HE 2011 and Beyond Motion
The Basic Facts
The Higher Education landscape has now changed and the Independent Review (Browne Review),
has now been conducted
The Union has fulfilled its mandate to campaign against fee increases and was a priority campaign in
2010/11
The White Paper has now been produced with anxiety from the NUS, many student Unions and the
student Body
No decision has been made on Postgraduate or International student systems
Fee waivers have been introduced by the Government which the NUS and other key figures believe
is to drive down Government costs and is of no real benefit to students.
The Union Believes that:
The White Paper needs to put students at the heart of the system and more clarity needs to be
provided on items such as fee waivers and the AAB system
We are entering a potential marketisation of Universities, which could have a negative impact on the
University sector and therefore the University of Cumbria
The new fees system could detract many potential members from attending university
Postgraduate and International Students also deserve a fair education system
All students no matter of their socio economic background should have access to HE
Bursaries
If you vote for this motion
Continue to lobby MP‟s in providing an education system which is better than that outlined in the
white paper accessible to all
To oppose “fee waivers” and instead lobby both the Government and the University in providing
wider funds promoted to those of bursary support
To support any national action proposed by the NUS in the form of local or national action as
maybe appropriate as decided by the executive committee
Proposed By
Liam Walker
Representation Sabbatical
Seconded By
Pg 1 of 4
Newton Rig Catbells Accommodation Motion
The Basic Facts
There has been anxiety felt about Catbells accommodation at the Penrith Campus since it
was established
The University recognises the situation of the dwellings and have decided not to renue the
contract
The University may have to find alternative accommodation
The Union Believes
The SU strives for all student accommodation to be of good quality
Student accommodation forms an important part of University life and living.
Substandard accommodation can unsettle students
If you vote for this motion the Union will:
To support Catbells Students this year, providing reasonable support and lobbying if
possible
To investigate future accommodation plans
To ensure the University doesn‟t extend its contract with them
Proposed by
Rahul Merorta
Seconded By
Parys Hatchard
Pg 2 of 4
Internal University Communication Motion
The Basic Facts
The Union has had concerns about the universities internal communication for period of time,
however it does believe The University is taking active steps to improve its communication, but
thinks it needs further action to make further improvements.
The Brampton Road Shop Closure communications have unsettled students at the site and
prompted further concerns.
The NSS score is significantly below National Average
It is a problem across all sites
The Union Believes that
Students educational experience could be suffering due to the problems
Students should have the right to a communication mechanism which is fluid and reaches out to
their needs both quickly and efficiently
The educational experience at the University is important, hence our tagline of “working for a
better education for you”
If you vote for this motion the Union will
Lobby the university into organising a communication group or something along those lines,
specifically looking at why this is happening
Strive for a joined up thinking approach, in which departments, faculties and services work together
As part of its work, find out from students, what it is they are most concerned about whilst
analysing NSS and other data both internally and with the University and come up with solutions to
the problems
Continue to push the University for clear, early communication with our members and involve
students in consultation processes where appropriate
Work with the University to strive for better provision in future
Add Communication to our top 10 list
Ensure a future framework is developed and used by the University
Proposed by
Lewis Walker
Seconded by
Liam Walker
Pg 3 of 4
Drink Awareness-
AKA-‘Percy-the-pissy-penguin’
Basic Facts.
UoC Students‟ Union is the officially recognised body representing over 15,000 students
studying at University of Cumbria in and around the Cumbria and Lancashire area.
Union Believes that.
Similar to many other Universities, a culture of excessive alcohol consumption excess here
amongst our students.
Problems related to heavy alcohol consumption include health issues, addition aggression,
risk of drink-driving, dismissal from work, lack of attendance in lectures and placements.
Many of our younger students are un-aware of the risks of heavy drinking and are unaware
of the short and long term problems of it.
If you Vote FOR this motion the union will…
This motion will action the relevant sabbatical and staff team to run awareness
campaigns for all students of the University of Cumbria about the dangers of
drinking.
These campaigns will be run through events, online media and promotion material.
These campaigns will be run throughout the year, but will focus on important times;
freshers week, re-freshers, the official „night outs‟ for each campus.
Sabbs and Union staff will work with volunteer officers and students to help
promote the awareness.
In order to ensure a coordinated approach to the policy, the Students‟ Union will ensure
that all Officers and Members of Staff are fully aware of this policy and that the policy is
communicated to all its members, key partners and the general public.
Proposed:
Matt Tennant (Environmental Rep)
Seconded:
Matt Hayhurst (Lancaster Halls Rep)
Pg 4 of 4