What will you change?
This November, you'll be given the chance to vote on the future of your Students' Union in a referendum.
As a student, all of the power rests with you. You come up with the ideas for change then every student gets the chance to decide which ones should be implemented.
So if you feel passionatly about an idea or issue and you think you can convince enough of your fellow students to agree with you, then you can submit a motion. By submitting a motion and having students vote on it you have the power to change the way your SU works and achieve something great.
How it works
Students have between Monday 12th October and 12pm on Friday 30th October to submit a motion. Each motion has to be supported by 75 student signatures to show that enough over students support your view.
On Thursday 12th November, every student that submitted a motion gets to encourage students to vote for the change they are suggesting. You'll also be given money towards your campaign so you can spread the word.
Between 9am Monday 16th November and 12pm Friday 20th November, every single University of Essex student gets the chance to vote online either for or against your motion. If enough people vote in favour then your idea goes forward to become policy.
What is a referendum?
A Referendum is a process that makes sure all members get their chance to have a say on the big issues that affect them while they are a part of the University of Essex Students’ Union. It is a simple yes no question put to all students to vote on.
Holding a referendum is one of the things that makes student unions so special - it hands you the power to have your say about how your union is run and make real change.
What is a motion?
A motion is basically an idea for change, so if you have an idea on what your SU should be doing then you can submit a motion.
Any student at the University of Essex can submit a motion to make change to the Union. It might propose new policy, a different way of representing students, or a change in the way we deliver a service. The proposals should be ideas that will make a change and benefit all students.
Find out more here.
What could you ask?
Should the Union take more action to be environmentally friendly? Should it lobby the University to make changes that improve your education?