Gus' Tumblelog

Update on AGM Lobbying

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:22:19 +0000

Hi All,

Here’s a few updated things I’ve done to act on AGM motions.

Written to Vice Chancellor to ask to rename the Wills Memorial building the Harry Patch building. He said no.
Helped convince Sport, Exercise and Health to look at the possibility of an outdoor gym (but not at Royal Fort Gardens)
Worn a suit every Friday
Worked with Josh to persuade the University to take a new look at Widening Participation and encourage further offer contextualisation and state school recruitment.
Raised the possibility of having dedicated teaching staff in each department able to give proper attention to personal tutees.

More soon folks

gusbaker: Hi All, See the finished sabbatical action plans from...

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:08:29 +0000

gusbaker:

Hi All,

See the finished sabbatical action plans from the AGM here.

I’m particularly looking forward to lobbying for an outdoor gym! See potential picture above. The inclusion of a beautiful Mediterranean beach is something I’m particularly keen on.

Firstly, thanks so much to everyone who came to the...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:25:49 +0000

Firstly, thanks so much to everyone who came to the Students’ Union AGM last week. We’ve been through the records, and it was the best attended AGM event since 2001.

Have a look through our Prezi of achievements over the year below (it’s quite fun!).

More tomorrow/Saturday folks.

Video

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:27:11 +0000

Why I was out on picket lines supporting Bristol lecturers and...

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:20:45 +0000

Why I was out on picket lines supporting Bristol lecturers and support staff this morning.

Gus and J

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:38:37 +0000

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:59:46 +0000

Students' Conference

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:39:00 +0000

The Students’ Conference @ UBU kicked off with a bang on Saturday 29th October with over one hundred students participating throughout the day and many more stopping by to take part in student- and officer-led forums, browse stalls from various UBU and local groups and take advantage of the book sale run in collaboration with Amnesty and Oxfam.

Led by the Students’ Union Elected Officer Team, the Conference aimed to reinvigorate student engagement on important issues and help set a campaign-led agenda for the Students’ Union. The Conference was the first of its kind: a democratic, discussion and decision-making event set at the beginning of the acadmic year in order to give UBU officers and staff more time to implement and achieve what students say will make Bristol better.

The Students’ Conference isn’t revolutionary just for its timing; it is the first stage of an expanded, revitalised Students’ Union democratic process. A motion proposed by Union President Gus Baker at the first Student Council of the year will, if approved by the Students’ Union Trustee Board, allow all University of Bristol students to vote at Student Council. If approved, this new protocol will make Student Council a more regular and open decision-making body in which any student can participate. The Students’ Union will still hold an Annual Members Meeting, formerly known as the Annual General Meeting (AGM), at 2pm on the 9th of February 2012, but the Students’ Conference has laid a foundation for shorter, more efficient and effective democratic events that allow students to have their say about the issues that matter most to them.

Following an introduction by the Elected Officer Team, the Conference progressed with individual officer-led forums, which were a tremendous success. Students engaged with their officers and with each other on a range of issues including “How to Burst the Student Economic Bubble” led by VP Community Max Wakefield and the key issues relating to the UBU building refurbishment led by VP Activities Chris Ruff. Invaluable contributions were made in all discussions and copious notes were taken by students and UBU staff so that the ideas and issues raised during the forums can contribute to Students’ Union activity throughout the year.

After a break for lunch the decision-making session of the Conference commenced. It followed the same format as a Student Council meeting with Council Chair Max Kiralfyi, who was elected during the March 2011 elections, firmly but fairly controlling the debate. Despite a time restriction of 90 minutes, seven of the nine motions were passed including Pro-Choice Policy, Unethical Companies at Careers Fair and Support Occupy Bristol. For a full list of motions please see the Student Voice section of the website. Motions that were not voted on will be discussed at the next Student Council in December.

If you attended the event and have any feedback or were unable to attend and would like to find out more about UBU, campaigning or how to get involved, please e-mail ubu-representation@bristol.ac.uk.

Sports, housing, books and bursaries

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:10:29 +0100

Hi All,

Here’s an update of the issues I’ve been working on. On top of this, we’re busting a gut to get Students’ Conference and part time elections ready to go. Check both out here.

Sports

We’ve made significant progress on winning affordable, flexible sports passes- but there’s still a long way to go. It looks like from 2012 we can wave goodbye to upfront costs, as students will be able to pay with direct debits instead. More work on making the passes more affordable and flexible will be needed. If you’re particularly incensed by the prohibitive cost of sport- why not email Simon.Hinks@bristol.ac.uk and copy me in.

Housing

With inflation soaring, rent increases in years to come are inevitable. We’re working with the housing office and residences to make sure that a) all UoB accommodation is of a decent standard, b) budget accommodation is available and c) that rents don’t go up by large amounts in residences where quality is low.

Books

I’m meeting the Vice Chancellor, Faculty Deans, the head of Library Services and more to discuss the outrage of departments that take your fees and refuse to provide you with adequate resources for you to complete your degree. This subject shall be a campaign priority in November. Watch this space!

Bursaries

The University’s cut to bursaries is a disgrace. It will force students into hardship and poverty. It may block access to Bristol for many. Check here for more details. Rest assured- I won’t be afraid to challenge the University’s decisions on this issue.

All for now. If you care about any of the above. Turn up to Students’ Conference!

Students Conference @ UBU

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:55:32 +0100

On the 29^th of October the Students’ Conference @ UBU will provide a brand new forum for debate, discussion and a chance to shape your Union and University experience. Meetings in the past have too often been filled with long speeches, dry introductions and pointless procedure. The new Students’ Conference will allow students to speak their minds in smaller groups- tackling the issues that really matter.

Our University is at a turning point. Next year all courses at Bristol will cost an eye watering £9,000 for an experience no better than it is now. We are missing our targets for getting people from ordinary backgrounds into Bristol. Meanwhile, bursaries have been cut and student numbers expanded- putting pressure on the University’s key infrastructure.

As a Students’ Union we need to know how you think we should respond to these challenges. We need to know what’s great about Bristol and what needs to be better. We need to know what you want us to do about living costs, sports passes and facilities, contact time, library opening hours, support services, community relations and any other issues that are relevant to you.

The day will start with an intro from the Sabbatical Officers, explaining our agenda for the year. We will then move to small forums where you can debate the issues and tell us what is that you want us to do. There will then be a short AGM style decision zone where controversial motions will be argued out.

There has never been a more important time to debate the issues around your education. Your Students’ Union is committed to standing up to the University and the government to get you the best possible deal. But we can’t do it without you. Come to Students’ Conference to have your say and help make Bristol better.

Welcome (back)!!

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:32:05 +0100

Hello and welcome back all!

Over the next week me and all the other Sabbatical Officers will be out in halls, on campus welcoming freshers, returners and making sure everyone is settling in OK.

We’re also really excited about the UBU Freshers Fair on Thursday and Friday. Come along to sign up to clubs and societies, stand for election for one of the part time officer posts or get involved in one of our campaigns.

This year we’ve got a packed calendar of democratic events. It’s our job to make sure that YOU are in charge of your Students’ Union and can help make your experience at Bristol better. See the democratic calendar below to find out when our events are. Details of locations will be confirmed shortly.

For those of you who want to know what we’ve been up to since July have a look at my report to the Universities Student Affairs Committee here. I’m really pleased to be able to announce that Bristol has agreed to open up a new, value for money cafe in the old Refectory and that it looks like a deal on making student sports passes more flexible is imminent.

Whatever you do over your first term at Bristol, make sure you get involved with your Students’ Union and enjoy your freshers week!

Survey: Bristol Disability Cuts. What should we do?

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:51:00 +0100

Demos, a leading think tank, has found that Bristol City Council’s cuts to disability services represent one of the most damaging reductions in support for disabled people in the whole of the UK. Out of 152 Councils analysed- Demos’ report found that Bristol’s cuts would be the 5th most severe. (See report here)

Many students are affected by disability cuts. Those studying at Bristol may be disabled themselves, have caring responsibilities, or have relatives and friends who will be affected by Bristol City Council’s decisions.

Should Sabbatical Officers of the University of Bristol Students’ Union (UBU) campaign against cuts to disability services in our city?

Answer our survey by clicking here.

Not ducking responsibilities.

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:01:00 +0100

Hello All,

Everything at UBU is going swimmingly. We are preparing for our brand new Students’ Conference to be held at the end of October. It will be your chance to shape how your students’ union operates for the year ahead. We’ve been working on a ‘Love Music, Hate Racism’ event at Start the Bus to celebrate Black History Month (much better than a ‘Love Racism, Hate Music’ event IMHO).We are working on opening our new Student Info Service next to the Arts and Social Science Library bringing advice, support, campaigns and welfare services nearer to you.

As well as having purchased my new novelty duck phone, (see pic above); I have been hard at work putting in place my manifesto commitments. I can’t give full details until plans have been fully approved- but watch this space for better sports passes and cheaper cafes.

Me and the sabb team are also putting together a coordinated campaign against the University of Bristol’s unfair decision to scrap bursaries for the poorest students. This decision will make studying at our institution unaffordable for those from lower income backgrounds. Have a look at my statement to the University Student Affairs Committee here for more.

More to come soon on all of the above. Get in touch with me at ubu-president@bristol.ac.uk if you got any questions!

The cash in your pocket

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:55:00 +0100

Students are feeling the pinch. Rising inflation coupled with frozen grants and loans are meaning students across the UK are struggling with their finances. The University of Bristol is threatening to make the problem worse. UoB is cancelling bursaries for the poorest students from 2012-3. All of us at the Students’ Union will be campaigning throughout the year to convince the the University to reverse their decision.

Our policy paper “Student Poverty at Bristol University” shows the impact of the bursary cuts at UoB. (This is a draft copy, it will be added to right up until the end of the month).

The paper shows that students from modest backgrounds have to make up significant deficits in their own finances on top of the money they get given in their grant and loan. If both of your parents are nurses paid £25k and you are careful with your money at University, you still need to make around £1954 from other sources just to break even. That might mean working long hours, with inevitable impacts on your academic performance.

On the issue of Sports Passes, UBU has discovered that Bristol has the highest, least flexible costs for exercise in the Russell Group of Universities. Our paper “Too Poor to Play” sets out the case for a cheaper better way to pay for your sports pass.

That’s all for now. Remember to get in touch with me at ubu-president@bristol.ac.uk to tell me what you think of our campaigns or what you think we should be talking about.

We need you.

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:48:51 +0100

Hello all. Apologies for my silence last week. I was on holiday in Istanbul. It was bloody great.

Since my return I’ve been working on setting up the campaigns that the Student’s Union will be running this year. You might even recognise them from my manifesto. Before we take action as a Students Union, we need to build up a solid evidence base to convince the University to act on student’s behalf. As you might see from the below each of our campaigns are at this “evidence gathering” stage. If you can help- please get in touch.

Student Poverty

The high cost of housing and rising inflation is hitting students hard. It is not just those from the poorest families who struggle at Bristol, but also those who don’t qualify for any government benefits. Working long hours part time while doing a full time degree has inevitable impacts on academic success. Making it even worse from 2012/13 The University of Bristol is cutting its bursary scheme, making poor students even poorer. It is my personal determination as President of the Students’ Union to fight against unnecessary financial hardship for our members. My manifesto commitments, listed below, address this in a very real way.

We will not accept students at the University of Bristol being forced into poverty.

A flexible, affordable sports pass.

During the election campaign I promised to fight for a flexible, affordable sports pass. Bristol charges more to take part in sport and exercise than almost any other University in the UK. This excludes those students who have very little. During the past fortnight me and Dom (VP Sport) have been compiling comparative data on Sports Passes from different universities with the aim of writing a report entitled “Too Poor to Play” by September. If the University accepts our recommendations for a flexible and affordable sports pass, great. If they don’t, watch this space.

A cheap student run café.

Time for a bit of mea culpa. When I ran for election, I had very little idea that plans for the old Natwest building had been finalised. The “student info point” will be the one stop shop for help with your course, information about UBU events and campaigns and welfare support. There is no room for a student café in it. I didn’t realise this at the time and probably should have. My fault. I’m sorry.

Instead I am working with the University catering services to make food and drink provision on campus better. During November me and other sabbatical officers will be visiting the libraries with cafes asking you what you think of them. Too expensive? Good value for money? If you report significant dissatisfaction with the cafes, we will take action to investigate alternatives. If you report that you think they’re great, then that’s great. As usual, it’s up to you.

Course costs

We believe it is unacceptable and unfair for Bristol University to ask its students to pay tuition fees for their courses- and then ask them to pay again for books and resources. During the Autumn term we’ll be asking you to send in examples of your department asking you to spend money unreasonably. We are guided by a simple principle here: if it is essential for your course. It is essential that the University provides it free of charge. If this campaign is to be a success we need to hear from you!

That’s about it for the moment. If you want to get in touch email me at ubu-president@bristol.ac.uk.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Utøya

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 20:54:42 +0100

Yesterday on the island of Utøya in Norway 85 young people were murdered for daring to have a political opinion. I’d like to express the deepest condolences from the University of Bristol Students’ Union to all the families and friends of those killed and injured.

Members of the Norwegian Young Labour Party (AUF) were on the island to debate politics and engage in democracy. They knew that when young people work together and campaign for change, they can shape the society that they live in.

Today we stand together with all those affected, the NUS-Norway and our sister Students’ Unions across the country.

Hello all and welcome to my new blog

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:37:56 +0100

As President of Bristol Students Union, it is my job to make your voice heard to the University and the wider world. I will be updating this blog weekly explaining what I’ve been doing to fight for you in Bristol.

Already me, Max, Sophie, Chris, Dom and Josh have been busy being shown the ropes by the previous sabbatical team. For the last two weeks during “handover” period we have been learning exactly how Bristol University works (and sometimes doesn’t). We are in the process of developing the plans to put our manifesto promises into action. Next week’s blog will have a full run-down of what I will be doing throughout the year to make your time at Bristol better.

For now, have a look at our “statement of intent” which we are sending to the senior managers at the University of Bristol. At UBU we believe that our University must do more to address the slump in our position in the national league tables. The letter below sets out how we think we can do this.

Whatever you do this year, get involved with your Students’ Union. Whether it be through clubs and societies or our local and national campaigns – we have so much to offer.

See you around!

Gus