Next Online Referendum
10th Sept 2011
OUSA Referendum October 2011
One of the questions in the October Referenda will concern the OUSA Constitution.
Due to the uncertainty of the current VSM legislation, we are giving notice of 2 versions of proposed constitutional changes. However, only one will be voted on in the referendum and we will let you know which version this will be when we know whether or not VSM has passed. Please read on for a summary of the proposed consitutional changes:
The main points of change that are in both Version 1 and Version 2 are as follows:
Removal of the Building Levy
The Building Levy was put in place to allow development of the Union and later, redevelopment of Clubs and Socs. It is now seen as unnecessary.
Removal of the Communications Portfolio
As a result of feedback from the Deloitte Review and the Communications Portfolio Executive member himself, we removed this.
Tidying up of process for voting by Referendum or at a meeting
Our current Constitution was riddled with inconsistencies so we endeavoured to make this section workable. The changes are similar in substance to the current Constitution and still keep voting on external policy, budget and administrative matters online.
Addition of SGM's for particular reasons
There are certain circumstances in which an SGM is required. These are instances such as moving a motion of no confidence in an Executive member or expelling a member from the Association. These would not occur year to year but we still need to have a mechanism within the Constitution to hold a physical SGM if necessary.
The main points of change that are in Version 2 only are as follows:
Change in membership section
This was to ensure the membership section was in line with the proposed VSM legislation.
Change to Budget and Levy setting in 2012
Given that VSM would be introduced next year and that the budget and levy will have already been set without reference to VSM for practical purposes it is proposed to allow the Executive to set these for 2012 subject to student body approval early in the new year.
You can download the the full proposed constitutions with tracked changes here:
OUSA Constitution Version 1: Non-VSM
OUSA Constitution Version 2: VSM
Download the full explanatory notes here