How the Union works

UBU is a democratically run body; run for students and by students.  As a result, the Union has certain democratic structures in place to ensure that all students have an equal say in the workings of the Union and that every student voice gets heard. 

Student Council

Everything the Union does is determined by students for students through a democratic process. Student Council is one of the most important of these parts - only the Annual General Meeting (held once a year every February and open to all students) or a cross-campus referendum, hold more authority.

Student Council is where most major decisions and policy are made about the way that the Union is run. It is made up of the 8 Sabbatical officers, more than 30 Part-Time officers and representatives from halls, societies and academic faculties. Student Council also appoints members to sub-committees which address a variety of issues from creating policy to holding the Sabbatical Officers to account.
How does Student Council work?

Council meets roughly every 3 weeks on a Thursday evening. All Students are welcome to attend, speak and submit motions (to make the Union do something), but only elected representatives have voting rights. It is chaired by the Chair of Student Council (who is elected in the Annual Elections) who you can email on chair-ubu@bris.ac.uk for more info.

See the Student Council Papers

Student Council Dates for 2009/2010

Click on each meeting to view the minutes. For minutes from previous years, please contact Rosemary Macleod.

All meetings are start at 5pm and end by 7:30pm

8th October 2009 - MR5D
5th November 2009 - MR5D
3rd December 2009 - MR5D

14th January 2010 - MR5D
4th February 2010 - (AGM)
4th March 2010 - MR5D

6th May 2010 - MR5D
3rd June 2010 - LSR4

AGM (Annual General Meeting)

Held once a year, this is the highest decision making body in the union democratic structures. All students have their lectures and labs cancelled for the afternoon to gather in the Ansom Room in the Students' Union building and pass policy to make your time at university better.

AGM is the easiest and best way to get involved at university. This year's AGM is on Thursday 4th February - See you there!

Referenda

A quorate referendum (where 1,000 full members vote), held across campus is the highest possible means of determining Union policy.
In the past we have had referenda to decide whether UBU should remain affiliated to the NUS, to make a new Sabbatical Officer and to change the Union's Constitution, amongst others.
It is also a valid means of removing officers who were elected in a cross-campus ballot (vote of No Confidence).
A referendum can be called by the President at any time, or any full member can hand a petition of at least 300 full members' signatures to the President or Chair of Student Council.