UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS UNION STUDENT COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 AGENDA
1. Welcome and Apologies 2. Minutes from 03.10.11 (SC11/21) 3. Issues tabled by students for discussion a. Campus Car Parking (SC11/22) b. Environmental Policy (SC11/23) c. Placement student issues (SC11/24) 4. Policy decisions tabled by the Sabbatical officers for discussion a. Trade Union Industrial action (SC11/25) 5. Student Community Forums 6. Representative groups: update and vacancy 7. Addition to Student Council Guidance document (SC11/26) 8. Reports to be noted a. b. c. d.
Student Officer reports (SC11/27) Trustee Board report (SC11/28) University Committees report (SC11/29) NUS report (SC11/30)
UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION
SC11/21
STUDENT COUNCIL MONDAY 3 OCTOBER 2011 MINUTES
COUNCILLORS PRESENT: Mosami Sayare, Chetan Mali, Holly Brunt, David Heaton, Liam McLoughlin, Stephen Mann, Kevin Rowswell (Chair), Heather Sharp, Tom Hughes-Roberts, Robert Barr, Obaid Shamsi, Dilip Das. IN ATTENDANCE: Caroline Dangerfield (President), Sophie Atkinson (Vice President), Christina Kennedy (Vice President), Tom Doyle (Vice President), Phil Benton (Chief Executive), Rhiannon Cruse (Student Engagement Manager), Matthew Trump, Mustapha Munir, Kamadi Jagafa, Laura Johnson.
1. Received: Apologies for absence from Councillors Daniel Walton, John Hart, Harriet Phipps, Katie Taylor, Donna Woolley, Reetu Zarora, Joe Woods and Matthew Metcalfe . 2. Confirmed: Minutes from Council meeting 25.05.11 3. Discussed: Paper SC11/12 „Give me tap‟ presented by Matthew Trump. After a short discussion about the background of the „company, Matthew Trump advised Council that although a profit-making company, Give Me Tap donates some 70% of its profits to African aid charities. Resolved: To ask the Union to offer this scheme through Bar and Café Yours. 4. Discussed: Paper SC11/13 „Ethnic Minorities on Britain‟s donor registries‟ presented by Matthew Trump. During discussions about the importance of raising awareness of this issue on campus, it was suggested by Liam McLoughlin that the University could ask all students whether or not they‟d like to join donor lists on registration. The President commented that although the Union has no direct control over the University‟s data collection processes, an awareness raising campaign could be led by the International and BME Representatives on Council. Matthew Trump commented that there may be cultural issues regarding blood/organ and bone marrow donation, and therefore consultation with religious groups on campus would be advantageous. Resolved: To raise awareness of this issue on campus, through a campaign led by the International and BME Council members, supported by the Sabbatical team. 5. Noted: The President thanked the Student Council members who had volunteered to help during the Union‟s Welcome week activities. The Council members are: David Heaton, Heather Sharp, John Hart, Tom Hughes-Roberts, Donna Woolley, Joe Woods, Daniel Walton, Reetu Zarora and Robert Barr. 6. Discussed: Policy paper SC11/14 „The recent University rebranding exercise‟ presented by the Vice President Arts and Social Sciences. During discussion it was noted that the University had not yet asked for sports team‟s kits to change in line with the new branding colours, but that it had been indicated this could happen in the near future. There were strong feelings from Council members about the use of the word „Manchester‟ in the branding, and the danger of losing identity as a separate city. Holly Brunt commented that the word „Manchester‟ helped to locate Salford, particularly among international students who are not aware of the University‟s geographical location.
Resolved: To endorse the statement provided in the paper and to instruct the Sabbatical Officers to use it in dealings with students, the University, local community and press. 7. Discussed: Policy paper SC11/15 „The Library Consolidation Project‟ presented by the President. Following the President‟s summary of the paper, the Chair invited Professor Huw Morris (Pro Vice Chancellor Academic and project sponsor), Julie Berry (University Librarian) and Paul Waters (Project Manager) to address Council. The speakers summarised the project, explaining that no decision had yet been made as to consolidation, and that the project‟s original purpose was to examine the options for moving stock from Adelphi library to Clifford Whitworth in line with the movement of those schools to the new Arts building in 2014. Professor Morris emphasised that the focus groups and consultations that have taken place in the last few weeks would continue, and that many of the perceptions about the project were incorrect. The speakers answered questions from Council members about the logistics of the project. Professor Morris stressed that there was no timescale for the project, given that the budget for capital was entirely separate from revenue budgets, and therefore worked on different budget cycles. Council members raised concerns about potential gaps in service during any movement of stock, Julie Berry emphasised that continuity of service was top of the agenda during any movement, and that a variety of methods including reciprocal agreements with other institutions would be used. Rob Barr presented the speakers with a petition of 630 signatures from students at the Allerton campus, who are strongly opposed to any plans to move their library stock. Professor Morris mentioned the benefit of 24/7 access for these students, and asserted that creating a central one-library focus on campus could encourage and foster a greater sense of community and cohesion between the different schools and colleges on campus. Professor Morris also stressed that finance was not a motivator in the project, meaning that any cost savings would be channelled directly into library services. Consultation with students will continue, and a new FAQs page about the project is now live on the website. The Chair thanked the speakers, who left the Council meeting. Resolved: To ask the officers to continue to lobby for greater transparency and consultation in all future stages of the project. 8. Discussed: Policy paper SC11/16 „UCU Industrial Action‟ presented by Tom Doyle. The Sabbatical Team asked Council to discuss whether or not the Students‟ Union should support the industrial action recently announced to take place during October (work to rule) and November (rolling strikes). A statement of support was drafted and ready for approval if Council voted in favour of support. During discussion, there was strong feeling from Council members that both forms of action would have significant impact on students, many of whom are commuting students, merely wanting to attend their classes. Issues about the strike earlier in the year were raised, particularly the blocking of entry to the library by picket lines, which were not helpful to students on campus. The Chair conducted a vote on „Whether the Students‟ Union should support the UCU industrial action‟. Resolved: Not to support the UCU industrial action. 9. Discussed: Council vacancy. The Chair advised Council of the options for filling the current vacancy. Council advised it was the Chair's discretion about which option to follow. Advice from Council included the view that an election would help publicise the Union. Information was received from the President that if an election followed, the new member would be in place for next Council meeting. Resolved: The Chair exercised discretion and decided on the option of a by-election. 10. Noted: Reports SC11/18, SC11/19 and SC11/20.
11. Discussed: Heather Sharp raised two questions of the Sabbatical Officers regarding their report. The first related to the new College Reps for Engagement and how they would know the representative members of Council, and the second asked about the number of induction talks carried out by the Sabbatical Officers over the Welcome period. The President responded by informing Council that the new College Reps had not completed their training yet and were very new in post. A meeting would be arranged with Council members in due course. Induction talks are organised by the schools, and the Sabbatical Officers rely on each school to schedule time for them to speak. The President stressed that she was pleased with the number of talks carried out across the institution, and commented that further talks and lecture-shouts would continue into semester one. 12. Noted: The Better Union forum will take place on Thursday 20 October 2011 at 5pm (venue tbc). The Chair asked for volunteer(s) to convene the forum – David Heaton and Dilip Das volunteered and will act as co-convenors of the Better Union forum. Dates for Better University and Better City forums will be announced by the next Council meeting. 13. Any other business: It was noted that the launch of Black History Month would be marked by a presentation at the International Life Centre in University House on Wednesday 5th October at 12:30pm. Date of next meeting: 11am Wednesday 23 November 2011 (University House)
SC11/22 UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 POLICY DECISIONS CAMPUS CAR PARKING
PURPOSE OF PAPER
Items submitted by students / Council members
ACTION REQUIRED
Discuss and debate the issue outlined, and make recommendations where requested
UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL
Name: Liam Mcloughlin
What is the issue? The university is underway with one of the biggest regeneration plans of its history. As some of you already know, these involve the plan of removing the Northern car park, located behind University House. Little information has gone out about any replacement of car parking spaces. In a recent transport questionnaire by the university, it has not addressed the issue of already too little parking spaces by selection of the multiple choice questions. The university is looking to utilise the prime land location of Castle Irwell and replace it with accommodation closer to campus; creating a more „active campus‟. But what about the countless amount of commuter students, who have to rely on a car to travel in, as public transport is not acceptable in the area where they live? The car park is regularly overfilled and if anything should be expanded. How would you like Council to respond and what action would you like the University or USSU to take? 1. I ask the Students Union to agree to press the issue of car parking onto the university. 2. Request that any future plans that directly involve car parking should be put to wider consultation.
SC11/23 UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 POLICY DECISIONS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
PURPOSE OF PAPER
Items submitted by students / Council members
ACTION REQUIRED
Discuss and debate the issue outlined, and make recommendations where requested
UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL
Name: The Green Society What is the issue? The Students‟ Union‟s Environmental Policy is due for renewal in December 2011. The new Green Society have looked over the policy and have submitted it for adoption by Council. How would you like Council to respond and what action would you like the University or USSU to take? 1. To adopt the Environmental Policy
UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY The University of Salford Students‟ Union (USSU) exists to enhance students‟ lives through effective representation and the provision of high quality services and facilities. USSU recognises that many of its operations result in emissions to air, water, and the generation of waste. It is therefore committed to minimise the negative impacts on the environment, caused of its operations by means of a programme comprising continuous improvement on campus. Therefore USSU is committed to: Integrating environmental considerations into future business policy decisions; Identifying, prioritising and documenting the university‟s most significant environmental aspects and environmental impacts, and creating a plan to reduce these wherever possible. Work proactively with the University‟s Environmental Management Team to optimise & reduce energy consumption in the premises occupied by the university and ensure that any future developments of those premises are delivered with a view to minimising their negative environmental impact. Encouraging students and staff to use lighting and other electrical equipment appropriately to minimise energy consumption – through staff bulletins, appropriate signs in rooms, advice to student groups and general advice to students. Proactively reducing the volume of waste to landfill produced by the Union, and recycling as much as practicably possible whilst working with the University to ensure that University waste disposal/recycling arrangements take account of the needs of the Union. Monitoring, and seeking to reduce, paper consumption in photocopying, office printing, stationery and general printing expenditure whilst attempting to increase the proportion of paper used for printing, copying and publications sourced from recycled material or from sustainably managed forests. Supporting NUS Services‟ Sound Ethical Choice programme aimed at promoting Fair Trade and sourcing goods for retail from suppliers graded A-C by NUSSL‟s Ethical and Environmental Committee. Working pro-actively with the University, Local Authority and other Students‟ Unions and the community at large to progress environmental initiatives and exchange best practice. Encouraging student – staff participation in developing and taking forward innovative ideas presented by students. Ensuring all staff and officers receive the necessary instruction and training to enable them to understand this Environmental Policy and to contribute effectively to its operation; Using the website and Student Direct to promote environmental issues: Aiming to achieve a year on year increase in the Union‟s score through NUS Services‟ Sound Impact Awards, whilst maintaining the minimum expected standards to achieve a Silver Award. Reviewing this Environmental Policy every two years.
SC11/24 UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 POLICY DECISIONS PLACEMENT STUDENT ISSUES
PURPOSE OF PAPER
Items submitted by students / Council members
ACTION REQUIRED
Discuss and debate the issue outlined, and make recommendations where requested
UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL
Name: Stephen Mann
What is the issue? Lack of support for placement students across the University and potentially countrywide. ERASMUS, voluntary and compulsory placements all have issues to be tackled
How would you like Council to respond and what action would you like the University or USSU to take? 1. Improve University and S.U support for placement students in the form of an administrative arm to make sure no student falls under the net 2. Financial bursaries to help the less well off students so they don't need to find a job to maintain themselves and so they didn't get put off in the first place 3. The S.U to monitor the situation closely and invite Student Life to comment so we can work alongside them in this matter 4. Raise the issue with the NUS at conference as there is far reaching consequences especially with the ERASMUS scheme
SC11/25 UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 POLICY DECISIONS UCU AND UNISON INDUSTRIAL ACTION
PURPOSE OF PAPER
For Council to discuss, debate and direct issues of the representation work of the Sabbatical Officers
ACTION REQUIRED
Discuss and debate the issue outlined, and make recommendations where requested
UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL
Name: Sabbatical Officer Team 2011/12 What is the issue? Trade Union Industrial action 1. As Council is already aware, the TUC and affiliated Trade Unions are undertaking a campaign for „decent pensions for all‟, which has resulted in a decision to take industrial action. The first day of action is due to take place on Wednesday 30 November. 2. The Trade Unions are unhappy with proposed changes to their members‟ pensions, including an increase of 3.2% on employee contributions (which in the current pay-freeze amount to a 3% pay cut) and an increase in the age at which pensions can be drawn. 3. This industrial action will involve a range of teaching unions including the University and Colleges Union (UCU), Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) and Educational Institute Scotland (EIS). Action will be taking place across both further and higher education institutions all across the UK on the 30 November. Other non-academic support staff who are members of UNISON and UNITE will also be taking action on this day. 4. The addition of other Unions to the industrial action particularly UNISON, whose members include many professional and administrative staff at the University, means that the situation is markedly different than when it was previously discussed by Council. As the action is now likely to encompass more University employees, the Sabbatical Officers felt that the mandate from the October Council meeting needed to be revisited before they were able to discuss the Union's position with the campus Unions. As with the item on library consolidation at the last meeting, the Officers felt it appropriate to ask representatives of the campus Unions to speak directly to Council in order for Council members to engage in direct discussion and scrutiny of their position. 5. The NUS (National Union of Students) are in support of the Unions‟ action, and have encouraged Students‟ Unions to show support at local level. The NUS position is included with this paper. It is important to note that NUS believe that while the action is justified, anything which jeopardises a student‟s ability to progress to the next year of study or graduate, is unacceptable.
How would you like Council to respond and what action would you like the University or USSU to take? 1. To discuss and vote on whether the Students‟ Union should support the UCU / UNISON industrial action on the 30 November. 2. If Council votes in favour, what level of support would be appropriate? 3. Should the Sabbatical Officers challenge the University to report on how it is mitigating for the impact of the action?
SC11/26 UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION ADDITION TO GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 Extra-ordinary Meetings of Council a) An Extra-ordinary Meeting of Council between those scheduled may be called by the Chair following consideration of a written request from the Board of Trustees, the President of the Students Union or their representative or a member of the Student Council. b) The request must include a rationale for the urgent nature of the issue. c) The decision to call an Extra-ordinary meeting of Council will be at the discretion of the Chair.
Grounds for calling an extra-ordinary meeting a) The „urgent‟ nature of any issue raised as the basis of a request for an Extra-ordinary meeting of Council is, in broad terms, likely to be i.
where no policy guidance currently exists or is inadequate and its absence is disabling officers from acting in a timely manner to protect the interests of students, or
ii.
where actions arising from the University are unanticipated and are likely to have an immediate and detrimental impact on students so that a wider mandate is necessary for the union to act.
b) In considering a request the Chair will take into account, i.
whether a meeting of Council is necessary to progress the issue raised (that is, that it cannot be progressed at all unless the Council meets) and
ii.
if a meeting of Council is considered necessary for the issue to be progressed, whether the item may be addressed in a timely manner by inclusion at the next scheduled meeting.
c) The Chair may also consider how the reputation and standing of the Council and the Student Union as a whole will be impacted by their decision. d) The Chair may take consult and take advice as appropriate. Notice and timing a) Where an Extra-ordinary Meeting is called by the Chair, Notice to council members will be made in the usual way. b) Notice will give a minimum of 2 calendar days and the meeting must take place within 7 calendar days. c) The meeting time proposed must avoid standard daytime lecture periods in order to maximise attendance.
Quorum Normal quorum rules apply
Agenda The agenda will comprise 3 items only a) Attendance b) Apologies c) Item under consideration No other business will be considered. Papers In urgent situations it will not always be possible to distribute fully prepared papers in advance of the meeting. However, for the purposes of Extra-ordinary meetings, a) if a paper is not circulated in advance with the notice, a summary briefing paper must be tabled at the meeting in order to properly inform members and to provide a clear record of the issue under consideration.
Minutes Minutes will be taken and reported to the next scheduled meeting of Council for approval in the usual way.
SC11/27 UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 STUDENT OFFICER REPORTS
PURPOSE OF PAPER
To inform Student Council of the representation work of the Sabbatical Officers
ACTION REQUIRED
To notify the chair in advance of the meeting if any points require discussion
1. Library Development Project As a result of significant lobbying from the Officers and students the University decided to extend the consultation period until 31st October. The Library team along with Students‟ Union Officers have visited a vast number of lectures and classes and gathered opinion from a number of students with the majority being against the development proposition. At the last meeting of the Library Project Board a number of options were put forward all of which have different budget needs and come with significant pros and cons. Based on student feedback it was decided that the Officers would not support the closure of Allerton and only support the closure of Adelphi in line with the new Arts Building opening. As far as we know a decision is still yet to be made. 2. Academic Governance consultation As part of the University's Transformation Programme an Academic Governance Project Board has been set up charged with revising the Academic Handbook. Caroline is a member of the Board and Phil Benton also attends the meetings. A number of areas have already been looked at and we had provided significant feedback. These have included revisions to the late submission policy, PMC procedure, the introduction of a 'fit to sit policy', the role of External Examiners' and Two Tier Exam Boards. It's worth noting that a recent success of this board is that the Academic Regulations are to updated and the University will no longer be able to withhold exam results from students if they have are in nonacademic debt. This was a result of lobbying following a recent Office of Fair Trading Ruling.
3. Student Rep Training We‟ve trained approx. 122 reps so far which is perhaps less than we‟d have expected. 183 are returning Student Reps and 11 Student Reps received training in May/June this year. There are still 498 students left to train. There‟s been poor cooperation by schools to get reps in this year and we remain down on the total in comparison to last year. The training itself has run differently than previous years, taking place in schools rather than centrally in the Students‟ Union building following feedback from previous years. Unfortunately, combined with the fewer reps being signed up it has led to a number of the sessions having few reps in them and the late haul of reps has meant many will have to come to training later than planned. On the plus side the smaller groups have allowed for healthy conversations during the training meaning many issues have been discussed at this early stage and hopefully a good relationship between the reps and the Students‟ Union has been formed. This has been reflected by the consistently high scores on feedback forms. Well done to Kim and Rhiannon! 4. Activities As part of the Officer plan this year we‟ve been trying to get out and chat to a number of the groups, specifically those who we feel we maybe haven‟t reached out to enough in recent years. For those we‟ve met there has been a very positive response so hopefully that will continue throughout the year. As part of the same plan we‟re also encouraging student led events and 2 examples of this so far have been the musicians having their open mic night and the Children In Need night which will by the time of this meeting of Student Council have seen 6 of our activity groups perform in the Bar hopefully raising plenty of money in the process! A third part of this plan has been to set up targeted activity groups; course based and campaigning activity groups. On the back of the success of a number of our course based activity groups we felt it was important to encourage more of them and with the Musicians and Politics and Contemporary History groups going
strong already it‟s a good start. A Green Activity Group has been created again and we‟re hoping with a bit of support this will be again be a success. We also intend to set up a Students with Disabilities Activity Group within the next couple of weeks.
5. Speaking to Students As part of the Officer plan for this year we are committed to speaking to students about a particular topic on a regular basis. The first being, “How was your induction?” where the Officers spoke to 561 students in total, and gathered 122 responses to the induction question. This fortnight‟s question is “What is NUS?” With this question we are aiming to fill in the gaps of their knowledge and raise their awareness of NUS National Conference and Student Activism 2011. During this time we have been gathering student opinion and will be making a summary of what has been said in the form of a video blog.
6. Previous meeting Updates Give Me Tap We have now become affiliated with the Give me Tap scheme. http://www.givemetap.co.uk/taps/980881784-university-of-salford-students-union We are currently not able to sell the bottles due to the fact that it‟s not a listed NUSSL product. We are aware that NUSSL are in discussions with representatives from the scheme to look at how they could become an approved supplier. Blood and Bone Marrow Donations Register Since the last meeting Christina has arranged a meeting with Reetu and Chetan to see Rosie Qureshi who is the University‟s Equality Impact Assessment Co-ordinator. We have arranged to meet her to discuss how to go ahead with encouraging BME and International staff and students at the University to sign up to the blood and bone marrow donations register.
SC11/28 UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 TRUSTEE BOARD REPORT
PURPOSE OF PAPER
To inform Student Council of the issues discussed by the Students‟ Union Trustee Board on 26 October 2011
ACTION REQUIRED
To notify the chair in advance of the meeting if any points require discussion
A summary of the Trustee Board meeting of 26 October 2011 1. Finance The Board received updated information on the organisation‟s year end management accounts prior to the external audit taking place. The final year end operating surplus was £40,509. The Board also noted the draft financial accounts for the same figures, presented in the format required for reporting to the Charity Commission. In doing so, the Board also agreed an amendment to the presentation of the Union's reserves policy. An update on the organisations‟ pension review was also received, outlining the recent consultation undertaken with staff. 2. Strategy The Board approved a proposal to undertake a consultancy exercise on the University of Bolton Students‟ Union's commercial and membership services. 3. Governance The Board approved the new University „Student Charter‟ and encouraged the Sabbatical Officers to promote it as a way of setting consistent standards across the University. The Board approved revisions to the elections regulations in order to enable the Union to operate collaborative elections with Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan Unions next year.
SC11/29 UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES REPORT
PURPOSE OF PAPER
To inform Student Council of the issues discussed by the Sabbatical Officers at University Committee meetings
ACTION REQUIRED
To notify the chair in advance of the meeting if any points require discussion
1. University Council Council is the University‟s supreme governing body It is responsible for the management and administration of the revenue and property of the University and for the conduct of the affairs of the University. Caroline and Tom are the student members. Perhaps the most interesting part of this council was the proposal to take out loans to build the new Arts Building was agreed meaning plans to have the building ready by 2013 are remaining on track so far. A report from HEFCE on the institutional risk said the University was „not at higher risk‟ than last year which is a relatively positive message. The greatest risk which has been identified by the University is its ability to recruit international students which is a problem for many UK universities due to new measures brought in controlling the supply of visas to students. The figure was particularly low from India with a 57% drop from 2010/11 which is worrying for a number of years to come.
2. Senate Senate is the is the University‟s Academic Board and is responsible for maintaining the academic quality and standards of the University. Caroline and Tom are the student members. At the last meeting, various issues were discussed including student number control which will see Salford having to reduce its population by around 350 student FTEs or around 9%, discounting NHS funded students. He also advised that T grant would be withdrawn from PGT students and, on the advice of external consultants, predicted a reduction of 20-30% from 2012. The Vice Chancellor confirmed that the level of PGT tuition fees had been set by the Executive but would not be published as the information would be helpful to competitor institutions. A further message came from the Director of Student Information who also advised that, because of the ramifications of the Academic Portfolio Review, University offers were yet to be made and, when made, would be done so on the basis of an indicative fee. Some Senate members saw Council‟s decision to opt for nominated members to council rather than elected members, seeing it as a diminution of the democratic process, believing that elected members were inherently more independent that nominated members. 3. Learning, Teaching and Enhancement Committee LTEC advises Senate on the maintenance of academic quality and standards in the University‟s taught provision and the enhancement of academic practice. The Learning, Teaching and Enhancement Committee has a particular responsibility for assuring the quality of the student experience. Christina and Sophie are the student members. A number of issues were discussed including the proposed Student Participation Policy and we flagged some concerns about how the policy has been relayed to students. We were especially concerned about the approach by some tutors as an attendance monitoring process rather than participation monitoring as the policy states that where a student has failed to satisfy the minimum attendance and participation requirements of the programme during the first six weeks the University has the right to cancel the student‟s registration with immediate effect. We raised our concerns and stated that we felt this to be unfair as students who have their registration in question have the right to an Academic Appeal therefore, pending an appeal, library and computer access should not be cancelled for that student as they will have been unfairly disadvantaged should it be decided that they can continue their studies at the University. LTEC also discussed the University‟s preparation for the upcoming Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Institutional Review in academic year 2012-13 and decided to include the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) as a new award in Salford Business School. This award was welcomed as a sound, progressive proposal as it is an internationally recognised award which would hugely benefit students studying business-related courses.
4. AAGC The Academic Audit and Governance Committee is responsible for the oversight of academic audit of the operation of regulations, policies and procedures and advises Senate on the operation and effectiveness of academic governance and academic activities. Tom is the student member. The most important information taken from this meeting was that there will be 3 areas of the university up for academic audit. Selected was University models of communication with students, PhD by Submission of Published Works and complains with the Universityâ€&#x;s guidance on anonymous marking. Of those selected the review of anonymous marking is a really positive choice and the Officers will be keeping a close eye on this particular audit. 5. Research Committee Research Committee is a Committee of University Senate and is responsible for the research strategy of the University and ensuring that Postgraduate Research standards are maintained and that the student experience is a high quality one. Caroline and Tom Hughes-Roberts are the student members. The main student issue discussed was that of the future of the Director of Postgraduate Research Students post as it is currently vacant. There was a thorough discussion which addressed the options available and how the role could be done at a College level instead of right across the University. There has been no resolution just yet and the PGR student experience continues to be a concern for the Officers.
SC11/30 UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS (NUS) REPORT
PURPOSE OF PAPER
To inform Student Council of the issues relating to the National Union of Students (NUS)
ACTION REQUIRED
To notify the chair in advance of the meeting if any points require discussion
1. Higher Education Zone The work of NUS is divided into Zones, each of which is headed up by one of the full-time Vice Presidents and each holds a Conference for both officers and staff each year. Caroline and Rhiannon attended the Higher Education Zone. Plenary Sessions included the winners and losers of the White Paper, engaging mature students, and issues of deprivation and social injustice. Workshops we attended included Postgraduate Taught fees, supporting International students and Student-Led Teaching Awards. Caroline was also elected onto the National Higher Education Zone Committee and will be working with Usman Ali (NUS Vice President Higher Education) and the rest of the Committee to shape Higher Education policy that is submitted to National Conference and scrutinise the work of the Zone.
2. Union Development Zone The conference covered Volunteering, Employability, and Widening Participation. Dr Paul Redmond opened the conference with an inspiring speech about the difficulties currently facing graduates. This really brings home that we need to make sure that the University is instilling employability skills within students and students themselves are utilizing volunteering opportunities. We attended an activism workshop, which was about referenda. It was interesting to see how they have been used in other Studentsâ€&#x; Unions and a good way of opening policy to a larger group of our students. We also discussed widening participation, which is something we are ever keen to improve, however, it was interesting to hear how our sabbatical structures allows us to engage with a lot of students who might be missed in other systems. It was good to see the launch of Innovation and Social Enterprise Academy, which opens the opportunity to allow us to apply for funding of innovative projects.