Student Council Motions: What’s on the Agenda?
With Student Council for this term fast approaching, this is your breakdown of the motions that are being debated this Thursday!
To read the Student Council guide for more information or our latest article on the Student Council to find out what to expect 🔎
This term, eight motions are up for debate and will be voted on by Student Leader groups 🫡
1. Accessibility for students with disabilities at University of Bristol
This motion calls for campus improvements to support students with disabilities. Key changes include better pavements, lighter doors, more accessible cafes, proper ramps, and dedicated accommodations for students with caregivers. It also suggests annual accessibility audits and more disability awareness training.
2. Adjusting Graduation Ceremony Dates for International Students
Graduation is a significant milestone for students, but many internation students struggle to attend due to scheduling and visa issues. This motion aims to shift graduation dates to better suit international students. This motion proposes reviewing current dates, gathering student feedback, and suggesting alternatives to increase accessibility.
3. End All Forced Swimming Experiments at the University of Bristol
This motion urges the University of Bristol to end forced swim tests on animals, which are deemed cruel and outdated. Many UK universities have already banned the practice, and this motion hopes to gain support to lobby the University of Bristol for change.
4. Easier Access to Support Services for International Students
This motion seeks to improve access to support services for international students, who often face cultural and language challenges. Proposals include a one-stop info hub, awareness campaigns, dedicated support staff, and tailored orientation programs. The aim is to reduce stress and boost academic success by making services easier to find and use for international students.
5. Introduction of an anti-Palestinian racism definition to Bristol
This motion proposes adopting a definition of anti-Palestinian racism to protect Palestinian students from discrimination on campus. It aims to ensure support, recognise extenuating circumstances for affected students, and foster more inclusivity. Actions include lobbying for formal recognition of Palestine, establishing focus groups, and promoting student welfare amid the ongoing invasions.
6. Proposition for the SU to support the Divest Borders Campaign
The Divest Borders campaign, initiated by People & Planet, advocates for universities to divest from companies involved in the Border and Surveillance Industry (BSI). The University of Bristol currently invests in companies which are linked to BSI and its human rights violations. This motion calls for the University to align its investments with its values by divesting from these companies and redirecting funds into ethical, human rights-focused investments. The SU will support this by endorsing the campaign, engaging with university leadership for divestment, and organising awareness initiatives.
7. NUS Representative Update
The National Union of Students (NUS) recently reformed its structure, getting rid of its usual yearly conferences and delegates that need to be elected, and now allowing any student elected to a role within the SU to become an NUS representative. To align with this new structure, the SU's byelaws need to be updated. The proposed changes include removing outdated byelaws and replacing them with provisions to clarify the roles and responsibilities of NUS Reps, who will promote Bristol SU.
8. Representation Review
Following a vote for the Bristol SU to change its current system of representation, it was recommended that a new system of paid Community Organisers was to be implemented to better empower the student body. Six Student Community Organisers will be elected to lead campaigns, and existing networks will gain society status. In this motion, current byelaws will be amended to reflect these changes and empower new student leadership.
