Student Senate

Student Senate is the Students' Union's policy-making body, and any student can run to be a Student Senator. Student Senate has the power to make and review policy, ensuring the Union works to reflect the values and ideals of the student body. Policies passed by Student Senate provide the framework within which the Union and its Elected Officers operate.

The Annual General Meeting and Referenda have higher authority than Student Senate, as they allow all students a vote, not just their elected representatives. However, Student Senate meet five times per year, making it the Union's highest regular decision-making body.

Any student can submit a motion to Student Senate for discussion. This process helps to ensure that the services and activities we provide are in line with student values and ideals.

Student Senate 2022/23 dates

Monday 5th December

Monday 30th January

Monday 27th February

Thursday 4th May

Monday 19th June

Information about the meetings

Student Senate meets five times a year.

Standard Senate business will include a report from the Sabbatical Trustees, with a chance to ask questions, as well as discussion and voting on any motions which have been submitted. These motions are important, as when passed they will shape the work of your Sabbatical and Campaign Officers, and the Students' Union.

Student Senate will recieve the Students' Union budget at their first meeting each year.

How does voting work?

At least 20 people must be present for a vote to be valid, i.e. 50% +1 of all voting members.

A voting record will be kept of how Officers and Student Senators vote. However, since the randomly selected students are not elected and are only voting on their own behalf, their vote will be counted anonymously.

How does it work?

Head to our ideas hub to submit an idea or vote on existing ones. This platform allows students to 'up vote' or 'down vote' your idea. If a 'down vote' is received, that means the total number will go down i.e. if you have 0 votes and someone 'down votes' it will become -1 votes.

Student Senate will then debate the idea and vote as to whether or not it will become Students' Union policy. If your idea has an operational component (for example, "the Students' Union should serve more vegan-friendly options"), it may not need to be discussed at Student Senate, and instead may be better achieved by providing feedback directly to our Sales and Customer Services team.

If you would like to talk about an idea further, contact Democracy@cardiff.ac.uk

Minutes and Agenda