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Do we stay with the National Union of Students? Or do we go?

You decide!

 

The Students’ Association is holding a referendum on our affiliation with the National Union of Students (NUS) UK, thanks to a motion passed at Student Representative Council.
So, now's the time to make your voice heard!

The NUS is more than just one organisation - it is made up of separate companies:

  • NUS (UK) is the campaigning organisation that is responsible for championing student issues on a national level.
  • NUS Charity is separate and exists to support the development of Students' Unions / Associations and assist with their elections processes, as well as acting as the returning officer for elections in emergencies.

(Please note: This referendum only concerns our membership of NUS UK. Abertay Students’ Association will continue to be a member of NUS Charity, regardless of the outcome of this referendum).

The Association pays NUS UK a membership fee of £5484.22 per year (this is 2% of our annual grant from the University).

You'll vote on the following question...

"Should Abertay Students' Association disaffiliate from the National Union of Students (NUS) UK?"
 

 

Why should we stay with NUS?

  • We get access to NUS events including training for elected student officers and conferences.
  • Staying affiliated gives access to NUS UK resources.
  • We have mutual promotion of activities.
  • We would have a named point of contact within NUS UK and regular communication.
  • We would have a stronger link to the national student movement and help with lobbying.

Why should we leave NUS?

  • We could spend the cost of the membership fee on projects that would have a more direct benefit on our students.
  • Student officers already get similar training in August organised through sparqs and Wonkhe.
  • NUS UK resources are not something we use often enough to justify the cost.
  • As a small Students’ Association, communication with NUS has been very sparse in previous years.
  • Students’ Associations who are not part of the NUS can still support change and campaign for what they believe in, locally and nationally.

How do I get involved?

  • To campaign for the ‘YES’ team, you can reach out to carla.de-brito@abertay.ac.uk

  • To campaign for the ‘NO’ team, you can reach out to mail@nus-scotland.org.uk

Check out the timeline below for key dates!

  • Monday 13th April @ 9am: Polls open. 

  • Campaigning can begin as soon as polls open. As per our other election rules, online activity is not seen as campaigning, and can take place before.

  • Friday 17th April @ 5pm: Polls close.

  • Tuesday 21st April: Results will be announced.

 

Thanks for reading and make sure to vote!