USI Congress 2012 Motions

Preferenda PR1: Funding of Higher Education Please rank in order of preference, what should USI's position on the funding of higher education taught programmes be?

• • • • • •

Graduate tax.

One hundred percent exchequer funded.

One hundred percent upfront fees.

Student contribution / Registration Fee (Currently at €2250) Student loan scheme.

None of the above.

Constitutional Amendments CA1 External Organisations Proposed by: DKIT SU Seconded by: President Insert after Article 7 and renumber accordingly Article 8: External Organisations 8.1 USI shall be a member of the European Students’ Union (ESU).

8.2 USI’s membership of any organisation, group or external campaign other than those listed at 8.1 above shall require the approval of 2/3 of the membership of National Council. At least 7 days notice of any such motion must be provided to the members of National Council.

CA2 Typographical Changes Proposed by: USI Deputy President Seconded by: USI President Delete: 7.1.2 The five Committees shall be: And replace with: 7.1.2 The ten Committees shall be: Delete 5.1.8 The Vice President for The Irish Language & Culture And replace with: 5.1.8 The Vice President for The Irish Language Delete: 5.9.4 The VP/Southern shall work with all Colleges in the Southern and Eastern Region to develop their Unions focusing on Unions who have been suspended or where a College does not have a functional Union, to assist the students of that College to establish one.

And replace with: 5.9.4 The VP/Southern shall work with all Colleges in the Southern Region to develop their Unions focusing on Unions who have been suspended or where a College does not have a functional Union, to assist the students of that College to establish one.

Delete: 4.1.5 The Annual Congress shall elect all members of the Officerboard excluding the NUS-USI President. Any ordinary member is entitled to contest and elected position at Congress. All registered delegates are entitled to vote in each election at Congress except in the case of the elections for the Vice Presidents for Union Development and Liaison. The electorate for the positions of Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region and the Vice President for the Southern Region shall be the registered delegates from Member Organisations located wholly or mainly in that Officer’s region, as defined by Schedule G and the relevant Vice President.

And replace with: 4.1.5 The Annual Congress shall elect all members of the Officerboard excluding the NUS-USI President. Any ordinary member is entitled to contest and elected position at Congress. All registered delegates are entitled to vote in each election at Congress except in the case of the elections for the regional Vice Presidents. The electorate for the positions of Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region and the Vice President for the Southern Region shall be the registered delegates from Member Organisations located wholly or mainly in that Officer’s region as defined by Schedule G, and the relevant Vice President.

CA3 Seconding Motions Proposed by: USI Deputy President Seconded by: USI President Delete: C6.1 Member Organisations may submit five motions each and may second seven motions. All members of the Officerboard and each Committee they chair may all submit three motions, and may second five motions each. To be placed on the Clár, each motion must be proposed and seconded by a different Member Organisations or a member of the Officerboard. A member of Officerboard may not second a motion proposed by a Committee that they Chair or vice versa. From time to time National Council may establish ad hoc Committees/Conferences who shall have the power to submit up to five motions. These motions must still be seconded in the manner above.

And replace with: C6.1 Member Organisations may submit five motions. All members of the Officerboard and each Committee they chair may all submit three motions. From time to time National Council may establish ad hoc Committees/Conferences who shall have the power to submit up to five motions.

CA4 Finance Committee Proposed by: USI President Seconded by: DIT SU Delete article 8 and replace with below, replace all references in schedules as appropriate.

Article 8: Union Finances 8.1 The Finance Committee 8.1.1 The Finance Committee shall be responsible for overseeing the finances of the Union and shall advise National Council and Congress accordingly of any developments or initiatives taken.

8.1.2 The role of Finance Committee is to: 8.1.2.1 Draft the annual Union budget in consultation with the President who shall present it for approval not later than the second National Council meeting of the academic year.

8.1.2.2 Monitor the budget on a quarterly basis. In the event of a significant deviation the Chairperson of the Committee shall submit a written report to the next meeting of National Council.

8.1.2.3 Examine the Union’s audited annual accounts and submit them with a detailed commentary to Congress for approval.

8.1.2.4 Determine, set and regulate the Officerboard’s terms and conditions of employment.

8.1.2.5 Oversee the general financial management and commercial development of the Union.

8.1.2.6 All decisions other than those specifically outlined in Article 8 or Schedule B taken by the Finance Committee must be referred to National Council for notation. To overturn the decision and/or action taken by the Finance Committee a two-thirds plus one vote of National Council is required.

8.1.2.6 Set expenses rates for all officers, committees, staff and panels of the Union 8.1.2.7 Recommend the union’s auditors and accountants to National Council for ratification on an annual basis.

8.1.3 Finance Committee shall meet as often as necessary but at least once per quarter and not less than six times annually.

8.1.4 Finance Committee shall consist of at seven members who shall be: 8.1.4.1 The President of the Union.

8.1.4.2 The Chairperson of the Committee who shall serve a three year term and be nominated by the Board of Trustees and ratified by National Council. The Chairperson may only be removed from office during that term by a two-thirds plus one vote of National Council, provided that at least one month’s notice of such motion is given.

8.1.4.3 Two members, who must be members of the National Council at the time of their election, but not members of the Officerboard and are directly elected by the National Council. The first member shall be elected at the last meeting of the academic year and shall hold office for the following twelve months. The second member shall be elected at the first National Council of the academic year and shall hold office for the following twelve months. These members may be dismissed by a two-thirds plus one vote of National Council, provided that at least one month’s notice of such motion is given. In the event of a vacancy of either of these members it must be filled at the following National Council.

8.1.4.4 Three qualified people from outside the Union, who are not members of the Union but may be serving Trustees, who can contribute by virtue of their experience. They shall be nominated by the President and ratified by National Council. Such persons shall hold office for three year terms. These members may be dismissed by a two-thirds plus one vote of National Council, provided that at least one month’s notice of such motion is given. In the event of a vacancy in respect of any of these three position it shall be filled as soon as practicable.

8.1.4.5 One former President of the Union, proposed by the President and ratified at National Council and shall have a three year term and may only be removed from office during that term by a twothirds plus one vote of National Council, provided that at least one month’s notice of such motion is given.

8.1.4.6 Staff members of the Union may attend at the invitation of the President when they deem appropriate and shall act as a secretariat to Finance Committee.

8.1.5 In the interests of continuity and cohesion, the President shall endeavour to arrange appointments to Finance Committee under Article 8.1.4.4 in such a manner as to avoid the likelihood of all three appointees departing from Finance Committee at or around the same time.

8.1.6 The Finance Committee shall have an audit and governance subcommittee who shall be responsible for ensuring that appropriate practices and procedures are in operation in the areas of corporate Governance.

8.1.6.1 The membership of this committee shall be 3 members of the Finance Committee other than the chair and the President. The President and senior staff shall have the right of attendance at meetings.

8.1.6.2 The sub-committee shall meet as often as necessary but at least twice annually.

8.2 The Board of Trustees 8.2.1 The President may seek the advice of the Trustees on any aspect of the Union’s affairs.

8.2.2 All the real property and investments of the Union shall be vested in the Trustees (whether directly or though vesting in the trustees the shareholding of any limited company holding assets of the Union) who shall deal with such property as directed by resolution of National Council or Congress.

8.2.3 There shall be no less than three Trustees of the Union who are ratified by National Council on the recommendation of the President. Trustees can only be removed by a two-thirds plus one vote of a quorate National Council. They shall continue to hold office unless they resign, are removed or are incapacitated.

8.2.4 The Trustees, from among their members, shall elect a chairperson and shall meet as a Board when necessary but not less than once per year.

Prior to Annual Congress, the Board, shall satisfy themselves as to the financial state of the Union.

They shall communicate their satisfaction or otherwise to the Finance Committee and Congress.

8.2.5 The President and a Trustee shall sign all property leases upon resolution of National Council or Congress or in the case of a lease being entered into by a limited company for the benefit of the Union any such lease shall be signed by at least two directors one of whom shall be the President qua company director.

8.2.6 The Board of Trustees shall be indemnified against risk and expense out of the assets of the Union.

8.3 Financial Responsibilities 8.3.1 As the executive of the Union, National Council shall ultimately be responsible for the finances of the Union.

8.3.2 National Council shall have the power to borrow, raise or secure the payment of money for the purposes of the Union and with a view there to, to direct the Trustees to mortgage or charge any of the real or personal property of the Union. National Council for the purpose of such borrowing or raising or securing the payment of money for the purpose of the Union shall be empowered to authorise the Trustees and the President to act on its behalf and enter into the necessary agreements and sign guarantees 8.3.3 The Trustees and the President in acting on behalf of National Council shall be indemnified against risks and expenses out of the assets of the Union.

8.3.4 The Union shall keep an up to date governance manual including but not limited duties and responsibilities of trustees, duties and responsibilities of members of Finance Committee, procurement procedures and an internal operations procedure to be drafted by Finance Committee and approved by National Council at least annually and shall be included as Schedule J. 8.4 Incorporation 8.4.1 The Union may form such limited company or companies as shall be determined from time-totime to be expedient for the administration of the Union’s financial affairs.

8.4.2 The Board of Directors of any such company or companies shall be the members of the Finance Committee together with such other persons, if any, as the Finance Committee may from time-totime nominate for appointment with such nominations to be approved by National Council and the implementation of such appointment to be undertaken by the relevant Board of Directors.

8.4.3 Departing members of Finance Committee shall be obliged to resign their position(s) on any Board(s) of Directors of any such company or companies upon ceasing to be a member of Finance Committee.

8.4.4 Any articles and memorandum of association shall be attached to this constitution as a schedule.

8.4.5 USI shall aim to seek charitable status.

CA5 Officer Conditions Proposed by: USI President’s Working Group Seconded by: USI Deputy President 5.12.3 – Delete the word ‘starting’ in the first sentence 5.12.3 – Delete the remainder of the paragraph after the sentence ending with ‘one grade higher.’

CA6 Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge Proposed by: Oifigeach na Gaeilge Seconded by: USI Education Officer

Insert into Article 4, paragraph 1, sub-paragraph 5, after “NUS-USI President”; “and the Vice-President for the Irish Language.”

Insert after sub-paragraph 5.10.3 " 5.10.4 The VP / Irish shall be elected annually at an Irish Language standing conference. It will be the responsibility of the VP / Irish in co-operation with the Irish language working group and steering committee to organise the Irish language standing conference."

CA7 Vice President for Equality and Citizenship Proposed by: IT Tralee Students’ Union Seconded by: IT Carlow Students’ Union Delete: Article 5.7.2 as currently appears: “The VP/Equality shall assist the VP/Campaigns in relation to campaigns for the defence and promotion of student’s rights in the 12 areas of equality and citizenship with special focus on LGBT rights including carrying out the Union’s policy on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, encouraging the participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students in the Union and working to eliminate prejudice against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.”

And replace with: “The VP/Equality shall assist the VP/Campaigns in relation to campaigns for the defence and promotion of student’s rights in the 12 areas of equality and citizenship.”

Academic Affairs & Quality Assurance Motions AA1 Technological University Status Proposed by: Dublin Institute of Technology Students’ Union Seconded by: Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union Congress Notes: Section 8.7 of the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 (The Hunt Report), which relates to the evolution of the Institutes of Technology in Ireland. The strategy makes the case for a new type of University, known as a Technological University, which would have a different focus to those Universities established under the Universities Act 1997.

Congress Further Notes: That this development would help to bring about a parity of esteem between both the sectors, whilst recognising that they are different in nature.

Congress Notes with Concern: The risk of the Higher Education Sector becoming divided over this proposal.

Congress further notes with Concern: The impact of this potential for division on the education sector, and the reputation of the education of our members.

Congress Acknowledges: A move by a number of Institutes of Technology to work together to establish Technological Universities on a regional basis.

Congress Welcomes: Efforts by the Department of Education and Skills to plan for Higher Education provision in Ireland over the next two decades.

Congress Stresses: The importance of engagement with appropriate student representative organizations throughout the implementation process.

Congress Mandates: All appropriate members of Officer Board to meet and discuss the impact of Technological University status with the Member Organisations involved in each potential Technological University on a case by case basis and to make representations on their behalf, at a national level. This mandate shall be fulfilled as required, and shall be presented for review on its expiration.

AA2 Establishment of Agency for Student Training in QA Proposed by: DKIT SU Seconded by: USI President Congress notes: That SPARQS was created in 2003 to support the greater engagement of students in the management of quality assurance and enhancement in Scotland's Colleges and Higher Education Institutions. SPARQS is hosted by NUS Scotland and is funded by the Scottish Funding Council for Further and Higher Education.

Congress further notes: The advancement of student participation in the QA process in Scotland since the establishment of SPARQS.

Congress notes with regret: That little training is provided to students who are involved in the QA process in Ireland.

Congress welcomes: The amalgamation of HETAC, FETAC, NQAI and IUQB into QQAI. Congress mandates: The President and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and QA to attempt to secure funding and lobby for the establishment of an agency similar to SPARQS to be managed by USI. This mandate shall expire after a period of 3 years if it is not re-approved by Congress.

AA3 Grant Campaign Proposed by: Education Officer Seconded by: Oifigeach na Gaeilge Congress notes: That for the past several years USI’s officers have carried out a campaign of information evenings across the country in the months of late summer for those applying for the student grant.

Congress also notes: That this has been a valuable service to society generally and to our members.

Congress also notes: That a single governmental agency would be able to commit significantly more human and financial resources to such a campaign that this Union, and that with the creation of the single national grants awarding agency that such an agency now exists.

Congress therefore mandates: The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance, Vice President for the Southern Region and the Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region to work with the above named agency toward jointly provisioning the grant awareness and information campaign in the future. The first of these recurring campaigns shall be completed by October 2012.

AA4 Technological Universities Proposed by NUI Galway Students’ Union Seconded by GMIT Students’ Union Congress recognises That many Institutes of Technology are aiming to become Technological Universities (TU) in coming years.

Congress further recognises That should the number of Institutes of Technology which have currently declared their intention to seek TU status actually achieve that status, this would create a situation where almost every major provider of third-level education in Ireland would be some form of university. This could have a big impact on quality assurance as future students may not be certain of what courses and colleges are most suitable to their needs and interests.

Congress notes

That the international recognition of all of our qualifications is vital in ensuring our graduates have a decent chance of employment, regardless of whether those qualifications are from a University, an Institute of Technology, or any other provider of third-level education.

Congress mandates the USI Officerboard To ensure that the National Council and the Member Organisations in general are kept fully informed of developments regarding the possible re-designation of Institutes of Technology as Technological Universities over the next three years To lobby the Government over the next three years to maintain the current criteria for the redesignation of an Institute of Technology as a Technological University, and to include this issue in future Lobby of the Oireachtas documents

AA5 Continued Improvements to the Lecturing Standards in HEI’s Proposed by: Dublin Institute of Technology Students’ Union Seconded by: Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union Congress Notes: The importance of continued monitoring of the teaching standards of 3rd level courses, which contribute to the degree awarding abilities of all HEIs. Congress Further Notes: The importance of lectures and tutors/mentors in students’ time in 3rd and 4th level education.

Congress Notes with Concern: That any short comings in lecturers' attempts to continually develop their teaching methodology and knowledge in their chosen area will have seriously detrimental effects on their ability to assist their students’ learning.

Congress Further Notes with Concern: That, currently, no legislation exists which governs the need for lecturers to develop their teaching methodology and knowledge in their chosen area.

Congress Mandates: The USI President, following consultation with any representative union with 3rd level lecturing staff among their membership, to lobby the HEA to introduce and implement criteria based, Peer led Performance Review scheme to monitor the performances of lectures on an annual or biennial basis.

Independent student feedback is to be an integral element of these criteria. This mandate should be fulfilled by June 2013.

Congress Further Mandates: That the President lobby the HEA to establish a working group to form the framework and criteria for this performance review scheme, which includes, but is not limited to, representatives for students, lecturing staff and a national 3rd level Quality Assurance organisation. This mandate should be fulfilled by June 2013.

AA6 Re-institution of Gaeltacht Grant for Teachers Proposed by: Oifigeach na Gaeilge Seconded by: An t-Oifigeach Oideachais Congress notes: The benefit that time in the Gaeltacht affords trainee teachers

Congress notes with concern: Steps taken by government to remove the grant for teaching students to go to the Gaeltacht as part of their course.

Congress mandates: The Vice-President for Academic affairs and Quality Assurance and the Vice-President for the Irish Language to lobby the department, and minister for education to reverse the decision to remove the grant, in order to ensure that trainee teachers may continue to attend the Gaeltacht during their course.

AA7 Grant reform (Estranged parents) Proposed by: Education Working Group Seconded by: Welfare Working Group Congress applauds: That the Student Support Act 2011 has come in to effect and that from summer 2012 the administration of the student grant scheme will be significantly more streamlined, and the application process more clear and user friendly for those applying.

Congress notes: That for those whose parents are informally separated, or who have no tangible connection to one or both parents for whatever reason, and who are under the age of 23 applying for a grant remains impossibly burdensome due to the onerous documentary evidence obligation on the applicant.

Congress mandates: The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance to propose an alternative method of proving independence for adoption by National Council before the end of December 2012.

And That a detailed submission be made by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance and the President to government on this subject before April 2013.

AA8 Merging of Higher Education Institutions Proposed by: STACS SU Seconded by: IT Sligo SU Congress notes: That discussions for regional clustering and merging of Higher Education institutions are currently on going.

Congress recognises: The positive developments these institutions will bring to research, teaching & learning and provision of facilities and services.

Congress notes with concern: That the individual nature of an institution’s ethos, identity and traditions may be lost in the creation of mergers and amalgamation of institutions.

Congress mandates: Officer Board to keep an institution’s ethos in mind when in discussion with the HEA and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that that they are protected and to report back to National Council and the MOs who will be affected. The mandate shall lapse after three years from being passed at congress as discussions will be on going with regard to the future of Higher Education in Ireland.

AA9 Implementation of the HEA report from the Working Group on Student Contribution Proposed by: TCD Students' Union Seconded by: DIT Students’ Union Congress Commends: The work done by the group and the report it has compiled.

Congress Notes: The financial strain that student services are facing across the country, even with the increased contribution charge by students.

Congress Notes with Concern: Varying practices between HEIs, which directly contradict the General Principles outlined in the report, much to the detriment of student services and students’ unions alike.

Congress Mandates: That all USI Vice Presidents and President, where relevant, lobby the HEA to ensure that all HEIs adopt the general principles and recommendations of the report. By arranging meetings with the relevant senior HEA officials before the end of December 2012.

Equality Motions

EQ1 USI seat on the board of Mature Students Ireland Proposed: USI Equality Officer Seconded: USI Eastern Area officer Congress notes: That this year the Equality officer has obtained a seat on the board of Mature Students Ireland.

Congress further notes: The importance of this seat for maintaining good links with Mature Student Support Staff in all our Higher education institutions.

Congress therefore mandates: The Equality Citizenship Officer to seek re-election to this board on a yearly basis.

EQ2 Longitudinal Survey of students with disabilities Proposed by: USI Equality Working Group Seconded by: USI Western Area officer Congress notes: The 2010 Survey of Students with disabilities which was facilitated by USI and Ahead.

Congress further notes: The importance of continuing a similar survey on yearly basis. This will allow us to evaluate how services are changing for students with disabilities across the country on a yearly basis. This will allow us to campaign and lobby more effectively.

Congress therefore mandates: The Equality and Citizenship Vice president to work with ahead to conduct this survey on a yearly basis.

EQ3 International Student training DVD Proposed by: USI Equality Working Group Seconded by: USI Western Area officer Congress notes: That this year USI has begun an extensive project in conjunction with ICOS, Irish Council for International Students and the Department of Education and Skills.

Congress further notes: How important this project is for training staff working with international students in the HEI sector.

Congress therefore mandates: The Equality and citizenship Vice president to continue to work on this project as a major aspect of their work over the coming year.

EQ4 LGBT Proposed by: UCDSU Seconded by: DKITSU

Congress notes with grave concern: That despite our claims to be a progressive nation we do not recognise the rights of LGBT members of the community as being fully and unequivocally equal to those of heterosexual orientation.

Congress further notes: The failure to recognise equality in our legislation undeniably leads to a failure to see people as equals in our classrooms, our lecture theatres, our campuses and our workplaces.

Congress believes: This failure to lead both directly and indirectly to a lesser standard of living for members of the LGBT community. That it leads to the denial of rights to children raised by same sex parents and to gross negligence on the part of the state by indirectly condoning bullying and torment for people who identify as LGBT. Congress therefore mandates: The President and the Campaigns officer to vehemently campaign on the full equalisation of rights regardless of sexual orientation, for full and equal marriage rights, full and equal adoption rights and for this Union to recognise LGBT members as full and equal members of society in recognition of the rights as laid out above.

Proposed Amendment: Under the sub heading 'Congress therefore mandates', remove 'The President & the Campaigns Officer' and replace with 'The President, the Vice-President for Campaigns and the Vice-President for Equality & Citizenship'.

EQ5 Students with Learning Disabilities Proposed by: TCD Students' Union Seconded by: DIT Students’ Union Congress Notes: The excellent work done by USI in the area of representation for students with disabilities.

Congress Further Notes: That, in the past, campaigns re students with disabilities have tended to focus primarily on students with physical disabilities.

Congress Notes with Regret: The lack of attention which has been paid during this campaigning to students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism, etc.

Congress Further Notes with Concern: That, for students with learning disabilities, services in universities and institutes of technology can be sorely lacking in some cases, thus placing a great barrier between such students and their access to education.

Congress Reaffirms the Notion: That every student has a right to access to third-level education.

Congress Mandates:

The Vice President for Equality & Citizenship to co-ordinate campaigns before March in each academic year on support services for students with learning disabilities and to lobby the Minister for Education to improve support services for students in these areas.

EQ6 Gender Recognition Legislation Proposed By: USI LGBTRO Seconded by: USI Welfare Working Group Congress notes: That the Government’s commitment to introducing Gender Recognition Legislation is overdue and an important step in improving the lives of many Transgender people in Ireland.

Congress believes: That the recommendations presented to the Minister for Social Protection by the Gender Recognition Advisory Group (GRAG) do not contain many of the concerns and issues raised by USI and other groups such as Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) and are not in line with the Yogyakarta Principles.

Congress further believes: That the Irish Government has an opportunity to introduce Gender Recognition Legislation that that is fair and reflects the real life lived experiences of many Transgender people in Ireland.

Congress mandates: The VP for Equality and Citizenship and the VP for Campaigns to campaign for Gender Recognition Legislation that will reflect the real life lived experiences of Transgender people in Ireland and is line with the Yogyakarta Principles.

EQ7 LGBT Mental Health Proposed by: USI LGBTRO Seconded by: USI Welfare Working Group Congress notes: That the results of the Supporting LGBT Lives Study of 2009 showed serious issues for LGBT people in Ireland with regards to mental health and bullying.

Congress notes with concern: That these results showed that “ Almost 20 per cent of gay, lesbian, bisexual and Transgender people have attempted suicide and almost all saw this as related to their sexual identity and the experiences of being abused and feeling isolated” Congress further notes: The high levels of self harming within the young LGBT community and the levels of homophobia that still exist in many areas of Irish society.

Congress mandates: That the VP for Equality and Citizenship and the VP Welfare engage with various LGBT organisations like BeLonG To, TENI and GLEN and develop policies for LGBT mental health and best practice for promotion of positive mental health for LGBT people.

EQ8 Direct engagement with students on LGBT campaigns Proposed by: USI LGBTRO

Seconded by: USI Campaigns Working Group Congress notes: The important role the LGBT Campaign within USI has played in the on-going fight for equal rights for all LGBT people in Ireland and the world.

Congress further notes: That through events such as USI Pink Training the LGBT Campaign has always been effective with engaging with students on grassroots level.

Congress notes in particular: Campaigns focusing on Civil Marriage, the MSM Blood Ban, anti-homophobia and Gender Recognition Legislation campaigning have been successful but are still active and must remain so.

Congress believes: That following the changes to the USI constitution and the merger of the LGBT Rights Officer Position into VP Equality and Citizenship role in order to continue the impact the course of LGBT rights in this country it is vital that forward planning takes place for the future LGBT Campaigns in consultation with students on a grassroots level.

Congress mandates: The VP Equality and Citizenship and VP Campaigns to write a campaign plan for the LGBT Campaign year at the beginning of every term.

Congress further mandates: The VP Equality and Citizenship to hold consultation days in early July with LGBT students to access what the relevant campaign issues are for that year and to devise the year plan in conjunction with the rest of the consultation.

EQ9 Gender neutral welfare campaigns Proposed by: TCD Students' Union Seconded by: DIT Students' Union Congress notes: That gender and sexuality norms can have significant negative effects on some students particularly in the LGBT community.

Congress also notes: That these norms can be reinforced and propagated unintentionally by USI publications such as the illustrations on the SHAG Week Packs for 2012 Congress believes: That USI should lead by example in getting society to treat all students equally Congress therefore mandates: That Vice President for Welfare seek the advice of The Vice President for Equality & Citizenship to ensure that USI welfare campaign materials are gender neutral, in advance of 5th February 2013.

National Affairs Motions

NA1 Childrens’ Rights Proposed by: Campaigns Working Group Seconded by: USI President Congress notes: The absence of legislation in Ireland in relation to the protection of children Congress further notes: The contents of the Cloyne, Ryan and Murphy Reports.

Congress recognises: That we, as a society, fail to protect vulnerable children.

Congress therefore mandates: USI Officerboard to actively support the proposed referendum on childrens’ rights, to work with Campaign for Children and other organisations in favour of the referendum, and to actively encourage and facilitate MOs to get involved in the campaign. This motion shall continue to be in force for the next three years or until such time as the referendum has passed.

NA2 Croke Park Agreement Proposed by: UCDSU Seconded by: DKITSU Congress notes: The 2011 Croke Park agreement imposes a moratorium on public sector recruitment and guarantees no compulsory pay cuts to public sector staff until at least 2014.

Congress notes with concern: The lack of employment for graduates resulting from the recruitment freeze stipulated by the Croke Park agreement and that the public sector pay freezes have resulted in less money being available in the budgets of Educational Institutions for non-pay expenditure such as student services.

Congress believes: That the Croke Park agreement has had a negative effect on students’ education and employment prospects.

Congress mandates: That USI calls for the renegotiation of the Croke Park Agreement.

Proposed Amendment: Under the sub-heading 'Congress Notes', remove 'The 2011 Croke Park Agreement' & replace with 'the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (Croke Park Agreement)'.

Add in an additional sub-heading at the end which should read: Congress further mandates: The President to pursue a renegotiation of the Croke Park agreement at the Lobby of the Oireachtas & to propose a more student-friendly alternative which will still endeavour to respect the rights of public sector employees.

NA3 Private Schools Proposed by NUI Galway Students’ Union Seconded by GMIT Students’ Union Congress recognises That we as a student movement we must strive for true equality of opportunity at all levels in the Irish education system. We also recognise that whether or not a child will make it to third-level education is very often determined by the quality of their secondary education.

Congress further recognises That many potential students have not made it to third-level because they come from areas of socioeconomic disadvantage, and thus cannot afford private schooling, or because the public schools in their areas are not adequate.

Congress notes The growth of grind schools and private secondary schools in Ireland in the past two decades, and that this growth of the private school sector has led to a divided student body at second-level and beyond, and has also resulted in many good public schools struggling to fill places and stay open.

Congress further notes That students attending private schools have access to an education that is to a large extent publiclyfunded, but which is only accessible to those who can pay the private fees which run into the thousands each year. This means that all taxpayers are being asked to subsidise an education system that is only accessible to those children lucky enough to be born into relatively well-off families, and that this private education puts them at a great advantage in attaining higher CAO points and thus places on third-level courses.

Congress mandates Officer Board To campaign for the removing of state funding for private primary and secondary schools, and for any monies saved in this process to be ring fenced and re-invested in the wider, publicly-funded and publicly-accessible education system including primary, secondary and third level education. This should be completed within the next year.

NA4 Reform of the Irish Constitution Proposed by: Dublin Institute of Technology Students’ Union Seconded by: Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union Congress Notes: The inherently Catholic ethos of the Irish Constitution/Bunreacht na hÉireann.

Congress Further Notes: USI policy in the areas of marriage equality and abortion.

Congress Notes with Concern: That the Catholic nature of the Constitution prohibits any legislation which may seek positive, fair and just advancement in these areas, areas in which USI has campaigned tirelessly for decades.

Congress Believes: That the Constitution of Ireland should be wholly secular in nature, and that no one religion deserves constitutional supremacy over all others, nor should any one religion influence the laws of the State.

Congress Mandates:

The Vice President for Campaigns and the Vice President for Equality & Citizenship to lobby for a seat for USI on the soon-to-be established National Constitutional Review Committee and to make known USI’s desire for a secular Constitution, lobbying to ensure that areas such as the definition of marriage etc. are in line with USI policies. This mandate must be fulfilled prior to the national Constitutional review taking place.

NA5 Unsecured Bondholders Proposed by: USI President Seconded by: USI Education Officer Congress notes: That during election 2011 the current Government, while in opposition, proclaimed that not a single additional cent would be given to the banks.

Congress notes with concern: That over the past year the taxpayer has paid billions of euro to unsecured, unguaranteed bondholders in the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (formally Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society).

Congress further notes: That at a time when Ireland’s debt to GDP ratio is one of the highest in Europe, the Government plans to continue paying billions of euro to unsecured, unguaranteed bondholders.

Congress mandates: The President and VP Campaigns to campaign against any additional repayment to unsecured bondholders in the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation.

NA6 ECF and Front-line Staff Proposed by: USI Education Working Group Seconded by: USI Welfare Working Group Congress notes: That higher education remains under intense financial pressure in the context of the State’s current budgetary policy.

Congress also notes: That rates of remuneration to certain ranks within higher education are uncommonly generous within a European or OECD context, and that this is unsustainable when the entire system is barely coping with the strain of budget reduction.

Congress however notes: That is many cases it is not those described above whose contracts are not renewed under the terms of the Employment Control Framework, but rather those who might be called frontline learning support staff.

Congress mandates: The President and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance to lobby for the special protection of Library Staff, Laboratory Technicians, Demonstrators and Tutors within the Employment Control Framework, either in its third iteration, or as an amendment to the current framework by June 2013.

NA7

Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement (ACTA) Proposed by: Campaigns Working Group Seconded by: IADTSU Congress notes: The importance of copyright law and the protection of intellectual property rights and the need of the Irish government to act on this.

Congress notes with concern: The lack of public discussion on the ACTA Treaty and how it would be implemented in Ireland.

Congress further notes with concern: The potential impact of any legislation around ACTA on students’ work, freedom of speech and civil liberties.

Congress therefore mandates: The VP/Campaigns to campaign and lobby on behalf of the students of Ireland to prevent the ratification of the Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement and the introduction of legislation to enforce it in Ireland.

Congress further mandates: The VP/Campaigns to lobby and campaign for the next three years for a wider discussion on the issue of copyright infringement and counterfeit trade prior to the Irish government putting in place any legislation in this area.

NA8 Public & Civil Service Recruitment Embargo Proposed by: USI Deputy President Seconded by: USI President Congress notes: The difficulties caused by the current Public & Civil Service Recruitment Embargo and the employment control framework in operation in the Higher Education Sector.

Congress further notes: That Ireland has a huge problem with Graduate Unemployment and that many of our best and brightest are being forced to emigrate.

Congress therefore mandates: The President and VP/Campaigns to lobby for a root and branch review of all areas of the public and civil service. This review would enable the Government to create a public and civil service that is appropriate for a modern Ireland. By creating a modern civil and public service the Government would be in a position to lift the embargo and recruit graduates into frontline services and other areas appropriate for a modern Ireland.

NA9 Graduate Unemployment & Emigration Proposed by: DKIT SU Seconded by: USI President Congress welcomes: The progress made to the date on the implementation of the USI Reigniting the Smart Economy Policy adopted at Congress 2011.

Congress also welcomes: The announcement of the Job Bridge, National Internship Scheme in June 2011.

Congress notes with grave concern: Recent figures that over 100 Irish people are emigrating every day. Large scale emigration has hugely negative social and economic consequences for communities across the country.

Congress mandates: The President and VP Campaigns to launch a large scale campaign to force Government to tackle the problems of Graduate Unemployment & Emigration and to create the appropriate environment for job creation.

Congress further mandates: The President and VP Campaigns to lobby for the following amendments to the Job Bridge Scheme.

• • • •

A reduction in the Job Bridge criteria from 12 weeks to 4 weeks.

The modification of the Social Welfare Code to enable employers to give a modest stipend to interns.

That Job Bridge interns under the age of 25 qualify for the maximum rate of Job Seekers Benefit.

Vetting of Internships on Job Bridge site.

This mandate shall expire after a period of 3 years if it is not re-approved by Congress.

NA10 National Property Services Regulatory Authority Proposed by: IT Sligo Students’ Union Seconded by: St. Angela’s College Students’ Union Congress notes: The findings of the Auctioneering/Estate Agency Review Group established by the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, that the existing statutory framework for the property sector in the Republic of Ireland is outdated, inappropriate and inadequate for the present day market and does not provide any ongoing official supervisory, disciplinary or consumer redress system.

Congress further notes: That to address these shortcomings, the Review Group recommended the establishment of a Regulatory Authority to achieve uniformity and transparency in licensing, regulation and provision of information to the public in relation to the property sector.

Congress understands: That the Minister for Justice and Law Reform has established the National Property Services Regulatory Authority (NPSRA) as the agency to carry out this function.

Congress believes: That this is a hugely positive step by Government to regulate the property sector. At a time where many businesses are facing liquidation, receivership, and other financial difficulties, adequate governance is required more than ever. Furthermore, the enactment of this legislation to empower this regulatory authority would provide a significant support to our members along with all tenants nationwide.

Congress mandates the President and Vice President for Welfare: To voice the support of the USI; before the end of the calendar year 2012, for the establishment of the National Property Services Regulatory Authority (NPSRA).

Congress further mandates the President and Vice President for Welfare:

To lobby the Minister for Justice and Law Reform; before the end of the calendar year 2012, to ensure the swift and secure enactment of this legislation.

NA11 Mortgage Repayments Proposed by: USI President Seconded by: USI Welfare Officer Congress notes with concern: Recent figures that 1 in 7 householders are struggling to repay mortgages due to the economic crisis.

Congress further notes: That many students and families across the country have to make stark choices as to whether to pay the mortgages, pay colleges fees or simply put food on the table to provide for their families.

Congress also notes: That many families are not in a position to meet mortgage repayments because they have been made redundant or have had to close their business due to the economic crisis.

At present, families are bearing the full responsibility, that is losing their homes, for what can now be described as excessive lending by financial institutions. It is estimated that 36,000 mortgages are in arrears of three months or more and that 17,000 households are receiving mortgage interest supplement.

Congress is concerned: That the financial crisis being experienced by students and families across the country is resulting increased levels of stress, anxiety and mental health issues.

Congress mandates The President, VP Equality and VP Campaigns to work with external organisations to campaign and lobby the Government to introduce measures that support families in situations where they are unable to repay their mortgage and to ensure that families do not lose their homes.

NA12 Employability Skills Campaign Proposed by UCCSU Seconded By IT Tralee SU Congress notes: The focus being put on producing work-ready, world-ready graduates by the 3rd Level sector.

Congress further notes: The lack of clarity for many students around what graduate recruiters and employers are actively seeking in graduates Congress Mandates: The Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Officer and the Campaigns Officer to roll out a nationwide campaign before June 1st 2013 with the aim to inform students on what skills make them more employable and opportunities they have to develop them.

Congress further mandates: The Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Officer to investigate the feasibility of a national career guidance database/website for 3rd and 4th level students.

Union Organisation Motions UO1 Codes of Conduct Proposed by NUI Galway Students’ Union Seconded by GMIT Students’ Union Congress recognises: That there can often be disagreement and conflict within Students’ Unions, and that there should ideally be a system in place to deal with such situations.

Congress notes: That the behaviour of elected Students’ Union officers can be seen to reflect the behaviour of the student body of that college as a whole.

Congress mandates the USI Officerboard: To compile a proposed Code of Conduct for both the USI Officerboard and the Member Organisations, which the Member Organisations would have the option of adopting within their own organisation.

This Code should be completed and presented to National Council by 31st December 2012.

UO2 Promotional material sent out to MO’s Proposed by: IT Sligo Students’ Union Seconded by: St. Angela’s College Students’ Union Congress notes: Throughout the year a number of campaigns will require promotional material to be sent out to MO’s.

Congress recognises: In the past there have been a significant proportion of materials wasted unnecessarily.

Congress mandates the Vice President for Campaigns: To review in the first three months of their term the amount of materials each MO will need per campaign and ensure they adhere to this during the year.

UO3 National Campaign Subcommittee Proposed by: IT Tralee Students’ Union Seconded by: IT Carlow Students’ Union Congress Notes: The increasing financial pressure on students due to the increase of the Student Contribution Charge, and the rising cost of third level education. The national campaign subcommittee was extremely beneficial in the organisation and implementation of our anti-fees strategy.

Congress further notes: The added pressure on the subcommittee due to time constraints.

Congress therefore mandates USI Officer board to organise and elect members of National Council from each of the regions onto the national campaign subcommittee at the second meeting of National Council (August) during the next academic year; 2012/2013.

UO4

Students’ Unions Merger Working Group Proposed by: USI President’s Working Group Seconded by: USI Deputy President Congress notes: The recent publication by the HEA of a series of papers that outline the future landscape of Higher Education.

Congress further notes: That a number of HEIs are at advanced stages of mergers and that many other HEIs will shortly begin the application process for designation as a Technological University.

Congress recognises: That designation as a technological university requires HEIs to have formed one single legal entity prior to the proposed technological university entering the final stage of the process. This single legal entity would have obvious ramifications for the students’ unions in HEIs who are considering a merger.

Congress mandates: That the President and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance present a proposal to the first National Council of the academic year 2012/2013 for the establishment of a working group to prepare guidelines for students’ union mergers and to facilitate students’ union undergoing this process.

The membership of this working group may include, but is not limited to, members of officer board, representatives of member organisations and external persons with relevant expertise.

The work of the working group shall take into consideration international best practice in this area.

UO5 Summer Internship Programme Proposed by: UCCSU Seconded by: WITSU Congress notes: Employers are seeking graduates with skills and experience gained outside of the classroom. The National Strategy for Higher Education states repeatedly that generic and transferable skills are essential for our future workforce and must be developed by the student alongside their academic learning.

Congress also notes: The skills available in the collective student body are vast and impressive. USI undertakes and runs a huge number of campaigns covering a wide variety of topics each year which requires research and preparation. USI Officers are expected to keep up to date with legislation affecting students.

Congress further notes: That successful summer internship programmes have been run in local MO’s in July and August 2011.

This programme elevated the workload of the sabbatical officers, allowed the students involved to gain valuable insights into the running of an organisation and development of essential generic skills and the cost to run the programme was very low. Work included website development, national policy reviews, campaign planning and class representative system review.

Congress Mandates: The President to co-ordinate a summer internship programme to be completed by September 30th 2012 in consultation with MO’s who have successful run programmes.

UO6 Quality Review of USI Proposed by UCCSU Seconded by WITSU Congress notes: The strategic and quality review mandate (10/UO 1) for the President is a valuable exercise in evaluating the position, strategic direction and fitness for purpose of USI Congress believes: Quality reviews should include a self-assessment report as well as a peer review exercise.

Congress further notes: The Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Officer has the relevant knowledge and training to coordinate such a review, which should focus on the both the strategic and operational structures of USI. Congress Mandates: The Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Officer to co-ordinate a Quality Review of USI to include a self-assessment report and peer review group visit to be completed by March 31st 2013 and presented to Congress 2013. The peer review group is to include but not be limited to; One former Officer Board Member One Officer from an NUS UK CM One student (non-sabbatical) from an affiliated Union One Sabbatical Officer from an affiliated Union One student from a non-affiliated college

UO7 Further Education Student Representation Proposed by: USI Education Officer Seconded by: USI Oifigeach na Gaeilge Congress notes: That the provisions in the proposed Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill 2011 would create a single agency from the functions previously assigned to HETAC, FETAC, NQAI and IUQB. This consolidation impacts on student representation as USI should be recognised as the sole national student representative body for students at all levels and in each sector of further and higher education.

Congress notes: That work has progressing by recent Education Officers and Area Officer in the field of Further Education Student Representation, but that this Union currently is ill-equipped to deal with the significant demands that this places on the Union.

Congress asserts and acknowledges: Its moral obligation to provide the means for students in Further Education to represent themselves to their own institutions, to national agencies, and to this Union to the same extent as students in higher education.

Congress therefore mandates: The VP for AA & QA to organise the creation of a Further Education Student Representative Subgroup of USI, made up of officers of Students’ Unions, Representative Committees and Guilds in colleges of further education nationally. This Sub-group will be responsible for the promotion of, affiliation of, training, development and liaison between the Union and students in Further Education.

Congress further mandates: The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Elect to develop a five year implementation strategy for USI’s FE sub-group, leading towards a fully autonomous FE campaign within USI, if appropriate at the end of that five year period.

Congress acknowledges: Its own dearth of experience or expertise in this field, and Congress additionally mandates: The President to allocate staff resources, as resources permit, to professionally manage this strategy, implement its recommendations and deliver its aims until such a time as the Union may elect a person to perform this role.

USI Education Officer Proposed Amendment: After ‘Congress Further Mandates’ insert ‘The Education Officer and’

U08 USI Publication Proposed by: USI Deputy President Seconded by: USI President Congress notes: That USI has longstanding difficulties communicating directly with its members.

Congress further notes: The difficulties caused by this lack of communication in terms of accountability and getting students involved in campaigns.

Congress therefore mandates: The President and the Officerboard to create a regular, professional standard publication, to inform students about the activities of the Union and events in the Higher Education Sector, to be distributed in time for Freshers Weeks in MOs, and to continue publication of issues until the end of the first semester when a cost/benefit analysis shall take place.

UO9 Promoting the USI Proposed by: USI Eastern Area Officer Seconded by: USI Deputy President and Campaigns Officer Congress Notes The good work done by the Officer Board of the Union of Students in Ireland in promoting student rights and views and in advancing the student movement across the country Congress notes with concern That many ordinary members of Union of Students in Ireland are unaware of much of the work done by their national union and in many cases are unaware of whom their national elected representatives are Congress notes That the Union of Students in Ireland attends and addresses all Class Representative Trainings in each of the Member Organisations, however this represents a small cohort of our members Congress mandates

The Vice President for Campaigns, the Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region and the Vice President for the Southern Region to run a comprehensive USI awareness campaign for ordinary students incorporating Town Hall Meetings detailing the structures, purpose and functions of the USI and including information on the members of Officer Board for the next three years.

Congress further mandates The Officer Board to produce a short monthly report for the next three years which shall detail the current achievements, objectives and the month ahead in the Union of Students in Ireland to uploaded on a monthly basis to the USI website and links will be available from the various forms of social media used by the USI and circulated to all Member Organisations for optional inclusion on their website or in their union publications.

UO10 Promotional Materials for the USI Proposed by: USI Eastern Area Officer Seconded by: USI Deputy President & Campaigns Officer Congress Notes The importance of producing promotional goods to promote the USI in each Member Organisation Congress further notes The importance of producing these goods in a timely fashion to coincide with Freshers Weeks across the country Congress mandates The Vice President for Campaigns, the Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region and the Vice President for the Southern Region to produce such goods by the end of July for the next 3 years

UO11 Access & Inclusivity Proposed by: USI Equality Working Group Seconded by: USI Western Area officer Congress notes: That this year USI has made a conscious effort to create an inclusive working environment to all Officers.

Congress Further notes: How important it is to be at the forefront of an access and inclusivity for all officers.

Congress therefore mandates: The President to ensure that USI continues to ensure that it achieves appropriate and reasonable accommodations for all.

UO12 Mature Students Conference Proposed by: IT Tralee Students’ Union Seconded by: IT Carlow Students’ Union

Congress Notes: The increase in the number of mature students returning to 3rd level education, and welcomes the national mature student conference held this year.

Congress further notes: The national mature student conference will have less of an impact on mature students if it is held near the end of semester 2.

Congress therefore mandates: The VP Equality and Citizenship Officer to hold the mature student conference in Semester 1.

UO13 Video Debates Proposed by: IT Tralee Students’ Union Seconded by: IT Carlow Students’ Union Congress Notes: The increased level of interest amongst our grass root members in USI and the election process for new Officerboard candidates.

Congress further notes: Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union hold a very open and public Election Process that is well documented and welcomes interaction from all members along with a debate between candidates held.

Congress therefore mandates: USI Elections Subcommittee to organise video debates between Officerboard candidates at least 2 weeks prior to the Election at Annual Congress.

UO14 Communication with Membership Proposed by: UCDSU Seconded by: DKITSU Congress notes: The lack of direct communication USI and its officers have with its members.

Congress believes: That students will feel a greater part of USI and that they are receiving sufficient benefit from their membership fee if USI Officerboard regularly communicate with and inform the general student body of the work they are doing.

Therefore congress mandates: That the President, Vice Presidents and Area Officers make and publish online videos detailing their work. These videos shall be published at least once per month.

UO15 Establishment of a USI Working Group for Member Organisation Administrators Proposed by: USI Presidents’ Working Group Seconded by: DIT Students’ Union Congress Notes: That USI provides many opportunities for Students’ Unions to learn from one another, and share experiences, leading to a stronger student movement nationally.

Congress Further Notes: That staff provide invaluable support and continuity to Students’ Unions throughout the country, often with a breadth of knowledge, which stretches over many years.

Congress Notes with Regret: That at present, there is no USI forum by which staff of Students’ Unions can share information and experiences, for the benefit of Students’ Unions and the student body.

Congress Mandates: The President to establish a working group of USI, which shall have membership consisting of the staff of each Member Organisation. The working group shall be chaired by a member of USI staff and shall regulate its own affairs, but shall operate within the policies and procedures of USI.

UO16 Union Organisation Online promotion and web development strategy Proposed by UCCSU Seconded by USI Welfare Officer Congress notes: The importance of an effective online presence in today’s world of social media and daily internet users Congress regrets: The attempts thus far made by USI to take advantage of the internet have been far from effective most notably the poor website layout and Facebook followers.

Congress therefore mandates: The President and VP Campaigns to compose an online promotion and web development strategy by October 1st 2012 and report to Congress 2013 on the implementation progress.

UO17 Crossover Training Proposed by: USI Welfare Working Group Seconded by: USI Eastern Area Officer Congress Notes: The crossover period for incoming and outgoing officers is a significant training for the preparation for incoming officers.

Congress further notes: USI have a national council in June, which has the potential to facilitate appropriate training for outgoing officer in how best they can prepare their own crossover with the incoming officer.

Congress Recognises: The importance of UOS as it provides important preparation for incoming officers and allows them to grow in confidents in their new role.

Congress mandates: USI President and Officerboard to develop a crossover programme at the last national council every year to best prepare outgoing officers in delivering their own crossover.

This motion shall apply for 3 years.

UO18 Mature Students Conference Proposed: USI Equality Officer

Seconded: USI Eastern Area Officer Congress notes: That USI has run its first Mature Student Conference in 2012.

Congress further notes: The importance of running such an event for allowing for active engagement with mature students who are an important and valuable assist to our organization.

Congress therefore mandates: The Equality and Citizenship Vice president to run such an event on a yearly basis.

UO19 LGB T Societies Proposed by: IT Blanchardstown Seconded by: TCDSU Congress notes: That the LGBT societies are the main source of contact and support for LGBT students Congress also notes: The great work done by USI in providing Pink Training which supports the LGBT community Congress believes: That this training is a great advert for USI reaching out to students across the country Congress also believes: That all LGBT students (and indeed many non LGBT students) could benefit from attending Pink Training Congress therefore mandates: The Vice President for Equality and Citizenship to make contact with all LGBT societies about Pink Training at least 4 weeks prior to the date for the event, and offer non-affiliate rates directly to the society where relevant.

UO20 Equality Campaign Launch and Handbook Proposed by: UCCSU Seconded by: WITSU

Congress welcomes: The creation of the new role of the Equality and Citizenship Officer Congress believes: That the creation of this new role will provide USI with the opportunity to reshape and rebrand the USI Equality campaign Congress believes: It is vitally important to raise awareness of the Equality campaign within USI and among the organisations and community groups that the Equality and Citizenship Officer will be liaising and working with Congress mandates:

The Equality and Citizenship Officer to organise an official re-launch event for the USI Equality campaign this autumn no later than November 1st.

Congress mandates: The Equality and Citizenship Officer to fulfil the previous mandate of creating an Equality Handbook (09/UO 29) and to have this handbook ready to distribute at this launch Congress mandates: The Equality and Citizenship Officer to ensure that representatives from all relevant organisations are invited to attend this launch

UO21 Social Media Strategy Submitted by: USI Western area officer Seconded by: USI Southern area officer Congress notes: The significant increase in the use of social media globally and as an organisation USI has lagged behind in using social media as a communications tool with its members.

Congress commends: The on-going work by Officerboard and the social media working group in the creation of a social media strategy that will bridge the gap between where the organisation is and where it should be, to be working to the best of its ability.

Congress mandates: The incoming officer boards over the next three years to implement the social media strategy when they start their positions with each member of Officerboard interacting on a daily basis with the USI social media outlets. This would include but not exclusively the VP of regional developments and the VP of campaigns keeping the news on each forum current with pictures of all relevant events that take place.

UO22 Ógra Conferences Proposed by: USI Southern Area Officer Seconded by: USI Western Area Officer Congress notes The diverse range of political parties that exist in Ireland and acknowledges that many of these parties have Ógra branches operating in our members organisations.

Congress acknowledges That such a diverse organisation as USI represents members with a wide variety of political opinions and beliefs.

Congress mandates The President or Vice President Campaign of USI to attend all Ógra Conferences for the next three years when invited to do so for the next three years.

Welfare Motions WEL1 Student Assistance Fund Harmonisation Study Proposed by: USI Education Working Group Seconded by: USI Welfare Working Group Congress notes with approval: The recently announced increase in government funding to the Student Assistance Fund.

Congress however notes with concern: That the source of this funding was reallocated from other student support funds, where the broad picture remains one of desperate underfunding.

Congress further notes: That the Student Assistance Fund varies dramatically in its methodology of administration from institution to institution, and in some cases within institutions themselves.

Congress asserts: That best practice in this area can be made common practice only with accurate data knowledge and effective monitoring.

Congress therefore mandates: The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance and the Vice President for Welfare to carry out a complete study of the administration of the Student Assistance Fund (to be complete by the 31st of December 2012) and author a best practice framework for adoption at USI Annual Congress 2013.

WEL2 Student Accommodation Proposed by: STACS Seconded by: IT Sligo SU Congress notes: That a number of student accommodation villages have gone into receivership in the past couple of years.

Congress notes with concern: That this has caused financial uncertainty for students and their families and that the welfare of students has been put at risk.

Congress congratulates: The Welfare Officer and Officer Board for their dedicated hard work with regard to the introduction of the Deposit Protection Scheme and the production of the useful annual resource of the USI Rent Book.

Congress mandates: The VP / Welfare to formulate a policy document on the entitlements of students when their designated student villages go into receivership. This should involve offering support and advice to MOs if the situation arises and some points of information on the issue should be included in the USI Rent Book. The mandate shall lapse after three years from being passed at congress.

WEL3 Sexual health web site Proposed by: USI Welfare Working Group Seconded by: USI LGBT Officer

Congress Notes: There is large amount of paper material distributed in conjunction with sexual health campaigns.

Congress recognizes: The lack of a one-stop shop for sexual health information and support services on line Congress mandates the Welfare Vice President: To develop an all-inclusive web site which will contain relevant information about sexual health that can be used in conjunction with sexual health campaigns.

Motion shall apply for 3 years

WEL4 Alcohol Abuse Proposed by: IT Sligo Students’ Union Seconded by: St. Angela’s College Students’ Union Congress notes: That alcohol consumption in Ireland doubled between 1970 and 2003, one the largest increases in the world during that period (Byrne, 2010).

Congress recognises: Though consumption has fallen slightly since 2003, Irish consumption at 13.4 litres of pure alcohol per person is the second highest in the OECD (Mongan, 2007).

Congress notes with concern: That the increase in alcohol consumption has caused a corresponding increase in alcohol related harms in Irish society, including alcohol related accidents and illnesses, alcohol related crime, alcohol related domestic abuse and alcohol related absences from work (Hope, 2008).

Congress understands: That the Department of Health (RoI) and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (NI) have held a North South conference on alcohol misuse in January to explore some of the common issues in relation to the alcohol culture on both sides of the border. Both Departments recognizing the scope for sharing information and evidence based material, on an all-island basis, in a number of areas including the tackling of alcohol abuse.

Congress believes: That the issue of alcohol abuse significantly impacts on the welfare of our members. Furthermore, that we as representatives; entrusted with protecting the interests our members, should be proactive in addressing the issue of alcohol abuse.

Congress mandates the President, the Vice President for Welfare, and the NUS-USI President: To engage with the Department of Health (RoI), the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (NI), before July 2013 in addressing the issue of alcohol abuse.

WEL5 Exam Stress Packs Proposed by: IT Sligo Students’ Union Seconded by: St. Angela’s College Students’ Union Congress notes:

That many students experience, incidences of elevated stress and anxiety around the examination period.

Congress notes with concern: The affects of increased stress and anxiety on students’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and the subsequent impact on their examination performance.

Congress congratulates: The Welfare Officer and members of Officerboard for their hard work in tacking issues surrounding students’ physical, mental, and emotional welfare.

Congress believes: That students should be provided with adequate support and guidance around the issue of stress and anxiety, including how to diagnose the condition, what affects it has on students, what self help techniques are recommended, and general management advice.

Congress mandates the Vice President for Welfare: To develop and source a stress pack and booklet to be distributed to MO’s before the winter and summer exams. These should be available for December 2012.

WEL6 Drink Responsibly Campaign Proposed by: IT Sligo Students’ Union Seconded by: St. Angela’s College Students’ Union Congress notes: That alcohol consumption has increased substantially in the past number of years and Ireland now consumes more alcohol per adult than most of its European counterparts.

Congress is saddened: By the linkages drawn between alcohol and related harm, with reference to a report by the HSE in 2008, including; injuries, hospital admissions, mortality, driving, street violence, domestic violence, and road injuries.

Congress applauds: The Welfare Officer for engaging with Drink Aware, and other related groups in creating awareness about excessive alcohol consumption, and promoting the responsible consumption of alcohol.

Congress believes: That the issue of alcohol abuse significantly impacts on the welfare of our members.

Congress further believes: That as student representatives we should be proactive in creating awareness around the issue of excessive alcohol consumption, and campaign for responsibility in this area.

Congress mandates the Vice President for Welfare: To develop and implement a USI National Drink Responsibly Campaign before July 2013, and to carry out same on an annual basis thereafter in order to create awareness around alcohol consumption rates, and encourage its responsible consumption.

WEL7 Suicide Prevention Campaign Proposed by: IT Tralee Students’ Union Seconded by: IT Carlow Students’ Union

Congress Notes: The level of work the previous Welfare Officer has put into the Mental Health Campaign for the student population.

Congress also notes: The difficulty in designing a campaign or highlighting the issue of suicide prevention/awareness which is not threatening to students.

Congress recognises: That suicide remains a key issue for students.

Congress therefore mandates: The Welfare Officer to organise, design and run a National Suicide Prevention Campaign that would be rolled out right across the Country on a Specific Day.

WEL8 Student Assistance Fund Proposed by: UCDSU Seconded by: DKITSU Congress notes: That the HEA allocated an additional â‚Ź4million to the Student Assistance Fund this year.

Congress further notes: That this funding was allocated on a one-off basis.

Congress believes: The additional funding secured for the Student Assistance Fund had a very significant positive impact on the financial supports available to students struggling financially.

Therefore congress mandates: That the President, Campaigns Vice-President and Welfare Vice-President lobby the HEA, TD’s and other relevant parties to ensure that this amount is again allocated to the Student Assistance Fund for the 2012/2013 academic year.

WEL9 Physical Health Strategy for USI Proposed by: USI Welfare Officer Seconded by: USI Welfare Working Group Congress notes 11/WEL 02 mandating the creation of a USI Physical Health Strategy.

Congress therefore adopts the proposed USI Physical Health Strategy 2012-2015.

Congress Mandates: The Welfare Vice President to both follow the USI Physical Health Strategy and assist local officers in following through with its recommendations by disseminating the strategy at the start of the year as well as providing support and training throughout the year.

This motion should apply for three years

WEL10 Alcohol Policy for USI Proposed by: USI Welfare Officer Seconded by: UCCSU Congress notes: 11/ Wel 4 mandates the creation of strategy documents in the main areas of work for the welfare officer, including sexual health, finance, physical health, accommodation, alcohol awareness, substance abuse and any others that are appropriate.

Congress therefore adopts the proposed USI Alcohol Policy 2012-2015 Congress therefore deletes: 11/ Wel 11 Anti Social Behavior Campaign 10/ Wel 3 Student and Alcohol 10/ Wel 8 Anti-Social Behavior 09/ Wel 8 Drug Awareness 09/ 13 Alcohol Awareness Campaign Congress Mandates the Welfare Vice President: To both follow the USI Alcohol Policy and assist local officers in following through with its recommendations and action points by disseminating the policy at the start of the year as well as providing support and training throughout the year.

This motion should apply for three years

WEL11 Abortion Rights Campaign Proposed by: USI Welfare Officer Seconded by: USI Education Working Group Congress notes: USI is mandated to lobby the government and other relevant bodies to develop greater access to abortion services for all women within the state (06/WEL 6 Abortion & 09/Wel 2 Abortion Rights Campaign.).

Congress recognizes: Many Students Unions and Organisation view the issue of abortion as an issue of equality and women’s rights across the world. Twenty years have passed since judgment of the X case and the government is yet to legislate in accordance with the judgment.

Congress further recognizes: That the issue is one of concern for Student Union Officers around the country.

Congress acknowledges: The establishment of the Safe and Legal (in Ireland) Abortion Rights Campaign which aims to end the hypocrisy of exiling women in crisis pregnancy that choose to have an abortion. The campaign includes various strands, including a litigation strand, a public awareness strand and a national and international advocacy strand.

Congress mandates: The Welfare Vice President and Equality & Citizenship Vice President to work with the Safe and Legal (in Ireland) Abortion Rights Campaign and Irish Family Planning Association to once again make this issue a priority for Irish Women and a priority for the country.

Congress further mandates The Welfare Vice-President and Equality & Citizenship Vice President to raise awareness of the Safe and Legal (in Ireland) Abortion Rights Campaign to USI members and ensure the Government enact the measure set about from the X Case judgment.

This motion should apply for 3 years.

WEL12 HEA Support of an efficient and student friendly Student Assistant Fund (SAF) Application process.

Proposed by: Dublin Institute of Technology Students’ Union Seconded by: Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union Congress Notes: The essential role the SAF plays in the lives of many students studying in HEI’s across the country.

Congress Notes: That, with increasing number of applicants, paper and un-student friendly application forms increases the administration work load and slows down the process for students.

Congress Applauds: Students’ Unions and HEI’s that have adopted an online and/or student friendly application process.

Congress Notes with Concern: The fact that the HEA requires over 50 items of information on each applicant and the high level of time spent adhering to this requirement, due to the fact that this feedback is not online.

Congress Mandates: The USI Vice President of Welfare to lobby the HEA to encourage the adoption of an online, student friendly application process by providing technological support, training and resources to services that administrate the fund. This mandate must be fulfilled by the end of June 2012.

Congress Further Mandates: The USI Vice President of Welfare, to lobby the HEA to facilitate an easier and less time consuming forum by which the feedback of information on the applicants can be done. This mandate must be fulfilled by the end of June 2012.

WEL13 Substance Abuse Proposed by: USI Welfare Working Group Seconded by: USI Southern Area Officer Congress notes That substance abuse is a growing problem in Irish society.

Congress further notes 09/Wel 5 – Counselling Service and 09/Wel 8 – Drug awareness mandates as these demonstrate the need for a formulated strategy document to be created in the area of substance abuse.

Congress mandates the Welfare Vice President To create a Substance abuse strategy document that would contain information in relation to drug awareness, campaigns, how to combat addictions and other items deemed essential to be included by welfare working group. Appropriate training should be provided for Welfare Officers over the summer period so they can handle cases in this area.

This motion shall apply till December 2012.

WEL14 Exam Stress Campaign Proposed by: USI Southern Area Officer Seconded by: USI Welfare Officer Congress notes The work that MOs put into Exam Stress Campaigns across the Country in the run up to Exams.

Congress further notes The lack of support on a National Level to the roll out of these Campaigns and the lack of an overall Exam Stress Campaign.

Congress mandates the VP/South, VP/BMW and the Welfare Officer To investigate the possibility of sourcing the materials, supplying and distributing ‘Exam Stress Packs’ to the MOs along with a resource pack that contains information on support services for the students.

Rúin na Gaeilge IL1 Support of Teaching through Irish Proposed by NUI Galway Students’ Union Seconded by GMIT Students’ Union Congress recognises The special status of the Irish Language in the National University of Ireland, Galway and also the special recognition of the language in the USI. Feictear don Chomhdháil seo Go bhfuil meath leanúnach ag tarlú bliain i ndiaidh bliana ar líon na n-ábhar a mhúintear trí Ghaeilge ar phríomh champas Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh. Anuas air sin, tá imeallú fisiciúil agus tíreolaíochta ag tarlú don Ghaeilge, tá sí á brú amach go dtí campais an Acadaimh sa Ghaeltacht agus de réir a chéile tá sí le cluinstin níos lú agus níos lú i hallaí léachta an phríomh champais. Cé go bhfuil líon mór scoláirí ag déanamh staidéir trí Ghaeilge sna campais Gaeltachta, is cúrsaí de chineál eile ar fad atá iontu siúd agus tá an teanga á ruaigeadh amach as na daonnachtaí agus na heolaíochtaí i gcampas chathair na Gaillimhe.

Congress opposes The move away from teaching through Irish on the main campus in NUIG over recent years, and furthermore the USI commits to supporting all campaign efforts to retain and restore the teaching of academic subjects through the Irish language.

Congress notes That under the 1929 University College, Galway Act NUIG has a special responsibility towards teaching in the native language. While it is no longer a requirement of the University to give priority to Irish speakers when recruiting academic staff, it is none the less required to support, promote and expand on the teaching of academic subjects through Irish.

Congress therefore mandates The USI Oifigeach na Gaeilge to campaign on this issue and to support the NUIG Irish language community and SU Oifigeach na Gaeilge in this campaign, within the next year.

Congress furthermore mandates The President to raise this concern on the board of the HEA within the next year.

IL2 Subjects in Irish in NUIG Proposed by: Oifigeach na Gaeilge Seconded by: NUIGSU Congress notes: The key role NUIG has in the Stráitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge, in terms of providing subjects both in Irish and English.

Congress applauds: The work done by an t-Oifigeach Gaeilge, NUIG, to increase the amount of subjects available through Irish.

Congress mandates: The Irish Language officer and the incoming Vice-President for the Irish Language, to co-ordinate with and maintain the campaign to increase the amount of subjects in Irish in NUIG.

Citizenship Motions CZN1 National Charity Fundraising Day Proposed by: USI Eastern Area Officer Seconded by: USI Welfare Officer Congress Notes: The importance of raising money for USI’s national charity.

Congress Further Notes: USI’s ability to attract media attention, and organise mass student participation in ground-level events.

Congress Notes with Concern: The lack of publicity and fundraising currently given to USI’s national charity.

Congress Mandates: The Vice President for Campaigns, the Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region and the Vice President for the Southern Region to explore the feasibility of a National Fundraising Day for the next 3 years, with the aim of involving all Member Organisations in dedicated fundraising activities once a year.

CZN2 Students in the Workplace Proposed by: Dublin Institute of Technology Students’ Union Seconded by: Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union Congress Notes: That in order to help fund their education, many students take up a part time job.

Congress Welcomes: The decision to reverse the cut to the minimum wage, which targeted students in part time jobs who are already struggling financially.

Congress Notes with Concern: That in many of these jobs, trade union membership is absent and in some places discouraged.

Furthermore, many students are unaware of what their rights and entitlements are in relation to time off, payment and hours.

Congress Mandates: The Vice President of Equality and Citizenship to better inform students of their rights in the workplace by providing information that is set out by the LRC, NERA and Employment legislation. This mandate should be completed within the first quarter of the Academic Year.

CZN3 USI Student Participation Awards Proposed by: USI Southern Area Officer Seconded by: USI Western Area Officer Congress recognises A lot of unrecognised valuable work is completed by MOs of USI each year across a wide range of areas and that many students work tirelessly for the betterment of Students’ Union and Clubs and Societies.

Congress acknowledges

That the range of work completed is diverse and covers a vast area of extracurricular activities and that there is little recognition for these students in a formal capacity.

Congress notes The success of the BICS Awards and NUS Awards in the UK. Congress believes That the students who work hard in these extracurricular activities should be recognised and acknowledged.

Congress therefore mandates Officerboard To organise USI Student Participation Awards whereby students will be accredited for their involvement in local Students’ Unions, USI Campaigns and involvement in Clubs and Societies.

The President and Officer Board to bring forward to the first National Council of 2012/2013 a cohesive plan for the Student Participation Awards which should include the categories that will be included in the Award Ceremony, who will be eligible, how they will be run and judged, deadlines and any other preparation needed.

CZN4 Voting Rights for Citizens Living Abroad Proposed by: USI Western area officer Seconded by: USI Southern Area Officer Congress recognises: That high unemployment has meant many of our friends, relatives and neighbours have been forced to leave Ireland in search of work elsewhere, and that as in generations past, we are exporting many of our best and brightest individuals, and that many of these will settle in their new homes and spend the rest of their lives there. This legacy of forced emigration has had an extremely detrimental effect on the life of our nation and our State, and that indeed; Ireland is the only country in the world which has a lower population now than in 1845.

Congress further recognises: That over the past twenty years, the various holders of the office of President of Ireland have reached out to the Irish abroad, and that Article 2 of the Constitution states how “the Irish nation cherishes its special affinity with people of Irish ancestry living abroad who share its cultural identity and heritage�. Despite this, Ireland is one of the very few countries in the world which still denies voting rights to those citizens who are not resident in the State.

Congress notes: That there are over a million Irish citizens currently living outside the State, including many in Northern Ireland, alongside another two to three million people who have a claim on Irish citizenship.

Congress also notes that as a community, these people are no less Irish and care no less about Ireland because they have emigrated, and that accordingly, they should not be unreasonably excluded from the life of the nation and the State.

Congress mandates the USI: To adopt a policy which calls on the government to extend the right to vote in elections for the President of Ireland to all Irish citizens living outside the State. The exact mechanism to be used in such elections should be determined by the government, as long as it encourages as wide a participation among the Irish abroad in these elections as is reasonably possible, but with particular regard to the opportunities which technology offers in reaching these people.

To include this policy in future Lobby of the Oireacthas documents and to approach all the registered political parties seeking support on this policy.

Congress mandates the USI President:

To write to each of the elected officers of each member organisation in September 2012 asking them to present this policy for approval at their decision-making body of students, such as a class representatives council.

International Affairs Motions

IA1 South African Student Leader’s Project Proposed: USI Equality Officer Seconded: USI Eastern Area Officer Congress notes: That USI has begun a new project Santrust South Africa and ICOS, the Irish council for International students regarding a South African student leaders project which allow for the development of longstanding connections Irish and South African Student leaders.

Congress further notes: That this project is useful for promoting USI as an organization that has a strong social conscience and as an organization which is concerned with perusing international links.

Congress therefore mandates: The Equality and Citizenship Vice President to continue to work on this project over the coming years pending successful funding application.

Prioritised Policies & Mandates due to Expire 09/ED 6 Maintenance Grant Congress notes That the maintenance grant is one of the most important issues for students in further and higher education as it is the primary source of financial support available.

Congress recognises That since the introduction of the maintenance grant in 1973, USI has been at the forefront in campaigning for changes to the maintenance grant to ensure that it assists as many students as possible, provides a decent level of financial support and that the administration of the maintenance grant is flexible, efficient and student-friendly.

Congress recognises That these priorities have been consistently re-affirmed at numerous congresses through different mandates, highlighting the commitment of USI and constituent organisations to reforming the maintenance grant system so that it serves those who need it.

Congress regrets That while each of these mandates is laudable it has created a patchwork of twelve motions that, in parts, contradict each other and make the creation of a co-ordinated and effective maintenance grants campaign more difficult than necessary.

Congress recognises That in order for a campaign to be effective it requires clear, concise goals and a defined, unitary policy Congress therefore mandates The repealing and deletion from the USI policy manual of 08 / ED 3, 08 / ED 13, 08 / ED 18, 07 / ED 1, 06 / ED 1, 06 / ED 4, 06 / ED 20, 05 / ED 4, 04 / ED 1, 04 / ED 7, 08 / UO 28, 07 / EQ 3, 05 / WEL 10.

Congress further mandates the education officer and deputy president To conduct the maintenance grant campaign, under the auspices of the education officer, in accordance with the following policies: Grant payment levels & reckonable income limits Maintenance grant payment levels to be raised to that of unemployment assistance and to parallel any and all increases in it.

Income limits to be increased in line with average annual growth in income as determined by the central statistics grant office and, if annual incomes decline, for the limits not to be decreased.

All payments to be made the same day to all recipients of the maintenance grant via electronic payment every month with a bonus payment in September to allow students to meet deposits for rented accommodation.

Family status The recognition of the circumstances of single parents and students with dependents A new category of ‘independent learner under 23’ to be created which will allow students under the age of 23 who are estranged from their parents and/or living independently to be assessed on their own personal income.

Approved courses & institutions The distinction between full-time and part-time courses to be removed and the term replaced with approved courses in order to allow students on part-time courses to apply for the maintenance grant.

Students in private colleges to be allowed apply for the maintenance grant Nationality status Dependents of refugees to be eligible to apply for the maintenance grant A change in the regulations to allow the non-national parents of Irish born children apply.

Residency requirement The ‘residency requirement’ for the maintenance grant to be abolished for all applicants with EU nationality The ‘residency requirement’ for the maintenance grant to be abolished for all applicants who is a spouse of an EU or Irish national and is or has been employed in the state The ‘residency requirement’ for the maintenance grant to be abolished for all applicants who is a child of an EU or Irish national and does not have emu nationality The ‘residency requirement’ for the maintenance grant to be abolished for all applicants who are nationals of the EEA or Switzerland Application process & awarding authorities The creation of a single agency to handle all aspects of the maintenance grant and for this agency to be under the auspices of the department of social & family affairs The application form to be revised, streamlined and simplified in consultation with USI Method for means testing eligibility for the maintenance grant to be reformed A simplified process of re-applying for students in receipt of the maintenance grant should be devised and they should be informed of a decision before the start of the academic year Applications for the maintenance grant should be opened immediately after the CAO closing date in February 1st and all applicants should be notified of a decision before the start of the academic year Official application forms should be made available online and an online application process offered Maintenance grant regulations The four schemes within the maintenance grant to be merged into a single scheme with the ‘best practice’ elements of each preserved Abolish the ‘continuous stream of education’ regulation and permit the status of a candidate to change once they meet the criteria for the new status Student support bill USI officer board shall continue to lobby the department of education & science and politicians for the enactment of the student support bill as a matter of urgency It shall also campaign for amendments to the student support bill in accordance with the above principles and lobby the department of education & science and politicians for this. It shall also work with relevant stakeholders to build momentum to reform the student support bill.

Information for constituent organisations Provide a module on the maintenance grant/student support bill at UOS for education and welfare officers Update the USI education handbook annually with information on the maintenance grant and/or produce a short guide for CO’s Information for students Produce the USI grants poster and distribute to all third-level institutions Produce a USI guide to applying for the maintenance grant and distribute to second-level students through (where possible) ISSU, guidance counsellors, principals, teachers’ unions and the department of education & science Campaigning for change USI to lobby TDs, ministers and councillors to reform the maintenance grant in line with the above policies All awarding bodies that are late paying the maintenance grant to be publicly named and shamed.

The deputy president/campaigns officer shall, with the assistance of the education officer, be responsible for the public aspect of the campaign including any and all public demonstrations, protests, poster campaigns, letter-writing campaigns etc.

09/ED 15 Quality Assurance Congress notes That quality assurance is an increasingly important issue facing higher and further education and one which USI needs a strong, coordinated campaign on.

Congress also notes That USI currently has eight existing motions relating to the area of quality assurance, each with different mandates and emphases.

Congress recognises That while each motion covers an important topic, it has created a disparate and sometimes sectoral approach to quality assurance that prohibits the development of a coherent campaign that could affect real change.

Congress also recognises That as USI represents students across all sectors of further and higher education, it must establish a common set of principles that will underpin and inform the organisation’s approach to quality assurance Congress therefore mandates The repealing and deletion from the USI policy manual of 08 / ED 11, 07 / ED 8, 07 / ED 9, 07 / ED 17, 06 / ED 3, 06 / ED 19, 05 / ED 20 and 05 / ED 24 with immediate effect.

Congress further mandates That USI adopts the following guidelines as its policy on quality assurance to be implemented by the education officer:

Aims and principles: ‘Quality assurance’ includes processes such as evaluation, accreditation and audit.

Students have a right to a high quality of education and to have that education reviewed and assessed regularly The interests of students as well as employers and wider society are served through good quality higher education Institutional autonomy, tempered by a recognition that this brings with it heavy responsibilities The need for external quality assurance to be fit for its purpose and to place only an appropriate and necessary burden on institutions for the achievement of its objectives Centrality of student involvement and representation at all levels of the quality assurance process QA mechanisms should result in demonstrative improvements and that these improvements should be communicated back to students All elements of the QA process shall be transparent and accountable Quality Assurance of Modules, Programmes and Academic Units (General Principles) Institutions should have policy, procedures and formal mechanisms for the quality assurance of their programmes and awards Institutions should have a culture which recognises the importance of quality, and quality assurance, in their work Each institution should have a central quality assurance office and/or committee that oversees the implementation of QA; this body shall have student representation All panels formed to conduct a QA review should have student representation All panels formed to conduct a QA review should have expert external representation The quality of teaching staff shall be periodically reviewed as part of any programme, academic unit or institutional review and shall be commented on in the final report The quality of education provided should be the central element in a review and each module and programme shall be assessed as to whether it is meeting its stated learning outcomes The appropriateness of the stated learning outcomes as they support a high quality education should also be reviewed Any and all QA reviews should also examine the quality of resources to support student learning including information systems, library resources and any and all other relevant services Modules should be assessed annually with programmes and academic units reviewed on a cyclical basis with programmes reviewed at least once every three years and academic units at least once every five years All quality assurance evaluations (module, programme, academic unit) should be made available online and all module and programme reviews be distributed to the students affected Following each assessment an action plan and timeline to implement the recommendations should be produced and communicated to students External Quality Review of Institutions (General Principles)

All institutions should be subject to review at least once every seven years Panels should be chosen and overseen by the accreditation and/or awarding body All panels should have student representation from a different institution with the pool of student representatives drawn up in consultation with USI All panels formed to conduct an institutional review should have expert external representation All panels should be fully independent and free of any influence or conflict of interest Guidelines for institutional reviews should be drawn up by the accreditation agency based on standardised best practice, such as ENQA’s ‘standards and guidelines’ As part of the review process the institution should produce a self-assessment report which should include progress on the recommendations of the previous report The effectiveness and suitability of the institution’s internal QA policies, procedures and mechanisms should be assessed The review should also examine the overall quality of the student experience, learning resources, information systems, institutional culture (academic and professional) and academic structure All institutional review reports should be made available online and all module and programme reviews be distributed to the students affected Following each assessment an action plan and timeline to implement the recommendations should be produced and communicated to students and the institution National Quality Assurance Agency USI will lobby for the establishment of one quality assurance and accreditation body for the further and higher education sectors There should be at least one USI representative on its main committee, and USI representation on all relevant sub-committees The body should have statutory powers with regards to quality assurance in the whole third-level sector and accreditation and delegation of authority in the IOT sector The body should be responsible for commissioning and carrying out all institutional reviews It should draw up a series of best practice guidelines for assessment and QA mechanisms and these should form the basis of QA policies and procedures in the third-level sector This body should seek membership and accreditation through the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR) It shall be subject to review once every 7 years and this shall involve consultation with USI Student Participation in Quality Assurance Student participation in quality assurance is essential in order to ensure that any QA system is credible The institution seeks to enshrine the value of student participation in quality assurance activities at module, programme, departmental, faculty and institutional level.

Each institution should produce a guide for new students and should aim to produce a quality assurance handbook Student representation on all QA fora is essential The student representation system should be designed to afford opportunities for student engagement in decision-making and quality management arrangements USI Campaign on Quality Assurance USI will campaign to ensure high quality teaching and QA standards throughout the further and higher education sectors in accordance with the policies above USI will engage with the department of education & science, FETAC, HETAC, HEA and the NQAI and all other relevant stakeholders to ensure the above A survey regarding the different forms of QA used and level of implementation throughout further and higher education in Ireland will be conducted and the results distributed to CO’s USI shall produce, or work with any sectoral body producing, a handbook for students on quality assurance detailing the rights of students and the importance of student involvement in QA The USI education officer shall assist constituent organisations in developing and implementing QA policies in accordance with the above principles The USI education officer shall assist constituent organisations in designing and producing materials to inform students about QA procedures and their right to a high quality education.

09/ED 8 Teachers Standards Congress recognises That in a significant number of cases the quality of 3rd level teaching is suffering as institutions place emphasis on other areas, such as 4th level education which can act as a source of income.

Congress also recognises That refresher training in the latest techniques and practices for effective 3rd level teaching leads to improves quality in teaching practices and a better experience for students.

Congress notes with concern The fact that 3rd level quality assurance reviews are in many cases inadequate and in some cases, such as that of the university sector, are not mandatory.

Congress mandates The president and education officer to lobby the HEA to introduce mandatory quality of teaching reviews for all third level institutions Congress also mandates The president and education officer to lobby for the government to implement a nation-wide policy of refresher training for all new academic staff in 3rd level institutes based on similar pilot schemes, such as that implemented in the Dublin institute of technology

Congress also mandates The president to seek the support of other relevant unions, such as the TUI and IFUT, in accomplishing these goals 09/ED 1 Tuition Fees Congress notes That it has long been a core principle of the student movement that education should be accessible to all people.

Congress recognises That tuition fees constitute a serious barrier to entry into third level education.

Congress strongly believes That education is a public and social good, which benefits not only the individual but the wider society. It should therefore be paid through progressive taxation like all public services. Investing in education is one of the most important investments we can make; not only does having an educated population strengthen our economy, but graduates pay on average 70% more in tax and have thus directly repaid the cost of their degree through taxation within ten years. Importantly, providing a college education to all is an important factor in creating a fair and more democratic society with equal opportunity for all.

Congress further notes That the OECD's “education at a glance 2008” lists Ireland at the top of selected industrialised countries for “providing the most equitable access to higher education”. This shows that the abolition of fees has had a significant impact on increasing equity of access, despite successive governments’ failure to follow up the success of free fees with a corresponding commitment to educational equality across the board.

Congress further notes That in two decades Ireland has seen an increase in access to third level education from 20% to 55%, and that a large factor in this has been the abolition of third level fees.

Congress believes That the economic crisis means that now, more than ever Ireland must make education accessible to all, in order to equip our people with the skills and knowledge that will help them innovate, create new jobs and attract foreign investment. Ireland’s future depends on investing in its people.

Congress notes That the cost of going to college in Ireland is, according to bank of Ireland’s cost of college survey, €38,000 for a four year degree. This cost will rise significantly if fees are introduced.

Congress condemns The proposals by minister for education and science to reintroduce third level fees, and his attempts to raise the registration fee to €1,500 per year, which is a tuition fee higher than almost any other European country charges for their public universities and colleges.

Congress hereby reaffirms Its commitment to an equal, fair and accessible education system, and to the complete abolition of tuition fees, including the registration fee.

Congress notes The huge campaigns in 2002/03 and 2008/09 run by USI to oppose tuition fees.

Congress mandates

USI officer board to redouble its efforts to fight fees in any guise and to continue to place this issue at the centre of its lobbying and campaigning efforts.

Congress calls for A commitment by the government to fund third level education and all essential services through progressive taxation, where those on higher incomes pay the most.

Congress urges All local students’ unions to recognise their central role in the national campaign against fees, and to make fees their priority as students’ union representatives and as members of the national union. The usi is not officer board – it is all members. Therefore all members are responsible for engaging with the campaign.

09/ED 2 Student Loans/Graduate Tax Congress notes That the principle that education should be accessible to all people, has always been a core value of the student movement.

Congress strongly believes That education is a public and social good, which benefits not only the individual but the wider society. It should therefore be paid through progressive taxation like all public services. Investing in education is one of the most important investments we can make; not only does having an educated population strengthen our economy, but graduates pay on average 70% more in tax and have thus directly repaid the cost of their degree through taxation within ten years. Providing education to all citizens equally is fundamental principle for any fair society.

Congress notes The 2005 study in the UK by Professor Claire Callender and Jonathan Jackson that shows that for those on lower or middle income backgrounds in the UK, the fear of debt is a significant barrier to entry to third level education in the UK. This is a result of the student loans system in the UK. Congress also notes The research by Professor Kathleen Lynch of UCD’s equality studies centre on the Australian HECS system, that shows the detrimental impact that a deferred loans system can have on equity of access to third level and on increasing student impoverishment.

Congress notes That Australia’s education minister Julia Gillard has described the HECS student loans system as “at best complex and at worst anomalous, inconsistent and irrational”.

Congress notes That the cost of going to college in Ireland is, according to bank of Ireland’s cost of college survey, €38,000 for a four year degree. This cost will rise significantly if a loans system is brought in, placing third level education out of reach for many.

Congress also notes That the fairest and most egalitarian way of paying for higher education is through a progressive taxation system.

Congress condemns The suggestions by minister for education Batt O’Keeffe that an Australian-style student loans system might be introduced in Ireland, at the same time as the Australian government itself is recognising that the system doesn’t work.

Congress also opposes The suggestions by some politicians for a graduate tax. Graduates already pay 70% more in tax than non-graduates, therefore a graduation tax is not necessary nor is it fair.

Congress mandates USI officer board to continue to oppose fees in any guise, including student loans and a graduate taxation system.

Congress calls for Investment through progressive taxation in a fair, equitable education system from primary to third level, whereby those on higher incomes pay higher taxes which funds all essential services. This is an investment in strengthening our economy as well as creating fairness in our society.

09/ED 11 Bologna Process Congress notes That the bologna process has, since its inception in 1999, become one of the most important and dominant themes in further and higher education in Europe with significant reforms being introduced throughout Europe and here in Ireland as a result of the bologna process.

Congress further notes That the reforms introduced as part of the bologna process have seen a dramatic transformation in further and higher education, much of which has been positive.

Congress recognises That these reforms have, however, also introduced considerable uncertainty into further and higher education and there is a need to ensure that as part of the bologna process, the quality of education is not undermined.

Congress welcomes That the union of students in Ireland has been involved at both a national and European level in the formation and development of policy in the key areas of the bologna process.

Congress regrets That on an issue as critical as the bologna process, which is now entering second decade, USI does not have official, formalised policy on the bologna process.

Congress believes That it is imperative that the national students’ union develop policy on an issue that is having and will have a profound impact on its membership.

Congress therefore mandates The immediate repealing and deletion from the policy manual of 08 / ED 6, 07 / ED 12, 06 / ED 7, 06 / 21, 05 / ED 9, 04 / ED 8 And 04 / ED 13.

Congress further mandates USI to adopt the following principles on the Bologna process to be implemented by the president and the education officer Bologna process (general principles) USI welcomes the creation of the bologna process and the importance of education and educational co-operation in the development and strengthening of stable, peaceful and democratic societies The bologna process should be based on creating opportunities for mobility within higher education in Europe and should not be focused on purely developing a higher education system that suits the needs of enterprise and employers

USI strongly believes that the over-arching goal of the bologna process should be to create a studentcentred learning environment that is flexible, transparent, accessible to all and encourages the development of lifelong learning Future development of the bologna process must be driven through consultation and cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, which must include student representatives The bologna process should aim for significant and continuous improvement in the standard of education provided to students and that students are full and complete partners within institutions and at sectoral, national and European levels. Education must also be transparent with embedded and appropriate QA mechanisms focused on improving standards and academic provision Social dimension Participation in further and higher education must be widened and the demographic of these sectors should reflect the diversity of the population of the signatory countries to the bologna process Further and higher education is a public good and should primarily be publicly funded USI is opposed to any and all attempts to privatise further and higher education USI strongly welcomes the commitment enshrined in the bologna process to student services and will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that student services are adequately resourced and improved in line with the needs of students All obstacles to participation further and higher education should be removed and USI will campaign strongly on this The social dimension of the bologna process must continue to be one of the central action lines of the bologna process Mobility Increased opportunities for student and staff mobility as a result of the bologna process is to be welcomed and contributes positively to the academic and personal development of students There should be a mobility target of 20% of the student population by 2020. The participative equity within this 20% must be improved and institutions must create measures to ensure that credits gained during mobility are recognised on return A central mobility fund should be created and contributed to by EHEA countries and financed according to the principle of public financing USI believes that higher education institutions should provide extensive language tuition to students to encourage and promote mobility The USI education officer and the USI equality officer shall campaign and lobby for the simplification of visa and work permit rules and procedures to allow for greater mobility and to prevent mobile students being subject to undue stress, difficulties and discrimination Qualifications frameworks and recognition USI supports the adoption and implementation of the ECTS credit system whereby each academic year is comprised of 60 ECTS with each module being in multiples of 5 ECTS (e.g. 5, 10, 15 etc.). An ECTS credit should represent 20 – 25 hrs of student input including, but not limited to, lectures, assignments, self-directed learning, study and practical classes and placements

USI welcomes and supports the development of modularisation where a module represents a block of teaching and learning with a combination of linked modules constituting a programme.

Semesterisation, whereby the academic year is comprised of two equal length teaching terms, is welcomed by USI. However, there should not be a nationally standardised set of term dates.

USI welcomes the introduction of learning outcomes, defined as “learning outcomes are statements of what a student is expected to know, understand and/or be able to demonstrate after completion of a process of learning�. All modules, subjects and programmes must be designed around learning outcomes which are regularly quality assessed to ensure they are appropriate and fir for purpose.

Learning outcomes must be used to create a student-centred learning environment and may not be used to create a b0ox-ticking environment USI continues to support the national framework of qualifications and shall campaign to ensure that learning outcomes align with the knowledge, skills and competencies associated with the relevant level of the NFQ. All qualifications in further and higher education should be comparable and readable so that a student’s qualifications can be mapped on to both the European qualifications framework and the qualifications framework of all countries in the bologna process with ease. The comparability should be verified for the student by the relevant authority (such as ENIC-NARIC) free of charge.

The USI education officer shall run a campaign, in conjunction with constituent organisations, to raise awareness of the NFQ and to ensure that no student is disadvantaged by its operation

The Bologna Process after 2010 The bologna process must continue as a intergovernmental, non-legal framework based on cooperation A fund should be created to support common projects and events on relevant topics approved by the bologna follow-up group, so that a more diverse group of countries to participate and take the lead in the follow-up activities ministers should acknowledge that there has been inconsistent implementation of the reforms at a grassroots level, and develop checks and measure to ensure the implementation of the bologna process at the national and institutional level is in a comprehensive and integrated manner.

Ministries must not only make a firm commitment to inclusion of students as full partners in their national reforms, but must ensure that this is also being implemented. Moreover, a commitment must come from ministries and institutions to include students in all decision making processes at all levels.

A sustainable way of financing the bologna process by the member states must be developed.

USI Bologna Process Campaign USI reaffirms that the bologna process is of extreme importance to the education that students will receive USI shall undertake all necessary effort, under the direction of the USI education officer, to assist constituent organisations in ensuring the proper implementation of all bologna process related reforms USI will promote awareness of the bologna process and of related reforms and opportunities to students through constituent organisations

USI will work with all relevant stakeholders sectorally, nationally and internationally to ensure adequate student representation and that the bologna process develops in lines with the above principles The USI education officer will develop and regularly update a USI strategy on the Bologna process

09/ED 14 Lifelong Learning Congress notes That in recent years, the demographics of further and higher education has undergone rapid change with increased participation from mature students and adult learners.

Congress welcomes This development as it has opened up the opportunities afforded by further and higher education to whole sections of the population who previously did not have this option.

Congress regrets That despite this progress and the publication of the national access plan for equity of access to higher education 2008 – 2013, there are many obstacles that prevent adult learners from accessing further and higher education.

Congress recognises That there has been much work in the area of lifelong learning (ll) and the recognition of prior learning which allows adult learners to re-enter education at any stage and to receive certification for the knowledge, skills and competencies that they have acquired outside of the sphere of formal education.

Congress reaffirms That further and higher education should be open to all, irrespective of age and socio-economic status. Furthermore, students should be able to benefit from flexible method of delivery for education.

Congress believes That those who avail of flexible methods of education, such as distance or part-time education, should not be required to pay fees and that any such fees should be abolished.

Congress regrets That at present, USI does not have a coherent policy on the issue of lifelong learning.

Congress believes That as the sole national representative body for students, USI needs to develop a coherent and strong approach on this issue. Doing this will aligns with the fundamental principles of USI as laid down in the constitution.

Congress therefore mandates The immediate repealing and deletion from the policy manual of 08 / ED 8, O7 / ED 4, 07 / ED 10, 06 / ED 5 And 04 / ED 10.

Congress further mandates The adoption of the following principles as the USI policy on lifelong learning and recognition of prior learning to be implemented by education officer: Lifelong learning

All individuals should have the opportunity to enter further and higher education at any stage of their life post-secondary level USI recognises that the process of learning and education does not stop in the classroom or at a certain age – it is a lifelong, enriching process As an organisation, USI is committed to opening up the opportunities that further and higher education offer to all individuals and shall campaign for an education system built on this principle There should be no tuition fees for those seeking to avail of lifelong learning through part-time or distance education and USI will lobby and campaign to have all such fees abolished USI supports the target of mature students representing 20% of full-time students by 2013 and 27% of full and part-time students by 2013 USI will campaign for a national lifelong learning strategy and to ensure the development of ‘programme for access to higher education’ (path) meets the needs of lifelong learners USI will campaign for adequate provision and funding of back to education programmes for lifelong learners and for adequate social welfare payments to ensure that those benefiting from ll are not placed in financial hardship by doing so Recognising that those from a minority background get particular benefit from ll, the USI education officer shall work with the USI equality officer to develop a campaign to ensure that they can benefit from the opportunities ll offers USI will work with all relevant stakeholders and organisations to progress lifelong learning and open further and higher education to all USI will work to increase its representation amongst the lifelong learning community and the USI education officer shall draw up a strategy to achieve this, in consultation with the area officers Recognition of Prior Learning USI believes in the concept of recognition of prior learning whereby individuals can receive credit and/or a supplementary, minor or major award within the national framework of qualifications for knowledge, skills and competencies acquired in a non-formal education environment USI shall lobby to ensure that the department of education & science introduces a national RPL policy A national RPL policy should focus on the creation of an environment in which individuals are empowered to have their learning recognised and where this recognition is embedded into employment culture USI will work with all relevant stakeholders and organisation to embed the culture of RPL in both the further and higher education sectors and the employment sphere

09/ED 24 Grinds Database Congress recognises The value and benefit that extra tuition or ‘grinds’ in subjects can be to students, especially in relation to exams.

Congress notes The existence of grinds databases in many constituent organisations which serve as invaluable resources for students.

Congress recognises That the full-time nature of area officers means that they are an invaluable resource for co-ordinating regional campaigns and for liaising between constituent organisations and officer board.

Congress therefore mandates the education officer and area officers To create a USI grinds database for each region based on the grinds lists which shall be provided by each constituent organisation that has one. These databases shall then be distributed to each constituent organisation in the relevant region for use by their students.

09/ED 7 Capitation Tax Deductibility Congress notes That traditional tuition fees are tax deductible whilst the capitation fee is not tax deductible Congress further notes That the recent increases in the capitation fee, and planned future increases, have brought it on a par with traditional tuition fees Congress strongly opposes The consistent increase in the capitation fee which has been done in such a manner as to bring no additional benefit or funding to higher education institutes in Ireland and is a severe financial burden on students Congress criticises The government for continuing to increase the capitation fee, which was introduced only as a temporary measure, and for not improving the grants scheme or changing the means tested level to assist those students who currently find the capitation fee a significant financial restriction Congress mandates The officer board to lobby the government that the capitation fee should be made tax deductible

09/UO 11 Part Time Officer Networks Congress Notes That issues which come under the remit of the part-time officers are highly important in the operation and relevance of the Union.

Congress acknowledges That any campaign is at its strongest when coherent and presenting a unified message, and that the sharing of ideas and methods between CO’s leads to a mutual improvement of campaigns throughout the country.

Congress thus mandates The Part Time Officers to compile a list of their respectively similar Officers in CO’s throughout the country, as well as national and international institutions and agencies who operate in their respective areas of interest, and to establish forums for Officers in all CO’s to network and share their opinions and experiences for their mutual betterment.

09/UO 17 Increasing CO Participation

Congress notes The USI Participation Working Group investigated the participation of CO’s within the structures of USI. Congress recognises That for many officers USI represented creating links with officers in other unions and that the creation of such links was hugely beneficial as officers could brainstorm and problem solve together.

Congress also recognises That the geographical location of some student unions creates a barrier to their participation within the democratic structures of USI. Congress is also aware That in order to ensure participation from student unions in Northern Ireland, USI Campaigns, particularly Welfare & Equality, must be more relevant to students in Northern Ireland.

Congress therefore mandates The President to ensure a specific team bonding event, inclusive of all CO Officers and Officer Board, is organised to take place at UOS; Area officers to organise area specific team bonding events before September of each year; Officer Board to receive an induction training on NUSUSI before UOS takes place; Officer Board to consult the Northern Area Officer on modules being organised at UOS, in particular modules related to Welfare & Equality, to ensure that UOS remains relevant to our members from Northern Ireland; The Welfare & Equality Officer to consult NUSUSI when compiling materials for their respective campaigns; The Deputy President to gather feedback from CO’s once per year on the barriers and incentives to participating in USI and to bring any recommendations coming from this feedback to Congress.

09/UO 8 Reporting on National Meetings

Congress notes The importance of student representation on national committees.

Congress believes That COs should be better informed as to the business of these meetings and its relevance to the membership.

Congress mandates USI Officer Board to inform COs of upcoming meetings and where possible to convene working group and sectoral meetings to canvas opinion on upcoming agenda items.

Congress further mandates

USI Officer Board to circulate brief reports on these meetings to COs within a fortnight of the meeting, taking due notice of any and all potential confidentiality issues associated with disclosing the business of a meeting.

09/UO 34 Policy Manual Congress notes The lack of a printed policy manual this year.

Congress also notes That the policy manual is currently unavailable through the USI website Congress therefore mandates The President to ensure that the USI Policy Manual is emailed out to each CO President before the 1st of October each year.

09/UO 2 Assistance to FEC Students’ Unions Congress notes The under representation of students across the FE sector on a local level due to a lack of students’ union in FE colleges.

Congress believes That many students unions set up in FE colleges lack sustainability simply due to the short length of course undertaken by the students who are active in the running of these unions.

Congress mandates the Area Campaigns Officers To actively participate in the establishment of students unions within FE colleges in their area and to assist and support the running of these unions throughout the academic year in order to facilitate sustainability of said unions.

Congress further mandates the Area Campaigns Officers and Education Officers To ensure an effective and appropriate class representative system is developed within each union so as to increase student participation within the institution’s Students’ Union and to ensure continuity of the representative structure

09/UO 20 Communication Success Congress believes SU officers are the best placed to communicate the successes and strengths of USI to its members Congress notes That it can sometimes be difficult for SU officers to list off successes and on going work within USI for various reasons.

Congress mandates The President to compile a brief list of achievements for distribution to all COs before the end of January in the second semester

09/UO 26 Promoting USI

Congress Notes The good work done by the Officer Board of Union of Students in Ireland in promoting student rights and views and in advancing the student movement Congress notes with concern That many ordinary members of Union of Students in Ireland are unaware of much of the work done by their national union and in many cases are unaware of whom their national elected representatives are Congress mandates The Officer Board to run a comprehensive USI awareness campaign for ordinary students detailing the structures, purpose and functions of USI and including information on the members of Officer Board Congress further mandates The Officer Board to produce a short monthly report which shall detail the current achievements, objectives and the month ahead in the Union of Students in Ireland to be provided to all Constituent Organisations for optional inclusion on their website or in their union publications

09/UO 15 Education Crossover

Congress notes The importance of documents for Education Officers across the country relating to Class Reps, crossover, quality promotion and other critical Education matters.

Congress believes That these documents have significant benefits, but only if they are provided in good time for the local Education Officers to learn from them and use them to their full extent.

Congress recognises That the casework faced by Education Officers is different to that of Welfare Officers and often requires an understanding of their institution’s relevant educational safeguards which can be difficult to grasp without experience.

Congress also recognises that UOS training provides a seminar on casework but that it is geared towards Welfare Officers with little or no relevance for Education Officers.

Congress mandates The Education Officer to ensure that the relevant crossover, casework and class rep documents are provided to local Education Officers before the start of the academic year.

Congress further mandates The Education Officer to produce a casework guide for local Education Officers and to organise a relevant casework seminar for Education Officers at UOS training.

09/WEL 7

HEADSUP Congress notes The inclusion of student services on the HEADSUP text service which is run by Rehab.

Congress further notes That ease of access to information is important for students in difficulty. This services offers information on resources that are available when students services are closed.

Congress mandates the Welfare Officer To continue to work with and promote the HEADSUP service as part of the mental health awareness campaign.

09/WEL 11 Crisis Pregnancy Agencies Congress notes That there is no legislation controlling crisis pregnancy agencies in Ireland.

Congress notes with concern That as a result a number of rogue crisis pregnancy agencies have started up Congress recognizes That a rogue crisis pregnancy agency is one where the sole purpose of the agency is to prevent a pregnant woman from having an abortion. They misinform and intimidate women to achieve their aim, using methods such as harassment, bullying and been given blatantly false information. [Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA)] Congress acknowledges The work done this year by Choice Ireland in campaigning against rogue crisis pregnancy agencies Congress mandates the Welfare Officer To work with Choice Ireland, and other relevant agencies, to protest against these rogue crisis pregnancy agencies Congress further mandates the Welfare Officer To lobby for the introduction of legislation in this area

09/WEL 2 Abortion Rights Campaign Congress notes That USI is mandated to lobby the government and other relevant bodies to develop greater access to abortion services for all women within the state (06/WEL 6 Abortion).

Congress further notes That USI’s involvement in this debate in the past (SPUC vs. Grogan) led to the changing of legislation so that information about abortion could be distributed freely in the state.

Congress recognises

That in many student unions abroad and indeed in many organisations worldwide the issue of abortion is viewed as an issue of equality and women’s rights.

Congress further recognises That the issue is one of concern for Welfare Officers around the country.

Congress is disappointed By the silence of USI on this issue for the past number of years.

Congress acknowledges The establishment of the Safe and Legal (in Ireland) Abortion Rights Campaign which aims to end the hypocrisy of exiling women in crisis pregnancy that choose to have an abortion. The campaign includes various strands, including a litigation strand, a public awareness strand and a national and international advocacy strand.

Congress mandates The Welfare and Equality Officer to work with the Safe and Legal (in Ireland) Abortion Rights Campaign to once again make this issue a priority for Irish Women.

Congress further mandates The Welfare and Equality Officer to raise awareness of the Safe and Legal (in Ireland) Abortion Rights Campaign to USI members and to support the campaign in any of its actions.

09/WEL 9 Shag Week Congress notes 06 / WEL 6 Congress recognises That throughout the year, and particularly during SHAG week, material is distributed by USI to students that contains contact information for crisis pregnancy agencies that only provide two choice information.

Congress mandates the Welfare Officer To only provide information from three choice agencies.

09/NA 4 Elections Campaign Congress applauds The current USI policy on increasing the student vote Congress notes That a general election in the near future is very likely Congress therefore mandates The President to immediately begin lobbying all political parties with regard to student issues, specifically funding of third level education Congress further mandates Officer Board to prepare information regarding each party’s policies which relate to students so as to inform USI’s members

Congress also mandates The President and Officer Board to immediately begin a campaign to improve student access to voting – through lobbying for weekend voting, on campus polling stations and re-instating the right to be registered at home and at college.

09/NA 3 Organ Donor Status Congress notes 08/ NA 1 (Organ Donors) which mandates the area officers to promote the distribution of organ donor cards and organ donor information leaflets to each student member of USI. Congress also notes The successful implementation of this mandate by the Eastern Area Officer this year Congress believes That organ donor status should be included on student identity cards Congress therefore mandates The President and Welfare Officer to lobby HEI’s and any other relevant agencies for the inclusion of organ donor status on student identity cards.

09/LGBT 3 LGBT Mental Health Conference Notes That the results of the LGBT Lives Mental Health Survey have been published.

Conference Notes With Concern That these results showed that “Almost 20 per cent of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people have attempted suicide and almost all saw this as related to their sexual identity and the experiences of being abused and feeling isolated” Conference Further Notes The high instance of self-harming within the young LGBT community.

Conference Mandates That the LGBT RO and WG engage with various LGBT organisations like GLEN and develop policies for LGBT mental health and best practice for promotion of positive

EQ6 Gender Recognition Legislation Proposed By: USI LGBTRO Seconded by: USI Welfare Working Group Congress notes: That the Government’s commitment to introducing Gender Recognition Legislation is overdue and an important step in improving the lives of many Transgender people in Ireland.

Congress believes: That the recommendations presented to the Minister for Social Protection by the Gender Recognition Advisory Group (GRAG) do not contain many of the concerns and issues raised by USI and other groups such as Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) and are not in line with the Yogyakarta Principles.

Congress further believes: That the Irish Government has an opportunity to introduce Gender Recognition Legislation that that is fair and reflects the real life lived experiences of many Transgender people in Ireland.

Congress mandates: The VP for Equality and Citizenship and the VP for Campaigns to campaign for Gender Recognition Legislation that will reflect the real life lived experiences of Transgender people in Ireland and is line with the Yogyakarta Principles.

09 / EQ 10 International Students Congress notes That the numbers of EU and non EU students in the Irish Higher Education have increased steadily over the past number of years Congress further notes That while these students share the same concerns as their Irish counterparts, they also need specific support in certain areas Congress recognises That these students receive a lot of support from both international education offices and international student societies Congress is aware That very few structures exist within both local students union and USI to cater for the specific needs of both EU and non EU students and that this has lead to very poor participation by international students at all levels of student representation (see USI Participation Working Group Final Report) Congress believes That Students Unions must cater for the needs of all their membership and that USI has a responsibility to support local unions in this and to lead by example Congress further believes That the current structures employed by students unions, both local and national, may need to be reviewed in order to serve the needs of these students more effectively Congress therefore mandates the Equality Officer To continue to sit on the board of the Irish Council of International Students (ICOS); To work with ICOS to create support structures for EU and non EU students within local unions and within USI; To compile best practice guidelines for local unions on how to make their union accessible for EU and non EU students; To continue to monitor changes in governmental & HEI stipulations for EU and non EU students; to publicise these changes to the membership; to lobby against changes which will have a negative effect on students and to be proactive in seeking changes which will have a positive impact.

Other Policies & Mandates due to Expire 09/ED 3 Grant Information Evening Congress notes The highly successful ‘grants information evening’ held in Galway this year.

Congress therefore mandates The area officers, with the aid of the education officer, to arrange at least one grant information evening in their region, to be held after the first round of CAO offers but before the start of term for the CO's involved.

09/ED 4 National Higher Education Strategy Group Congress cautiously welcomes The establishment of the national higher education strategy group by the minister for education and science Congress believes This offers a good opportunity for USI to have a strong impact on education policy in Ireland Congress mandates The president and education officer to ensure that all CO’s are given the opportunity to contribute to this strategy, through email questionnaires, focus groups and informal discussions Congress also mandates The president to report to each national council on the progress of this group

09/ED 5 Education Forum Congress notes 04/ED 6 (education forum) which expires this year.

Congress believes That an annual forum on the issues facing third level education would be of great benefit to USI and its members.

Congress believes That current circumstance makes such a forum essential Congress therefore mandates The education officer to arrange a usi education forum that shall be open to students, co officers, politicians, representatives of key stakeholder groups in further and higher education and members of the media and the general public. The usi education forum: Will be held during the first semester Shall be convened with the purpose of stimulating debate and discussion on an educational issue that is deemed to be of critical importance to the membership of the union over the coming academic year The issue which shall be the focus of that year’s USI education forum will be decided upon by national council, following a recommendation by the USI education officer

The USI education forum will be the primary responsibility of the USI education officer with s/he having the right to nominate at least one and up to three deputy convenors from amongst officer board (excluding the USI president) and USI staff (excluding the general manager). The USI education officer shall allocate specific areas of responsibility to the deputy convenor(s).

The USI education forum shall be comprised of a series of presentations by experts on the chosen topics and panel discussions chaired by these speakers with USI officer board to act as the rapporteurs for each panel discussion The final panel discussion of the USI education forum shall be an open discussion, to be chaired by the USI education officer, which shall take on board the issues raised in the panel discussion and shall seek to summarise the work of the USI education forum.

The USI education officer shall collate the findings into a presentation to be made to national council outlining the proposed USI response to the issues raised by the USI education forum, subject to the policy manual Sponsorship from external agencies shall be the primary method of financing the USI education forum. However, at the discretion of the USI education officer, and based upon the recommendation of the general manager, a fee may also be charged for participation solely in order to cover the cost of staging the USI education forum. Such fee will be as low as possible for USI members and the general public All administrative and logistical arrangements shall be the sole purview of USI officer board under the direction of the USI education officer The holding of the USI education forum in any particular year is subject to its financial sustainability and the financial position of the union as determined by finance committee.

09/ED 9 Registration Fee Congress notes with concern The increase in the registration fee to â‚Ź1,500.

Congress is aware That each institution can decide to increase the charge by up to â‚Ź600 and that the increase is not being enforced sector-wide.

Congress is also aware That the extra money gained by increasing the registration fee is not being spent on registration, examinations and student services as it should be as outlined by the HEA, but instead is being spent on tuition and other costs.

Congress aggress That the fact that money for student services is being spent elsewhere is something that should be more widely known.

Congress therefore mandates That the campaigns officer, area officers, president and education officer conduct a nationwide information campaign informing students, their families and all other that the money that should be spend on examinations, registration and student services is going elsewhere.

Congress also mandates

Officer board, in particular the campaigns officer, to offer guidance, help and support to all CO’s in running campaigns on an institution by institution basis, lobbying them to refrain from increasing and indeed to reduce the registration fee.

09/ED 10 Reintroduction of Fees Congress notes The rising registration fee and the fact that the government are considering the reintroduction of full tuition fees under some guise at the present time.

Congress recognises The barrier to education that these place in the way of those wishing to attend higher education in Ireland.

Congress further recognises The significant lack of a fair and equitable grants system and the financial inequity that this causes with students in trying to attend third-level education.

Congress believes That USI should be in a position to fight for a fair and equitable access system to higher education in every circumstance.

Congress therefore mandates Officer board to renew their fight for a fair grant system by researching and proposing a system that will work in a better way to the current System and in a way that will ensure equitable access for all to third level education.

Congress further mandates The president to as much as possible ensure that USI gains a seat at any government or HEA organised group set up to look at the change of the current or introduction of a new grant system.

09/ED 12 Postgraduate Forum Congress notes That there has been a significant increase in the number of postgraduate students in recent years.

Congress recognises That postgraduate students have differing academic needs and issues to undergraduate students.

Congress regrets That USI has not adequately addressed these needs or adequately represented postgraduate students in the past number of years.

Congress believes That in order for this change, direct engagement with the postgraduate student community is needed. This will also strengthen the role of USI in the postgraduate area.

Congress therefore mandates the education officer To establish a postgraduate forum, which will engage directly with postgraduate students to determine the issues affecting them and to determine how USI and constituent organisations can address these issues and provide effective representation for postgraduate students. The postgraduate forum:

Will be held twice yearly.

Shall be rotated on a regional basis with no region holding two or more postgraduate forums consecutively.

Each constituent organisation selected to hold the postgraduate forum must have a postgraduate student population and, if held in an institute of technology, must have delegated authority to make postgraduate awards at a minimum of level 9 from HETAC. The education officer shall endeavour to balance the location of the postgraduate forum, insofar as possible, between universities and institutes of technology.

The postgraduate forum shall take the form of an open meeting and several topic-specific workshops with each postgraduate forum focusing on a specific theme relevant to postgraduate students, such theme to be decided by the education officer in consultation with the education working group.

A report on the proceedings of the meeting shall be produced by the education officer along with a list of proposed actions and policies for USI in order to address the issues raised.

This report shall be circulated to the education working group who shall determine what further action is required up to and including the running of a campaign on the issue.

At the last national council of the year, the education officer must produce a report detailing the issues raised by the postgraduate forum, the actions decided upon and taken and the next steps required.

09/ED 13 Equity of Access Congress notes That the introduction of the ‘free fees’ initiative was designed to widen access to further and higher education for those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.

Congress recognises That while much progress has been made, with an overall participation rate of 55%, there are still a number of socio-economic and non-traditional backgrounds which do not participate in further and higher education at the level of other groups.

Congress welcomes Recent moves to broaden the participation rate, in particular the creation of the national office for the equity of access to higher education and the publication of the national plan for equity of access to higher education 2008 – 2013.

Congress reaffirms That one of the fundamental principles of the union is that it strives for an education and training system open to all, irrespective of any consideration, including consideration of national origin, ethnic background, age, ability, sex, sexuality, creed, political beliefs or economic circumstances, so that each individual can realise their full potential.

Congress believes That in order to uphold and defend this principle, USI must have a co-ordinated policy on equity of access and encouraging the widening of participation in further and higher education.

Congress therefore mandates The immediate repealing and deletion from the policy manual of 05 / ED 22, 04 / ED 12, 04 / ED 14 and 08 / EQ 15.

Congress further mandates That USI adopts the following principles as its policy on equity of access to further and higher education to be implemented by officer board: Equity of Access (General Principles) USI shall campaign for an education and training system open and accessible to all All sectors of society should have equal opportunity to participate in further and higher education Further and higher education institutions should take all steps necessary to encourage and broaden participation USI shall build links and work with all relevant stakeholders and organisations to widen the participation rate and address all obstacles that may prevent individuals from accessing further and higher education The USI education officer shall develop and regularly update a USI strategy for equity of access to further and higher education Targeted access funding and programmes must be expanded to ensure that all students who come from traditionally under-represented backgrounds are able to access further and higher education USI fully endorses, supports and shall campaign to ensure the meeting of the targets as outlined in the national plan for equity of access to higher education 2008 – 2013 All cuts to the student assistance fund, access offices or strategic innovation funded access projects shall be vigorously opposed by USI All constituent organisations shall be supported by USI in promoting access within their own institution and in supporting the proper representation of access students through policy development, practice, promotion and partnership the USI education officer and the USI deputy president/campaigns officer shall develop a public campaign promoting access to further and higher education, highlighting the current obstacles and building momentum to have these issues addressed

09/ED 16 Higher Educations Grants Scheme Congress condemns The oft repeated advice by HEA are reported to have given students on qualifying for various financial assistance schemes, in particular the grant, to ‘drop out of higher education and draw social welfare for the year and reapply’.

Congress believes It is this attitude, and lack of jointed up thinking in the government, which is placing huge short-term strain on the budget of the social welfare services with no mid-to-long term solution to re-skill and education the population in preparation for the end of the recession period.

Congress re-affirms Its belief that the education sector should be funded by a progressive taxation system, and that delaying students graduating (who then would seek employment and generate taxation revenue for the state) is counter-productive to the whole of the economy.

Congress mandates The president and the education officer and such officers as may be needed, to campaign for an adequate reform of the grant qualification provisions with the view to rational provision of financial assistance.

09/ED 17 Registration Fee Congress notes That students are paying a considerable amount to attend college every year.

Congress further notes The planned increase of â‚Ź600 in the registration fee for the Academic Year 09/10 Congress further notes That the registration is an administrative fee but the 3rd level institutions across Ireland do not receive the full amount Congress mandates The President and Education Officer to lobby the Government to ensure that any increases in the registration fee go directly to the relevant institutions.

09/ED 18 Post Graduate Working Group Congress notes That postgraduate students are often very limited in the amount of time they can dedicate towards ancillary roles in local unions and USI itself.

Congress further notes That the issues that postgraduates face are often hindered by a lack of continuity from officer to officer, and that issues that occur nationwide could be solved by an effective communication network between postgraduate officers.

Congress therefore mandates The postgraduate officer and the education officer to create a database of postgraduate issues that arose, and how they were addressed at local and national levels. This database should be made available to all postgraduate and education officers nationwide.

Congress also mandates The postgraduate officer and the education officer to ensure that contact details of all postgraduate officers are available in the database.

Congress further mandates The postgraduate officer and the education officer to organize meetings with the postgraduate officers, if necessary, to address their issues.

09/ED 19 Post Graduate Resources Congress recognises That postgraduate students are often limited in the physical resources offered to them by their relevant institutions.

Congress further recognises That the government has sought for many 3rd level institutions to double their numbers of postgraduate students, but that neither the space nor the funding has been provided to develop postgraduate facilities in line with this policy.

Congress mandates The education officer, in conjunction with the postgraduate officer and the president, to lobby the government to provide adequate resources for postgraduate students on taught and research programmes.

Congress further mandates The education officer, in conjunction with the postgraduate officer and the president, to ensure that these resources are distributed fairly between institutions taking account of the number of postgraduate students and the facilities and resources required to adequately support each student.

09/ED 20 Back to Education Allowance Congress notes The huge and ever unfolding series of financial hardships students and their families are enduring during, and due to, the recession.

Congress agrees with The Taoiseach, his party, the opposition parties and many of the foremost economists in the EU and Scandinavian countries (Finland et al) that state: ‘Ireland’s future is based on the success of Ireland’s knowledge economy’.

Congress deplores The failure of the dept of social and family affairs to adequately provide financial assistance for mature students re-entering education, as a person who becomes unemployed during the typical academic term must wait a minimum of 12 months in receipt of social welfare to become eligible for the BTEA, often meaning a wait of 2 years before being able to enter 3rd level education.

Congress also notes The minister at the time for social and family affairs, Mary Hanafin, rejected an amendment by the labour party to make the qualifying time for the BTEA 3 months.

Congress mandates Officer board to lobby the Oireachtas with the view to reducing the normal qualifying time for the BTEA to 6 months.

Officer board to lobby the Oireachtas to instate emergency legislative provisions regarding the BTEA qualifying provision above to be backdated to all those on the live register from January 1st 2009, with the view to those becoming unemployed in February, March and April being able to avail of the BTEA if seeking entry to 3rd level courses

09/ED 21 Higher Education Grants Scheme Congress deplores The disgraceful situation with the grants scheme and its administration by the HEA and many local authorities/VEC, and that despite being promised that reform for many years was to be immediate or dealt with in the student support bill 2008, it is obvious that the situation for many students has deteriorated even further.

Congress notes That many worthy students have large difficulty qualifying for the grant under the current scheme for many reasons, but particular reference to clause 7.2 which states; “A grant is tenable for the normal duration of the approved course” Which many authorities and VEC's have interpreted this clause in such a way as to refuse those students who may become eligible in a later year of their course, or indeed in progression to postgraduate level directly after an undergraduate course, whom may have been ineligible at the beginning of their “flow of education”.

Congress believes This is a disgraceful misinterpretation designed to minimise the amount of worthy students availing of the he grant, and in light of the deteriorating current economic climate is causing severe financial distress to those that would be returning to, or seeking to remain in, higher education.

Congress mandates The president and the education officer to jointly seek legal advice on this clause, and bring action where needed against the HEA.

09/ED 22 Funding for HEI’S Congress notes That education and an educated workforce is one of the prime drivers of a successful knowledge based economy Congress further notes That higher education institutes (HEI) require adequate resourcing in order to deliver the quality of education required to allow Ireland to compete in the modern global economy Congress notes with concern That for a number of year’s higher education institutes in Ireland have been under-resourced in comparison with their European counter-parts Congress further notes with concern That the recent economic downturn will likely maintain, and potentially intensify, the under-resourcing of HEI's and has led to discussions regarding student contributions to 3rd level education Congress mandates The president, in conjunction with officer board and any relevant 3rd party organisations where appropriate, to investigate HEI funding across Europe and the world and to draw up a detailed proposal for presentation to the national press and government outlining alternate strategies for the funding of 3rd level education in Ireland

09/ED 23 IREL Initiative Congress notes Irel is a national initiative by government agencies SIF and HEA to fund access to electronic journals, databases and e-books in science, technology and medicine, humanities and social sciences. It has proved to be an essential resource for students - both postgraduate and undergraduate. First set up in 2004 it is worth approximately €1 million per year to each of the 7 universities.

Congress further notes It was extended this year to include the 14 institutes of technology however these institutes were only given access to 2 collections of journals – giving a total of ₏211,000 to be shared between them all.

Congress believes That it is unfair to institute of technology students as they do not have equity of access to such resources.

Congress mandates The education officer to lobby to ensure that the initiative as a whole continues as it is very cost effective through economies of scale and ensures that all university students have access to the same key resources.

Congress further mandates The education officer to lobby the government to ensure the initiative is extended fully to the 14 institutes of technology.

09/ED 25 Postgraduate Work Placements Congress notes The cost incurred by postgraduate students entering into work placement positions. Often these placements take on the form of free labour for employers.

Congress believes That all postgraduate students entering into work placements should receive payment for the duration of the placement.

Congress mandates the officer board To campaign for payment for these types of placement.

09/ED 26 Student Assistance Fund Congress notes This year saw a significant decrease in funding to the student assistance fund with a cut of â‚Ź1.2 million.

Congress further notes Now more than ever, we need to be supporting our students who fall into financial difficulties and require financial assistance.

Congress learns That this academic year has seen a significant increase in the number of students seeking financial assistance and we should be investing in students in difficulty.

Congress mandates The president to lobby the government through all relevant departments and semi-state agencies to reverse the cut in the student assistance fund and no to reduce the allocation to SAF any further.

Congress recognises The considerable knowledge held by the both the welfare officer and education officer in relation to finances, grants, student supports and cost of living etc

Congress believes That with the assistance of the welfare officer and education officer, constituent organisations can organise an effective campaign to ensure that institutions contribute to both the student assistance fund and to maintain financial supports for students in difficulties Congress therefore mandates The welfare officer and education officer to support co’s in pressing their institutions to support and contribute to student assistance fund and to maintain and increase their contribution to their own financial supports for students.

09/ED 27 Reduction in Nursing Places Congress notes The reduction of nursing studies places by almost 300 this September.

Congress further notes with disgust That most of these places have been lost along the western sea board.

Congress recognises The important role nurses play in the Irish health system.

Congress believes That because of these cuts the country will face another nurse shortage in the near future.

Congress mandates the president and education officer To actively lobby for the increase of nursing places in Irish HEI's.

09/ED 28 Postgraduate Campaign Congress notes The growing population of postgraduate students within USI Congress also notes That as a part-time office, the postgraduate officer is often unable to ensure adequate representation for postgraduate students Congress regrets That many postgraduate students feel disconnected from USI Congress therefore mandates The education officer to organise a promotion campaign within the first semester of each year, to highlight the success and the services of USI to postgraduate students specifically

09/WEL 1 Emergency Contraception Congress notes The continuing lack of Emergency Contraceptives available 'over-the-counter' in pharmacies in Ireland, and the continuing need for a doctors appointment for a prescription for the ECP which comes at an extra cost to the student.

Congress further notes Dependant on location, time of week, travel plans, unforeseen circumstances (i.e. sex without consent or awareness) etc that availing of a doctors appointment for aforesaid prescription may not be possible, and that the efficacy of EC decreases significantly over a 72-hour period.

Congress believes That people are entitled to complete control over their sexual reproduction and fertility, and that freer availability of ECs in Ireland is essential to this intrinsic right.

Congress welcomes Research carried out on the effects of the ECP introduction in Britain by the British Journal of Medicine that reported: a 10% decrease in the amount of teenage pregnancies with only a 2% increase in those using the ECP following its over-the-counter introduction no reduction in the usage of other contraceptive methods And the research document prepared for this debate on the myths, realities and physiological & health impacts of the different ECPs by UCC's Welfare Officer, Keith O' Brien.

Congress Mandate The USI Welfare Officer to co-ordinate with relevant groups to provide more comprehensive information on the different forms of EC USI Officer Board to campaign for the introduction of 'over-the-counter' emergency contraception for people over the age of 17, as this is the age of consent.

09/WEL 3 Morning After Pill Congress Notes The Morning After Pill (MAP) does play a role in the decrease in number of pregnancies among students Congress Further Notes That the MAP is available over the counter in a number of other countries, the UK included.

Congress acknowledges That the British Medical Journal published a study in May 2006 saying that the availability of the MAP did not lead to an increase in its use nor a decrease in the use of other forms of contraception.

Congress also acknowledges That the Irish Pharmaceutical Union supports the introductions of the MAP under strict regulations and that pharmacists already provide sexual health advice.

Congress recognises That the MAP is most efficient when it is taken as soon as possible after sex Congress also recognises The extreme difficulty at weekends for people to obtain the MAP and the stress this causes to many women who find themselves in a crisis situation Congress mandates the Welfare Officer to work with other agencies, who already support the introduction of the MAP over the counter, to lobby for this service. to run a viral information campaign about the issues involved in taking the Morning After Pill

09/WEL 4 Mental Health Information Congress notes That there is a stigma surrounding the issue of mental health amongst the student body, and in Irish society generally.

Congress believes Welfare Officers of COs are very effective means of dispersing information to students regarding various issues, notwithstanding mental health issues; however issues around mental health still require coverage by Cos, mainly to provide factual information on various mental illnesses and to remove the stigmas associated with said.

Congress therefore mandates the Welfare Officer to provide supports to individual Students’ Unions by way of centralised sourcing materials and information, targeting the stigma surrounding mental health issues To further engage with relevant groups and NGOs to publicise the various means of dealing with mental illness to the wider student population To run a campaign on the issues raised above

09/WEL 5 Counselling Services Congress notes The severe problem Ireland faces with a large population of alcoholic and drug addicts, some of whom are/will be parents.

Congress further notes with concern The lack of supports put in place for the children of such parents, who in turn may be faced with mental health problems (such as depression etc.) that may affect them for the rest of their lives.

Congress acknowledges The availability of AL-anon, AT-Teen, Barnardos etc services in Ireland for these children. However the lack of supports from the HSE itself on a psychiatric & counselling basis along with an average 2 year waiting list for psychiatric evaluation, and how these psychological problems will affect the life of a student at 3rd level, must be realised and changed.

Congress therefore mandates Officer Board to lobby the relevant bodies to put in place funding for the introduction of counselling services for the children of alcoholic and drug addicted parents.

09/WEL 6 Mental Health Campaign Congress Notes The huge increase in numbers of international students now studying a 3rd level here in Ireland and how diverse the student population has become Congress also notes The huge impact studying abroad can have on a person and that adapting to a new culture, language, society and surroundings can have a significant effect on a students well being Congress recognises The strength and accomplishments of this year’s Mental Health Campaign

Congress Mandates The Welfare Officer to work in conjunction with the Equality Officer to design campaign materials for the Mental Health Campaign which are specifically aimed at International students and the Welfare Officer in conjunction with the Equality Officer to highlight the specific issues surrounding the specific stresses placed on international students.

09/WEL 8 Drug Awareness Congress laments The complete lack of any drug awareness campaign within USI Congress is disappointed That no mandate currently exists which addresses the issue of drug usage among the student population Congress mandates The Welfare Officer to design and run a drug awareness campaign that is non biased or judgemental.

09/WEL 10 ‘Free Pack’ Congress notes The collaboration between ‘free’ and USI over the past three years in pushing to have the ‘free’ pack distributed in colleges nationwide.

Congress applauds The dedicated hard work put in by Rachael Prendiville who designed the ‘free’ pack and notes that all the work and effort she has put into it was done entirely voluntarily with all money raised for ‘free’ going into the packs only.

Congress recognises The positive feedback received from Mental Health Organisations around the country as well as student services as well as students themselves Congress mandates The Welfare Officer to continue to work closely with ‘free’ and use the ‘free’ pack as the mental health awareness pack.

09/WEL 12 Violence In Youth Relationships Congress notes with concern That violence within youth relationships is not part of any current campaign within USI Congress also notes That statistics surrounding the prevalence of violence in youth relationships is scarce Congress believes That this issue needs to be highlighted among students Congress therefore mandates the Welfare Officer

to work with various agencies to run a campaign on the issue of violence in youth relationships to investigate, with other relevant organisations and statutory agencies, sources of funding for research in this area to be involved at all levels of research carried out, if funding is acquired.

09/WEL 13 Alcohol Awareness Campaign Congress notes 08/ WEL 7 (Students and Alcohol) which mandates the prioritisation of the alcohol awareness/reduction campaign.

Congress also notes The persistent difficulty in designing a campaign around alcohol awareness which is not patronising to or judgemental of students.

Congress recognises That alcohol consumption and over consumption remains a key issue for students.

Congress also recognises That students are best placed to assist the Welfare Officer in designing a campaign on this issue.

Congress therefore mandates The Welfare Officer to hold 4 regional forums at the beginning of the academic year 09/10 to gather student feedback, opinions and ideas on how best to approach this issue and to present a campaign idea to Welfare Working Group before the end of the calendar year 2009 when the feedback from the forums is collated.

09 / EQ 1 Disability Support Services Congress notes The budget cutbacks that are occurring across most 3rd level institutions.

Congress regrets That a lot of these cutbacks are disproportionately affecting vital frontline student services.

Congress recognises The effectiveness and importance of disability support services for students suffering from both physical and intellectual disabilities.

Congress opposes Any and all cutbacks in these disability support services across the country.

Congress mandates The Equality, Disabilities and Education Officers to actively campaign to ensure the rights of support to these students by lobbying the appropriate national bodies to provide ring-fenced funding for these services.

09 / EQ 2 AHEAD Congress notes Previous policy (08/EQ6) which mandates the President and Welfare Officer to open discussions with AHEAD with a view to working together on common areas of interests.

Congress further notes That the Equality Officer, who has the responsibility to support the autonomous disability campaign, and the Disability Rights Officer are best placed to build links with AHEAD. Congress acknowledges The work of the Equality Officer and Disability Rights Officer this year in achieving the above aim.

Congress further acknowledges The current work being done by USI and AHEAD in relation to compiling a guide for student union officers on how best to develop policy and services for students with disabilities.

Congress recognises That in the past number of months, support services for students with disabilities as well as the ‘Fund for Students with Disabilities’ have experienced cuts due to the current economic climate.

Congress mandates The Equality and Disability Rights Officers to: Continue to build links with AHEAD; Work with AHEAD to develop initiatives which can counteract the current cuts to support funds for students with disabilities; Oppose any further cuts to support services for students with disabilities; Promote and assist the development of student societies for students with disabilities; Work with AHEAD to organise an annual one day event for students with disabilities;

09 / EQ 3 Friends of the Elderly Congress notes That Friends’ of the Elderly is a voluntary, non-denominational organisation that brings friendship and social opportunities to the elderly, especially those who live alone.

Congress also notes That many student members in the Eastern Area volunteer with Friends of the Elderly.

Congress further notes That this year a pilot campaign entitled ‘Open to the Elderly Week’ took place in USI member colleges. The campaign consisted of organising one afternoon of entertainment for the elderly who lived near each college and was developed following the success of similar afternoons in UCD. Congress recognises That such a campaign helps to combat ageism in our society.

Congress mandates The Equality Officer to continue to work with Friends of the Elderly and to run ‘Open to the Elderly Week’ each year.

09 / EQ 4 USI Rainbow Week

Conference Notes That “Rainbow Week” is not thoroughly recognised within all affiliated colleges.

Conference Further Notes That the USI does not hold a “Rainbow Week” of its own, unlike themed weeks such as Road Safety Week and Shag Week etc.

Conference Believes That “Rainbow Week” is a much needed awareness campaign to promote LGBT awareness and acceptance within all affiliated colleges.

Conference Mandates The USI Officer Board to introduce an official designated “Rainbow Week” on the campaigns calendar to raise awareness for the event and promote inclusion and integration of the LGBT community.

Conference Also Mandates The LGBT RO to communicate with the Students Unions and the LGBT societies and assist in the organisation of the Rainbow Weeks to those colleges that need assistance.

09 / EQ 5 Working With Disability Congress Notes The excellent practices employed by the disability services in some higher education institutes Congress Further Notes The disparity that exists in disability services available to students in different higher education institutes Congress Mandates The Equality Officer and the Disability Rights Officer to investigate the various practices employed in by the disability services of institutes and, based on this, to construct a code of best practice for such services which shall be distributed to all COs and their relevant college authorities

09 / EQ 7 Equality & Rights Alliance Congress notes The Equality & Rights Alliance (ERA) was formed in August 2008, following media reports of a proposed merger of five equality and human rights bodies in Ireland. Budget 2009 did not result in such a merger instead savage budget cuts of 43% to the Equality Authority and 24% to the Irish Human Rights Commission rendered both organisations unable to carry out their responsibilities in any meaningful way. Furthermore the Equality Authority was fast tracked for decentralisation to Roscrea, Co. Tipperary despite the decentralisation programme being abandoned in all other areas of government.

Congress further notes That ERA is an alliance of civil society groups seeking to ensure the promotion and enhancement of human rights, equality and social justice in Ireland.

Congress condemns The government’s vicious attack on independent statutory bodies who promote equality & human rights in Irish society.

Congress recognises The importance of the ERA campaign and acknowledges the involvement of the Equality Officer in ERA from its formation in August.

Congress mandates The Equality Officer to continue to work with ERA in achieving its aims.

09 / EQ 8 Irish Traveller Movement Congress notes That there exists policy (08/EQ2) mandating the Equality Officer ‘to lobby the government for the full and speedy implementation of the recommendations and conclusions laid out in the Department of Education & Science Survey of Traveller Education Provision.’

Congress also notes That while this motion is well intentioned, it does not provide the Equality Officer with a realistic mandate to address the issues facing members of the Traveller Community in third level education.

Congress recognises The work of this year’s Equality Officer in building links with the Education Worker of the Irish Traveller Movement.

Congress notes That the Irish Traveller Movement is a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller community.

Congress mandates That the Equality Officer continues to build links with ITM and to formulate a realistic strategy for addressing the issues faced by Travellers in third level education.

09 / EQ 9 Female Participation Congress notes That there is a long-standing disparity between the number of female members of Students’ Unions and the number of females holding positions at decision making levels of Students’ Unions, particularly sabbatical officer level.

Congress notes That in the final report of the USI Participation Working Group it was noted that statistical evidence indicated that Union members were more likely to vote for a male candidate than a female candidate in cases where at least one of each are present.

Congress further notes That since the abolition of the Women’s Rights Officer there has been little in the way of gender equality campaigns run by USI. Congress recognises That the issue of female participation is not one unique to USI. It is an issue which is prevalent in many areas of Irish society.

Congress further recognises That there are many organisations and government initiatives which are involved in the promotion of gender equality in all aspects of life and some which are specifically involved in increasing female representation at decision making level.

Congress mandates the Equality Officer To run a campaign highlighting the persistent inequalities between men and women in Irish Society; To run a campaign to promote female involvement at decision making level; To work with organisations who share our aim of working for an equal society.

09 / EQ 11 Forum for Students with Disabilities Congress Notes That participation in third level education among students with disabilities has grown in the last number of years.

Congress Believes That it is difficult to provide adequate support and representation for these students without their input into highlighting their specific needs.

Congress Mandates The Equality Officer and Disability Rights Officer to setup a forum in which students with disabilities can advise USI on the Disability Rights Campaign.

09/LGBT 1 Branding of LGBT Campaign Conference Notes That in previous years the USI LGBT Campaign had a uniform campaign slogan ‘pride without borders’ Conference believes That this ‘brand’ gave the LGBT Campaign visibility and strengthened the LGBT Community Conference notes with concern That this branding was not continued year in year out Conference recognises That a series of pamphlets, carrying the slogan ‘pride without borders’, were produced and printed on a standardised template.

Conference further Believes That this template may not be suitable for all pamphlets done within the USI LGBT Campaign Therefore Conference Mandates The LGBTRO 09/10 to create a new draft template that can be used for all pamphlets.

Conference Further Mandates The LGBT RO 09/10 to create a standard colour scheme to apply to the aforementioned pamphlets to ensure the visibility of the LGBT Campaign

Conference Also Mandates The LGBT RO to ensure that this branding is continued year in year out, with a review of the template and colour scheme.

09/LGBT 2 Civil Partnership versus Civil Marriage Conference Notes The number of mandates on civil partnerships, civil unions and Marriage Conference Further Notes That these policies don’t actually clarify USI’s position civil marriage/partnership/union/registration is.

Conference Believes That civil partnership can grant much needed rights to same sex couples, such as accommodation protection, pensions and inheritance rights but USI does not have a policy that would allow it to support civil partnerships as a stepping stone towards marriage.

Conference Further Believes That while the civil partnership bill is progressive, it does not tackle the disparity that exists between heterosexual and homosexual couples.

Therefore Conference Deletes 08 LGBT 04, 05 LGBT 29, 05 EM LGBT 01 Conference Mandates The LGBT RO and the LGBT Working group to seek to introduce a civil partnership bill, which is amended, so that it includes protections for children, covers retroactive pensions and covers foreign same sex marriage.

Conference Further Mandates The LGBTRO and the LGBT WG campaigns for the introduction of full civil marriage rights Conference Also Mandates The LGBTRO and the LGBT WG accepts civil partnerships, on the basis that it is used as a stepping stone towards full marriage.

09/LGBT 4 Drug Awareness Campaign Conference Notes The low number of studies into the use of drugs within the LGBT Community Conference Further Notes That there are even fewer campaigns specifically aimed at the LGBT community, highlighting the harmful effects of drug misuse or abuse.

Conference Believes That USI should take a proactive approach to awareness raising, within the LGBT Community, on the effects of drug abuse.

Conference recognises That belong to youth services have a drug awareness campaign but that it is tailored to a very young audience and that it is unsuitable for third level students

Conference mandates The LGBT RO and the LGBT Working group to: Seek support from the health promotion unit within the Dept. Of Health, or any other relevant organisation, and seek advice on how to tailor a message to a specific community.

Create a pamphlet(s) on drugs, highlighting the ‘gateway drugs’ and the main drugs used by the LGBT community. It should also highlight the social reasons for taking drugs Look at the viability of producing a poster campaign Ensure that a module on LGBT and drugs is organised at pink training Conference Further mandates The LGBTRO to seek sponsorship for this campaign.

09/LGBT 5 Dignity And Respect Conference recognises The work done by COs to ensure that everybody feels equal.

Conference notes That some COs have policies that are open to misinterpretation and this may lead to unintended discrimination.

Conference believes That situations like this should never happen in any CO. Conference further believes That since it is against the law to discriminate, college officials should not be allowed to get away with doing so.

Therefore Conference mandates The LGBT RO to Draft up a generic policy on Dignity and Respect for use in CO’s that don’t have any.

Conference further mandates The LGBT RO and WG to ensure that every CO’s Union is aware of the existence of such policies and to ensure that such policies are being applied to everyone.

09/LGBT 6 Financing of Pink Training Conference notes That in previous years, many students who book places at pink training, never show up and as a result, never pay for the place they booked.

Conference further notes That in most years, the LGBT Campaign and USI have lost money as a result of this non payment.

Conference believes That the LGBT campaign should not financially suffer due to a non payment.

Conference recognises That it is a standard business practice that most costs allow a margin of error, onto the cost price, to allow for hidden costs and last minute dropouts.

Therefore Conference Mandates The LGBTRO and the LGBT Working Group to include as part of the initial payment, a margin of error fee of no more than 5 euro, to allow for some non payment.

Conference Further Mandates The LGBTRO to ensure that any money raised is returned directly into the LGBT Campaign Budget and is used for the printing of materials, attendance at a conference or any other event or training requiring financial assistance from the USI LGBT Campaign.

Conference Also Mandates The LGBTRO to ensure that, if the cost for pink training should ever exceed 90 euro, that the five euro margin of error is not included as the cost would be too excessive for students.

Conference Additionally Mandates That anyone who has not paid for more than two years or whose collective debts exceed 3000 EUR shall be refused entry to pink training until at least half of the money is paid off with a guarantee that the rest will be paid no more than one month after the event

09/LGBT 7 Structure of Pink Training Conference Notes That pink training is the perfect venue to provide support to LGBT people, sabbatical Officers and part time officers on LGBT Issues.

Conference Further Notes That this year a high number of sabbatical and part time officers attended Conference Believes That there should be an introduction module on LGBT issues as well as other modules aimed at supporting someone coming out to parents.

Conference Further Believes That Pink Training should be longer on the Saturday, but starting later and that no module should be run on the Sunday other than feedback sessions.

Therefore Conference mandates The LGBT RO and the LGBT Working group to: Ensure, where possible, that an Introduction to LGBT module is run at pink training Ensure, where possible, a breakdown of the legal, medical and social rights of LGBT people in Ireland Ensure, where possible, that a module on LGBT and Parenting is run at Pink Training Conference further mandates The LGBTRO to ensure that: Pink Training starts 11:00am on the Saturday and that no module is run after 8pm. This includes workshops seminars etc.

Lunch and dinner on the Saturday are included in the price and that an hour and a half is given for each on the timetable, to allow everyone time to eat.

Sundays are used as a wind down/relaxing day and that no modules, other than feedback sessions or workshops, are run on Sunday.

Food on the Friday is provided and included in the cost Coming out workshops are given an hour and a half to ensure that people have time to speak Congress Also Mandates The LGBTRO to ensure that a booklet on pink training is produced on a yearly basis and that the booklet for Pink Training contains information on each module, includes an explanatory note on each module, speaker and WG member and that maps/timetables/etc. are included in the booklet.

09/LGBT 8 LGBT Mental Health Conference Notes That studies done in the US, have shown that LGBT people are 170% more likely to consider and attempt suicide.

Conference further notes That in Ireland there has been very few peer reviewed studies on LGBT mental health.

Conference Believes That the LGBT campaign should aim to support positive mental health Conference Recognises That since policy is in place for a five year period, mandates can be spread out over a long term period to allow for proper research.

Therefore Conference Mandates The LGBTRO and the LGBT Working Group to: Update the websites’ mental health section Create a pamphlet on positive mental health for LGBT Students Aim to create a survey on mental health issues affecting LGBT students at third level and then publish the results.

09/LGBT 9 Adoption Policy Conference notes The controversial nature of the issue of gay adoption within Ireland.

Conference Applauds The work done in relation to this issue by organisations by way of debates and seminars.

Conference Notes with concern The lack of protection to children offered by the civil partnership bill.

Conference believes That policy needs to be clarified regarding USIs stance on adoption rights.

Therefore Conference mandates The LGBT RO to ensure that USI lobby for better protections for children within the Civil Partnership Bill in the form of a Guardianship Rights Bill Congress Further Mandates The LGBTRO and the LGBT WG to form a campaign seeking to introduce full Adoption Rights and to only accept guardianship rights as a stepping stone towards full adoption rights Congress Also Mandates The LGBTRO to ensure that a brief synopsis of guardianship rights versus adoption rights are drawn up and distributed to the LGBT Societies and SUs to inform them of both the pros and cons of each system

09/LGBT 10 Disability and Sexual Orientation Conference Notes That many students with disabilities have been neglected by USI, through the long term absence of a DRO and an Equality Officer.

Conference further notes That the LGBT Campaign has also neglected students with disabilities who are also LGBT Conference Believes That the LGBT campaign should aim to be more inclusive of those from other minority groups Therefore Conference Mandates The LGBTRO and the LGBT Working Group to: Develop links with AHEAD and the NDA Link up with other LGBT organisations like Greenbow who specifically cater for those with a disability.

Create a pamphlet on disability and sexual orientation To include, when a speaker/facilitator is available, a module at Pink Training on Disability and Sexual Orientation, aimed at sabbatical officers and LGBT committee members.

Run a survey on the accessibility of the LGBT societies across the country.

09/LGBT 11 USI Rainbow Week Conference Notes That “Rainbow Week” is not thoroughly recognised within all affiliated colleges.

Conference Further Notes That the USI does not hold a “Rainbow Week” of its own, unlike themed weeks such as Road Safety Week and Shag Week etc.

Conference Believes That “Rainbow Week” is a much needed awareness campaign to promote LGBT awareness and acceptance within all affiliated colleges.

Conference Mandates The LGBT RO and LGBT working group to seek to introduce an official designated “Rainbow Week� to raise awareness for the event.

Conference Also Mandates The LGBT RO to assist in the organisation of the Rainbow Weeks to those colleges that need assistance and to attend the Rainbow weeks of at least two colleges, one of which must be outside Dublin.

09/LGBT 12 Gender Recognition Working Group Conference Notes That this year the LGBT RO managed to secure commitments from various interested parties on the creation of a Gender Recognition Working Group Conference Regrets That this WG was deferred due to economic downturn and the threat of the reintroduction of third level fees Conference Believes That this WG is an essential part of the drafting of a Gender Recognition Bill, as it will outline the various issues where gender recognition is necessary and will outline the problems with the current system.

Therefore Conference mandates The LGBT RO to ensure that the WG is re-established as soon as it possible to do so.

Conference Further Mandates The LGBTRO to ensure that the WG is reengaged in the year 2011, at the start of the 2011/2012 year period, should gender recognition legislation not be brought forward.

09/LGBT 13 MSM Blood Ban Conference Notes That the IBTS still has not reviewed its policies on Blood donation Conference Further Notes That the NAT test has reduced the window of detection of the HIV virus down to 12 days.

Conference Notes with Concern The IBTS has passed obligation over to the Department of Health and the World Health Organisation.

The IBTS will refuse to review the deferral criteria until the WHO and the Dept. require them to.

Conference Believes That the IBTS should set up a working group to investigate the viability of reducing the deferral period from an indefinite deferral down to a more reasonable timeframe Therefore Conference mandates The LGBT RO and the LGBT Working group to:

Continue to letter lobby the Minister of Health, asking for a working group to be set up Write a submission to the Dept. Of Health, outlining current trends on HIV infection and HIV statistics and use this to seek a reduction.

Outline a deferral period of one year instead of a lifetime deferral Produce two pamphlets One on AIDS and the blood Ban The second outlining why the ban should be removed Conference further mandates The LGBTRO to keep the information accurate and up to date with current statistics Conference Also Mandates The LGBT RO to lobby both the department and WHO for the setting up of a working group to review their own policies regarding blood donations from the MSM community

09/LGBT 14 Communication from LGBTRO Conference Notes That there is little communication between the LGBTRO and LGBT societies in various CO’s.

Conference Believes That it is important that LGBT societies are aware of important issues to the LGBT community and also of work carried by the LGBTRO and the LGBT Working Group.

Conference Further Believes That communication is essential to ensuring participation in USI’s LGBT campaign at local level.

Therefore Conference Mandates The LGBTRO to send out at least a quarterly email to LGBT societies, CO Executive Officers and other relevant parties to update them on the progress of the campaign and the work carried out by the LGBT Working Group.

09/LGBT15 Fresher’s Campaign Conference Notes That there has been a lot of information pamphlets produced this year Conference Further Notes That this allows for the mass distribution of information for LGBT societies for their fresher’s weeks Therefore Conference mandates The LGBT RO and the LGBT Working group to ensure that these pamphlets are printed up in bulk and distributed to LGBT societies Conference Further Mandates The LGBTRO to ensure that all materials are available online

09/LGBT16 Trans Activism Training Conference Notes A strong campaign was created this year on the issue of transgender recognition in Ireland.

Conference Further Notes That this was mostly due to the support and advice that TENI provided.

Conference Believes That as the LGBT Campaign aims to create a safe space for its trans members, the LGBT RO should be up to date on the current issues and should know how to be a trans ally.

Therefore Conference mandates The LGBT RO to ensure that they work closely with TENI and that they attend a Trans Activism training.

09/LGBT 18 Campaign Strategy Conference notes The great work done to date by the USI LGBT Campaign.

Conference notes in particular Campaigns focusing on Civil Marriage, the blood ban, coming out and transgender recognition which have been hugely successful and have made a lasting impression on the people of this country.

Conference believes That to continue to impact the course of LGBT rights in this country it is necessary to introduce forward planning to the campaigns which may be run in any particular year Conference mandates The USI LGBT Rights Officer in conjunction with the USI LGBT Working Group to publish a campaign strategy document prior to the beginning of each academic year outlining a campaign timeline and comprehensive information on the campaigns themselves.

Conference believes This will assist all CO's in participating fully in USI LGBT Campaigns and ensuring that members are aware in advance when demonstrations are likely to take place which will be crucial for the integration of members from outside the capital.

09/LGBT 19 Working Group Conference Notes The strong presence of Eastern area Cos in the USI LGBT campaign, and on the Working Group particularly.

Conference applauds The dedication of these COs to the campaign and its aims of eliminating inequality and furthering the cause of LGBT rights in Ireland.

Conference notes with concern The difficulty for members outside Leinster to participate fully in the WG, due to inappropriate meeting times and locations.

Conference believes That only through the full participation of all members of working group , from all areas of Ireland, can the campaign truly reach its potential Conference mandates The LGBTRO and the LGBT WG to form regional working groups, where a group of four representatives from each region, are elected and or co-opted onto WG and that quorum for each region is set at three.

Congress Also Mandates The LGBTRO to ensure that a constitutional amendment be brought forward that reflects this new structure, at the next available opportunity, Congress 2010

09/NA 1 Support for Resource Teachers Congress notes Tthe Department of Education’s plan to cut teacher support for children with mild general learning disabilities in 119 national schools across the country.

Congress recognises that this cutback is a callous attack on the vulnerable in our society.

Congress mandates the President and Deputy President to offer USI's support to the INTO and resource teachers in their bid to reverse the decision.

09/NA 2 Day of Action Congress notes The significant number of environmental societies, events and initiatives that take place on campuses across the country each year.

Congress acknowledges The importance of the environmental campaign, and realises that making students aware of and involved with environmental causes and initiatives on their campuses and in their communities is essential to working to reduce the destruction of our natural environment.

Congress therefore mandates the Environmental Awareness Officer along with the Deputy President To Endeavour to co-ordinate a one day student environmental day to highlight and promote student initiatives and activities associated with the environmental campaign, as well as national and community initiatives, perhaps to be linked with a global day of action or other event that is significant to the environmental campaign.

09/UO 1 Regional Campaign Group

Congress notes

The large number of students who have become actively involved in the student movement this year, mainly due to the prevalence of the ‘Fight Fees’ campaign.

Congress further believes That by utilising USI’s greatest resource, our students, not only can we ensure the opinions of our members are being heard but are considered when deciding the direction of the National Campaign.

Congress mandates the Area Campaigns Officers To recruit a minimum of five students from each CO in their region, to comprise a Regional Campaigns Group. This campaigns group will co-ordinate regional campaigns in addition to developing new ideas for the National Campaign. The Area Officers must communicate with the group through a bi-weekly email and a series of campaign meetings throughout the year. The members of this campaigns group can bring USI’s message back to their own campuses, ensuring students at all levels of higher education are aware of the work of the National Union.

09/UO 3 USI Participation Awards Congress notes That many students work tirelessly for the betterment of student unions, clubs and societies Congress also notes That little recognition exists for these students in a formal capacity Congress notes The success of the BICS Awards and NUS Student Awards in the UK Congress believes That students who work hard in extracurricular activities should be acknowledged Congress therefore mandates Officer Board to organise USI Student Participation Awards, whereby students will be accredited for their involvement in local students unions, USI campaigns, clubs and societies; The President & Deputy President to bring forward to the first national council of 09/10 a cohesive plan for the Student Participation Awards which should include what categories will be included in the awards, who will be eligible, how they will be judged, who will judge them, deadlines etc

09/UO 4 Voter Registration Campaign Congress notes The small percentage of students who are registered to vote and the even smaller percentage of students who utilise their right to vote.

Congress Further Notes That in order to strengthen the National Campaign, it is essential that the number of students who are registered to vote increases greatly.

Congress mandates the Deputy President and Area Campaigns Officers To produce an information pack for COs on how to register students to vote, to be sent out in advance of the close of submissions to the register of electors each year. This pack should include all the necessary information regarding closing dates for submissions to the register, information about postal voting for students, and how to submit applications to the various supplements to the register.

Congress further mandates the Area Campaigns Officers To co-ordinate a ‘Voter Registration Week’ in each campus in their region and to facilitate the officers of each CO with the implementation of this campaign.

09/UO 5 Local Lobbying Congress notes The effectiveness of local lobbying as a campaigning tool.

Congress believes That, in addition to direct action, engaging in local lobbying is essential for the student population to highlight the issues which affect them.

Congress mandates the Area Campaigns Officers To compile an updated ‘Local Lobbying Document’ every year, specific to each CO in their region, outlining all local TDs in the constituency where the CO is located and include contact details for each TD and details of his/her clinics. Each local lobby pack should also include a fact sheet with information on the National Campaign.

09/UO 6 Awareness of USI Eelection Congress notes The lack of awareness amongst the student body regarding the elections for USI positions.

Congress mandates The Deputy President to coordinate a poster campaign encouraging people to run as candidates for the various USI positions.

Congress further mandates The Deputy President and Area Officers to organise an information campaign involving a series of CO visits in the weeks preceding the USI election nomination deadlines, with the aim of publicising USI, the positions available, and the difference the elections will make to student life.

09/UO 7 Forum for Returning Officers Congress recognises That Students’ Unions are built on foundations of democracy, and that elections which allow students to exert their collective will are a vital aspect of every Students’ Union.

Congress notes That many different systems and methods of electoral regulation are employed by Constituent Organisations across the country.

Congress further notes That no system of electoral regulation is perfect, and that the sharing of ideas and experiences between Constituent Organisations will help to ensure fair, balanced, visible and relevant elections going forward.

Congress mandates The Deputy President/Campaigns Officer to organise a forum of returning officers (including heads of electoral committees and other similar positions) from every Constituent Organisation, to facilitate the

exchange of information and ultimately lead to an improvement in Students’ Union elections across the country.

Congress further mandates The Deputy President/Campaigns Officer to compile a report detailing proposed ‘Best Practice’ in this area and for this report to be circulated to Constituent Organisations and presented to National Council.

09/UO 9 Operational Plan Congress recognises The right and duty of the Officers of USI to work as guided by the mandates that they receive on election.

Congress further recognises The need for a support structure to assist and enable such work.

Congress therefore mandates That each member of Officer Board at the start of every quarter submit to the President their operational plan for the coming 3 months and from the second quarter submit a written report on the operations of the previous quarter. This will allow for proper planning and subsequent review.

That all members of Officer Board, and Staff if possible, working in USI should meet once a week on a designated day, such meeting to be chaired by the President, to outline the work they plan for the coming week, to give a short report on the work done and results achieved during the previous week and to inform the President of their operational needs and generally to share their experiences with other officers. This meeting will deal solely with operational matters, not policy.

Congress asserts That attendance at such meetings is a key part of an Officer's working week.

09/UO 10 Training Events for Society Organisers Congress notes The important role of student societies in college life.

Congress recognises That while the quality of student society training in some colleges is excellent, in some other colleges there is need for better quality training events for student organisers.

Congress believes That engagement with student societies is an excellent way for the national union to make itself more visible and relevant to students, and that a national training event would be a great networking and skill-sharing opportunity for student society organisers.

Congress therefore mandates The Deputy President, Education Officer and Area Officers to organise a one day national society training event, sometime around the summer period, and invite all new or incoming society organisers to attend. This event should include modules on areas such as Small event organising and promotion Recruitment and student participation Managing a team Congress also mandates

The aforementioned officers to evaluate the success of this event with a view to possibly making it an annual event.

09/UO 12 No Béarla Campaign Congress recognises The importance of the Irish Language Campaign, promotion of our native language, and the need to create dynamic and engaging initiatives to encourage people to use Irish on a daily basis.

Congress notes That this year saw the inaugural “No Béarla” campaign in University College Dublin in which students spent a period of time using Irish as their only language.

Congress further notes The success of this campaign, the level of positive feedback and engagement from the large and diverse student population of UCD, and the subsequent interest from other third-level institutions.

Congress mandates The Deputy President and Irish Language Officer to liaise with Irish Language Officers in CO’s across the country to introduce a national Nó Béarla campaign which will run simultaneously in CO’s across the country.

09/UO 13 Preferred Suppliers Congress believes That there is strength in unity Congress notes That the large membership of the Union of Students Ireland can allow for significant discounts on products and services through purchasing in bulk Congress mandates The President to seek to use the incentive of the large membership base of USI to obtain discounted price estimates from suppliers of various goods and services and to create a list of USI Preferred Suppliers, those being the suppliers with the best business practices and most cost-effective estimates, for distribution to all C/Os at Union Organisation Seminar for their use during the year 09/UO 14 Policy Redevelopment Congress Notes That presently, our policy book stands at just under 300 pages long.

Congress Believes That students cannot accurately determine USI’s policies due to the extreme lack of co-ordination within the current policy book.

Congress Therefore Mandates The President, in conjunction with the rest of Officer Board, to create a database, using database technology like Microsoft office access, and create a new database of mandates that will group mandates together under particular headings like grants, SHAG, accommodation, Quality Assurance, etc.

Congress Also Mandates Officer Board to update this database with a summary of all the mandates passed at any conference or congress and not to include any of the preamble that appear in the long form of the motion.

Congress Further Mandates Officer Board to print off this new database, which should now be used as the standard policy book, with the long form of the motion being retained in a separate document that is used for reference purposes only.

09/UO 16 Communications Meeting Congress Notes That UOS Officer training is centralised mainly around Presidents, Education and Welfare Officers of COs. Congress Believes Those Officers with a communications and publications brief would benefit from an informal meeting at UOS where they can share information, contacts and discuss matters such as student diaries and Freshers’ packs etc.

Congress Mandates Officer Board to hold a meeting of officers of COs who have a communications brief as part of their position in a CO as part of UOS Training.

09/UO 18 Student Involvement Congress notes The importance of large-scale student involvement in USI's campaigns, as this organization's strength is in its membership.

Congress acknowledges That this year the Fight Fees Campaign has garnered a higher rate of student involvement Congress notes that The final report of the USI Participation Working Group within which statistics show that the majority of students interviewed offered 'lack of time' as their main reason for not getting involved in SU's. It is also noteworthy that the majority of those interviewed/surveyed were involved in clubs/societies and the SU or just clubs/societies.

Congress therefore mandates The Deputy President and Area Officers to create a strong viral campaign (incorporating Facebook, texting, email, YouTube, college discussion boards etc) aimed at raising the profile of USI among its membership and to launch this campaign ahead of the 09/10 academic The Campaigns Working Group to put together a plan at its first meeting, to increase student involvement and recruit student activists into the national campaign; The Deputy President to launch a recruitment campaign aimed at getting students involved in the students' union movement.

09/UO 19 Participation Working Group

Congress notes The creation of a participation working group by National Council in 2008 which was charged with investigating why particular cohorts of students are consistently under-represented within both local students union and USI. Congress further notes 08/UO 7 which expanded the lifetime of this working group to Congress 2009.

Congress acknowledges The dedication and hard work of both the sabbatical and part time officers who volunteered to be a part of the working group in addition to their full time responsibilities in local unions and the unfortunate loss of one member of the working group in the middle of the academic year.

Congress also acknowledges How valuable the outcomes of this research are to the development of the student movement at both local and national level.

Congress recognises That the working group structure originally proposed may not be the most efficient method of completing this research and that the original proposal did not contain a comprehensive list of student groups who are underrepresented in SU structures. Furthermore the definition of socio economic disadvantage included in the original proposal has proven too restrictive to allow any meaningful research and in light of the current economic climate and the threats facing third level, an investigation into the effect of financial difficulties on student participation would be more appropriate.

Congress therefore mandates The participation working group to continue its research for another academic year; The Equality Officer to take over all responsibility for this research and that a methodology for this research be decided in conjunction with the President and research staff and that this methodology be brought to the first national council of 09/10 for approval; The Equality Officer to investigate the participation of the following groups Students with Disabilities Mature Students Part Time Students and Postgraduate Students The Equality Officer to also investigate the effect of financial hardship on student participation.

09/UO 21 Recycling Facilities on Campus Congress notes with concern The lack of recycling facilities on many CO campuses, and also the need for continued environmental awareness campaigns.

Congress recognises The importance of the Colรกisti Glasa campaign at first and second level schools.

The ColĂĄisti Glasa campaign is an environmental awareness programme designed to promote and aid the development of environmental systems in schools through creating awareness of recycling and waste management issues. This process helps students and staff to recognise the importance of environmental issues and take them more seriously in both their college and personal lives.

The initiative looks to: Improve the college environment Reduce litter and waste Reduce fuel and litter bills Increase environmental awareness Work to reduce the impact of climate change and the destruction of the natural environment.

Congress mandates The Campaigns Officer and the Environmental Officer: To work to launch a similar initiative geared specifically for higher education institutions among COs, and to work with national groups such as the The Green Planet Awards and The Change campaign in developing and delivering it.

09/UO 22 Environmental Networking Congress commends The growing number of Students’ Union Environmental Awareness Officers, and Environmental Societies and initiatives in colleges throughout the country.

Congress recognizes The important role USI can play in facilitating communication between these groups.

Congress mandates the Campaigns Officer and the Environmental Awareness Officer To collect and maintain a database of contact details for Environmental and Green Societies, and for Officers with responsibility for the Environmental Campaign in various COs, and to facilitate the networking of the Officers and Societies through a training day or workshop held before Christmas of each year.

09/UO 23 Compilation of Education Work Congress notes and commends The enormity of work undertaken every year by Education Officers around the country in terms of Campaigns (e.g. exam stress campaigns), training (e.g. class rep training) and more.

Congress realises The difficulty faced each year by every new incoming Education Officer in learning the ins and outs of the processes involved in implementing these campaigns, training events etc.

Congress also realises That each institution has a different method by which they conduct these campaigns, training events etc. and that a resource by which each Education Officer could examine the practices used by Education Officers around the country would be very useful to Education Officers.

Congress therefore mandates That the Education Officer compile all details of education campaigns, training courses and other work relevant to the job of the Education Officer and make it available to every Education Officer

09/UO 24 Disability Awareness Congress Notes That many students with disabilities face an atmosphere of prejudice and misunderstanding during their time in higher education Congress Further Notes That many staff members in higher education institutes are ill-equipped to deal with students with disabilities Congress Mandates The Equality Officer and Disability Rights Officer to conduct a campaign aimed at raising awareness of various disabilities, and the challenges they pose to the students effected by them, among staff members in education institutes Congress Further Mandates The Equality Officer and Disability Rights Officer to work in conjunction with relevant trade unions, such as the TUI, IFUT, etc, on how best to distribute this campaign material to their members, be it through these trade union’s regular publications or some other means.

09/UO 25 Second Hand Bookshop Congress Notes That there is a demand for second hand bookshop facilities among various Third Level Institutions.

Congress Notes with Regret That the cost of Academic books can be quite high Congress Notes Acknowledges That many third level institutes use the same printed academic material.

Congress Further Notes That second hand bookshops operate successfully in many Unions, namely NUI Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, and University of Limerick.

Congress Mandates The Education Officer to investigate the feasibility of creating an on-line database of second hand books available among third level institutes that are in a close vicinity to each other.

Congress Further Notes That this will improve facilities available to USI members.

09/UO 27 Equality Training Congress notes That student union officers must be equipped to assist and advocate for all students including those who are likely to experience discrimination and barriers to participation such as students with disabilities, international students, LGBT students, students from the traveller community, mature students and students who are married and/or have children.

Congress also notes That 27 mandates exist which discuss UOS [04/ED7; 04/WEL4; 04/UO9; 04/UO10; 04/UO11; 05/UO1; 05/UO7; 05/22; 06/WEL5; 06/UO10; 06/UO12; 06/UO13; 06/UO15; 06/UO16; 07/UO13; 07/UO20; 07/35; 07/LGBT3; 08/WEL7; 08/UO5; 08/UO18; 08/UO23; 08/UO24; 08/UO29; 08/UO30; 08/UO32; 08/NA6] yet only one of these modules (04/UO9) deals with providing training to officers on an equality related issue. Furthermore this mandate will expire at the end of the 08/09 academic year.

Congress mandates That the Equality Officer organise a module on the following at UOS: Disability Awareness Training; International Student Issues; Mature Student Issues and 1 general module which discusses other areas of equality not covered by the above modules and which also includes a synopsis of Equality Legislation (both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland).

Congress acknowledges That there are many part time officers who would benefit from such training but who are unable to attend UOS. Congress further mandates That the Equality Officer in conjunction with the Area Officers organise regional training events for part time officers on these issues before the end of September each year.

09/UO 28 Accessibility Issues Congress notes That USI communicates with its members through a variety of media email, posters, flyers, booklets and the usi.ie website.

Congress further notes That many standards exist which provide information on how to make the above named media accessible to students with disabilities in particular for students with dyslexia and students with visual impairments.

Congress recognises The recent publication of ‘Good Practice Guidelines for the Providers of Supports & Services for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education’ by the Association for Higher Education Access & Disability (AHEAD) which includes comprehensive information on increasing accessibility.

Congress also recognises The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) which aims to develop guidelines which are widely regarded as the international standard for Web accessibility as well as support materials to help understand and implement Web accessibility.

Congress is disappointed That the USI offices are currently not accessible to any person with a physical disability.

Congress understands

That USI has a lease of ten years with these premises which began in 2007 and are not in a financial position to buy out the remainder of the lease.

Congress therefore mandates Officer Board to ensure that all emails and publications (incl. Posters and leaflets) be produced in an accessible format, in line with AHEAD’s Good Practice Guidelines The Equality Officer to compile a short document outlining the most salient guidelines involved in providing accessible information and to distribute this document to all CO’s; The Equality Officer to ensure that usi.ie, and any other website created by USI, are accessible under the standards outlined by WAI; The Equality Officer to investigate all possible means to increase the accessibility of the current office; The President to provide all reasonable accommodations to any student who wishes to run for election to USI Officer Board and who faces unnecessary barriers as a result of the inaccessibility of the current office.

09/UO 29 Equality Handbook Congress notes That there are many different organisations across Ireland who work in the area of Equality.

Congress also notes That there are a myriad of policies, publications, initiatives and legislation in the area of Equality.

Congress further notes The poor institutional memory within the Equality Campaign due to the lack of an Equality Officer for a number of years.

Congress recognises That the Equality Officer receives a number of individual queries from both student union officers and student members and that often these cases are best resolved by referring the case to an expert organisation.

Congress mandates The Equality Officer to produce a handbook which includes at a minimum: A short summary of each organisation that works in the area of equality Relationship between the organisation and USI Information on who to contact in the organisation, if such a contact exists; A short summary and contact details of government departments, ministers, TD’s and senators who are responsible for areas related to Equality A summary of equality legislation in Ireland; A list of noteworthy publications in the area of equality A summary of the history of the Equality Campaign within USI Details of external funding opportunities for the campaign

A short summary of notable European or International Organisations who work in the area of Equality.

Congress further mandates That this handbook be updated annually by the Equality Officer, kept on the USI Server and be made available electronically to all constituent organisations.

09/UO 30 Equality within USI Congress notes That the Equality Officer this year received funding to take part in the Equality Authority’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Scheme. The scheme consisted of hiring an external consultant who held focus groups with both officers and staff to determine the extent to which equality was incorporated into USI Policies and Procedures.

Congress further notes That the review concluded in December 2008 with the presentation of an in depth report to the Equality Officer on ways in which USI Policies and Procedures needed to be improved in order to comply with current legislation in addition to promoting equality and diversity within the organisation.

Congress therefore mandates The Equality Officer to complete the following Review on an annual basis the USI Employment Equality Policy & USI Equal Status Policy which were developed this year; Produce a template of these policies to be distributed to CO’s and assist CO’s in tailoring these policies to meet their individual needs; Constitute an equality committee within Ceann Áras which will consist of the Equality Officer, President and a senior member of staff. Initially, this committee will be responsible for the implementation of the recommendations of the final report of the SME Scheme. On an ongoing basis, the committee will be responsible for ensuring that USI is complying with current legislation and will be responsible for promoting equality and diversity within the organisation; Organise a training session for officers and staff, to take place, before the end of July each year, on issues related to equality within the workplace.

09/UO 31 Electronic Campaigns Congress notes That a lack of funding has prevented publication of many USI materials this year, specifically by the Welfare and Education Officers Congress further notes The cost and environmental implications of printing and distribution of paper heavy materials for campaigns.

Congress also notes The low impact of materials which are mainly paper, with many students simply taking whatever ‘freebies’ are also included in the materials.

Congress therefore mandates Officer Board to always attempt to limit the amount of paper in any campaign materials, by utilising online resources and seeking out other innovate methods of distributing information

Congress further mandates All officers to send electronic versions of any booklets, handbooks and other information publications to COs when cost prohibits the printing of such materials

09/UO 32 Regional Training Events Congress notes The work put in by Officer Board to organise training events for COs throughout the year.

Congress regrets The low turnout at these events.

Congress believes That there would be a higher attendance at training events if they could be offered nearer to COs. Congress therefore mandates Officer Board to arrange for all training events to be offered in each region where there is sufficient interest within the regions.

09/UO 33 Facebook Congress notes The trouble with the USI website again this year Congress believes USI cannot continue to function without a strong internet presence Congress notes The existence of an underdeveloped USI Facebook page Congress mandates The President to promote the USI Facebook page and to use it to communicate with members of USI

09/UO 35 Summer Employment Scheme Congress notes The financially difficult time at present.

Congress also notes That the issue of Fee’s has still not been rectified.

Congress further notes That with the uncertainty around the issue of Fee’s, the increase in registration fees, along with the lack of summer employment for students.

Congress therefore mandates The President to create a USI Student Summer Employment Campaign.

09/AF1 Finance Committee Reporting Congress notes The constitutional and policy guidelines regarding the reporting of Finance Committee to National Council Congress regrets That in recent years these guidelines have not been followed.

Congress believes That transparent and accountable practice is essential to the financial health of the Union.

Congress therefore mandates The President to present options to the August National Council, of the methods in which the finance committee shall report to National Council Congress further mandates The President to ensure that reports are submitted to National Council throughout the year, in compliance with the USI constitution

09/EM 1 Budget 2009 Congress notes The massive deterioration in the global financial economy and its effects on the Irish economy.

Congress further notes The contents of the emergency budget on the 7th April 2009.

Congress recognises The positive elements of the budget that affect students including modifications to the Back to Education allowance.

Congress acknowledges That in the current financial situation difficult and unpalatable decisions will have to be made.

Congress notes However that the current generation of students will be the ones to carry the burden of debts incurred by this Government.

Congress criticises The lack of acceptance from the Government that the severity of our current difficulties have been exacerbated by the unwise, unsustainable and populist economic policies which they have implemented over the last twelve years.

Congress further criticises The lack of a clear long term plan for economic recovery and the almost complete lack of job creation measures in the budget.

Congress therefore mandates The President and the Deputy-President to fight all cutbacks that pertain to students contained in the budget.

09/ EM 2 Courtesy at Congress Congress notes USI’s core principle that Unity is Strength Congress also notes In the past a level of decency and courtesy was afforded to speakers, delegates and their leaders.

Congress believes In the CO’s democratic right to represent any and all student views and always to respect diverse and different views.

Congress mandate The President to ensure these basic levels of courtesy is afforded to all student delegates and their leaders and impress this upon steering and congress.