Monday 27 April 2009

NUS Conference 2009







At the end of March I attend NUS Annual Conference 2009 in Blackpool as delegation leader, with 16 student delegates from across campus elected back in November. The official report of conference can be found on:http://resource.nusonline.co.uk/media/resource/conferenceenewsletterfinal2009.pdf This will also outline all the election results for the National Executive Committee.

What’s the NUS?
The NUS (National Union of Students) is what is says on the tin. It is there to defend and extend the rights of students. It exists to be the national voice of students. Most student unions across the country have chosen to affiliate with the NUS and pay a membership. The Guild’s fee is £47,000 which is why it is important we engage with the NUS because there is a lot we have to get out of it.
http://www.nus.org.uk/
http://www.officeronline.co.uk/

What is Annual Conference?
Annual Conference is the highest decision-making body of NUS, which takes place each spring and runs for three days. Every subscribing college or university sends representatives to participate in Conference, passing policy that sets the priorities of the National Union for the coming year.Conference determines the policy and decides the major campaigns to be run to benefit the student movement, and by being part of the NUS the Guild, through its delegates, gets its say in the direction the NUS should take.
Here are some of the policies and campaigns are the NUS following this year....







  • Bin the Broke and Broken HE Funding System, calling for a fairer fees system based on ability to learn not pay. Check out the report http://www.nus.org.uk/en/Campaigns/Broke-and-Broken/Broke-and-Broken-the-report



  • Roll out a national system of activist academies, training students and their unions to consistently campaign on the rights of students



  • Support student activities and development



  • Support student unions in making ethical and environmental choices



  • To support unions and their sports teams with initiations policies



  • To lobby and campaign for the end to age discrimination in the National Minimum Wage. So all people can have a living wage!



  • Review Postgraduate tuition fees



  • Support and encourage the promotion of the “Hope not Hate” campaign to encourage voting in the European elections and fight against the rise of racist and fascist parties. Check it out http://hopenothate.org.uk/

All the policies passed can be found on: http://resource.nusonline.co.uk/media/resource/AC09_CD19_Minutes%20and%20Resolutions.pdf


On a personal note I was disturbed to hear of the racist attacks and abuse experienced by number of delegates in Blackpool. I have asked the NUS President and the Black Students Officer to formally look into this.

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