Chair of Council George Wood opened the meeting, inviting President Yaseen to give the State of the Union report regarding the Newcastle University Student's Union (NUSU) Sabbatical Officers. Yaseen recapped how he is currently organising a Mayoral candidate debate for students to get involved in, as well as introducing a 'Rate Your Landlord' platform.
Education Officer Lulu has met with University officials for ways to increase the number of water coolers on campus. Welfare and Equality Officer Lucy has met with police and crime commissioners, whilst also working on exam well-being campaigns with Student Media Officer Gabbi. Gabbi has begun training the new sub-editors for The Courier as well as working towards the radio refurbishment. Activities Officer Alex has been working on Sustainability Week campaigns, including organising markets, workshops and information sessions to commence on the 19 February. Kimiko, the Athletic Union Officer, has been working on the refreshers' Clubs and Societies fair, whilst Postgraduate Officer Chirag has been lobbying MPs to write a letter to the Home Secretary on the matter of Visas and the NHS surcharge.
Attendees of council were then given the opportunity to ask questions directly to the Sabbatical Officers. The first question raised concerns around the State of the Union Report, with a student voicing a lack of hope with no mention of Palestine in the report. Yaseen responded, stating support for students is available within the Support and Advice Centre, as well as referencing the statement the union and university made in October.
Another student raised the question to the Sabbatical team into how they are succeeding in the decolonisation pledge by not pushing the university to end their relationship with Leonardo. The officers responded by referring to the decolonisation pledge's journey through a council their predecessors have worked on. They also reassured they continue to push the topic in meetings with the university however are receiving push back.
A student then questioned what steps the officers are taking to end this relationship. Lucy answered, stating lobbying the University would have to come through a council motion, allowing them to go to the University to apply pressure. This was followed by a question stating a motion was submitted, but consequently rejected. Yaseen clarified the motion did not meet requirements as it was not proposed by a Newcastle University student, nor was it formatted in the correct ways.
Another student questioned the support the university has provided for those suffering due to the acts in Gaza. Alex answered clarifying the relationship between the Student Union and university is more separate than assumed, with the officers not directly involved in how the University handles it. Yaseen added that the support offered by the Union has been outlined.
Following a student questioning the Officers role in pushing against partnerships like Leonardo, Alex referenced the role of the Sabbatical Officers as directors and trustees of a charity, and therefore held accountable by the job description guided by the rules and constitution of the Charity Commission. She stated whilst tedious, the role of Council is for students to voice their perspectives and file motions to guide the Officers, as without it as directors and trustees it would be considered undemocratic.
When the Sabbatical Officers were asked on their knowledge of the partnership and whether they feel blindsided, Lucy stated they are in the same positions as students, and continue to ask questions as the situation progresses.
As questions came to a close, a student referenced flaws in the University well-being system, after a formal report was made about the 7 February protest, with the student stating the University is contributing to the fearmongering. Lucy and Alex both expressed support for any complaints, and that the Union remains open to support all students.
Before motions, ten open spaces at council were randomly allocated to be filled.
Disability Officer Leo introduced the first motion, aiming to implement a Disability Policy for the Union. Leo stated there is not any current guidance on how to support disabled students, and believes enacting one will help NUSU become a more inclusive environment. Welfare Officer Lucy spoke on behalf of the motion, addressing the Union "should have had it in past, really important to push it now."
The motion passed with full support at a 100% vote.
Leo returned for the second motion, regarding the policy submitted by NUSU to the National Union of Students (NUS). The policy centred around support for disabled, mentally ill and neurodivergent students. If the motion failed to pass, NUSU would withdraw the policy from NUS.
A question was raised regarding who represents NUSU at NUS, which Yaseen clarified, as lead delegate he would along with several other delegates made up of Sabbatical and Liberation Officers.
The motion passed with 95.45% meaning the policy will be put forward to NUS by NUSU.
Committee places were offered to Council, with several signing up to take place. Chair of Scrutiny Lewi spoke regarding the last place available on Scrutiny Committee, which received two applicants with Hafsa Niaz taking the seat.
Two out of six places of Disciplinary Committee and two out of four of available Welfare, Campaigns and Liberation places were filled. The last available place on Steering Committee was also filled.
In student notices, Yaseen mentioned the review for Office for Students requesting students to meet with to discuss how to improve representation.
Postgraduate Officer Chirag also urged students to flag disabilities with the University, informing students to make sure they have them recorded.
Numerous students spoke to reflect on the protest the previous day against Leonardo. A student expressed distain in the current process he defined as "setting up committees to ensure voices are heard.". The student stated the protest indicates the discontent within the student body, which needs to be recognised.
The Chair then opened up the debate on the principles universities should consider when deciding external relationships, with many in the room keen to speak on the topic.
Disability Officer Leo argued "these principles should be based on ethics and morals, universities should be held accountable to degree of transparency and democracy.". Several students spoke for the importance of academic freedom, one stating "being able to speak without censorship." Another student proposed the idea of a "student vetting" system, where universities would work alongside students to foster better and more ethical relationships.
A student spoke for the University's responsibility to "safeguard the future of our students and those all over the world" specifically regarding the climate crisis.
Ethnic Diversity Officer Jon Lee spoke directly about Leonardo, stating he has addressed with university council "students are concerned and worried" about the relationship. Lee urged attendees on the 8 March council to "work with us, don't just come for today, you are students, keep bringing the student agenda up.".