Hilary 2006

Post Graduate Assembly -  February 23rd 2006
6pm Lincoln College

1. Elections by PGA

a) Graduate Executive Officer
– Alexander Oshmyansky (St. Cross)
b) Joint Committee of Council with Student Members
– Krishna Omkar (Merton)
c) Maths & Physical Sciences Divisional Board Rep
d) Management of the Language Centre

2. Reports
a) Vice-President (Graduates)
b) Graduate Executive
c) Divisional Board Representatives
d) Management Committees

3. Motions

a) Continuation Fees

The Assembly notes:
1. That since 1999 some colleges have introduced fees or charges for graduate students beyond fee-paying status.
2. That the University is now considering introducing its own charges for students in this position.
3. That at the time PGA opposed the introduction of college fees unless they were:
i. Advertised in advance of admission,
ii. To only apply to new students, and
iii. Levied for a defined and transparent set of services.

The Assembly resolves:
1. To similarly oppose the introduction of continuation fees by the University
2. To conduct a survey investigating the reasons for over-running research projects and co-operate with the University in tackling these.

b) Graduate Executive Reforms

The Assembly notes:
1. That the current system of the OUSU Part-Time Executive is under review.
2. That the new system would have officers elected to the following specific portfolios: i. Graduate Academic Affairs Officer, ii. Graduate Women’s Officer, iii. Graduate Welfare Officer.
3. That the portfolio of International Students would formally be made open to both graduate and undergraduates.

The Assembly resolves:
1. To present to 7th Week Council our views on the reforms and seek a review of their efficacy for graduate involvement once implemented.

c) Vice-President (Graduates)

The Assembly notes:
1. That OUSU employ (with partial funding from the University) a full-time sabbatical officer to deal with graduate concerns.
2. That we have, over a number of years, had difficulty filling this post due to the nature of graduate study and the likely career paths of finishing students.
3. That the issue of the Vice-President (Graduates) has been discussed at almost every PGA in recent memory, with some members reporting reaching increasing clarity and consensus.

The Assembly resolves:
1. To discuss the issues again with a view to achieving further clarity.

d) Violent Campaigning Groups in Oxford

The Assembly notes:
1. That the University’s building of a new biomedical research facility has attracted animal rights protesters to Oxford.
2. That within this group are a significant element who have allegedly resorted to intimidation, violence and arson in the pursuit of their aims.
3. That the opponents of the lab have, until this week, had a virtual monopoly on media coverage.
4. That a student based group ‘Pro-Test’, has been formed and will be holding peaceful rallies supporting the legitimacy of animal testing and the University’s building policy.

The Assembly believes:
1. That students working on research in all parts of the University have the right to do so free of intimidation.
2. That students engaged in research should be able to opt out of any given experiment based on conscientious objection.
3. That freedom of expression and the right to protest can only exist in an atmosphere free of the threat of violence.
4. That research involving animals is scientifically legitimate and ethically justifiable.
5. That the aims of Pro-Test are compatible with the interests of graduate students.

The Assembly resolves:
1. To condemn the use of violence and destruction of property by protesting groups.
2. To support Pro-Test, and help with advertising their presence and activities to graduate students.