On Monday Andy held the annual SU society refreshers fayre, another great opportunity for students to get involved in things that interest them and make new friends.
Over the weekend I had the opportunity to compile some further research that we had previously done with students regarding campus development. Myself and a couple of the exec had gone out and asked a few students regarding their perceptions of the library and how they would like it to be better. We showed students pictures of other Universities buildings and what they liked and didn’t. My plan is to roll this out across a variety of different areas alongside the campus development working group.
I took this information to the student experience working group and soon found myself tasked with a variety of things! I certainly didn’t think that it was a small job representing 13,000 students on a development like this – but boy is it a big job – however I’m certainly getting the most out of my research experience from my degree!
That night we had our first exec meeting back of the term – interesting would be an understatement. Following the decision of the executive and student body (SGM) we took forward the name change from Treasurer to Societies and services officer. However there was a split on the board and thus the decision came back to the executive – who were less than impressed. The key argument is based around whether the name change puts the Union at significant financial risk, i.e. that by changing the name you would get candidates running for the post with no administrative or financial experience or interest.
I personally disagree with this argument – in my opinion the name change encourages greater interest in the position. The role is focused around supporting and advising societies and also ensuring that our services are remaining linked to our mission i.e. ensuring they support the social and welfare opportunities for our members.
All sabbaticals are responsible for the financial and legal aspects of the Union as elected trustees. However the Treasurer has always had a day to day link to the finance department and financial roles – i.e. invoices, society expenditure etc. This is obviously an important role – however all sabbaticals are allowed to and expected to sign the appropriate expenditure. By pinpointing one officer to be more financially focused I believe you encourage the officer officers to delegate their responsibility. Having sat on executive committees where the financial status of the Union has been challenged, I have seen the unfair attacks launched solely at the Treasurer – when all sabbaticals are responsible.
No candidate for the position requires prior experience of finances, accounting or financial management this is offered by the excellent finance department. What they do need is a passion for students, a willingness to work hard on the monotonous paper based side of the job and most importantly respect and uphold their position as trustee of the Union charity.
As you can imagine the exec were less than happy and unfortunately only Andy was able to attend therefore Andy was left to take the brunt of it. I hope that we can come to an agreement which ensures Union accessibility, viability and security.
You may have noticed in this weeks waterfront there is a suggestion that I don’t take the role of sabbatical officer seriously due to my all student email last week advertising it to students as a “Gap year in Swansea”, whilst I think the article does justice to both sides I feel it is important to put my view up here.
The email makes it quite clear that there are serious aspects to the job - Be a trustee over nearly £4 million, The chance to represent 12,000 students. But it does it in a way and in language that is accessible to every student – in language that will make them think about it, look deeper and hopefully engage more with the process regardless of whether they intend to run for the job or not.
I understand the queries regarding the style and obviously the use of the word “gap year”. The aspects of the gap year are in fact to the relation of looking at the job as a years opportunity to do something beyond the normal and to make a difference In everything that you do. When a student goes to a village in Kampala in the Uganda to build a school, or to care for patients in a hospital is that normal? Do they make a difference?
Of course they do! But is it a long term fix – no, will their work, service and care live on – of course it will. In everything they do and in everything we do here in this job we aim to leave a legacy not just for the Union but for the students – I want students to walk away from this Union remembering the Union and how good it was for them – not me – I’m not here to glorify the role of president, I’ m here to represent, to encourage and to change.
On Tuesday I made my way into town to meet with the Council and community stakeholders regarding community relations within the city. It was extremely interesting but the most interesting part was the opportunity to network with a variety of local residents and representatives of local resident groups and community programs. At current Simon Darvill and I are working on a plan to hold a “community awards night” on campus giving awards to a variety of groups from best landlord to friendliest neighbour.
That afternoon I met with Shona, Stuart and Russ to discuss ways forward regarding the new election schedule. These are the rules and regulations that govern the candidates and election process in general. The elections working group looked at the current schedule and made a variety of recommendations from formalising an NUS representative in attendance at the process and also rules around e-campaigning which was previously banned.
Whilst we made some changes others were deemed unworkable – whilst I was a little disappointed I agreed with the final decision and just hope that future elections working groups will review and encourage further processes.
Wednesday evening I was asked to attend a disappointing meeting, one of our societies had called a motion of no-confidence in one of their executive. Sadly the process was dragged out – not helpful in a situation which is extremely upsetting and demeaning for some people. Finally we reached the motion which I was asked to chair – I feel that both members were able to get their point across its just a shame that it had to come to this.
The next morning we met to pass the resolutions regarding officer title changes and the elections schedule. Despite the flare up and passionate objections from both sabbaticals and executive I appreciate the fact that we managed to come to a decision which I believe the Union will appreciate long term, and a decision that regardless of each individuals opinion we were able to accept and move on to the important work we were elected to do.
Thursday was also our nominations opening date – the big day had finally come!!! From 12.00 numerous people popped into the General office to grab their forms and begin their journey along the campaign trail!!!
In the afternoon I went along with Richard Lancaster and a number of students to meet with marketing and discuss the new prospectus. It was a great opportunity to be a part of something that really makes a huge impact on prospective students. It was good to be of use as well in the area and have a positive impact on the layout and design of the prospectus.
Later that afternoon I met with the legendary Rhys Dart –regional development officer from NUS Wales. It was nice to get off site and have a chat through the last six months and things I still want to work on and achieve. Development officers are just another amazing value for money aspect of NUS – without many of the staff in NUS but particularly Rhys, I would have been stumped on numerous issues and also are excellent resources and sounding boards.
My week ended with a mountain of paperwork to work through but then an AWESOME night at the silent disco on Saturday. A friend of mine came up from back home and was a little sceptical but with two channels and two awesome DJ’s it was a rave up!!!!
