Blog
Officer Report, Jan 2008
Since the last Union General Meeting, I’ve:
• Helped co-ordinate and run the electronic voting system for JCRC elections.
• Held by-elections and co-options for Union committee elections
• Attended the NUS Extra-ordinary conference in December
• Held numerous Finance Committees where we
o Allocated the Spring term Society budget
o Allocated the JCRC grants and passed their budgets for the year
• Held a de-breif meeting with the University on Freshers Week and the events week events
• Attended numerous meetings with the University where we’ve discussed
o Marquees for colleges next Freshers week and Heslington East
o Event booking forms and progress on making the system electronic
o Current bridge closures and the state of paths around campus, and how this will be rectified
o The shortage of storage space on campus for all groups.
o Replacement signage for Retreat Lane
o Collaborative initiatives with the University on issues such as recycling
o Discussing the impact of asbestos checks in areas of the University, including the Library.
o Various works around the University to make it more attractive, encompassing student opinion.
• Attended many Union meetings including Rules, Ents, Exec and Senate where I’ve been actioned on various counts to liaise with the University on issues that have arisen.
• Presented the Union’s annual financial report to the University Finance Committee.
• Ordered a replacement minibus for the vehicle fleet
• Submitted the NUSSL Sound Impact award with the Environment and Ethics Officers and the Union Manager.
• Held numerous event panel meetings to discuss issues that have arisen with individuals at campus events.
• Overseen web development of the YUSU website back-end and the introduction of new features to speed up use by Union officers, staff and students. To note, YUSU News, Daily Info and the Events calendar are all accessible by any University Staff member or student.
• Negotiated with York Racecourse with regards to Summer Ball and worked on new menu options. Held meetings with equipment providers and negotiating contracts. Begun to book new acts for the ball and sign contracts.
• Discussed and lobbied for additional cycle storage on campus due to increasing pressure on parking spaces.
• Trained the new treasurers and ordinary members of Finance Committee for the forthcoming year.
• Met with First York (FTR) with regards to the increased bus fares and working to try and lower the cost for students who use the bus service.
• Planned and organised the Viking Raid 2 for next week!
• Participated in meetings with regards to the Governance of the Students’ Union and changes necessary for the forthcoming Charities bill.
• Attended numerous interview sessions for new members of Union staff.
• Met with the consultant who is undertaking the Union audit and spent time discussing the workload of officers and staff.
• Submitted a counter proposal to the University with regards to campus bar closures, for YUSU to takeover the operation of one of the proposed bars to be closed.
• Wrote a paper for and attended a Student Centre working group, laying the ground work for YUSU to build a Student Centre on Heslington East with catering and bar provisions.
• Submitted a paper to the University requesting space for additional electronic signage on campus, similar to that outside the Student Centre.
• Assisted with the Battle of the Bands arrangements for 2008.
• Continued to work with the University on the success of Campus Wednesdays.
• Participated in the Media Charter review.
• Assisting with efforts to increase the marketing success of the campus papers, in light of recent printing cost increases.
• Handed over the Returning Officer role for the forthcoming YUSU Exec elections.
