Student Council Meeting Agenda 15th December 2020, 6pm Via Microsoft Teams
1. Housekeeping
2. Apologies
3. Approval of minutes from Last Meeting (Page 2)
4. Co-options (Page 2) a. Communities Committee b. Environment & Ethics Committee
5. Policy Updates
6. Student Partnership Agreement Update
7. Question and Answer Session with Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor George Boyne (Fixed time of 6.30pm start)
8. Sabbatical Officers Accountability Session (Page 8)
9. Committees and Fora Updates (Page 41)
10.Motions a. Water Fountains and Microwaves (Page 45) b. Demilitarised Campus Policy (Page 46) c. Safe Name Changes for Trans Students (Page 48)
11.Byelaw Amendments a. Byelaw 9 (Rosie Benny) (Page 50) b. Byelaw 9 (Maria Kvarving) (Page 51)
12.AOCB a. Byelaw 3 Draft Amendment – Request for feedback (Circulated Seperately)
Page 1 Minutes of Student Council Tuesday November 17th 2020, 6pm, Via Microsoft Teams
Sederunt In Attendance: Matthew Angell (Chair), Ellie Dick (Clerk) , Scott Carle.
Present: Adam Taylor, Ahlam Khaled Jahlan, Ahmed Kombaar, Alanna, Caitlyn Buchan, Alexander Odonnell, Alina Zorn, Alisa Koster, Alisa Morris, Amro Elsabagh, Annemarie Wilson, Anttoni Numminen, Ava Lindberg, Aya Samir, Beatrix Levsey-Stephens, Bemjamin Peplow, Braiden Smith, Bruce Donald, Camilo Alfonso Torres barragan, Carolijn Van Der Putten, Casimir Armand de Bonneval, Catalina Luiza Bocai, Cecilia Wallback, Chahel Nareshkumar Jagasha, Connor Mccausland, Daniel Cutts, Daniel Oconnor, Daniel Vonnak, David Merieca , Davide Bonne, Edward Wouter Grunewald, Eitan Godsi, Elizabeth Heverin, Emily Cope, Emily Strickland, Gavin James Mackenzie, George Bostick, Hariss Gills, Harnam Mann, Isaac Parsons, Ivana Drdakova, Jamie William Murphy, Jana Hamdach, Janet Gauthier, Jasmina Szarejko, Javier Gonzalez Cuervos, Joao Henriques Florido, Kaamil Hendricks, Katrina Dawn Leslie, Laura Ong, Lea Rattei, Lkhagvabazar Otgonjargal, Lola Wilson, Louise Cope, Louise Henrard. Luiza Bocai, Maen Al Tayyem, Maria Annasdatter Kvarving, Maria Victoria Orr Llado, Martin Le Brech, Max Charles Vallarino, Maya Murad, Mhairi Jervis, Mustafa Mabruk, Natalie Leader ,Nigel John Isherwood, Oliver Pike, Ondrej Kucerak, Paul Senoyuit, Piers William Deseilligny, Radeen Moncrieffe, Rebbeca Taylor, Rebekka Cebulla, Rami Jerrow, Rhona Smith, Rosie Benny , Sara Hafeez, Sebastian Sjoblom, Sian Wallace, Sofia Puentes, Sol Borjesson Grotmaak, Taha Sidiqi, Tarken James Moore, Taylan Campbell, Tobias Coner, Tomas Ignacio Pazarro Escuti, Lilidh Jack, Yana Haddad, Zara Mclachlan
Agenda Action Item 1. Housekeeping
Chair Matthew Angell (MA) introduced everyone to the meeting and went over the rules of Microsoft Teams.
2. Apologies
The Chair received apologies from:
Michael Chung
3. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with 47 Approved votes for, 0 against and 6 abstentions.
4. Approval of Future Council Dates
The following dates for future Student Council were agreed with Approved 42 votes for, 0 against and 2 abstentions.
Tuesday 15th December 2020 Tuesday 26th January 2021 Tuesday 23rd February 2021 Tuesday 23rd March 2021 Tuesday 27th April 2021 Tuesday 25th May 2021
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Page 2 5. Co-options
a. Vice-Chair of Council
The Chair asked for David Merieca (DM) to introduce themselves and address why they would like to be the Vice Chair. DM gave a speech about why he wanted to Approved be the Vice Chair explaining he was on council last year and wants to provide a different role on the council. The Chair moved to a vote and with 48 votes for, 1 against and 0 abstentions, David Merieca was co-opted as Vice Chair.
b. Committee Co-options
The Chair explained the process for committee co- options.
Cecilia Wallback (CW): wanted to make sure Nigel Isherwood got added to the list as he was missed off. MA made people aware that no speeches needed as already been vetted by the individual committees. Approved The Chair then moved to a vote and with 50 votes for, 2 against and 9 abstentions, the co-options were approved.
6. Policy Update
The Student President (CW) indicated that they would recommend renewing the Safe Name Changes for Trans Students policy and the Demilitarised Campus Policy.
The Vice-President for Education (OK) indicated that they would recommend not renewing any policies within their remit at this stage. OK is still gathering information on the ethics committee reform with a view to implementing this year. OK has also been in discussion with the University about the penalisation that has happened due to strikes and is working on concluding with the University.
The Vice-President for Communities would like to see two policies renewed; the Water Fountains and Microwaves Policy and the Environmental Policy.
Following a short discussion, CW proposed a procedural motion to move the decisions on renewing these policies to the next Defer meeting of Student Council. The procedural motion was Proposals seconded by OK. The Chair moved to a vote and with 45 votes to next for, 3 against and 20 abstentions, the procedural motion was meeting carried.
7. Student Partnership Agreement Update
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Page 3 CW gave update on the SPA and asked for any feedback or questions on the SPA as it currently is. Discussion followed around what the SPA actually meant for council and the student association.
8. Sabbatical Officers Accountability Session
CW stated that there were a few things she wanted to add to the existing report submitted, she has set up training for carbon literacy. She is still working on the diversity calendar a little behind but still on for a January launch.
OK is Work around the implementation of blended learning and the policies that are applicable to Covid situation. Especially absences and getting reinstated on courses. He is working on how self-certification is handled during Covid. He is working on the elections Advertisement with the schools. He is also building relationships with the schools to address long and short term issues.
RM is working on listening sessions with university about BLM and Black history month. AUSA has signed up for Nus green impact program for 2 years. He is working on Inclusive events partnership with university. He is also working with students about environmental issues And has attended a meeting about the fossil free campaign and Bruce can give more info on that.
A short discussion followed around the university and Black history month and the group that was at the meeting.
LH’s main projects are the housing campaign with disabled forum, student mental health agreement. She has been working with university to have mental health taken care of. She has been working on Winter break plans and has been chatting with AUSA and University working on support over winter break for student staying or leaving still have support.
Dissuasion followed around the student counselling service and the current waiting times for being seen.
Bruce Donald (BD) gave an update on the fossil Free meetings. Had a meeting with the vice principle and they are going into further talks next week.
The Chair moved to a vote and with 56 votes for, 6 against and 10 abstentions, the work reports where approved. Approved
9. Committees and Fora Updates
Lilidh Jack (LJ) Trans forum rep gave an update on what the forum has been planning including a Trans day of remembrance, and a discussion of trans legal rights and obligations organisations have towards minority groups will happen in January, which charity workers and societies and fora are welcome to come to
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Page 4 Camilo Barragan (CB) BAME representative gave an update on what the forum has been doing including a BAME forum round up of BHM is on their Instagram
10. Motions: Passed a. The Hive Campaign Tomas Escuti (TE) introduced the motion and gave a rundown of what the motions proposes.
Discussion around who would administer the funds was had. As well as clarification on what the campaign would actually entail.
The Chair moved to a vote and with 44 votes for, 17 against and 12 abstentions, the motion passed.
11. Byelaw Amendments:
a. Byelaw 5 amendment OK explained it was not a substantial change. Just the name change, and adding Qatar rep on the committee.
The Chair moved to a vote and with 57 votes for, 2 against Passed and 13 abstentions, byelaw amendment passed with 96%.
b. Byelaw 9 amendment Rosie Benny (RB) the proposer introduced the motion and explained what the student media groups where.
Discussion around the suggestions of funding in this proposal and what was meant by it. As well as what student publications would fit under the new definition of student media group was had.
Discussion was had around the competency of the motion, prosper was frustrated at the lack of feedback.
Call for procedural motion in chat to move to vote. Seconded in chat.
The chair explained that rules state we need to have 4 rounds of speeches before we can move to a procedural motion to move to a vote.
The Chair called for more speeches for and against.
Eitan Godsi (EG) gave a speech for the proposal Alisa Koster (AK) gave a speech against the proposal
Discussion followed around the requests of the proposal and what might happen if it passes at council but not at trustee board.
CW: suggest they withdraw the motion and work on it with the Vice president community for the next council meeting
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Page 5 RB asked for reassurance that help would be given.
RM agreed he would provide help on this motion. Motion RB: agreed to withdraw the motion. withdrawn
c. Byelaw 17 amendment
OK explained the changes to the byelaw are language around the co-chairing to be less ambiguous and increase student reps to 5.
The Chair moved to a vote and with 38 votes for, 2 against Approved and 10 abstentions, byelaw amendment passed with 95%.
12. Nominations for Elections Committee
OK explained that they need 4 additional members at the committee. Asked for people to volunteers for the election committees
13. AOCB
a. Quality Enhancement Theme: The Resilient Learning Communities OK made us aware that we are part of the quality assurance agency Scotland theme looking for student committee members.
b. Academic Symposium OK explained annual symposium looking for student members for the symposium and gave a brief overview of what the symposium would cover.
c. AUSA Student Experience Committee Report for info No questions on this
d. Byelaw 3 – Student Council OK Asked that people reach out if they want info on his proposal for byelaw 3.
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Page 6 Co-options 15th December 2020 Logan Machall – Communities Committee (Ordinary Member) George Taylor – Communities Committee (Ordinary Member)
Dušan Dobrik – Environment & Ethics Committee (First Year Representative)
Page 7 Sabbatical Officer Work Report
Ondrej Kucerak, Vice-President for Education
9th Nov – 2nd Dec 2020
Submitted: 3/12/2020
Highlights
Passed “Penalties of unauthorized late submissions” policy.
Manifesto progress
Taking forward work on the Democratic Review. This will likely make it to the future council or the AGM.
Activity Work Done Outcome/Action Points
Weekly Meetings We share our concerns, • Working to identify EU students with the Vice- getting an who never came to UK prior to Principal for understanding of the Brexit Education student needs that have • Working on reducing the workload to be addressed both for students in semester 2 short term and long • Giving more of a structure to term. students over next semester • Lobbying for more synchronous sessions such as lectures • Gathering feedback for Blackboard to improve in the future
Page 8 Blended Learning Supported the • Producing further guidance on how Implementation Task evaluation of Blended to structure courses to make them and Finish Group Learning. more manageable and easier to (BLITFG) follow.
Quality Assurance Annual Visit • Spoke about AUSA activities as Agency well as our representational structures and some updates we have done on ELIR.
Trustee Board N/a • Regular business • Possible incorporation
Senate Business N/a • Regular business approved Committee • Senate Effectiveness review finally restarted
UCTL N/a • Started the new Enhancement theme officially • Finalized proposal of the new university educational committees’ structure and the student input into them, in collaboration with Cecilia and Louise CPG N/a • Attend to gain more information about the testing, but was not applicable as Debbie was not available
Disciplinary Panels/ N/a N/a Appeal panels
Page 9 Student Council Proposed and did pass N/a some minor changes to byelaw 5 and 17
AULA project board Finalized the evaluation. • Temporarily will be suspended for 2nd semester. • We will need to reconsider the success of this platform
Annual Academic Fed into setting of the • Added student on each panel Symposium symposium • 5 panels still available • Making it more about learning from students
Excellence awards Approved with the VPE. • We have added 2 new categories for staff to nominate students, particularly best class rep and best student ambassador • Deadlines close late January
Meetings with Dean Discussed possible • Developed new blogs and spaces for Student Support ways to improve for students support available to • Diversify some of the structures students, and the • Handed over some issues to VPW resources. (Louise)
Monthly Meetings N/a • Worked with schools to get some with the Schools short-term changes and prepare for semester 2, particularly in relation to workload
Monthly SPARQs N/a • The SFC review has now kicked off meeting with the first meeting of education officers in Scotland. • Awaiting the minutes from the discussion.
Page 10 Senate N/a • Late penalty for unauthorized submission has been passed and will take effect in September 2021.
Senate Effectiveness Provided comments in • Will be looking at the student review advance. representation and hopefully increase it for next academic year.
Page 11 Sabbatical Officer Work Report
Louise Henrard, Vice-President for Welfare Submitted: 02/December/2020
Activity Description, quick summary Outcome/Next steps.
Aberdeen • Student Group Application almost Mental • Regular meetings with completed by time of writing. Health See Me representative and • Expression of Interest Form is Student students (Julia,Maria). available if interested in joining the Group • Group aims to tackle group. mental health stigma and promote mental health literacy.
Physical • Disabled Students • Meeting with Dean of Student Accessibilit Forum’s campaign on adaptive Support. Short-term and long-term y in housing. demands have been asked to the University • Feedback from students University. Accommod showed that there were aspects • Waiting to hear back from ation of adaptive housing in University. University accommodation • Get in touch with Disabled which could be improved. Students Forum or/and myself to give feedback or get involved.
Aberdeen • Newly formed tenant’s • Waiting to receive more Students Union from RGU and Aberdeen information on what the current issues Tenants University. are for Hillhead residents and other Union • Aim to represent students tenants. students tenants across • Any concerns/queries regarding Aberdeen. private accommodation, tenancy • Open Letter was agreement can be directed to AUSA published in the local Advice [email protected] newspapers. • Discussed other issues and sign posted to other
Page 12 sabbatical officers.
Welfare • Still spaces in the • Mentioned Student Mental Health Committee committee available as Agreement, Wellbeing officers in Foresterhill rep and Ordinary students activities. member. • Met for a second time.
Counsellin • Issue raised at the • Unfortunately, there does not g services Welfare Committee meetings. seem to be a more straightforward way and • Meeting with University to reduce the amount of times someone connection staff on potential actions to would have to disclose their symptoms, to local streamline the process to move experiences. services from getting support from the • Initial conversations on what University and then the NHS. support could be provided to help students navigate and understand healthcare systems • No concrete actions taken yet. Wellbeing • In various activities • Will discuss expectations and Officer in (societies,clubs, groups) roles/functions of wellbeing officers with Students development plan, committees AUSA staff. Activities have identified a want to implement wellbeing officers. • Would be beneficial to raise awareness on mental health/wellbeing practices into activities. • Winter • • Created a Facebook Group and Break working on content. Activities • It will be open to share support and services, social activities and connect to Support other students during the Winter Break. •
Page 13 Student • 0BWorking on a mental • Introduced and discussed at the Mental Health project run by NUS Welfare Committee meetings. Health Scotland through the Think Agreement Positive Campaign • Student Mental Health Agreement lasts 2 years
Page 14 Sabbatical Officer Work Report December 2020 Cecilia Wallback, Student President
Highlights
- I wrote some letters to my family and made an advent calendar for my flatmate. - Been working with Danielle (Activities Development Manager) on the ASV Passport. - Met with the Aberdeen Students Tenant Union, however some of the issues they brought up are mostly academic so it seems VP for Education, Ondrej, will take lead on that. - Been planning winter events – check out my Bake-Off competitions or the Christmas Card Competition! - Filmed a video for AUSA and the Development Trust regarding the AUSA Winter Gift https://www.facebook.com/abdnunisa/photos/a.464649492826/10157256284867827/ - Went through all Sport Club development plans to record what they want to do so AUSA can work towards facilitating support. - Am taking the Sabbatical lead on ReFreshers. - Been quoted in a few media outlets - https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish- politics/2705275/sir-ian-diamond/. - Met with the Gaudie. It was very nice and has full of potential. - This round of Carbon Literacy training is almost over.
Page 15 Manifesto progress
Carbon Literacy training – ca 50 participated in the end. By the end of this, I will be a trainer so more workshops like these will be organized for the 2nd semester. Green Award - award criteria and judging panel and vision drafted, currently in the process of getting buy-in from AUSA as a whole to ensure its long-term sustainability. AUSA’s policy re: external contracts - we can now get vegan pizza! Diversity Calendar: Working on a draft with Radeen, VP for Communities. This will be sent to Equity Forum for consultation before publication. More prayer rooms on campus: will be a priority for the Space Management Group. Was put on hold due to COVID-19. Set up Equity Forum: completed. Allocated Forum Budget: forums have received a sabbatical grant to further their activism purposes. There’s also a join Equity Forum budget for joint/intersectional events. Storage: In process. Equipment audit survey launched, will inform what kind of storage needs there are. 36 responses so far: https://ausa2.typeform.com/to/nalhed. Promote Activities: Refocus Campaign launched, in process of re-starting the Clubs of the Week with the Sport Committee. Support and training for Student Groups: Helped Nightline get to a position where they can restart if guidelines allow it. Speaking with Communications Department at Uni for possibility of media training/workshops – not heard back yet!! Bring students to University Meeting: Yes. Invite University SMT member to Council: Karl Leydecker/George Boyne invited for December Council meeting, awaiting their availability response. Will create schedule for other SMT for next term once Council dates are approved. Earlier graduation ceremony in Qatar: working with registry, no date has been confirmed yet. To be picked up with Qatar Committee after first Student Council meeting. Qatar Committee member to visit Aberdeen in future: University is forecasting sever financial deficit for the next few years, unsure of possibility of this but will pick up with Qatar Committee after first Student Council meeting. Qatar Policy for Sport/Societies: same as Aberdeen, Societies/Sport Union will consider them on a case-by-case basis when required as there may be unavoidable overlap of interests sometimes. Sabbatical Award for high-achieving students: Looking at how to open Student Leader to more students, not just Groups and Societies. Sabbaticals will judge Student Leader and Team of the Year going forward, not Societies Union Committee. Scheduled to meet and discuss implementation in December. Green Award in process of being established. Practical skills/soft skills: Working with Careers Service; organize launch of iDEA (?); October Employability Month (will happen again in second term); Societies and Sport Awards will now be recognized on Enhanced Transcript. Want to make sure more eligible students get their activities recognized on ET. Work with the University on an Internship position jointly managed by AUSA-University – Student Voice: https://www.abdnjobs.co.uk/internal/vacancy/internplus---student-voice- 431295.html Closing date is 9th December. Working together with AUSA/Activities Team to put together workshops. Have organized and hosted Carbon Literacy training. Support for Student Parents: first step, creating a page on AUSA website with all relevant information collated. Next step, have it viewed by Welfare Committee and actual student parents. University SMT to come to Council: Principal George Boyne visiting in December. Vice Principal (Education) Ruth Taylor will attend in January. Am working with rest of SMT to see if we can schedule more members to attend. Students attending University meetings. Please get in touch if this is something you are interested in doing. Organize Entrepreneur Events in Union Brew: obviously cannot happen as events are not allowed to go ahead due to COVID-19 restrictions. AUSA and Dominos contract: Dominos now serve vegan pizza in Aberdeen, meaning we can now order vegan food/pizza when we would normally order pizza for students! Sustainability Ratings Guide for food outlets on campus: no work on this so far ☹ Sustainability travel policy: some work done by Radeen and the Environment & Ethics Committee, but I have not worked on this deliberately yet ☹ Have offered by help to the E&E Committee.
Page 16 Activity Work Done Outcome
AUSA Trustee • Since July 2019, I • Graeme Kirkpatrick’s first Trustee Board have been the Chair Board Meeting. of the AUSA Trustee • Approval the final Accounts report for Board. We meet to 2019-2020. make ensure good governance within AUSA, that we follow charity laws and financial governance. AUSA Finance • Last year, I sat on the • Committee has not met since the Committee AUSA People last Student Council meeting. Committee, however as the previous Welfare Officer left we had a vacancy on the Finance Committee that no one volunteered to fill so we compromised by me joining the AUSA Finance Committee and another Sabbatical taking over my role on the People Committee. Student Council • First meeting of the • Worked with VP for Education, 2020-21 Academic Ondrej, on Student Council byelaw year happened. proposal.
AUSA Elections • I co-chair this with • Had one student get in touch Committee Ondrej, VP for interested in joining the Elections Education. This Committee. As VP for Education, Committee is made Ondrej, has been on annual leave, up of Sabbatical(s) we have not picked this up as of time and elected students of writing this report. and they decide on election matters, such as procedures and timelines.
Page 17 NUS - • The Rules & • We are long overdue to hold this Referendum Regulations that I election. submitted to Student • We have some draft dates to Council were propose to the Elections Committee. approved and will apply to the NUS Referendum. • Due to COVID-19, the Referendum got postponed as we need 10% of the student body to vote in the referendum. 2018-2019 • New Sabbatical • I no longer work on implementing the Democratic remits have been results of the Democratic Review. It Review implemented with the will be the responsibility of another new Sabbatical team. Sabbatical Officer. • Standing Committees and Forums are also now operating under the new Byelaws. Sports Union • While Isla, VP for • Clubs of the Week have started. Sign Committee Sport, is off, I have up here: been chairing the https://ausa2.typeform.com/to/PTgB7 Sports Union lVm. Committee meetings. • We are working on the Rainbow • https://www.ausa.org. Laces campaign, LGBTQ+ Student uk/representation/co Forum is also keen on this campaign. mmittees/sportsunion Many Sport Clubs have already committee/ shown interest. • ASV Passports – ASV is looking to introduce a fee to enter the facilities. Still missing information about it. We are very against this and will be working on trying to make this situation better. • Trying to work on the Rainbow Laces Campaign, but SSS/Stonewell contacted very late and we’re getting very limited information from SSS. We are looking at holding out own Inclusivity/Rainbow Laces campaign in the 2nd semester. Societies Union • https://www.ausa.org. • I am very rarely told when this is Committee uk/representation/co happening, or receive any invitation mmittees/societiesuni from the Chair, so I don’t really oncommittee/ attend the meetings anymore. • They are very chaotic, so I prefer to spend my time more productively. • VP for Communities, Radeen, still
Page 18 attends these so check his work report for more info, as well as the Societies Union Committee report to know what they are up to.
Environment & • https://www.ausa.org. • Have been attending when possible. Ethics Committee uk/representation/co • It’s chaired by VP for Communities, mmittees/environmen Radeen, so check out his work report tandethicscommittee/ for more useful info, or the Committee report. • I have offered my assistance if they want to work on University travel. Fossil Free • VP for Communities, • I have been attending meetings when Campaign Radeen, is Sabbatical I am able to. lead on this. • I sometimes offer advice, and helped facilitate a meeting between the Fossil Free coordinator, Bruce, and SMT.
Communities • https://www.ausa.org. • Chaired by VP for Communities, Committee uk/representation/co Radeen, so check his work report for mmittees/communitie a fuller update. scommittee/ • Tried to attend when I could. Attended one meeting to help them get some momentum and get some action points. • Things seems to be picking up, they are co option more members <3 Welfare • https://www.ausa.org. • I attended part of one of these Committee uk/representation/co meetings, as did the Sport Union mmittees/welfarecom Committee Welfare Convenor. mittee/ • Check out VP for Welfare, Louise’s, work report for more info (they chair the Committee), or the Committee report. Equity Forum • Made up of the • I suggested organizing the next Section and Equity Forum meeting but did not get Liberation Forums, any uptake, so the Equity Forum we meet roughly have not met since the last Student every 4-6 weeks to Council meeting. discuss support, • The Sport Union Committee and challenges, LGBTQ+ Student Forum will work intersectional together on the Rainbow Laces projects, and more. campaign. Will possibly be • I co-chair this group postponed until 2nd term. together with the
Page 19 Radeen, VP for Communities. We’ve been meeting every 4-6 weeks since it’s conception at the start of the summer.
Activities’ Green • Working on an • Have met with Activities Award award/badge for Development Manager and the Activities to earn Activities Development coordinator, dependent on their and VP for Communities, Radeen, to level of sustainable discuss this and next steps. activities/environment • Will bring to AUSA Cobra (AUSA alism. SMT and Sabbatical Officers) to get long-term buy-in. Carbon Literacy • Working with Joseph • Close to 50 people are involved with Training Huttich from the this training at the moment, most are University Active looking to become certified but not Travel Hub to everyone. organize Carbon • I am working on becoming a Carbon Literacy training for Literacy Trainer so I can provide this end of training in the future if possible. November/early December. Diversity • Working on this with • We are currently drafting and Calendar Radeen, VP for collating this information. Communities. • Once we’ve gotten further along, • Purpose is to we’ll ask students/Equity forum for highlight feedback before wider circulation. commemorative days, • Also looking into how to present and months, diversity and implement with AUSA. liberation events, and • Tentative completion and launch date religious are January 2021. observances. Activities’ • There’s an active • If your Activity has not filled it out yet, Storage survey for AUSA to please do so here: figure out what https://ausa2.typeform.com/to/nalhed. storage needs there are, so we know what to ask from the University. • Currently not very many activities have filled it out
Page 20 Complaints • We’ve had • We are dealing with them. Not complaints. everyone is happy but we have to be fair, and rules are rules.
Aurora/Aurora • The University is part • Was asked by the University on Student Council of a European feedback on this Network, which I network with ca 8 provided from a student/Sabbatical other institutions. point of view. • Radeen, VP for Communities and I are part of the Aurora Student Council as Students Representatives. Student • A document outline • Document has been approved (I Partnership areas for AUSA and think) and we’re all getting busy on Agreement (SPA) the University to implementing it and working in working on together accomplishing what we’ve set out to to further the student do. experience. • I take lead on Student Living, and on • 5 areas of priority: Careers & Employability. Communication & Engagement, Sustainability, Student Living, Careers & Employability, and Accessibility, Inclusion & Wellbeing. Equality, • Responsible for the • As far as I am aware, at the next Diversity, and strategic direction all meeting we will be discussing the Inclusion Equality, Diversity, IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, Committee (EDIC) and Inclusion however: activities supporting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p the Aberdeen 2040 9xutHlQj-M strategy. • Please see Louise, VP for Welfare, • Next meeting is or Radeen, VP for Communities for scheduled for the 15th more information on EDIC. December. • Have not met since the last Student Council meeting.
Page 21 Estates • Purpose is to oversee • Committee has not met since the last Committee the University’s estate Student Council meeting. in order that it can • We also received project reports, support world-class such as about the Science Teaching academic, teaching Hub and King’s College projects – and research activity please see Ondrej’s, VP for in accordance with Education, work report for more the University’s information on this. foundational purpose and strategic plan and, to make recommendations to the Policy and Resources committee and Court. Space • Oversees the • We will be doing a review of space Management coordination of space on campus and space requirements. Group management on • Will involve student consultation. Campus. • Reports to Estate Committee.
Social Interaction • Purpose is to discuss • Have not meet since the last Spaces Group and coordinate social Student Council meeting. spaces and usage on campus. • My intention is to bring students with me to the next one. Social/Shelter • Met with Student • Some progress on this, Students’ Space on Campus Experience and some Union Building (Union Brew) is open, other departments to Hardback Café is open, as well as discuss the need of the cantina on the First Floor spaces on campus for Students’ Union Building. students to simply • You don’t need to buy stuff to be in ‘be’ while waiting for these places! their next • Potentially, transform Elphinstone lecture/tutorial. Hall into this kind of space. Campus Planning • Weekly meetings that • Pushed for a rent rebate as students Group replaced the COVID- are expected to be on campus less 19 Emergency this year, this is however only for Meetings. Lead by HillHead/Uni owned accommodation. the Senior Vice • Lots of talk around the testing facility Principal, purpose if in Butchart - https://fb.watch/28- to plan for the return CGi01y-/ to campus and activities.
Page 22 Sustainability • Co-ordinates the • This Group has not met since the Steering Group development, last Student Council meeting. implementation and review of the activities which underpin out commitment to sustainability as outlined in the Aberdeen2040 strategic plan. • Radeen, VP for Communities, and the AUSA Sustainability Coordinator, Stefan Jindra, sit on this committee with me. Recruitment • https://www.abdn.ac. • I’ll join the interview panel also. uk/careers/jobs-work- experience/InternPlus .php • The Student Voice one will be managed by AUSA. Digital Strategy • In charge of • Committee overseeing the digital strategy of the University, this includes getting students access to MS Teams. Qatar Strategic • Meets twice per year, • We have many new degree Partnership so have only attended programmes approved for the Doha Board this twice so far. campus, and plans for the new • It’s about the campus has started. overseeing of the partnership between AFG and the University of Aberdeen. Qatar New • Oversee and • I sit on it, but due to the remoteness Premises Project otherwise implmene of the campus I feel unequipped to Board the Al Faleh Group contribute meaningfully so I asked for (AFG) and UoA Doha-campus student representation obligations and to be on it – the official remit now commitments with includes both PG and UG Doha- respect to the delivery campus reps. of the ‘’New • Raised concerns around human Premises’ for AFG rights considerations, the timeline of College with the UoA the project, Purpose Built Student
Page 23 Phase 2, in Accommodations, the location of the accordance with the new premise. Academic Cooperation Agreement between AFG and UoA, to ensure official opening of the Phase 2 campus in September 2022. University • A meeting of all • Have not met since the last Management Deans, Heads of Student Council meeting. Group (UMG) Departments, SMT, and me, for updates, dissemination of information, feedback, and joint working. University Senate • Meeting of elected • Ondrej, VP for Education takes leads University academic on this with their Committee(s). staff, and other Check out Ondrej’s Work Report for important people like more information. Deans and Heads of • Latest Senate approved a new policy different departments, on late submissions. For more and SMT. information, either check Ondrej’s • work report or contact him at [email protected]/ Rocking Horse • As Student • Went over child numbers, finances Nursery President, I’m an for the year ahead, health and safety, ex-officio member they asked me about student of the Rocking concerns, but I only know of circa 2 Horse Nursery student parents. • Trustee Board. If you are a student parent, please hit me up 😊😊 • Trustee Board have not met since the Student Council meeting University Court • Court met several • I cannot remember the purpose for times since the last every single meeting, however some Student Council of the main focuses were SFC and meeting. the Governance report, finances and the budget for the year ahead. • We met about that a lot. • Have not met since the last Student Council meeting.
Page 24 Student • This Committee is • We focused in particular on support Experience made up of all for Societies and Sport Clubs, as well Committee University as the SPA, and the winter holiday. Departments and • Have not met since the last AUSA. We discuss Student Council meeting. current and future projects/priorities regarding the student experience. • Everyone submits a report. Governance and • Advice Court on • We discussed the SFC report, the Nominations matters of appointment procedure and panel for Committee governance and to the University Secretary and Chief conduct on its behalf, Operations Officer, Court Expenses reviews of the policy. University’s • I was on the appointments panel for governance. University Secretary and COO, we • Also has have hired someone that will join us responsibility for in 2021. considering • Going forward, we’ll also look at nominations for recruitment process for a new Senior vacancies in Court Governor as Esther Robertson has membership and resigned and will leave her post on vacancies in the 31st December 2020. membership of court sub-committees. Policy and • Responsible for • This policy on transgender staff and Resource strategic objectives of students is approved and published, Committee the University, please read it: Resource planning, https://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/docu policy making, and ments/policy-zone- monitoring the employment/TransgenderPolicy.pdf University’s • We looked at where’re we’re at with performance and the Aberdeen 2040 operational plan, strategy delivery, as look at the year-end finances for the well as overseeing past financial year, got a pensions institutional equality update (applies only to uni staff), and diversity issues. student recruitment figures, and internationalization (such as the Sir Lanka Medical Pathway and the Qatar campus (AFG College with the UoA). We received a report from the Estates committee, an update about the Science Teaching Hub, and a Health, Safety and Wellbeing update.
Page 25 Regular catch- • Monthly meetings to • Discussed topics such as: Mobile ups with Vice catch-up on current testing Centre, Sport grant, student Chancellor/Princi issues & priorities, communications, passed on some pal, George and discuss AUSA student feedback, students being Boyne operational matters. fined, IHRA definition of anti- Semitism, winter break, Student Council, Aurora alliance/Aurora Student Council, AUSA Societies, Santander Network, 9U bus, Blended learning, Senior Governor, the Student Partnership Agreement. • I questioned him about the ASV Passports. Regular catch- Monthly meetings to catch-up • Discussed topics such as: AUSA ups with Senior on current issues & priorities, elections, study spaces, Sport Clubs, Vice Principal, and how to improve student Thesis concerns, Refocus Campaign, Karl Leydecker experience. complaint from the public, sustainability communications (I passed this on to Radeen, VP for Communities), Estates, and support for student media groups. Regular catch- Monthly meetings to catch-up • Discussed topics such as: the ups with Director on current student issues Student Session in December and of External and how to improve student me participating in it, winter break, Relations, Jenny experience, as well as student communications, sport and Fernandes communications with society activities, student group students. workshops, Halloween, SMT visiting Student Council, re-Freshers
Regular catchups Monthly catch-ups alongside • Sir Duncan Rice library will close on with Head the other Sabbatical Officers 18th December. Librarian and Head of Library Services, Simon Bains
Page 26 Sabbatical Officer Work Report Radeen Moncrieffe, Vice-President for Communities
3rd November – 1st December 2020
Submitted: 1st December 2020
Highlights
• Attended the Aurora Universities Biannual Conference virtually on 3rd and 4th November. • Development Trust approved our Student Experience Fund application request of £4,500 for the Inclusive Events Partnership (IEP) on 20th November. • Road to Net Zero Campaign set to launch on 4th January (yay!) and AUSA website will be updated accordingly. • AUSA Student Workers’ Guide and Green Guide both currently in the process of being updated. (25th November) • Follow-up meeting with University Senior Management Team was held regarding the Fossil Free Campaign on 19th November, with overall success in communication. • Student Partnership Agreement has been approved by the University Senior Management Team with minor adjustments; we have fossil fuel divestment explicitly mentioned! (13th November) • As of November 2020, there is one society that has returned to socially distanced in-person activity!
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Manifesto progress
Energy saving habits – Launch date is 4th January for the Road to Net Zero Campaign as part of the Student Sustainability and Energy Engagement Initiatives with the University. I have been actively working with our Sustainability Coordinator, Stefan Jindra and the University Energy Manager, Jane Boyle to coordinate a successful strategy for the launch and getting student engagement. Naomi Walker, AUSA Graphics Designer and Karolina Kubala, AUSA Communications and Social Media Coordinator are working on updating all sections of the website that are currently branded as AberGreen, and I am providing more updated information to include considering the current COVID-19 pandemic. Still working on making it approved activity for the Enhanced Transcript for the 2021/22 academic year onwards, but I’m very excited to see this project take shape so far!
Green practices – Had a follow-up meeting with the Secret Garden Society on 16th November; currently still coordinating how to recycle grass cuttings and wood chips from University Estates team. SGS attended the Old Aberdeen Community Council (OACC) and formally introduced themselves to some of the residents and managed to briefly catch up with the Estates team. AUSA are still signed up to the SOS-UK Green Impact SU Programme for two years and this was approved on 20th October and I have kept a record of our current campaigns and initiatives. I attended the Sustainable Campus and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) plenaries at the Aurora Universities Biannual Conference on 3rd and 4th November (see below for more information). I will be attending the Sustainability Staff GISU Training Day on 4th December to help with how to best achieve our sustainable and green goals on campus.
Climate emergency/Fossil Free Campaign – Fossil Free Campaign meets weekly and I have been in- attendance. I met with Karl Leydecker, Senior Vice-Principal and Heather Crabb, Employment Partner Coordinator, on 6th November alongside the Fossil Free Campaign Coordinator and Environment & Ethics Committee Vice-Chair; we can provide verbal update. I have also been working with Stefan and Chris Osbeck, the University’s Transport and Waste Manager, to update the Sustainability priorities of our Student Partnership Agreement, in order to include additional performance indicators related to divestment; these KPIs are: investigate and seek full financial divestment from oil/gas, and increase course options that focus on renewables.
Support and resources for Liberation Forums – Last month, I was co-signatory to a Development Trust Student Experience Fund funding application form for the Inclusive Events Partnership (IEP) to develop collaborative events between our Student Forums and the University that promote marginalised voices and widening access. One of the commitments of the IEP is raising the profile of minority voices not just internally, but also the wider Aberdeen community and this will be done through events that encourage community engagement and external speakers to take part. We were successfully awarded £4,500 to support this partnership which the Fora can look into for particular events.
Community outreach programmes – Inchgarth Community Centre have reached out to us and we are promoting their foodbank services, as well as encouraging students to volunteer within their means.
Student meeting minority staff networks/groups – I have facilitated for the LGBTQ+ Students’ Forum and the Trans Students’ Forum to meet with the LGBT Staff and Postgraduate Network every six to eight weeks to discuss collaborative opportunities and provide general support; first meeting was held on 30th September.
Increase number of bikes in the Bike Hire Scheme – AUSA have one additional bike ready for hire from last month, bringing the total to eight bikes and another six bikes being repaired which brings the total up to 14 as of 1st December 2020. Range of bikes for hire, including mountain bikes, small-to-medium bikes and large city bikes.
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Manifesto progress (continued)
See last month’s work report for the following manifesto pledges; these are either completed or there is nothing to update for this month:
• Diversity calendar • Creating a contact directory on AUSA website • Campaign to lower bus fares • Campaigns’ budget/Forum finances • Counselling services handling racism
In-house standing committees, groups and campaigns
Activity Work Done/Concerns Raised Outcome
Communities Committee • We had meetings on 11th • Committee unanimously November and 1st December voted in favour of co-opting to discuss our year-long Logan Machall and George priorities. Taylor in as Ordinary • Currently still looking into Members. reviewing the Communities • Student workers’ guide Committee criteria to make it currently being updated by more focused, less broad and Lee Watson, AUSA Advice easier to understand. Team. • We are now looking into • Nick Edwards, Head of working further with the Old Student Support, to meet Aberdeen Community Council NHS on the 11th December (OACC). (see Louise, Vice-President • Also looking into workers’ for Welfare’s work report for rights particularly in relation to more information). the current pandemic. • See Communities Committee report for more information.
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Environment & Ethics • Held meetings on 6th and 27th • Cecilia, Student President was Committee November to discuss year-long in-attendance at our first priorities and an overview of meetings. work that had been done in • Alisa, Vice-Chair for E&E chosen November. as Sustainability Steering Group • Fossil Free Campaign updates rep. (see below for more details). • Alisa also attended Road to Net • Updated committee on SOS- Zero campaign meetings and UK Green Impact programme. meetings about new • I updated the committee on the Environmental Policy. Road to Net Zero campaign. • Amnesty International Society, Shared Planet Society and Ya’dam Society reps have been invited to the meetings. • See E&E Committee report for more information. Raising and Giving (RAG) • Meetings chaired by Alanna • See RAG Committee report for Committee Buchan. more information. • I attended the meetings on 16th • As always, everyone is lovely and 23rd November. and super nice. • Discussed how to better engage students online and ensure that the committee is well equipped for next semester. Societies Union • Meetings chaired by Daniel • Number of societies affiliated Committee O’Connor. with AUSA as of 1st December is • I attended a meeting on 15th 196. November. • Outstanding society affiliations • Concerns were raised about between July and September the accessibility of the have been handled by Activities development plans, if the Development Manager and length was intimidating for Coordinator, Danielle Grieve and younger societies. Kieran Matthews, respectively, • Questions about when the and should now all be Societies Union grant is set to completed. be available for societies. • See Societies Union Committee report for more information. Sports Union Committee • Cecilia, Student President has • See Cecilia, Student President’s taken lead while Isla Scott, work report for more information Vice-President for Sport has and the Sports Union Committee been on leave. for more information. • Meetings have been held on • Issues with the Rainbow Laces 16th, 22nd October and 2nd campaign as SSS are incredibly November. to get in contact with.
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Fossil Free Campaign • Campaign officially relaunched • Two students from the campaign on 2nd September, led by attended the SOS-UK Bruce Donald. Sustainability Bootcamp (16th • I have been in-attendance at and 17th September) with me, some of the weekly meetings. which was useful to underpin • Julian Parrott, from Ethical and further develop our Futures spoke at one of the knowledge on the campaign on a meetings on how to approach national level. the University. • Plans for E-Champions Scheme • Several members of the to be launched (see below). campaign attended a • The campaign’s divestment demonstration to stop the petition received roughly 2,000 deportation of Osime Brown signatures by September; staff including myself (26th petition launched. September). • Meeting with Karl Leydecker, • I’m speaking to several Sabb Senior Vice-Principal and Officers from other institutions Heather Crabb, Employment that have run successful Partner Coordinator, on 6th divestment campaigns. November alongside the Fossil Free Campaign Coordinator and E&E Committee Vice-Chair scheduled for 6th November.
University standing committees and working groups
Activity Work Done/Concerns Raised Outcome
Student Sustainability and • Last month, project was • Finalised launch date is 4th Energy Engagement agreed to be branded as ‘Road January, in time for the students Initiatives (Road to Net to Net Zero’ with the hashtag returning to study at Foresterhill. Zero Campaign) #RoadToNetZero being used • We decided to reincorporate the for online branding; in line with old Energy Champions Scheme the University’s pledge to be a with relevant resources from the net zero carbon institute by former AberGreen project to 2040 and AUSA’s commitment encourage energy saving habits to carbon neutrality by 2025. in halls. • Jane found old resources from • Naomi is working on graphics for the University’s Energy our campaign and they will be Champions Scheme in completed for 11th December, 2016/17. well in time for our launch. • Also discussed divestment • AberGreen training modules to from Fossil Fuels; how to be repurposed for the AUSA encourage involvement from website and utilised in the new the staff side. E-Champions Scheme alongside • Meetings with Jane Boyle and the campaign. Stefan Jindra to discuss how • All materials will be updated with to engage students and relevant information, including encourage eco-friendly the present energy consumption practices on campus (3rd and of the University and COVID-19
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20th November). guidelines. • Meeting with Naomi Walker on • Still looking into how to get this 6th November to discuss new E-Champions Scheme graphics for the campaign. accredited for the enhanced • Naomi Walker our graphics transcript for next academic designer is working on year. graphics for our campaign and • Communications schedule they will be completed for 11th should be finalized before we December, well in time for our break off for the holidays. launch. Student Partnership • I lead on the SPA Priority 2: • SPA Priority 2 KPIs: Agreement Meetings Sustainability, alongside Chris • Creation of a long-term Osbeck, Transport and Waste action plan which seeks full Manager. financial divestment from • I briefly took lead on SPA oil/gas. Priority 3: Accessibility, • Evidence of work to support Inclusion and Wellbeing while the increase course options Louise, Vice-President for that focus on renewables. Welfare was on leave. • Sign up for NUS Switch off • Concerns raised: how relevant campaign (or equivalent) as is an SPA agreement to the part of Green Impact student Campaign experience/development? It is • Reduce energy consumption just a formality? The duration at student halls. that the SPA is active does not • Recycle all coffee grounds allow for continuity; should it produced on campus be increased to two years? • Increase promotion of • COVID-19 also changes the sustainable transport. priorities this year and the • Increase the number of bikes KPIs will need to reflect that. available through bike hire schemes on campus. • Identify gaps to improve University sustainability ranking. • See Louise, Vice-President for Welfare’s report on progress with SPA Priority 3. LGBT Staff and • Met weekly every Wednesday • I have invited the LGBTQ+ Postgraduate Network from my induction up until the Students’ Forum and the Trans beginning of September to Students’ Forum to shared discuss event ideas, issues catch-ups with the staff and PG arising relating to LGBTQ+ network in order to ease staff. communication and make • I raised the concern that some collaboration easier. Meetings LGBTQ+ students don’t feel are every six to eight weeks. supported or represented by • Vice-President for Welfare and I members of staff. attended the meeting and • First meeting was held on 30th brought forward a few concerns September and second that students have raised meeting was held on 11th regarding welfare in Qatar.
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November.
External standing committees, groups and campaigns
Activity Work Done/Concerns Raised Outcome
Aurora Universities • I joined the student council in • I am still in contact with two Network Student Council October as a representative for student council representatives the University of Aberdeen; from VU Amsterdam, Selin Cecilia, Student President is Yağmur Çakmak and Aisha Vice-President for the Aurora Malik, who are currently Student Council since last coordinating student-led anti- year. racism work on their campus. • Initially was in-attendance for • Looking into how to engage one meeting in order to explain students from the University of the ongoing situation between Aberdeen to potentially take part Aberdeen students and the VU in the Aurora Student Amsterdam faculty (21st Champions scheme that is being September). proposed; would need to • I attended the following consider how to incentivise and plenaries at the biannual make it worthwhile. conference on 4th and 5th • Next council meeting is set to November: take place on 14th December. 1. WP5 – Sustainable Campus 2. Diversity Group 3. WP 5.2.1 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Education Dashboard 4. Engaging Communities 5. Sustainable Universities Old Aberdeen Community • I sit on the OACC as the • Consultation regarding new bike Council (OACC) representative for AUSA and lanes being proposed by the City our activities on campus which Council. affect the Old Aberdeen • SGS to speak to University community. Estates regarding operational • I attended the meeting on 17th difficulties with the garden. November. • I have had a meeting with the • Secret Garden Society were in Secret Garden Society on 16th attendance to discuss the November to ensure we were on
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recent issues between the same page ahead of the residents and AUSA. meeting. • I will be updating the OACC regularly on what societies, groups and sports activities are happening on campus; as of November 2020 there is one society that is able to operate in person and there were 42 sports clubs able to train in person. Free Black University • Attended the induction on 27th • Look into adopting the FBU November. Toolkit at our University. • Aims and goals: inform, • Potentially have a WA/FB group collectivise and empower. on campus about Free Black • Empowering Black radical University. movement in the UK. → Black • Working/lobby with UCU and liberation and healing other trade unions. movement. • Email Vice-Chancellor and • An expansive vision → senior management team of the grounded in the idea that so University to incentivise many of us do so much work involvement. that uses up so much • The FBU website was being emotional and physical labour, blocked by the University’s web that goes unpaid, is thankless content filter, but I have since work and homogenises the gotten the IT service to amend power of higher education this. institutions.
The Sabbatical Team meet roughly every week to share updates with each other. If you have any questions and/or need further information about my work report, please get in touch: [email protected]
Page 34 Raising and Giving Committee Report November 2020
• Meeting each week on a Tuesday throughout November. We currently have 4 voting members and 2 in attendance members • Have planned two events for December (Festive Games Night & Festive Movie Night) and discussed collaborations for into the new year. In the early stages of planning 3+ fundraisers for the following semester. • Confirmation of decision for new method of disbursement – we will now have events designated to different causes rather than general fundraising ahead of a big disbursement. Formal announcement of this pending. • Currently have positions vacant for 2 ordinary members, Foresterhill Representative, and non-elected regular members
Page 35 Sport Union Committee Report December 2020
• Clubs of the Week has launched. Some problems with it that we’re trying to resolve. • Had a President Meeting. Next one is planned for 8th December. • Struggling to organise meetings due to practice and uni obligations, but we’re keeping in touch! • Blues are going along well, Harnam is doing a good job with that! • Discussed various topics such as Movember, Rainbow laces, ASV Passports, but we’ve not had many meetings since the last Student Council meeting.
Page 36 Qatar Campus Committee Work Report
Work Done / Activity Outcome Concerns Raised Qatar Campus We had an informal The elected members Committee introductory meeting on coordinated with the the 21st of October to student hub to boost the assign the student’s engagement. responsibilities and Thereupon, eight construct our students were co-opted. committee’s structure as the participation has declined due to the covid-19 restrictions.
On the 29th of October, a It was concluded that project outline with the the students were original members was unmotivated especially arranged based on the during the online students’ priorities. lectures. Therefore, an online performance award is being worked upon. The co-opted members The AUSA’s policies were welcomed on the and guidelines were 15th of November where introduced. Additionally, the formal introductory the members concerns meeting was conducted. were thoroughly discussed Jana, Chair of Qatar Paul Senoyuit was Campus Committee; I elected as the Qatar have been working with Societies
Page 37 the Societies Union Representative and Committee Daniel both committees are O’Connor to upgrade jointly working on the status of societies at starting few societies at the Qatar Campus and the Campus improve the representation of our campus back in Aberdeen. The committee has Each week, a member been committed to attends the Qatar cooperate with the Campus Planning administration and the Group meeting to staff to overcome the coordinate with the staff difficulties of the and reflect the students pandemic. concerns and interests. The committee The committee have members have come up with several introduced some projects to boost the projects for the events students’ efficiency coordinator. during the pandemic such as distinctive competitions of photography, finance, and etc…. The committee is The activities at the currently working on a Qatar Campus are amendment to change really limited, thus we the voting rights of the believe that all the ordinary members members including the stated in the 5th bylaw. ordinary members should have the rights to vote.
Page 38 Communities Committee
• Chair: Radeen Moncrieffe • Vice-Chair: Anttoni James Numminen • Ordinary members: Robbie Kirk, Logan Machall and George Taylor
Co-opted an additional two Ordinary Members. We are looking into how to best advertise the new student workers’ rights guide that is being produced by AUSA, ensuring that the COVID-19 pandemic and furlough is mentioned. Also wanting to make sure maternity and paternity leave rights are mentioned in relation to your studies. Working with the City Council and the Old Aberdeen Community Council to provide feedback for the proposed cycle lanes around the city. We have been working on promoting external volunteering opportunities and have recently been contacted by Inchgarth Community Centre to signpost their foodbank services that are running until the 16th December. Working with Grampian Regional Equality Council to signpost their services on our channels.
Environment & Ethics Committee • Chair: Radeen Moncrieffe • Vice-Chair: Alisa Koester • Fossil Free Coordinator: Bruce Donald • Waste Officer: Lola Wilson • First Year Representative: Dušan Dobrik • The Corner rep: Julia Zieba • Swap Shop rep: Emma Bristow • Ordinary members: Tomas Pizarro Escuti, Mustafa Mabruk, and Carolijn van det Putten We have discussed re-ratifying all outstanding policies, however after speaking to staff members, the Environmental Policy in its current form requires a lot more work before it can be re-ratified. We have agreed to have Stefan Jindra, the Sustainability Coordinator at AUSA as an in-attendance staff member as this will help operationally. We provide updates of the Fossil Free Campaign, and Road to Net Zero Campaign; both of which are moving in a very positive direction. The Fossil Free Campaign has moved positively as the University has given some informal assurances and the amount of investments in oil/gas is lower than we initially expected. Radeen, E&E Chair, is a full member of the Investment Committee where this will be discussed further (9th December).
Page 39 Road to Net Zero Campaign is looking for student submissions for their first theme of the month which is energy consumption habits at home. Will be creating a blog for it on the AUSA website. We are looking into working closely with the Liberation and Section Forums and the Equity Forum has agreed to allowing a member of the E&E committee to be in- attendance at their meetings (as long as they are aware ahead of the meeting). Some campaigns we have discussed under this are the End SARS campaign and the discussion over whether to adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism or not. Alisa, Vice-Chair will be attending the Sustainability Steering Group alongside Radeen.
Page 40 Water Fountains and Microwaves Proposer: Radeen Moncrieffe (Vice-President for Communities) Seconder: Anttoni James Numminen (Communities Committee Vice-Chair) Council notes: 1. Many buildings have water fountains installed. Each floor of the library and some entrance areas have them installed. 2. Suttie Centre on Foresterhill campus is in addition, also equipped with a hot water dispensers and microwaves. 3. The water fountain in MacRobert Building was previously removed and reinstated. 4. Some major buildings are lacking water fountains e.g. Fraser Noble Building where one is available in a discrete staff/common room, but not in the entrance hall next to the vending machines, as well as King’s College and Edward Wright Building etc. 5. Bottled water, which is widely available on campus, is expensive for many on a student budget and has a negative impact on the environment. It is unhygienic and physically difficult to refill bottles using the taps in toilets. 6. AUSA provides water fountains and microwaves in areas such as the reception of the Students’ Union Building (SUB) and previously in the computer suite. Council believes: 1. Water fountains should be provided in high foot traffic locations of all buildings, and at the very least one should be placed alongside each set of vending machines (coffee machines require a water supply anyway so there is hardly any technical difficulty) or other food/drink outlet points. 2. Areas such as the canteen in the SUB and other hot drink/food outlets should also have hot water outlet points and microwaves ready for students to use. The ground floor of the library should have hot water available. These would help students, whom often spend long hours on campus have easy and free access to hot food and drink. This would especially help students on a tight budget and those who live far from campus. It would also reduce waste created by disposable coffee cups etc. Council resolves: 1. A small group of sabbatical officers and students should arrange to meet with the appropriate management section of the University to discuss the provision of water fountains and microwaves of planned future developments on campus. 2. AUSA to lobby the University to increase the number of water fountains and microwaves in existing buildings.
Page 41 Demilitarised Campus Policy Proposers: Cecilia Wallback (Student Association President) Seconders: Radeen Moncrieffe (Vice president Communities) Committee Council notes: 1. That while military organizations including (but not limited to) the Aberdeen University Officer Training Corps (AUOTC), East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron (ESUAS), University Royal Navy Units, and Territorial Army are external organizations and not an AUSA club or society they have in the past been given access to AUSA Freshers’ Fayre and ReFreshers Fayre events. These stalls have at times been given at no cost and have featured multimedia displays and representatives in military uniform, giving military organizations that contribute to recruitment greater exposure than allotted to other societies or external organisations. 2. That as the University Officer Training Corps is a branch of the Army, members may be called up for active duty even while in university should the Army claim to be in a ‘national emergency.’ According to the British Army, UOTC cadets are Type B Army Reservists and as such constitute a reserve military force which, along with other reserve forces, enable the government to engage in a more aggressive foreign policy, deploying its active forces members abroad rather than needing to employ active forces in national defence. The UOTC puts students under the command of full time military officers. 3. That the reason for existence and chief function of the UOTC, ESUAS, and similar organisations is military recruitment. 4. That this Association has already passed previous motions condemning AUSA’s financial involvement in the military industry. 5. That UOTC entry requirements remain out of order with AUSA’s Equality and Diversity Policy because it does not accept students from certain nationalities, with certain disabilities, or who are over the age of 32. Similar discriminatory entry requirements exist for ESUAS and other military organisations. 6. That the United Kingdom is the only country within both the European Union and NATO that allows 16-year-olds to be recruited by the armed forces, and is one of only 19 countries worldwide that does so. This policy has been challenged by the UN, the UK Parliament Joint Committee on Human Rights, health professionals, Amnesty International, and the National Union of Teachers among others. Aberdeen University accepts students from the age of 16. 7. That at the last AUSA AGM a vote fell on removing previous non-militarised campus policy and that while the policy in question was ultimately lapsed by the Executive Committee as elements of it were out of date, there is a clear democratic mandate to pass this (or a similar) motion. Council believes: 1. That providing military organisations including (but not limited to) the UOTC with stalls at Freshers’ Fayre, or any other event, or alongside official AUSA societies, amounts to an implied endorsement of the Corps and the Army and their activities. It further provides military organisations including (but not limited to) the Officer
Page 42 Training Corps direct access to all AUSA students interested in AUSA activities at the Freshers’ Fayre, directly aiding military recruitment. 2. That it is inconsistent for AUSA to lobby the University to end its involvement with companies that provide weapons for the military, as is AUSA policy, while AUSA is actively involved in promoting organizations that provide officers for the military. 3. That the presence of military organisations on campus can make many members of the student body uncomfortable or even feel unsafe, particularly international students and especially those international students who are from regions of the world where the British military have been active or are currently deployed. 4. That the UOTC/ESUAS and other such organisations are directly affiliated to the British military, and should thus not be considered to be equivalent to other student societies, nor promoted to students as a leadership programme, personal development 3 course or anything else other than reserve forces and training programmes of the British military. 5. That AUSA should not endorse or promote any military organisations including but not limited to the University Officer Training Corps, the East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron, the University Royal Navy Units, the Territorial Army, or the regular armed forces. Council resolves: 1. Not to grant military organisations including (but not limited to) the UOTC, ESUAS, URNU, TA, or regular armed forces a place at any AUSA organized events including the (Re)Freshers’ Fayre or space in any AUSA premises or media. 2. To prohibit any military recruitment activity at AUSA events and premises. 3. To prohibit AUSA from accepting funds from any military organisations including (but not limited to) the UOTC, ESUAS, URNU, TA, or regular armed forces. 4. For AUSA to lobby the University to ban the University Officer Training Corps and other military recruiters from its events and premises and to remove all links to any military organisations including (but not limited to) the UOTC from both AUSA’s and the University’s websites. 5. To not interpret this motion as obstructing the attendance of student members of the military at AUSA events in a personal capacity.
Page 43 Safe Name Changes for Trans Students Policy Proposer: Cecilia Wallback Seconders: Radeen Moncrieffe Committee Council notes: 1. Currently LGBTQ+ students who fall under various identities throughout the gender spectrum must disclose their identities to a general advisor in the university when changing their details. 2. The University currently does not have easily accessible information on how to change your name. 3. Currently students changing their details face staff that are not always well informed on the process, and lack of a clear policy can result in unfair treatment, as students can be required to disclose their gender identity unnecessarily. Council believes: 1. This option is not clearly offered to the students which often results in them going to departments where staff have not been trained to deal with these issues. Thus, students can be denied a name change, resulting in constant dead naming. 2. The process is invasive, as having to disclose your identity to various strangers is a possibility for identity negation, creating emotional distress. 3. Dealing with staff who have not been trained in creating an LGBTQ+ friendly environment results in several bureaucratic steps which interrupts the student’s academic life. Both in having to reschedule a meeting but also in the constant fear of being outed to people they do not wish to share their identities with. Council resolves: 1. For AUSA to work with the University to create a clear policy and process for name change that is inclusive for LGBTQ+ students. 2. To make information about the process easily accessible on the university and AUSA website. 3. Work with the LGBTQ+ forum and LGBTQ+ staff network to educate staff on dealing with bureaucratic/technical issues regarding LGBTQ+ needs to make the process as safe for the students as possible
Page 44 Amendment to Byelaw 9: Student Groups Proposer: Rosie Benny Seconder: Cecilia Wallback 1. Recognition of Student Groups 1.1. It is recognised by the Student Association that there are student-led projects that that do not fall under the definition of a Society or Sports Club. It is important to AUSA that these activities are supported appropriately by the Students’ Association. 1.2. Where appropriate, AUSA will classify these projects and initiatives ‘AUSA Student Groups’ 1.3. Student Groups will be able to retain autonomy from AUSA. This allows the groups, such as media, or other, to be able to freely debate the effectiveness of the AUSA with independence, confidence and impartiality. 1.4. AUSA Student groups will manage and maintain their own funds, in that AUSA will be able to offer support and where appropriate and/or necessary assist with funding and fundraising.
2. Criteria to be defined as a Student Group by the AUSA
2.1. Must not meet the definition of a Sports Club or Society 2.2. Be a student led group or initiative that has a 75% or more membership of University of Aberdeen students. 2.3. There must be a clear and defined need by the group to remain autonomous from the AUSA but still have support given. This must be stated in the constitution of the Group. 2.4. Group must be in line with and uphold AUSA values and policies. 2.5. Group must provide an opportunity for development or service which adds to the experience of student members. 3. Support from AUSA to Student Groups 3.1. Student Groups must have an appropriate constitution that adheres to the safe space and inclusivity policies. AUSA recognises that the policy of the groups may not be exactly the same as the AUSA policy but must illustrate that it is in the spirit of the AUSA policy and that there are no direct conflicts. 3.1.1. It will be the responsibility of the student group to present any differing policy to AUSA and it will be at their discretion if it is appropriate. 3.2. Whenever possible, appropriate and feasible, AUSA will help Student Groups to obtain the space they need to meet their objectives as outlined in their constitution. 3.3. AUSA will make training resources that are available to Societies and Sports Clubs also available to the committees of Student Groups.
Page 45 3.4. AUSA will make space available space at either the Sports or Societies Fayres during Freshers’ Week. 3.5. AUSA will provide advertising space on platforms it uses for Student Groups. 3.6. Identified AUSA staff contact for advice and support to each Student Group. 4. Application to become a Group 4.1. Documents to be provided to AUSA in order to become an AUSA Student Group: 4.1.1. Committee contacts 4.1.2. Constitution 4.1.3. Risk Assessment 5. Current Student Groups that are recognised at the time of this byelaws approval are the following: 5.1. Nightline 5.2. Bookends 5.3. Gaudie 5.4. Granite City Television (GCTV) 5.5. Aberdeen Student Radio (ASR) 5.6. Consent, Awareness and Sexual Education (CASE) 5.7. Aberdeen Student Climate Network (ASCN)
Page 46 Amendment to Byelaw 9: Aberdeen Mental Health Student Group Proposer: Maria Kvarving Seconder: Louise Henrard Student Council notes: 1. Aberdeen Mental Health Student Group’s (AMHG) mission is stated as “the intention of fighting mental health stigma and discrimination, as well as promoting student mental wellbeing on campus by educating students on self-help techniques, the prevailing stigma and ways to combat it.” 1 2. That AUSA Byelaw 90F at 2.1 states that Student Groups “Must not meet the definition of a Sports Club or Society.” 3. That AUSA Byelaw 9 at 2.5 states that a “Group must provide an opportunity for development or service which adds to the experience of student members.” 4. That in order to become and AUSA Student Group, a group must provide committee contacts, a constitution and a satisfactory risk assessment. Student Council believes: 1. That the aims and activities described by AMHG go beyond the definition of a social activity as activities will be educational and that AMHG do not meet the definition of a society or sports club. 2. AMHG do not want to make students feel like they need to pay to take part in workshops or attend seminars. A student group is therefore ideal. 3. Mental health literacy is a valuable service to students at the University of Aberdeen. 4. AMHG will provide students with the opportunity to learn more about mental health and they will have the opportunity to learn self-help techniques, know where to seek support and feel comfortable discussing mental health with peers or staff. AMHG will not provide counselling in any capacity (whilst self- disclose will be discouraged - we do have safeguarding policies in place in case anyone does self-disclose), only educate students on mental health stigma and discrimination Student Council resolves: 1. For Aberdeen Mental Health Student Group to become an AUSA affiliated group. 2. To insert into Byelaw 9 - “5.8 Aberdeen Mental Health Student Group (AMHG)” pending submission and approval of the appropriate documentation.
1 Byelaw-9-Student-Groups-Byelaw.pdf (ausa.org.uk)
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