Guide to Student Council
What even is Student Council?
Student Council happens twice a year at Bristol SU. It is the main representative forum of the Students' Union. It creates policy which directs the focus for our team of 7 SU officers. Members discuss and vote on items (called motions) submitted by students. Any motions that pass become active SU policy for three years.
Who can attend?
All students can submit motions and attend the meeting, but only course reps, faculty reps, network chairs JCR presidents, society presidents, volunteering project co-ordinators, or club captains can vote on motions.
How does it work?
Student Council happens twice a year, once in TB1, and once in TB2. Ahead of each Student Council students can put forward suggestions (called motions), which are designed to improve students’ lives. All Bristol students can then attend Student Council to watch the debates and see which motions have been voted in (passed). This year's Student Council will be held remotely on Blackboard. If you would like to attend as a non-voting member, please email ubu-council@bristol.ac.uk with your full name and university email address.
What does it achieve?
In previous Student Councils, students have passed policy to create Black Students' and Parents, Carers, and Mature Students' Networks, to better support pregnant students, to support the climate strike campaign, and to adopt a harm reduction approach to drugs and alcohol. This is your chance to make long-lasting and far-reaching change at Bristol.
When is it?
This term's Student Council is on Tuesday 8 June from 16:00, and will take place on Blackboard.
So, what’s up for debate this year?
Students have submitted 6 different motions ready to be debated at this term's Student Council. Take a look at each of them below:
Students union to lobby the university for increased in-person teaching
Supporting Students who have experienced sexual misconduct
Increasing input into the university's anti-racist initiatives
Inclusive student spaces and experiences now and in the future
Improving governance, democracy, and membership engagement
In addition, two networks have amended terms of reference to be ratified:
Multifaith Network Terms of Reference
Disabled Students' Network Terms of Reference
How can I find my reps?
If you’ve got strong opinions about any of the above motions, make sure to let your reps know how you’d like them to vote! You can find a list of course reps here.
