Meeting opened with introductions and a welcome from the President and Officers.

Mohit provided an overview of the Students' Union (SU) and its role:

• Representing students to the university.
• Using the student voice as a tool for change.
• Campaigning together to make positive improvements.

Union Council Overview

• The Union Council is a democratic forum where student petitions are discussed and voted on to become official SU Ideas for Change.
• Students were reminded that they hold the power to make change at Middlesex University (MDX).

• Agenda for the meeting outlined, including officer updates, petition discussions, and open motions

Mohit to update on manifesto:

• Stronger Student Voice: Ongoing initiatives to increase engagement and feedback.
• Bigger & Better Events: Planning for more large-scale and inclusive events.
• Better & More Affordable Food Options: Update on subsidised meal scheme expansion from last year.
• More Student Jobs: Continued advocacy for increased student employment opportunities on campus.
• Improved Student Spaces: Reviewing and enhancing social and study spaces.
• More Support for Students: Focus on wellbeing and accessibility

• Improving Mental Health Support & Reducing Academic Stress.
• Enhancing Academic Support & Accessibility.
• Optimising Assessments & Feedback for Success.

• Aivin was not present so Mohit spoke on his behalf:
• Reflected on last year's successful Culture Fest.
• Announced this year's Culture Fest to take place in February, celebrating all cultures on campus.
• Committed to more inclusive and impactful events year-round to give students more reasons to be on campus.

Students voted on the following petitions:

1. Lecture capture, Presented by Richa – PASSED (24 in favour - in person, 8 in favour - proxy)

• Following the passed motion, Richa confirmed that a draft lecture capture policy is under review, expected to go to consultation in March 2026.
• Mentioned continued engagement with university staff to ensure implementation once approved.

2. Make the library 24/7 - PASSED (31 in favour – in person, 1 not in favour – in person, 5 in favour – proxy, 3 abstains – proxy)

• Presented by: Krish (Student)
• Summary: Students expressed strong support for restoring 24/7 access to the library, noting the need for late-night study spaces, especially around deadlines.
• Response:
• Lisette (Estates): Shared data and explained current limitations preventing 24/7 opening.
• Mentioned CG48 bookable space for late-night study (open from 11 PM onwards).
• Agreed to explore additional spaces and the possibility of extended hours during submission periods.
• Action: Lisette to review options for extending library or study space access during peak academic periods. SU to continue conversations about extending opening hours during assessment periods

3. More Halal options on campus - PASSED (26 in favour – in person, 3 not in favour – in person, 5 abstains – proxy)

• Presented by: Anas (on behalf of Yousra, Student)
• Discussion: Students highlighted the lack of accessible Halal options, especially for those with limited breaks between lectures.
• Broad agreement and engagement from attendees.
• Outcomes: Motion PASSED.
• Response from Lisette (Estates): Acknowledged the request and confirmed that the university is working on improving the availability and variety of halal-certified meals, though not able to commit to a specific timeline.
• Action: Estates team to continue exploring additional Halal food provisions. The university is now working on a proposal to change the subway outlet to a possible Halal chicken outlet.

Officer Manifesto Engagement via Mentimeter

Mohit: Discussion the Alumni Lecture Series - results below:

• 1 ACI student
• 11 Business and Law students
• 3 Health, Social Care and Education Students
• 12 Science and Technology students

ACI students mentioned wanting to see networking events, fashion shows, theatre/short films that alumni have worked on.

There was a high proportion of Business and Law students wanting to see more debates, networking events, internship information, international guest speakers and people who will guide them for their future career and motivate them.

Many Health, Social Care and Education students requested more job fairs, NHS speakers / associated jobs, counselling workshops, nurse speciality speakers, job talks, and some mentioned not having enough awareness of what was out there.

Finally, Science and Technology students mentioned wanting to see more job fairs and opportunities for internships, hackathons, coding workshops, robotics displayed, a 'tech' week, and networking events.

Mohit on behalf of Aivin: discussed culture fest – results below:

• Students felt Eastern European cultures were not represented as well as Asian and Afro-Caribbean cultures
• Students mentioned wanting to see events around: free food from each culture, 'sweet treats' from each country, food festivals, dancing events, dress up for your culture day, food exchange event, live cooking, cultural fashion show, culture and faith fair, musical performances and the opportunity to exchange and represent cultures

Students raised the following concerns:

• Finance Society: Student interest noted; directed to Academic Societies webpage for guidance.
• Dietary Requirements: Request for Kosher food and clearer food labelling. Mohit to follow up.
• Salsa Classes: Suspended due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Shuttle Bus to StoneX: Students raised concerns about inconsistency and delays. University is addressing with the Coach company and Students are encouraged to continue advising on any issues
• Society Awareness: Students want better visibility of societies. Mohit reminded attendees that all information is available on the societies webpage.
• Nursing Students:
• Microwave Room Queues: University exporing further options in the grove
• Drop-in Sessions and Medication Management Classes: Suggestions noted for further review.

• Officers thanked attendees for their engagement and contributions.
• Actions and next steps confirmed for Estates and Officers.
• Next Union Council meeting to be scheduled for Term 2 – date to be announced.
• Meeting concluded with a social session and pizza for attendees.