The first UGM will be held on Tuesday 16th October in the Ballroom

Chair of the Student Council, Dexi-Louise Ellis, gives you all the information you’ll need to get involved.

UGMs, or Union General Meetings, are an integral part of our Union. Many existing students may have seen or heard the term frequently without knowing what it’s all about, and if you’re new to Keele then you probably haven’t got a clue at all. So, let’s break it down!

As you should all know (and if you don’t now, we shall make sure you do!), Keele Student’s Union is all YOURS, and it is vital that you all get involved to make the changes you want. UGMs are how we allow you to do just that.
So, what’s involved in a UGM? Well, it’s pretty simple. KUSU has 5 elected full-time Sabbatical reps, which you shall all get to know very well over the coming year. As well as these cool guys and gals, there is an additional group of part-time reps that represent various other areas of the University, and the Constitutional Affairs Committee that regulate the meetings, so we have all bases covered.

You can find contact details and info on all your KUSU reps on kusu.net under the ‘Representation’ tab!

Once in a while we all meet up to discuss current goings on at the Uni, and throw around ideas to help improve the way the Student Union is run. All of the reps are students like you and the atmosphere is pretty casual, so absolutely anyone in the Uni is welcome to join us. Sometimes we may even have snacks and drinks too!

Now, here’s a VERY basic run-through of how UGMs work:

1.  Officer Reports: Your friendly neighbourhood officers will give you the low-down on their recent activities as representatives. Sometimes it’s pretty riveting stuff.
2.  Question Time: You get to ask some questions. Simples!
3.  Items for discussion: Items are discussed. No, seriously. If you want something relevant discussed, or questions answered, then propose them before hand and this is where they are brought up!
4.  Motions: These are more than just items for discussion, and arise when students want an action or change to take place. These need to be submitted formally, and then they are proposed, questioned, and voted upon within a UGM.

If you want to submit items for discussion, or if you require help or advice on submitting a motion, then feel free to contact your Union reps for more information – it’s what we are here for!
So, there you have it. A simplified, very brief idea of what a UGM is and how it works; but don’t take my word for it! Keep your eye open for UGMs in the Union building on Tuesdays (dates posted in Concourse and online) and check it out for yourself!

Remember, we are YOUR representatives, and our aim is to help you all get the Union YOU want – so GET INVOLVED!

Until next time!

Dexi-Louise Ellis
Chair of Student Council

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