Wednesday 19-03-2025 - 12:44

Our Assembly Media Observer, Ellen Hodges, reports from Assembly held Thursday 13 March 2025.

The Assembly meeting on 13 March discussed the ongoing cuts in the University, elected a new chairperson, highlighted the Rate Your Landlord website launching next week, and passed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty motion.

Officer committee updates

President- Responding to cuts

Student union President Dan Lonsdale addressed the cuts currently taking place in the university. He recognised an issue with communication from the university, with the library opening times being announced before the wider context of cuts was revealed. Durham University is planning to make £10 million in cuts this year, £10 million next year, and a further £5 million in operational cuts, including adjustments to the Bill Bryson Library's opening times. The SU has responded with a statement, as well as finding alternative study spaces in colleges and working with the business school to open for all students beyond the working day. Dan also congratulated successful election candidates and remarked on an excellent election campaign this year.

Community Committee

Moi Ganguli, the Community Officer, has been working on a new drug policy within the University to support students better. The welfare and collegiate committee have been working on the mental health charter, with a planned mental health campaign for next term. There are also plans to stock the student union with biodegradable and reusable period products to combat period poverty.

Education Committee

The Education Officer, Catherine Howells, brought attention to a new software for disability screening, which will allow students to receive internal adjustments without incurring the cost of a screening. This will be launching in October. She has also been working to expand the list of valid reasons for extensions, including caring responsibilities and fluctuations in part-time work. The committee has been working with the business school to improve assessment and feedback, as well as enhance student voice and transparency within individual departments.

Rate your landlord

Launching next week, the new website ‘Rate Your Landlord’ will provide a platform to champion good landlords, praise good practices, and highlight any issues student renters have experienced, as well as how these were resolved. You will be able to fill in up to three reviews, expressing your own rental experiences and helping other students make informed decisions about their own rental choices. The aim is to improve student accommodation standards for current and future students.

Chair elections

Caleb Ross was voted in as the new chairperson for Assembly meetings.

Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

Tom Harrington proposed the motion to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The treaty, first proposed by 14 Pacific Island nations, has now been globally endorsed by 6 nation states, over 130 states, the WHO and numerous universities. It is a treaty aimed at ending the exploration of fossil fuels, phasing out existing stockpiles and production, and supporting a just transition to renewable energy.

The motion was passed unanimously.

This makes Durham Students’ Union the second in the world to endorse the treaty. Public endorsement from institutions and groups is crucial to give the treaty momentum. Having already been passed by Durham Parish Council, backing from Durham SU will be a crucial step in advocating for the University to endorse the treaty in line with its sustainability goals.

A quote from Tom Harrington, motion proposer and co-head facilitator of EcoDU