Add the Q
Submitted by Lucas Jakabovic
Across the entire university, we use the acronym LGBT+, but adding a Q to form LGBTQ+ is far more inclusive and relevant and shows that we, as a university, are not only inclusive but aware of changes within the community and up to date with our inclusion.
What is your idea?
Add the Q to LGBT+ to include students who are questioning or identify as Queer.
Passed by Senate 17/11/2020
Embed Sustainable Development Goals into Cardiff University Students' Union working framework
Submitted by Julia Komar
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were set out as a universal call action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030. The SU is doing a lot towards those goals, for example for mental health, good quality education or climate action. But even more could be done to enhance the experience of every single student.
What is your idea?
Embedding SDGs into the working framework would ensure the SU can track and plan their actions allined with SDGs. Moreover, having a tracker on the website would make students more informed. Students would be able to submit their ideas and/or feedback about specific actions, ensuring we are working together towards SDGs.
Passed by Senate 15/12/2020
Cardiff University Students' Union to Commit to Carbon Neutrality by 2030
Submitted by Julia Komar
What is your idea?
The Climate Emergency status was passed through Senate last year, however, there is no mention of when the SU is to become carbon neutral by. This addition would ensure there is a clear goal to be working towards, that is both achievable and necessary, in accordance with the Welsh Government guidelines.
Passed by Senate 15/12/2020
A Referendum on Supporting Potential Industrial Action
Submitted by Samuel Tilley
An indicative Cardiff UCU ballot has shown support for strike action and for action short of a strike (ASOS) as a result of working conditions during the coronavirus pandemic. This may cause concern both for students who have already faced significant obstruction to teaching this year and for those Postgraduates who also teach.
What is your idea?
In previous years, the SU has had a clear stance on industrial action due to AGM motions. Considering the challenges in holding large scale meetings this year, an online referendum should instead be held in order to gauge student support for potential industrial action in this academic year. The question would be: “Should the Students’ Union support potential UCU industrial action in the academic year 2020/21?”
This was amended to ‘the Senate agrees to call an emergency meeting if a strike is called’.
Passed by Senate 04/02/21
Change from LGBT+ Officer (Women) to LGBT+ (Trans)
What is the problem?
Currently, with an Open Place and a Women's Place LGBT+ Officer, trans issues may be overlooked by the officer structure. In the media, we see shockingly poor representations of Trans people and reports of ever increasing aggressions towards Trans people. Also, an unprecedented level of poor mental health in the Trans community, who also find a lack of support in the public, and in universities. Due to the current possible lack of representation, we can do better to support our Trans students.
What is your idea?
As of the Spring Elections in the Academic Year 2019-2020, the Campaign Officer Team will include an LGBT+ Officer (Trans Place), instead of an LGBT+ Officer (Women’s Place). This shows that the Students’ Union actively supports and makes visible its trans members. It is also a step towards ensuring that the LGBT+ Officers are able to cover more issues that affect the LGBT+ community, which is not a homogeneous group. The representation of women will be the responsibility of both officers.
Passed by Senate 20/11/2019
Interdisciplinary opportunities for students
What is the problem?
Currently, it is difficult for students to work on projects that extend beyond the discipline of their academic School. (This affects all undergraduate and may concern post-graduate students.)
What is your idea?
The University should enable and increase opportunities for students to work on projects across academic Schools. (eg: Combining the Schools of Business and Earth, how can we create an economic model that encourages environmental protection?) This idea is a logical next step following the Great Challenges, where students from a wide range of backgrounds came together to tackle a current issue. The next step is to support academic liaison between Schools.
Passed by Senate 20/11/2019
Should we lobby for the USS Pension Fund to Divest?
Submitted by Nicholas Fox
USS stands for the Universities Superannuation Scheme and is one of the largest principal private pension schemes for universities & other higher education institutions in the UK. It currently has investments across a range of sectors including fossil fuels, tobacco, and armaments. Currently the USS proposed changes are part of the ongoing industrial action being undertaken by UCU as the scheme has valued itself with a deficit (shortcomings in its future value needed to cover future costs)
What is your idea?
Students have approached us on lobbying for this. Senate should balance the issues and give the Sabbatical officers a steer as to whether to also lobby for the University to push for the scheme to divest alongside pushing the University on the current goals of the UCU industrial action's 'Four Fights' in what could be seen by us as a politically complex period of time. I realise 500 characters isn't enough, so am happy to provide senators with a briefing note.
Passed by Senate 28/01/2020
Changing Society and Sports Club Membership Fees
Submitted by Christopher Dunne
Many Societies and Sports Clubs will charge a variety of fees to students, such as half year memberships. However, some societies will charge new member fees, or charge students by their year of study. This is manifestly unfair, and should change.
What is your idea?
Societies and sports clubs should no longer be allowed to charge membership fees by year of study, and those societies or sports clubs that wish to continue charging new members at a different rate than returning members, should show that these members incur some extra financial burden on the society, such as additional training or equipment costs, before being permitted or to continue charging these fees. VP Societies and Sports should be mandated to implement these changes by September 2020.
Passed by Senate 28/01/2020
Support and advice to pregnant mothers
Submitted by Luke Doherty
Women at University may find their studies disrupted by an unplanned pregnancy; and feel there is only one option to resolve the issue. Women who might want to keep their pregnancy are often ill-informed and poorly supported. Terminations are sometimes presented as inevitable to those women who are unaware of how they might emotionally and practically cope with pregnancy and motherhood alongside their studies. Women are well informed about terminations; but not always about an alternative.
What is your idea?
Whilst women are entirely free to choose a termination, they are equally free to keep their pregnancy. Thus, information and links to pro-life organisations who offer counselling and practical support to women in crisis pregnancies should be made available on CU's Pregnancy Support Page. Post-Abortion support should be made equally available, too. CU & CUSU should work to actively eradicate the stigma attached to pregnancies and motherhood whilst at University.
Passed by Senate 28/01/2020
Stop Timetabling Exams on Consecutive Days
Submitted by Ryan Alexander
The last couple of days before an exam are important ones and if they have to be split up between multiple exams it means sacrificing effort in one exam for another.
What is your idea?
Make it a priority when timetabling exams to ensure that the exams for a specific course are as spread out as possible.
Passed by Senate 22/04/2020
Mature Wellbeing person to solve mature persons issues
Submitted by Edel Anabwani
People especially family people find it difficult to air their issues in the drop-ins to someone much younger (inexperienced as it has been indicated to me).
What is your idea?
A need to identify and train persons who the more mature students will feel comfortable confiding to in matters relating to wellbeing.
Passed by Senate 22/04/2020
Carers and Parents Association
Submitted by Janet Williams
Carers and Parents Association has finally after a year has been activated. However, due to the fact it has taken so long and now due to covid-19 it is too late in the year to grow the association. There has been no chance to form a committee for next year, this will mean no representation for student carers and parents. It also means that the University will not be able to promote it to new students. Representation on Senate is needed this is explained in constitution.
What is your idea?
To ask The VP Welfare, VP Heath, VP Postgraduate with possible input from Student Advice (Jane Harding) Student support (Gareth Davies) to actively promote the association and get a committee started. To actively seek advice from outside people and organisations in this field. The constitution will be given to all these people in order for the structure of the association to be adhered to, especially in relation to representation on Senate. This is crucial to the support of these students.
Passed by Senate 22/04/2020
Carers Awareness Week (Amendment to Supporting Student Careers)
Submitted by Janet Williams
On 24/9/2018 Supporting Student Carers Motion (https://www.cardiffstudents.com/your-voice/policy) was passed. Whilst most of this is still valid there are concerns about the wording of Senate Resolves 1. It only refers to a Carers awareness week in Autumn Term 2018 or Spring Term 2019. However, it should of just stated the term not the year. It should specify VP Postgrad in point 1, 3, 6 and 7 of Senate resolves, due to the fact this is a different demographic from Undergraduate representation.
What is your idea?
To Make Sure there is a Carers Awareness week every year, of Which a Students family Day will be a part. This can be backed by the fact the University have started a recruitment programme for young carers. This will mean that the support is visible and consistent. To specify VP Postgrad in order to represent post grad carers and parents as well. This policy can become renewed every three years without specific dates.
Passed by Senate 22/04/2020
Ban Balloons throughout the SU
Idea: Ban Balloons throughout the SU
What is the problem?
Balloons cannot be recycled in Cardiff and are often a source of plastic pollution following large events like Open Days and campaign weeks. Even biodegradable balloons do not degrade under normal conditions and therefore contribute to litter and pollution in our city. There was a 50% rise in balloon litter on our beaches between 2015 and 2016. Only around 13 per cent of balloons burst into small pieces whilst more than 80 per cent come down intact, endangering our local wildlife.
What is your idea?
It is best to stop the use of balloons completely and instead use reusable and digital decorations to promote sustainability and reduce waste across campus. Not only will this improve Cardiff University SU's sustainability footprint but also exhibit good practice to all that visit the Union.
Number of voters: 60
Number of ‘Up votes’: 52
Number of ‘Down votes’: 8
Proposed by: Nia Jones
Passed by Senate 13/11/2018
Our Future. Our Choice
Idea: Our Future. Our Choice
What is the problem?
The outcome of the Brexit negotiations will affect students and universities for decades. Will we remain in the ERASMUS+ study abroad programme? What will the status of EU students be? Will postgraduates and academics still have access to EU research projects and funding? What will the process be for travelling in the EU? Will we choose to maintain EU consumer or environmental standards and workers’ rights? The actual details of our future are yet to be decided across a thousand different issues
What is your idea?
The People’s Vote campaign is supported by politicians from all major political parties and by people who voted Leave and Remain and calls for the British public to be given a say on the final Brexit deal. We don’t ask students to accept or reject the Brexit deal, but believe students should be able to make that choice when the exact details of Brexit are clear. We call upon the SU to get involved with supporting a People’s Vote for us all. For a detailed proposal see bit.ly/2QbRJIh
Number of voters: 53
Number of ‘Up votes’: 39
Number of ‘Down votes’: 14
Proposed by: Julia Rooke
Passed by Senate 11/12/2018
Fight for Funds: AGM mandate
Fight for Funds: AGM mandate for NUS UK Conference
“We are mandating the 2018/2019 elective officer team to take a motion to Student Senate and then to NUS national conference or NUS NEC. The motion will aim to present our Universities template on tackling sexual assault and it will ask for the NUS to adopt this template. It will also act as a vessel to obtain further funding and investment in this area.”
Conference Notes
1. 2018 has seen several high-profile articles published regarding sexual assault and violence in the higher education sector (1). This is also a subject reflected internationally with the #MeToo movement in October 2017(2) and the hidden marks report published by NUS in May 2014(3).
2. Nearly two thirds of students and graduates have said they experienced sexual violence at UK universities. Of these, only 2 % felt able to report the experience to their university (4) with some data reporting that students are twice more likely to be sexually assaulted than robbed (5).
3. The UK government has asked UK Universities to set up and lead a taskforce to develop a code of practice to help tackle sexual violence and harassment on campuses. In March 2016 Universities UK launched a taskforce to develop a cross-institutional approach on violence against women. (6)
4. A report released by NISVIS reported increased prevalence of sexual assaults within LGBT+ communities with 44% of lesbian women having experienced rape, physical violence or stalking. (7)
5. Cardiff University and Birmingham University have a joint ‘Creating the Culture’ project financed through HEFCE which started in October 2017.
6. Cardiff University’s Online disclosure service has received 502 disclosures of violence and abuse since it started in October 2017. 23.1% of these were due to abuse in relationships with sexual assault at 14.7% & rape at 9.8% (8).
7. Cardiff University and CUSU has 10 Creating the culture hotspots, participated in Reclaim the Night marches, delivered R.E. Act training to 200 frontline staff, established Bystander Workshops and a 20 staff member Disclosure Response Team (8).
8. In the academic year of 2017/18 Cardiff University received a block grant from HEFCW of £40,922,433 allowing for funding adjustments (9).
Conference Believes
1. Sexual assault is a big problem for our students that must be dealt with. The only solution is through complete acceptance of the problem and continual conscientious action. Creating the culture is a joint venture with Cardiff and Birmingham Universities. It targets three key areas of prevention, intervention and response.
a. Please see appendix 1 for a full breakdown of the Creating the culture project.
2. The Statistics from the Online Disclosure System are an encouraging start, however there is significant evidence to assume that these reports are only a small proportion of the larger picture (4). We acknowledge that this is a sector wide problem. We want to celebrate that Cardiff and Birmingham University have started to become part of the solution. It is a success that people have started to report but we need to reduce the barriers that students face when they come forward.
3. The impacts of Sexual assault and Violence has substantial lifelong impacts on victims. Therefore, as a student body we believe that it is imperative for all universities to create funding for “Creating the Culture” project. We want and need a long-term solution over years rather than funding which barely lasts 24 months.
4. Furthermore, we call on all universities to strengthen safeguarding procedures & policies to reduce levels of student on student violence and abuse. Additionally, staff on student harassment does occur yet currently there have been no disclosures. We need to provide effective and robust policy which allows students to seek help and report these incidents whilst maintaining a sense of security and safety.
5. The current complaints procedure does not follow a trauma informed approach, which could unfortunately allow for those who have experienced violence and abuse to far worsen following an investigation. There needs to be a separate process in place for violence-based complaints with trained investigating officers who are appointed promptly compared to the current process, which can take months. There also needs to be more diverse solutions to experiences of relationship harm between members of our communities in our Universities; one which allows students the opportunity for repair of the harm that has occurred. This could be achieved through adopting a restorative approach. This best utilises the resources and trained staff already in place.
Conference Further believes
1. The culture of sexual assault and violence on university campuses is disturbing and a real time issue that is widespread across the UK. We also believe that the ‘Create the Culture’ robust model is an excellent start to tackling this problem and so it should be mirrored by other establishments and it will raise the profile of this devastating issue.
2. There is an epidemic of relationship based sexual violence and abuse in the LGBT+ community which is significantly amplified when compared to the heterosexual community. Furthermore, many members of the LGBT+ community are hesitant to seek help from the police and health services due to feeling discriminated against because of their sexual identity. According to recent research 47% of bisexual men, 46% bisexual women and 25% of gay men have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lifetime (7). Furthermore, according to stonewall, 80% of the Trans Community will experience at least one incidence of abuse within a relationship (10).
Conference Resolves
1. NUS elective officers to lobby all different higher education funding bodies to agree to enter monthly progress meetings with key stakeholders from NUS and external bodies to monitor & continually develop this service in all universities with a SMART (Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic and Time sensitive) objectives.
2. Elected officers to lobby SUs to agree a timeframe of events with their universities. By July 2020 the SUs will have entered into an agreement for long term investment with their University and produce a 5-year plan on further implementation & funding to tackle this issue.
3. Part of the service should include an informal complaints system and an allocation of cases to investigating officers within 3 weeks. This would provide the space for restorative mediation.
4. Elective officers to proactively work with SUs to improve provisions for our students with protected characteristics and liberation groups especially LGBT+ community who are presenting to campus services with sexual assault, harassment & domestic violence.
5. Elected officers to continue open dialogue and active lobbying of the Government for them to adopt a similar approach in tackling sexual violence and abuse in the wider society.
Proposed by: Fadhila Al Dhahouri
Seconded by: Amr AlWishah
References
1. Reynolds, Emily. “Universities Are Home to a Rape Epidemic. Here's What They Can Do | Emily Reynolds.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 2 Mar. 2018, www.theguardian.com/comme.... [Accessed: 01.10.2018].
2. You Are Not Alone. “Me Too.” You Are Not Alone, metoomvmt.org/.[Accessed: 01.10.2018].
3. Hidden Marks: a Study of Women Students' Experiences of Harassment, Stalking, Violence and Sexual Assault @ NUS Connect, www.nusconnect.org.uk/res.... [Accessed: 24.09.2018].
4. Newey, Sarah, and Hannah Price. “Revolt Sexual Assault -.” Revolt Sexual Assault, revoltsexualassault.com/. [Accessed: 01.10.2018].
5. “Campus Sexual Violence: Statistics | RAINN.” RAINN | The Nation's Largest Anti-Sexual Violence Organization, www.rainn.org/statistics/.... [Accessed: .01.10.2018].
6. “Taskforce to Examine Violence against Women, Harassment and Hate Crime Affecting University Students: Progress Report No. 1.” Universities UK, www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/.... [Accessed: 01.10.2018].
7. “Violence Prevention.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 May 2018, www.cdc.gov/violencepreve.... [Accessed: 01.10.2018].
8. Cardiff University, Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service, Creating the Culture project.
9. “HEFCW Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18.” Annual Report, www.hefcw.ac.uk/publicati.... [Accessed: 20.09.2018].
10. “Domestic Violence.” Stonewall, 1 Aug. 2018, www.stonewall.org.uk/help.... [Accessed: 28.09.2018].
Passed by Senate 29/01/2019
CU and CUSU to adopt full definition of Islamophobia
Idea: Cardiff University and CUSU to adopt full definition of Islamophobia
What is the problem?
Muslims acorss campus and across the country have felt unsafe and uncomfortable with their own identity. Official government statistics showed reports of racial and religiously motivated hate crime in England and Wales had risen for a fifth consecutive year. Anti-muslim hate crime is among these. There was even an incident here in Cardiff where a woman had fireworks thrown into her home through her letterbox.
What is your idea?
Adopting a definition of Islamophobia will demonstrate to Muslim students that we will take steps to demarcate the healthy preservation of expressions of Muslimness. As the definition of Islamophobia is being debated in parliament, I urge senate to adopt the full definition of Islamophobia found here t.co/o2GVDRiFPl
Furthermore, we will mandate the officers to lobby CU to adopt this definition and endorse a zero tolerance policy to islamophobia in all it's forms.
Number of Voters: 78
Number of ‘Up votes’: 70
Number of ‘Down votes’: 8
Proposed by: Amr Alwishah
Passed by Senate 29/01/2019
Making the Union PLastic Straw Free
Student Senate Believes
1. The environment and sustainability are growing concerns for the general public and Cardiff students. Litter in and around the Union on club nights, especially, is an obvious problem much of which is plastic straws and plastic bottles. A cleaner union would not only improvement the environment for Cardiff students during club night, but also would improve the wider community and lessen the Union's burden on the environment
Student Senate Resolves
1. Reduce the amount of plastic straws used by the food and drink outlets in the Union by reducing their use and supporting local environmental movements such as The No Straw Stand. This could be done through deciding to refuse to use plastic straws completely and using biodegradable straws instead or at the very least putting the plastic straws behind the counter and only using upon request.
Passed by Senate 29/01/2019
Nextbike at University Halls
Idea: Nextbike at University Halls
What is the problem?
We live a 30 min walk from SU, 40 min walk from tally and there’s no faster way of getting there eg if you miss the bus or if it’s on a weekend that isn’t quite expensive. Probably effects about 300 of us? Maybe more.
What is your idea?
Get a nextbike rack installed at uni halls
Submitted by: Jemma Powell
Number of voters: 80
Number of ‘Up votes’: 74
Number of ‘Down votes’:6
Passed by Senate 14/05/2019
Adopt 'Cimate Emergency' status in solidarity with other UK Universities
Idea: Adopt ‘Climate Emergency’ status in solidarity with other UK Universities
What is the problem?
Climate Change has been a large portion of the world’s news recently, as is rightly so. Climate Change has the power to determine whether our families will live well or very difficulty, along with the lives of animals! Taking drastic action can ensure many more future years of students to come that you can educate to great standards, inspire to dream big and take care of themselves and their neighbours, human or not.
What is your idea?
Take the status of ‘climate emergency’ and encourage other universities to do the same. Commit to use to explore avenues of how you can cut down emissions and become more ‘green’.
Submitted by: Abigail Ross
Number of voters: 241
Number of ‘Up votes’: 237
Number of ‘Down votes’:4
Passed by Senate 14/05/2019
Lift Accessibility
Idea: Lift Accessibility
What is the problem?
There are some really tall buildings in the university, and climbing four flights of stairs to get to lectures is a pain. But imagine if you were someone who couldn't climb those stairs, and couldn't access a lift due to it being full.
What is your idea?
Simple signs next to lifts, similar to those on disabled toilets, that this is something needed for accessibility, and to consider whether you using the lift as convenience might be preventing someone who needs it using it. This would also come with a reminder that not all disabilities are visible.
Submitted by: Rhiannon Lunney
Number of voters: 50
Number of ‘Up votes’: 44
Number of ‘Down votes’: 6
Passed by Senate 14/05/2019
Getting rid of 50 supporters for a motion limit
Idea: Getting rid of 50 supporters for a motion limit
What is the problem?
It is obvious from 2 cancellations for Senate, that 50 signatures is often too much to bring motions before senate Also the knowledge of this system needs greater awareness. The amount needs to be reduced to 10 which is a higher percentage than is used in Parliament to acknowledge a petition, which only would only be 3 people.
What is your idea?
The amount needed could be reduced to 0. It would still need to be passed by Senate
Submitted by: Janet Williams
Number of voters: 74
Number of ‘Up votes’: 54
Number of ‘Down votes’: 20
Passed by Senate 14/05/2019