Council Agenda 3rd Week Hilary 2008

a.    Minutes of the Previous Meeting
b.    Matters Arising from the Minutes   
c.    Ratifications in Council           
d.    Elections in Council
e.    Reports from the Sabbatical Officers   
f.    Reports from the Executive Officers who wish to make reports
g.    Questions to Members of the Executive   
h.    Emergency Motions           
i.    Passage of Motions Nem Con
j.    Motions of No Confidence or Censure
k.    First readings of Motions to Amend the Constitution or Standing Orders
l.    The Budget or Amended Budget
m.    Motions Authorising Capital Expenditure
n.    Other Motions
i.   motions affecting ousu members as ousu members
ii.  motions affecting ousu members as students at Oxford University
iii. motions affecting ousu members as members of the student movement
iv. motions affecting ousu members as residents of Oxford
v.  motions affecting ousu members as residents of the United Kingdom
vi. motions affecting ousu members as citizens of the world
o.    Any Other Business

n.    Other Motions

1.    Protecting OUSU Members

Council notes:
1.    Previous discussions over the OUSU No Platform policy.
2.    The proposed referendum on the No Platform policy to be held during Hilary term.

Council further notes:
1.    Referendums cost significant time and money, and are best used to decide matters of principle when significant disagreement within the student body is anticipated.
2.    The undesirability of Student Union policy that restricts the legal use of free speech and expression of an individual.
3.    The desirability of a Student Union policy that prevents our resources being used to aid individuals who seek to commit illegal acts.
4.    Should such a policy exist that the majority of elected student representatives support, and believe their constituents support, a referendum on that issue would be unnecessary.

Council resolves to:
1.    Replace any previous ‘No Platform’ policies with the following statement, which will be unnamed:

1. To empower the Executive to deny any OUSU medium (except those already covered in independent agreements) to individuals attempting to use such mediums to advocate, incite or perpetrate violence against other individuals, groups or communities such as ethnic, religious, cultural and sexual minorities. An OUSU 'medium' within the terms of this policy shall include all OUSU elections, referenda, and office resources, other than those covered in independent agreements.

2. To empower the Executive to deny any OUSU medium (except those already covered in independent agreements) to individuals attempting to use such mediums to actively aid individuals or groups in efforts to advocate, incite or perpetrate violence against other individuals groups or communities such as ethnic, religious, cultural and sexual minorities.

3. Any decision taken by the Executive in either of the above regards must be ratified by a simple majority of Council at the earliest possible opportunity. In instances relating to OUSU elections and referenda, the decision taken by the OUSU Executive must be ratified by an Extraordinary Session of Council to vote solely on this issue, which shall be called immediately after the Executive’s decision, unless there is an Ordinary Council being held within the notice period of the Extraordinary Council.

2.    Cancel the proposed referendum on OUSU’s ‘No Platform’ policy later this term.

Proposed: James Lamming (OUSU VP Access & Academic Affairs)
Seconded: Jonny Medland (Queens)

2.    Constitutional Review Working Groups

Council Notes:
1.    That since Michaelmas 2006, OUSU has been engaged in a process to change the legal status of the Student Union in light of the passing of the 2006 Charities Act.
2.    That a referendum passed in Trinity 2007 mandated OUSU to become an incorporated charity with limited liability.
3.    That OUSU have appointed new lawyers – Stone King - to handle the transition.
4.    That a draft Memorandum and Articles of Association have been produced by Stone King and are now under discussion.

Council Further Notes:
1.    That we are now at a stage to begin considering the substantive changes to OUSU.
2.    That the areas requiring the greatest amount of work are reform of Election Regulations and Council.

Council Resolves:
1.    To establish Working Groups to recommend to Council reforms to Election Regulations and Council as attached in the Membership and Terms of Reference for each group.

Proposed: Martin McCluskey (OUSU President)
Seconded: Ingrid Frater (OUSU VP Graduates)

3.    Access and Admissions Policy

Council notes:
1.    Elected officers represent the views of students on issues such as access and admissions to the University.
2.    That these elected officers should be guided by policy so that they can be confident they are represent the views of the majority of students on important issues.
3.    Recent media attention on Oxford undergraduate admissions, most notably the Sutton Trust Report in September 2007 and Institute of Public Policy Research Press release in October 2007, and its current importance to the University’s agenda.
4.    This motion is being proposed to be amended as necessary, so that the views on admissions policy reflect the views of a majority of students.

Council believes:
1.    Academic Potential: Admission to study undergraduate courses at the University of Oxford should be on the basis of the academic potential of the student.  The University should make every effort to ensure that the students applying and being admitted to study at Oxford are the top students, in terms of academic potential, in the world.
2.    No Positive Discrimination: There should be no form of positive discrimination or use of contextual data not related to a students educational potential used in the admissions process at Oxford.  Such data includes, but is not limited to, an applicant’s race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, geographical location, gender, sexuality or religion.
3.    Use Educational Context data to judge academic potential: When judging academic potential, educationally based contextual data must be used to inform decisions about admitting students at the margin.  This contextual data includes the number of students getting 5 GCSEs A*-C, the number of student getting 3 As at A2 Level, and average class size at the individual applicants school.  This contextual data does not include the number of students in receipt of Educational Maintenance Allowance or free school meals, as these reflect the socioeconomic status of an applicant’s background, and do not reflect on the applicant’s own academic potential.
4.    Characteristics of data used: When contextual data is used, it must be reliable and verifiable.  The weight placed on any contextual data used in decision making should be proportionate to its proven usefulness of academic potential, measured against examination results in Prelims and Finals.  For example, information on an applicant’s parents’ background and educational level is not reliable or verifiable because the student discloses this information.  Its use may also create a false perception about positive discrimination in the University’s admissions process.
5.    International Student Recruitment: Oxford benefits from attracting the best students in the world.  This is because it helps our worldwide reputation, attracts the best academics and allows cultural opportunities for British students at the University.  The admission of international students should not be based on their ability to pay but their educational potential and aptitude.  The University should be as concerned about the needs blind admissions of international students as it is with needs blind admission of students from the United Kingdom.  The University should make greater efforts to encourage recruitment of the best students from abroad and provide more bursaries and support for international students.

Council further believes:
1.    Admissions Tests: Pre-Admissions tests should only be required when there is a demonstrable need, for example many more applicants per place than could reasonably be interviewed.  All admissions tests should be designed to test aptitude, and clear guidance about what to expect including past papers should be available online.  Students should not be able to be coached or prepared for the tests.  The tests implementation should be designed with the ease of operation by the schools and students at the forefront of the University’s mind, for example with a standard date, standard time, standard length and use of regional test centres as an optional extra location outside of schools like Driving Test Centres.  This is to avoid the tests being perceived as or becoming an additional hurdle to applying to Oxford.
2.    End the use of written submissions: Written submissions do not accurately reflect academic potential, but the educational preparation of a student, are open to abuse, do not offer systematic comparison between students and therefore should not be used as part of the admissions process. The University and Colleges should provide greater support to new students in adjusting to learning at Oxford and developing skills necessary to succeed, including guidance on essay writing, reading, self-learning, getting the most from tutorials and lectures and dealing with the overall workload.  Such additional support should include greater guidance in preparatory reading and work before new students arrive in Freshers’ Week, the provision of model answers when students first start at Oxford, a greater mindedness from tutors in helping students develop their own skills and greater information and support from colleges, faculties, departments and divisions for general learning skills students will require to succeed at Oxford.
3.    Do not use AS and A2 Module Marks: Oxford should not collect or use individual AS and A2 module marks during the admissions process.  The differences between A Level modules syllabuses, exam boards, marking systems and mark scaling mean that the individual marks are not useful or accurate data for comparing students educational potential.  These marks are also irrelevant for all students not studying A2 syllabuses, whilst the use of such data will create unhealthy pressure on individual students.  Other methods that allow for more direct comparisons, such as admissions tests and structured interviews should be preferred.
4.    Structured interviews vital part of admissions process: Structured interviews are a vital part of the admissions process, allowing tutors to assess directly just the educational potential and aptitude of a student to respond to the unique teaching methods of Oxford University.  For admission to Oxford, ‘educational potential and aptitude’ includes desirable attributes, such as the suitability of a student to the Oxford system, their motivation and the ability of the student to think for themselves when responding to new material.  Interviews are therefore vital because they allow tutors to make distinctions between students on these attributes, and that these attributes cannot be accurately measured from a purely paper based admissions processes.  Interviews are also beneficial because they give applicants a genuine insight into studying at Oxford, helping to break down remaining preconceptions about their future study at the University.

Council further believes:
1.    Collection information: Oxford should only collect information as and when it is absolutely necessary, and avoid requiring extra forms, tests or submissions that may be perceived as creating further hurdles to entry.  Oxford University should aim to administer all its forms via UCAS directly, rather than needing any additional forms.
2.    Scrap Application Fee: Oxford should immediately scrap the additional fee for applying and find the lost income for the University Admissions Office from elsewhere in its budget.  This fee creates an impression that Oxford is more expensive than other Universities, whilst the implied principle that you should pay extra to apply to Oxford is wrong.
3.    Provide honest information on subjects, but do not introduce a black list: Oxford should provide clearer and honest information about school subjects that are required for application, and make it clear the necessary mix of at least three subjects to be suitable for making an application to Oxford.  When there are no required subjects, it is still important to provide useful information such as the need for an applicant to have studied at least three subjects from a longer list of possible subjects.  The University should not produce any list of subjects that if studied will harm an applicants chances, and all subjects should be considered on their merits, not their stereotypes.  The University Admissions Office should provide information and training to tutors about subject syllabuses and requirements to break down any prejudices.  The University should concentrate efforts on communicating the best subjects to aid a student’s application to careers advisors, Connexions advisors and teachers within schools so that students in Year 11 can be advised effectively.
4.    Travel Costs: Provision for reducing the travel costs to interviews should be investigated to help students from the poorest backgrounds.
5.    Greater information about process: Oxford University should provide greater information about the admissions process and clearer guidelines of what is expected of the best students, so that applicants better know what to expect.  Resources should be invested in providing preparation and guidance for students in schools who historically have not enjoyed success in having their students admitted to Oxford.

Council further believes:
1.    Access strategy: Oxford University must continue to reach out to every school in the country to recruit the best students, dispel myths about the University and encourage greater applications.  However, it should target its resources at underrepresented groups and talented students in weaker schools to help raise aspirations and provide additional support to these students and teachers of such students when they are applying to Oxford.
2.    Efforts of Colleges: All Colleges should contribute to widening participation initiatives.  Their concern should be to raise the aspiration of students towards higher education and to applicants to Oxford University, not recruit students for their own colleges. 

Council resolves to:
1.    Mandate the VP Access and Academic Affairs to communicate these policies to the relevant authorities.
 
Proposed: James Lamming (OUSU VP Access & Academic Affairs)
Seconded: Martin McCluskey (OUSU President)

4.    Appointment of New Vice-Chancellor

Council Notes:
1.    That the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. John Hood, recently announced that he would not seek a second term in office and, as such, would step down in September 2009.
2.    That the Nominating Committee for the Vice Chancellor held a preliminary meeting on 30th November to begin the process that will lead to the nomination of Dr. Hood's successor.
3.    The Vice Chancellor has wide ranging powers in setting the strategic direction for the University.
4.    The Vice Chancellor is also the public face of the University to the rest of the country and the world.

Council Further Notes:
1.    There is no student representation on the Nominating Committee for the Vice Chancellor.
2.    That an email address has been established – nomcom@admin.ox.ac.uk - for members of the University to express their views "concerning the requirements for fulfilling the role of Vice Chancellor".

Council Believes:
1.    That the students of Oxford University should have an input into the decision over who shall lead the University in the near future.
2.    That in the absence of any formal representation on the nominating committee, making representations in writing and discussing this issue in OUSU Council are of most potential benefit.

Council Resolves:
1.    To encourage JCR and MCR Presidents to advertise this email address around their colleges and on their email lists.
2.    To discuss the qualities we would like to see in the next Vice Chancellor and amend the "resolves" section of this motion as necessary.

Proposed: Martin McCluskey (OUSU President)
Seconded: James Lamming (OUSU VP Access & Academic Affairs)

5.    University Funding

Council notes:
1.    Preparations among student union organisations for the 2009 review of the current top-up fee system.
2.    Oxford students have not been consulted on this issue since 2004.

Council believes:
1.    There should be an increased investment in Higher Education.
2.    Students should not have to pay up-front fees for an undergraduate education.
3.    Contributions by graduates towards higher education should be linked to their earnings and not the price of their tuition.
4.    There should be a structured business contribution to higher education encompassing both research and teaching.
5.    Student support should be based on what a student needs and not where or what a student studies.
6.    There should be one funding system for the whole of the United Kingdom.
7.    There should be a full review of the funding system for part time student fees.
8.    There should be greater regulation of post-graduate and international student fees.
9.    There should be review of support for post-graduate students.

Council resolves to:
1.    Mandate the OUSU President to set up and oversee a University Funding campaign that will     coordinate efforts to support funding systems that meet the principles Oxford students support.

Proposed: James Lamming (OUSU VP Access & Academic Affairs)
Seconded: Martin McCluskey (OUSU President)

6. Equivalent and Lower Level Qualifications

Council Notes:

1.    The contribution of the Continuing Education department to the pursuit of lifelong learning.
2.    That those currently wishing to take a course in an equivalent or lower level qualification (ELQ) from one already obtained have their fees partially subsidised by government.

Council Further Notes:

1.    That the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has proposed abolishing funding for ELQ courses, a proposal that has the backing of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
2.    That the proposal seeks to free up £100m of funding to be targeted at reaching the government’s 50% target for HE entry.
3.    That the DIUS Select Committee is investigating the impact of abolishing ELQ funding and met on Monday 21st January to take evidence from DIUS, and representatives from NUS, UCU and Birbeck College.
4.    That Oxford ranks third for Universities worst hit if the proposals are accepted, after the Open University and Birbeck College, London.
5.    That the Continuing Education Department will lose around 12% of its funding and there is potential for a great impact on the Theology Department and the PPHs, where many students are studying for a second BA.

Council Believes:

1.    That there should be commitment from Government to the principles of lifelong learning.
2.    That the 50% target is laudable, but should not be achieved in this way.
3.    That abolishing funding for ELQ will damage prospects for lifelong learning, for those looking to re-skill or those unable to find funding for further education from employers.
4.    That the proposals for ELQ contradict the recommendations of the 2007 Leitch Review which recommended government funding for NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) courses and underlined the need for a skilled and flexible labour force.
5.    That the impact on Oxford could be great, with the potential of damaging consequences for Continuing Education, the PPHs and the Theology Department.

Council Resolves:

1.    To oppose the government’s proposals for EQL.
2.    To mandate the OUSU President and Vice President (Graduates) to write to the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills outlining our opposition to the proposals.
Proposed: Martin McCluskey (OUSU President)
Seconded: Ingrid Frater (OUSU Vice President, Graduates)

7.    Alternative Assessment

Council notes:
1.    Oxford’s status as a world leading research University.
2.    Alternative assessment methods include, but are not limited to, dissertations, theses, extended essays, practical work, projects, field work and portfolios of work.
3.    The spectrum of assessment requirements for undergraduate degrees ranging from only final exams to optional thesis to compulsory thesis to combinations of extended essays, projects and portfolios of work.
4.    Some subjects allow students to complete an optional alternative method of assessment, the marks of which are substituted in place of their weakest examination marks during Final Honour Schools.

Council believes:
1.    Timed written examinations can assess a student’s knowledge, the ability under time pressure to assess multiple perspectives on a topic and present a concise and informed argument.
2.    Timed written examinations are less effective at assessing research skills such as a student’s ability to identify and appraise relevant sources independently, to present arguments and supporting evidence in depth, and to sustain and evaluate a long-term project. 
3.    A heavy emphasis on timed written examinations hampers students who are better able to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding of their subject through alternative assessment methods and only examines similar skills.
4.    It is more difficult to make adjustments for special educational needs and disability when the assessment structure is heavily weighted towards timed written exams and does not contain the flexibility to substitute alternative assessment methods for timed written examinations.

Council further believes:
1.    All Oxford undergraduate courses should have at least one compulsory module that is not assessed by a timed written examination, but by an alternative assessment method.  This will allow all students to develop research skills, including the ability to identify and appraise relevant sources independently, to present arguments and supporting evidence in depth, and to sustain and evaluate a long-term project. 
2.    All Oxford undergraduate courses should have at least one further optional module that is not assessed by a timed written examination, but by an alternative assessment method.
3.    All Oxford undergraduate courses should have the option of completing an optional alternative assessment method, where the mark for this can be substituted for their lowest examination mark in Final Honour Schools.

Council resolves to:
1.    Mandate the Vice President (Access and Academic Affairs) to communicate this policy to the     relevant committees.
2.    Mandate the Vice President (Access and Academic Affairs) to support JCC and Divisional Board     Reps to lobby their respective faculties and divisions to make the necessary changes to     assessment methods.

Proposed: James Lamming (OUSU VP Access & Academic Affairs)
Seconded: Ingrid Frater (OUSU VP Graduates)

8.    Language Centre

Council notes:
1.    The recent review of the Oxford Languages Centre, which requested a policy statement about the University’s commitment to students learning non-English languages.
2.    The importance of student views being included in this process.

Council believes (please amend this motion to include which statement best fits your CR view – you may substitute your own should you prefer, these are only suggestions):

1.    What language skills Oxford students should possess:   
A.    All Oxford students should graduate with competent communication skills in at least two different languages. 
B.    All Oxford students should graduate with basic communication skills in at least one language other than their native tongue.
C.    All Oxford students should graduate having had the opportunity to develop competent communication skills in at least two different languages. 
D.    All Oxford students should graduate having had the opportunity to develop basic communication skills in at least one language other than their native tongue.
E.    Oxford University should maintain the status quo of providing language support at different levels for some students.
F.    Oxford University should not provide any language learning opportunities to students outside their courses.

2.    How Oxford students should develop language skills:
A.    All courses should offer an optional language module, which can be taken instead of a traditional option for the course program and contribute to the final classification.
B.    All courses should offer options that allow students to use and develop language skills.
C.    Where reasonable, courses should offer options that allow students to use and develop language skills.
D.    Courses should only offer options that allow students to use and develop language skills when this is essential (e.g. use of foreign sources superior to translations).
E.    The Language Centre should provide language tuition separate to a student’s course.

3.        How Oxford students should be required to demonstrate language skills:   
A.     To receive a qualification from Oxford, language skills must be demonstrated as part of the degree/masters/doctorate program.
B.    To receive a qualification from Oxford, language skills must be demonstrated as part of a language course separate to the degree/masters/doctorate program.
C.    Language skills should only be mentioned on a transcript when a student has gained a qualification from the Oxford Language Centre.
D.    Language skills should only be mentioned on a transcript when a student has attended a course at the Oxford Language Centre.
E.    Language skills should not be mentioned on transcripts.


Council resolves to:
1.    Mandate the VP (Access and Academic Affairs) and VP (Graduates) to communicate these views     on the appropriate University committees.

Proposed: James Lamming (OUSU VP Access & Academic Affairs)
Seconded: Ingrid Frater (OUSU VP Graduates)

9.    Mardi Gras

Council Notes:
1.    That the Dawson Street Mardi Gras is taking place on 23rd February.

Council Further Notes:
1.    The Dawson Street Mardi Gras is an important event in the East Oxford calendar and brings together all sections of the community.
2.    That plans for this year include food sponsored by the Plain Traders Association, musical entertainment and an art exhibition by members of the Ruskin Art School.

Council Believes:
1.    That events that bring all sections of the community together are beneficial.
2.    Any opportunity to don a feather boa should not be missed.

Council Resolves:
1.    To publicise the Dawson Street Mardi Gras and encourage students to attend the event.
2.    To encourage JCR and MCR Presidents and others to advertise the event to their members.

Proposed: Martin McCluskey (OUSU President)
Seconded: Claire Addison (OUSU VP Charities & Community)

PLEASE PRINT A COPY OF THIS AGENDA AND TAKE IT WITH YOU TO THE MEETING

Amendments

c.    Ratifications in Council

The following motions were passed at PGA Tuesday 29th February 2008

1. Social Events - Alcohol

 
This Assembly notes that:
1. Many graduate students do not drink and so do not enjoy a lot of college and university functions which include alcohol, making some graduate students feel excluded.

This assembly resolves to:
1. Encourage Common Room Presidents and Entz Reps to organise more social events which do not include drinking alcohol. 
2. Mandate OUSU to survey graduate students at Oxford to get an idea on the non-drinking population and what types of events they might like to have.


Proposed: Alexandria Williams (St. Edmund Hall)
Seconded: Sarah Hutchinson (St Cross, OUSU Graduate Welfare Officer)

2. Motion in support of Baha'i students in Iran

 
Assembly Notes:
1. That according to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, higher education shall be made equally accessible to all, on the basis of capacity and regardless of religious affiliation.
2. That the Islamic Republic of Iran is a signatory to this and other human rights instruments.
3. That the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to systematically deny access to higher education to members of the Baha'i Faith in Iran on account of their religion.
4. That the St Antony's College JCR and the Wolfson College General Meeting have passed resolutions expressing their concern about this matter.

Assembly Believes:
1. That as an international student body we have a responsibility to speak out against the denial of access to higher education to fellow students in Iran.

Assembly Resolves:
1. That we express our deep concern and voice our opposition to this discrimination.
2. That we extend our hopes that attention be focused on urging the Islamic Republic of Iran to comply with the obligations of international human rights instruments to which it is a party.
3. That a letter to this effect be sent to Evan Harris, MP, Andrew Smith, MP, and to Gemma Tumelty, National President of the National Union of Students.

Proposed: Geoffrey Cameron (St Antony’s)
Seconded: Clare O’Brien (Wolfson)

3. Graduate Admissions

 
Assembly notes:
1. That the University is currently undergoing a widescale review of graduate admissions.

Assembly resolves:
1. To mandate the OUSU Graduate Executive members to work with this review and to lobby to ensure that the graduate admissions can be as straightforward and coordinated as possible.

Proposed: Ingrid Frater (VP Graduates)
Seconded: Herman Tam (Green, OUSU Graduate Academic Affairs Officer)

4. College Fees

 
Assembly notes: 
1. That college fees vary across the University, by up to about £300.
2. That college fees are set quite late in the year, and so it is impossible for students to budget accurately well in advance.

Assembly resolves:
1. To mandate the VP Graduates to lobby for more consistent college fees and an earlier setting of fees – both with domestic bursars and as part of the review of graduate admissions.

Proposed: Ingrid Frater
Seconded: Martin McCluskey

 

5. Graduate Student Academic Representation

 
Assembly notes:
1. That currently one undergraduate and one graduate student sit on each of the four divisional boards.
2. That the one graduate student is expected to represent both PGT (postgraduate taught) and PGR (postgraduate research) students.
3. That PGT and PGR students often have very different experiences and that their needs would be better represented by having one PGT and one PGR student representative on each Divisional Board.

Assembly resolves:
1. To mandate the VP Graduates and the VP Access and Academic Affairs to lobby for PGT and PGR representation on Divisional Boards, through Divisions and EPSC (Education Policy and Standards Committee).

Proposed: Ingrid Frater (VP Graduates)
Seconded: James Lamming (VP Access and Academic Affairs)

6. The future of PGA

 
Assembly notes: 
1. That PGA is not usually a well-attended forum.
2. That OUSU Council is a forum where undergraduates and graduates are able to bring motions.
3. That the VP Graduates is currently working to organise and speaker and discussion evening for all graduate students, looking at the University’s and OUSU’s work for graduate students.

Assembly resolves:
1. To mandate the OUSU Executive to continue to encourage graduate attendance at OUSU Council.
2. To pursue possible alternatives to PGA, in consultation with graduate students, and to reassess this situation in Trinity term. 

Proposed: Ingrid Frater (VP Graduates)
Seconded: Martin McCluskey (President)

d.    Elections in Council

OUSU Complaints Committee (1 place)    Sanjay Nanwani (St Peters)

 

Complaints Board Report to OUSU Council

The Complaints Board makes to following statement to OUSU Council;

On Monday 28th January, the Complaints Board met for the first time since its members were elected. The Complaints Board has elected John Maher of Keble College as Chair of the Complaints Board. The Complaints Board asks that the contact details of the Chair of the Complaints Board, which are listed below, be made available on the OUSU website and in the OUSU office;

John Maher, Keble College - john.maher@keble.ox.ac.uk