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Minutes of Student Voice – Spring 2020

Tuesday 4th February 2020

Chair: Sara Mattar Secretary: Tirion Rees Davies

Meeting opened at 6pm Student Voice Members: 36 Arranged proxies: 4 Appointed alternates: 0 Other attenders: 22 Total number of people present: 58

Contents Welcome and Introduction ..................................................................................................... 2

Change It: Ideas Section ......................................................................................................... 2

Idea 1: RUSU to Campaign for Digital Student Cards ............................................................ 2

Idea 2: RUSU to Campaign for a safe cycling path to Northcourt ........................................ 2

Idea 3: RUSU to campaign for a swimming pool on campus ................................................ 3

Idea 4: RUSU to campaign for more pedestrian crossings surrounding campus .............. 3

Idea 5: RUSU to campaign for improving off-site parking provision ..................................... 4

Idea 6: RUSU to campaign for changing chairs of chemistry LT1 and LT2 ........................ 4

Idea 7: RUSU to campaign for a waffle and pancake stand in the Thursday market ........ 5

Policy 1: RUSU to support the Global Climate Strikes ........................................................... 5

Change It Review ..................................................................................................................... 6

Full-time Officer Scrutiny ........................................................................................................ 8

Zeid Sharif, Diversity Officer: .......................................................................................................... 8

Gemma King, Welfare Officer: ....................................................................................................... 9

Molli Cleaver, President: ................................................................................................................. 9

Fifi Bangham, Education Officer: ................................................................................................. 10

Daisy O’Connor, Activities Officer: .............................................................................................. 10

Any other business ............................................................................................................... 11

Close of Meeting .................................................................................................................... 11

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Welcome and Introduction Sara Mattar, Student Voice Chair, opened the meeting, introduced herself and RUSU staff present, and gave an overview of the meeting. Sara explained the format of the evening, including the format of clarification in which Student Voice members can raise their hand in the shape of a ‘C’. Sara ran through an example of how the voting system works.

Change It: Ideas Section Chair explained the format of this section to the meeting, including the debating and voting process, that only Student Voice Members can vote in this section, and that any ideas passed by Student Voice will go forward to All Student Vote. Sara explained the amendment process for student voice, and ran a test vote.

Idea 1: RUSU to Campaign for Digital Student Cards

Debate: Chair gave the audience time to read the idea proposal.

Fifi Bangham, RUSU Education Officer, spoke against the idea as she felt the idea was not

the best use of RUSU’s time and would take a long time to develop. The University is in the

process of developing an app in which something like this could already be implemented.

The process will also take a very extended amount of time, which would be likely to remain

the same regardless of campaigning efforts.

Kathryn, Mature Students Part-time Officer asked for clarification if the idea is instead of

cards or as another option. Molli Cleaver, RUSU President, could not speak on behalf of the

idea as she did not submit it but clarified that for accessibility reasons it would likely not

replace physical hard copies.

Emma, Student voice attendee felt that having an electronic card would be a benefit for

speeding up times in the classroom as people would be less likely to lose their card.

Idea Vote:

The idea was therefore rejected and will not go forward to All Student Vote.

Idea 2: RUSU to Campaign for a safe cycling path to Northcourt

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 8 25 3

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Debate:

Gemma King, RUSU Welfare Officer, clarified that the University is already in the process of

making this happen and an all student vote would benefit this work.

Idea Vote:

The idea was therefore passed and will go forward to All Student Vote.

Idea 3: RUSU to campaign for a swimming pool on campus

Debate:

Daisy O’Conner, RUSU Activities officer, spoke against the idea, and said the idea should

not be a priority right now as it would compromise on existing facilities and students who

wish to swim can join RUSU’s swimming club to access the facilities they use. This would

also be cheaper than having access to a swimming pool on campus.

Idea Vote:

The idea was therefore rejected and will not go forward to All Student Vote.

Idea 4: RUSU to campaign for more pedestrian crossings surrounding campus

Debate:

Gemma King, RUSU Welfare Officer, said the University are already working on this and so

an all student vote would help to back this up.

Idea Vote:

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 31 4 1

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 7 29 2

Pass Reject Abstain

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The idea was therefore passed and will go forward to All Student Vote.

Idea 5: RUSU to campaign for improving off-site parking provision

Debate:

Amy, Course Rep, explained that it is difficult to park on and near campus for commuters

from outside of Reading. The cost of parking at SportsPark is very high currently.

Zeid Sharif, RUSU Diversity Officer, clarified that he is currently working on a campaign to

tackle the cost of parking on campus but that this does not include off-campus provision.

Idea Vote:

The idea was therefore rejected and will not go forward to All Student Vote.

Idea 6: RUSU to campaign for changing chairs of chemistry LT1 and LT2

Due to a presentation error, Daisy clarified members could read the report on this idea within

their paperwork.

No one wished to speak for or against this idea.

Idea Vote:

The idea was therefore rejected and will not go forward to All Student Vote.

SVM’s 34 4 0

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 14 16 9

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 7 27 5

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Idea 7: RUSU to campaign for a waffle and pancake stand in the Thursday market

Molli Cleaver spoke against the idea as there are lots of dessert options across campus already, such

as in the fruit and veg market.

Idea vote:

The idea was therefore rejected and will not go forward to All Student Vote.

Policy 1: RUSU to support the Global Climate Strikes

James, postgraduate student voice attendee spoke about the importance of progressive

climate targets and believes RUSU should be supporting climate strikes.

Idea Vote:

Idea passed, meaning it will go to an all student vote.

Voting week is the 10th-14th February. All Student Vote is open to any student to vote.

Campaign ideas will compete against each other. The two most popular ideas win, as long as they get over 200 votes.

In the policy vote, you vote 'for' or 'against' each idea. More people need to vote 'for' than 'against' the idea, and at least 200 people need to vote 'for' it. Any idea that achieves both those things will win – so there's no limit to how many policies could pass.

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 6 33 0

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 31 7 0

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Change It Review RUSU’s Full Time Officers gave a verbal update to Student Voice on progress relating to the

following ideas. This information can be found online at

https://www.rusu.co.uk/representation/change-it/your-changes/, or in the Change It Review

Report.

Campaigns: Lobby the University to introduce lecture capture, RUSU to lobby for indoor

packed lunch facilities, RUSU to campaign for environmentally friendly products, RUSU to

campaign for the University to improve mental health support, RUSU to campaign for the

University to introduce a security text service, RUSU to campaign for the University to make

parking on campus more accessible for students

Policies: Change drinking straws from plastic to biodegradable and charge 5p for them,

RUSU to enable Union Ticket resale option for sold-out events, RUSU to support the

People’s Vote Campaign, RUSU sustainable cutlery and crockery policy

Fifi Bangham, RUSU Education Officer, explained that lecture capture is going ahead and

will be rolled out across the university over the next 3 years.

Molli Cleaver, RUSU President, explained that there is another microwave in Eat at the

Square and Molli is working with Estates & Facilities to get more installed. Molli has

completed a map to show hydration points and packed lunch facilities across campus.

Molli explained that Maya’s refillables had been on campus for half a term but that has since

ended due to competition with Park Bar and Eat at the Square. Going forward, we will look to

try a click and collect system with Maya.

Gemma is working with the campaigns and research co-ordinator to plan the security text

service campaign moving forward.

Gemma completed a mental health survey and is collating results to present to the

university.

Zeid has started the parking campaign brief and the next step is to bring the issue up to the

relevant university committee.

Molli said the 5p straw levy is ongoing in bars and that straws will be given out for students

who require them.

Molli said we have now rolled out a resale system for union tickets, allowing students to sell

tickets for union nights that have sold out. Molli clarified that the tickets are resold at their

normal face value to prevent students being charged extra.

Molli clarified that this policy will naturally come to a close following the UK’s EU status

following Brexit. Molli noted the positive work done on this campaign.

Tirion clarified that the policy that passed is for RUSU to have its own policy regarding

sustainable crockery and cutlery. Molli has sat down and drafted this policy which is to be

confirmed by the relevant policy committee within RUSU.

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Gemma clarified that self-defence classes will be happening in March with first 2 for females

only and second 2 for everyone.

Molli clarified that the sustainability department have been adding cigarette disposal facilities

on campus bins.

Gemma explained that 2 new water fountains have been installed in RUSU with 3 more

planned on campus.

Daisy clarified that we will have a formal policy regarding equal access for RUSU bookings.

This is set to prioritise the level of sport for bookings. This is set to be written in to formal

policy in the future.

Rejected EasitReading idea as this cannot be offered to students. Student discounts that

already exist are better than what can be offered by EasitReading.

Zeid clarified that after speaking to the venues team it would not be possible to change the

music themes for the rooms at union, and Mojos refurb is planned which would disrupt any

change to the structure of music in Mojos.

Daisy stated we have 3 years left of our Mizuno contract and we cannot easily leave this

contract. Further research is needed to understand this process.

Julie, Sports Rep, asked about Mizuno contract - How flexible is it and can we work out more

options to make purchasing easier for clubs and societies. Daisy noted this is a good idea

and she will explore with the solicitor if the contract can be changed or amended.

Opportunities for commuting students – now have a Facebook page for commuting students

to promote opportunities and allow for commuters to meet each other.

Will, student voice member, asked about the Facebook page and where it is advertised.

Daisy explained it is searchable on Facebook and asked for it to be added it in to the

minutes.

Working to increase accessibility of student voice paperwork. Molli explained we have

explained accessibility options online and we will be working harder to make this clearer on

the website.

AOB

£1 million fund. Molli explained the format of the fund and how it is spent and shared the

projects that have been approved.

Mojos refurbishment has been approved.

Stephen Lawrence media rooms are planning to be refurbished.

Mental health support and paramedic support on nights out at RUSU

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Positive mental health advisor’s salary has been approved

Renovations to the Muslim chaplaincy have been approved

Touchscreen board in RUSU as well as voting stations

Outdoor gym next to Park Bar accessible to students at all times

Proposal to increase digital screens around RUSU has been approved

Add a digital screen on the side of the RUSU building similarly to the one used on the

Carrington building.

Molli explained the timeline of the RUSU elections and the roles that are available to

students. Molli greatly encouraged student voice members to nominate themselves before

Friday 7th February.

Daisy explained the Cultural Show is taking place on Friday 7th February and explained the

format as well as the acts that are participating.

Student experience awards are open and run alongside other awards. This is for

volunteering and fundraising groups, as well as diversity initiatives, welfare initiatives,

sustainability initiatives, and student voice member of the year.

Zeid updated SV that Stonewall, an LGBT rights group, surveys organisations and RUSU

has appeared in the top 100

Zeid explained that we will have divested fully from fossil fuels by June/July and this is a big

win for student campaigning.

Molli explained the NSS survey and the opportunity to win VIP summer ball tickets.

--------------------------------------------------- Break for food --------------------------------------------------

Full-time Officer Scrutiny Sara Mattar, Student Voice Chair: There are five Full-time Officers here tonight, each of

who will give a 1 minute verbal update to accompany their written reports.

Zeid Sharif, Diversity Officer:

Zeid presented his Officer Report, which can be found online.

Spoke about his food group, which went, well, with a third planned for the end of the month.

The Mojos refurbishment will be taking place, which Zeid is working hard on. There are a

number of events this month for LGBT History Month, which Zeid is working with Edda (Part

Time Officer) on. He also worked with Charlotte on a number of events for Disability History

Month. Zeid is also working on the upcoming Cultural Show, worked hard on securing

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divestment from fossil fuels at the University of Reading, and is working with the University

on an ‘IT Shack’ to refurbish old computers for postgrad students.

There were no questions.

Officer Report vote:

Gemma King, Welfare Officer:

Gemma presented her Officer Report, which can be found online. This included:

Working on the 1 in 4 mental health campaign

Started podcast last term. Working with money advisors to talk about money and mental health

Ran a survey last term and using data alongside university

Working on a welfare directory

Working with campaign co-ordinator on calm and craft sessions

Planning a week of activities to raise awareness during mental health week

Working on a housing campaign, RentRight

Working with University on ‘Be A Mate’ campaign

Questions:

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 31 1 1

Attendees 12 0 0

Report passed.

Molli Cleaver, President:

Molli presented her Officer Report, which can be found online. This included:

‘Make your mark’ campaign in full flow. Environment committee has been working to

audit the department, working towards green impact award and a student

sustainability fund

Working to get glass pods installed on campus

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 31 1 0

Attendees 10 0 1

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Started work around student loans with activities planned for national student money

week

Worked hard on voter registration during the general election period

Continuing to help improve access for finalist support

Working to improve the connection to London Road

Report vote:

Report passed.

Fifi Bangham, Education Officer:

Fifi presented her Officer Report, which can be found online. This included:

Sat on panel to appoint new Pro Vice Chancellor for research and innovation

‘Focus on feedback’ campaign; met with representatives from CQSD to update the

feedback policy for staff

On track to add more furniture to increase study space

Sitting on academic engagement review group

Sitting on quality assurance review panel

Working with trigger warnings policy which has now been accepted. Working to bring

this policy in alongside a guidance note.

In March near exams the university are aiming to add 200+ study spaces for

students.

Questions:

Report vote:

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 31 0 2

Attendees 15 0 0

Report passed.

Daisy O’Connor, Activities Officer:

Daisy presented her Officer Report. This included:

Started spring term with refreshers fayre in SportsPark

55 students signed up for buddy scheme

Focusing on Knights Pride campaign for LGBT History Month. Working on a guide for

clubs to reduce homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in sports

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 32 0 1

Attenders 15 0 0

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Created a video with 6 LGBT students who participate in sport to share their

experiences

Promoting LGBT sports day to celebrate LGBT leaders in sport

Working on 3G pitch which has been a long term project. Attended community

exhibition to meet community members and answer their questions

Second round of Good Lad initiative which are now called Team Talks, tackling ‘lad

culture’ in sports

Worked on running routes around campus from the £1 million pot

Working on bike racks and storage behind SportsPark for sports clubs

Questions:

Report vote:

Report passed.

Any other business

Molli explained that UCU have confirmed strike action to take place throughout February and

March. RUSU will be supporting these strikes as well as Action Short of a Strike (ASOS) due to the

result of the strike referendum that took place last term.

Question by Djihane, School Rep, on whether the strikes will take the same format. Strikes will be

formatted similarly but we cannot predict how many staff members will strike.

Question asked about legality of joining picket lines. Molli clarified students cannot join picket lines

but can support them.

Question asked about graduation caps and gowns, as previous graduates received these for free due

to strike disruption. Molli explained this has not yet been discussed, and may not happen again, but

RUSU will decide how to support students and the strikes going forward. Student feels it would be

fair for this to happen again.

Question asked that are the reasons they are striking the same? Molli explained it would be best to

look on UCU’s website as she does not know the full ins and outs, but confirmed that the core issues

regarding pay and pensions are the same.

Close of Meeting Chair thanked everyone for attending and formally closed the meeting.

Pass Reject Abstain

SVM’s 32 1 0

Attenders 14 0 0

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Voting on the ideas passed at today’s meeting will take place during Week 5. Voting opens at 10am, 10h February 2020 and closes at 5pm, 14th February 2020

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of Student Voice will take place on the 12th May 2020. Students should check the RUSU website for more information about Student Voice nearer the time.

If you have any ideas you wish to be debated at Student Voice, submit them to Change It! at rusu.co.uk/changeit at any time!

Meeting closed 7:50pm