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ROEHAMPTON STUDENTS’ UNIONS T U D E N T S’ U N I O N C O U N C I LThe 4th Students’ Union Council Meeting (SUC) of the 2020/21 Academic YearHeld on Tuesday the 19th of January, 2021, 5pm via ZoomA T T E N D A N C EIN ATTENDANCE:Farrah Black (RSU President)Lauryn Fleming (VP Education)Nicolo Sodaro (VP Community and Welfare)Mars Nicoli (Trans Students’ Officer)Fabian Jasonson (Froebel College President)Harrison Cohen (Froebel College Deputy President)Jemimah Karungi (BAME Students’ Officer)Danielle Chegwidden (Female Sport President)Raymond Hadnett (Southlands College Deputy President)Libby Spooner (Whitelands College President)Orla O’Flynn (Digby College Deputy President)Sana Siddique (Muslim Students’ Officer)Lynne Wahome (Mature Students’ Officer) Oli Ottaway (Mental Health Officer)Jade Cavanagh (Off Campus and Commuting Students’ Officer)Rasanpreet Kaur Binning (Digby College President)Dante Thompson (Whitelands Deputy President)Sam Laughton (LGBTQ+ Officer)Sabiha Naz Aziz (Gender Equality Officer)Richard Lessy (Postgraduate Students’ Officer)Shukhrat Ruziev (Students with Disabilities Officer)Matt Gnanakumar (Southlands College President)APOLOGIES:Ethan Thubron (Male Sports President)Jai Patel (Environmental and Sustainability Officer)Chair: Billy ChurchMinuting Secretary: Kate GriffithsIn attendance: Helena Schofield – Student Voice and Insights CoordinatorABSENCES: Sabiha Naz Aziz (Gender Equality Officer)Jake White (Mount Clare Site Rep)Danny Carter (Societies Officer)Raymond Hadnett (Southlands College Deputy President)Kathleen Smith (Students with Caring Responsibilities Officer)ROEHAMPTON STUDENTS’ UNIONS T U D E N T S’ U N I O N C O U N C I LThe 4th Students’ Union Council Meeting (SUC) of the 2020/21 Academic YearTuesday 19th January, 2021, 5pmF U L L M I N U T E S O F T H E M E E T I N GWelcomeConfirmation of QuoracyMinutes from the Previous MeetingMatters Arising from the Previous MeetingBilly Church(SUC Chair) noted:Welcome, Attendance & Apologies:Welcome to the fourth SUC meeting of the academic year 2020/21. We are here to hold the monthly Students’ Union Council meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Officer updates and Students’ Union matters. Apologies received from: Ethan Thubron – Male Sports PresidentJai Patel – Environmental and Sustainability OfficerBilly Church(SUC Chair) noted:Quoracy: We need over half of the members to be in attendance to make any decisions or vote, this is 15 PTOs with the current membership of 29 elected Part Time Officers. We have 20 Part Time Officers in attendance, meaning we are quorate for voting.Billy Church(SUC Chair) noted:Minutes of the previous meeting The Minutes from the last SUC will be circulated to all officers, as well as added to the Students’ Union website.M A T T E R S A R I S I N G The University Declaring a Climate EmergencyUpdate: Good progress. A declaration from the University is planned for mid March and the information around this can be found on the main University newsfeed.IN PROCESSMeat free options in the canteenUpdate: There are currently no updates regarding the vegan selections across campus but Jai has been tasked with chasing up Jamie at Elior.IN PROCESSSanitisation stations outside of HallsUpdate: Nicolo pitched this idea to the University and there are now stations in PLETEDBAME Officer name change and division of roleUpdate: The role has now been updated and a description can now be found on the Student Union website in time for the upcoming PLETEDPolicy ProposalsUpdate: This was brought to the Trustee Board and an additional item will be added to the by-laws as a result.Reminder of the SUC GuidelinesBilly Church(SUC Chair) noted:SUC Guidelines:Due to this meeting being held over Zoom, participants are asked to mute themselves if not speaking. If they’d like to ask a question, or contribute to the discussion, they are asked to use the “reactions” function or the “raise hand” function to alert the Chair they are wanting to speak.I T E M S F O R I N F O R M A T I O NAgenda Item 1:Officer UpdatesHarrison Cohen (Froebel Deputy President)Noted:Has been involved in the online welcome for new students starting this term, however, has sent an email to accommodation as new students have been moving in without the Flat Rep’s knowledge. Is assisting with the Flat Rep recruitment, which is looking down from last year so is pushing thisLauryn Fleming (VP Education)Noted:Planning a student network / careers conference as well as Sabb drop in sessions that should be live at the end of January. Working on the formation of a student protection group, which was a manifesto point. Collecting feedback from the Department reps and PTO’s regarding student life. Really wanting to make sure all voices are heard.Sam Laughton (LGBTQ+ Officer)noted:Has taken part in inclusivity training with Student Engagement and is now concentrating on LGBTQ+ History month in February.Danielle Chegwidden (Female Sports President)Noted:Was elected as the Part Time Officer Trustee to sit on the Trustee board. Along with Orla, helped out at the Covid testing centre on campus. Is planning a sport and careers collaboration towards the end of January. Got the bad news that BUCS have cancelled all their competitive fixtures for 2021 so is thinking of ways to engage the sports teams and replicate this competitive element. Along with Shukhrat is looking at disabilities in sport and how both officers can support these students.Farrah Black (RSU President)Noted:Has been informed that the lecturers in the Arts and Humanities departments have taken early retirement rather than redundancies so this is favourable. Is now looking at the next steps in order to help these departments moving forward. Met with the local MP, Fleur Anderson, to give the feedback received regarding the lack of Government support. Planning various conferences this year – namely the LGBTQ+ conference and Women’s Conference, so message Farrah if you’d like to assist in either or both of these.Mars Nicoli (Trans Students Officer)Noted:Is involved in LGBTQ+ History month alongside the Pride Network and both the LGBTQ+ society and the film society are also involved. Is planning monthly wellbeing meetings with both students and staff welcome. Had the first meeting regarding diversifying the curriculum, which department and programme reps were also involved in.Libby Spooner (Whitelands College President)Noted:Has attended community meetings where various issues were raised. Is looking to host a number of virtual pub quizzes and is working on a manifesto point to host STEM workshops, which the VC is also on board with.Rasanpreet Kaur Binning (Digby Stuart College President)Noted:Is looking to hold a blue jumper campaign but College team changes have held this up while the new College Life Development Officer gets settled in. Hoping to host some online officer drop in sessions as well as provide support for students that want to run their own online events. Meeting with CCL’s to make sure events aren’t overlapping.Nicolo Sodaro (VP Community and Welfare)Noted:Planning to launch the Women in Mind campaign focussed on Mental Health in March. Looking to speak to other Sabbs from different Universities to gather information about how they’re addressing the refund questions posed by students.Shukhrat Ruziev (Students with Disabilities Officer)Noted:Focussed on building an audience on the social media platforms and is meeting with Mark from Disabilities Services to catch up.Richard Lessy (Postgraduate Students’ Officer)Noted:Collecting the data from the Post Grad survey and had one meet and greet with the Post Grad reps and planning a second. Has also had good interaction from the Research and PhD students.Jade Cavanagh (Off Campus and Commuting students Officer)Noted:Has Is looking to host more gaming nights and is planning a sexual assault campaign along with the Sabbs.Jemimah Karungi (BAME Students’ Officer)Noted:Has attended an anti racism meeting with Judith Broadbent – Principal Lecturer in the School of Arts. Planning on creating an award focussed around BAME students.Fabian Jasonson (Froebel College President)Noted:Is attending a meeting with the VC around support for College Officers and Flat Reps as well as lobbying for refunds for academics.Matt Gnanakumar (Southlands College President)Noted:Had a conversation with the VC surrounding areas of improvement on Southlands and is hoping to plan some face to face events with Ray for the not too distant future. In the meantime, there are online events running throughout the term. Meeting with Estates at the end of the month and is positive there will be some changes as a result of this.Oli Ottaway (Mental Health Officer)Noted:Gathering feedback from students as to how they are and how they’re coping in the current situation. Creating videos to share information, which has been well received. Is meeting with Aleata Alstad-Calkins – the Director of Student Services – regarding concerns from students that have been highlighted in the feedback received. Lynne Wahome (Mature Students Officer)Noted:Hosted Business school talks and is creating a tutorial for accessing Moodle and things to assist mature students. Orla O’Flynn (Digby Deputy President)Noted:Adjusting to the new CLDO and is planning a meeting in the coming weeks.I T E M S F O R D I S C U S S I O NAgenda Item 2:Self Defence Training for StudentsPresented by Oli Ottaway – Mental Health OfficerOli Ottaway (Mental Health Officer)Noted:This was one of Oli’s manifesto points and as both physical and sexual assault is rising, she is keen to find practical ways to deal with this. This type of training can also help boost confidence and self esteem. Is looking to hold free sessions which she hopes will be face to face outdoors in the warmer months. The sessions will cover everything from domestic abuse to assaults on nights out and there will also be guidance for students with disabilities.Danielle Chegwidden (Female Sports President)Noted:Has spoken to Taekwondo who are keen to help facilitate this so it could be beneficial to have them on board. The “Our Parks” scheme also offer something similar so could speak to them about teaming up. Nicolo Sodaro (VP Community and Welfare)Noted:This is a great initiative and Nic is fully in support of getting this up and running.I T E M S F O R D I S C U S S I O NAgenda Item 3:RSU Election Campaigns BudgetsPresented by Nicolo Sodaro – VP Community and WelfareNicolo Sodaro (VP Community and Wefare)noted:During the last SUC, Council members voted to change the budget. This SUC we need to approve the amounts.Those running for Sabb roles will receive ?30 and those running for the PTO roles will receive ?20Danielle Chegwidden(Female Soprts President)noted:Will this run in the same way as the previous elections?Nicolo Sodaro (VP Community and Welfare)noted:The Candidates running will be able to claim back 50% of their expenditure. We have changed it this year as historically, full budgets have not been used by the candidates. There is also a greater online presence this year than ever before so there would be no need to use the previous full amount.Billy Church(SUC Chair) noted:We will now take a vote on the new budget proposal. Please note down your votes in the chat function.All those present (19 Officers) voted in favour of the budget proposal. This motion was passed.Agenda Item 4:Officer Role DescriptionsPresented by Nicolo Sodaro – VP Community and WelfareNicolo Sodaro(VP Community and Welfare)noted:Is going to take the document that was circulated prior to the meeting as read. It comprises summary paragraphs for some roles and more specific descriptions throughout. We are open to suggestions of how to improve this.Danielle Chegwidden (Female Sports President)Noted:The sport president roles mention the organisation of the Roehampton 5k and 10k runs; this doesn’t exist anymore as it has been changed to the Move and Give festival.Mars Nicoli(Trans Students Officer)noted:There is no mention of Inter-sex people, as some don’t associate with Trans or LGBT. Not sure how this could be worded to reflect this addition, but maybe it could fall under the gender equality role.Nicolo Sodaro(VP Community and Welfare)noted:Has We will take this feedback away and look at ways to incorporate this into a role.Helena Schofield(Student Voice and Insights Coordinator) noted:This is a really good point and we’ll be happy to pick this up outside of this meeting.Harrison Cohen(Froebel Deputy President)noted:As part of the College Deputy Presidents role, it states that they should be able to cover RSU Reception for an hour per week; thought this was the College Presidents job?Kate Griffiths (Minuting Secretary)Noted:This is only there as a precaution if for any reason the College Presidents can’t make it then it will usually fall to the Deputy Presidents.Billy Church(SUC Chair) noted:We will now take a vote on the role descriptios. Please note down your votes in the chat function.All those present (19 Officers) voted in favour of the role description proposal. This motion was passed. A. O. BDanielle Chegwidden (Female Sports President)Noted:Wanted to point out that Oli is sometimes overwhelmed with the amount of people that are reaching out to her for support, so how can we as Officers support her?Oli Ottaway (Mental Health Officer)Noted:Don’t mind that people are coming to her, but it is time consuming. The best thing to do is keep doing what you’re doing by raising awareness of the various departments that are available to support them and letting students know that we’re here for them.Orla O’Flynn (Digby Deputy President)Noted:Has encountered an issue on her course where they’ve condensed modules that should’ve been over a 10 week period in to 3 weeks which isn’t fair and doesn’t take into account that people have jobs and might not be able to commit to 4 days of lectures a week for 3 weeks. These modules are schedules for after Easter in the Summer Term.Lauryn Fleming(VP Education)Noted:Has a conversation schedules with the Humanities department; can I bring up anything else within this?Orla O’Flynn (Digby Deputy President)Noted:Extensions are not long enough and late submissions shouldn’t be capped to take into consideration everything that students have been through this academic year.Mars Nicoli (Trans Students Officer)Noted:The Summary of adjustment for students needing extra time has always been two weeks and now extensions are being given to students without additional needs, so it puts everyone on a level playing field meaning those needing extra support are being unfairly treated.Lauryn Fleming(VP Education)Noted:Will bring this to the University's attention as a concern.Nicolo Sodaro(VP Community and Welfare)Noted:The Sabbs are currently in talks regarding elongating the extension period so please do email us as it’s always good to have tangible evidence to present to the University.Billy Church(SUC Chair)Noted:The Ideas page on the website is also a useful tool in all of this.Richard Lessy(Post Graduate Students Officer)Noted:During Student Senate last year, it was mentioned that degrees would be overcalculated as they were the previous academic year. We really need this to continue as this academic year has also been highly disruptive and this needs to be taken into consideration when calculating degrees. This should also go alongside the mitigating circumstances discussion as people are concerned. Danielle Chegwidden (Female Sports President)Noted:Received an email regarding the no detriment policy and it does mention post grads within this email so maybe check if you have received it too. Fabian Jasonson(Froebel College President)Noted:Was told the no detriment policy was being replaced by dropping the two lowest scoring modules, instead of just the one.Lauryn Fleming(VP Education)Noted:The degrees of third years can be calculated two ways. The department are the people who calculate, and the lowest grades will be dropped to get the best outcome from the remaining marks. Will get clarity on this though and report back.Billy Church(SUC Chair)Noted:Feels Student Senate should be more often as it gives students a chance to have more contact time with senior management. Fabian Jasonson(Froebel College President)Noted:This came up in conversation with the VC today and he was keen to establish more channels of communication to the students. He understood that these opportunities to hear students once a month wasn’t enough and seemed on board with hiring a “student liaison officer” for his team.Farrah Black(RSU President)Noted:This is a really good idea and will bring it up again with the VC when she has a catch up with him this week.Billy Church (SUC Chair)noted:Members were thanked for their attendance and reminded that the next meeting of SUC will be held at 5pm on Monday the 15th of February, 2021, via ZoomSUC Chair closed the meeting. ................
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