NUSU President, Mady Baugh, was the first person to take the podium and update everyone on what the Sabbatical Officers (Sabbs) have been up too. She spoke of the pantry opening, her Let's Talk About Sex campaign (a sex positivity campaign), the cost of living crisis now being a part of the PEC process and also where to get support if the cost of living crisis is effecting you.
Mady also spoke about how student media is now a part of Go Volunteer - something which will help recognise all the hardwork that exec have been and will be putting forward this year. And speaking of student media... we had a little motion submitted by our very own SMO, Meg Howe.
This motion wasn't very little as it was for the Student Media Constitution! This constitution is not changing anything within The Courier, NSR and/or NUTV but is simply putting what we do down into a written format. The constitution; therefore, highlights how people gain their positions, what these positions entail, protocols when technology behaves like technology (i.e., not working) and much, much more.
Unsurprisingly, the Student Media Constitution passed - with a 83.8% majority. Alongside this motion was another submitted by our Disability Officer, Lauren, who wishes for ReCap to include subtitles created by (paid) students. Lauren came up to discuss this motion - she spoke of how people with disabilities are not to blame for missing out on their lectures, so she is wanting lectures to become accessible to everyone, with the help of subtitles for those who need them. This motion passed with an 86.8% majority.
Education Officer Mack, submitted the final of the motion of the evening, and with a 79.5% majority will see that a poll is set out to Newcastle University students about the potential UCU strike. Results to come out soon!
This particular Student Council saw itself finish bang on the dot of an hour (if you don't trust me, ask NSR Station Manager Jimmy!). However, before it was over, a few committee positions were open for students to fill.
These committees were the likes of Scrutiny, Disciplinary and a few others. They had a number of seats to take and, if you wanted a seat, students would have to come up to the podium to state why they wanted said position. Many seats were taken by returning students from last year and a few seats even saw fresh faces.
There were also eight open seats (Student Council seats which can vote on the motions, as not all seats have the right to vote) to be filled. These were taken by the members of council that had taken the committee positions. No one spoke up against anyone wanting to fill a position; therefore, everyone gained the place they wanted to.
Just before the gavel banged for a final time, Lauren took the podium again to briefly mention that those with hidden disabilities (i.e., ADHD, diabetes etc.,) could now go and get a sunflower lanyard from the NUSU reception.
Quote of the Evening: Felix: "Usually I have six to seven pieces of fruit on me" but " I'm a bit off my kiwi game at the minute".