Members of Students’ Union Council or Staff Student Consultative Committee

Are you aware of issues – academic or otherwise – that concern your fellow students and you?  Do you want to belong to a body that can make a real difference and can impact upon the decision making processes of the University?  Then you should put yourself forward for membership of the Students’ Union Council.

All students are entitled to stand for the Council, which elected annually in October and is responsible for the conduct of the affairs of the Students’ Union.  The Council effectively manages the Union President and the six Vice Presidents.

If you want to gain experience of democratic structures, governance arrangements, committee work and debating, membership of the Students’ Union Council is the ideal choice for you.    

Attendance at induction training at the beginning of November is required.

Attendance at Statutory Meetings (monthly) and meetings of any sub-committee of the Council to which members are elected is also required.

Cognitive/intellectual skills, which include being able to:

• identify, analyse and solve problems by identifying issues that are of concern to students and suggesting strategies to address these matters.
• work with information and handle research data, in order to inform judgment and subsequent courses of action.

Professional attributes/attitudes which include:

• use of transferable key skills such as the ability to work with others in a team or committee, to communicate (both orally and in writing) in terms of preparating motions, reports or submissions, ability to influence, negotiate and resolve conflict
• displaying interpersonal sensitivity, global and cultural awareness, moral and ethical awareness and being able to adjust behaviour accordingly, in order to ensure that the business of Council is conducted in an appropriate and respectful environment.
• demonstrating confidence and motivation to start and to finish the job, adaptability/flexibility, creativity, initiative, leadership, decision-making,  and negotiation.

Technical skills which include being able to:

• demonstrate the knowledge and use of websites and online materials in order to inform research, reports and submissions
• apply and exploit information technology

Business and organisational skills which include being able to:

• be aware of organisational culture, policies and processes
• develop ability to communicate (orally and in writing) within a formal context 

Experience has shown that some students will apply themselves better than others to these opportunities.

For further information go to the Students' Union or contact Damien Corridan.