Setting: In a quiet Brooks Bar, with a lectern in the corner. We’re trialling a new layout with a gov comm table in the middle of the room. Raffle prizes include a box of fox’s biscuits, donated by EA for Freps (won by a seconder of ABBA), a Big Band CD from 2012 (AW isn’t excited), a painting by ADC of him in an England kit, and a collage of Frep’s faces from the display board (a few people are missing because RJ stole them).
Present: EMM (President), JC (Vice-President), RJ (Finance and Compliance Officer), SWC (Chair), ES (Senior Welfare Officer), JS (Working Class Students’ Rep), SG (JRO), KB (JRO), SP (SRO), SW (Assistant Brooks Bar Steward), AJ (Librarian), MR (People of Colour Rep), CG (Communications Officer), RSD (Vice-Chair of Trustees), HM (Assistant People of Colour Rep), EGS, , EE (International Rep), HG, JR (Facilities Manager), MW (Social Chair), AC (Welfare Campaigns Team Manager), ADC (Sports and Societies Chair), AB (PGM International Rep), LC (Welfare Campaigns Team Manager), SM (Postgraduate and Mature Students’ Committee Chair), MT (SU Rep), EAM (Student Trustee), JZ (International Welfare Rep), LH (SU Rep), RM (LGBT+ Rep), GP, KJ, SA (Outreach Chair), AB (Fi Comm), JG, TW, ALW, JH (Environment rep), AW (Music Rep), GM, BT, DH (Year out Committee), JW, PM, LK (Year out Committee)
Apologies: WE (Stool), NN (PGM Social Sec), OT (Fourth Year Rep), HH (PG Welfare Rep), JW (PGM Vice-President), BD (PGM Treasurer), SS (Michaelmas Ball Manager), WB (Head Frep), EJ (JRO), OW (Male Welfare Officer), SF (Mature Students’ Rep), AH (Female Welfare Officer)
Absent: ABD (Keeper of the Couplets), LB, CB, IB, OM, MH, CL, PV, PJ, WN (Keeper of the Glass Bell), EO, JM, WS, CA (Year out rep)
Agenda
Motions
Year Abroad and Placement Committee Members
Year Abroad and Placement Committee Terms of Office
Environment Comm
Ethnic Minority Rep
Support for Durham University UCU Members Strike Action
ABBA
Bailey Wardrobe Manager
Multiple Positions
Joint Campaigns or Slates
Participation Fund
Sports and Socs Elections
Elections
Method I
Welfare Campaigns Team Manager
Assistant Brooks Bar Steward
Durham University Charities Committee (DUCK) Representative
Students with Disabilities Representative
Method II
Sports and Societies Reporter x3
Postgraduate Representative
Formals Manager
Junior Returning Officer
Transgender and Non-Binary Representative
Assistant Working Class Students’ Representative
Minutes of previous meeting
*Passed on a general aye*
Motions
Year Abroad and Placement Committee Members
This JCR notes:
- The Year Abroad and Placement Committee is in its start-up year.
- The Year Abroad and Placement Committee aims to ensure that Year Out students do not feel out of the loop from St Cuthbert’s Society.
- The Year Abroad and Placement Committee has garnered more interest than it was initially thought it would.
- The Year Abroad and Placement Committee aims to create a community of Cuth’s Year Out students both within individual year groups and across years.
This JCR believes:
- The Year Abroad and Placement Committee would benefit from the creation of a new role within the committee: ‘Committee Members’.
- ‘Committee Members’ would enable more things to be implemented and achieved in its start-up year – which in turn would set fruitful precedent for future years.
- The creation of ‘Committee Members’ would aid in fulfilling the Committee’s aim: that Year Out students do not feel out of the loop from St Cuthbert’s Society.
- Creating the role for students who are on a year out or who have been on a year out, would aid in creating a community of Cuth’s Year Out students, both within individual year groups and across years.
This JCR repeals:
‘Article 1’, Electable Positions in the JCR Orders, Clause 14.1.3
This JCR orders:
Changes to ‘Article 1’, Electable Positions in the JCR Orders, Clause 14.1.3
It (the Year Abroad and Placement Committee shall consist of)
- Year Abroad and Placement Representative
- President of the Society
- Year Abroad Representative
- Year in Industry Representative
- Returner Representative
- Vice-President
- Communications Officer (Ex-Officio), and
- 4 x General Committee Members
14.6 4 x General Committee Members
14.6.1 Elected via: Method III, during Easter term and beginning of the Summer period.
14.6.2 Their duties shall be:
1) Assist the Year Abroad and Placement Officer, Year Abroad Rep, Placement Rep and Returners Rep in all tasks, as deemed necessary
14.6.3. Only students who are to go on a year out in or who are to return from a year out (in the next academic term) are eligible to run.
Proposer: CA
Seconder: DH
Discussion
DH: I want to add committee members to the year abroad and placement committee. There have been a lot of applications, so it will help it run. People can only apply if they’re going on a year abroad or have been. Also making elections in Easter term.
SWC: You’ve just summarised both your motions, we’ll have to deal with them separately.
*No opposition, passed on a general aye*
Year Abroad and Placement Committee Terms of Office
This JCR Notes:
- ‘Article 1’, Electable Positions in the JCR Orders, [Clause 14.3.1, 14.4.1, 14.5.1], do not specify when Year Abroad Rep, Placement Rep and Returner’s Rep will be elected respectively.
This JCR Believes:
- As Article 1 (Electable Positions in the JCR Orders) specifies when Year Abroad and Placement Officer (and potential General Committee Members) are elected, it would be consistent to specify when these roles are elected as well.
This JCR repeals:
‘Article 1’, Electable Positions in the JCR Order: Clause 14.3.1, 14.4.1, 14.5.1
This JCR orders:
Changes to ‘Article 1’, Electable Positions in the JCR Orders: Clause…
14.3.1 Elected via: Method III, during Easter term and beginning of the Summer period.
14.4.1 Elected via: Method III, during Easter term and beginning of the Summer period.
14.5.1 Elected via: Method III, during Easter term and beginning of the Summer period.
Article 1, Terms of Office Order clause 1.8.1.1. The exception to this shall be the Year Abroad and Placement Committee, where members’ terms of office shall be from when their application is declared successful until 30th June the next academic year.
Proposer: CA
Seconder: DH
Discussion
SWC: Specifying when their elected.
*No opposition, passed on a general aye*
Environment Comm
This JCR Notes:
- Environment Committee is new
- More people applied than expected
This JCR Believes:
- More could be achieved with greater numbers
- Upon reflection the committee could work more efficiently if the structure was altered
This JCR Repeals:
Article 1 “Positions in the JCR” clauses 16.1.2, 16.3, 16.4
This JCR Orders:
16.1.2.
It shall consist of:
- Environment Representative,
- President of the Society,
- Media Manager,
- Events Manager,
- GreenSpace and SU Representative,
- Embrace the Waste Representative, and
- 4x Environment Committee Member.
16.3. Media Manager
16.4. Events Manager
16.5. GreenSpace and SU Representative:
Elected via: Method III.
Their duties shall be to:
- Represent the committee at GreenSpace meetings and SU Assembly
16.6. Embrace the Waste Representative:
Elected via: Method III.
Their duties shall be to:
- Act as the committee’s representative for the Embrace the Waste Representative
Proposer: JH
Seconder: EO
Discussion
JH: Basically want some new positions on environment committee because people applied than I expected. More people means more impact.
*No opposition, motion passed on a general aye*
Ethnic Minority Rep
This JCR notes:
- That the current PoC Rep believes the term PoC is a controversial term with many parties not feeling comfortable to use it due to many ethnic minorities seeing that this term can be seen as non-inclusive for people of ethnic heritage that may be fair skinned.
- Furthermore the term PoC seems like a catch all term that puts a focus on the colour of skin being a difference rather than the idea that the role is there to essentially represent a group within a community which may have different national or cultural traditions from the main population.
This JCR believes:
- That the role name of People of Colour Rep and Assistant People of Colour Rep should be changed to “Ethinic Minority Representative” and “Assistant Ethnic Minority Representative”.
This JCR repeals:
Article 1, “Positions in the JCR” Order, clauses 3.13.2 (2), 6.1.4 (8), 6.5, 7.1.4 (10,11), 7.5,
This JCR Orders:
Article 1, “Positions in the JCR” Order
3.13.2. (2) Supervise the activities of the Male Welfare Officer, Female Welfare Officer, Campaign Team Managers and Minority Reps (i.e. Ethnic Minority, LGBT+, Students with Disabilities)
6.1.4. (8) Ethnic Minority Representative
6.5. Ethnic Minority Representative
7.1.4. (10) Ethnic Minority Representative
(11) Assistant Ethnic Minority Representative
7.5. Assistant Minority Representative
Article 1, “Terms of Office” Order
1.5 (1)
Proposed by: MR
Seconded by: HM
Discussion
MR: We want to change person of colour rep to ethnic minority rep because it’s more inclusive, and puts the focus on cultural differences as well.
*No opposition, passed on a general aye*
Support for Durham University UCU Members Strike Action
This JCR Notes
- UCU members of academic staff have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action
- This comes after Universities across the UK, including Durham, have failed to listen to staff demands and have cut pay, axed pensions and let staff work under poor conditions
- Outcomes of this strike will affect all JCR members and is likely to have huge effects on campus
This JCR Believes
- That university staff work incredibly hard for students as it is, and their working conditions are our study conditions, so it is very important.
- Students deserve to be taught by staff who are treated well by their institution, at the moment they are not.
- Strike action will force the university into treating staff fairly, however strike action will be even more successful if students show solidarity to those UCU members taking action. The JCR expressing solidarity will show that there are over 1,000 students at Durham who are in solidarity with the strike action.
This JCR resolves
- Cuth’s JCR will write a letter to Durham UCU expressing support on behalf of the JCR
- Members of Cuth’s JCR will publicise the reasons for the strike and the JCR’s decision to show solidarity on the JCR’s facebook (fresher’s pages) and instagram in order to inform students Cuth’s JCR will advertise the reasons for staff strikes and why the JCR has come to the conclusion to support it.
Proposed: CG
Seconded: EE
Discussion
CG: I thought that as most JCR members will be affected by the strike it’s important to have a stance on. I’d like to be able to make a banner saying we support the strike. I’ve spoken to some people in the UCU, and they said it would be really nice. Staff rights are like student rights. It will be a bit of pain short term but long term it’s important.
SP: How will you try to get everyone on board? What if some JCR members feel differently?
CG: Tell them they could have voted.
*Opposition, so a vote is called. Motion is passed*
ABBA
This JCR Notes
St Cuthbert’s Society Members often take the deep, rich and diverse history of British biscuits for granted.
This JCR Believes
Through having a biscuit society, people can get together to taste, discuss and appreciate biscuits. We hope that this Society will bring people together through their love of biscuits.
This JCR Resolves
To create the St Cuthbert’s Society All British Biscuit Appreciation Society, in the hope that it will meet the demand for a deeper insight into biscuits in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Proposer: TW
Seconders: CB, IB, ALW, GP, OM, JM, MH, JW, CL, PV, PM, PJ, WE, WS
Discussion
TW: I’d like to create an all British Biscuit Appreciation Society. IN House 8, we really love biscuits. So let’s celebrate that.
EMM: I hear there have already been meetings. What went down and what have you found?
TW: We’ve had some informal and some formal meetings. I bring up biscuits at least twice a day., We had a vote on the best biscuit, and chocolate hob nob came out on top. We also did a tea dunking test with rich tea, custard creams, ginger nuts and bourbons. Ginger nut lasted longest.
RJ: Can you please demonstrate some appreciation for this bourbon?
*TW Eats the biscuit and eat enjoys it. His joy is clearly visible. His biscuit time needs improvement.*
CG: How will you make it so it’s not just House 8?
TW: We’ll welcome anyone to our society. We want more people involved. We’ll also try to meet in Brooks so people don’t always have to walk to meetings.
SP: Certain kinds of wine go with certain kinds of cheese, what ABBA song goes with biscuits?
ALW: Mamma Mia
EAM: Amendment that every meeting starts with ABBA song. It could be any ABBA song.
*Amendment passed on a general aye*
*Amended Motion passed on a general aye*
Bailey Wardrobe Manager
This JCR Notes:
- Last year, a scheme was created whereby students can rent formal attire at an affordable price in order to make formal events more accessible.
- Maintaining, expanding and coordinating the scheme is a large, time consuming task.
This JCR Believes:
- The scheme would be more successful if there was a role dedicated to its maintenance and promotion.
- A successful wardrobe scheme would increase the accessibility of events at Cuth’s.
This JCR Orders:
Positions in the JCR Order:
17.7. Bailey Wardrobe Manager,
17.7.1. Elected via: Method II, Meeting 3.1
17.7.2. Their duties shall be:
1) Oversee and organise the delivery of the Bailey wardrobe scheme.
2) Keep an inventory of stock, both for administrative and promotional purposes.
3) Maintain the Facebook page & other social media created to promote the scheme.
4) Liaise with any other college’s wardrobe reps to ensure continuity across the colleges.
5) Complete any other extra tasks required for the success of the scheme.
Proposed: EMM
Seconded: JC
Discussion
EMM: The scheme that currently exists was started last year. You can rent suits, dresses and formal wear. Currently it’s quite time consuming because everything needs to be cleaned and people need to try things on. We’re planning to join with John’s. To be successful we need someone to manage it.
RJ: If they’re elected in meeting 3.1, will we need to wait until then to have one?
EMM: Hopefully we’ll elect one next meeting for until then.
*No opposition, motions passed on a general aye*
Multiple Positions
This JCR notes
- That there are currently rules preventing people from holding multiple positions under certain circumstances
- That there are a number of exceptions to these rules, some of which are written and some of which are followed without being written (notably holders of a method II position running for a method I position for the following year even when both positions are in office over Summer)
- That under current rules, if a person wishes to run for a new position, they must resign from all conflicting positions before running
This JCR Believes
- That the range of potentially desired exceptions makes the rules unclear and complicated
- That simplicity in the rules is desirable for all parties
- That rules should reflect current practice
- That if a person is running for a position on a committee on which they already sit, there should be no need to resign from their current position until after the completion of the election
This JCR Repeals
Election rules article 1 1.1.1.2 “Winning the election would not result in you holding two Method I positions…”
Election rules article 2 1.1.1 “You are eligible to run for a Method II position if you meet the following criteria:…”
Election rules article 3 1.1.1.2 “You will not hold a Method I position or two Method II positions…”
This JCR Orders
Terms of Office Order:
1.11 There shall be an academic year associated with each person’s term of office for a position. This year shall be referred to as the “year of office”, and shall be the academic year in which the majority of the term of office falls, unless otherwise stated
1.11.1 A person will not be permitted to hold a Method I position and any other Method I, Method II or Method III position with the same year of office
1.11.2 A person will not be permitted to hold more than two total Method II and Method III positions with the same year of office
1.11.3 A person will not be permitted to hold more than one position which is a minority rep position (PoC Rep, LGBT+ Rep, SwD Rep, Mature Students’ Rep, or Working Class Students’ Rep) or assistant minority rep position (assistant PoC Rep, assistant LGBT+ Rep, assistant SwD Rep or assistant Working Class Students’ Rep) with the same year of office
1.11.4 In the event that a person is elected to a combination of positions which violates the above rules, they will be required to resign from enough positions to remove this conflict within 48 hours. If they do not do so, an automatic motion of no confidence will be run against them for all of their positions at the next JCR meeting
Election rules:
Article 1 1.1.1.2 You do not hold and have not been elected to another Method I, Method II or Method III position with the same year of office as the position you are running for, unless one of the following exceptions applies:
- The position you are running for sits on a JCR committee which you already sit on as part of a Method I, Method II or Method III position during the year of office of the position you are running for
Article 1 1.1.1.3 Winning the election would not lead to you holding more than one minority representative position at a time (i.e. PoC Rep, LGBT+ Rep, SwD Rep, Mature Students’ Rep, or Working Class Students’ Rep)
Article 2 1.1.1 You are eligible to run for a Method II position if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a Full Member of St Cuthbert’s Society Junior Common Room (JCR), and will be for the duration of the term of office of the position you are running for
- You do not hold and have not been elected to a Method I position or two or more total Method II and Method III positions with the same year of office as the position which you are running for, unless one of the following exceptions applies:
- The position you are running for sits on a JCR committee which you already sit on as part of a Method I, Method II or Method III position during the year of office of the position you are running for
- Winning the election would not lead to you holding more than one assistant minority representative position at a time (i.e. assistant PoC Rep, assistant LGBT+ Rep, assistant SwD Rep or assistant Working Class Students’ Rep)
Article 3 1.1.1.2 You do not hold and have not been elected to a Method I position or two or more total Method II and Method III positions with the same year of office as the position which you are running for, unless one of the following exceptions applies:
- The position you are running for sits on a JCR committee which you already sit on as part of a Method I, Method II or Method III position during the year of office of the position you are running for
Proposer: JC
Seconder: EMM
Discussion
JC: So we currently have rules on holding multiple positions, but they were a mess. So this motion clears them by defining year off office. It also makes it so that people who are running for a position on a committee they already sit on wouldn’t need to resign until after they’re elected.
SP: Amendment so that for any position people don’t need to resign before running for a different position.
SWC: To be clear, in the original motion, you’d need to resign before running for a position unless it’s on the same committee. SP wants to make it so you never need to resign until you have the new position.
JG: Would it be an obligatory resignation if you’re successful?
SP: Yes. Contested elections are good. We shouldn’t have restrictions unless there are specific requirements. If there are multiple candidates and we can ask them questions we can choose the best person. We don’t want people to be scared of losing current position.
ES: If you run for a position knowing that it’s a year long term, you should be committed to that position. We shouldn’t be allowing people to then abandon it for something else. If you want to commit to something else you need to prioritise it over what you already have.
SP: What if someone decided to get involved in Epiphany? People learn, and that could change perspective. I don’t think we should arbitrary barriers forcing people to commit for a year. People can make up their mind when they vote.
EMM: Small technicality, if KB decided to run for a Method II position later, she could be here as gov comm and not have to step down before running. That seems wrong.
SP: Gov comm and exec have influence is a concern. We should look into that in future. Let’s discuss it in future. But that’s only gov comm.
EMM: Amendment to amendment so that resignation is automatic upon winning.
*Amendment to amendment passed on a general aye*
*Opposition to amended amendment, amendment is passed*
*Amended motion passed on a general aye*
Joint Campaigns or Slates
JCR Notes
- The election order does not specify any rules on joint campaigns and or slates.
The JCR Believes
- That since this question has been raised by certain candidates. It is important for our rules to clarify this quandary.
JCR Orders
Campaigning in Method I and Method I (Presidential) Elections
3.4. Forbidden Campaigning Methods
3.4.4 A Candidate can only run individually; formation of joint campaigns or slates are prohibited.
Proposer: SP
Seconder: RSD
Discussion
SP: Clarification of electoral conventions. Slates, which is multiple people running as one campaign for a single position and joint campaigns, multiple people running for different positions are banned.
RJ: So if people are running for a position with multiple positions, they can’t support another candidate for the same position?
SP: Yes. Also people can be on campaign teams for other positions but they can’t make joint posts.
EMM: But people running for the same position can’t be on each other’s campaign team?
SP: No. And campaign posts should all be one candidate.
RM: Has this ever happened?
SWC: People have enquired about it, but we normally tell them not to.
*No opposition, passed on a general aye*
Participation Fund
This JCR Notes
- That there is a participation fund offered by the JCR to increase the accessibility of sporting and cultural activities for Cuth’s students
- That there are currently no constituted rules for the administration of this fund
This JCR Believes
- That there should be written rules and policies for the administration of the participation fund
This JCR Orders
Sports and Societies Order:
7.Participation Fund
7.1 There shall be a participation fund available every year
- The total value of the participation fund will be dictated by the annual budget
7.2 The aim of the fund shall be to increase the accessibility of sporting and cultural activities to Cuth’s students who may otherwise be unable to afford these activities
7.3 Suitable uses of the fund include but are not limited to:
- ‘Subs’ for Cuth’s JCR, Durham University or Durham Students’ Union sports and societies
- Specialist kit for Cuth’s JCR, Durham University or Durham Students’ Union sports and societies
- Sport or arts competitions and events
- Accredited training courses
7.4 The fund will not be used for:
- Travel expenses
- Activities which are not related to Cuth’s or the University
- Anything outside the scope of St Cuthbert’s Society JCR’s charitable aims
7.5 Individuals who wish to benefit from the fund must, at the discretion of the president, either fill out a form and return it to the FCO or President or email the FCO or president. The form will detail, as a minimum:
- How much money the individual is requesting
- What the money will be spent on
- Why they need the money
7.6 All applications will be reviewed by a panel normally consisting of the JCR Chair, JCR President, JCR Sports and Societies Chair and FCO. If necessary, an informal meeting with the applicant will be called to determine how the funding is allocated
- This panel will prioritise recipients requesting funding for JCR activities above those who require it for activities in the wider University
- If an applicant is applying for funding to take part in a Team Durham sport or society, their application will only be considered if they have already applied for any Participation Funds offered by Team Durham or by the relevant club
- The panel may at their discretion choose to provide an applicant with less than the full sum which they applied for
7.8 The fund will normally be opened to applicants twice per year, once in November and once in January, except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the panel
- The panel will ensure that some funding is still available for the second round of applicants, unless they decide that two rounds of applications is not an appropriate way to distribute the fund in that year
7.7 Reclamation of funds by successful applicants must be done in accordance with the financial procedures policy
This JCR Resolves
- That the value of the participation fund for the academic year 2019-20 will be £1000
Proposer: JC
Seconder: RJ
Discussion
JC: Basically, we have a participation fund, but its administration isn’t codified. So this motion proposes some rules on how it operates. It’s based entirely off a procedure RJ drew up.
EE: I’ve never seen the form for this. What’s in it?
RJ: it was advertised as sending an email to the president with the info that’s in the motion.
*No opposition, passed on a general aye*
Sports and Socs Elections
This JCR Notes
- That currently there is a lot of ambiguity in the way elections are run for sports and societies.
This JCR Believes
- That this order will give sports and societies clear guidelines to follow, and a complaints procedure that is necessary for these elections to be free and fair. That the order will help make the elections more structured and clarify the various grey areas that surround these elections.
This JCR Orders
Sports and Socs order
7. Sports and Socs elections order.
7.1 All Sports and Societies of Cuth’s JCR are required to follow these rules and regulations when holding elections for their sport or society.
7.2 Election Meeting procedure
7.2.1 The election must be advertised at least 7 days in advance on the respective Sports and Society home page, Team Cuth’s, Cuth’s JCR elections.
7.2.2 Elections to be minuted by an Executive Member of the society
7.2.3 All present full members of the society without subs may vote, where a full member is defined as any JCR member who has attended at least one session or event of the society.
7.2.4 All present full members of the sport or society may vote in the elections of a sport or society with compulsory subs.
7.2.5 Request new candidates to be an option in every election. If Request new candidates wins the position the election for that position will be readvertised and rerun after a minimum period of 7 days.
7.2.6.1 The voting shall be conducted by secret ballot or by the procedure used for Method 2 elections.
7.2.6.2 The ballots will be kept safe for a period of 24 hours and any candidate may ask for a recount. The recount will have the SRO or a JRO selected by the SRO present and an optional representative from every candidate involved. In a method 2 style election, the President will keep a count of all votes cast and shall not be at liberty to declare the count to anyone but to Governance committee of Cuth’s JCR.
7.2.7 The election results will be declared in the meeting and will be advertised on the social media of the sport or society, team Cuth’s and Cuths JCR elections.
7.3 Nominations
7.3.1 All full members of the JCR may run for an executive role in the sport or society with no subs as long as they have attended at least one event of the sport or society.
7.3.1.2 All full members of the sport or society with compulsory subs may run for a position in the Sports or Societies Executive committee.
7.3.1.3 An event will be defined as but not limited to any social, meeting, training or activity under the official banner of the sport or society.
7.3.2 The nominations will be received AD Hoc at the meeting.
7.4 Hustings
7.4.1 The maximum hust length will be a minimum of one minute and may be extended for accessibility reasons at the discretion of the President of the Society.
7.4.2 Any candidate may run in absentia with nominations sent to the President of the sport or society with a hust to be read out by an exec member of the sport or society. When a candidate runs in absentia no questions will be asked for any candidate for that position.
7.4.3 The questions cannot be targeted to any individual and must apply to all candidates running for the election.
7.5 Voting Procedure
7.5.1 All present full members of the JCR may vote in a Sport or society without compulsory subs.
7.5.2 All present full members of the Sport or Society may vote in the elections of a sport or society with compulsory subs.
7.5.3 Request new candidates to be an option in every election. Wherein RON wins the position the election for that position will be re-advertised and rerun after a minimum period of 10 days.
7.5.3.1 The voting shall be conducted by Secret ballot or by the procedure used for Method 2 elections.
7.5.3.2 The ballots will be kept safe for a period of 24 hours and any candidate may ask for a recount. The recount will have the SRO or a JRO selected by the SRO present and an optional representative from every candidate involved. In a method 2 style election, the President will keep a count of all votes cast and shall not be at liberty to declare the count to anyone but to Governance committee of Cuth’s JCR.
7.5.4 The election results will be declared in the meeting and will be advertised on the social media of the sport or society, Team Cuth’s and Cuth’s JCR elections.
7.6 Forbidden campaign methods
7.6.1 No candidate may canvass or campaign in any form prior to the 24 hours to the meeting and is only allowed to canvass or campaign via Word of Mouth 24 hours before the meeting,
7.6.2 Offering any bribes or exchange of value for votes,
7.6.3 Personally attacking a current or previous JCR Member,
7.6.4 Campaigning for Request New Candidates,
7.6.5 Associating or affiliating with any member of the Governance Committee, the Executive Committee, or the incumbent, of the JCR and the sport or society
7.6.6 Any action or phrase that the SRO deems as negative campaigning.
7.7 Methods of Sanction-
7.7.1 All methods of sanction will be decided upon by the Governance Committee through a minuted meeting.
7.7.2 The complaint can be issued by a JCR Member within 24 hours of the start time of the relevant JCR Meeting. Governance Committee will be convened to discuss this within 48 hours of the complaint’s procedure being triggered.
7.7.3. The available methods of sanction to Governance Committee are-
7.7.3.1 Docking of votes: Some of the candidate’s votes may be docked, up to a maximum of 20% of their total vote. If the docking of votes leads to a change in the elected candidate, the election must be re-run omitting the sanctioned candidate(s) at the discretion of Governance Committee. This election will be rerun in the next general meeting with the same candidates only omitting the sanctioned candidate, or
7.7.3.2 Disqualification: The candidate is removed from the election. The candidate with the second highest number of votes wins the election
7.8 Non- Cuth’s JCR members running for executive positions
7.8.1 All positions will be opened exclusively to Cuth’s JCR members first.
7.8.2 If any position goes uncontested in the first general it may be at the discretion of the executive of the sport or society be opened to members from other JCRs in Durham University in a new meeting minimum of 7 days after the initial meeting.
7.8.2.1 Where in a second meeting or any further meetings are called to elect members from any JCR across Durham University to the same position, and a candidate from Cuth’s nominate themselves then the said position will be only contested by candidate or candidates from Cuth’s JCR exclusively.
Proposed- SP
Seconded- EMM
Discussion
SP: Details with S&S elections in our college. They’ve not been codified before. Some AGMs have taken place in Lloyds. We need rules. We need more transparency and openness. This is designed to give it a structure.
EMM: There are two important parts towards the end. This affects smaller and music societies. We’re saying that to have non Cuthspeople as members of the exec, they have to have first run the AGM with only Cuthspoeple allowed to run because our charitable aims are to provide opportunities in Cuth’s. If that goes unelected, roles are opened to people from other colleges, but if someone from Cuth’s runs then people from other colleges who have run are ruled out. It will also affect societies where there’s a wider society which tells you who the president will be, because we should run our own elections. Cuth’s people should vote for presidents of Cuth’s societies.
EE: About pre campaigning. So only word of mouth?
SP: Yes. They’re based off Method II rules.
EE: The SRO or JRO will be in charge of recounts. What if they can’t go?
SP: There are 3 JROs and 1 SRO. Someone in gov comm will be able to go.
EE: Amendment so that anyone in gov comm can attend for a recount if SROs or JROs can’t.
*Amend passed on a general aye*
AW: 2 things. Firstly, I think that there are two types of opportunities a Cuth’s society can create for cuthspeople. The problem with ruling out people from other colleges is that if the cuthsperson is rubbish then the opportunity to have good society is removed from members. Big band only gets paid gigs if the exec is good. So one opportunity is lost but it can open other opportunities.
EMM: I see that that’s an issue, but RNC is always an option. So if this person was shit, the members of the society should know and they could vote for RNC. But the opportunity should be allowed the first time round.
SP: We get funding from people’s JCR levies. For societies with small subs, people from other colleges are paying considerably less. Having skill as a musician is different to exec skills. We exist for Cuth’s, we serve Cuth’s.
AW: Fair enough for a role like president, but some roles require certain skills. Teaching roles are different. I think that this motion has a problem in that it imposes rules, and lots of people don’t like these rules and find it obnoxious. With the number of rules, you risk putting people off. There’s too much formality. Some societies only have 10 members and exist to have fun. I was talking all year about going for a rile.
SP: but these rules exist for a reason, we want to make things fairer and more transparent. A lot of these societies have difficult rules or procedures that make it difficult for people to run.
AW: Amendment that in the second AGM anyone is allowed to run, regardless of college. It could also take place immediately.
SP: A lot of people from other colleges don’t follow our rules on accessibility
RSD: I don’t think this fully addresses the issues the board has with our charitable aims.
*Opposition to amendment, so a vote is called. Amendment is passed*
: Does anyone from gov comm need to be there if it’s not a recount?
SP: No
*Opposition, so a vote is called. Amended motion is passed*
Elections
Method I
Welfare Campaigns Team Manager
No Candidates
Assistant Brooks Bar Steward
Candidates
SW
Request New Candidates
Husts
SW:
SW: It’s me again. I did this role last year. I’ve served drinks to most of you because eI work more shifts than anyone else because I enjoy my job. I feel like I’m being paid to socialise. I’m also qualified for this because it’s a student voice role. I sat on student staff committee in engineering, and represented the SU at NUS. It’s important to voice student’s voices, and in this role it’s easy to do because the bar listens to us. I feel like I can make change here. I’ve already helped to ensure that JCR meetings can still be held in the Bailey bar despite reduced profits because the JCR should be prioritised. This year I’d like to bring in pub quizzes at Brooks. I’d also like to work with social comm to run social events in the bar, and to collaborate more during Cuth’s events such as the feast.
Questions
EMM: If you were to host an event in either bar that’s never been hosted before, what would you do?
SW: Bingo night. It’s really fun even though old ladies do it, and can raise money for charity.
RJ: What percentage of bar profits go the JCR and what would you like to change it too?
SW: I think it’s currently 20-30%, I’d like to change it to 100% but don’t think I’d be able to.
EAM: Will you push for student voice in choosing the ales?
SW: The most recent beer was put forward by a student. We’re very open to suggestions.
TW: What’s your opinion on having music in the back bar?
SW: I hadn’t thought of it, but I like it.
Durham University Charities Committee (DUCK) Representative
No Candidates
Students with Disabilities Representative
Candidates
EGS
Request New Candidates
Husts
EGS:
EGS: For me, disabilities among students are one of the biggest but least talked about issues. I was diagnosed with a chronic illness at 12, and I had to alter my lifestyle drastically. When I arrived at university, I didn’t know we had a disability rep, so I want to be the support for people in a similar situation. Having a hidden physical disability gives me personal experience, I also volunteer for a music for the disabled project so I know how to facilitate a range of disabilities, and I’m organised, approachable and driven. I want to support students who are talking to college or their department, and run events which are disability focused. I also want to run disability based events during campaigns week. I also want to work with other minority reps to improve the visibility of all the roles at social events. I want to start an open dialogue with people with disabilities so that they feel supported enough to talk about the issues they face. I’m extremely passionate about this, I talk about my disability openly but accepting is a hard lesson to learn.
Questions
EMM: If you had to run a particular campaign to raise awareness, when would you run it and what would it be?
EGS: In the last week of October I’d like to do something for invisible disabilities. It’s not often talked about. I’d want to get people who work with relevant charities to come and talk to people. Maybe also a karaoke event.
JG: Knowing people personally who have invisible disabilities, how would you spread awareness before people come to Durham?
EGS: I think that’s really important, disability support needs to be done very early. I’d like to create social media profiles for relevant things that people can follow, and spread it that way.
CG: what do you think is the biggest problem students with disabilities have in Cuth’s?
EGS: There not being enough awareness or approachability, so I want to increase that through focussed events.
Method II
Sports and Societies Reporter x3
Candidates
LB
Request New Candidates
Husts
LB:
I would love to be a sports and socs reporter as I really enjoy all the different things sports and socs at cuths have to offer. From taking part in a range of societies myself to going and watching sports matches, plays, and discussions! As someone who already likes to be present for all things cuths it would be great to actually spin this to be productive – and how better than reporting on what goes on! I think it is finally time that my awful chat reaches a wider audience, and team cuths is surely the platform. Alongside reviews and write ups I would love to capture not only some stunning photos and videos, but stunning and gdpr compliant photos and videos! I’ve previously run the women’s football Facebook and the instagrams of both the women’s football and rugby teams, so I think it’s fair to say I’m not lacking experience. I really hope I get the role despite not being able to make it tonight as I really see this as my journalist career launch. Also ADC is useless at Instagram and I think I could do a better job.
Questions
*LB is elected*
Postgraduate Representative
No Candidates
Formals Manager
Candidates
GM
HG
Request New Candidates
Husts
GM:
GM: I like formals because it’s a gathering of the college, and that’s a thing that we should have. I’m a virgo, so organising is my zodiac fate. I wasn’t expecting to run for this, so this wasn’t planned. I really like formals and I’d love them to be awesome.
HG:
HG: I’m currently pole society social sec. I’d like to put snacks on tables before the meal. I’d also like to put recyclable note cards on the table. I’d like to have some creative fun themes so people can jazz it up with what their wearing. I’d like to make it more of an all night thing.
Questions
RM: Gender inclusion in dress codes is important. What do you think of current formals dress code and what we might like to change?
HG: The only guide I believe is black tie. Some people don’t feel comfortable going in unexpected dress. I’d like to run a campaign where we make it clear people can be flexible on what they like.
GM: If we have a normative vision of dress code, that’s an issue.
MW: Formals manager is part of social comm. How would you go beyond your role and work well with social comm?
GM: We need to discuss how other events can relate to formals. Not just balls.
HG: The point of formals manager is that they’re able to liaise with social comm. I’m quite personable. I love this college and want to do good things.
JS: One of the things I’ve found is that there is a sort of imposter syndrome around attending formals. Do you have any ideas of how we can better integrate people who are new in that setting?
HG: I come from a semi-working class background. I was very wierded out when I arrived. It would be better to print the rules more clearly. Maybe also slip it into the talk in freshers’ week.
GM: Maybe some formals could be a more relaxed environment, in the presentation of the event and the dress code.
EMM: Elizabeth likes certain formals. Pick one theme that you will force her to have.
GM: I’m from Brazil. So we could have a Carnival formal in February. Elizabeth would look great in a headdress.
HG: Literary formal. Then I’ll slip in some more ideas.
*HG is elected*
Junior Returning Officer
Candidates
BT
Request New Candidates
Husts
BT:
BT: I’m a fresher. I’d like to be JRO because I’d like to get involved in the JCR. I’m quite personable. I’m not entirely sure what the role involves, but I’d like to find out more. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far.
Questions
BT
ADC: What’s your starsign?
BT: march 4th. Maybe Pisces.
EMM: How will that make you a good JRO?
BT: Dependable and reliable.
SP: What’s your favourite thing about JCR meetings?
BT: The banter.
*BT is elected*
Transgender and Non-Binary Representative
No Candidates
Assistant Working Class Students’ Representative
No Candidates
Song
EAM has shared the lyrics on facebook. Sung with gusto by the usual crowd and no-one else.