You can read the first UGM Minute of the year below, or download them as a PDF here. Any inaccuracies or questions should be sent to Harrison Lanigan-Coyte, Co-President Finance & Communications on hc12@soas.ac.uk
SOAS Students’ Union
Union General Meeting Minutes
Thursday 11th October
In accordance with SOAS Constitution Schedule 1 – ‘Union General Meeting’, Article 8, the Minutes of the UGM will be complied by the Union Secretary.
START OF MINUTES
A) Welcome:
Sean Rillo Raczka as acting Chairman welcomes SOAS students to the first UGM of the new academic year (2012-2013), introduced himself and briefly explained UGMs.
B) Matters arising from previous UGM & update:
Peter Baran the Union General Manager mandated by the last UGM gave his report of matters from the previous UGM being the Chuck (former Co-President of Sports & Societies) & Basketball Beyond Borders scandal. Peter stated Chuck pleaded not guilty in court and there was not much more to say about the situation.
Peter Baran asked for questions from the floor.
START OF QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Student: ‘What policies have been put in place to make sure this doesn’t happen again?’
Peter: ‘SOAS Governing Body report suggested 12 improvements to Union finances. One of which involved societies having to do online banking and not allowed to have separate bank accounts’
END OF QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
C) Report from Sabbatical Officers:
Sean gives the floor to the Sabbatical & Non-Sabbatical Officers for their reports & updates.
I) Co-President of Finance & Communication – Harrison Coyte
- Harrison welcomed SOAS students to the first UGM of the academic year and thanked students and volunteers for a very successful fresher’s week which produced a surplus for the Union. In turn the surplus would be placed into the union budget for societies & entertainment.
- A new blackboard has been created on the JCR wall (left side when entering the JCR)for society & campaign updates.
- Painting of new murals’ along the JCR wall with the hope of making the JCR a very impressive space.
- Going to have live music playing every Friday night.
- In regards to the SOAS Spirit, Harrison noted it is not currently running as the Union had to restructure the Spirit. However applications were given for the position of Editor, the deadline was reached, further deliberations will be made to choose the successful applicant.
- School given its backing to Senate House, space planning is being conducted, Harrison stressed that we as a student body should determine what we want gain from the Senate House bloc. He would try & keep everyone informed about future updates.
- Due to the successful parties organised in fresher’s week, The Electroworks club in Islington (where the SOAS welcome week final party was held) has given one month free residency.
- Harrison then discussed the new SOAS logo & rebranding: The SOAS Board has talked about this issue of visual identity; do we create a new visual identity?
- Whether we like the new design or not it has been done, the company that did the new logo has offered to rebrand the Union logo for free. The whole student body should get behind this, we have to make a decision together.
- On the issue of external advisors we have still not found people who suit our mandate for the role, but we will update you further.
Chairman opens the floor for Questions & Answers for the Co-President of Finance & Communication.
START OF QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Student: ‘What is this process of visual identity?’
Harrison: It is the company who tied into that agreement. We will open it up and allow artists from the student body to submit works.
Student: ‘If the motion on the logo (Motion 4) passes and then you use the money allocated for the process to rebrand the Union isn’t it hypocritical to accept that money? ‘
Harrison: ‘We can’t condemn the decisions made by (former Co-Presidents) Ali Khan & Arianna. Personally I am not against the new logo. The Student Union is able to get rebranded for free, it’s not the Union spending that money.
END OF QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Chairman Sean reminded the students of the need of a fair debate by having for & against speakers. Shaun asked if anyone wanted to speak.
Result of vote to accept Co-President of Finance & Communication’s Report: PASSED
II) Co-President for Sports & Societies – Keiko Ono
- Keiko reminded Society Presidents present to sign the attendance sheet (in accordance with SOAS constitution)
- Budgets for societies have been assigned tonight
- Societies heads have a week to finalise the registration process
- Apologise for time taken, we have two new admin staff to assist with the work load
- Societies have a week to select Brunei bookings
- If societies have not used rooms that were allocated to them they will suffer a penalty
- Keiko congratulated the SOAS Rugby team whom gained a 24-7 victory
- Keiko stressed the need for societies to keep a record of Postgraduate as well as Undergraduates students to show to the school management of the involvement of Postgraduates in societies, this is important as it impacts the performance of the union.
Result of vote to accept Co-President of Sports & Societies’ Report: PASSED
III) Co-President of Education & Welfare – Alex Fulton
- National Student Survey (NSS) results came out and they were not very good.
- Applicants dropped by 257, we should have a think over why this happened.
- SOAS is going under the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) review this year, it’s actually really cool as it shows what needs to be changed .
- Student Representatives should let me know what’s working, we need focus groups.
- In the next UGM submissions will be reviewed to see your views
- This year I started the Tea & Empathy Society, sadly there are no mental & sexual health training offered by the . People who want to come to Tea & Empathy it will be held in the adjoining room to the SU office.
- Alex stated she will also try & get condom blocks in the toilets
Result of vote to accept Co-President of Finance & Communication’s Report: PASSED
IV) Academics Officer – Kristian Brunn
- Kristian reminded students he was going to department meetings to make sure all first year representatives have been elected. He would speak further with Alex & Antonia (Representation Assistant) to ensure there are elected representatives.
- Kristian encourage students to run for faculty representative positions, check Peter Baran’s email for updates on this.
- Kristian criticised the School management calling SOAS a community when you had issue with the cleaners (such as Lenin)
V) Environment Officer – Luisa Hinze
- Please vote for the Fish free Mondays motion in the agenda.
- Khaled (Shop manager) has confirmed to me there will be more organic sandwiches being sold in the shop
- Try to aim to get more water foundations.
- Luisa mention a big complaint she received from students in SOAS accommodations was to improve recycling, she spoke with hall students to find ways to improve this.
- Spoke with Library management to ensure computers print double sided paper.
- Try to set up collection box for printer cartridges where they can be recycled.
VI) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer Officer – David East
- David’s current priority was to encourage students to join the October 20th TUC march.
- Working with Alex to make sure condom’s boxes are installed in toilets.
- Make greater awareness for International Coming Out Day
VII) Campaigns Officer – Georgina Robertson
- Georgina urged people to join the October 20th TUC march, discussed the damage to the public sector and for students to support all workers.
- Georgina mentioned to students of a demonstration to be held outside Birbeck college against Minister of Universities & Science, David Williets who is to give a talk on the 18th of October.
- Georgina also urged students to go the National Union of Students (NUS) demonstration on the 24th of November.
- A campaigns section to be placed soon on the SOAS Student Union website, for upcoming campaigns and campaigns students want to start.
VIII) Accommodations Officer – Leah Edwards
- New accommodation board set up to assist in the coming days.
- Bigger rooms for people.
- In the longer term, Leah wants to set up support for people still looking for housing.
- Don’t have to pay for private housing.
IX) Union Secretary – Omar Zaki
- ‘Just one update report, in my manifesto I stated I wanted to publish the minutes of our Executive Committee meetings to ensure transparency & accountability. We had our first one Thursday on the 4th of October, and after consulting the Executive they agreed so accomplishing my first aim. I will publish them on the SOAS student union website as soon as I type them up. Thank you’
X) Black Officer – Kabir Joshi
- Aiming to do some research on how minorities have been impacted by the increase in fees
- Black History Month events coming up, Spoken Word night on the 30th of October.
- Kabir echoed what Georgina & David said about the October 20th TUC march.
- Austerity measures affect us all in particular minorities.
XI) International Students Officer – Maham Hashmi
- Maham discussed how international students complained about having to sign-up at Police Stations.
- Reminded students to email her in case of any problem.
D) Motions:
Chairman Sean gave a brief explanation of motions and how students could make amendments with sections they didn’t like. Shaun explained each speaker would have 1 minute to speak.
1) Support International Students:
Motion proposed by Maham Hashmi who spoke first in favour of the motion.
- Maham spoke of the greater impact of a online registration system rather than use of signup sheets.
- Why should we cause added work on SOAS staff.
- Support the London Metropolitan Students.
- Help me be able to mandate my work.
Result of vote on motion: PASSED
2) Defend the welfare state: March on the 20th of October:
Motion proposed by James Meadway who spoke first in favour of the motion.
- Just down the road from here a family found dead due to late benefits,
- The UK is witnessing the biggest cuts program in its history, a program taking place when people being deprived of minimal assistance while the FTSE 100 directors saw 16% increase in average pay. It’s immoral to delay money & food from those who need it.
- Please come to the march.
Result of vote on motion: PASSED
3) Repair the Union Yurt
Motion proposed by Harrison Coyte who spoke first in favour of the motion.
- We all know about the Yurt, it’s in a state of disrepair we need to repair it.
- The Yurt has become a significant part of SOAS its gone to protests, WOMAD, brings light to SOAS.
- Once repaired we can rent out the Yurt for an external fee.
Chairman Sean opens floor for debate for & against motion.
START OF DEBATE, COMMENTS & QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
SPEECH FOR MOTION & QUESTION:
Student: ‘Two thousand pounds investment if we don’t invest we lose that money. Has the union done research of people wanting to rent a yurt?
QUESTIONS:
Student: ‘How much is in the Union financial reserves?’
Student : ‘What is the benefit of having a yurt?’
ANSWERS:
Keiko Ono: ‘A lot of students have asked to use it for weddings and some asked to use it for WOMAD.’
Harrison: Coyte: ‘It would be really good to repair ourselves. The Yurt is important is always mentioned in debates and student articles.’
COMMENT:
Aurora Reid: As someone who knows a person who repairs Yurts, I know it’s not going to cost £2000, and it won’t take years to repair?
ADMENDMENT PROPOSED BY DAIMUN BURNS:
Article 3.7. Executive Committee to seek & elect students for a group committee to:
A – Oversee Yurt repairs
B – Other Yurt related business
END OF DEBATE, COMMENTS & QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Result of vote on amendment: PASSED
Alex Fulton: ‘Just want to clarify something, the repairs from the Yurt will not come out of the Welfare budget’.
Result of vote on motion: PASSED
4) Logo
Motion proposed by Maham Hashmi who spoke first in favour of the motion.
- Don’t care about the anesthetics, I do know it cost £3000 for UCL to rebrand and they got students involved while ours cost £110,000, money we could have used for students housing & heating.
Chairman Sean opens floor for debate for & against motion.
START OF DEBATE, COMMENTS & QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
SPEECH FOR MOTION:
Maham Hashmi:
- They put their junior advisors; they did not research in the SOAS environment.
- It’s a shady company
- Maham question SOAS under the Freedom for Information Act but received no reply.
SPEECH AGAINST MOTION:
Keiko Ono:
- Many students were not consulted about this.
- I did not seat on the board at the time.
- Using the same company is fantastic we can of course corporate with our students, we can take submissions.
- No money will be charged.
- All of you who disprove the rebranding, this is your chance to show what SOAS is to you.
COMMENT:
Alex Fulton:
- Point of clarification the £110,000 that was spent went into research why students should go to SOAS
- You tell people you go to SOAS, they respond like ‘What?’
SPEECHS FOR MOTION:
Maham Hashmi: ‘How many of you were asked if you want to spend 110,000? If we are going to get students to do this why do we need this company?’
James Meadway: ‘Why should we use the company that ripped us off. SOAS spent all this money and the company is not accountable with us’
SPEECHS AGAINST MOTION:
Keiko Ono: ‘Beforehand each department has a different identity. Happy to speak to people after, Samba & African Drums societies cannot practise. Costs come on the Union if we rebrand on our own.
Alex Fulton: ‘They will rebrand our SOAS Student Union website as well, which is terrible’
ADMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY JAMES MEADWAY:
James Meadway: ‘I completely support this motion, this is a friendly amendment. I don’t care about the anesthetics either, but we can say to the Union they need to better manage their finances [the school]. Let’s not just kick them.’
END OF DEBATE, COMMENTS & QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Delete clause 2.3
Result of vote on amendment: PASSED
Long discussion occurred between James Meadway and Maham Hashmi between the chair, leading to Maham accepting James’s amendment to delete clause 2.3 but putting to vote his second amendments on clause 2.4.
Delete the word ‘imperialist’ in clause 2.4
Result of vote on amendment: FAILED
ADMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY JAMES MEADWAY:
Remove clause 3.4.
Result of vote on amendment: PASSED
Result of vote on motion: PASSED
5) Extradition Rulings
Motion proposed by Maham Hashmi who spoke first in favour of the motion.
- Talha Ahsan is a SOAS alumni, in my view once a member of SOAS always a member.
- Show support to his mother & family.
- His family will have to travel to the US from Tooting.
Chairman Sean opens floor for debate for & against motion.
START OF DEBATE, COMMENTS & QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
QUESTION:
Alex Fulton: ‘Please no one judge me on this, but what are the issues at this time?’
COMMENT:
Georgina Robertson: ‘Do you have any evidence they won’t receive a fair trial or they will be tortured? Are we exposed to extraditions in general ?’
COMMENT:
Maham Hashmi: ‘EU court said he will be placed in solitary confinement. He has been kept in solitary confinement in a prison in Winchester. In Britain he has been tried for nothing.’
SPEECH FOR MOTION:
James Meadway: ‘This issue is close to a lot of people, neither of these people had a fair trial, another example of the government targeting a certain class of people – Muslims ‘because they happen to be a bit different’. He did not receive compensation from the police beatings he received’
ADMENDMENT PROPOSED BY GEORGINA:
Change words ‘will not’ & ‘will be’ in clauses 2.3. & 2.4 to ‘might’.
Georgina Robertson: ‘We have no evidence he will be tortured.’
END OF DEBATE, COMMENTS & QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Result of vote on amendment: FAILED
Result of vote on motion: PASSED
6) Meat free Mondays should be fish free too
Motion proposed by Alex Fulton who spoke first in favour of the motion.
- I really like meat & fish but this is about sustainability.
- We are taking part of a whole system that affects our world.
Chairman Shaun opens floor for debate for & against motion.
START OF DEBATE, COMMENTS & QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
SPEECH AGAINT MOTION:
Student: ‘This is major issue with the supply chain, don’t just wait for the food to get into that tiny little shop’
SPEECHS FOR MOTION:
Harrison Coyte: ‘Let’s be pragmatic, the canteen has taken a lot of our business, however there are major problems with the ocean and if we don’t do something soon it will get worse.’
Alex Fulton: ‘This won’t make a massive difference but at least get us thinking about what were eating.
James Meadway: ‘Agree entirely with the motion, set aside everything, its climate change which is one of the worse problems. Sure we can make a small change & difference here & there, this is a societal issue.
END OF DEBATE, COMMENTS & QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Result of vote on motion: PASSED
G) Emergency Motions:
1) Justice for Cleaners:
Motion proposed by Kristian Bruun who spoke first in favour of the motion.
Kristian Bruun:
- Lenin got back his job, yet has received another warning.
- The campaign has worked not only about Lenin about this campaign as a whole.
- Offer free courses
- Keep the rallies going on.
Result of vote on emergency motion: PASSED
H) Any Other Business & announcements:
Kristian: Discussion about Justice for Cleaners in Main building room 223.
Ed Emery: ‘Want to talk about that piano over there, it has a good history taken from a squat in Soho and brought here at 2:00. We have set up the Piano society please put your email addresses if you’re interested’
Alex: ‘Friday the 12th of October is World Mental Health day’
END OF MINUTES
