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The Big Ask - Referenda Discussions & Your Opinions

posted 11.02.12 at 3:57pm

On Wednesday the 8th February we hosted a special programme looking at The Big Ask, a series of referenda that will influence the way the Students' Union works.

There are four referendum questions being asked and we spoke to representatives from the yes and no campaigns for each issue. Here you can listen back to the discussions on each question.

Referendum 1: Should the Students' Union adopt the new proposal for the Executive structure?

We were joined by Rosie from the yes campaign and Fran from the no campaign to debate the proposed reduction in the number of SU exec officers from 9 (8 full time, 1 part time) to 5. They discussed the effectiveness of the Students' Union executive, how Nottingham compares to other Students' Unions in the UK and whether or not you should be concerned about the merging of existing exec positions.

And here were some of your views on the proposal:

I agree with reducing operational tasks, because this would make the team more effective. But then reducing the numbers from 9 to 5 just counters all of that, doesn't it? Why not have 9 efficient Exec, instead of 5? Anonymous

What is The Big Ask?

posted 08.02.12 at 2:21pm

Do you know What The Big Ask is? Do you even care?

Today, the Students' Union is launching The Big Ask campaign - a series of referenda on the way the Students' Union is run and the ways in which decisions within the union are made.

Campaigning starts today for the four questions:

  • Should the Students’ Union adopt the new proposal for the Executive Structure?
  • Should the Students’ Union adopt the proposed decision making structure?
  • Should the Students’ Union enable students to be members of the Board of Trustees?
  • Should the Students’ Union enable the possibility of serving sabbatical officers to run to be elected for a second term?

We want your opinions on the issues and to know whether you actually care? Comment below with all your opinions and any questions you want us to ask the candidates.

Do you understand how this will affect you? You can hear from all the campaigns and will be posing your questions at 5pm today on The Pulse.

'Top Totty' Beer brand Sparks Sexism Row

posted 03.02.12 at 11:41am

Female MPs are unhappy today after a parliamentary bar started serving "top totty" beer. The brand’s label features a bikini-clad woman. Shadow minister Kerry McCarthy has branded the image "totally demeaning" and sees it as a sign that women are "not treated with respect". But former Tory candidate Charlotte Vere sees no problem with the beer. She thinks the women complaining want a "fun-free and sex-free world".

We want to know what you think? Is the beer offensive to women or just a bit of fun?

Whose Lenton Is It?

posted 18.12.11 at 3:38pm

Students, the Students' Union, Nottingham Council and landlords debate: Whose Lenton Is It?Students, the Students' Union, Nottingham Council and landlords debate: Whose Lenton Is It?

We went to the heart of Lenton in the Rose and Crown Pub to find out more about changes being made here which affect students.

Directions from Nottingham City council which will impact on student parking and housing has led to some students feeling isolated in their own community.

First of all, what are the changes that we can expect to parking permits?

To discuss this further we were joined by Rosie Tressler, the Equal Opportunities and Welfare Officer from Nottingham University's Students' Union, and Jamie McMahon from Nottingham City Council.

Jamie and RosieJamie and Rosie This is what councillor Urquhart, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation, said about the issue of parking permits.

We asked Rosie what she thought about Councillor Urquhart's comments.

Landlord Shaad and JamieLandlord Shaad and Jamie
The next issue we debated was Article 4, but what is it?

Public Sector Strikes

posted 06.12.11 at 12:54am 46 comments

On Wednesday 30th November 2 million public sector workers, including staff from Nottingham University, went on strike.

Those on strike wanted to demonstrate to the government how public sector workers feel about cuts that will affect their pensions.

Misha spoke to Professor Andreas Bieler, a Politics lecturer from Nottingham University, about his choice to strike and the atmosphere on the day.

SU President Alex Corck-Adelman explained to Miranda and Tom why staff from Nottingham were on strike and how students reacted.

We asked a local teacher, Phillip Clifford, whether striking was a difficult decision to make.

And finally, would cuts to pensions stop you from pursuing a career in the public sector? That's what we asked students at Nottingham.

How do you feel about the strikes? Did they make a difference? What are the prospects for graduates looking for jobs in the public sector? Leave YOUR views below.