‘To whom it may concern,’ writes Michelle Harris, president of London Metropolitan University Students’ Union.
‘There is a serious issue occuring at London Met university and, as the president of the students’ union, I feel it should be brought to the attention of as many people as possible as it could have far-reaching negative affects.
‘Please read the press release below.
‘For immediate release: Tuesday 14 March 2006:
‘Students at London Metropolitan University could be left without a students’ union if university plans get the go ahead.
‘Under new proposals, drafted by the university, the students’ union will find it difficult to fulfil its role as a “watchdog’’ as it will be unable to question whether important decisions made by the university are in the interest of students.
‘The suggested constitution proposes that senior managers from the university take overall charge of the students’ union, whereas currently it is run by students, for students.
‘As a result, the university could have more control over the union finances and cut vital resources such as clubs, societies and advice centres if they see fit.
‘Many students are seeing this as a defensive move from the university as last year the students’ union supported the lecturers involved in a lengthy industrial dispute over pay.
‘Under the new constitution, taking such a standpoint in the future could see the students’ union being automatically shut down.’
London Metropolitan Students’ Union represents over 30,000 students and operates across two main campuses.
Michelle Louise Harris, current president of the students’ union, said: ‘We’ve been calling for reform of the students’ union for some time and put forward some sensible suggestions which would ensure we could continue to operate in the best interests of students and offer improved services and facilities.
‘The university have chosen to ignore these and have seized the opportunity to move in and take charge which completely contradicts the ethos behind a strong, democratic and independent students’ union.
‘Under their proposals, the union could be completely wiped out if we take a decision that doesn’t agree with their policies and practises.
‘This completely undermines the autonomy all students’ unions should have from their institution.’
The National Union of Students (NUS) described the university’s proposals as ‘out of step with the rest of the higher education sector’.
Julian Nicholds, NUS Vice-President Education, said: ‘We are concerned that in this instance, the university is not acting in the best interest of students.
‘It is also important to note that the proposals breach current legislation – the 1994 Education Act makes it clear that universities which are dependent on public funding must have a democratic, effective students’ union which is independent of the university.’
The proposal will go before the London Met Board of Governors on March 22.
If approved, the changes will come into effect from August – directly impacting on new students starting this autumn.
Among the issues raised by the students’ union concerning the university management’s plans are that:
• ‘. . . this new constitution takes away all references to the union to have any responsibility for the provision of social and recreational services to students.’
• ‘The statement “is unable or unfit to discharge the functions of a member of Council, and the Council passes a resolution that he is, by reason of being unable or unfit to discharge the functions of a member of Council, removed from office’’ . . . does not make clear the intention of the clause.’
• ‘Issues over when people can stand is contentious – WHY cannot people who are coming to the end of their studies stand for elections?
‘This is not consistent with any other institutional regulations from any other students’ union in the UK?
‘Also, if there is a Oct. by-election freshers are not going to be eligible to stand, all full members of the union should be eligible to stand for election.’
• ‘What is the legality around the institution deciding that they are not going to fund the Union and will not be bound to recognise this? – What provision is the institution going to make in the event that this happens?
‘How will this effect students rights to representation with regard to academic appeals and complaints, what will the impact of this be on student reps and their input of Quality through QAA assessments, and how can students have a legitimate student voice without a students’ union?’
• ‘Is it effective to have the university secretary and the director of finance as the students’ union trustees?’
• ‘All references to the students’ union being responsible for student activities . . . indicate that the students’ union would have not responsibility for them and therefore this is something that the Union fundamentally objects to.’
• ‘Section 7 leaves the notion of Interpretation of the Constitution open . . . because the whole of council will be responsible for interpretation.’
• ‘Section 8 – Dissolution of the Union – what are the implications of this, is this legal – how does this impact? Should this happen, what are the implications?’
Students at London Met joined lecturers’ picket lines at the university during the recent one-day national strike by members of the NATFHE and AUT teaching unions.
Today, the students’ union is holding an open meeting about the threat to its independence.
A statement on the students’ union website said: ‘MetSU is here to look out for your best interests and welfare during your time at university.
‘It is a representative body, independent of the university, and here to ensure the university acts in the best interests of the students and respects their rights.
‘MetSU also provides social activities and events as well as offering opportunities to boost your skills and CV outside of the classroom.
‘But now this is all at risk.
‘The university management has imposed changes which would make MetSU undemocratic and prevent many students from participating.
‘Clubs and societies would be regulated by the university making them likely to be harshly scrutinised and restricted.
‘This representative organisation would become less representative of the student body of London Metropolitan University and the average student would have less opportunity to have their say.
‘There would no longer be officers elected to lead the student body on campaigns and raise issues within the university or protect students’ rights.
‘It has even been arranged for MetSU to be run by senior management of the university – this is certainly not independence!
‘With the independence of MetSU removed there would be no one to stop the university acting only in its own best interest – which could involve making more money and harsher regulations – with little regard to how this affects the students.
‘Don’t let your voice be silenced!!!
‘Don’t let your rights be ignored!!!
‘Sign the petition available at either SU office, come to the Student Council meeting (Tuesday March 21st) or the open meeting (Thursday March 16th).’
Today’s Students’ Union meeting takes place from 1.00-2.00pm at Calcutta House, City Campus.
