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Date of Meeting:
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15 May 2025 6pm - 8pm
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Location:
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HB Allen Centre (near Keble)
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Chair:
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Eleanor Miller (VP Undergraduates)
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Deputy Chair:
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| Agenda |
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Item A
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Introduction:
- Introduction of Sabbatical & Student Trustees in attendance
- Functions of Conference of Common Rooms
- Parameters of Conference trial & review process including KPIs
- Reminder of key processes including submitting a motion and voting mechanisms
- Q&A
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Item B
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Governance Matters:
- Election of Postholders (MCR and JCR Deputy Co-Chairs)
- Nominations & vote in-person
- Notification of elections of Part-time Officers and Student Trustees
- Volunteer for Nominations Committee
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| Items for Discussion |
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Item C
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International Student Fees
Proposed by: Lauren Schaefer (VP Postgraduates), Fahad Al-Huda (Kellog MCR President), Eleanor Miller (VP Undergraduates)
Decision Type: Conference Mandate
Presented by: Julian Mathe & Alexandra Fusa
Proposal Summary: This motion challenges Oxford University’s approach to continuing fee increases for overseas undergraduates. It calls for a fairer, more transparent scheme – including fixing fees “at entry” (or, as a transitional measure, capping annual increases at 4%), clearer contractual information, and more direct communication with students.
Full Proposal Text
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Item D
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Dark Skies
Proposed by: Eleanor Miller (VP Postgraduates), Lauren Schaefer (VP Postgraduates), Fahad Al-Huda (Kellog MCR President), Eleanor Miller (VP Undergraduates)
Decision Type: Conference Mandate
Proposal Summary: This motion is aimed at championing student safety by opposing reductions in street lighting recently proposed by Oxford City Council. It establishes a clear mandate to actively represent student interests in local government decision making.
Full Proposal Text & Additional statement
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Item E
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Supreme Court Ruling re Sex & Gender
Proposed by: Eleanor Miller (VP Postgraduates), Lauren Schaefer (VP Postgraduates), Fahad Al-Huda (Kellog MCR President), Eleanor Miller (VP Undergraduates)
Decision Type: Conference Mandate
Proposal Summary: The motion mandates Oxford SU to reaffirm support for trans, intersex and non-binary students following the UK Supreme Court ruling that "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refer specifically to biological sex. It mandates the SU to campaign for trans-inclusive policies, work with University bodies to protect trans students' access to facilities matching their gender identity and to oppose any regression in current protections.
Full Proposal Text
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Item F
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Ethical Investments Representations Review Sub-Committee
Proposed by: Eleanor Miller (VP Postgraduates), Lauren Schaefer (VP Postgraduates), Fahad Al-Huda (Kellog MCR President)
Decision Type: Conference Mandate
Proposal Summary: The motion seeks to reaffirm Oxford SU's mandate to advocate for University divestment from arms companies, following student consultation.
Full Proposal Text & Student Consultation
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| Item G |
Motion to mandate action on the future of undergraduate admissions testing
Proposed by: Adam Daniel (Keble JCR) Kush Vaidya (Catz JCR), Lucy Chen (Merton JCR), Maria Sticlea (New JCR) and Callum Turnbull (Balliol JCR).
Decision Type: Conference Mandate
Proposal Summary: This motion concerns Oxford University's approach to undergraduate admissions testing. It notes that colleges have been surveyed about potentially charging applicants for Oxford-specific tests and establishes a position for the SU to negotiate on this issue. The motion focuses on maintaining access goals without imposing excessive costs on colleges or applicants, mandating the SU to advocate for cost-effective alternatives, ensure access to free preparation resources, oppose placing costs on colleges, ensure generous fee waiver systems if charges become necessary, and push for data collection on test efficacy.
Full Proposal Text
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Below the Line
These are items which will not be discussed and will be presumed to have been approved.
Members can request a discussion by request to the Chair. |
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Item H
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[this is where motions from RepComs and any motions which do not need debate/discussion will be listed for final approval for Conference]
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Item I
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Trustee Board Matters:
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Item J
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Recent consultations undertaken by the SU:
Upcoming consultations by the SU:
- Undergraduate Experience (Jacob Hougie - Policy Associate)
- Postgraduate Experience (Elena Martin - Policy Associate)
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Item K
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VC's Notices:
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