So you’ve heard that the Union is more than a night club and shop; it’s a whole building packed with exciting opportunities. But beyond this physical existence, the Union is the heart of student identity, run by a team of student councillors and executives.
Cardiff Students’ Union is run by students, to function for students. Every action it undertakes is overseen by 20 elected student executives who report directly to the 59-strong Student Council or, if you will, the Union brain.
These 59 members create a link between students on the ground and the student executive that directs the union. The Student Council represents all sections of student life: from postgraduates to societies, from sports clubs to course reps. This council provides a forum for these groups to get together with more general interest groups, to debate, manage and govern union activity.
It sounds bonkers but it is in fact true, nearly everything that happens within the big brown Students’ Union can be changed by the decisions of the Student Council. Last year, it took a lead in reducing global carbon emissions by banning domestic air travel for all staff and students on union business. It also successfully pushed the university to keep Wednesday afternoons lecture free and fun filled.
On top of this, the council also scrutinises the work of the student executive. Made up of 6 full time sabbatical officers and 14 part time non-sabbatical officers, the executive represents students to the University and society. The council is the best way to ensure that these officers focus their efforts on the important issues that students face, from anti-bullying policies to visa renewal charges.
When it comes down to it, everything that matters to students matters to Student Council. If you think that the Friday night DJ is so amazing his pay should be doubled, get along to Student Council. If your lecturer is consistently late and more hung-over than their students, get to Student Council. If the government is charging you too much for your degree, come to Student Council.
The council is the heart of student life; it’s a forum in which student problems, desires and concerns are brought together and debated. But unlike most other councils, the results of our Student Council can be seen every time you ascend your big brown union steps.
The first council will be held in Solus on October 14th at 6.30pm. Make sure you come along to air your views.
