University of Sussex Students' Union

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The University of Sussex Students' Union comprises the student body and is led by six sabbatical officers and a team of part-time officers. Recent campaigns of the union have been against the war in Iraq and for free education.

[edit] Values of USSU

[edit] Participation

Student participation is at the heart of what we do. Wherever and whenever possible we must strive to provide as many opportunities as possible, without discrimination, for students to be involved in all of our and activities, services and governance. The USSU should always actively support and promote student participation within a safe environment.

[edit] Empowerment

The USSU seeks to strengthen students as individuals and as a body. Through advice and student-led representation and campaigning we enable students to defend their rights and improve their experience within the institution and the wider community. By providing appropriate support we enable students participating in our activities, services and governance to add to their personal development.

[edit] Respect

The USSU is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone is treated equally and with respect. We commit ourselves to promoting equal opportunities in the provision of our services, as an employer and as a representative and campaigning body. The USSU must behave ethically and socially responsibly in all of our endeavours, emphasising the value we place on our employees, our users, the community and the environment.

[edit] Fun

The USSU believes that being involved in our organisations as a member, a volunteer or employee should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Through enjoyment we aim to promote enthusiasm for what we do.

[edit] Democracy

The USSU is a democratic organisation controlled by our members, who actively participate in setting our policies and making decisions. Members serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership and all members have equal voting rights with one member having one vote.

[edit] Openness

The USSU needs to be open and transparent in order to be accountable. We seek to inform and consult with our membership and employees at all times, ensuring our decisions are open and fair and that those making the decision can be held accountable.

[edit] Collaboration

The USSU can serve our members most effectively when it works together through effective teamwork and in partnership with students, the institution and other organisations and movements sharing our aims and objectives. It is also important for the USSU to be able to maintain our independence.

[edit] Committees

Decision making in the union is entrusted to committees of the Union. These committees are accountable to the Union membership through Council and General meetings. The three committees are:

[edit] Operations Committee

The Operations Committee is responsible for all aspects of implementation of Union policy, management and finances, and assisting the strategic development of the Union. It consists of the six Sabbatical Officers, the Chair of Council, three or more non-sabbatical officers holding specific posts and three or more non-sabbatical officers elected without any specific remit (non-portfolio). The committee uses and is bound by a Confidentiality Policy, especially when meetings move into Closed Sessions. It meets fortnightly on Mondays at 3pm in the Meeting Room – second floor of Falmer House.

[edit] Activities Committee

Activities Committee meets weekly to discuss issues and opportunities for all student activities including sport, societies, volunteering and media. They also allocate funds to clubs and societies.

[edit] Campaigns committee

With the new constitution, passed by AGM last year, Campaigns Committee has more power than ever to represent the interests and concerns of students in order to effect change at a local, national and international level. Last year saw your Union engaging in campaigns like Killer Cola and Stop Aids, and continuing to oppose Imperialism in the Middle East. Sussex students also enlisted the help of the Union in the fight for the best possible education and quality of life at University. The Union’s free paper, The Badger, has traditionally played a huge part in these processes, providing a mouthpiece for otherwise silenced students.

[edit] Societies

USSU has a vibrant a diverse range of constantly expanding clubs and societies which fall under the following group headers:

Academic - Art - Community Action - Cultural Identity - Drama - Music - Performance - Social Action - Special Interest

See also: Societies at the University of Sussex

[edit] Sabbaticals

The Union elects, through cross-campus ballot, a team of six full-time sabbaticals officers each February.

[edit] 2005-2006

PRESIDENT - Roger Hylton FINANCE OFFICER - Rosa Wilson COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER - Tom Harle WELFARE OFFICER - Abigail Webb EDUCATION OFFICER - Sophie McGlinn ACTIVITIES OFFICER - Jo Walters

[edit] 2006-2007

PRESIDENT - Dan Glass FINANCE OFFICER - Adam Lindsey COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER - Emma Reynolds WELFARE OFFICER - Sophie Flax EDUCATION OFFICER - Sophie Priestley ACTIVITIES OFFICER - Michael ALEXANDER

[edit] 2007-2008

(starting in July 2007)

PRESIDENT - Daniel Vockins FINANCE OFFICER - Polly Jackson COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER - Koos CouvÉe WELFARE OFFICER - Timmy Konar EDUCATION OFFICER - Saul Reid ACTIVITIES OFFICER - Michael Alexander

[edit] NUS affiliation

A cross-campus referendum on whether the union should disaffiliate from the NUS was held in 2004; however, it was decided that the union should remain affiliated. A further referendum was held on the issue of NUS affiliation in 2007 which returned a 91.6% turnout in favour of remaining affiliated.