What do we mean by 'Policy'?

Policies provide the framework which the Union and its Elected Officers operate within. Linking to everything from recording lectures to furthering gender equality on campus. We also work with the University to develop their policies to ensure that students are at the heart of the University.

How is policy created?

Evidence and democracy! These two things lead to policy being created. As a students' union we engage with you on issues that are affecting the student body here at Cardiff University Students' Union. With those responses we collabratively (with you and your elected representatives) work to refine written definitions and action. We engage students and then have a level of scrutiny through our democratic processes. Student Senate, AGM, College Forums are all examples of how we use our representative and democratic structures to ensure that the policies you want, happen.

Democracy From Day One Results

A motion template is available Cymraeg | English

You can see some of the research undertaken by Student Voice below

Democracy From Day One results | Student Staff Panel Minutes Report Autumn 2018 | Speak Week Report | Democracy Review

Policy tracker

Click on the individual sections below in order to see what activity has taken place in relation to policy. To see the work of officers please check the manifesto trackers.

University Policy

ASQC

ASQC (Academic Standards and Quality Committee) met. At ASQC the layout of university procedures was amended -the students' union will be included in the working group to amend the procedures to be the best they can be for students. Furthermore changes to capping of assessments rather than modules was decided. Finally ASQC was also informed of the next Quality Assurance Review visit that includes a Lead Student Representative that provides insight on what life at Cardiff University is like from a student perspective.

EDI

EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee) met. Earlier this year the LGBT+ Officers attended EDI and worked with the university to make improvements to the Trans policy of the university.

Partnership Projects

This year something very exciting is happening! Cardiff University and Cardiff University Students’ Union are continuing to work in partnership on the issues that matter to you, there is an opportunity for you as reps to be a part of this commitment to improving the student experience.

Academic Reps

The review has noted several different recommendations to the university to help make the Academic Representation system even better! Including increased training and support for the Student Rep Coordinators within each of the schools.

Study Life Balance

Study Life Balance looked at several different elements: Wednesday afternoon teaching, Friday prayer hours, and Saturday exams.

Enhancing the study environment

Enhancing the study environment investigated what students think and feel about social study spaces as well as helping to create a centralised list of these spaces.

BLS Experience

This group investigated the experience of those studying at the Heath Park Campus.

PGR Experience

This group focused on several key outcomes: Study space, general experience, and the possibility of contracts for PGRs who teach.

Students' Union Policy

AGM

AGM (Annual General Meeting) meets every November. This year several policies were submitted

Muslim Students to be better facilitates by the SU - Passed

This motion can be found below within the policy book

Changes to VP Societies and VP Welfare - Passed

This motion can be found below within the policy book. Actions were completed by the students' union within less then 24 hours to launch the nominations for roles. Amendments to the Bye Laws were made at the next meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Students Consulted at Every Level: A seat on UEB - Passed

This motion can be found below within the policy book.

Real financial support for postgraduate students in need - Passed

This motion can be found below within the policy book.

Make Cardiff University a living wage employer - Fell

This motion can be found within the AGM agenda pack. The students' union is not required to undertake any action as the motion did not pass.

Student Senate

Student Senate meets several times a year.

Freedom to read - Fell

This motion can be found within the agenda packs of the individual senates. The students' union is not required to undertake any action as the motion did not pass.

Eliminating Economic restrictions on Societies- Fell

This motion can be found within the agenda packs of the individual senates. The students' union is not required to undertake any action as the motion did not pass.

Making the students' union plastic straw free - Passed

This motion can be found below within the policy book. The students' union no longer offers plastic straws!

For the students' union to ensure the protection of students involved in sex work - Passed

This motion can be found below within the policy book.

Securing bursaries and grants for postgraduates in need - Passed

This motion can be found below within the policy book. This motion was taken to NUS UK Conference in March 2018.

Better Hand dryers in the ASSL - Passed

This motion can be found below within the policy book.

Recognise the state of Palestine - Passed

This motion can be found below within the policy book. This motion was taken to NUS UK Conference in March 2018.

Cardiff University Students' Union should support the UCU's industrial action - Fell

This motion can be found within the agenda packs of the individual senates. The students' union is not required to undertake any action as the motion did not pass.

Higher Education Policy

Recently the student voice team presented at the Wise Wales Partnership Conference on changes to the Quality Assurance Framework and the Quality review process in partnership with HEFCW.

What to do if you have an idea...

Submit your great new idea

Cardiff Students' Union is a student-led organisation. This means that big or small, practical or political whatever the nature of your idea we want to hear about it! Simply push the button above.

Or if you want some help or advice formulating your idea feel free to contact the the Student Voice team.

Sometimes you might have an idea that is of a more practical/operational nature. We want to hear all about these ideas too! Once we receive a suggestion we will publish it on the website and students will be able to ‘like’ the idea if they agree that the union should do the thing you’ve suggested. Once a suggestion has reached 300 likes it will automatically end up on the relevant management meeting’s agenda. As soon as a decision has been made the Union will publish its response in the website.

Policy Book

What is the Policy Book?

Our Policy Book is found below holds all the current policies in operation. If you would like to submit a policy to student senate, please do! The Student Voice team is more than happy to help in any formation of policy. Policy lapses after three years.