Issue 148

Student General Meeting

06th November 2006

The second Student General Meeting of this semester saw an engaged attentance with several vociferously debated motions covering a number of topics. The motions proposed varied from Welsh language to 24 hour library exam access.

The first item on the agenda , 24 hour access to the library, received almost unanimous support. The long term aim of the motion is for permanent 24 access, once a successful trial period has been achieved during the January exam period.

Further support has been given to enforcing the Student Union's bilingual policy in a futher motion demanding that all sections of the union should be more strictly adhearing to the policy. There was an emphasis on Ents because it is perceived that they have not been following the policy as closely as they should have been.

A heated debate ensued when parts were removed from a motion considering Peter Black's comments on the possibility of radical groups recruiting students during Fresher's Week. While the modification later allowed the motion to be passsed by the SGM, all references to Muslim extremism was removed.

The Student Union will not be demanding an apology or retraction from Mr Black, contrary to the original intention of the motion. The issue has been covered extensivly in local media, and Waterfront in Issue 145.

The Welfare Officer Miles Goodman said in response to the motion being passed, "It is pleasing to see that the motion passed with the parts removed. I am glad, and look forward to helping organise an anti-racism event on campus. As regards Peter Black's comments I think the debate has been covered many times and as far as I am concerned is a matter/issue of the past."

There were three amendments made to motions previously passed. Student debt, mental health, liberation and welfare for all were all reconsidered. Student engagement in democracy and a national demonstration was also discussed, with fresh objectives for the Union being agreed upon.

A motion entitled NUS Conference-Strong Active Unions was removed from the agenda after prolonged debate on the issues surrounding student protests, and the practicalities involved in the actioning of the motion. All of the remaining motions were passed with an ample majority and with few modifications.

The student turnout was reasonable, with many of the societies being represented, making the most of the free cookies and milk provided. This continues to build on the good representation presented at last SGM, and so we can look forward to some viberant debates on the policy of the Student Union on issues affecting students. The next SGM will take place on 23 November.

Emily Sothcott-Gilson