Motions are the documents any student may submit to Union Council addressing an issue or problem in any area related to the Union's activities or aims.

In other words, if something does or can affect the students of the University, then it is almost always the case that a motion can be submitted - and then debated - by the Union Council.

Union Council is made up of a diverse group of elected students, and these students decide whether to vote for or against the motion.

Motions: a quick how-to... 

1: Identify the problem

A student thinks of something they want the Union to do, or a problem they want the Union to address.

2: Get it down on paper

Motions are put in standard format for ease of understanding:

• Part 1: "The Union Believes"
  This is where you outline your issue, for example: "There is not enough fresh, cheap food available"
  
  
• Part 2: "The Union Further Believes"
  Explain here why your belief is important, for example: "Fresh food is good for body and mind, helping us study."
  
  
• Part 3: "The Union Resolves"
  Explain here, as accurately as you can, what you want done to resolve this issue. For example:
  "To lobby the University catering manager for more fresh food, and set up a weekly/fortnightly veg market in the Union."

3: Submit your motion 

Your motion should be submitted to the Student Support Officer at least 4 clear days before the Union Council Meeting to give people a chance to read it and make any amendments.

4: Any amendments?

Amendments - small changes to your motion - can be submitted 2 days before the meeting, and are often submitted to correct wording or a motion which may not be realistic in its aims.

For example, a motion was submitted by students wanting more recycling on campus.

An amendment was made to this motion to change the words "The Union will provide recycling bins" to " The Union will lobby the University to provide recycling bins" as it is not within the Union's power to put bins on University property. This meant the motion was more likely to pass.

5: Discussion, debate and voting by Union Council 

If a motion is passed by the Union Council's members, it becomes official Union policy for 5 years, and the UPSU Sabbatical officers are responsible for making sure it is carried out.

N.b. Passed motions which conflict with the current UPSU Constitution then must be passed first by a general meeting - commonly an Annual General Meeting - and then agreed by the University, which approves the UPSU Constitution.

Don't be shy - ask our advice! 

To avoid any problems with your motion (or even if you just have an idea for a motion but would like some help turning it into a motion), please contact the Union for assistance.

To find out more about submitting a motion to Union Council, please contact the Student Support Officer.