Better Union
Should LUU increase the number of student panelists that vote on Better Forums policy ideas in line with the increase in student numbers?
The Idea was presented by Union Affairs & Communications Officer Emily Tabern. The Idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.
This change will ensure that the student panel at the Better Forums reflects the increase in the number of students at the University of Leeds.
Should LUU take a proactive approach in tackling Islamophobia and supporting Muslim students, and include Muslim students’ voices in its implementation?
The Idea was presented by Equality & Liberation Officer Haryati Mohammed, and Faith Rep (from the Activities Exec) Nikita Zychowicz. The Idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.
“Muslim students are likely to be part of an underrepresented student group, due to the intersectionalities of their identities. The aim of the Idea is to improve the experience of Muslim students at Leeds, so that they feel seen, valued and celebrated.”
Should LUU train, inform and support society committee roles to be signposts and advocates for wellbeing support?
The Idea was presented by Wellbeing Officer Hannah Catterall. The Idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.
Should LUU end its relationship with Starbucks, through its franchising of their products in Scream?
The Idea was presented by Abby Boon. The Idea did not reach consensus and can go to referendum if the student wants to.
Should LUU introduce paid elected part time roles for liberation officers representing specific marginalized groups?
The Idea was presented by Equality & Liberation Officer Haryati Mohammed. The Idea did not reach consensus and can go to referendum if the student wants to.
Should LUU further support humanitarian efforts underway in Palestine?
The Idea was presented by Safiyah Farid. The Idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.
Better University
Should the University of Leeds formally recognise extra and co-curricular activities?
This Idea was presented by Activities & Opportunities Officer Ella Williams and Education Officer Bethan Corner. The Idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.
Should the University of Leeds offer more practical discovery modules?
This Idea was presented by Lizzie Sneller. The Idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.
“From my year in Industry, I have learnt that employers want to hire people who have a wide breadth of skills to which they can contribute. Employers want students to be well-rounded employees who step beyond their course and learn skills out of curiosity so that they can step in and help beyond their job description.”
Should the University’s Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service work in partnership with students to improve the quality, capacity, and communications of their service?
This Ideas was presented by Wellbeing Officer Hannah Catterall. The Idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.
“My suggestion is that the service prioritise incorporating student feedback into their reform, and work collaboratively with students to create change. Ultimately, the service is very well-used and an invaluable resource to students, but more can be done to ensure it can support even more students effectively.”
While it is an amazing opportunity to present an Idea to a panel of students and in front of a live audience, it is also empowering to sit on the panel, lead discussions and vote on which Ideas would benefit the student body the most.
Here’s what some of our panelists had to say:
“Being a panelist gave me the chance to have an impact on the future of my Union and University.”
“Good initiative! Same process should be used for feedback from students across the University.”
“I now understand more about what the Union does and how students can be a part of creating change.”
“A really cool activity to tick off your bucket list for your time at Leeds!”
So keep an eye on your emails to see if you get selected for the next year’s Better Forums panel! And keep sending your Ideas – we need to hear what change you want to see and why.
The Better Forums will return next academic year.
