Student Council:What You Need to Know

Union Democracy: The Big Five

- Elections- AGMs- Referenda- Board of Trustees- Student Council

JOT YOUR THOUGHTS DOWN ON FLIP CHART PAPER!

Why do we have Student Council?

What the Terms of Reference Say– Student Council shall represent the voice of the students.– Set the Policy of the Union and refer Policy to Referenda of the

Members – Make, repeal and amend the bye-laws jointly with the Trustees in

accordance with the Constitution.– Discuss the affairs of the Union and make recommendations in

accordance with the bye-laws and the delegated powers from the Trustees.

– To delegate its powers to any committee it thinks fit, and recall such delegated powers.

– Consider a motion of no-confidence in an Officer/Trustee. – Confirm the appointment of Trustees in accordance with the

constitution.

TRUE OR FALSETerms of Reference

FALSE! To abstain means to not take part (I.e. Not vote for or against a motion)

To abstain means to disagree with a motion.

TRUE! And then for the motion to pass, Council needs a 2/3 majority.

To consider a motion of no confidence in a Sabbatical Officer, Student Council must have a petition of at least 60 Union members.

FALSE! So can the Board of Trustees. It can also jointly amend and create by-laws with the Board of Trustees.

Student Council is the only body that can set Union policy.

FALSE! This can only be done by an AGM of Union Members or a Referendum.

Student Council can amend the Union’s Constitution.

TRUE! You will also receive quarterly reports from the Trustees.

Student Council must ratify appointments of External and Alumni Trustees

TRUE! But only if the decision is not within the powers of the committee, it is not within the powers of the union, or is likely to affect the charity status of the union.

Board of Trustees has the right to revoke Student Council decisions

FALSE! It can be any member of your group.

Clubs and Society Presidents must attend Student Council for their group

FALSE! Any member of the Union may bring a paper to Student Council but only members of Council may take part in the Democratic Procedures.

Only members of Student Council may bring a paper to Student Council.

FALSE! (But more or less true) The Chair of the meeting does!

If there’s a split vote, the President gets the casting vote

How to Bring a Paper to Student Council

– Approx 2 Weeks before the meeting, a call for agenda items will go out (with a deadline for putting things on the agenda)

– You can use the template motions on the Union website: www.bathspasu.co.uk/studentcouncil

– You must submit your item 1 week before the meeting

– You can ask the SU President or the Democracy, Representation & Welfare Manager for help constructing a Motion

Dream and Nightmare Council Member