Student Leaders' Conference: Jan 2019
On 5 Jan in MDX House, was the third Student Leaders' Conference of the academic year!
Student Leaders from across your Students' Union, including Student Voice Leaders, Student Group Leaders, and Liberation Leaders came together to voice their opinions on the future of MDXSU's democratic structure. Student Leaders' also questioned their full-time Student Officers on what they're doing to improve the student experience and voted on policies submitted by students.
STUDENT OFFICERS Q&A
Vice Presidents Lucy Holland, Rahma Ali, and Erica Ramos, along with President Ayah Benberna, opened the conference by giving us a verbal update on what they have been up to since the last Student Leaders Conference in December, and what they are looking forward to the most.
If you were unable to attend, you’re in luck, as the speeches were recorded, and you can watch them below!
Video coming soon!
IDEAS FOR CHANGE
Conference attendees voted on two policies that were submitted by students via our Ideas for Change. Ideas for Change allows MDX students to submit what they want to see changed at Middlesex University - you could have the chance to present your idea at the next conference in April by CLICKING HERE.
The two ideas up for debate this time were:
1. Self-Defence classes for all genders: This policy received 15 votes for, and unanimously passed.
2. More options in the on-campus costa: This policy received 14 votes for, and 1 abstention. This means the policy passed.
As both policies passed at conference, these will now be taken to the next MDXSU Executive Committee meeting to be reviewed by your elected full-time officers and School Voice Leaders.
See here to submit your big idea now!
DEMOCRACY REVIEW
Vice President Erica Ramos, spoke to students about MDXSU’s Democracy Review, which looks at how decisions are made and how students are represented. A survey was conducted and followed by workshops from previous Student Leaders’ Conferences, with insightful feedback on how students want to represented.
Erica presented context to students about what we have done so far, and then students discussed in groups the three questions that we will be asking in a referendum alongside the officer elections in March.
If you want to find out more about this review, check out the Democracy Review page on the website or contact StudentVoice@mdx.ac.uk.
GREEN IMPACT
Vice President Lucy Holland, explained the importance of sustainability, and why MDXSU is a part of the National Union of Students’ Green Impact scheme. The scheme aims to make Students’ Unions and Universities more environmentally responsible and sustainably mindful.
Lucy updated everyone about what MDXSU has done so far, and explained that the data gathered in the workshop would inform how we will effectively engage other students with environmental and ethical sourcing issues.
To close conference, President Ayah Benberna, reminded everyone that the nominations for the Students’ Union elections are now open, and that everyone should consider putting themselves forward.
“This time next year, it could be you standing on this stage!”
If you’re interested in the SU elections, but would like more information, you can check out the elections page on the HERE or email studentvoice@mdx.ac.uk.
The next Student Leaders’ Conference will be held in April 2019, so make sure you look out for the invitation and book your place!
