7^th February 2012

Present:

Maciej Czajka (MC), Michelle Rush (MR), Melvin Henley (MH), Fergus Boden (FB), James Holdcroft (JH), Amy Mancini (AM), Sarah Watson (SW), Sarah Johnston (SJ), David Sharp (DS), Magdalena Wroblewska (MW), Gintare Vosyliute (GV), Bogdan Gligor (BG), Jordan Forbes (JF), Dene Walker (DW), Jessica Da Costa (JDC), Jessica Knapper (JK), Elin Nordberg (EN), Constant Thiollier (CT), Mary Shannon (MS), Frederike Egerer (FE), Willy Njoya (WN)

Apologies:

Colin Ray (CR), Michael Breckenridge (MB), Laura Timperley (LT), Raina O’Mahony (ROM),Ciara Merouan (CM), Jordan Hepburn (JH), Ciara Steedman (CS),

In Attendance:

Cecile Guilloteau (CG),  Martina Mollers (MM)

1. 1.    Introduction

The Chair Maciej Czajka (MC) opened the third Student Parliament Meeting of the academic year, welcomed all MSPs in attendance and presented apologies for MSPs not able to attend.

The minutes from the previous meeting was approved.

MC announced that Alexander Velinov, Marketing and Communication Officer, had resigned.

Five members of Student Parliament had been absent from meetings on semester 1 without sending apologies. MSPs all agreed to remove the following members:

-      Nancy Swan School of Health Sciences 3

-      Michal Korzonek School of ASSaM 1

-      Malie Watson School of ASSaM 1

-      Iain Rowan School of ASSaM 3

-      Matt Francis School of HS Leader

MC welcomed new MSPs and the following members were co-opted:

-      Frederike Egerer, Student Activity MSP

-      Willy Njoya, Ethnic Minority MSP

-      David Sharp, International Student MSP

-       Masharof Ahmed , School of Health Sciences level 3

The meeting was quorate with 22 members in attendance.

1. 2.    Warm up debate: Students’ Union Elections

MH open nominations for the elections and presented the 7 officers positions available (2 sabbatical positions and 5 part time positions). MH reminded that nominations were opened until Tuesday 21^st February 12.00pm.

MH added that an Elections Committee should be formed by and from MSPs.

The Committee was formed as follow:

James Holdcroft (chair)

Jessica Da Costa

Sarah Johnston

Jessica Knapper

1. 3.    Zero Tolerance Policy – Kelley Temple NUS Scotland

Kelley Temple, NUS Scotland Women Officer, presented the Zero Tolerance Policy.

KT explained that research had been done by NUS and it demonstrated students in Universities and Colleges were affected by Sexual Harassment as in the wider society. A survey run by NUS showed that 68% of women will experience sexual harassment during their studies. Sexual Harassment has an impact on women’s capacity to access higher education and succeed in their studies.

KT added that NUS position was to support a Zero Tolerance to sexual harassment in Students’ Unions as it supported a Zero Tolerance to drugs. NUS is being proactive and its objective is to offer safe social spaces for students.

Finally KT outlined that this was aimed at both men and women.

MS described a game “dirty pint” that was common practice within societies and could involve some gestures with sexual connotation. She questioned the impact of a Zero Tolerance policy on such practice.

KT explained that harassment concerned an unwanted behavior. Any game between friends having fun would not be concerned by a Zero Tolerance Policy.

MS said that members of staff may not be able to identify the difference and that may create some issues.

KT said that NUS would provide training to members of staff so that they can identify what sexual harassment is.

JH added that sexual harassment was an unwanted and persistent behavior.

DS asked what would happen if people seeing a behavior not acceptable do not act to protect the victim.

KT answered that one of the purpose of the Zero Tolerance Policy is to put in place the appropriate support for students and the appropriate procedures to make sure any unacceptable behavior is dealt with.

WN argued that depending on the culture of the person a same gesture can be acceptable or not, or meaning something different. It therefore makes it difficult to identify whether someone has been by purpose committing sexual harassment or not.

KT explained that the UK legislation applied in Scotland and sexual harassment was as it is defined in the UK policies.

CT asked KT who was providing training and supporting Unions to implement the policy.

KT said that NUS was providing support, training and material to Unions so that they do not have to pay for it.

KT then explained the full process of adopting a Zero Tolerance Policy. Unions must first adopt a policy, and then they receive a campaign pack and a checklist with guidance to run their own campaign. The Union finally submits an application and gets the accreditation.

MC asked if this would affect student attendance to social events in the Union.

KT said that across the country it was found that Unions who had a Zero Tolerance Policy had seen their attendance to events increasing.

MW asked a last question to KT regarding NUS position about Men’s Liberation student representatives.

KT said that NUS was against a Men’s Liberation student representative since this group was not underrepresented in society. KT explained that the purpose of Liberation groups were to represent groups of people more likely to be discriminated against.

MC thanked Kelley Temple.

1. 4.    Officers report

FB informed MSPs that he had been working on The SU application to Green Impact Award and the organization of a green fair. There will be a Wine tasting event at the end of February for the Fairtrade Forthnight.

AM presented the events held in the Union weekly. She added that she was working on a St Valentines Day event.

MH reminded MSPs that the Student Only magazine was now out and nominations for Student Led Teaching Award were opened.

BG outlined that there was no visible publicity about the SLTA. MH said that this had been published in all SU Media.

There was no question to the Vice President regarding the work of the officers.

1. 5.    Motions

Ethnic Minority MSP

MC presented his motion.

MH argued that having an Ethnic Minority MSP instead of a Black MSP would make it less easy to identify the group represented by the MSP.

JH added that, according to NUS and national politics, “Black” was a term used to include all non white people.

MC explained that in some culture “Black” was seen as a discrimination term.

FB added that most students are not aware of NUS policies.

JH suggested that the title “Black and Minority Ethnic” Representative could be chosen.

WN said that having “ Black” in the title of a representative would segregate a community of students.

The motion was passed with 13 votes for, 4 against and 3 abstentions (one MSP left the room at this time)

Men MSP

MW presented her motion.

FB suggested that an alternative to removing the Men MSP from the membership was to remove it from the list of Liberation representatives and keep it in the list of MSPs.

MC gave some further explanation for new MSPs and explained that the Men MSPs was a new member discussed last year and passed by a motion.

WN questioned the purpose of having diverse Liberation Representatives and suggested that there could be just one representative for all under represented groups.

MC said that there were diverse Liberation Representatives to ensure fairness amongst under represented groups.

SJ added that Liberation MSPs go to NUS conferences and must identify themselves as member of the specific group. Having one representative for all underrepresented groups would not be effective.

MC refocused the debate around the motion.

CT argued that men were under represented in QMU due to their low number in the Institution.

The vote for the motion could not be considered as 8 MSPs did not submit their vote.

From MSPs voting, 3 voted for and 9 against.

Zero Tolerance Policy

JH presented the motion.

MC asked JH what had changed since it was last presented to Student Parliament. JH said that the notes and believes parts had been amended to be more applicable to QMU.

DS said that in modern society anyone should be considered as innocent before being found guilty and such policy should be a proactive policy. DS added that looking at the nature of a crime ‘stabbing was worse then sexual harassment’.

DS continued saying that it was not usual to see posters preventing from crime commitment and therefore there was little relevance of having posters preventing from sexual harassment.

Finally DS argued that practically this would be a very difficult policy to implement.

JH responded and explained that publicity would be to educate students on which behaviors are acceptable or not. The policy would also bring a definition on sexual harassment and procedure to deal with reported behaviors.

Several MSPs reiterated that the policy should implement an education campaign.

MH questioned the purpose of the policy since there was already a disciplinary procedure in place within the Students’ Union. JH said that the new policy would make provision to remove the person guilty immediately.

The vote for the motion could not be considered as 9 MSPs refused to vote.

From MSPs voting, 8 voted for and 2 against.

MC asked if MSPs wanted to revote. MSPs who refused to vote did not want to change their decision.

They explained that the policy was too vague and it had a too big impact on the Union. Some MSPs requested that an example/case study be presented for a better understanding.

6. AOCB

There were 15 MSPs left in attendance at this time of the meeting

NUS Conference

MR reminded that NUS National conference was held in semester 2 and that QMU could send two delegates. One of the delegates will be the Student President but the other student is to be elected by members of Student Parliament.

There were two candidates: Fergus Boden and Melvin Henley

Both candidates presented their motivations.

Melvin Henley was elected to be NUS delegate with 8 votes against 7.

Student-Led Teaching Award

MC reminded that nominations for the SLTA were now opened.

DS said that lecturers teaching to small groups of students would be disadvantaged.

MC said that the panel looking at nominations would make decisions upon the quality and not the quantity.

Ethiopia Fundraising

Martina Mollers, student in MSc International Health, presented her project of running fundraising events for Ethiopia.

EN informed Martina that once she has details about organisations she would fundraise for the Raise and Give Team could help her.

CT added that First Aid Africa that does work in Malawi could also help her to build her project.

International Student Trip

JF expressed his regret not to see International Student Trips e.g. away day to St Andrew opened to home Students.

DS agreed with JF and informed MSPs that he was looking at creating a society for both home and International students. The society would be to offer students the possibility to organise activities

MC closed the meeting and thanked all MSPs for their attendance.

 

9.15am

Student Union Bar

Chair: Maciej Czajka

Co-Chair: Michelle Rush

This year we will be doing our first ever QMU Teaching awards in association with the Higher Education Academy and the National Union of Students.

We think that it’s about time that we recognize those members of staff that go above and beyond to enhance our student-learning experience.

The Students’ Union would appreciate it if you could talk to your classes, and forward the following information to your peers, to make sure that they know its happening. We’ll be launching it on Monday 30^th January and nominations will be open for 3 weeks.

The categories are:

• Inspirational/Engaging Teacher

This award is for the teacher that has succeeded in making their course or subject exciting and accessible to their students or who managed to get students thinking in a new or different way.

• Innovative Teaching

We don’t want to know about power points and slides, we’re looking for teachers that think outside the box and use unusual or innovative methods to teach their module.

• The Outstanding Support Award

It’s not easy being a student, and sometimes we need a helping hand to get us through it. This award is for a member of academic or support staff who has helped you as a student get on with your learning, by being someone to talk.

• Outstanding Feedback

This one goes to the lecturer who goes the extra mile with their feedback, allowing students to get the most out of their work and learn from their mistakes.

• Most Memorable Teaching Moment

Was there a moment when your teacher caused you a eureka moment or when something funny happened? This award is for a moment when your learning experience changed and the lecturer who caused it.

• (4^th year only) Graduates’ Award

            This award is for a teacher or lecturer who has made an outstanding contribution to your time at QMU, who has helped you   through your degree and kept you interested and on track.

To nominate a member of staff, please download a Nomination Forms and return it to union@qmu.ac.uk

Please note that nominations close on the 24^th February 2012 5.00pm.

For any further information, please contact the Student President Michael Breckenridge on studentpresident@qmu.ac.uk

Tuesday 31st January 2012

Doors: 6pm

Entry: £3

Queen Margaret University Students’ Union             

Second Student Parliament Meeting 2011-2012

24^th November 2011

Present:

Maciej Czajka (MC), Michael Breckenridge (MB), Fergus Boden (FB), James Holdcroft (JH), Yves Witache (YW),  Tasena McCreary (TMcM), Magdalena Wroblewska (MW), Gintare Vosyliute (GV), Bogdan Gligor (BG), Jordan Forbes (JF), Laura Timperley (LT), Raina O’Mahony (ROM), Jessica Da Costa (JDC), Jessica Knapper (JK), Elin Nordberg (EN), Constant Thiollier (CT)

Apologies:

Michelle Rush (MR), Melvin Henley (MH), Sarah Watson (SW), Colin Ray (CR), Sarah Johnston (SJ), Dene Walker (DW), Ciara Merouan (CM), Jordan Hepburn (JH), Mary Shannon (MS), Ciara Steedman (CS), Gemma Hunter (GH)

In Attendance:

Cecile Guilloteau (CG),

1. 1.    Introduction

The Chair Maciej Czajka (MC) opened the second Student Parliament Meeting of the year, welcomed all MSPs in attendance and presented apologies for MSPs not able to attend.

The minutes from the previous meeting was approved during the session.

MC announced that due to the high number of apologies the meeting was not quorate and an emergency quorum needed to be declared by the Student President before going ahead. MB announced that due to the importance of making a decision on the sustainability policy, the meeting was quorate with 16 MSPs in attendance.

MW and TMcC announced they would like to speak to MSPs respectively on the Night March and to bring an update about issues with international students’ loan/sponsorship.

1. 2.    Warm up debate: Zero Tolerance Policy

MC launched the warm up debate and asked MSPs if they thought the Students’ Union was offering a safe space for students.

BG sought clarification on what a Zero Tolerance Policy was. MC explained that it was about re enforcing the Equal Opportunities Policy.

MW informed MSPs that one of her friends had been harassed here at QMU around the Halls of Residence. However she did not know she could report it and she believed that no one would care. This should not be happening in QMU.

CT asked what differences a new policy would bring. MW outlined that the policy will raise staff and student awareness about routes to report such behavior.

JH specified that the Students’ Union does have a policy about discrimination but this does not directly relate to sexual harassment.

JK asked where the policy was stated. JH informed her and other MSPs in attendance that it was in the Constitution and that any student feeling harassed could go to himself, the Student President or the Welfare and Representation Co-ordinator to report it. He outlined that procedures were already in place.

LT suggested that there might be a need for defining what harassment is exactly as this is a delicate issue. She outlined that it was however difficult in a social environment to identify sexual harassment as this was subject to individual interpretation. MB supported LT’s view saying that a same behavior may or may not be considered as harassment depending on the individual feelings and interpretation.

MW argued that there was still a need for attitudes to be changed and that behavior should be reported.

CT questioned the need of having a new policy since there was already an Equal Opportunity policy implemented in the Students’ Union and students were aware of behaviors that were not acceptable.

MW and JH argued that there was no specific definition about sexual harassment in the Constitution and there was a need for making a difference between harassment and sexual harassment.

JDC asked whether this would involve having a full new policy. JH and MW informed that there would only be changes to the existing Equal Opportunity policy. They added that it is the responsibility of the person victim of harassment to report it and the objective of the policy is to give students a clear definition to help them to identify which behaviors are not acceptable.

TMcC suggested that leaflets should be done and display to students as there is no awareness of the existing policy. MB stressed that the Students’ Union did not have the resources to produce leaflets.

JH agreed and added that prior to raising awareness it was essential to redefine sexual harassment.

The chair MC closed the debate and informed that details of what a Zero Tolerance Policy should look like will be further explored.

1. 3.    Information Services – Fraser Muir

Fraser Muir introduced himself as Director of Information Services which covers responsibilities for the LRC, IT and Timetable.

FM first apologized for IT issues that occurred early this year because of the huge amount of updates. He informed students about communication channels in the University: moderator, info box, plasma screens, and text messages. A document detailing all communication channels is available on line.

EN asked who could be contacted to display a poster on all plasma screens.  FM explained that Miranda Stevens-Clay was the main contact, however to screen a poster in LRC, this needed to be sent to LRC staff.

FB enquired about the procurement of recycled paper. FM said that it was something that had been looked at but this had a high cost (40% more) and that machines were old and not working well with recycled paper. He advised that the University did not want to increase the cost of printing for students. FM informed that the benefit made from printing was used to source the LRC with books.

CT asked if there was a possibility to accept a decrease of benefit and use recycled paper. FM says that this was doable however he was concern about future complaints from students if LRC resources are not renewed as needed.

MC asked if there will be soon a possibility to print in color. FM informed that new machines will arrive soon. It will be more reliable and there will be the option for students to print in color.

TMcC suggested that some of paper purchase could be done in recycled paper. FM says that contract with suppliers were tight and there was not much flexibility.

JDC raised an issue she has been facing with laptops borrowed from the LRC. She explained that it was particularly difficult to log in online. She reported it to LRC staff but they had been unhelpful.  FM asked JDC and other MSPs to report to him any such issue so that he can ensure students receive advice as appropriate.

JDC also asked if this would be possible to have student e-mail account capacity extended. FM informed that QMU did not have the capacity to offer large e-mail boxes to students.

MC thanked FM and advised students that he will give them FM e-mail address so that they can contact him.

1. 4.    Officers report

MB presented the officer report and outlined the main projects the officers had been working on: Movember, Green Impact Award, Safety Campaign and Student Led Teaching Award. MB also informed that sport teams had done well.

There was no question to the Student President regarding the work of the officers.

1. 5.    Motions

Sustainability policy

FB presented his motion and the sustainability policy. He explained that the Union was already having a responsibility practice on a day to day operational level but this would re enforce it.

JDC asked if adopting a sustainability policy would concern practices in University e.g. plasma screens stay on all night when no one is on campus. FB explained that with adopting the policy the Students’ Union will have a specific role on lobbying the University to become more environmental friendly.

The motion was passed unanimously.

CCTV on campus

CT presented his motion.

MW asked if the figures about the low impact of CCTV on crime was a UK figures or applicable to QMU. She suggested that CCTV cameras may have a bigger influence on reducing crime in QMU. CT says that it was UK wide figures but there was not reason QMU would be very different from the rest of the country.

TMcC said she understood the need for an investigation but that having a high number of CCTV cameras was good to ensure security. She outlined that student security issue may be better ensured if security officers were better present which is not always the case.

BG says that there were so many cameras on campus that some may be misplaced or misused. Having an investigation is necessary to monitor the impact of CCTV cameras on campus.

MC informed that when he met with Stephanie Patterson, the Accommodation manager, she had said that CCTV cameras were not looking into students’ flats and there was no violation of privacy.

CT said that it was easy for security staff to change the camera angle.

LT agreed that there was a need for a report and that this was concerning if security staff was not responding when students call them.

MB informed MSPs that security on campus was being reviewed this semester.

JDC asked whether the vote was going to be about the two actions point of the motion. She said that having a lot of cameras was good and that parents were feeling their children were safe living on campus.

CT said that the most important part was that an investigation is done and that if it is found that some cameras are not useful then the Union should lobby the University to reduce the number of CCTV cameras.

The motion was passed with 10 votes for (5 against and 1 abstention).

6. AOCB

NSS Champion

MB reminded MSPs what the NSS was. He informed that student champions had been recruited to promote the NSS but there was no student from the School of Health Sciences. A few students from the School of Health Sciences volunteered.

Student-Led Teaching Award

MB reminded that the SLTA planning committee was meeting in the afternoon from 1.15pm in the Students’ Union offices. He encouraged all MSPs to take part in the group and that later in semester two there will be recruitment for panelists.

NUS Conference

MB explained that NUS National conference was held in semester 2 and that QMU could send two delegates. One of the delegate will be the Student President but the other student will elected by members of Student Parliament. Class Reps and MSPs are encouraged to nominate themselves

Night March

MW informed MSPs that there would be a march in Edinburgh this Thursday 24^th November from 7.00pm Teviot place to protest against violence made to women. The march will be about 2 hours and followed by a big event.

International Student Sponsorship

TMcC updated students on the issue she has been working on since last meeting. She informed MSPs that the issue was still unresolved. QMU has been asked to give the promised funding to students but they are still waiting for their loan.

Staff Strike

MB informed MSPs that a UK wide strike has been called for Wednesday 30^th November. MB explained that the strike concerned students as it is about pensions and all students will go to employment after their studies.

MB said that he had ensured that all classes cancelled on the 30^th would be rescheduled.

EN expressed her concern if her class is scheduled but she cannot access the campus because of travel disruptions. MB ensured that he was working with the University to negotiate a closure. Some Universities decided to close campuses because of security but QMU was on this date still going to be opened.

BG asked if there was any action MSPs could do about it. MB said that he was continuing discussion with University.

Eurig Scandrett, QMU UCU President and designated spokesperson to Parliament, explained to students why they were going on strike. He outlined to students that there had been cuts in funding for Universities which meant less resources e.g. less books in LRC, less teachers.

On the 30^th because of the strike some courses may be cancelled and it may be that there is not enough security staff working. In this case the University would close.

Eurig Scandrett said that all students were welcome to join staff on the 30^th in the square to sign the petition and then go to join the march to the Scottish Parliament.

MC closed the meeting and announced the next meeting will be on the 7^th February 2012.

In a world becoming more and more global, Environmental and Ethics issues can no longer be ignored. The Students’ Union believes that actions must be taken at local, national and worldwide levels to make the planet more sustainable.

QMUSU recently adopted a Sustainable policy (The Students Union Policy ) committing to monitor the environmental aspects of its activities (Environmental Aspects and Impacts of The Students’ Union) and to campaign for rising awareness of ecological issues amongst its members.

Working alongside the University, who ranks as one of the most sustainable campus in the UK for its facilities, The Students’ Union aims to:

-       Reduce waste and energy consumption;

-       Increase the purchase of Fairtrade goods;

-       Support environmental and ethics initiatives.

What we do: recycling and energy savings

The Students’ Union, in conjunction with the University, encourages students and staff to recycle waste as much as possible to lower their carbon footprint.

The scheme in place on campus facilitates recycling with many recycling points across the Students’ Union allowing the collection of the following items:

-       Paper and card

-       Cardboard

-       Cans and glass

-       Plastic bottle and wrappings

-       Ink Cartridges

Don’t recycle only when you are at the University and take actions in your home to reduce waste (http://zerowastescotland.org.uk)

Reducing carbon foot print is also about using as little energy as we can!

Water, lighting and other electrical equipment is the Students’ Union, as across the campus, is eco friendly helping us to control the use of energy. We believe everyone had a responsibility in reducing the carbon foot print and this is why you can see little reminders all around the Union encouraging you to switch off light and appliances when you don’t use it.

Many institutions’ building have lights on permanently even when there is no use for it. NUS created Snap it Off (http://snapitoff.nus.org.uk) in response to concerns from students about how much energy is being wasted through unnecessary lighting.

The Students’ Union only uses public transport or shared private car for the purpose of its business to show its respect with the environment.

But you can also make a difference by changing your way of transport whenever you travel (http://www.chooseanotherway.com/)

We also lobby the University for the paper used to be partly recycled and for the implementation of a recycling scheme in Halls

Supporting Fairtrade

Jointly with the University the Students’ Union has been developing initiatives to achieve the campus Fair trade status. Since 2011, the University and The Students’ Union have been accredited as Fair Trade institution by the Fair Trade foundation (link to website http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/ )

Fairtrade products are offered for purchase whenever possible and we commits to continually raise awareness about Fairtrade supporting the University to hold events throughout the year (Fairtrade Christmas market, Fashion show, film screening).

With promoting Fairtrade, The Students’ Union contributes to improve the live of farmers in developing countries through helping the increase of products bought at a fair price.

Student campaigns and groups

The Students’ Union supports its members to get involved in campaigning to promote environmental initiatives and raise awareness on ethical issues.

“Sustainability is always high up the union’s list of priorities, with a big building and so many students we make a big impact on the world, but we can also make a big difference. And now, with ice caps melting and resources being depleted- it is more important than ever to do something about it. As well as this there are still places in the world where people are exploited and human rights aren’t as fair as they are elsewhere, but at the union we want to help students get involved in making a difference and putting an end to this.”

Fergus Boden, Environment and Ethics Officer 2011-2012

So if you want to make a difference then you can!

QMUSU’s Amnesty International group is one of the newest Student Amnesty groups in Scotland, they get together to organise innovative campaigns to raise awareness of world-wide Human Rights issues, as well as working with other groups from throughout scotland. If this sounds up your street, or you want to know more, contact Anne on 09006925@qmu.ac.uk or Yasmin on 09006580@qmu.ac.uk“

If fair trade’s more your cup of tea then the University has a group who works on its fair trade initiatives, to get involved email environmentandethicsofficer@qmu.ac.uk.

We’ve also recently dug a student allotment. This means that you could grow your own food which will save you money and keep you healthy, as well as keeping you fit with the digging AND it reduces the food miles! Everyone’s a winner. For more information contact environmentandethicsofficer@qmu.ac.uk

The union also has its own Raise And Give group, who organise events and do anything they can to raise money for a variety of charities, while meeting new people and having fun along the way. If this interests you email Elin on10002827@qmu.ac.uk.

If you still want to know more about anything on the page, or the union’s Sustainability, then email Fergus on environmentandethicsofficer@qmu.ac.uk

The campus is designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability and we have a green travel policy in place. We encourage staff, students and visitors to utilise public transport, walk or cycle.

Various travel options are available, including walking, bus, train, cycling as set out below.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

From central Edinburgh

By train The train is the fastest way to the campus, with the journey taking around 6 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Musselburgh train station is right next to our campus, a two minute walk from the main academic building. You should take the North Berwick train from Waverley Station. Musselburgh is the first stop. See the Scotrail website for train times.

By bus Lothian Buses service 30 stops on campus and runs every ten minutes with an approximate journey time of 35 minutes from Edinburgh city centre. More information on the route of the number 30 is available on the Lothian Buses website.

For people who are not familiar with Edinburgh, you can catch the number 30 from several bus stops on Princes Street. The Lothian Buses service 15 (which serves Princes Street) also comes to campus at peak times, Monday to Friday.

From Edinburgh Airport From Edinburgh Airport, you can catch the ‘Airlink ‘bus into the city centre and alight at the Waverley station stop (just off Princes Street) and follow the directions for bus or train travel below.

From West Lothian and Stirlingshire by train Newcraighall Station is located 15/20 minutes walk to the north west of the QMU campus. Musselburgh station is served by trains from Edinburgh and East Lothian, whilst Newcraighall is served by trains from Edinburgh, West Lothian and Stirlingshire. Trains run from Haymarket and Waverley Station to both Musselburgh and Newcraighall. Detailed information can be found on the First Scotrail website at http://www.scotrail.co.uk/timetables-routes

From east, west, north and south of Edinburgh city centre by bus (then walking)
Musselburgh is served by the Lothian bus services 26, 44, 30 and 15. The 30 and 15 are the only servcies to go onto campus however. If it is more convenient for you to catch a 44 or a 26, the campus is a 15 minute walk from Musselburgh high street. Alternatively, you could catch a 15 from Musselburgh high street (heading to Clovenstone).

To walk, we recommend that you get off the bus at the first stop after the brunton Theatre. From here you will see the River Esk to your left. You should walk up Esk Side West (the road that runs parallel to the right of the river) towards Stoneybank. This continues onto Eskview Terrace. You will notice a few newsagents and take aways on your right. Immediately after these shops, take the first right onto onto Whitehill Farm Road. Continue on up this road and you will arrive at QMU (it’s just after the train station).

From East Lothian You can get a train to Musselburgh Station from North Berwick, Drem, Longniddry, Prestonpans and Wallyford Stations. See the Scotrail website for train times.

From Midlothian Depending on where you’re coming from, the following options may be convenient. The First bus services 141 and 142 come to campus. It may also be convenient for you to catch a Lothian Buses number 30 from Newington. If you catch a bus to Musselburgh, you can follow the walking directions above or catch a number 30 (heading to Clovenstone) from outside the police station.

BY CYCLE

By Cycle from Central Edinburgh: 30 mins National Cycle Route 1 runs from Waverley Station to the campus. There are also many quiet roads in the Musselburgh area which would allow for safe cycling. These can be seen on Spokes cycle map. ( www.spokes.org.uk). There is plenty of space for bikes on all the trains calling at both Newcraighall and Musselburgh.

WALKING

Walking from Central Musselburgh: 20 mins You should walk up Esk Side West (the road that runs parallel to the right of the river) towards Stoneybank. This continues onto Eskview Terrace. You will notice a few newsagents and take aways on your right. Immediately after these shops, take the first right onto onto Whitehill Farm Road. Continue on up this road and you will arrive at QMU (it’s just after the train station).

Walking from Fort Kinnaird: 20 mins Follow the A6095 Newcraighall Road from Fort Kinnaird, through the A1 junction and forward to the Newcraighall Park and Ride. Just past the Park and Ride site take a right onto the National Cycle Network path, alongside football park. Follow the path that runs to the new QMU site.

Thursday 24^th November 2011

9.15am

Student Union Bar

ALL STUDENTS WELCOME

Chair: Maciej Czajka

Co-Chair: Michelle Rush

9.25-9.30Chair’s   Welcome

9.30-9.45Warm   up debate: Zero Tolerance Policy

9.45-10.00Guest   Speaker: Fraser Muir – Director of Information Services

10.00-10.15Officers   Committee Report and Q&A

10.15-10.45Motions

Sustainability   Policy

CCTV   on campus

10.45-11.00AOCB

University   Staff Strike

Student-Led   Teaching Award

NSS Champions (Representatives from School of Health Sciences)

NUS   Elections

11.00Close   & date for next meeting

Queen Margaret University Students’
Union             

First Student Parliament Meeting 2011-2012

25^th October 2011

Present:

Maciej Czajka (MC), Michelle Rush (MR), Michael Breckenridge (MB), Melvin Henley (MH),
Fergus Boden (FB), James Holdcroft (JH), Yves Witache (YW),  Sarah Watson (SW), Colin Ray (CR), Sarah
Johnston (SJ), Tasena McCreary (TMcM), Magdalena Wroblewska (MW), Gintare
Vosyliute (GV), Bogdan Gligor (BG), Dene Walker (DW), Raina O’Mahony (ROM),
Ciara Merouan (CM), Jessica Da Costa (JDC), Jessica Knapper (JK), Jordan
Hepburn (JH), Elin Nordberg (EN), Mary Shannon (MS), Ciara Steedman (CS), Gemma
Hunter (GH)

Apologies:

Lily
Sze (LS), Jordan Forbes (JF), Laura Timperley (LT), Karolina Zilinskaite (KZ),
Constant Thiollier (CT)

In Attendance:

Cecile
Guilloteau (CG), Qurra Munir (QM)

1. 1.
   Introduction

The
Chair Maciej Czajka (MC) and Co Chair Michelle Rush (MR) opened the first
Student Parliament Meeting of the year, welcomed all MSPs in attendance and
presented apologies for MSPs not able to attend.

MC
announced that due to the absence of contested positions all MSPs were dully
appointed as per Constitution. MSPs introduced themselves.

James
Holdcroft mentioned that he wanted to add a business to discussion (Safety
Campaign).

1. 2.
   Warm
   up debate: QMU, we are doing OK (on a functional level)

Alan
Gilloran, Vice Principal Academic, was invited to present the National Student
Survey and results from 2011. Cliona Purcell, lecturer, and Hillary Glendinning
Student Retention Project Officer, were also in attendance for the warm up
debate.

Allan
Gilloran reminded that it was important that Student Representatives are aware
of the and feedback on what action should be taken The NSS, completed by 4^th
year students on their student learning and teaching experience, was first
implemented in QMU in 2011. Overall results were good although a bit under the
UK overall average satisfaction.

The
NSS is a good tool to understand the opinion of the student body, to further
enhance the student experience and to raise the profile of QMU externally.

QMU
has had good results on communication and quality of teaching however feedback
and assessment remain areas where the University needs to work towards improvements.
QMU plans to take action and to work with all levels of students to make sure
assessment and feedback are improving.

Mary
Shannon (MS) enquired about the absence of Wednesday afternoon off for all
classes here at QMU when most UK institutions have now implemented a Wednesday
afternoon off policy. AG said that timetable has improved in the past years but
students remain unhappy. He added that Programme Leaders were encouraged not to
put any classes on in Wednesday Afternoons.

MH
asked AG what the plans were to take actions. AG said that there was discussion
at Student Staff Consultative Committee Meetings and that the University was
working with the Students Union to gather the student feedback.

MC
asked if the full results were made available to students. Alan Gilloran said
that the release of detailed results will be discussed with the Students’ Union
and that any result will be put into its context so that there is a clear
understanding of every specific figure.

MC
enquired AG about the release of negative result. AG reiterated that negative
results were about assessments and feedback and that action was being taken to
improve it.

Tasena
McCreary acknowledged the NSS was a useful tool but that there was no specific
survey to receive feedback from postgraduate students. Hillary Glendinning
explained that QMU was running an annual internal survey aimed at all QMU
students not eligible to complete fill the NSS.

1. 3.
   Accommodation
   Office

Stephanie Patterson (SP),
Paul Sibanda (PS) and Shaun Haigh (SH) introduced themselves respectively as
Accommodation Manager, Accommodation Officer and Accommodation Administrator.

SP explained that
accommodation was owned by Sanctuary Management Services (SMS) which creates a
gap in communication and adds a difficulty into resolving issues. However QMU
and SMS works together to improve student life in Halls.

A survey is run every year
in March to gather feedback from students. The main request was about the
absence of wireless in Halls which has now been put in place. A machine for
change will soon be available in the laundry which will resolve issues created
with the cashless university. Improvements are also being made so that students
in halls can have a social space in the waiting area and are better aware of
events in the Students’ Union. The QMConnect project has now established a
mentoring group for students living in Halls.

SP reminded that the main
contacts for students were Shaun Haigh and Paul Sibanda. She announced that she
will be leaving her position at the end of November.

Fergus
Boden argued that there was no appropriate recycling scheme in Halls of
Residence. SP said that students could have recycling bins and that they should
make their request to the office. Halls of Residence did not promote it as most
students misuse the bins and do not wish to recycle.

1. 4.
   Officers
   report

MB presented his report to
MSPs. He announced that the summer had been busy rebranding the SU and raising
its profile to the National Union of Students. Students are being better
engaged and this is led by a group of committed part time officers.

MH confirmed that there was
a bigger student engagement and that sport and societies and events were
looking good.

There were no questions

1. 5.
   Motions

Trustee Terms and Condition

MB presented his motion.
There was no speech against and the motion was passed unanimously.

Complaint and Disciplinary
Procedure

MB presented his motion.

FB asked who in the
procedure was making a judgment. MB explained that this was internal procedure
to the Students’ Union and a panel set up by the Union would make a judgment.

MR asked what would happen
if students are unhappy with the outcome of the procedure. MB said that there
was a possibility of appealing the decision to the University of there was an
irregularity.

BG asked what would happen
if a complaint is not justified. MB said that in this situation a complaint
would not be upheld.

The motion was passed with
19 votes for and 1 abstention.

Mature and Part Time Student
MSP

JH presented the motion.

MH expressed his concern as
having one MSP to represent two underrepresented groups may as consequence make
one group more represented than another depending on the elected student in
position.

CR defended the motion
explaining that NUS had only a Mature and Part Time Student MSP and that both
groups were joined. CR added that if this was not effective then this could be
changed next year.

MB questioned the relevance
of bringing it again and creating a new motion for the same topic.

JH added that in the event
two students, one part time and one mature, were both willing to be pro active then
they could share the job. However, it was unlikely we would have a part time
student representative in SP.

CR concluded saying that PT
students have never had a representative and this is giving them a chance to be
represented.

The motion was passed with
15 votes against 5.

Removal of Male MSP

MW presented her motion.

GV questioned the reality of
women being oppressed here at QMU. MW said that women were not oppressed
directly but this was on the Scottish Government and NUS agenda. Women are in
the society being oppressed which is why there is a Women student
representative. Having a male MSP has no sense as male are not oppressed.

Jessica Da Costa defended
the motion arguing the male students are underrepresented in QMU and that there
was a need to keep a male MSP. MW disagreed as male are not underrepresented.

BD expressed his concern
with founding the existence of a Women representative on the oppression they
face in society. MW said that underrepresented groups were in general more
oppressed and needed representation to defend their rights.

TMcC said that male at QMU
were underrepresented and must feel oppressed.

FB finished the debate
saying there was no harm having a male MSP.

The motion was NOT passed
with 13 votes against, 4 votes for and 3 abstentions

Zero Tolerance Policy

MW presented her motion then
MB presented his amendment.

MB amendment was unanimously
agreed and the amended motion was then discussed. It created a huge debate.

FB questioned the impact of
such policy on the broadcast of music video clip in the SU bar. TMcC said that
the policy was making sense as some students may not want to see nudity all the
time. If this does not constitute a direct form of harassment many students do
not feel welcome in such environment. It also affects the image of the SU.

MH asked MW who would be
responsible for implementing the policy and ensure this is adhered to. MW said
that NUS would provide its support.

MH asked MW to specify which
action would be taken in the event a student feels harassed in the SU bar. MW
said that in this occasion, the student would then need to report to the
University as per regulation.

MR contested the motion
saying that there was already a general behavior of responsibility in general
and there was no need for a new policy. MW said that this would make it more
visible and students would be more aware of where to go.

MB asked who would be doing
the leaflet, the training and all the policy work. MW said that NUS would
provide its support.

As this created debate and
MSPs remained unsure of the place of the policy within the SU, it was decided
to reopen the debate to further discussion at the next meeting (17 votes
against 3)

1. 6.
   Principal
   Petra Wend

The Principal reminded that
when she first arrived a couple of years there was serious financial
difficulties but that this was now resolved. This necessitated cuts in staff
and management but support to students has been increased The University was
now attracting sponsors, donors and recruiting new members of staff. However
students remain unhappy and satisfaction can become better.

MH asked the principal how
the support to students had increased.

Principal Petra Wend
explained that there had been no cuts as opposed to academic and management
budgets and that up coming issues were discussed on a weekly basis. Any member
of support staff leaving is replaced.

The Principal asked MSPs why
students were unhappy with feedback.

Colin Ray and Jessica Da
Costa said that release of feedback was late and not in the same timing. Students
are unaware of the work of academic staff and the implication of corrections
which explains why they complain so much.

MB suggested that there may
be a need for training for staff.

The end of the speech could
not be minuted as there was 19 MSPs in attendance until one MSPS came back from
class

7. AOCB

MSPs
agreed to discuss the LRC printing and IT efficiency issues at the next meeting
as the guest speaker is the member of staff responsible for IT and LRC.

International
Student Sponsorship

TMcC
explained to MSPs that American students had been issued letter from the
University stating that they would receive funding and they were sponsored by
the US Educational Department. However, once in the UK, students were finding
that no agreement had been made. This is a legal issue as American students
needs to evidence they have funding to support themselves when coming to study
in the UK.  Students also find themselves
with no resources.

TMcC
asked a vote to mandate the President to investigate on the matter and ensure
this does not happen again. The mandate was passed.

Wednesday
Afternoon Off

MS
informed MSPs that not all students had their Wednesday afternoon off and that
some students could not play games.

MH
supported MS. He added that this was approved last year and that no students
should have compulsory classes on Wednesday Afternoon.

He
will further investigate.

Student
Led Teaching Award

MB
presented his project of SLTA to reward members of staff who are highly
involved in the development of teaching.

MB
invited MSPs to expresstheir interest to join the group

Safety
Campaign

JH
informed MSPs he was working on a safety campaign and Flash Mobs will be
organized the week commencing 14^th November

Maciej
Czajka thanked all MSPs for their attendance and closed the meeting.

Changes to schedules 9 & 10

M&PT motion

Trustee Motion