SU Council 18.02.2025

This is to vote on the motions of the Term 2 Union Council held on 18th February 2025.

9.1 UC 2025.11: Motion- Implementing Student Rep Hub into SU Policy

Key Issues:

  • Lack of a central platform for Student Reps to connect and collaborate.
  • Need for a stronger student voice in university decisions.
  • The Student Rep Hub isn't formally integrated into Union policy.

Beliefs:

  • The Student Rep Hub is essential for building a connected, informed community of student representatives.
  • Integrating the Hub into Union policy will ensure it is sustainable and consistently supported.
  • Strengthening the Hub enhances student engagement in university decisions, improving the overall student experience.

Actions:

  • Formalise the Student Rep Hub with workshops, activities, and meetings that empower Student Reps.
  • Add the Student rep hub to Union policy as a core part of governance and support.
  • Make active participation in the Hub a requirement for Student Reps, tying it to recognition and awards.
  • Ensure active participation from Student Reps, linking it to awards and recognition.

9.2 UC2025.11: Motion - Adding Wellbeing Packages and Free Breakfast as SU Policy

Key Issues:

  • Financial difficulties among students are affecting their wellbeing, creating stress and academic challenges.
  • There is currently no formal policy ensuring the ongoing support of initiatives like Wellbeing Packages and Free Breakfast.
  • Many students rely on these services to meet basic needs, and there's a need to ensure they continue long-term.

Beliefs:

  • Making Wellbeing Packages and Free Breakfast official SU policy will create long-term commitment and consistency in supporting student welfare.
  • These initiatives provide essential, accessible support for financially struggling students.
  • Adding these services to SU policy will ensure their sustainability and ensure future officers remain dedicated to them.

Actions:

  • Formalise Wellbeing Packages and Free Breakfast as part of SU policy, guaranteeing that these initiatives will continue to be available to students in need.

9.3 UC 2025.11: Motion- Adding Neurodiversity Café as an SU policy

Key Issues:

  • Neurodivergent students need safe, supportive spaces like the Neurodiversity Café.
  • Traditional university spaces often don’t meet their needs.

Beliefs:

  • The President Wellbeing and Inclusion and the SU Wellbeing Department should maintain the Café.
  • Embedding it as policy ensures long-term support for neurodivergent students.

Actions:

  • Make the Neurodiversity Café an official part of SU policy to guarantee its sustainability.

9.4 UC2025.11: Motion - Enhancing University Services and Support for Aston Students

Key Issues:

  • Long wait times for responses from student services.
  • No formal feedback system for student services.
  • Wellbeing services need improvement in availability and communication.
  • Placement students feel unsupported with no proactive check-ins.
  • Students face loneliness and isolation, lacking structured support.

Beliefs:

  • Aston University should introduce a transparent, accessible feedback system to improve services.
  • Placement students need regular check-ins for wellbeing support.
  • Aston should lead in student support services and feedback.
  • Union officers should collaborate with university leadership to improve student services.

Actions:

  • Lobby for a five-star satisfaction feedback system for all student services.
  • Ensure students receive clear outcomes for service requests.
  • Advocate for regular wellbeing check-ins, particularly for placement students.
  • Empower Union officers to campaign for these improvements, led by the President and Vice President (Welfare).