Student
What You Need to
Council:
Know
Union Democracy: The Big Five
- Elections
- AGMs
- Referenda
- Board of Trustees
- Student Council
Why do we have
Student Council?
JOT YOUR THOUGHTS DOWN ON
FLIP CHART PAPER!
What the Terms of Reference Say
– Student Council shall represent the voice of the students.
– Set the Policy of the Union and refer Policy to Referenda of
the Members
– Make, repeal and amend the bye-laws jointly with the
Trustees in accordance with the Constitution.
– Discuss the affairs of the Union and make
recommendations in accordance with the bye-laws and
the delegated powers from the Trustees.
– To delegate its powers to any committee it thinks fit, and
recall such delegated powers.
– Consider a motion of no-confidence in an Officer/Trustee.
– Confirm the appointment of Trustees in accordance with
the constitution.
Terms of Reference
TRUE OR FALSE
To abstain means to
disagree with a
motion.
FALSE! To abstain means to not take part
(I.e. Not vote for or against a motion)
To consider a motion of no
confidence in a Sabbatical
Officer, Student Council must
have a petition of at least 60
Union members.
TRUE! And then for the motion to
pass, Council needs a 2/3 majority.
Student Council is
the only body that
can set Union
policy.
FALSE! So can the Board of Trustees. It
can also jointly amend and create bylaws with the Board of Trustees.
Student Council can
amend the Union’s
Constitution.
FALSE! This can only be done by an AGM
of Union Members or a Referendum.
Student Council must
ratify appointments of
External and Alumni
Trustees
TRUE! You will also receive quarterly
reports from the Trustees.
Board of Trustees has
the right to revoke
Student Council
decisions
TRUE! But only if the decision is not within
the powers of the committee, it is not within
the powers of the union, or is likely to affect
the charity status of the union.
Clubs and Society
Presidents must attend
Student Council for
their group
FALSE! It can be any member of your
group.
Only members of
Student Council may
bring a paper to Student
Council.
FALSE! Any member of the Union may bring
a paper to Student Council but only members
of Council may take part in the Democratic
Procedures.
If there’s a split vote,
the President gets the
casting vote
FALSE! (But more or less true) The Chair
of the meeting does!
How to Bring a Paper to Student
Council
– Approx 2 Weeks before the meeting, a call for
agenda items will go out (with a deadline for
putting things on the agenda)
– You can use the template motions on the Union
website: www.bathspasu.co.uk/studentcouncil
– You must submit your item 1 week before the
meeting
– You can ask the SU President or the Democracy,
Representation & Welfare Manager for help
constructing a Motion
Dream and Nightmare Council
Member