Student Council Minutes of the meeting held on 18.Nov.16 MEETING CALLED BY Chair of Student Council MEETING NUMBER 1 (2016/17) NOTE TAKER ATTENDEES Rhiannon Jones (MSM) Chair of Student Council, VP Pontypridd, President, SCO Welsh Language, SCO International, SCO Societies, Cardiff Rep 1, SCO PG&PT, VP Student Activities, Pontypridd Rep 1, Pontypridd Rep2, SCO Mature, SCO LGBT, SCO Women, SCO SWD APOLOGIES IN ATTENDANCE OBSERVERS ANDING ITEMS: MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING The previous meeting was not quorate. Therefore, there are no minutes. Ag enda Item 1: MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING As above STANDING ITEMS: Environment - NTR Health & Safety The Smoking Review is ongoing: the situation is likely to remain the same, but the 5m rule will be enforced. SCO SWD is working on a report regarding mobility access issues across the University. Fairtrade FT Starbucks is now available in the Zen Bar.
Agenda Topic 1: PROCESS FOR DEBATE It was agreed that there would be a respectful process for debate, with all those in attendance being given an equal right of speech. Agenda Topic 2: REPORT FROM AND QUESTIONS TO THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES There were no questions to the report. Agenda Topic 3: REPORTS FROM AND QUESTIONS TO SABBATICAL OFFICERS President s report Q: With whom was the Mental Health collaboration? A: It was a cross-wales collaboration. E&W Cardiff report not present. No questions Student Activities report Q: Is the turnaround time too short for #thisbucsgirlcan? A: It doesn t have to be done now and could, perhaps be incorporated into International Women s Day events. Q: Is it possible to highlight men who participate in traditional female sports during this campaign? A: VPSA to investigate Q: Do you have any plans for activities around Internal Disability Day on 3.Dec.16? A: Happy to work together. E&W Pontypridd report Q: Is it possible to have microwaves and kettles on campuses for student use? A: E&WP explained the health & safety/health & hygiene implications of this, but was aware that similar arrangements are in place in other institutions and will investigate further. Investigate possibility of highlighting males in females sport Activities for Int. Disability Day VPSA SWD with VPSA Before campaign start date Prior to 3.Dec.16 Contact Manchester University SU re: microwaves/kettles President 4.Nov.16
Agenda Item 4: APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO OTHER COMMITTEES Elections Cmte Cardiff Rep. 1 Appointments Cmte Pontypridd Rep. 2 Executive Disciplinary Cmte SCO Societies Members Disciplinary Cmte SCO SWD Disciplinary Appeals Board SCO Mature Complaints Appeals SCO LGBT Agenda Item 5: POLICY PROPOSALS FOR RENEWAL There were none. Agenda Item 6: POLICY PROPOSALS FOR DEBATE There were none. Agenda Item 7 : AGM UPDATE AND PLANNING From the last AGM, the following actions have been taken: Gender Neutral Toilets this is now on the Schedule of Works with the University Estate department. LGBT History Month this was actioned last year. Student Sex Workers - this is now embedded in the USW Equalities Charter Mark. A copy has been requested by President. Reading Weeks The President presented the papers and asked for comments. Some of the issues discussed (timetabling) were not directly related to the Union s response to the University, but will be addressed elsewhere. The Union s response was approved. The AGM will take place on 24.Nov.16 at 6.00pm in Eclipse on
the Treforest campus. All members of Student Council are expected to attend. Consultation with FCI regarding timetabling of assessment space following self-directed study periods E&W Cardiff Newport 4.Nov.16 Agenda Item 8: NSS BOYCOTT The President talked to the paper and explained that, since its submission, NUS Wales had asked NUS UK to back off as education is devolved in Wales and the perceived increase in fees was unlikely to affect Welsh institutions. However, USWSU, as an NUS UK member, is entitled to question the actions of NUS UK. The paper was approved. Agenda Item 9: APPROVAL OF NEW CLUBS & SOCIETIES Running Club approved Erasmus Society approved For: 12 Against: 2 Abstained: 0 VFX Society approved East Europe Society approved Clubs & Societies to be informed MSM 21.Oct.16 Agenda Item 10: ELECTION OF STUDENT TRUSTEE The meeting was advised of the role of the Board of Trustees and the level of responsibility that Trustees must hold.
SCO LGBT and SCO SWD spoke to the good character of the applicant. For: 9 Against: 2 Abstained: 1 Josh Hughes is elected to the Board of Trustees as Student Trustee (Pontypridd) Josh Hughes to be informed MSM 21.Oct.16 Agenda Item 11: CONSIDERATION OF CLUB/SOCIETY GRANT APPLICATIONS Swimming & Waterpolo Under the terms of the grant, it was considered that the application was not eligible. Agenda Item 12: ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE BUSINESS President had been asked to raise the issue of campus parking, particularly at Treforest campus. E&W Pontypridd informed the meeting that talks were in progress with a local bus company with regard a Ponty Rider type bus route for students. Cardiff Rep 1 students are encountering issues when trying to book out equipment that is not specific to their course. This will be passed on to the appropriate SVR. SCO SWD will be holding a series of meet & greet sessions for students in the coming months. Other SCOs were invited to attend. SCO PGPT drama spaces are not being properly cleaned and this is impacting the health & safety of student users. This will be passed to the appropriate SVR. SCO Women questioned the closure of the Brook St gate on the Treforest campus. The President explained that anti-social behaviour by some users of the gate had led to this. It was agreed to investigate ways to combat anti-social behaviour and to improve the lighting along the alternative pathway to Treforest village. It was further suggested that regular patrols are required near the gate and that the CCTV camera in this area is active, as it was felt that students will be tempted to climb the gate, thereby putting themselves in danger. SCO Int concern was raised regarding the information provided by the International Support Office. It was agreed that specific case examples are required before this is escalated.
Impact assessment of parking on students to be undertaken President/Ponty Rep.2 4.Nov.16 FCI SVR to be informed of issues raised MSM 21.Oct.16 Meet & Greet sessions to be arranged SCO SWD 16.Dec.16 Brook Street gate lighting and behaviour SCO Women/President 4.Nov.16 Gather feedback from international students SCO Int 4.Nov.16 The next meeting will be held on Thursday 1.Dec.16 in Treforest at 6.30pm