2022 UO (NC) 1: Casework De-briefing Session  

Proposed by WIT Students’ Union    

Comhdháil Notes
The difficult casework which officers deal with on a regular basis; and often must rely on self-coping mechanisms between periods of little support.   

Comhdháil further notes
That although working groups or spaces at NC can be useful to debrief, an Exec member may not be adequately equipped to lead a facilitation session to help officers explore issues they have faced in their roles.   

Comhdháil therefore mandates
Each Exec Team member with responsibility for a Working Group to organise debriefing sessions, on the request of that working group, in order to best help officers. Debriefing sessions should be led by an appropriately skilled facilitator, and also encompass coping skills that officers can use in self-care exercises.  

2022 EM (UO) 8: Inclusive Language in Motions for Students in the North  

Proposed by QUB Students’ Union  

Comhdháil notes
In Northern Ireland, the current Assembly ceased to operate on the 25th March 2022. Without an Executive Government in session; lobbying efforts, and progress on a national level on behalf of Students’ Unions in the NUS-USI region is severely impinged.     

Comhdháil further acknowledges
That the USI does engage regularly with NUS-USI with campaign action. However, the NUS-USI President is supported by two full-time staff members, and USI has a responsibility to lobby on behalf of its membership in the North alongside the South.  

Comhdháil also notes
The lack of inclusive language within motions proposed at the current Comhdháil, and underrepresentation of specific Northern Irish services and issues.  

Comhdháil therefore mandates
The USI Coiste Gnó to promote inclusivity of Northern Irish student issues within the wording of motions submitted to Comhdháil, with exception for regional proposals for specific areas which would not have relevance.   

2022 UO (NC) 3: USI Support for Equality for Children Campaign   

Proposed by the USI VP Southern Region    

Comhdháil Notes
LGBT+ people in Ireland are currently still being discriminated against when it comes to LGBT+ Families. LGBT+ Families are currently prevented from having a legal relationship with both of their parents.    

Comhdháil Welcomes 
The enactment of the Children and Families Relationships Act (CRFA) in Ireland. This Act allows for some LGBT+ Parents to have a legal relationship with their families.    

However, Comhdháil Further Notes 
The CRFA still discriminates anyone who falls into the below categories:    

• Children born to male parents   
• Children born via surrogacy   
• Children conceived or born outside of Ireland   
• Children conceived using at-home insemination   
• Children conceived using known or anonymous donors    

Comhdháil therefore Mandates
The Vice President for Equality and Citizenship to join and support the Equality for Children Campaign and support LGBT+ parents in fighting this discrimination.    

Comhairle Further Mandates
USI President, Vice President for Equality and Citizenship and the USI Executive Team to call on the Government to end this discrimination by publishing an Assisted Human Reproduction Bill to include all children born to LGBT+ families; and by updating policy, supports, benefits and services that benefit children of heterosexual parents to also include children of LGBT+ parents.   

2022 UO (NC) 4: Irish Times Boycott  

Proposed by NUIG Students’ Union 

  
Comhdháil Believes    
That the student movement on the island of Ireland exists to promote and defend the rights of all students studying across third level colleges and that this extends to that of all transgender students.    

Comhdháil Notes With Disappointment  
The content of the article “Bill to ban conversion therapy poses problems for therapists” published by The Irish Times on 9th August, 2021.   

Comhdháil Notes   
That the Trans Writers Union has initiated a boycott of The Irish Times, along with many other local Students’ Unions.       

Comhdháil Mandates    
That the USI Coiste Gnó initiate their own boycott of The Irish Times in solidarity with the Trans Writers Union. This boycott will include, but is not limited to:    

• The refusal to take interviews for The Irish Times by all officers of the Union.  
• The severing of any and all relations between the Union and The Irish Times  

2022 UO (NC) 2: Careers Fair for Outgoing Sabbatical Officers 

Proposed by TUS Students’ Union 

Comhdháil Notes  
Every year near the end of term, some outgoing sabbaticals have difficulty about their next step when leaving the movement. USI and member organisations have alumni officers who might be able to assist in sourcing their next career opportunities.    

Comhdháil Further Notes  
The skills elected officers develop throughout their terms makes them excellent adaptable employees in a wide range of organisations. Many officers have gone on and shaped excellent careers who might be able to offer employment opportunities and advice for these officers.   

Comhdháil Notes with Concern  
That many officers can face unemployment for the few weeks or months after their term’s finishes finding suitable employment.    

Comhdháil Therefore Mandates  
The USI Executive team to organise a careers fair for outgoing sabbaticals no later than end of May each year.    

2022 UO 2: USI Mandated Training  

Proposed by Dublin Region Working Group  

Comhdháíl Notes
Through training, sabbatical and part-time officers are equipped with crucial skills that enable them to best represent students.  

Comhdháil Commends
The existence of current mandated trainings on the USI policy file.  

However, Comhdháil Also Notes
That existing mandates are spread across the policy file and it is therefore difficult to hold relevant USI Officers to account.  

Comhdháil Believes
Mandated trainings would be better consolidated into a single mandate.  

Therefore, Comhdháil Mandates
Members of the USI Coiste Gnó (outlined in []) to provide training on the following issues to fully prepare officers for their work;  

• Lobbying [VP for Equality and Citizenship]  
• Casework [VP for Academic Affairs and VP for Welfare]  
• Bystander Intervention [VP for Welfare] 
• Governance [USI President]  
• Media Training [VP for Campaigns]  
• Part-Time Officer Training [USI Regional Officers]  
• Postgraduate Affairs [VP for Postgraduate Affairs]  
• Suicide Prevention [VP for Welfare]  
• Anti-Racism Training [VP For Equality and Citizenship]  
• Personal Development Training [USI Regional Officers]  
• Students’ Union Staff Training [USI President]  

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI Coiste Gnó to provide further training on the following;  

• Disclosure Training [VP for Welfare]  
• Union Finances [USI President]  
• Freedom of Information Requests [USI President]  
• Crisis Response Training [VP for Welfare]  

Repeals
2021 NC 5, 2021 UO, 2021 UO 5, UO 19 2, UO 19 8, UO 19 16, 2021 AA NC, 20 AA 8, 20 WEL 8, 21 UO NC 1, 15 UO 3   

2022 UO 3: Higher Education Funding Campaign  

Proposed by the Campaigns Working Group  

Comhdháil Notes that
The USI has spent over a decade campaigning for the reduction of the Student Contribution  Charge.  

Comhdháil commends
The work of the Coiste Gnó and previous Coiste Gnó teams on campaigns for publicly funded education including; Cost of College, Education for All, Break the Barriers, etc.   

Comhdháil Believes that
The yearly brand change of a higher education funding campaign where the messaging  remains wholly the same is detrimental to student engagement with the campaign.  

Comhdháil Believes that
A long running campaign would be more beneficial and would increase student participation in campaign actions.  

Comhdháil Mandates 
The VP for Campaigns and USI President to work towards continuing the Cost of College  campaign, rather than rebranding the national Higher Education Funding Campaign.  

2022 UO 1: SU Autonomy  

Proposed by Presidents’ Working Group  

Comhdháil Notes
That Students’ Union autonomy has been compromised by higher education institutions for a number of years. It is unacceptable that some Students’ Unions have had their funding  withdrawn by their HEI which in turn has prevented many unions from operating to the best of their ability.  

Comhdháil Notes with concern
The attempts of higher education institutions to censor some students’ unions, and encroach on their freedom of association.  

Comhdháil strongly believes
That Students’ Unions should have the right to fully self-govern and self-direct union finances and governance structures and be free from interference from outside bodies.    

Comhdháil Mandates
The USI President to ensure the continuity of the recently established Students’ Union  Autonomy working group with member organisations. The President should also collate  information on the national picture of Students’ Unions around the country which can be used to share best practices including, but not limited to funding allocations, internal and external governance structures, Students’ Union composition, number of union staff, relationship with HEIs etc  

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI President and Coiste Gnó to devise a guidance document on the pillars of Students’ Union autonomy in consultation with member organisations and key stakeholders. In addition, the Coiste Gnó should work with and lobby the Minister for FHERIS to implement legislation defining Students’ Unions.  

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI President to lobby the Minister for FHERIS and HEA to agree on an oversight body that monitors funding allocations from higher education institutions to Students’ Unions and has a procedure in place to deal with any disputes.  

Comhdháil repeals
17 UO 1  

2022 UO 6: MO Support Directory   

Proposed by Maynooth Students’ Union  

Congress Notes 
USI was established to represent the students of Ireland but also to support local Member  Organisations in their time of need and provide expertise and experience to make them  stronger.  

Congress further notes
USI is made up of Member Organisations who not only face a variety of challenges but all have varying levels of resources and supports to meet those challenges.    

Congress Believes 
That MO Presidents should be able to turn to their national union for support and guidance.    

Congress Further Believes
That even USI officers are not always equipped to support officers as they may be new to the job however should have some form of institutional knowledge they can turn to.  

Congress Therefore Mandates
The USI President to compile and maintain a directory of various supports (including but not  limited to people, resources, information etc.) in different areas (including but not limited to  Autonomy, Welfare, Human Resources, Legal etc.) in order to be able to assist MO’s in their time of need.  

2022 UO 7: Support Sessions for Officers  

Proposed by the USI VP Welfare    

Comhdháil Notes
The extreme stress that officers face on a daily basis as a result of their roles, as a result of the various forms of casework they may face and alongside further stress as a result of pressure put on them by their HEI, students and external organisations.  

Comhdháil Also Notes
That officers often must rely on self-coping mechanisms due to the lack of tailored concrete supports in place for them.  

Comhdháil Further Notes 
That although working groups or spaces at NC can be useful to debrief, a Coiste Gnó member may not be adequately equipped to lead a facilitation session to help officers explore issues they have faced in their roles.  

Comhdháil Therefore Mandates
The VP Welfare and the VP Academic Affairs to organise regular debriefing sessions, in order to best help officers. Debriefing sessions should be lead by an appropriately skilled facilitator (where it is inappropriate for a Coiste Gnó member to lead), and also encompass coping skills that officers can use in self-care exercises. These are to include, but not be limited to: Casework debrief sessions, anger redirection sessions, and general informal spaces for officers to discuss their issues and stresses.  

Repeals
WEL 19 15   

2022 UO 5: Amendments to the USI Constitution for Regionalisation 

Proposed by the USI President 

Comhdháil Notes
That the organisation’s constitution governs the ethos and operations of the entire organisation. It is imperative that the constitution is up to date, accurate and reflects the spirit of the organisation. 

Comhdháil Further Notes
Institutes of Technologies are merging to become Technological Universities across the island of Ireland, spanning cross-county campuses, and larger student bodies. In addition, Technological Universities (TUs) have unique needs. Students’ Unions are merging as a result of the creation of TUs, requiring a huge amount of resourcing, experience and advice. 

Comhdháil Notes with concern
That while the current USI Regional Officers are absolutely integral to providing local MO support, their roles are not tailored to fit USI’s requirements from member organisations when it comes to Technological Universities, and will not be able to represent all TUs coming down the line. One example of this is the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands and Midwest, which spans across two different regions. 

Comhdháil Mandates
The President and Vice Presidents for the Regions to set up of a Constitutional Review Working Group to have a full review of the composition of the Coiste Gnó, role descriptions, schedules etc. This review should be completed no later than the December Comhairle Náisiúnta of 2023. 

Comhdháil Further Mandates: 
The USI President and Vice President for the Regions to collaborate and co-ordinate their  engagement with member organisations until a new constitutional amendment comes into  effect. 

Comhdháil repeals
2021 UO 13, 20 UO 6 

2022 UO 9: International World Days Standardised Calendar   

Proposed by TU Dublin Students’ Union 

Congress Notes
That there are certain dates that USI & MO’s mark or celebrate each year.  Such as World Mental Health Day, Trans Day of Remembrance, and International Women’s  Day.  

Congress Further Notes
That it would be beneficial to both USI and MO’s if there was a standardised calendar for all to work from on a yearly basis.  

Congress Mandates
The VP Equality & Citizenship and VP Welfare to compile a calendar of such days to be circulated to MO’s before August 31st each year.  

2022 UO 10: USI and STAND Partnership Strategy 2022 – 2025  

Proposed by the USI Vice President for Equality & Citizenship  

Comhdháil Notes 
At the beginning of STAND and USI’s collaboration in May of 2019, it was agreed that STAND staff would be present in the USI Office on a part-time basis, that STAND staff would facilitate Students’ Union Training sessions and that they would attend Comhairle Náisiúnta meetings.  

Comhdháil acknowledges 
The partnership between STAND and USI is borne out of the mutual understanding of the  importance of sustainability, the interconnectedness of local and global issues, and the role that young people must play in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.  

Comhdháil applauds 
The 10,000 Students Initiative which was launched in Autumn 2019 and has since grown into the primary collaboration between STAND and USI. This initiative highlights the detrimental effects of climate change, the battles of social injustices, economic disadvantages, and political uncertainties. It therefore challenges third level students across Ireland to come together and act for a better world.  

Comhdháil Therefore Mandates  

The adoption of the USI and STAND Partnership Strategy 2022-2025

2022 UO 8: Trade Union Partnerships  

Proposed by the Campaigns Working Group  

Comhdháil Notes that
That there is a need for students to become aware of their rights as workers and interns, no matter what sector they are working in.  

Comhdháil welcomes
The SIPTU-USI Partnership, renewed in 2019, as a means for furthering the work of USI on workers rights.    

Comhdháil Believes that
The USI needs to actively seek out similar levels of partnership with trade unions that represent student workers who are not represented by the work of SIPTU; including creative arts students, student nurses and midwives, student media interns, etc.    

Comhdháil Further Notes that
Partnership with trade unions plays a vital role in allowing the USI Coiste Gnó access to knowledge and resources surrounding workers rights.  

Comhdháil Mandates
The VP for Campaigns to advocate for elected Students’ Union officers and their staff to become members of a union.  

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI Vice President for Campaigns and USI Coiste Gnó to actively seek out partnerships with trade unions that represent the different sectors of student workers and interns, and to provide updates on these partnerships to Comhairle Náisiúnta  

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The VP for Campaigns to develop a position paper outlining the USI perspective on workers’  rights across the multiple sectors of the students they represent. This position paper should be informed by students, students’ union officers and trade unions.    

Comhdháil repeals 
UO 19 21, 20 NA (NC) 7  

2022 UO 12: Training Days  

Proposed by the Presidents’ Working Group  

Comhdháil Notes
That the role of Students’ Union Presidents and Deputy Presidents is incredibly vast, dynamic and reactive. USI must ensure that Presidents and Deputy Presidents are as best equipped and supported as they can be to lead their Students’ Unions as effectively as possible.  

Comhdháil Further Notes
That many merged Students’ Unions and Students’ Unions with satellite campuses have  officers with specific or portfolio responsibilities on their campuses that may be additional to all other officers.  

Comhdháil Mandates
The USI President and Deputy President to organise Presidents’ & Deputies day no later than August 31st each year.  

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI President and Deputy President to consult with member organisations on the trainings they would like provided.  

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI President and Deputy President to include sessions for those officers with specific or portfolio responsibilities on their campuses.  

Comhdháil repeals  
2021 UO NC 4  

2022 UO 13:  USI Awareness Campaign  

Proposed by TU Dublin Students’ Union 

Congress Notes
That the student movement has been at the forefront of social change with significant involvement of USI.  

Congress Regrets
That many students who are not directly involved with their union or USI are often unaware of who USI are and what they do for students. This is resulting in poor engagement from students with USI events and activities.  

Congress Believes
That a widespread awareness campaign has the potential to increase awareness of USI and therefore increase the reach and engagement of campaigns and activities.  

Congress Mandates
The VP Campaigns and the Regional VP’s to develop an awareness campaign about USI with Member Organisations from each region.  

Congress Therefore Mandates
That the awareness campaign be rolled out in person and online by USI in conjunction with all relevant MO’s in October of the academic year.  

2022 UO 11: Coiste Gnó Plans of Work   

Proposed by the USI VP Campaigns  

Comhdháil Notes that
The Coiste Gnó provides a plan of work to Comhairle Náisiúnta at the beginning of the first  semester, outlining the work that the Coiste Gnó member hopes to achieve during their term.  

Comhdháil Regrets that
These plans of work are often prepared without consultation with other USI officers and do not accurately reflect the cooperative nature of the work done within the organisation.  

Comhdháil Believes that
The USI Coiste Gnó plans of work are a beneficial way of holding officers to account during their term and should be reflective of the collaborative work of the Coiste Gnó.  

Comhdháil Mandates
The USI President to work with the Coiste Gnó to provide an overall team plan of work to be presented to Comhairle Náisiúnta, outlining any work that will take place across more than one remit.  

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI President to provide Plan of Work updates to each Comhairle Náisiúnta alongside updates provided in the Policy File Tracker.  

2022 UO 15: Regional Officers   

Proposed by the USI Vice President for the Dublin Region  

Comhdháil Notes
The benefit of having Regional Officers on campus and the experience and direction Regional Officers can give to local member organisations.  

Comhdháil Further Notes
Local Student Councillor/Class Rep Council meetings are the beating heart of local unions and attendees typically represent a cohort of the student population that are most engaged in union activity.  

Comhdháil Therefore Mandates
Vice Presidents for the Regions be obligated to attend local union council meetings, provided they are given a minimum of 3 days’ notice, or otherwise send their apologies in advance.  

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The Vice Presidents for the Regions to visit MO’s a minimum of four times per semester.    

Repeals 
UO 19 7 Regional Officers  

2022 UO 16: Motion on Unionisation Stance  

Proposed by DCU Students’ Union   

Congress Notes 
USI may wish to work alongside companies throughout the year based on shared interests or common goals. This can sometimes take the form of a partnership agreement between the employer and the USI which identifies their common interests and objectives. USI voted through 2021 UO 5: USI Commercial Strategy last year, and this motion would add to that strategy.  

Congress Further Notes 
USI has engaged increasingly with commercial organisations for sponsorship of USI events and support for venue hire, catering and materials.  

Congress supports and encourages 
USI in seeking sponsorship in order to reduce costs and add value to events for members.  

Congress Understands 
That the ability to seek out and secure sponsorship offers varies depending on the project involved and the financial benefit offered and is regularly time-sensitive.  

Congress Mandates 
The USI President and VP Campaigns to create a policy regarding commercial partnerships,  following consultation with MO sabbatical officers and the USI Officer board. This policy would cover how partnerships are sought out, agreed upon, and the length of time they are active for.  

2022 UO 14: ESU Participation  

Proposed by the USI VP South    

Comhdháil Notes 
USI are members of the European Students’ Union. This membership allows USI to have a vital role in shaping international policies and informing national and local policies with international best practice.    

Comhdháil Recognises
Each year two USI Coiste Gnó members are assigned ESU Lead and Support. These officers  attend European Student Conventions and Board Meetings on behalf of USI. Normally, the two officers can also bring a delegation with them to the events. The delegation represents USI and speaks on many topics pertaining to students.  

Comhdháil Acknowledges
Some Member Organisations may have difficulties with participating in ESU events due to the costs (Flights, Registration Fees etc) associated with participation.  

Comhdháil Mandates
The USI President to propose the two Coiste Gnó officers who are Lead and Support on ESU to Comhairle Náisiúnta by the second meeting of Comhairle Náisiúnta each year. These Officers must have a proficiency in social, academic and equality issues facing students. They shall be tasked with providing a comprehensive information session for Students’ Union Officers on the European Students Union at SUT each year.  

Comhdháil Further Mandates 
The Coiste Gnó Lead and Support for ESU to co-ordinate a delegation to each ESU event (Board Meetings, Student Conventions etc) where possible. Each delegation shall provide a detailed report on the event they have attended, which shall be circulated to Comhairle Náisiúnta at the following meeting.  

Comhdháil also Mandates
The Coiste Gnó Lead and Support for ESU to investigate funding opportunities to cover the associated costs with attending ESU events.   

Comhdháil Therefore Repeals 
20 AA 1  

2022 UO 18: Election Supports  

Proposed by the USI Vice President for Academic Affairs  

Comhdháil Notes
Member organisations run two major sets of elections each year, for class representatives and sabbatical officership elections.  

Comhdháil Believes
The transition to online elections has improved the accessibility of many elections, but has also resulted in officers having less hands-on experience in orchestrating elections, including  counting votes.  

Comhdháil Mandates
The USI Regional Vice Presidents to gather information on when, and how each member  organisation conducts their elections each year and to coordinate with the Vice President for Academic Affairs in making best practice recommendations available to all member  organisations.   

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI president with the support of the Regional Vice Presidents to collate a ‘Returning  Officer database’ for those involved or previously involved in the student movement with a  knowledge of voting systems to support member organisations with their elections.  

Comhdháil Also Mandates
The USI President and Vice President for Academic Affairs to arrange Election Training prior to September of each year on including Electoral Commissions and election regulations,  Referenda and Voting Systems and count procedure such as single transfer voting   This training should also include support for election process reviews, resolving issues such as tie-breaking and the re-open nominations.   

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI President and Vice President for Academic Affairs to create a glossary of key terms and explanations for member organisations based on their requirements and training each year, including but not limited to the following;  

• Constituency/Electorate  
• Ballots, Secret, Online/Paper  
• Quotas  
• Proportional Representation 

2022 UO 17: Vice-President for Postgraduate Affairs  

Proposed by the USI VP for Postgraduate Affairs 

Comhdháil Notes
The importance of USI Vice President for Postgraduate Affairs (VPPGA) is that they represent over all postgraduate students across the island of Ireland.   

Comhdháil Regrets
The existing workload for the VPPGA is onerous as the VPPGA must sit on/chair numerous working groups, boards and committees and carry out many administrative tasks within a 16-hour working week.   

Comhdháil Believes
It is necessary to explore all options when revising the postgraduate role, some of which include but is not limited to;   

• Three part-time VPPGAs; one postgraduate taught representative, one postgraduate research representative and one postgraduate engagement representative to visit HEIs. These roles would represent both postgraduate student cohorts whilst supporting engagement, reduce isolation for the VPPGA in their work and allow for collaboration.   

Comdháil Therefore Mandates
The Union of Students in Ireland Coiste Gnó to conduct a strategic review of the VPPGA role before opening of nominations for Comhdháil 2023/24.   

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI VPPGA and Regional Officers to work together in consultation with MOs, postgraduate  representatives and part time officers to review best practices to support part time officers.   

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI VPPGA to consult with Eurodoc on best practices of the postgraduate role and/or part time officer role in European Student Unions    

Comhdháil Further Mandates
The USI Coiste Gnó to review finances and/or secure/seek funding to remedy the added costs of restructuring the role.   

Repeals 

2021 AA 13  

2022 UO 21: Vice-President for Post Graduate Affairs and Coiste Gnó  

Proposed by USI Vice President for Postgraduate Affairs   

Comhdháil Notes   
There is a disparity in the stipend rates received by Postgraduate Research Students.    

Comhdháil Further Notes  
That the cost of living is rising whilst stipends remain relatively stagnant and are not fit for   purpose.    

Comhdháil Therefore Mandates   
That Coiste Gnó to lobby for the creation of a National Minimum Stipend Rate.   

Comhdháil Further Mandates  
That this objective be pursued with the ambition of paring the National Minimum Stipend Rate to the cost of living.   

Comhdháil Further Mandates  
The Coiste Gnó to send out a stipend survey yearly to research postgraduate students to determine stipends nationally.   

Comhdháil Further Mandates  
The Coiste Gnó to carry out a comparative study on the stipend rate from year to year to  determine if the actions taken by the Coiste Gnó, VPPGA and DFHERIS are addressing the disparities.   

Comhdháil Further Mandates  
The Coiste Gnó to report the comparative results back to the HEA Research Graduate  Education Committee and the National Forum for Doctoral Education Advisory Forum.   Please refer to Postgraduate Student Survey 2022  

Repeals  
AA 19 – 4  

2022 UO 19: Accessibility of USI Events; Rotation of CN  

Proposed by Presidents’ Working Group   

Comhdháil Believes
USI events should be as accessible and accommodating as possible.  

Comhdháil Notes
That is can sometimes be difficult for member organisations to attend all USI events in person based on the locations that are chosen.   

Comhdháil Therefore Mandates
That Comhairle Náisiúnta will take place on a rotational basis in each of the four different regions. Where a member organisation can no longer host a Comhairle Náisiúnta, flexibility should be allowed to re-arrange Comhairle Náisiúnta going ahead in person.  

Comhdháil Mandates 
The USI President to agree with Presidents’ Working Group on the locations of Comhairle Náisiúnta for the year, no later than the second Comhairle Náisiúnta in August.  

2022 UO 24: USI Strategic Review and Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028  

Proposed by National College Of Ireland Students’ Union  

Comhdháil Notes 
That as per UO 19-1, the cyclical nature of student representation often leads to an annual  change in direction and shifts in priority as new Officers begin their term which is not conducive to long term organisational development or gathering momentum on key issues that the student movement contends with. Setting out a strategic plan which outlines a clear vision for the development of the USI as well as its Member Organisations is integral to the future growth and strength of our combined national voice.  

Comhdháil Further Notes 
As per UO 19-5, USI has not undertaken a strategic review of the organisation since 1999. In  2015, USI adopted a Union Development Strategy 2015 – 2020, which outlines a vision and  strategy for developing not only Students’ Unions but also USI as an organisation but this is the last time such a plan was set out and a full strategic review is crucial to inform any strategic plan development.  

Comhdháil Believes 
That in order for the full potential of USI to be realised, we must adopt a long term vision for the organisation that future iterations of the Coiste Gnó and MO’s can use to help guide their actions and ensure that we build, year on year, on the incredible work done by Officers within USI.  

Comhdháil Mandates 
The USI President to carry out a comprehensive strategic review of USI encompassing all areas of the organisation including but not limited to governance, finance, democracy, political lobbying and campaigns to be brought before December Comhairle Náisiúnta 2022. This review should be carried out in conjunction with an external consultant and in consideration and consultation of the thoughts and views of USI Member Organisations.  

Comhdháil Further Mandates 
That upon the completion of this strategic review, it helps to form the basis of the development of a strategic plan for USI to be presented and ratified at Comhdháil 2023. The USI President should publish an annual report on the progress of this strategic plan at Comhdháil each year for the duration of the plan.  

Comhdháil Further Mandates 
A working group of Comhairle Náisiúnta be established to oversee and inform the full  development and implementation of both the strategic review and strategic plan.  

2022 UO 23: Regional Officers  

Proposed by USI Vice President for Postgraduate Affairs   

Comhdháil Notes  
The benefits of the Regional Officers working closely with the Vice President for Postgraduate Affairs (VPPGA).   

Comhdháil Further Notes  
The VPPGA role is a part-time policy officer role and developing engagement amongst postgraduates can be difficult given the limited amount of time and resources.      

Comhdháil Therefore Mandates  
The Vice President for the Regions to compile a contact list of all postgraduate officers and any officers interested in postgraduate affairs no later than 31st October each year.     

Comhdháil Further Mandates  
The Vice Presidents for the Regions to work with local member organisations, postgraduate  officers and officers interested in postgraduate affairs to develop engagement between USI and the member organisations.   

EM 21 – 2: Suicide Intervention Training Promotion  

Proposed by UCC Students’ Union 

Congress Recognises
That UCCSU organised the ‘Ohana nomination campaign’ in early 2021 which encouraged the student body and wider community to undertake an online 30 minute suicide prevention training course facilitated by Ohana ZERO suicide. The campaign resulted in an estimated 1000 students gaining practical skills and knowledge on how to support a friend, colleague, or stranger in need of intervention.   

Congress Notes
Although there has been significant work done in the area of suicide awareness, to date there is no mandate that recognises the benefits of suicide prevention training among the wider student population rather than just sabbatical Students’ Union members.   

Congress Further Notes
That the need for students to identify the signs that someone may be suicidal, to employ the correct language in asking the appropriate questions, and to ultimately direct that person to the appropriate help where necessary, is as relevant as ever.     

Congress Therefore Notes
The Samaritans annual report (published March 11th 2021) states that 73,000 hours worth of calls were made to the support service since the beginning of the pandemic, further indicating that such skills as those listed above are essential in the current climate.    

Congress Believes
The USI Executive Team is well positioned to raise awareness of such training opportunities and their benefits to a wider level than local MOs could achieve independently.    

Congress Mandates
The VP for Welfare and the VP for Campaigns to coordinate a national campaign promoting suicide intervention training in conjuction with interested MOs.   

Congress Further Mandates 
Each USI Executive Team to undertake the Ohana ZERO suicide training.   

2022 UO 25: Progress Reports on Mandates  

Proposed by National College Of Ireland Students’ Union  

Comhdháil notes
USI Coiste Gnó can be mandated to take on a large number of motions and it is not realistic to complete all of these mandates in one year.  

Comhdháil recognizes
The hard work being put in by the Coiste Gnó to complete a large number of motions and progress a multitude of these at any given time.  

Comhdháil further recognizes
The need for an efficient and clear way of tracking the current status of all mandates.  

Comhdháil mandates
That the Coiste Gnó submit a policy tracker as part of their reports to Comhairle Náisiúnta so MO’s can see the current status of all mandates currently on the policy handbook.  

2021 UO NC 6: Campaigns Directory  

Proposed by the USI VP for the South  

Congress Notes with Concern
Campaigns across different MOs. need support from USI in particular education, welfare and union campaigns.   

Congress Applauds
The past directories produced by a previous USI Vice President for Welfare titled ‘Welfare Campaigns Directory’.   

Congress Notes With Concern
There is a rising need for specialised supports around these campaigns ran across MOs.     

Therefore Congress Mandates
The Vice President for Campaigns, Academic Affairs and Welfare to produce a joint online campaigns directory to be published no later than SUT+ annually.   

2021 UO (NC) 3: Regional Training Events   

Proposed by the USI VP for the BMW Region 

Congress Notes
Training events for Students’ Union Officers are frequently held within the Dublin Region.   

Congress Further Notes
That therefore it is not always feasible for officers from other areas to attend these vital training events.   

Congress Further Believes
During the academic term it can be difficult for SU officers to find the time to travel for required training.    

Congress Believes
All training is important to SU Officer’s roles. Therefore, by making it more accessible through regional training, more SU Officers will likely be able to attend the training.  

Congress Mandates
USI Exec Team to ensure that when they are organising training events aside from SUT, SUT+ and other events as determined by the Exec Team, that they do so in each region where logistically and financially possible.    

Congress Further Mandates
The USI Exec Team to clarify and justify to USI National Council and/or relevant officer working groups why it is not possible to facilitate regional training events aside from SUT, SUT+ and other events as determined by the officer board in detail prior to the events being organised. 

2021 UO NC 9: Motion on USI Support for the Le Chéile Campaign   

Proposed by the USI President  

Congress Applauds
USI’s proud history of campaigning for inclusion, social justice, and equality for all.   

Congress Notes With Concern
The increasing activity of the far-right and increased activity of those who are peddling in the development and circulation of conspiracy theories in relation to COVID-19.    

Congress Welcomes
The establishment of the campaign group Le Chéile, which is a co-ordinated group of civil society organisations, trade unions, political representatives, and other similar minded groups. Le Chéile objectives are outlined below and align with USI’s core values.    

• We commit to building a movement for a society based on the principles of real social solidarity and economic justice and recognise that the unity of working people, the marginalised and oppressed, regardless of colour, creed, gender, cultural background or sexual orientation is the key to achieving a better future for all.   
• We recognise that a new wave of far-right politics, emboldened by the toxic rhetoric of Trump in the US, Bolsanaro in Brazil, Orban in Hungary, Duterte in the Philippines, is a dangerous threat that, if unchallenged, will divide and weaken working people and all who believe in social justice, equality and freedom.   
• We pledge to resist the far-right and stand in solidarity with those they seek to target, such as immigrants, refugees, Travellers, women, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, religious minorities and other vulnerable and marginalised groups. We abhor all forms of discrimination and understand that division will weaken us all. We will make all efforts to include marginalised groups in our movement, and amplify their voices.   
• We recognise that the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic and social hardship it has imposed, is being exploited by far-right groups who pose as anti-establishment champions in order to gain a foothold and promote dangerous Covid-19 myths and anti-science theories.    
• We understand that in the midst of the current crisis, many have just cause in not trusting the political establishment and large corporations, and therefore some can be attracted to far-right events while being unaware of their sinister agenda. We take seriously the need to educate people about the far-right and debunk their misinformation.   
• We understand the failure of the government to address economic inequality and crises in housing, healthcare and social provision creates the conditions in which the far-right can grow. Therefore to successfully oppose their dangerous agenda we must promote a progressive economic and social agenda.   
• We urge those who have a justified distrust of the establishment not to buy into the false claims of the far-right about Covid-19 or their wider toxic agenda. Covid-19 is a real threat to public health and particularly to our older and more vulnerable people.   
• We appeal to everyone to show solidarity with the vulnerable and frontline workers by working together to fight the pandemic. We urge all those, regardless of their opinions on the government’s handling of Covid-19, to reject the far-right and avoid events involving these groups.   
• We call on the public to stand in solidarity with the groups targeted by the far-right to fight together for a fairer and more equal society and to reject the politics of hate and division.    
• We recognise as a priority that the far-right must not be allowed to gain a monopoly on street mobilisation and commit to prevent this from happening, while at the same time ensuring our actions do not endanger public health.     

Congress Mandates
The USI President and other relevant USI Executive Team members to actively engage and support the work of the Le Chéile campaign.    

2021 UO NC 7: Student Sport Ireland  

Proposed by NUI Galway Students’ Union 

Congress Notes
USI represents many types of students which include students who play sport and are a part of clubs in colleges.    

Congress Further Notes
As the governing body for third level sport in Ireland, Student Sport Ireland works in partnership with national and international bodies identifying pathways for college communities to participate, compete and develop through sport and physical activity. Its mission is to promote and develop third level sport in Ireland.    

Congress Believes
USI have an opportunity to represent students on many national fronts across Ireland.    

Congress Therefore Mandates that
USI form a relationship with Student Sport Ireland to ensure there is adequate student representation for sport at a national level.  

2021 UO 4: Support for NUS-USI and MO’s in the North/Northern Ireland   

Proposed by Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union 

Congress notes
NUS-USI represents 200,000 students across higher education, further education and apprentices. They have 1 elected officer and 3 support staff to represent the needs of 200,000 students.      

Congress also notes
The Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge is the only policy officer to coordinate a working group to deal specifically with MOs and issues in their remit in the north.        

Congress mandates
All USI Policy Officers work with counterparts at NUS to establish and coordinate Working Groups with NUS-USI for their particular area of work, and for these to be open to all FE SUs and Apprentices. 

2021 UO 2: COVID-19 Officer Handbook  

Proposed by TU Dublin Students’ Union 

Congress Notes
That the past year there has been a steep learning curve for officers when adapting to changes with remote working, with the Student Movement never before facing an issue this large or pressing previously.      

Congress Believes
That it is helpful to have information provided to incoming officers from previous officers, as crossover information is crucial in the development and coordination of officers, Unions and the Student Movement.      

Congress Regrets
The limitations placed on Students’ Union across the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with crossover implications, Union planning and managing an effective team, whilst working remotely for the most of the year.  

Congress Notes With Concern
That, whilst there is a vaccination programme underway, the fallout and continuity of the COVID-19 Pandemic will be longer lasting that a singular year, and congress believes that furthermore, planning with the COVID-19 virus in mind, is essential to build and re-strengthen the Student Movement.      

Therefore, Congress Mandates
The USI Executive Team to develop a handbook on best practice on remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic.        

2021 UO 7: Making USI Accessible  

Proposed by the Equality and Citizenship Working Group      

Congress recognises  
The important work that USI has undertaken focusing on highlighting issues for students with disabilities and supporting students with disabilities within our membership. The Power of Disability conference and establishment of increased links with disability related organisations has supported USIs work in supporting and representing students with disabilities across the island of Ireland. USI had made a conscious effort to ensure our events, campaigns and work is accessible as possible.    

Congress notes  
The effort which has been made to ensure USI is accessible for members at events and outward communication but a focus on ensuring internal communication with members is accessible is needed.    

Congress mandates  
The USI President, Vice President for Equality and Citizenship and Vice President for Campaigns in conjunction with USI staff to conduct an audit on the accessibility of USI promotion and work including events, campaigns, marketing and promotional content to ensure USI is accessible as possible.    

Congress further mandates  
A training event to be held for Students’ Union Officers and student leaders to support MOs ensure their activities and content is as accessible as possible for all students. Along with a toolkit for MOs to support increased accessibility across our HEIs. 

2021 UO 6: Running for Election  

Proposed by the Presidents’ Working Group 

Congress applauds  
The efforts made to increase engagement with elections at both a local and national level.    

Congress notes  
There are different election processes within different member organisations and a single location to highlight the processes within Students’ Unions would be useful to help promote elections on a national level.     

Congress believes  
It is important to make sure students understand the processes of running for election within their local Students’ Union but also within USI.    

Congress further believes  
It is important to have an easy to follow website that provides all relevant information to students.    

Congress Mandates  
The USI President and Executive Team to develop campaigns encouraging members to run for both local Students’ Union elections and USI Elections. These campaigns should include but are not limited to tips for running for elections and outline processes for running for election.

2021 UO 10: Pre-Budget Submission  

Proposed by the Presidents’ Working Group 

Congress welcomes  
The annual publication of the USI Pre-Budget Submission     

Congress believes  
That this document is a useful lobbying tool that can be used throughout the year to lobby for increased investment but also legislative changes that are required.     

Congress mandates  
The USI President to ensure the publication of an annual pre-budget submission that includes budgetary asks and legislative asks so the document can be used throughout the year to support Students’ Unions when lobbying members of the Oireachtas. 

2021 UO 8: Comprehensive Training for Officers with a Remit for Ent’s, Marketing and Commercial Activity  

Proposed by MTU Kerry Students’ Union 

Congress Notes
Training for officers with a remit for events, marketing and RAG is provided by USI at SUT and SUT+ during the summer. This is an important time for MO’s to plan their events and campaigns for the year, with a particular focus on freshers/welcome week.    

Congress Believes
USI should, to the best of their ability, book instructors who have experience running successful events and campaigns with Students’ Unions in the past and can offer real life, relevant advice to current officers. They should have knowledge of the gaps and barriers to engaging students and how to address them, and encourage officers to work together, share resources, and come up with new initiatives in this area.      

Congress Mandates
USI executive to organise training for officers with a remit for Ent’s, Marketing & Commercial that include workshops where officers can brainstorm events and fundraising ideas together and formulate plans for their year ahead. Where possible, the facilitator should be someone who has experience running successful events and campaigns within a Students’ Union.     

2021 UO 14: Ents’, Marketing and Commercialisation Working Group  

Proposed by WIT Students’ Union   

Congress Notes
Many Students’ Union’s across the country have Officers that have responsibilities for Ents, Marketing, Communications, Engagement etc. These Officers do not have a specific Working Group under the USI National Council structure, and so would fall into the Ents, Marketing and Commercialisation (EMC) Working Group. Officers with remits of Presidents’, Welfare, Academic Affairs, Equality and Citizenship etc get an opportunity at every National Council to have a space to chat to the Officers in similar positions. There are many benefits to this and that can be seen by the strength in these Working Groups and the bonds built.      

Congress Further Notes 
Many Mandates have been passed by Congress in the past to relieve the pressure on these Officers and include them in USI. However, as each year the role of Chair of the EMC Working Group is delegated to an Officer, there may not always be a key focus on EMC in USI. Particular times that the EMC Working Group would be pre-September and pre-February for both Freshers’ and Raise and Give weeks. This works, however Officers in these remits have constant events/campaigns throughout the year and having more meetings may aid these Officers.       

Congress Recognises
Over that past number of months, digital meetings and learnings have become very useful. The EMC Working Group could decide that it would rather meet online rather than in person should this suit Officers within this remit more.      

Therefore, Congress Mandates
The USI Exec Team to ensure that the Ents Marketing and Commercialisation Working Group meets as regularly as other Working Groups. This should be in line with National Council, where possible, to allow for a meeting to happen before September and early in the second Semester. The first meeting of the EMC Working Group to coincide with SUT. This meeting should allow for Officers to specify what training they require       

Congress further Mandates
The USI Exec member with responsibility for Ents, Marketing and Commercialisation to work with EMC Working Group to schedule training for these officers on a needs basis.      

Repeals  
UO 19 – 11, UO 19 – 10   

2021 UO 12: Motions Collaboration   

Proposed by WIT Students’ Union        

Congress notes  
Each Member Organisation of USI may bring a maximum of 5 motions to USI Congress each year. With this, many motions have duplicated over the years.      

Congress further notes 
USI holds Motions Collab Days, however there is no policy on this at the moment and is at the discretion of the USI Exec Team each year.      

Congress Mandates
The USI President to organise a Motions Collab each year with input from Presidents’ Working Group on how this shall be run. This should be done no later than December every year.

2021 UO 15: Student Affairs Ireland Engagement  

Proposed by the USI President 

Congress notes  
Student Affairs Ireland is a group that represents many of the Student Services within Higher Education Institutions across Ireland.    

Congress believes  
That there are times where SAI and USI have similar goals such as increased funding for student supports.    

Congress recognises  
Where appropriate, USI works with other organisations with similar groups to achieve a common goal because we recognise the benefits of working together.    

Congress therefore mandates  
The USI President along with the relevant Executive Team members to meet with the SAI Executive at least 3 times per year to discuss shared goals and potential joint activities, where suitable. These meetings should take place at the following times of the year: post-Congress to discuss motions passed and introduce Executive Team Elect, one in the first 6 months of the term and one pre-budget lobbying.

2021 UO 16: Edit to Student Accommodation Position Paper 2019

Proposed by the USI VP Campaigns   

Congress notes
The passing of the USI student accommodation position paper 2019 at USI Congress 2020   

Congress proposes
The edited Student Accommodation position paper identical to the one passed at last year’s congress with the two changes;    

• On Page 7, Replace Paragraph 3 Line 2 where “an artificial price cap” exists with “market rates”.    
• On Page 7, Remove “Ending artificial price caps and building affordable student accommodation” as title and replace with “Building affordable student accommodation and defining a fair price”    

Congress accepts
The edited Student Accommodation Position Paper 2019 as amended and circulated.

2021 UO 17: Reporting on Campaigns and Events  

Proposed by NCI Students’ Union

Congress Recognises  
That campaigns and events are an integral part of USI’s functions and the core part of educating their members on different topics and issues faced by the students on the island of Ireland.     

Congress Notes  
It is highly important that we learn from each campaign and event organized by USI so that engagement continues to grow and brings further benefits to its participants.     

Congress Further Notes   
That currently USI does not reflect and record events and campaigns which take place during the year and it is also unclear at times who are the target audience for each campaign/event.      

Congress Therefore Mandates  
The executive to complete a detailed report after each campaign/event that they organize, which includes feedback from participants, and their reflection on the campaign/event and record this on their officer report and present it to their respective working group for consultation.     

Congress Further Mandates  
The Vice-President(s) to bring their detailed report and present it to National Council for noting.

2021 UO 18: Tool-Kit for Constitutional Amendments  

Proposed by NCI Students’ Union   

Congress Notes  
The effectiveness of the Union relies heavily on robust Constitutions, which are an integral part of Union structures and democracy. Constitutions set out the rules and regulations of how Students’ Unions function and hold Officers accountable.      

Congress Further Notes  
That Officers do not receive training and may lack knowledge when it comes to the process for constitutional amendments and referenda. Due to the nature of annual Union Elections and the fast-paced environment, we recognize the need for further learning in this regard.     

Congress Recognizes  
That many Colleges involved in Technological University mergers will be undergoing constitutional changes for the merged and newly formed Unions. Other Union’s also undergo Constitutional amendments, based on the reason that they are looking to add more governance and transparency to their structure.      

Congress Believes  
That it would be very beneficial that a Tool-Kit is created in order to aid Officers in structural and Constitutional changes. This ‘Tool-Kit’ should guide Officers through this process and enhance engagement with their members      

Congress Therefore Mandates  
The President to create a Tool-Kit for Union officers to prepare for constitutional changes and holding a referendum. This should be completed by January 2022.     

2021 UO 19: Planning Submission Fees (Amendment of the USI Student Accommodation Position Paper)   

Proposed by Maynooth Students’ Union

Congress notes  
The current USI Student Accommodation Position Paper as an all encompassing position paper on Student Accommodation issues.    

Congress applauds  
The role of the USI Student Accommodation Position Paper in guiding USI’s lobbying efforts in the area of Student Accommodation.    

Congress further notes   
The challenges Member Organizations face in making submissions on planning applications.    

Congress therefore mandates  
Insertion of the following into the USI Student Accommodation Position Paper:     

Other Positions;  Planning submission fees: 
Anyone can make a written submission supporting or objecting to a planning application to a Local Authority or An Bord Pleanala. A fee has to be paid when making a submission, ranging from €20 for most applications to €50 for submissions on Strategic Infrastructure Project applications. This is not affordable to most students and as such, student views are not represented on planning matters, while the wealthiest and most privileged have a disproportionate influence. A number of organisations such as An Taisce and Fáilte Ireland are exempt from submission fees.  In the past, planning applications for buildings to house student disability & health services and student accommodation were rejected due to concerns about their visual characteristics. The planning process should recognise students as key stakeholders when considering planning applications which will have an impact on nearby HEIs.      

USI position: USI is to lobby the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to be exempt from planning submission fees. USI is to facilitate Member Organisations to make submissions through USI once USI’s no submission fee status is granted by the Minister.   

2021 UO 20: Best Practice at Council 2021  

Proposed by the USI Vice President for the BMW Region  

Congress Notes
The importance of running appropriately structured councils where both officers and class representatives are informed on the correct council procedures so that student issues can be forecast and discussed within a clear, constructive, and efficient manner.   

Congress further notes
That council structures can vary across SUs and that students and exec officers within each Union serving their first terms may not be adequately versed in the most efficient council proceedings. This may hinder this vital process of dialogue within the movement on both a local and National level.   

Congress believes
That an update on the current mandate for best practice in council would be beneficial to both academic reps, its equivalent and the MO’s. By providing MOs with information and resources to run efficient councils, this in turn may increase the level, and quality, of participation that takes place. By supporting MOs in further establishing a good foundation and structure to council, this will ensure a consistent space for informed discussion and debate.   

Congress Mandates
The VP for Academic Affairs and the VPs for the Regions to work together to develop resources that support MOs in the training and running of Councils, or equivalent structures.     

Congress further mandates
The regional VPs to compile a list of essential resources such as contacts for qualified external chairs in order to ensure that MOs in each region are equipped with the appropriate tools and knowledge to run optimally structured councils.     

Repeals 
AA 19 – 9    

EM 20 (UO) 5: COVID-19 Monthly Forum for MO’s  

Proposed by TU Dublin Students’ Union 

Congress Notes
That the COVID-19 global pandemic has completely stunted some of the movements of the local students’ Unions and acknowledges that there are huge engagement challenges coming up from September on that will not only affect engagement but will also significantly damage the commercial activities of our local Unions.   

Congress Applauds
The proactive work done by the National Union and officers on the ground in juggling through an unprecedented case.   

Congress Notes with Concern
Many colleges are not responding to the Union in such a way and with a recession coming and commercial growth being slowed down, the collective organization needs to be proactive and ahead of the curve.     

Congress Further Notes
That while National Council, Congress, Etc can be held online, the agenda for the next while will be dominated by COVID-19, possibly stunting further developments in other areas of the movement.   

Therefore, Congress Mandates
That the Executive Team sets up a monthly COVID-19 forum so that MOs may feed into, work on solutions and problem share. 

20 UO 8: Multi-Campus Support  

Proposed by the USI Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region   

Congress Notes
Nationally there are a number of multi-campus Higher Education Institutions and these campuses provide vitally important education to regional communities.   

Congress Further Notes
With the planned designation of additional Technological Universities and the continued merging of Colleges into Universities in the coming years, the number of multi campus HEIs is set to increase.   

Congress Mandates
The USI President, Vice President for Academic Affairs and other relevant members of the executive team to lobby the Government to prevent the closure of satellite campuses where the Students’ Union is against the closure and highlight the value of multi-campuses and satellite campuses and the need to support these campuses during mergers.    

Repeals  
17 AA 8   

20 UO 15: Panel of External Members   

Proposed by NCI Students’ Union    

Congress Notes
That some MOs have it as part of their democratic structures the need to appoint external members to their boards and committees, such as an Independent Chairperson.   

Congress Recognises
The importance of governance and accountability in Students’ Unions to ensure the Union  is run effectively and efficiently for the benefit of students.   

Congress Believes
That through USI and other MOs, there would be a wealth of past Sabbatical officers that would have the knowledge and interest to serve as external members of boards and committees of Students’ Unions.   

Congress Mandates
The President to provide a contact list of external contacts which could act as external members for MOs committees and boards. This list should be updated on a yearly basis and provide details of their experience and involvement in Students’ Union. 

UO 19 – 17: Students’ Union Officer Handbook   

Proposed by the USI Vice President for the Southern Region   

Congress Recognises
The role of an Officer within a Students’ Union is a unique role. It is also very important to have a well-rounded understanding of how to approach your role as an Officer within a Students’ Union and that a well-developed crossover is extremely valuable for newly elected Officers.   

Congress Understands
It can be helpful to have a source of information provided to Students’ Union Officers that cover areas they may find useful throughout their term in Office such as effective communication, event organisation, useful contacts and a jargon buster.   

Congress Mandates
USI Officer Board to publish a Students’ Union Officer Handbook before SUT each year to  support newly elected officers.  

2018 UO 22: An Coiste Cultúrtha a Chruthú mar Fho-Choiste

Proposed by the USI LU don Ghaeilge   

Tugann An Comhdháil Faoi Deara
Gur éirigh leis an Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge Choiste Cultúrtha a thoghadh i mbliana, tar éis easpa fada.     

Tuigeann an Comhdháil
Gur éirigh leis an Choiste sár-obair a dhéanamh agus naisc luachmhaire a chruthú idir gaeilgeoirí agus lucht suime na Gaeilge.   

Anuas Air Sin, Sainordaíonn an Comhdháil
Gur cheart an Coiste Cultúrtha a chruthú mar ‘ad-hoc Fho-Choiste’ den Chomhairle   Náisiúnta agus go mbeadh na baill tofa ag an chéad Chomhairle Náisiúnta achan bliain.   

Congress Notes
That the Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge succeeded in electing the first Coiste Cultúrtha this year, after a long absence of such.   

Congress Understands
That the Coiste succeeded in doing good work and creating new links between Irish speakers and those interested in Irish.   

Therefore Congress Mandates
That An Coiste Cultúrtha would be created as an ad-hoc subcommittee of National Council, and elected at the first National Council of the year, every year.

17 UO 1: Independent Students’ Unions   

RENEWED 2020 

Congress Notes with Concern
The creeping intrusion on students’ union democracy and independence occurring around the country.   

Congress Believes
The backbone of the student movement is for students’ unions to be allowed to democratically self-govern, and to be free from interference by outside bodies.     

Congress Further Notes With Concern
The attempts to censor some students’ unions, and encroach on their freedom of association.   

Congress Mandates
The President to have the Independent Students’ Union campaign as a priority campaign for the year, and to form a Committee, made up of the President and members of national council, and any external bodies that National Council see fit. This Committee is to report back to each National Council.   

Congress Further Mandates
The President to undertake an annual dossier of the current situation within individual students’ unions, so as to keep a national record of developments and changes as they occur. This dossier is to occur no later than September 30th to allow for adequate time to analyse and respond to issues as they arise. The information provided within the dossier is to be kept confidential, and is only to be used as part of the Independent Students’ Union campaign.   

Congress Further Mandates 
The President to seek legal counsel in relation to proposing changes to Irish legislation to protect students’ union independence, and to report findings and recommendations back to both National Council and the Independent Students’ Union Committee.

17 UO 14: USI Calendar 

RENEWED 2020   

Congress Notes
USI organise a number events over the course of the year.   

Congress Recognises
The dates and volume of events organised by the organisation may need to be adapted from time to time.    

Congress Believes 
Students benefit from attendance at USI events.     

Congress Further Believes
If students had sufficient notice in regards to the timing and location of events, attendance at these events would be increased.    

Congress Mandates
The USI President in conjunction with the Officer Board to develop a set calendar of USI events and activities, including the location when known/available, for their term of office     

Congress Further Mandates
The USI President to make this calendar available to Member Organisations and students via the USI Website and other mediums they feel appropriate. 

17 UO 18: Secretary for Standing Committees and Action Points  

RENEWED 2020 

Congress Notes
That fluent discussion can come from standing committees of National Council.   

Congress Mandates 
USI Officer Board to ensure that as part of standing orders for Committees, a secretary should be elected to take minutes and action points are created from these minutes, which track the work of these committees in an effective manner. 

17 UO 15: Comparative Research Manual 

RENEWED 2020  

Congress Recognises
Students’ Union Officers sit on a number of boards and committees within their respective  institutions.     

Congress Notes
Students’ Union Officers roles on these boards and committees is to represent students and to defend their rights predominantly.   

Congress Believes
Students’ Union Officers need at their disposal statistics and figures from other member organisations to strengthen their arguments on a number of issues, for example but not limited to library opening hours, on campus catering prices etc.   

Congress Therefore Mandates
The Regional officers of USI to compile together a comparative research manual following a consultation process with students and the USI National Council in terms of which areas should be covered within this manual.

20 AF 1: Affiliation Fee Review  

Proposed by the USI President     

Congress Notes
That affiliation fees for USI are currently based on registered students in each member organisation as agreed by the Higher Education Authority as outlined in the USI Constitution.   

Congress Further Notes
The need to undertake a full and broad review in relation to the affiliation fee charged by USI and that this review should be ongoing so to ensure it is reflective of the current and future landscape   

Congress Recognises
The work currently ongoing by the USI Executive Team to develop a Student Partnership Agreement and Framework for Students’ Unions with the Department of Education and Skills which aims to incorporate legal recognition and funding for Students’ Unions.   

Congress Further Recognises 
This is a key development in relation to the affiliation fee for USI as it will have an impact on the funding provided to Students’ Unions and also may impact how that fee is paid to USI by member organisations.    

Congress Understands
The impact of a change to the affiliation fee will have on USI and wants to ensure the decision that is taken will not negatively impact the work of the organisation.   

Congress Therefore Mandates
The USI President to set up a working group to include sabbatical officers of USI member organisations and members of finance committee and the USI President to develop a long term impact analysis of a change to the USI affiliation fee in line with the following suggestions:   

• Incremental cap on the affiliation fee   
• Link affiliation fee with inflation (based on the average of 2018 – 2020)   
• 30% reduction in affiliation fee   

The working group will develop a terms of reference which will be brought to National Council no later than the September meeting.   

Repeals 

AF 19 1   

20 AF 3: Financial Reporting and Accountability   

Proposed by the USI President   

Congress Notes
Every year; the USI operates from a budget derived from the membership fees of the individual Member Organisations.   

Congress Further Notes 
USI runs many large scale events throughout the year which are accounted for through the USI budget.   

Congress Recognises
USI Congress approve USI financial accounts as proposed by Finance Committee each year.   

Congress Mandates
That at every National Council financial statements showing cumulative income and expenditure from 1st July each year are presented up to the time of each meeting. These statements should be presented by a member of the Finance Committee or the President as an item for discussion.     

Congress Further Mandates
That the President presents a projected budget for large scale events and campaigns to the National Council prior to the event and an actual budget for those large scale events and campaigns to the National Council just after the event as an item for discussion.   

Congress Also Mandates
The USI President to ensure that financial accounts are uploaded to the USI Website no more than 5 working days after being approved by Congress each year.   

Repeals:  

17 (NC) AF 1, 14 AF 1, 17 AF 1