AGM Motion Tracker

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Climate Literacy” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Students are not educated enough about climate change. They are not taught how to live a more sustainable life; not only in their free-time but also in their future work environment. At RGU, students are not being taught how to "change our tomorrow" if the environmental impact of every course is not considered. Students need to know how to use their skills to improve our world.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Scotland has declared a climate emergency. Climate change is happening and to provide a future for following generations we need to act now. The climate crisis concerns each and everyone. It is not enough if only Go Green members are educated about the topic and think about ways how to connect their knowledge to their future job.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

We believe that every student should have a fundamental understanding of climate change and that climate literacy be included in every course. In every course the topic should be addressed through a module or a lesson that discusses how each field can address and adapt to the climate crisis. Every student can also be given the option to attain a recognised climate literacy qualification (e.g. the keep Scotland beautiful carbon literacy qualification).

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Student Climate Assembly” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Climate change is an existential threat to society on every level and while there has been global agreement on the need to tackle the climate emergency through the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 2 degrees, government policies are not commensurate with the reductions in carbon emissions as required by this legally binding agreement. In fact scientific analysis of our fair carbon budget reveals that we have only 6-9 years of current emissions before the 1.5degree climate warming threshold is reached. Meanwhile there is a low awareness among the general population of the large scale impacts this will have on our lives and changes we need to make to mitigate climate change. This is especially true in Aberdeen where analysis shows that the transition to renewable energy needs to happen much faster.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Current government policy puts the UK and Scotland on track for 3 to 4 degrees of warming and scientific predictions show that this could lead to rising sea levels, flooding, biodiversity loss, food chain disruption and more. Without properly informed students we cannot hope to change our tomorrow and transition to net zero in time. And we may end up chasing the wrong solutions, or solution that won't be ready in time.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Part of the solution is informing the student population and allowing them to have their say in the policies of governments and universities. To that end the Scottish Government this year conducted The Scottish Climate Assembly. 100 randomly selected members of the public were presented with independent science and information about the facts relating to climate change and government policy and allowed to draw their own conclusions about the information presented. This audience were then asked to make recommendations on their findings that would inform government policy. We propose that RGU conduct its own Climate Assembly, picking 100 students and staff at random, to take part. Then listen to the recommendations of those who take part. GoGreen can actively help to facilitate this.

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Climate Emergency” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Scientific studies have shown that Scotland has 6-9 years due to their current emission rates. To respond to that crisis the Scottish Government have declared a climate emergency. We believe the university should follow the Scottish government footsteps and declare climate emergency. We won’t have a future if we don’t face this reality and make the changes that are needed.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Climate change isn’t going to go away even if we don’t talk about it. We have less than 10 years before it’s too late to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. Without declaring a climate emergency, there will be doubt that the university take the matters about a just transition to renewable energy seriously.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

With the other solutions we proposed you, we believe that declaring a state of climate emergency is necessary to make more people aware of this situation and start working on it. It would also send a clear signal to all that RGU take the climate emergency seriously.

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Equal Resources and Additional Support for Students” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way that we learn. We have become an online student community meaning most students are studying in their accommodation. This comes at an additional cost to many students, at a time when lots of students have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Working from our accommodation means bigger heating bills and an increased amount spent of study resources, such as laptops, broadband and other study resources, including books, notepads and pens. Currently, whilst there are developments in terms of supporting students with the provision of food and hygiene products, there does not seem to be any acknowledgement that students can struggle to afford study resources.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

These issues are having a major effect on students’ physical and mental health. In addition to this, the lack of a safe and comfortable environment or adequate resources makes it harder for students to concentrate on their studies, impacting their grades and therefore their long-term employment prospects. We should be closing the gap of this inequality by ensuring every student has the environment and resources they need.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

In the short term, the Students’ Union should investigate the possibility of investing in resources that students need – such as blankets and study materials – making these available through the union’s website, like the free sanitary products. Longer term, the Students’ Union should work with the University to investigate how student hardship funds can be increased and widely publicised, to ensure that no RGU student has to study and learn in these conditions

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “International Students Hardship Support” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

As a result of the pandemic that shook everyone in the UK and all over the world, students have been struggling to make ends meet in the UK. Almost a year after the first lockdown and some students have not been able to cope with the hurdles of daily living and self sponsorship in the UK.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

The pandemic caused a massive shift in everyday lives. Jobs were lost, and the overall decline in employment have hit international students and particularly the Black and minority ethnic members harder. This has caused a decline in student motivation and overall success rates in academic performance

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

A hardship fund accessible to international students studying at RGU to assist and support with the aftermath and continuing effects of surviving during a pandemic, losing jobs, not being able to secure jobs because of the rigors of academic and financial sustainability

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “European Student Group” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

With Brexit, and the Erasmus program withdrawal, the status of EU/EEA student will drastically change. As we are EU students ourselves, we understand how much this change can affect a student's current and future situation.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

This change can represent stress and confusion regarding the current EU/EEA student status, as well as deteriorate the attractiveness of RGU in Europe. UK and EU countries are members of the same continent, and the cultures are similar in many ways. Brexit creates a separation of the students by UK and Non-UK status, although RGU has so much more diversity to be proud of. Additionally, unlike with international and continental societies, RGU counts very few country-based or Europe-based societies, providing difficulties to represent and share our culture with other interested students.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

A group would provide advice and support to European students currently in the university, but additionally to European student looking to join the RGU. It can be achieved by giving opportunities to network with other EU/EEA students, animated activities, and cultural exchanges. Additionally, a presence at the RGU Open Days could reaffirm RGU's unconditional support to European students, therefore enhancing its attractiveness to EU/EEA students. It would give the impression of a progressive policy, allowing the European culture to bloom along with the other continental cultures. This group could become a steppingstone of a supportive and united community. In conclusion, it would make Brexit transition as smooth as possible for current and future students in addition to create an outstanding attractiveness in Europe in comparison to other universities

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Online Study Group Sessions – Let’s Study Together!” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Because of COVID-19 lockdown, students cannot meet on campus to study together, network, and share ideas and encourage each other. In this situation, many of them lack motivation, cannot focus, and tend to procrastinate more than before, when it comes to working on assignments, studying for exams, or writing coursework from the space of their own home.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Due to governmental restrictions, students are not allowed to go to the library, and it is not safe for them to go to cafes either to study with their classmates. Some do not have the option to separate the living space from the study space, and because they are unable to change the environment, they cannot focus very well. This also has an impact on their social and community life.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

This idea provides students an opportunity of collaborative study and productivity sessions by joining an organised online ‘study group’ timetabled in the afternoons/evenings. By signing up, students from all Schools would have an option to join a Zoom/Microsoft Teams group of students who aim to work on their coursework and be more productive. Seeing others study would motivate them and give them a sense of community. This means that students would have their cameras on for accountability and their microphones off for focus. However, those who want to join the session with their camera off are still welcome. During the session, the Pomodoro technique would help students manage their time more effectively and allow them to discuss during the breaks what they have managed to do and be more collaborative. Students would also have the option to be part of breakout rooms where they could discuss similar topics and ask for advice or feedback on coursework. The shared encouragement would help students get through stressful times and enable them to deal with difficult situations in the future and become more resilient. Some students might set up their own study groups or are part of study groups organised by their lecturers. However, others might not have this opportunity, do not know how to arrange sessions like these, or did not build relationships with their classmates yet due to studying from home. Therefore, this concept aims to open the doors to all students, no matter the School, course, or stage, who used to study in the library, learning centre, studios, or cafes, and cannot focus to study from home, and want to regain their motivation and sense of community

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Classes on a Wednesday Afternoon” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Despite an agreement and frequent instruction from the University’s most senior management, including the Principal, many students still find themselves with classes on a Wednesday afternoon.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

A Wednesday afternoon should be an opportunity for students from all backgrounds to take part in extracurricular activities, whether this be sport, societies, other student activities or just taking a break from studies. At a time when we’re all spending so much time in the same space, it’s crucial that students have the time to get up, get out and get some fresh air – and it will be just as important as on campus learning is phased back in.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

All university timetables should be blocked out between 12pm and 5pm on a Wednesday afternoon as default, giving both staff and students the chance to have some time away from work/studying and take part in activity together.

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Transgender and Non-Binary Rights” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Robert Gordon University does not provide enough for the LGBTQIA+ committee. We seek signs that could welcome our Trans+ community however none appear. For example, the matter with pronouns stems from trans activism, which promotes the notion of gender identity. The idea that you are a man, or a woman is not based on biological sex but a subjective feeling of self-perception. Therefore, it is important that people use it in day-to-day life and have the opportunity to select correct pronouns. Additionally, the university can deliver much more for the community to create a safer space for the most marginalized of our society.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

As members of the LGBTQ+ community, we observe the improvements universities, companies and organizations across the world are doing in regards to supporting the trans and non-binary community. We have heard heart-breaking testimonies of trans+ students here at RGU whose experiences are worsened by the inactivity of our university. Therefore, we call the university to action to lessen the gender dysphoria caused to so many. In our country alone, there are up to 500 000 trans and non-binary people so why are we minimizing this community? It is not just the fact that our inaction can lead to depression and suicide, but if change would happen it could attract more trans+ folx who could feel safe at RGU and give our university a better image in the public’s eye.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

The LGBTQIA+ Network Committee expect the university to provide the opportunity for students to select pronouns while enrolling at the University, provide training to staff on trans and non-binary rights (provided by Trans+ folx), and arrange for gender inclusive bathrooms / changing rooms across the campus

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Tuition Fees Discount for International Students” was amended to “Tuition Fees Discount/Rebates for All Fee-Paying Students”. Members voted in favour of making this applicable to all fee paying students and not exclusively for international students. Members also voted in favour of ensuring the current academic year is taken into consideration in addition to any other years affected. The amended motion was passed, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

International students are still required to pay full fees during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is increasingly difficult for international students who have lost income and are not getting the same experience.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

1- Economic impact of pandemic - it's more difficult to raise and pay the tuition fees now because of loss of jobs, and drastic reduction in income & earning power 2- Considerable drop in holistic experience gained due to need to switch away from alternatives to face to face / physical sessions and environments

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

The Students’ Union should work with the University & NUS to look into the possibility of implementing tuition fee discounts for international students as a fallout of the current covid-19 pandemic

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Student IT Feedback Framework” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2021.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

IT systems affect both students and staff, and a framework does not currently exist to help support students give this feedback, and therefore it may be lost or not acted on

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Utilising general student feedback along with the hidden network of student subject matter experts has value to both RGU and the wider community. We are all missing out on the value that this brings.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Create a framework to provide an approachable no judgemental feedback channel for the student voice and considerations towards a subcommittee or committee position(s) to support this.

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Bus Stop Accessibility Problem” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2020.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

The bus stop at RGU is in a location which makes it difficult for people going between buildings to walk on the pavement, especially when people are coming off or going on the bus.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

It makes the University look inaccessible. People who are in wheelchairs or have to use a cane to get places are especially affected by this. If it’s difficult for an able-bodied student to move past the queue of students then imagine how difficult it is for someone who isn’t able-bodied.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Reassess where the bus stop could go on campus OR try and figure out a way to make this area of campus more accessible for students.

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Eliminate Student Hunger and by extension Anxiety, Stress and Shame.” was amended to “Eliminate Student Hunger and by extension Anxiety, Stress and Shame and for the RGU:Union fruit bowl to be available all year-round”. Members voted in favour of the fruit bowl, which is normally available during exam periods, being made available year-round.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

RGU: Union should take action against hunger, so students can focus on their coursework to obtain their degrees. There’s a good chance that several people at RGU are dealing with this issue. This is the time to end the issue for the students at RGU.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

It is an issue that should not exist in 2020 on RGU campus. Students have enough to worry about (exams, papers, tuition, rent, etc…) so let this issue end and let it be one less worry for students.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

A Foodbank to provide free food items to students so that they can take them home and prepare a meal.

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Install Reverse Vending Machines on Campus” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2020.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Recycling bins are a good idea but they rely on a student’s good conscience for them to be used to their maximum potential. Many students discard their rubbish, recyclable or not, into the general waste bins and, as a result, those bins often fill up quite quickly with waste that ought to be recycled.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

With green policy becoming a more pressing issue by the day, it is time to - at least partially - rethink how to incentivise students to recycle.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Installing Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) on campus will incentivise students to recycle their empty beverage containers (plastic/glass bottles and cans). For example, every container put into an RVM could reimburses the user 10-15p. This will encourage students to recycle more as they will be able to save money. Installing them near food and drink outlets would help promote their use.

Many supermarkets and universities across the U.K. have already installed RVMs - It is time for RGU to do the same!

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Take Action on Road Infrastructure” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2020.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Aberdeen’s street layout is designed to favour vehicles over cyclists and pedestrian. Cycle lanes do not continually run in a seamless, uninterrupted manor. There is substantial congestion in and around Union Street with air pollution close to the legal limit. Union Street has also seen a footfall reduction leading to a 1/5 of business premises being left empty.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Commuting by car has a 32% higher chance of death compared to cycling or walking. In Scotland, 2/3 people are overweight/obese at a cost of £600 million pa to the NHS, and air pollution costs the lives of 2500 people and the economy £1.1 billion pa.

Aberdeen’s street layout has led to a disconnect between citizens and the streets on which they inhabit. Union Street is divided by a 4-lane street which results in a social disconnection. This is a leading factor in store closures on Union street as people avoid the divided city-centre. Additionally, as evidenced by the reduction in footfall, the multi-store car parks have not brought economic success to the centre, and now high-street bosses are calling for the pedestrianization of Union street.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

RGU should commit to the aiding of development of pedestrianization, cycling and road infrastructure within Aberdeen. Contact and links with the main authorities controlling and influencing city planning need to be developed. We should aim to accumulate and use data to help influence city planning and assist in determining road layout.

Road layout should aim to segregate the three groups (bike lanes protecting cyclist from vehicles and cyclists from pedestrians) to solve the problem of differential speed. We should aim to produce detailed plans on the changes needing to be implemented to increase footfall in the centre and the number of people commuting by walking/cycling.

RGU should commit itself to producing a presentation for the public to be shown to via an open evening at RGU so that feedback and subsequent alterations can be made before presenting to the council with the goal of influencing the next transport strategy, which begins 2021.

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Prayer Room in the Sir Ian Wood Building” was amended to “Multi-Faith Prayer Room in the Sir Ian Wood Building”. Members voted in favour of making any prayer facility accessible to people of all faiths.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Students, staff, lectures, and guests of the Islam faith should have a convenient space available especially when students are studying or writing papers. Taking the time to go to the Chaplain’s building/Kaim is not suitable when the weather is bad or when people are unable to walk that far. Prayer mats should also be available.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Some Muslims are currently seen praying in stairwells or hallways. This does not create a sense of inclusivity. The act of not having a prayer room, gives the message that we know you are here and you are tolerated, but you are not fully accepted.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

A dedicated prayer-room. Perhaps, next to the mail room if space is not available or one of the breakout rooms could be converted.

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Society Productivity Suite Upgrade” was passed, with no amendments, at the Union’s AGM 2020.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Societies struggle with signing into devices and using G-Suite. All committee members use one account per society; this one account system is due to the limitations of the Union’s G-Suite system, where there is a restriction on the number of users. An alternative, Microsoft Office suite, is more popular and more widely used.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Due to the single account implementation of G-Suite, Google’s security mechanisms fight against societies. It detects multiple devices and people simultaneously using one account, this can lead to: messaging verification request codes around; auto-signed out of devices; auto-sign out, when two people use the web app; emails being marked as read for everyone, after one member read the email.

Other notable issues are: limited storage; insufficient tracking of changes in documents; account freezing.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Office 365 and Teams are office apps and services people use every day. Teams is the central hub where all the apps work together, allowing presentations, meeting minutes, communication, plans and more to exist together in an easy to use app.

G-Suite can’t compare to the ease of use and familiarity that Office 365 provides. RGU students use Office 365 at university and at home already, and these are the same tools used by industry professionals. A society with better tools can spend less time managing tasks and more time running events and giving better experiences to students. This will also help new committees as they should easily be able to work with the documents and plans after a hand over.

RGU will need to install Microsoft Teams on PCs across university so you don’t have to use the web or phone app (including RGU MyApps). The Microsoft default storage limit for Teams is 2TB or Unlimited; if RGU has changed it, a reasonable amount should be agreed between the Union and RGU.

WHAT IS THE MOTION?

The original motion “Bring Back RGU’s Social Spaces” was amended to “Bring Back RGU’s Social Spaces and a Bar”. Members voted in favour of including a bar as part of social space development plans.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

RGU social spaces on Campus and in Aberdeen for students to socialise and relax no longer exist.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

These spaces were for students to do what they wanted with them, being students! Meeting friends, new people and even people from a different school or university. These interactions are now far from common. This is a key part of student life and should be brought back.

If you aren’t in student accommodation, you may not have experienced meeting people at all, apart from in classes. This disconnect with the community of students needs to be resolved.

Aberdeen and universities across the U.K. already have their own, and this may also help RGU to maintain its student satisfaction rating.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

RGU will work with the Union to reinstate equivalent or improved social spaces through, but not limited to: Provisioning of new, existing or reconfigured premises; Setting out a timetable for the planning and executing of this project that is ratified by the Union; Publication of plans and timetables to ensure accountability of the University to the will of its students; Actively promote these spaces as part of student life; Publication of quarterly progress reports on the project until completion (as ratified by the Union).