Seren - 191 - 2006-2007 - March 2007

VOTE IN THE

Elections Special 2007

ELECTIONS S

omething is happening in Bangor… posters are going up, promises are being made and a select number of people are getting very nervous. It’s all because its election time at the Students’ Union and it affects all of us.

The Students’ Union executive represent Bangor students and their needs to a whole variety of organisations We all know that being a student isn’t just about going to lectures, reading books and writing essays. Joining clubs and societies; partying in Academi; listening to Storm FM; reading Seren; and trying to find a solution to problems with a landlord are all parts of being at university and these things don’t happen by accident. The people elected in these elections are responsible for all these things for a whole academic year of your university career. They affect your life on a day to day basis in ways you probably don’t

The people elected make decisions on your behalf, so it’s important you get your say. even realise.

The Students’ Union executive represent Bangor students and their needs to a whole variety of organisations, from the university to local companies. If you were to be called to a disciplinary by the university, members of the executive would also attend, in order to make sure that the procedure was carried out fairly and that you received the support you needed. Important decisions about the ways in which your degrees are run, are influenced by comments made by these people.

The people elected make decisions on your behalf, so it’s important you get your say. Everything you need to know from how to vote, to manifestos written by each candidate can be found inside this issue.

So read up and have your say. Vote in the elections and make a difference.

Emma Dodd

13TH, 14TH, 15TH MARCH if

r f UM y h c ait n w y G s e r ai l go cutiv l ts d l i y xe n e l w u P UE p o b c S e po e Ma

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in the elections vote and make a

difference

Clwb Cymru & Elections PARTY! In association with RAG

This year’s elections party will be

Day Celebrate Red Nose whilst raising some money, new and find out who the Executive are...

RED, RUDE and RIDICULOUS

Thursday 15th March Academi from 9pm - 1am £2 in ‘red’ costume, £3 without.

In This Issue...

Everything you need to know about the SU elections

How to Vote

Candidates 2007

Manifestos

Elections sudoku

Voting times

Storm Forecast

Timetable to election events

Abbreviations explained

Sample ballot papers

Plus...

Flip this issue over for the Referendum Special

In aid of Comic Relief, St Mary’s Hostel and the Welsh Air Ambulance.

Etholiadau | Elections

Mawrth 13-14-15 March 2007 www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/e07

Undeb Myfyrwyr Bangor Students’ Union

2

HOW TO FVOTE Seren - Elections Special 2007

Spencer George

Cadeirydd

New Election • Etholiad Ne

wydd

LE

President Sam Burnett

Chairperson Friday Jones

Llywydd

wydd

New Election • Etholiad Ne

CSO

SCC

Pete Banks

Carolan Goggin Jeni Freeman

Huw Parry

wy New Election • Etholiad Ne

dd

on Aimee ‘Cherry’ Hamilt wydd New Election • Etholiad Ne

MP

wydd New Election • Etholiad Ne

Adam James

Swyddog Merched

Andy ‘Frodo’ Redfearn Becki Law

wy New Election • Etholiad Ne

dd

Mature Students’ Officer fed Swyddog Myfyrwyr Aedd Gemma Plowman

SA

Xanthe Larcombe Steven Kempster

Anushka Chopra wydd New Election • Etholiad Ne

wydd New Election • Etholiad Ne

wydd New Election • Etholiad Ne

eeling inspired to make a difference to the future of your union? Good, then it’s time to vote. To vote in the elections you’ll need the yellow ballot paper. The blue one is used for the referendum on NUS disaffiliation. If in doubt, just remember that yellow is the colour of Seren! Having the right paper, you’ll notice that it is split into eleven categories, one category for each position to be voted on. Within each section, the names of the candidates standing for the position will be listed.

The way voting works is that you number the candidates in order of preference, (1,2,3, etc) therefore you would place a ‘1’ next to the name of the candidate you think should win, a ‘2’ next to your second-choice candidate and so on. Should you be of the opinion that none of the candidates standing for the position should be elected, you will notice a “New Election” option alongside the names of the candidates standing for the position. Simply place a ‘1’ next to this option to register your opinion that a new election should be started.

Furthermore, you may choose to vote for a single candidate or limited number of candidates by

placing a ‘1’ etc next to the name of the candidate that you wish to see elected and then placing a ‘2’ next to the “New Election” option, then simply continue as normal listing the remaining candidates as third, fourth choice etc. Importantly, you are not required to select second, third, fourth choices should you not desire; nor do you have to vote for an officer for each position. Remember that for each position you vote on that you should restart numbering starting from ‘1’ and that you may only use each number once per candidate e.g. don’t put the same number next to multiple candidates for the same position, otherwise your vote will be void. Neither will your vote count if you submit your election slip to the wrong box. The box for election slips will be yellow and likewise the box for referendum slips will be blue, so make sure you put your slips in the boxes of the matching colour! Armed with this information and having read the rest of this elections special edition of Seren, you are now ready to alter the future of your union.

Ross Butler

Disabilities Officer Swyddog Anableddau

Bethan Williams wydd New Election • Etholiad Ne

Eth

Raych Clayton wydd New Election • Etholiad Ne

ABBREVIATIONS EXPLAINED CSO - Communications and Societies Officer.

AU - Athletics Union.

EWO - Education & Welfare Officer.

UMCB - Bangor’s Welsh Students’ Union.

LGBT - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans.

SWD - Students with Disabilities.

Maw www VOTING TIMES

Tuesday 13 March Wrexham (Archimedes Centre) Normal Site (Library) Ffriddoedd Site (Security) Normal Site (Arfon Hall) Wednesday 14 March Main Arts (Foyer) Students’ Union (Reception) Dean Street (Reception) St Mary’s (Site Office) Thursday 15 March JMJ (Foyer) Rathbone (Foyer) Ffriddoedd Site (Security) Ffriddoedd Site (Coffee Shop)

All day 15:00–16:30 16:30–20:30 17:00–18:30 09:00–17:00 09:00–17:00 12:00–14:00 17:00–18:30 16:00–18:00 16:00–18:00 09:00–17:00 12:00–14:00

3

Seren - Elections Special 2007 Seren’s Radio Times

Storm

Forecast

Bangor’s Student Sound 87.7 FM

SUN 4th

MON 5th

7pm - 8pm: THE SUNDAY FORUM Special Sunday edition of Storm’s weekly debate show, with Elections Secretary John Jackson posing your questions to this year’s Executive candidates.

8pm - 9pm: THE FORUM John Jackson & Isa Wilson pose more questions to the other half of this year’s SU Executive Committee Candidates, featuring this week’s Elections-themed question in “Your Forum”.

SUN 11th

MON 12th

7pm - 8pm: THE REFERENDUM FORUM Another special Sunday edition with John & Isa joined by the ‘Yes’ & ‘No’ campaign teams.

8pm - 9pm: THE FORUM Isa Wilson hosts this week’s debates;“Your Forum” pre-empts the Referendum result Should we disafilliate?

S & N & O I T C E L M E U M D U N D E N R E E R F E E F R RE TUE 6th - FRI 9th

SAT 10th

1pm - 2pm: The SU Show Get to know this year’s candidates a little better with the SU Show’s daily Elections hour with Mike Walsh; no political interviews, just chat and music!

2pm: The Back Pages

TUE 13th - THU 15th

FRI 16th

News throughout the days: Storm will keep you up-to-date with on the hour news, any breaking stories during the 3 polling days, and from the results party on Thursday.

Results: Regular broadcasts throughout the day...

TIMETABLE TO ELECTION EVENTS

Day Sun Mon Tue

Date 4th March 5th March 6th March

Time 7pm 8pm 6:30pm

Event The Sunday Forum The Forum Question Time

Wed

7th March

6:30pm

Question Time

Thu

8th March

6:30pm

Fri

9th March

6:30pm

Mon Mon Tue Wed Thu Thu

12th March 12th March 13th March 14th March 15th March 15th March

7:30pm 9:30pm All day All day All day 9.30pm

Young Fabians Question Time EGM (Emergancy General Meeting) “Weakest Link” Fun Hustings, Karaoke Voting Voting Voting Election Results Party

ELECTIONS SUDOKU

Venue Storm FM Storm FM JMJ Halls Fridd Site, Tegfan MALT

W

1995 - 1082 1996 - 1079 1997 - 1160 1998 - 1182 1999 - 1600

Academi Time Various Various Various Academi

TELLERS & ELECTIONS WORDOKU I E O COUNTERS S REQUIRED C O

W

ant to be an important part of the democratic process?

We are looking for people to give up a few hours in order to sit on (well, next to) the ballot boxes. This is a really important job and would involve making sure people put their slips in the correct boxes and do not get the opportunity to vote more than once.

Also, we require people to count the votes for both the elections and the referendum.

This too is a very important job, and responsible volunteers are needed.

If you want to volunteer for either of these jobs, please email the Elections Committee at elections@undeb.bangor.ac.uk.

YOUR CHANCE

T

hink you’ve missed your chance?

There are still 4 positions without candidates standing in the elections.

They are • Union Secretary • Campaigns & Publicity Officer • International Students’ Officer • Welsh Affairs Officer The deadline has now closed for nominations, but you can stand for one of these positions at the AGM in April. To find out more information please email elections@undeb.bangor.ac.uk

T N

I

L

E S

E

I C

E

T I

S

O

N O E

C

Students with Disabilities Officer. Rachael Clayton

M

y name is Raych Clayton and I am currently a second year studying psychology. I have a strong interest in the running of the Student Union and would like to become more involved by standing as Students with Disability’s Officer, in order to advice / help any students who suffer from any sort of disability during their student life.

During my time at University I have been a committee member on the St.

C T O T

C N

I

The rules are exactly the same as that of Sudoku apart

Question from the fact that there are the letters from “ELECTIONS” in the grid and not the numbers 1-9.

Women’s Offi cer. Anushka The rules arethat exactly same as that of Sudoku apart Bare in mind there arethe 2 “E”s in “Elections”, Chopra so you’ll 2 inthere each row/column/square! y name is Anushka Chopra and from the factneed that are the letters from “ELECTIONS” I would like to be re-elected for the position women’s officer. I inEmail theyour grid andtonot the numbers 1-9. answers editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk for your am currently in my first year, studying

chance to win a super Seren prize...

John Jackson

M

towards a degree in finance and banking.

I have been in the position of women’s officer since October of my first semester

Bare in mind that there are 2 "E"s in “Elections”,

Tel: 01248 38 8078 or

8078

(internal phones) E-mail:

studio@stormfm.com

MORE VOTES THAN LAST YEAR?

ith 8000 students at Bangor, below are the numbers of people who have turned out to vote in previous years. As you can see, many people aren’t using their vote. This year, use your’s.

Time

This year’s AU Presidential candidates talk socially to the sports team.

2000 - 986 2001 - 1114 2002 - 897 2003 - 719 2004 - 960 2005 - 1045 2006 - 1198 2007 - ?

Mary’s and Bryn Eithin JCR, an Independent councillor on the S.U. Council and a member of the Disability’s committee. This has made me realise that all students are different and all of their views / thoughts / concerns should be represented.

As the University of Wales, Bangor Student’s with Disabilities Officer My aims would be: • To continue Joe’s work on developing the disabilities committee.

• Making links with other SWD Officers at other universities and seeing what ideas they have implemented.

• Having an “open door” by holding regular sessions where students can come and discuss their concerns as well as looking for possible solutions to solve the situation / problem.

• Work with the Welfare and Educational Officer to ensure a successful academic life for students with disabilities.

• Improve the amount of information given to students about what the university can do for them, from acceptance to graduation.

Its your university life, lets make the most out of it. and have learned an immense amount from being involved in the student union. As women’s officer, I intend to create a secure and open atmosphere, where individuals can come to seek advice and support with issues which relate to helping the welfare of women within the university. Issues such as discrimination towards women within the university, personal safety of women on and off campus, campaigning towards issues that really matter to students within the university (abortion, equal opportunities and equal pay within the workplace between genders) will be a main focus for the women’s committee, of course. Most of all, I feel that I will give individuals as opportunity to create ideas and practical contributions towards supporting the cause of women’s issues. I plan to introduce events in the university, relating to women’s issues in order to create publicity for our movement and aim to have a good response.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who supports my view.

4

Seren - Elections Special 2007

President. Sam Burnett

I

have to admit, as awful as it sounds, I didn’t write my manifesto and give my speeches last year expecting to win. My goals were idealistic and ambitious, but I’ve had a very short 7 months in office so far and I think we’re in a great position to deliver - to deliver a strategic, dynamic Students’ Union.

The current Union administration isn’t afraid to take a stand – we’ve confronted the University on sports facilities, on plans

for the University Estate and changes to degree classification and we’re winning – the Students’ Union has a powerful voice that for years has been a croak.

We’ve constantly and consistently made decisions in the best interests of the Students’ Union and the student body. We’ve given the Union a new level of professionalism; we’ve got a record we don’t need to defend. You can’t ask any more than that.

That’s not to say there aren’t areas where improvements are needed – we have loads of things we want an extra year to work on and we’d love to talk to you about them during the elections period. We don’t get much time for reflection in our jobs, the campaigning period will be useful just to take time out to get to know everyone and get some honest feedback.

We go into these elections with our eyes open – we’ve built up solid relationships, we know what it takes to get the job done, we’ve got good systems in place and we’re best placed to maximise the next 18 months and move the Union onwards and upwards in a time of uncertainty.

Vote for consistency, vote for leadership and vote for experience. Vote Sam for President (again).

CANDIDATES 2007

AU President. Adam James

M

y name is Adam James, I am a third year sports science student and have devoted a lot of time to sport since coming to Bangor. I have been a member of the swimming team for three years being both chairman and captain. I have also been safety co-ordinator to the athletics club in my second year.

As well as being involved with the canoe club, normal site rugby and octopush. To add to this I am the current AU secretary, Course Representative and part of the Students Union Council. These positions have required me to act as a voice and a representative for other students, working for what they want to achieve. Through these experiences I have developed key skills that are vital to the role of AU president such as confidence, organisation and dedication.

My aims are: • Work with departments to keep Wednesday afternoons free.

• Bring the watersheds up to a safe and usable condition.

• Strive for better sporting facilities, for the University, and to protect current pitches, tennis courts and all the other invaluable facilities.

• Fight to provide more funding from the University, as too many clubs are struggling financially this year.

• Support clubs with fundraising and financial support.

• Provide equal representation and support for all sports clubs, regardless of size.

• Make sports more accessible for everyone, such as promote diversity in sport.

I believe that sport is a vital in our University experience and will therefore work tirelessly to make sure this is provided.

So if you would like better sporting facilities, more sporting opportunities and time available to participate. Vote for Adam James

AU President. Rebecca Law

H

ello! I’m Becki Law and I’d love the chance to dedicate a year to the athletic union and get thoroughly stuck in! As a sport science student, I strongly believe in the vital role that sport and physical activity has in a person’s overall well-being. Therefore, the opportunity to promote an environment in Bangor that thrives in this area would be something I would take on with great enthusiasm!

The provision of consistent communication, encouragement and support for all clubs is fundamental but there are a few other things I’d like to see through. For example, I’d like to initiate events for students not currently involved with a particular club. Furthermore, I’d like to create links between the sports science department and the AU as this would be beneficial in terms of coaching, performance and participation. However, the main emphasis should be on what you want and need and I would make it my priority to determine this directly. I want people to know what their AU president can do for them.

Bangor has encountered substantial changes recently, we need to put what we’ve got to best use and keep pushing for what is necessary. I will put 100% into representing you on the current issues, major and minor.

During my time here I have been actively involved as a BUSA representative, club captain of the women’s rugby team and a member of the athletics team. This has meant that I have gained valuable insights into the organisation, associated pressures and the astounding potential of the sporting groups in Bangor. The prospect of becoming familiar with the clubs I have not had so much contact with is something I would make certain!

Increased participation, quality and success is what I’ll strive for – if you like that idea – vote Becki Law.

Who will win?

President. Spencer George

M

y name is Spencer George and I am standing for the position of Student Union President. I am a third year student at UWB studying Business and Marketing.

During my three years here I have been fortunate enough to have had an active part in the Students’ Union, having sat on Student Union Council, been a course rep, a member of the SU steering committee and also manager of Storm FM during its studio relocation to the students union.

Having these opportunities has allowed me to experience both positive and negative

F

AU President. Andrew ‘Frodo’ Redfearn

or the last seven months I have been your Athletic Union President, now I’m seeking your support to serve you for another twelve.

This year I have been lobbying the University to repair and improve Bangor’s sports facilities. I have already got their commitment to draft a Sport Strategy and will be consulted fully throughout its development. The experience I can bring to the development of this strategy will be vital in ensuring that the students’ needs are first priority. I will be aiming to make massive changes to the standard of sport and the facilities provided through this strategy.

Since July 2006 we have recognised two new clubs and I am working with a University Pro-Vice Chancellor towards resolving the issue of having Wednesday afternoons free.

The retirement of the AU Administrator this Easter will put the AU in a compromised situation with the loss of Ellie’s knowledge and experience. With ten months’ experience by the time Ellie leaves, I believe I am best placed to provide essential continuity to the Athletic Union, with the knowledge to train a new member of staff over the next academic year.

This year I have been elected Chair of the Universities in Wales Athletic Union (UWAU). This has required me to chair meetings of UWAU and report back to the BUSA executive at Chairs’ Forum.

This has also allowed me to be part of the consultation for the formation of a new Higher Education sport company that will probably be taking BUSA’s place in a year’s time.

The AU and Students’ Union are going through a critical time of change. With a new HE sport company on the verge of formation, the loss of a valuable member of staff, the uncertain future of the SU building and the government’s new charity bill I firmly believe that experience and continuity are key.

For continuity, experience and a service continued at the highest level, vote Frodo for AU President.

aspects of the Students Union and the University. As President I would aim to continue and improve on the positive aspects whilst working to rectify the negative aspects.

One of the main roles of the Students Union is to represent the students of Bangor both internally and externally of the University. This can only be achieved effectively if the Students’ Union listens to the Student Body. At present I believe this isn’t being achieved. As president I would encourage the SU to do as much listening as possible.

By encouraging each sabbatical officer to create time in their week to make themselves available and accessible to the students it would allow your issues, opinions and problems no matter what their size, to be addressed. Only by listening can the representation be truly effective.

Also as President It would be my aim to work with the students, the Welfare and Education officer and the University to reform the student grievance procedure.

At present the procedure is intimidating, aggressive and lengthy. This should not be the case and having experienced it first hand, I would like to see it become a more student friendly process.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me at any time.

EWO. Steven Kempster

H

i, I’m Steven Kempster, a second year Psychology student, standing for Education and Welfare Officer.

I have previously held a position on NUSW, as well as being involved in welfare voluntary services including liberation campaigns and the establishment of support networks, and believe that this experience will stand me in good stead if I was elected.

University is supposed to be an a amazing experience, and for the most part, it is.

However, I know from personal experience what issues have affected both myself and others around me. But this is not a representation of the entire student body; we’re all different with different needs.

I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to talk about how they feel and think, and their attitudes values and beliefs.

It is for these reasons that I feel I would be a good candidate; the first male officer in 13years, breaking the mould, bringing a different perspective, to deal with the different issues that each individual student encounters, because lets face it, we’re not all the same!

If elected, my main aims would be: • Campaigning on student debt awareness • Attempting to establish drop in sessions to give students increased accessibility to the different information and support they require • Strengthening and developing existing support services e.g. Nightline • Campaign on Student Mental Health.

• Fundraising so more money can be fed back into the Students Union, offering students the services you want, when you want it!

Over the past year, there has been numerous changes to the structure of student welfare and I would like to build on this existing structure by consulting with you, the student body, on what you need.

A different officer, with a different perspective, to meet the different needs for students!

I

CSO. Peter Banks

am a second year Chemistry Student currently studying for a BSc. In my spare time I play violin and should be taking a DipABRSM or LRSM in recital performance in the near future.

I would like to see a Union that works together and communicates in an efficient manner. I would encourage societies to use the expertise that other societies offer as many of our societies have exceptional skills and talents but little or no output for them.

I promise to continue previous C.S.O’s

EWO. Xanthe Larcombe

H

i, I’m Xanthe and I would love the chance to be YOUR Education and Welfare Officer.

I believe that advice, support & representation should be available to all students, no matter what their age, sex, background or orientation. Whoever you are, you’re a valued member of the student community and I want to see to it, that your voice is heard. I want to be a very different Sabbatical Officer by being proactive on welfare and education issues, providing students with the knowledge and skills to be happy, healthy, and successful at University!

This role requires someone who is always willing to listen, aware of issues affecting students, dedicated, approachable, organised, able to motivate others, and who has a good knowledge of the SU. Here’s some of the things I have done at Bangor University…

• Nightline Volunteer for 2 years; • Student Volunteering Bangor chairperson for 2 years; • Beach Cleans’ project leader; • Senior peer guide; • SU Councillor; …and I believe that my experience will be of benefit to us all.

Because I’m not afraid to speak out on issues that affect students. I’m independent and therefore I feel that I can offer a greater scope of understanding and representation for all students within the university.

Having been involved in the SU for two years I’m aware that circumstances, and students’ needs, change from year to yeartherefore I’m not going to promise you the world. The specific campaigns and issues I raise next year will depend on the needs of next year’s students.

However, what I will promise is: • Relevant and fresh welfare campaigns • Increased accessibility to welfare resources • To work with voluntary executive, course reps, and liberation groups to ensure all students’ are represented THINK DIFFERENTLY. TAKE ACTION. VOTE XANTHE.

5

Seren - Elections Special Issue 2007 and C.C.S.O’s training programmes for society committee members. The positions of Chair, Treasurer and secretary are of the utmost importance within societies and I have seen that so many can struggle without the appropriate training. I would also like to see more freedom for Standing Committees and societies.

I have been involved with JCR’s for two years now and I would like to see the union become more involved with the committees of these organisations and provide a means of support for them. I would also like the union to reach students through the JCR’s.

Using their local knowledge of the hall sites that they work and live in.

I will continue the campaign for the provision of adequate Theatre space and rehearsal space for performance societies.

I would also move to campaign for the provision of adequate equipment when using these spaces. (i.e. lights that work, heating. All of these things can make life so much easier) I would like to continue to keep the union open during the day and potentially increase these opening times if at all possible.

Bluntly put I would like to see everyone enjoying themselves and with a smile on their face as they walk out of the union!

UMCB President. Bethan Williams

M

y name is Bethan Williams and I’m in my third year studying Welsh. Although the Welsh society is smaller than many other societies it is equally as important. It is therefore of the utmost importance that it receives representation within the Union and the University. I believe that I have the enthusiasm to ensure this and I appreciate the significance of the Welsh society. By being part of the UMCB committee for a year I became aware of the way in which it was run.

JMJ is the heart of the Welsh community as so many Welsh speaking students live there. Having lived both in JMJ and elsewhere as a student I have seen the importance of maintaining a contact with students who do not live in JMJ and students who live at home. Because of this, my intention, were I elected, would be to try to include the first year in the activities as much as possible and supporting them to ensure that they become central to UMCB and that they remain a part of it after moving out of JMJ. I would also use Y Ddraenen to publicise UMCB events widely and I would look to use the internet and the e-mail system.

As Clwb Cymru is the most prominent event that brings Welsh speakers together it’s important to ensure the success of these nights. It’s a great opportunity for Welsh students at Bangor to come together and it’s an opportunity for those who aren’t Welsh speakers to experience the culture. Students come to Bangor for more than a degree and socialising is an important part of their life.

Of course learners are a key element of the Welsh society. Sometimes these students require more support. If I were elected I would try to promote contact between the learners and the Welsh students so that they too could be fully a part of the Welsh society.

CSO. Carolan Goggin

I

’m Carolan, currently your Communications and Societies Officer (CSO) and hoping to stay that way for another year. My role is largely in helping and supporting other people to run their activities — and in the behind-the-scenes planning, policy-making, budgeting and management.

Much of a sabbatical officer’s first few months goes on learning the job, and after that it’s gaining experience. But we rarely get a chance to put that experience into practice, because most things happen only once. I got an opportunity with Serendipity

Union Chair. Friday Jones

I

am a second year student reading Computer Science. I have worked for the University previously on various coding projects, and I hope to get a good score in my degree and go on to a PhD. I think that Union activities are important, and that debate and discussion are vital tools in the arsenal of students, and to this end I promise to do all that I can to encourage and moderate discussion in an open and clear way for the benefit of all students.

I am an experienced moderator, and am able to bring out what people think and focus on what is important. I can talk to people and am not shy about finding out about them and taking the time to understand their issues.

The Union holds many meetings because it is complex body with many concerns; as Chair I would provide for the smooth running of meetings and make sure that there is follow through on decisions made.

I would assist the other officers elected to play an effective role in meetings, and make sure that students have an effective voice of their own.

I will make sure that we have clear procedures for meetings and that people know the format, so that they have the power to use meeting time to full effect.

I will practice an open door policy of being available for discussion, and will foster such an open environment for the benefit of all.

Your choice.

Your vote

2, which I think was a major success, because I was able to build on what I’d learned from Serendipity 1. I would like to do the same across the full range of the CSO’s activities.

So far this year I have focused on helping Seren’s editorial team and Storm FM’s staff achieve high quality output. Now I want to focus on the Union website, which needs a comprehensive overhaul, and on improving direct communication with students.

I have worked hard to make professionalism the norm in all societies this year. Now that this foundation is in place, I see myself being able to provide an extra level of support next year. Simplifying processes will help societies to flourish, to the benefit of all students. I also believe that Societies need an identity as strong as the Athletic Union, something I would like to develop next year.

This is a challenging time for the Union, with the promised new building, uncertainty over our relationship with NUS and changes to charity law affecting our status. The Executive also needs to work on some issues that are not currently part of any one officer’s brief: things like course reps, strategic planning and budgeting, greater participation and better services to students.

A core of experienced Executive officers like Sam, Frodo and I can provide more of the leadership the Union needs. Vote Carolan for re-election.

I

Independent Officer.

Huw Parry

am Huw Parry and I am standing for the position of Independent Officer.

I am a first year Criminology and Criminal Justice student although this is my second year at Bangor University because I changed my course from Business and Marketing last year.

I am currently Welsh Language Officer on the Storm FM Executive for. Last year I was the UMCB Chair and was accepted as General Officer for JMJ. I have an advantage because of this in understanding the way the Students’ Union works and I am very familiar with the meetings and politics of the SU in relation to the above mentioned roles.

I would like to become more deeply involved with the Union and would like to have a more active role, and this is a perfect opportunity as I have a great interest in Students’ Union affairs.

To be elected to the position would see me honour the job description for the position, which is: Assists any other members of the Executive as and when appropriate.

Is responsible for Independent Councillors and ethical and environmental issues.

During my time as the Independent Officer, I will aim to: Review the discrimination issues and focus on improving any problems that are there.

I shall ensure that minority groups and any other persons suffering from discrimination are fully represented within the Students’ Union. It is important to me to have great communication between myself and the students and to ensure that tolerance is promoted within the University and associates of the University.

I would promote understanding from the University, Union and associates to the students who need it. This reflects especially for religious and cultural groups making sure diversity is emphasised with significance throughout the University (and the Union).

CSO. Jenni Freeman

F

rom my first day at Bangor I’ve loved the unique spirit that thrives here. I enjoy getting involved across all levels; from founding and chairing a Society, conducting a sexual health awareness campaign, peer guiding, playing and watching sports, productions and concerts, year repping, writing for Seren and attending lots of fancy dress events.

My time at Bangor has been hectic, yet I would love to do so much more. As CSO I would have the opportunity to make a real difference and this is how…

LGBT Officer. Aimee ‘Cherry’ Hamilton

M

y name is Aimee Hamilton, but I am more commonly known as Cherry. I’m currently a first year Creative Studies mature student and Chair of UWB Pride.

In my time at university so far I feel I have been greatly involved in the LGBT; I have built caring friendships and valuable self-confidence. I attended the NUS Winter LGBT Conference in London in my first semester and it was at this conference I discovered my passion for defending the rights of LGBT students and my desire to represent them as The University of Wales, Bangor LGBT officer.

I propose to build on the strong foundation of UWB Pride by providing a support network for students who are questioning or are troubled by their sexuality, and issues surrounding the subject. The new committee and I would provide an informal, safe environment such as coffee mornings to talk over any concerns students might have.

I would like to emphasise that we as UWB Pride are a liberation campaign, not just a social outlet. I plan on raising awareness of the existence of UWB pride around campus and try to get as many students as possible, regardless of sexual orientation involved in issues and campaigns.

I aim to involve the Wrexham campus students more in UWB Pride events, such as the weekly meetings, campaigns and socials. I also would like to liaise with nearby universities to collaborate with them on campaigns and socials, and hopefully in doing this build a strong network of LGBT students.

WELCOME WEEK should never be forgotten. As an enthusiastic peer guide last Freshers week, I gathered people from halls for a mass pub crawl, with legs tied together and games down the hill. I will ensure throughout next welcome week there is something for everyone to do day and night, including non-drinking events such as trips to the pier for tea and scones (a Bangor must).

SOCIETIES offer Bangor students the chance to get involved, share interests and make friends. I will assist societies encouraging them to work together and helping run more events in welcome week and throughout the year. I will also assist in setting up new societies and look forward to attending more productions, traffic light nights, SIN nights and events run by you.

SEREN and STORM are both excellent forms of communication for clubs and societies and also much loved by Bangor Students. I will encourage societies to use these sources to advertise, view opinions and report what they have done.

Finally my door is always open. I will always listen and help with any problems as they arise, I am open to new ideas, constructive criticisms or just a cup of tea and a chat.

Help me make Bangor a more welcoming and exciting place by voting for JENI.

Mature Students’ Officer. Gemma Plowman

M

y name is Gemma Plowman, I am a first year law student and I would like to become the Mature Students’ Officer in order to continue the good work of the current officer. I would like to do this because of how helpful having a Mature Student representative has been for me and others. I would also like to build on the foundations that have been put in place and which continue to be put into place by the committee this academic year.

At the moment I am the Secretary for the Mature Students Committee. Through this I have been given an invaluable insight into the work and the enjoyment that there will be with this position.

My main aim is to reach out to as many mature students as possible, making them aware of the services and social network that is available to them and ensuring that they know they are a valuable contribution to this university. Through working with the Committee I have realised that raising awareness is a major issue to concentrate on.

I believe that the new initiative of O.A.P.eer Guiding, would be of huge benefit to new Mature Students coming to Bangor and also non-mature students who would prefer an alternative to the traditional Freshers’ Week activities!

I am also an Independent Councillor with the Students Union. I would like to be able to help represent all students, university wide. Each and every one of us counts and everything that is done by the Students’ Union does have an impact on us all, even if at times we do not realise it. For this reason I would like to broaden my involvement by being on the Executive Committee, and do my best to ensure that Bangor University’s student body remains a voice to be heard!

See previous page for other candidates

VOTE IN THE Referendum Special 2007

REFERENDUM S

?

?

?

?

Do you want the University of Wales, Bangor Students’ Union to disaffiliate itself from the National Union of John Jackson Students (NUS)?

Elections Secretary

tudents’ Union Council agreed, in the first session of 2007, to hold a referendum to decide whether to remain affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS). The Constitution, as it then stood, did not cater in detail for such an event, and so Council introduced a new section to the Standing Orders Schedule, allowing a cross-campus ballot to be held to gain students’ opinions.

The annual elections for the Executive Committee of the Union were on the horizon, and as the Elections Committee were to oversee the fair and balanced conduct of the referendum too, a decision was made to combine the two separate ballots into one single voting period.

This time is now upon us, and on the 13th, 14th and 15th March, Bangor’s campus will be opened up to two separate lots of ballot boxes – to vote for the new Executive there will be yellow ballot papers to be posted in yellow boxes, and to vote in the referendum there will be blue papers to be posted in blue boxes.

After much deliberation, the wording of the question to be used in the referendum was decided upon by the Elections Committee in February. It was important to ensure that there was no bias in favour of any one argument, and also to make it plain that the very straightforward answers of “YES” and “NO” could not be misconstrued into appearing to be the answer to an opposite question.

In This Issue...

Everything you need to know about the SU referendum

How to Vote

The “YES” argument from the SU Executive

The “NO” argument from NUS

Voting times for the polling days

Storm Forecast

Timetable to referendum events

Plus...

The decision was made to ask the question from the perspective of the status quo...

The worst possible outcome for the democratic process of the Union would be for a student to vote “NO” to NUS when actually they intended to vote “NO” to disaffiliation, or maybe “YES” to stay when they meant “YES”, disaffiliate!

With this in mind, the decision was made to ask the question from the perspective of the status quo; the Union is currently affiliated to NUS and so a change would result in disaffiliation. No change would mean the status quo remained.

Exercise your student democratic right; vote “YES” or “NO”, but vote!

Refferendwm | Referendum Mawrth 13-14-15 March 2007 www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/r07

Flip this issue over for the Elections Special

Undeb Myfyrwyr Bangor Students’ Union

it’s your choice: 13-14-15 march

2

Seren - Referendum Special 2007

3

Seren - Referendum Special 2007

NUS - TWO SIDES TO THE STORY Yes 7

E VE BEEN TRYING TO RUB A POSITIVE CAMPAIGN IN FAVOUR OF DISAFl LIATION n l GURING RIGHTLY IN MY OPINION THAT PEOPLE DON T REACT WELL TO SLANDER AND NEGATIVITY 7E VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL YOU ALL THE GOOD THINGS THE 5NION COULD DO WITH a

THE AMAZING DIFFERENCE IT COULD MAKE IN EVERY AREA OF OUR WORK )T S LIKE ONE OF THOSE /XFAM ADVERTS n hFOR JUST a A YEAR YOU COULD HELP THE 5NION 0RESIDENT SLEEP AT NIGHT KNOWING "ANGOR STUDENTS WERE MUCH BETTER OFF v ) DON T GET ENOUGH SLEEP YOU KNOW n BUT THAT S NOT THE SOLE REASON TO VOTE YES TO DISAFl LIATION 7E WANT TO REMAIN POSITIVE AND FULL OF THE VISION THING BUT .53 DOES HAVE SERIOUS SHORTCOMINGS WHICH WE NEED TO ADDRESS 4HE BIG QUESTION HAS GOT TO BE @WHAT DO THEY REALLY PROVIDE n THEY VE TAKEN YOUR DISCOUNTS AWAY THE CAMPAIGNS THEY RUN ARE HARDLY RELEVANT TO THE MAJORITY OF STUDENTS AND ANY MATERIALS THEY DO SEND

ARE VERY OFTEN MONOLINGUAL SO WE CAN T EVEN USE THEM .53 SPENT OVER a LAST YEAR ON TRYING TO STOP 5NIONS FROM DISAFl LIATING

AN OUTRAGEOUS SUM THAT S MORE THAN ELEVEN TIMES THE SOCIETIES BUDGET AT "ANGOR )T DOESN T COST MUCH MORE THAN THAT TO RUN THE 3UMMER "ALL ) HAVE REAL ISSUES WITH .53 SPENDING MORE THAN TWICE OUR AFl LIATION FEE EACH YEAR TO PLUG THE LEAKS AND DESPERATELY TRY TO CONVINCE PEOPLE THEY SHOULD STAY 7HEN ) WAS #AMPAIGNS /Fl CER THREE YEARS AGO ) WROTE TO .53 7ALES ON BEHALF OF THE %XECUTIVE COMPLAINING ABOUT POOR COMMUNICATION LACK OF BILINGUAL MATERIAL AND THE FACT THAT EVERYTHING THAT THEY DID WAS CENTRED AROUND #ARDIFF BUT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAS CHANGED .53 7ALES REMAINS A WEAK UNFOCUSED ORGANISATION AND .53 IS A BLOATED MESS BEING PULLED APART BY FACTIONS 4HEY LL m OUNCE AROUND ON CAMPUS TELLING US THE VICTORIES THEY WIN BUT WHAT ARE THEY REALLY #OUNCIL TAX EXEMPTION IN THE EARLY NINETIES WAS THE LAST REAL VICTORY THEY MANAGED AND ALL THOSE STUDENT ACTIVISTS ARE IN THEIR MID THIRTIES WITH CHILDREN BY NOW 7HAT DOES THE CURRENT .53 ADMINISTRATION HAVE IN COMMON WITH THAT )T S LIKE 4ONY "LAIR CLAIMING CREDIT FOR SOMETHING -ARGARET 4HATCHER DID !LL .53 HAVE DONE LATELY IS LOSE THE l GHT ON TUITION FEES

LOOKED THE OTHER WAY ON TOP UP FEES AND CONTINUE TO ASK FOR FREE EDUCATION W H I L S T THE CAP IS LIFTED RIGHT OVER THEIR HEADS ! L L O W ME TO PLAY $ E V I L S A D V O C A T E FOR A S E C O N D S T U D E N T N U M B E R S H A V E N T GONE DOWN S I N C E T O P U P

Ydych chi eisiau i Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Cymru, Bangor ddatgysylltu ei hun oddi wrth Undeb Cenedlaethol y Myfyrwyr (UCM)?

YDW (gadael UCM)

YES

(leave NUS)

FEES WERE INTRODUCED )F .53 CAMPAIGN WAS REPRESENTATIVE OF STUDENT FEELING NATIONWIDE SURELY ADMISSION l GURES WOULD HAVE PLUMMETED -ORE STUDENTS THAN EVER BEFORE ARE APPLYING TO AND BEING ACCEPTED

BY UNIVERSITIES ALL OVER THE PLACE "ANGOR HAS HAD A INCREASE IN APPLICATIONS THIS YEAR ALONE 7HY AREN T .53 CAMPAIGNING FOR BETTER SPORTING FACILITIES OR FORGING LINKS WITH COMPANIES WHO CAN OFFER GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR l NAL YEARS OR LOBBYING VISIBLY AND EFFECTIVELY FOR BETTER HOUSING TO NAME BUT ONE THING .53 %XTRA WAS A NEW SCHEME THIS YEAR AND IT HAS BEEN A FARCE 3UPPOSEDLY EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS DON T EXIST THE SUPERMARKET CHAIN PROMISED AT CONFERENCE HASN T MATERIALISED AND INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS UNIONS ARE BEING FORCED TO DO ALL THE MARKETING THEMSELVES FOR THE SPURIOUS INCENTIVE OF a PER CARD TO KEEP FOR THEMSELVES 4HE WHOLE IDEA OF THE .53 %XTRA CARD WAS THAT .53 NEEDED TO RAISE EXTRA MONEY BECAUSE THEY HAD HUGE DEl CITS YEARS OF MISMANAGEMENT OF THEIR RESOURCES AND WHAT DID THEY DO LAST SUMMER AFTER HAVING PLEADED POVERTY 4HEY HIRED NEW STAFF /NE OF THE WORRIES THAT WE VE COME ACROSS WHEN WE VE BEEN CHATTING TO STUDENTS ABOUT .53 IS THAT WE LL SOMEHOW LOSE OUR NATIONAL VOICE AND LOSE TOUCH WITH OTHER 3TUDENTS 5NIONS 7E MET SOME GREAT PEOPLE AT TRAINING OVER THE SUMMER PEOPLE WE VE STAYED IN CONTACT WITH OVER THE PAST MONTHS ALTHOUGH ALL THAT TRAINING DID COST US AN EXTRA a 7E CAN STILL KEEP IN CONTACT WITH OTHER UNIONS THROUGH THE EMAIL LISTS WE RE A PART OF THAT HAVING NOTHING TO DO WITH .53 )T WOULDN T TAKE MINUTES TO LOOK ON ALL THE 7ELSH UNIONS WEBSITES TO l ND THEIR NUMBERS AND RING FOR A CHAT TO SEE HOW THEY RE GETTING ON "53!

THE "RITISH 5NIVERSITIES 3PORTS !SSOCIATION

HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH .53 AND STANDS AS A POLITICAL VOICE FOR UNIVERSITY SPORT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR TEAMS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TO PLAY EACH OTHER AND A USEFUL WAY FOR OUR !5 0RESIDENT TO BE IN TOUCH WITH OTHER SPORTING OFl CERS FROM ALL OVER THE PLACE !S FOR THE NATIONAL VOICE FOR "ANGOR ) DON T SEE THIS IS A PROBLEM 3OUTHAMPTON ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE DURING THE !54 STRIKES LAST YEAR AND ARRANGED THEIR OWN

MEETINGS WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE UNIONS 4HIS WOULD BE A GOOD CHANCE FOR "ANGOR TO TAKE MORE OF AN INTEREST IN !SSEMBLY AND 0ARLIAMENTARY POLITICS !ND LET S FACE IT WHEN .53 GO TALKING TO MINISTERS AND WHATEVER ELSE IT IS THEY DO ALL DAY THEY RE NOT EXACTLY GOING TO GO IN SAYING THAT THEY SPEAK FOR ALL STUDENTS IN THE 5+xEXCEPT FOR "ANGOR STUDENTS -AYBE ) PAINT TOO BLEAK A PICTURE THERE ARE SENSIBLE PEOPLE RISING THROUGH THE RANKS OF .53 ADVOCATING REFORM BUT IT S ALL TOO LITTLE TOO LATE .53 ARE UNWILLING TO EMBRACE THE WHOLESALE REFORM THAT S NEEDED TO PROVIDE A PROPER NATIONAL ORGANISATION THAT REALLY REPRESENTS THE STUDENTS OF "RITAIN "ANGOR 3TUDENTS 5NION BELIEVES IN UNION AND TOGETHERNESS BUT OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS %XECUTIVE OFl CERS MEAN OUR PRIORITIES LIE l RST AND FOREMOST WITH THE STUDENTS OF "ANGOR $ISAFl LIATION ISN T JUST FOR #HRISTMAS BUT IT DOESN T HAVE TO BE FOREVER 7E VE TALKED LONG AND HARD ABOUT ALL THIS AND WE ARE OF THE l RM OPINION THAT COLLECTIVISATION BEGINS AT HOME 7E URGE YOU TO SEND A POLITICAL MESSAGE TO .53 TO VOTE YES TO DISAFl LIATION ON VOTING DAY AND VOTE FOR A BETTER 3TUDENTS 5NION 7E CAN STILL KEEP IN CONTACT WITH OTHER UNIONS THROUGH THE EMAIL LISTS WE RE A PART OF THAT HAVING NOTHING TO DO WITH .53 )T WOULDN T TAKE MINUTES TO LOOK ON ALL THE 7ELSH UNIONS WEBSITES TO l ND THEIR NUMBERS AND RING FOR A CHAT TO SEE HOW THEY RE GETTING ON "53!

THE "RITISH 5NIVERSITIES 3PORTS !SSOCIATION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH .53 AND STANDS AS A POLITICAL VOICE FOR UNIVERSITY SPORT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR TEAMS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TO PLAY EACH OTHER AND A USEFUL WAY FOR OUR !5 0RESIDENT TO BE IN TOUCH WITH OTHER SPORTING OFl CERS FROM ALL OVER THE PLACE !S FOR THE NATIONAL VOICE FOR "ANGOR ) DON T SEE THIS IS A PROBLEM 3OUTHAMPTON ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE DURING THE !54 STRIKES LAST YEAR AND ARRANGED THEIR OWN MEETINGS WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE UNIONS 4HIS WOULD BE A GOOD CHANCE FOR "ANGOR TO

Do you want the University of Wales, Bangor Students’ Union to disaffiliate itself from the National Union of Students (NUS)?

NAC YDW NO (aros gydag UCM)

(stay with NUS)

ybodol fod d yn gwbl ddiamwys, byddwch yn ymw Er mwyn sicrhau fod y cwestiwn ucho GYDA DATGYSYLLTU YDW yn golygu eich bod yn CYTUNO G EISIAU AROS YN GYSYLLTIEDI NAC YDW yn golygu EICH BOD aware that completely unambiguous, please be In order to make the above question H DISAFFILIATION YES means that you AGREE WIT AIN AFFILIATED NO means that you WISH TO REM

No /

 YES

TAKE MORE OF AN INTEREST IN !SSEMBLY AND 0ARLIAMENTARY POLITICS !ND LET S FACE IT

WHEN .53 GO TALKING TO MINISTERS AND WHATEVER ELSE IT IS THEY DO ALL DAY THEY RE NOT EXACTLY GOING TO GO IN SAYING THAT THEY SPEAK FOR ALL STUDENTS IN THE 5+xEXCEPT FOR "ANGOR STUDENTS -AYBE ) PAINT TOO BLEAK A PICTURE THERE ARE SENSIBLE PEOPLE RISING THROUGH THE RANKS OF .53 ADVOCATING REFORM BUT IT S ALL TOO LITTLE TOO LATE .53 ARE UNWILLING TO EMBRACE THE WHOLESALE REFORM THAT S NEEDED TO PROVIDE A PROPER NATIONAL ORGANISATION THAT REALLY REPRESENTS THE STUDENTS OF "RITAIN "ANGOR 3TUDENTS 5NION BELIEVES IN UNION AND TOGETHERNESS BUT OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS %XECUTIVE OFl CERS MEAN OUR PRIORITIES LIE l RST AND FOREMOST WITH THE STUDENTS OF "ANGOR $ISAFl LIATION ISN T JUST FOR #HRISTMAS BUT IT DOESN T HAVE TO BE FOREVER 7E VE TALKED LONG AND HARD ABOUT ALL THIS AND WE ARE OF THE l RM OPINION THAT COLLECTIVISATION BEGINS AT HOME 7E URGE YOU TO SEND A POLITICAL MESSAGE TO .53 TO VOTE YES TO DISAFl LIATION ON VOTING DAY AND VOTE FOR A BETTER 3TUDENTS 5NION

N THE THIRTEENTH FOURTEENTH AND l FTEENTH OF -ARCH YOU WILL BE ASKED IF YOU WANT YOUR UNION TO REMAIN AFl LIATED TO .53 AND 5#-# .53 7ALES AND CONTINUE TO BENEl T FROM THE ARRAY OF SERVICES THAT MEMBERSHIP OF YOUR .ATIONAL 5NION PROVIDES .53 AND 5#-# .53 7ALES HELP HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS UNIONS EVERY WEEK AND THEY IN TURN ASSIST THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS 3TUDENTS NEED A .ATIONAL /RGANISATION 4EACHERS HAVE ONE NURSES HAVE ONE EVEN ELDERLY PEOPLE AND CHILDREN HAVE THEM 3TUDENTS NEED TO HAVE ONE TOO !S %DWINA #URRY SAID IN IF THE .ATIONAL 5NION OF 3TUDENTS DID NOT EXIST THERE WOULD BE A NEED TO CREATE ONE )T IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT THAT STUDENTS HAVE AN ORGANISATION THAT DEFENDS EXTENDS AND PROMOTES THE RIGHTS OF STUDENTS )F THERE ARE CRITICISMS ABOUT THE STRUCTURE THE DIRECTION AND THE NATURE OF THE ORGANISATION THEN WE WOULD ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO GET INVOLVED AND CHANGE IT FROM THE INSIDE RATHER THAN TO LEAVE AND BECOME INEFFECTUAL AS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES ON A NATIONAL LEVEL .53 IS NOT JUST A .ATIONAL %XECUTIVE #OMMITTEE IT IS EACH OF ITS CONSTITUENT MEMBERS .53 PROVIDES TAILOR MADE

BESPOKE INFORMATION ADVICE TRAINING AND SUPPORT TO YOUR LOCAL UNION THAT IT COULD NOT GET ELSEWHERE .53 REPRESENTS YOU TO NATIONAL AGENCIES n BOTH IN 7ESTMINSTER AND #ARDIFF "AY 7E

HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH THE STUDENTS LOANS COMPANIES TO DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF STUDENTS INSIDE THIS COMPANY AND HAVE LOBBIED THE 7ELSH !SSEMBLY 'OVERNMENT EXTENSIVELY DURING THE DESIGN OF THE NEW 3TUDENT &INANCE 7ALES TO MAKE SURE THAT THE NEW SYSTEM WORKS FOR STUDENTS STUDYING IN 7ALES )N THE SAME WAY THAT YOUR LOCAL 5NION DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS TO YOUR INSTITUTION .53 DEFENDS EXTENDS AND PROMOTES YOUR RIGHTS TO THE 'OVERNMENT TO NATIONAL PRESS TO A WHOLE RANGE OF NATIONAL EDUCATION AGENCIES

TO WHOM YOU COULD NEVER BE REPRESENTED IF YOU DIDN T HAVE A VOICE !ND BEING PART OF .53 IS NOT SIMPLY ABOUT REPRESENTATION IN ,ONDON 5#-# .53 7ALES TAKES YOUR CONCERNS TO THE HEART OF 'OVERNMENT IN 7ALES AND REPRESENTS THE VOICE OF 7ELSH STUDENTS IN THE MEDIA IN 7ALES AND BEYOND .53 7ALES LED THE l GHT AGAINST TOP UP FEES IN 7ALES n LOBBYING THE 7ELSH !SSEMBLY 'OVERNMENT AND !SSEMBLY -EMBERS IN A CAMPAIGN WHICH AFTER ONE OF THE CLOSEST VOTES THE !SSEMBLY HAS SEEN SAW THE DEFEAT OF TOP UP FEES FOR 7ELSH 3TUDENTS STUDYING IN 7ALES !ND THIS BATTLE IS FAR FROM OVER n .53 7ALES REPRESENTS STUDENTS STUDYING IN 7ALES WHEREVER THEY COME FROM 7E WILL CONTINUE TO l GHT FOR A FREE FAIR AND FUNDED HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR ALL REGARDLESS OF THEIR BACKGROUND .53 LOBBIED FOR A NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY WHICH GIVES APPLICANTS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INSTITUTIONS THAT THEY ARE APPLYING TO BEFORE THEY GET THERE .53 LOBBIED FOR THE CREATION OF THE /Fl CE OF THE )NDEPENDENT !DJUDICATOR TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS HAVE AN INDEPENDENT PLACE OF APPEAL OUTSIDE OF THEIR OWN INSTITUTION .53 LOBBIED FOR CHANGES TO THE HOUSING BILL TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS A NATIONAL TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEME TO PROTECT STUDENTS FROM SCURRILOUS LANDLORDS 5#-# .53 7ALES HAS BEEN A PASSIONATE CAMPAIGNER FOR THE 7ELSH LANGUAGE HAVING BEEN FULLY BILINGUAL SINCE ITS BIRTH IN AND IS RECOGNISED BY MANY PUBLIC BODIES AS A BEACON OF BEST PRACTICE FOR OUR BILINGUAL ETHIC )N FACT WE ARE OFTEN CONTACTED BY OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS FOR ADVICE ON IMPLEMENTING BILINGUAL POLICIES

#

$ #

$

5#-# .53 7ALES F U N D A M E N T A L L Y BELIEVES IN THE RIGHT OF 7ELSH SPEAKING STUDENTS TO BE ABLE TO STUDY THE SUBJECT OF THEIR CHOICE IN THE LANGUAGE OF THEIR CHOICE AND SO IS A FULL THROATED SUPPORTER OF A &EDERAL 7ELSH #OLLEGE .53 AND .53 7ALES ALSO PROVIDE A BANK OF DEDICATED AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF WHO WORK ALONGSIDE THE COMMITTED AND PASSIONATE ELECTED OFl CERS TO DELIVER FOR YOU AND YOUR 3TUDENTS 5NION q 0ROVIDING THE MATERIALS SUPPORT AND ADVICE TO RUN CAMPAIGNS

PROVIDING YOURUION WITH THE TOOLS THYEED T GET THE BEST DEAORq / F F I C I A L REPRESENTATION TO GOVERNMENT AND NATIONAL BODIES

EVIDENCE WHICH IS USED TO SHAPE POLICIES AND INFORM LEGISLATION q 2ESEARCH AND INFORMATION SUPPORT AND ADVICE FOR YOUR UNION OFl CERS ON VIRTUALLY ANY AREA OF EDUCATION AND STUDENT LIFE q !LL THE SUPPORT YOUR OFl CERS NEED ON ANY ISSUE FROM UNION DEVELOPMENT TO LOBBYING THE 5NIVERSITY FROM MARKETING TO MEDIA q /VER EVENTS ANNUALLY TO ALLOW STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE 5+ TO COME TOGETHER 4HESE EVENTS COVER TRAINING

NETWORK DAYS CONFERENCES AND SPEAKER DAYS q 4RAINING TO EMPOWER YOUR UNION OFl CERS WITH THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE THEY NEED TO REPRESENT YOU q 2EGIONAL SUPPORT TRAINING AND ADVICE ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS THROUGH .53 7ALES q %NTERTAINMENTS SUPPORT GIVING YOUR UNION THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE THE BEST IN TOURS ACTS TRAINING BRIEl NGS AND DAY TO DAY ADVICE q 4HE $EVELOPMENT 0ROJECTS 5NIT

ALLOWING YOUR STUDENT ACTIVITIES TO BENEl T FROM KEY SKILLS TRAINING NETWORK AND SHARE IDEAS THROUGH 3TADIA AND EVEN TRAIN STUDENTS TO TRAIN CLUBS AND SOCIETY OFl CERS

COURSE REPS AND COUNCIL REPS THOUGH THE .ATIONAL 3TUDENT ,EARNING 0ROGRAMME q 0UBLICATIONS AND BRIEl NGS FOR YOUR UNION OFl CERS GIVING THEM THE LATEST ADVICE

q !UTOMATIC ACCESS TO PURCHASING CONSORTIUM .53 3ERVICES ,TD .533,

WHICH OPERATES ON BEHALF OF YOUR STUDENTS UNION TO ACHIEVE THE LOWEST PRICES FOR THEIR SERVICES FROM THE BAR TO THE NEWSAGENT

FREEING UP CASH FOR YOUR UNION TO SPEND ON THEIR OTHER SERVICES 4HE DISCOUNTS YOUR 5NION GETS FROM .533, FAR OUTWEIGHS THE COST OF AFl LIATING TO .53 q 2EPRESENTATIVES WHO SIT ON GOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEES AND PROVIDE

TO HELP THEM REPRESENT YOU &ROM TOP UP FEES TO THE 7ELSH ,ANGUAGE

5#-# .53 7ALES AND .53 ARE TAKING THE CONCERNS OF STUDENTS IN 7ALES TO THE CORRIDORS OF POWER AND MAKING THE VOICE OF 7ELSH STUDENTS HEARD 7ITH THE !SSEMBLY ELECTIONS NOW ONLY MONTHS AWAY "ANGOR STUDENTS HAVE NEVER NEEDED THEIR .ATIONAL 5NION MORE *OIN MILLION OTHER STUDENTS AND VOTE O STAY A PART OF .53

!!"

HOW TO VOTE IN TIMETABLE TO THE REFERENDUM Students march through London as part of the NUS National Demo 2006

4

THE REFERENDUM

HIS YEAR S 3TUDENTS 5NION ELECTIONS ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT TO USUAL SINCE THERE WILL ALSO BE A REFERENDUM HELD AT THE SAME TIME !S WELL AS VOTING FOR A NEW EXECUTIVE STUDENTS WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO VOTE FOR OR AGAINST DISAFl LIATING WITH THE . 5 3 4O MINIMISE ANY CONFUSION AND TO HELP THE VOTING PROCESS RUN SMOOTHLY TRY CONSULTING THIS HANDY STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO VOTING IN THE REFERENDUM

4HE REFERENDUM BALLOT PAPER WILL BE BLUE AND WILL HAVE TWO CHOICES ON IT 9%3 n MEANS YOU WANT THE 35 TO DISAFl LIATE FROM I E LEAVE THE . 5 3 ./ n MEANS YOU WANT THE 35 TO REMAIN AFl LIATED TO THE . 5 3 0LACE A MARK IN THE BOX NEXT TO YOUR CHOSEN RESPONSE BUT MAKE SURE THERE IS ONLY /.% MARK IN /.% BOX OTHERWISE YOUR VOTE WILL NOT COUNT )T IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT TO PLACE YOUR VOTE IN A REFERENDUM BALLOT BOX AND NOT AN ELECTIONS

ONE 0LACING YOUR BALLOT PAPER IN THE WRONG COLOURED BALLOT BOX WILL ALSO INVALIDATE YOUR VOTE ",5% "!,,/4 0!0%2 ",5% "!,,/4 "/8 2%&%2%.$5- 6/4% 9%,,/7 "!,,/4 0!0%2 9%,,/7 "!,,/4 "/8 %,%#4)/. 6/4% %XERCISE YOUR DEMOCRATIC RIGHT AND MAKE YOUR CHOICES

Loran Perkins

Day

Date

Time

Friday

23/02/07

12:00

Wednesday 28/02/07

12:00

Friday Monday

09/03/07 12/03/07

Tuesday

13/03/07

18:30 23:59 09:00 to 18:30 09:00 to 18:30 09:00 to 18:00

Wednesday 14/03/07 Thursday TBC

15/03/07

Event Statements from all ‘parties’ wishing to campaign in referendum Referendum Campaign begins EGM – Referendum, Campaigning period ends Voting Voting Voting Announcement of result