What is Student Council?
Student Council is a meeting of all student reps which happens four times a year. Student Council has two key roles:
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To approve or reject Student Union policy ideas.
Student Council members vote on policy suggestions submitted by UWS students. They have the final say as to whether a policy is passed or rejected. A policy determines the work of the Students' Union by mandating Sabbatical Officers to campaign on a particular issue, or setting new rules for the Students' Union.
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To hold the Student Presidents to account
It is important that as your elected representatives, the Student Presidents are answerable to students. Student Council is one place this can happen, where the president team submit reports and answer questions from the student reps in attendance. Student Council members also get the opportunity to meet and question Senior Managers from UWS, as we begin every meeting with a Senior Management Question Time. If you aren't a rep but have a question you would like to ask, get in touch with your rep and they can ask a question on your behalf!
What is a student council policy?
A policy is a clear, simple statement of a change you’d like to see or action you’d like the Union to take which Student Council members have voted for. Policies provide a set of guiding principles to help with decision making and ensure the Union is democratic and continues to be student led, working on the things that are important to you.
Policies can relate to the work or actions of the Union, UWS and external issues relevant to students. Policies passed by previous students include campaigning for free graduation, supporting Trade Union strike action and getting Care Leavers recognised as a disadvantaged and under-represented group.
Who chairs student council?
Student Council is chaired by the Union Chair. The Union Chair is a student, elected to hold the Student Presidents to account. This means that the student council meetings are run fully by students, for students.