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► SWANSEA SU POLL
► Student General Meeting 06 10 09
Faraday A Lecture Theatre - 6pm
Chair: Luke Young - SUSU President
Welcome and Declaration of Interests
The Chair welcomed everyone to the Student General Meeting (SGM) and Swansea University Students Union (SUSU) wallplanners were distributed. Luke explained that he had been mandated at the last meeting to display pictures of David Hasselhoff before each SGM and that this illustrated that he would do what he was mandated to do by the student body. Society representatives were also welcomed.
Luke explained for the benefit of those present who were new to SGM’s the way in which the meeting would progress. The Chair explained what SUSU Policy is, the way in which it is established and that it is the Presidents job to enforce policy. Policies had been comprehensively gathered into one folder over the summer and this would be online shortly.
The Chair explained the next agenda item and invited questions throughout the meeting in person, or anonymously via the question box.
Sabbatical Summer Reports
Ross Gillman – Education Officer
The Education Officer explained that there had been a lot of change over the summer – especially in the Library – and that the coming academic year would see an emphasis on increasing involvement in SUSU from postgraduate and part time students. There will also be an emphasis to revamp and reinvigorate the Course Reps Assembly – research has shown that only 50% of students knew who their Course Reps were.
Attendees were invited to speak to their lecturers or Department Heads to find out who their Reps were. Attempts would also be made to involve student’s parents. An Education Committee had also been established and involvement from the student body was invited. Student societies were congratulated for their involvement in Freshers Fayre. Hopes were expressed that the Book Fair that had been recently established would thrive and that subject specific events would be held. The upcoming Careers Road show was announced.
Andy Patton - International Officer
The International Officer thanked everyone for their involvement thus far. The Heathrow international student pickups had been a mammoth task especially with bus breakdowns and no shows. International College Wales Swansea and English Language Training Services were judged to be a huge success and there were now students from “Mumbles to Mumbai”. The first International event – “Sambass” – had been a great success. Trips had taken place for American students with a crash course in British Politics and History with BBQ and quiz. Andy announced that he had continued the work of last years International Officer Felix Nolte and that Swansea was now a flagship for Student Mobility.
The Welsh Defence League march planned for Saturday October 17th was announced and students were invited to attend and show their opposition. Andy invited participation and involvement from all International students in SUSU.
Raechel Mattey – Societies and Services Officer
The Societies and Services Officer welcomed the meeting and highlighted the necessity of input from student societies and announced that the new Societies Training booklet had been completed and urged all society executives to get retrained. Society information was needed for the SUSU website – societies were invited to provide information such as contact details and event announcements.
If any societies needed a notice board they should contact Raechel. The Societies and Services Officer also announced that there would be a commercial review at some point during this academic year – this will include prices and stock ranges in SUSU outlets. The future of Dining Room C as a venue for societies events was still under discussion and more funds were being sought. Students were urged to get involved in SUSU activities and meetings and Raechel declared her belief that student societies provided the skills that students needed to get on in life.
Raegan Healy – Womens Officer
The Womens Officer welcomed the meeting and detailed the training she had received over the Summer across the UK and a meeting in London with Womens Officers from across the UK – this had helped the Womens Officer network and compare ideas and campaign methods.
The Womens Society – 52% had been reestablished and involvement from all students was encouraged. The first social would be held later in the month – the benefits of which were highlighted including political and social. The Womens campaigns for the coming year were announced – Self Defence classes have been established with a kick-boxer running the class – more information will be forthcoming on the website or from the Womens Officer. Work had been carried out with Safer Swansea to promote safety in all areas – personal safety, fire, crime, drugs alcohol etc. The wallplanners have lots of useful safety tips. Safety Week will begin on October 19th and will cover all aspects of student safety. Concerns have been raised about the state of Womens toilets across campus – feedback is invited and welcomed. Future events will feature “Women in Careers” and “Women in Sport” with a Womens Sports Day. An announcement was made that this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In late November there will be an awareness day working with Swansea Womens Centre. The issue of safety in Singleton Park will be passed the Luke to explain.
Raegan thanked all who attended and encouraged future involvement in SGMs.
Lance Horsey – Welfare Officer
July had been busy with Sabbatical training in Bangor and Sheffield which had facilitated networking and the exchange of ideas. August focused on the forthcoming campaigns including Sexual Health and Mental Health – there is a booklet available on Sexual Health issues and students were encouraged to acquire a copy.
A visit had been made to London in September to the BBC to look at mental health issues and how food can affect mood. Lance expressed his wish that celebrity chefs visit Swansea to help inform students on the benefits of healthy eating. The Welfare Officer explained the SUSU Niteline service and invited volunteers to help deal with the wide variety of issues and problems raised by callers. Students were invited to donate six hours of their time once a month to help at Niteline – “it’s how long you spend on the loo in a month”.
Lance thanked everyone involved in Freshers Week and thanked students for their attendance.
Luke Young – President
Luke began by updating the meeting on issues regarding Singleton Park. SUSU had asked the local council to address the drainage issues in the park – this was agreed and work is expected to begin in the autumn. After drainage had been addressed the potholed footpaths would then become the priority. Every opportunity is being made to raise the issue of substandard toilets across campus. Luke informed the meeting that the most challenging issue he’d faced over the summer concerned excessive construction noise affecting students in Penmaen and Horton halls of residence. Compensation was sought and secured.
The summer had provided many media opportunities to talk about the big issues like graduate unemployment and the difficulties for students seeking summer work in the recession. Training and internal union work had taken up a lot of time over the summer and Luke said he was quietly impressed with progress so far. SGM dates had been planned for the whole academic year and are featured on the free wallplanner – a simple but effective measure.
The President announced his satisfaction with the success of Freshers Week and it was a credit to SUSU Ents Department, SUSU and Swansea University as a whole.
A code of conduct for Sabbatical Officers had been drawn up so students will know what to expect from the student officers – the democracy email list had also been set up so students who sign up can have more information about the Union. Luke informed the meeting that there were many big issues facing higher education over the next few years including a possible increase in fees. It was also essential in the light of the forthcoming General Election that all students register to vote – it was hoped that a debate could be held with all the prospective parliamentary candidates. Efforts were also being made to get a ballot box situated on campus again.
Executive Summer Reports
Sam Loveless – Library Representative
Sam informed the meeting that a lot of work had been done and some was still ongoing. Most of the points had been covered in Waterfront – self service, radio tags, self return had been upgraded, staffing levels remained high and 24 hour library opening was now more likely. The library toilets would be upgraded soon – it would take a while – but they would be done.
The last refit had been in 1964.The meeting was informed that the Careers Office had been expanded and more graduate job opportunities were available across Wales. The Recording for the Blind Centre had been renamed the Swansea University Transcription Centre (SUTC) and was now providing more digital material.
NTL is no longer the Campus ISP – a new phone system had been established and all appears to be working well – Freeview TV will be available on the college network.
The air conditioning in the library will not be repaired fully until next summer – solutions will be forthcoming. The availability of key course books was an ongoing issue.
Ginger Steve – Freshers Representative
A number of accommodation issues had been resolved – it involved mainly pointing students in the right direction for help, advice and services. Two Facebook groups have been established to answer Freshers questions. Traffic at the Hendrefoelan Student Village had been “hell”. The Freshers Rep thanked the Islamic Society for their very warm welcome.
Luke asked members of the Executive Committee to stand up and informed the meeting that the Executive Committee hold the SUSU President to account. Each Executive member present was asked to state their name and area of responsibility.
Motions
No motions were presented to the meeting.
Questions
Ross - announced his support for a road show visiting the University next Thursday October 15th – this is intended to give tips on CV writing and additional skills that are essential when seeking work.
Raechel – There is cross campus society interaction between Swansea University and Swansea Metropolitan University – students from Swansea Met can join SUSU societies but must not benefit from the SUSU grant.
When will the current construction work on campus be finished?
It is hoped that the work will be finished by December – a planning issue has delayed completion.
What are the current regulations regarding smoking on campus?
It was first decided that no smoking would be allowed within 5 metres of any university building – this was considered impractical so now a cross campus total smoking ban applies.
Why was there a lack of non-alcohol based events during Freshers Week ?
It was noted that the only non-alcoholic drink available at Freshers Ball was water and that given the large number of Islamic Students on campus there are insufficient non alcoholic events. Luke noted this and said that there was a response on its way.
Andy informed the meeting that steps had been taken in the right direction – an International Food Festival is being considered and other measures were in the pipeline. Raechel invited proposals for cross society events and invited proposals for non-alcoholic events. Concerns were raised about the International meet and greet buses being late. Andy sympathized and explained about the 4 hour drive limit for the bus drivers and explained that there had been some breakdowns.
Lighting in Singleton Park
Luke explained that street lights were being turned off across Wales and that the local council and the University won’t supply the funds for additional lighting. Luke emphasized that if any student didn’t feel safe, then they shouldn’t walk through the park and they should seek an alternative route.
Raechel informed the meeting that the issue of lighting in the park was not new and has been raised year after year.
What does Society Training involve?
Raechel explained what was involved – guidance on room booking, budgeting etc.
Welsh Defence League March
The meeting was informed about a Welsh Defence League (WDL) March on October 17th. A student asked if protesting against this march would deprive the participants of their freedom of speech and that this would be counter productive.
Luke explained that the WDL march was to protest at the establishment of a new mosque and that the protest was an open attack on the Muslim community and that SUSU would be there to say “no racists or fascists must spread their filth”.
Why had alcohol been disallowed at Freshers Fayre?
Raechel explained that it was a welfare and organisational issue and SUSU had wanted to make the event accesible to all.
Where and when will the minutes from this meeting be available?
The minutes would be available online as soon as they are accepted as a true record. Luke added that there was a new determination to ensure that all documents – from the constitution to minutes to declarations of interest – are available to all via the SUSU website.
Luke reinforced an earlier point regarding safety – be sensible – if you don’t feel safe crossing the park chose an alternative route and on nights out, it’s better to walk in groups.
It was announced that nominations for SUSU Executive and NUS delegates close on Thursday October 8th. Ross Gillman – SUSU Education Officer – has been appointed National Student Survey ambassador for Wales – he was congratulated.
Society Announcements
Indian Society – announced that a dinner would be held on October 17th to celebrate Divali – Festival of Light – an email will be circulated regarding this.
Comedy Night – event tonight – attendence is encouraged.
Dance society – meetings start Sunday.
RAG – event Saturday – please support.
Postgraduate Society – has been established – contact Jamie for details.
SUSU President Luke Young thanked everyone for their attendance and participation.
Meeting closed at 7.15pm
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