queen margaret union annual general meeting 2012 minutes

Queen Margaret Union – Annual General Meeting 2013 1

Minutes from the Annual General Meeting16th May 2012

1. SederuntM. Jackson, L. Porterfield, K. Duncan, C. McGuire, E. M. Bruce, G. Sneddon, K. Anderson, S. McFadden, L. Thomas, K. Stevenson, B. McBride, K. Scott, L. Clarke, C. Owens, A. Begg, B. Johnston, S. Iles, J.Casson, A. McAllister, A. Compton, P. Osmond-Williams, A. Black, J. Ansell, S. McFarland, A. Sorice, R. Male, H. Brand, J. Nelson, L. Gordon, A. Cairney, B. Johnston, A. Landels, M. Tran, R. Callaghan, C. Hall, P. Coyne, E. Zhdanov, T. Kelly, S. Martin, P. Sansom, P. Hughes, N. McLarnon, E. Munro, A. Stearn, N. Ballantyne, C. Fraser, K. Hill, L. Hainey, H. Butler, L. Hinton, B. Miller, P. Kelly, I. Smith, J. Reid, C. Sutcliffe, T. Gore, T. Queen, L. Sparks, T. Wheatley, M. Stewart, A. Allsopp, A. Johnston.

2. Apologies-

3. Minutes from the last meeting: 15/05/2011C. Fraser: definition on 'Scott the handyman' please.C. Fraser: In answer to O. Milne's request for banking justification, Co-op cannot meet our daily requirements for small change.

Prop: L. PorterfieldSec: N. BallantynePASSED

[It is proposed that 'Report of the Honorary Treasurer' be move to item 4, and 'Alterations to the Constitution', 'Nomination and Election of Honorary Life Members', 'Nomination and Election of Honorary President' and 'Nomination and Election of Honorary Vice Presidents' be moved to item 15, 16, 17 and 18 respectively.

4. Report of the Honorary Treasurer

[all report answers given by report presenter – as designated by '-' - unless otherwise stated

T. Murphy presents the audited annual accounts 2010-11.The year saw less income than previous – down from £2.2m to £1.9m. The year ending 2011, however, saw a year-end deficit of £13k, substantially improved from the previous year's £112k deficit.The year ending 2012 is projected to lose £60-70k.The value of the Union has dropped from £990k to £893k, net £777k, a £13k loss.

T. Murphy presents July-December interim accounts 2011, unaudited:There is an income drop of £45k year-on-year for this period, but expenditure has dropped to £265k.T. Murphy highlights the urgent need to halt and reverse the trend of losses. Expenditure has been trimmed almost as much as possible by redundancies and clever spending, the Union now needs income. While break-even is an ideal target, surpluses would let the Union further invest in material improvements. The Union is living on the almost £1m reserve built throughout the 1990s, this is now well below £800k, and dropping. Commitment, involvement and interest are key. We need to work out what our demographic wants from the QMU and provide it.

QuestionsS. McFadden: Has it ever been this bad?- Yes, when I and the General Manager came on Board in 1990 the Union had a -£100k balance. Court imposed the Finance Committee and this began the process of cutting back. We made every penny, it was not given to us. However, this is a worrying time. In 2004, income was almost £3m.


Now it is £1.3m.

P. Coyne: What areas have suffered most since good years?- All of them. Drinking is down. Smoking has been banned. Students socialise face-to-face less. Catering competition is up, particularly locally. We get less gigs from live music partners. Businesses all over the city have realised that student market is a lucrative one, so competition is everywhere.

G. Sneddon: Expenditure has doubled in repairs in maintenance. Why?- The Qudos development, mainly.

K. Anderson: Would we be in a deficit position without the Qudos renovation?- We would attract less venue business, so it's hard to say. Probably.

A. Stearn: Is it financially viable to pay for a big Freshers' Week?- Hard to say. We get a significant cheque of £23-25k from the SRC from passes. We've always had Freshers' Week, and a good question might be 'could we afford not to have a big Freshers' Week?'. It is an opportunity to showcase our events and services, which drives the rest of the year.

Vote of Thanks to T. MurphyProp: C. FraserSec: L. HaineyProposed

5. Report of the President

[K. Hill passes the chair to L. Hainey

K. Hill presents:This has been a tough year, particularly for commercial areas.Shop: The shop decline is particularly frustrating considering that the commissioned survey returned a general positive reflection on the shop: where are these people? The incursion of Rymans on Byres Road is not a good factor.Bars: £1 drinks did not work. The minimal margin on this was not corrected by volume of sales.Catering: This still remains a reliably popular service. External events and University arrangements have also provided boons for the department. The survey showed an overwhelming preference for this service, but this sentiment has not been reflected in footfall.Events: External promoters have not come across well this year, with two last-minute halts completely throwing us off. Live music got off to a shaky start when we were let down by a prospective partner, though T. Kelly's QM Live project is great, and I hope we can build on this. RAG week was an example of how cross-campus and others can be used to improve our events and their attendance.Clubnights: Quids. Well. It's a shame that it didn't work. The competition for cheap drinks nights is too overwhelming for us. However, the committee's increased involvement in planning and executing these nights is good. Cheesy Pop has seen a decline, however – notably – its decline is less than other areas. We should not give up on Cheesy Pop.Freshers' Week: Was kind of disappointing, and bar sales were negatively affected by the £1 drinks combined with the 72-hour rule. I would encourage future Freshers' Week Committees to stick to their convictions re: what students want vs. what is a risk.Board and committees: A mix of dedication and disappointment. There have been resignations, which is not necessarily a good thing, as some areas have been neglected. Campaigns and Charities have done an excellent job of changing and expanding services and provision under E. Munro. Events Committee are more involved with new department, something that should be built upon. Publications has struggled, but N. Ballantyne and T. Kelly's recent activity is heartening. Social has seen ups and down. This committee is an immense workload and responsibility. The addition of Pop Culture and a Piano on Friday has been great, while BWNPQ and Unplugged have been occasionally disappointing in attendance and quality. FSMs have been absent, a continuing trend and very disappointing, particularly considering that they have a vote.Cross-campus: we have retained a good working relationship with the GUU through communication


with their Executive. GUSA interaction has seen a significant increase, which is great, and sets a path for progress. SRC have worked well with us, particularly A. Johnson, and with the exception of S. Ritchie.Rector: the QM has gained nothing from this relationship, especially disappointing considering our part in the re-election campaign. Reports from the University suggest that support for the QM is minimal, at most tokenistic.University: There has been not much contact this year, something my successor should improve on.Other projects: The survey commissioned garnered a mainly positive response which, while pleasant, did little to highlight specific areas of concern. Life membership has received some focus, with a recent survey, and L. Hinton is keen to take this on. The website is a pain, with it taking a long time to iron out problems with the host. This requires constant maintenance, a task I recommend for the Ordinary Board. In other internet news, twitter and facebook exposure have increased hugely, the former mainly down the Jailbreak.

SummaryThanks to all for coming, and for continued support. We all need to work together or the QMU's future is threatened. It's up to all of us.

Questions(1.4.4) RectorS. McFadden: I'm surprised at this, considering our involvement in his election. Is there any way to improve this relationship?- It's not that he's against the QM, it's just that it seems that we don't feature. C. Fraser needs face-to-face time with the Rector. His attitude to us is dismissive, so his attention must be directed.

(1.5.4) Life MembershipT. Wheatley: Why not get financial support from Life Members?- We need to give them a reason to engage with the Union before we enter that relationship, through communication and events.K. Anderson: Is there a way to feature life members on social media?- yes, this needs to be integrated, though we do have a lot of older Life Members who will not use social media to an extent. The approach needs to be broad-spectrum.

Vote of Thanks to K. HillProp: C. FraserSec: B. McBridePASSED

[The chair is passed to K. Hill

6. Report of the Honorary Secretary

L. Hainey presents:I regret that I didn't achieve everything that I set out to do. The four student bodies make Glasgow unique. In other Unions that are led by staff, students only feature as a political face. It's vital to the QMU that students continue to lead.It's easy in harsh financial situations to look to experienced staff to take the lead, but students – and in particular student officers – should be directly incorporated into financial decision-making. This is a trend that started this year and needs to continue.

No questions

7. Report of the Honorary Assistant Secretary

C. Fraser presents:Elections: Online voting was a big win this year, though only 12 voted. Successor should look to expand this option. However, emphasis should still be placed on getting people into the Union to use


the ballot box. Uncontested seats are still frustrating, theories as to this are in report. PR needs to be wider, but also Boards need to look outwith comfort zone to attract new people.Conduct: most people display exemplary conduct, but are let down by bad incidents that risk dragging everyone – and the Union's name – down.Training: several key areas need expanding and updating, but all in all a lot of good practise has been built up over years, and passed down by previous Hon. Asst sec.Next Year: E. Murphy is great successor. Enthusiastic, hardworking. The handover debate to be had will be lengthy, but useful. Most positions should establish handover documents and protocols in order that next year's Board is prepared.Overall: As soon as people stopped worrying about stepping on toes, the year started well, though a handover improvement – in practise and timing – would have benefitted many going into Freshers' Week. When people have ideas, they NEED to speak up, otherwise it's very hard to start working.

Questions(3.3) TrainingS. McFadden: Is it possible to extend training to those who haven't been elected?- Yes, we could offer more eg budgeting and tech training that could get people involved.

Could minutes be taken by Ordinary Board members?- Yes. Some CBP would need to change, but it's a possibility.

Vote of Thanks to C. FraserProp: C. HallSec: I. SmithPASSED

8. Reports of Convenors of Standing Committees

8.1 Report of the Campaigns & Charities Convenor

E. Munro presents:Free Condoms: This has made me proud; we are the largest distributor of condoms outwith the NHS in the area. Flyering and postering has increased usage of the service. I'm very grateful to the volunteers.Fundraising: This year's totals: WESTGap: over £1000; Unity: over £1500; Terrence Higgins Trust: over £600; Children in Need: over £400; Freshers' Week: over £500; Samaritans: over £650. Jailbreak raised around £3000, which went to various charities. As well as this, we had people supporting Movember, Woman's Aid and Great Ormand Street.Highlights: Red Ribbon Ball was a relative success, and proves that you can complete your projects. Jailbreak was a credit to R. Callaghan and the committee, and provided a boost to the Union's social media profile. Children in Need was good, if somewhat unexpected. Communicating with club and society presidents really helped here, and should be repeated. RAG week, despite some issues, was a successful product of good cooperation.Going forward: A good Board of Management will support a the committee, along with good PR. There have been a relative lack of campaigns, though the Union has taken part in marches.

QuestionsG. Sneddon: is a move to cross-campus better?- We should maintain our organisational individuality, but several objectives are aligned. SRC resources are a boon, and help boost our profile.

[Chair to L. Hainey

Vote of Thanks to E. MunroProp: K. HillSec: R. CallaghanPASSED


[Chair to K. Hill

8.2 Report of the Events Convenor

L. Clarke presents:Freshers' Week was disappointing with some empty nights, which is unacceptable. The Ball, headphone disco and paint party were popular.Quids: Following extensive discussion, but we stuck with it. However, it got to the point where it couldn't continue, especially when Cheesy Pop required a lot of attention.Cheesy Pop: The decline hasn't been drastic, but is a decline. We cannot always do theme nights, though these help the numbers. P. Kelly is looking into Cheesy's identity going forward. We tried to work with clubs and societies with some of the events eg Rainbow Cheesy, to limited effect.Specials: Hallowe'en was the most successful. Film screenings should make a return. Refreshers week was an improvement on previous, but requires more planning in future. St. Patrick's weekend festival really didn't work. The offer was attractive, and it's good to see people want to play here, but very few came. Regarding live music, thanks to T. Kelly for Battle of the Bands and QM Live efforts.Committee: This year was a transition back to an open committee, and also a transition to a more active part of nights and events, due to work with K. Hill and the Events Manager. More responsibility is good for the committee. I have been taking tips from E. Munro on this. Closed committee was a better model, due to the accountability and reliability implicit on members. However, it's good to have members of the Board of Management involved.

QuestionsI. Smith: What are your thoughts on 3am licenses and themes?- We need as many 3ams as possible, as these have a notable positive effect on attendance. Combination of theme and license helps even more. However, if a theme is unpopular, such as Tribal Wars, this doesn't turn out well. A good example of cheap, popular gimmick combined with license is the recent F*** It night.

I. Smith: Should Refreshers Week be week 1 or 2 of new term?- Personally I think week 1. However, it requires a lot of forward planning and organisation.

P. Coyne: Should there be a regular second clubnight?- No. This decision is up to P. Kelly and the next Board going forwards, but without a significant raise in Cheesy numbers, this should not be a priority.

C. Fraser: On the subject of Board vs. Events Committee, has this sentiment been contained?- We have seen positive Board involvement, such as T. Kelly. Board can be quite quick to criticise, and the Committee feel blamed. This aspect requires improvement.

I. Smith: Is it strange that we don't have a club aimed at the mainstream market?- I leave this up to P. Kelly now. Quids was, to an extent, aimed at the mainstream and failed. Trying to push Cheesy in this direction has not been overly successful.

?: This might be a problem with both the main concept of Cheesy and the advertising. Would it be worth trailing a new clubnight, alternated with Cheesy and see which gains more support?- This would be a big risk. However, we should put a lot of thought what freshers want and like going into next year.

P. Coyne: Given that the QMU has launched three clubs in three years, do you think Cheesy has been neglected? Is it worth focusing efforts here?- I don't think it has been neglected, but does need to be established a lot more firmly early on.

M. Stewart: Closed committees risk being shut off from the membership.- Yes, committee spots need to be further advertised beyond QM zone eg Board and helpers.

Vote of Thanks to L. ClarkeProp: P. Kelly


Sec: C. OwensPASSED

8.3 Report of the Ordinary Board Convenor(s)

L. Porterfield and A. Stearn present:AS: Thanks to the Boards of Management and K. Hill. The atmosphere that people can achieve their goals was constructive, and bred good morale. There has been a high re-run rate for people coming off Board.LP: There are a lot of plans going forward. Today's proposed name-change and the recently defined remit of Ordinary Board Members and Convenor is positive. We should trial avenues of feedback and re-institute Question of the Week.

C. Maguire: What is this name-change?- To Current Student Representative.

P. Hughes: Is Question of the Week flogging a dead horse?- The format needs to change, perhaps to QR codes? However, this is a valuable avenue for Board contact and visibility.

N. Ballantyne: What are some new plans?- The name-change and new remit. We are also experimenting with meeting location and frequency. Each Ordinary Board Member has a PR section, which provides them with ownership and ties them to the success of that area.

Vote of Thanks to K. Brims, L. Porterfield & A. StearnProp: H. BrandSec: C. ChisholmPASSED

[Chair to L. Hainey

8.4 Report of the Publications Convenor

N. Ballantyne presents:Overview: There were a few mistakes. The point of qmunicate and its brand is that it should contribute to the Union as a whole, which required a change in attitude among the committee. The place of the magazine in the Union should be defined in advance. Committee members should be more invovled in this process.Freshers' Week: Thanks to the Executive and I. Smith for Freshers' Week. T. Kelly and A. McAllister have already made major inroads to organising publications for Freshers' Week 2012. They should make sure contributors are dedicated to Union, and that no-one is taking on too much.Online: Proud of the new qmunicate website. This is a good platform for next year.

[Chair to K. Hill

QuestionsI. Smith: The sub-committee for advertising mentioned in the report say our prices are satisfactory. To who?- Our prices are very cheap for advertisers.

Vote of Thanks to N. BallantyneProp: C. ChisholmSec: L. HaineyPASSED

8.5 Report of the Social Convenor

P. Hughes presents:


The year started with an intense handover with myself.Freshers' Week: There were ups and downs. Big Wednesday worked due to a paid-off risk which attracted many, Unplugged did not due to low band commitment.Committee: the sub-committee teams had varying levels of success. The Friday committee took ownership and worked very well, Wednesday less so. We cannot rest on our laurels, or rely on gimmicks. People should want to come to weekly events.DJs in Jim's: this event needs to mature and be made more attractive. It should be treated as an actual event, with dimmed lights and cleared floors.BWNPQ: This was stressful. It started well, but didn't work out. Ruthless decisions were not made early enough and spiralled. However, when the event was corrected, the committee rallied admirably and people started coming back. This event costs too much, and this needs to be considered. The Friday quiz is cheaper, but of better quality.Pop Culture and a Piano: A resounding success that vindicated the death of Face-off. The piano was a good investment for this reason. The key to this event is good quality – this should be maintained. Many thanks to B. McBride and P. Kelly.Theatre: This produced a good pantomime, but needs work and dedication if it is to continue.Comedy: This did not do well by itself. J. Reid has done great work on improving, and makes a valuable case for Social Convenor delegation to dedicated individuals.Budget: This needs consideration. We removed rewards for those working on events – training and satisfaction should be reward enough.

QuestionsI. Smith: Should Stuart Downing have made the England Squad?-

I. Smith: Is Unplugged good for Mondays?- Yes. This is a good event to push for the start of the week, and with good hosts.

M. Bruce: Is there a case for more structured karaoke host training?- Yes, tech training should be a priority for committee training in the year ahead.

K. Stevenson: BWNPQ – what were the problems, and the notable improvements?- This required more dedication from those directly involved, and better decisions from myself. It should attract and keep more regulars, and thus needs control and direction. Recommendation a review from foundations going forward.

T. Wheatley: Is there any way to improve the sound quality at Unplugged?- This relies on a staff member, so I cannot comment.

P. Coyne: What do you mean by a more 'mature' approach to DJs in Jim's?- The event needs more respect. It is current regarded with last-minute consideration. People need to take ownership of the event.

E. Munro: To J. Ansell – will you be comfortable challenging underperformers in the year ahead?J. Ansell: I am confident that I can separate a personal vs. professional relationship. However, I will not make kneejerk reactions. If people can improve, they should be given that chance.- Being friends with people you are responsible for is difficult, but underperformance is not acceptable. Ruthlessness is vital in this position.

B. Male: Theatre is quite specialised – can we justify going up against STaG etc?- This has been tried, and proves that better club and society relationships are required. However, anyone should have the chance to take part.

S. McFarland: Should comedy happen more often?- This used to be fortnightly under J. Barclay, but fell apart after he left. Running comedy takes focus and dedication.

Vote of Thanks to K. AndersonProp: P. Hughes


Sec: M. McBridePASSED

Vote of Thanks to P. HughesProp: L. HaineySec: C. FraserPASSED

[Recess

9. Announcement of election of President, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Assistant Secretary

President July 2012 – June 2013: Colum FraserHonorary Secretary July 2012 – June 2013: Lauren HintonHonorary Assistant Secretary July 2012 – June 2013: Euan Murphy

10. Announcement of election of members of the Board of Management

Campaigns and Charities Convenor July 2012 – June 2013: Robin CallaghanEvents Convenor July 2012 – June 2013: Paul KellyOrdinary Board Convenor March 2012 – Autumn 2012: Laura-Anne PorterfieldPublications Convenor July 2012 – June 2013: Tom KellySocial Convenor July 2012 – June 2013: James AnsellOrdinary Board Members November 2011 - Autumn 2012: Laura-Anne Porterfield, Eugene ZhdanovOrdinary Board Members March 2012 – Spring 2013: Alan Compton, Becky Male, Jo Reid, Chris SutcliffeOrdinary Board Members March 2012 – Autumn 2012: Alice Black, Hannah Brand, Mhairi Bruce, Katie Irvine, Andrew McAllisterFormer Student Member March 2012 – Spring 2013: Ruaridh MacIntyre

11. Nomination and Election of Honorary Treasurer

Terry Murphy, CAProp: M. StewartSec: P. Hughes

Terry Murphy is deemed elected.

12. Nomination and Election of Auditors

Alexander SloanProp: L. HaineySec: L. Stevenson

Alexander Sloan are elected.

13. Nomination and Election of Solicitors

McClure Naismith LLPProp: C. FraserSec: L. Hainey

McClure Naismith LLP are elected.

14. Nomination and Election of Bankers

Royal Bank of ScotlandProp: C. Fraser


Sec: L. Sparks

Royal Bank of Scotland are elected.

15. Alterations to the Constitution[All questions answered by E. Murphy unless otherwise specified

15.1 Past President and President-ElectThis change removes the vote from Past President and President-Elect - a change that brings it in line with an interpretation of charity law that forbids those without a direct mandate outside of their allotted term – in this case between election and taking office for the Elect, and the year following presidency.Prop: E. MurphySec: M. StewartPASSED

15.2 GUSA RepresentativeThis change brings the GUSA rep's requirements in line with those from GUSRC – specifically that they must be an executive officer.Prop: E. MurphySec: L. HaineyPASSED

15.3 Current Student RepresentativesThe Ordinary Board this year decided that they should have a role title more representative of their role within the Union. The outcome of this was 'Current Student Representative'.Prop: E. MurphySec: L. PorterfieldPASSED

15.4 Past PresidentsThis change clears up some wording that – taken literally – meant that any past President of the Union could sit on the Board.

Amendment:P. Coyne suggests that 'previous academic year's President' is more appropriate.

Prop: E. MurphySec: C. MaquirePASSED

15.5 HandoverThis proposes that the convenors that respectively oversee the standing committees within the Union will now take up their duties at the AGM – normally just after the Easter break – instead of July 1st. This change was a result of the way the current handover period was reviewed – it was felt that the long period between election and office, and the nature of the shortened academic term worked against an effective, comprehensive, and accountable handover period.

Discussion:T. Queen: When would this take effect?- Next batch of electees, as this year's have been elected until July 1st

T. Kelly: Is the AGM a fixed date?- It has to occur within 3 weeks of Easter breakM. Stewart: What if an AGM is deemed invalid due to quoracy?C. Fraser: The change says the date of the AGM – it would take effect at the next valid AGMP. Hughes: Does the Executive taking seat in July not mean there will be an incongruence in Boards?P. Coyne: there's already disparity between Ordinary Board and other seats – Boards should be expected to work together, no matter who starts what seat when.I. Smith: What are the benefits?


C. Fraser: It shortens the handover period to during term time, which alleviates the current risk of an outgoing convenor disappearing after exams without handing over. It also lets the new convenor get a feel during third term before launching them at Freshers' Week.P. Coyne: What currently holds convenors to account re: handover responsibilities?C. Fraser: Nothing. This should go into policy.L. Hainey: Executive handover should be simultaneous. The Exec-Cons unit should take seat together.- Incoming members of the Board should be expected to form professional relationship with incoming seats no matter when. The Executive-Elect will very much be part of everyone's handover, but the training for them is a lot more lengthy and comprehensive process going into summer .

Prop: E. MurphySec: B. MaleDirect Negative: L. Hainey

L. Hainey: Executive should transfer all at once, otherwise the President-Elect's place on Board and Finance Committee is undermined

[withdrawn

Proposition amended: “with Executive taking officer on 1st July” so Executive committee transfer simultaneously, with convenors at AGM

Prop: E. MurphySec: C. ChisholmDirect Negative: N. Ballantyne

E. Murphy: arguments set out aboveN. Ballantyne: The AGM is too close to Annual General Election to fully train an incoming convenor. Students have a lot of pressure during this time. It should be pushed back until at least June.C. Chisholm: It is preferable to learn by doing in the third term than wait until summer.

For: 31Against: 9Abstentions: 3PASSED

15.6 AGM quoracyThis amendment sets a solid target for AGM quoracy.

DiscussionC. Owens: We need to have an AGM, a high quorum is dangerous. Why do we have one?C. Fraser: Otherwise we are not accountable to the membershipM. Stewart: This amendment is contradictory.

[E. Murphy withdraws

15.7 EGM paradoxThis amendment tidies up the stipulation over valid membership of the Union, and sorts a paradox by which a meeting could, technically, start with under 30 in attendance if this was more than 1% of the Union, but simultaneously end due to the last sentence.

DiscussionC. Hall: Instead of putting relative figure like '1% of membership'

[Amendment: requires 40 people

Prop: E. MurphySec: L. Hainey


PASSED

15.8 AffiliationThis tidies up the logistics of an outdated entry policy that, essentially, now renders a hosted club or society responsible for the actions of its attendant members.

DiscussionI. Smith: The book let you record names and addresses in case they are needed.K. Hill: We receive these details and the names of people responsible for them when clubs affiliate.K. Stevenson: How do we prove it?C. Fraser: We should assume a degree of trust and responsibility between the Union and the Executives of affiliates.

Prop: E. MurphySec: T. QueenPASSED

15.9 Stop Rolling MembershipThis change stops the current system of 'rolling' membership that does not require members to renew membership between commencement and exit from University. It was felt that this was partly to blame for diminished association with the Union amongst membership, and lost the Union annual opportunities to explain rights and opportunities that come with membership.

Prop: E. MurphySec: L. HaineyPASSED

15.10 Life MembersIt also takes a minimum requirement of years membership away for several reasons, notably the interest of international students who had grown close to the Union over their one or two years within the University. The 2.3 and 2.4 paragraphs are swapped for logical reasons.

Prop: E. MurphySec: P. CoyneDirect Negative: C. Fraser

C. Fraser: We should also remove the stipulation that life members must be graduates – the Union is not a directly academic organisation and retains no right to judge.

[withdrawn

Amendment: Remove the requirement of graduation.

Prop: E. MurphySec: S. MacFaddenPASSED

15.11 Active/Inactive Life MembersThis proposal suggests that we create two levels of life membership – the first, basic, guarantees a vote and newsletter, while the expanded version – requiring annual subscription – gives entry to a range of events and invitation to a range of life member events.

DiscussionM. Stewart: What difference does this amendment realistically make?- It gives the Honorary Secretary requirements to be met to justify paymentC. Hall: Can we offer this program without writing into constitution?I. Smith: I don't think these perks are going to work.L. Hinton: There's no harm in passing this amendment and give us a target to work towards.T. Kelly: What was the life members' response to survey?


K. Hill: The proposed program was well-received.M. Stewart: We should be offering this service to life members without a fee.L. Hainey: We charge a fee already, surely a fee to graduated, working people with connection can be justified for increase in services?E. Zhdanov: The contact for updates and payment will encourage people to re-engage.M. Stewart: We shouldn't have to charge payment for these services, or engagement.B. McBride: I think you're being over-idealistic. People will pay for the service if the Union means something to them.

K. Stevenson: What do we give people who are already life-members?K. Hill: They can opt in to increased scheme, but current rights are untouched.

K. Hill proposes amendment: all life members are to receive newsletter

Prop: E. MurphySec: L. HintonDirect Negative: M. Stewart

M. Stewart: We should be providing these services already, without need for increased payment. At the very least a newsletter should be sent.L. Hinton: You are distorting the motive of this proposal. We are not limited to the basic provisions you quote, we are proposing further services for paying life members on top of the basic ones you are talking about.

Motion falls.

15.12 Life Membership CardsAnother alteration geared towards drawing different levels of membership closer to the Union, this requires a renewal from Life Members every five years that gives us an opportunity to keep our register of life members current.

Prop: E. MurphySec: A. BlackPASSED

15.13 Voting RightsThis proposed amendment was to solidify voting rights for all life members.

[Withdrawn

Vote of Thanks for work on Constitutional amendments to E. MurphyProp: C. FraserSec: L. HaineyPASSED

16. Election of Honorary Life MembersSandy Zumba, Ray Bradshaw and Maggie-from-Maggie's-Van are deemed elected.

17. Election of Honorary President6 nominations:L. Hainey, P. Hughes, K. Anderson, C. Hall, E. Munro, B. McBride.E. Munro is deemed elected.

18. Election of Honorary Life Presidents9 nominations:L. Hainey, P. Hughes, K. Anderson, C. Hall, B. McBride, T. Queen, K. Stevenson, L. Thomas, P.


Coyne.B. McBride and C. Hall are deemed elected.

A Vote of Thanks to M. Stewart for services to QM DemocracyProp: L. HaineySec: C. FraserPASSED

19. Any Other Competent Business

19.1 First Aid RoomMotion to rename the first aid room the 'Dr Mark Stewart Memorial Medical Facility'.Prop: C. HallSec: R. CallaghanPASSED

19.2 TortoiseMotion to acquire a tortoise as official pet of the QMUProp: E. MunroSec: T. KellyDirect Negative: A. Stearn

A. Stearn: Don't want a tortoise to die.

PASSED

19.3 Condom cupboardMotion to rename the 3rd floor condom cupboard the 'Ellie 'Condom Girl' Munro Memorial Condom Stash'.Prop: P. CoyneSec: E. JewsonDirect Negative: S. McFarland

S. McFarland: I can't remember why I did this.[withdrawn

PASSED

19.4 PokemonMotion to nominate Charmander as the official starter Pokemon of the Queen Margaret UnionProp: I. SmithSec: C. HallDirect Negative: T. Kelly

T. Kelly: Charmander is illogical considering first two gymsI. Smith: That only proves he's a badass.

Starter Pokemon put to a vote.Three nominations: Squirtle, Charmander, BulbasaurCharmander wins.

19.5 ChalkboardMotion to rename the sports chalkboard the 'Peter Sansom failed VPMC chalkboard'.Prop: B. McBrideSec: N. BallantynePASSED

19.6 King in the North


Motion to renounce the false King Joffrey and declare the QMU for King Robb Stark – the King in the North.Prop: P. KellySec: C. HallDirect Negative: P. Coyne

P. Coyne: I don't want to die

PASSED

19.7 Time & Space ConvenorMotion to introduce the position of 'Time & Space Convenor'.

K. Stevenson: How would this be introduced and elected?C. Fraser: in a sense, it is already done, or may never happen.

Prop: E. MunroSec: R. CallaghanPASSED

19.8 Fush n' chupsMotion to reclassify 'fish n' chips' with 'fush n' chups' in honour of K. Hill's funny accent.Prop: H. ButlerSec: E. JewsonPASSED

19.9 TentMotion to introduce a permenant tent in the Board Lounge named the 'Liam Hainey Snooze Cocoon'.Prop: T. KellySec: L. HaineyPASSED

19.10 ChippyMotion that the standard greeting be 'likeyday, quiney'.K. Hill: no.[withdrawn

19.11 RatholeMotion to rename the catering basement the 'Dangerzone'Prop: R. CallaghanDirect Negative: L. Hainey[withdrawn

19.12 Official chantMotion to nominate 'QM 'til we die' the official chant of the Union.Prop: M. StewartSec: L. HaineyPASSED

19.13 KennyMotion to rename K. Anderson 'Karaoke Kenny'.Prop: E. ZhdanovSec: G. SneddonDirect Negative: K. Stevenson

K. Stevenson: The QM is not a legally binding organisation.

Motion falls


19.14 Councilor HaineyMotion to specify Councillor L. Hainey 'Councillor *****-*******' when referred to in the Union.Prop: C. ChisholmSec: P. HughesPASSED

K. Hill: Thank you all for coming and goodbye.

Motion for Vote of Thanks to K. Hill, L. Hainey and C. Fraser for serving as Executive Committee 2011-12.Prop: E. ZhdanovSec: R. CallaghanPASSED

[end

queen margaret union annual general meeting 2012 minutes

Documents