qmsu.org/pageassets/policy/Back-the-Strike-Action-on-3rd-December.pdf

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