Currently Policy

The current policies in place at the Students' Union are listed below. Click on any of the policies below to see the details.

• Education Policy
• Gay & Trans Friendly
• Environmental
• Nestlé
• Education Funding
• Anti-Racism
• Safe Affordable Housing
• End Israeli Occupation
• Companies Involved in Animal Testing
• University Relations with Arms Companies
• Disabled Students
• Solidarity with Gaza Students
• Stop Selling Bottled Water
• University of Sanctuary
• Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment
• Internationalism
• Child Friendly
• Widening Participation

Education Policy

The government's decision to lift the cap on tuition fees to £9000 has created a market in higher education where choices will be made based on cost and not ability. The increased debt burden has made the cost of a degree seem unaffordable to many, dissuading prospective students from entering university.

These reforms have also done little to tackle issues of access, cost and support for post-graduate students, who are often forced to pay thousands of pounds without financial support.

Education is a public good, which benefits society, the individual and the economy, and the increase in fees coupled with huge cuts to teaching grants, has placed the responsibility to fund the system with the individual and not the state, which fails to reflect higher educations' public benefit.

This Students' Union resolves:

• To campaign against all forms of tuition fees, and the marketisation of the higher education system
• To campaign for the introduction of financial support for postgraduate students
• To campaign against cuts to teaching budgets and education funding
• To campaign for the reinstatement of public investment in education, emphasising education as a social good

Gay & Trans Friendly

This Students' Union believes that University life and society at large should be free from homophobia and transphobia. It believes that no student should be made to feel uncomfortable because they are LGBT. This Students' Union is Gay and Trans friendly, and all activities, facilities, services, organisations and events operated through the Students' Union are open to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans students and should be gay and trans friendly. The Students' Union believes this University has some of the best university provision for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans students, and that this fact should be effectively marketed by the Students' Union and the University.

Passed by Referendum March 2008 (1632 votes for; 272 against; 502 abstentions) replacing policy originally adopted in 1996. It was renewed without amendment in October 2010 and is next due for review in October 2013.

Environmental

This Students' Union believes climate change is one of the greatest threats facing human civilization and disproportionately impacts upon the poorest and most marginalised groups

That this Students' Union will undertake to:-

• Ensure that it educates its members on the issue of climate change, and be responsible for motivating and mobilizing them.
• Endeavour to implement the Environmental code of Best Practice and ensure that it is updated and kept relevant.
• Raise awareness on environmental issues, and work towards achieving associated awards
• Call on the University to reduce its environmental footprint and to increase its environmental sustainability
• Proactively work with or lobby Sheffield City Council and regional agencies ensuring a constantly progressive agenda working towards achieving a sustainable city.
• Aspire to be a leader of environmental commitment through acting locally and to help demonstrate and inspire a national movement.
• Ensure relevant committees will be consulted to advise on environmental issues and to monitor the implementation of the environmental policy.

Passed by Referendum March 2009 (3394 votes for; 235 against; 400 abstentions). It is next due for review in October 2011.

Nestlé

The Students' Union resolved to have no dealings with, or facilitate the promotion of, Nestle, on the grounds of unfair exploitation of third world countries (based on an independent report by EIRIS which found the company to be “in substantial violation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes”).

Passed by Electronic Referendum May 2001 (1762 votes for; 706 against; 48 abstentions) and renewed in 2004. It was renewed belatedly in 2004/5, but Students' Union Assembly (predecessor of Council) decided it should be annually reviewed. In October 2005, Students' Union Assembly agreed to renew it until December 2005, pending a report on the issue by NUSSL, and then renewed it until the last meeting of 2005/06, at which it was not considered. In October 2006, it was renewed for a further year, in line with previous decisions. In November 2007, Students' Union Council agreed to make new proposals to a referendum, and to renew the policy pending the outcome.

In March 2009, a proposal “that the Students' Union should end its boycott of Nestle, although not actively promote their products, but engage with Nestle and other manufacturers on the ethical issues involved in promoting breast-milk substitute” was submitted to referendum but failed (1998 votes against, 1737 for and 442 abstentions). The original policy therefore remained. It was renewed without amendment for one year in October 2010 and is next due for review in October 2011.

Education Funding

Student debt averages over £20,000. Students pay over £3,000 fees and soaring rents, forcing us into part-time jobs, however university facilities remain under-funded. Black, LGBT and Women graduates are disproportionately burdened with debt due to pay discrimination. Poorer students are discouraged from attending university. Attempts to make students pay more are likely – some politicians call for £10,000 annual fees. Higher Education contributes billions to Britain’s economy. By altering spending priorities, the government could increase investment in universities, ending fees and debt.

This Students' Union resolves:
To actively campaign against fees, debts and marketisation – for free education and living grants.

Passed by Referendum March 2009 (3310 votes for, 518 against, 313 abstentions) replacing policy adopted in 2008. This policy is due for review in October 2011.

Anti Racism

The Students' Union notes with concern the increase of racism, support for the far right and hostility towards asylum seekers.

We recognise the impact and potential threat this has on Sheffield students. Therefore this Students' Union resolves to create an atmosphere free from discrimination, harassment and intimidation.

We further resolve to campaign locally and nationally with the Student and National Assemblies Against Racism and the NUS Black Students campaign to mobilise students against racism.

Passed by Referendum March 2003 (4502 votes for; 203 against, 377 abstentions). It was reviewed prematurely in 2004/5 and was therefore renewed again in October 2005. It was renewed without amendment by Students’ Union Council in October 2008 and is due for review in October 2011.

Safe Affordable Housing

The Students' Union believes that the University should provide safe, affordable accommodation for all students who are eligible for the first year and graduate guarantee.

The Students' Union will campaign for the University to provide:-

• A sufficient choice of contract length and range of accommodation so that no student is priced out of university or partnership accommodation
• Sufficient provision of family accommodation
• Good welfare and social provision in all university and partnership accommodation

The Students' Union is opposed to any increase in University accommodation rents above the RPIX rate of inflation unless for agreed improvements.

Originally passed by Referendum March 2004 (4323 votes for; 39 against; 144 abstentions). It was renewed in March 2007. An amended version (above) was approved by referendum in March 2010 (3471 votes for, 75 against, 243 abstentions) and is next due for review in October 2012.

End Israeli Occupation

The Students' Union:-

• Condemns acts of terrorism and aggression on all sides.
• Supports UN Security Council Resolution 242.
• Believes Israel should withdraw from the occupied territories, allow for the creation of a Palestinian state in its place and permit the return of Palestinian refugees in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Students' Union shall:-

• Inform our members of the background to the situation in the Middle East.
• Work to promote our position amongst our members by actively supporting relevant activity of groups such as the Sheffield Students' Union Palestine Society.
• Commemorate Palestine Solidarity Day.

The original policy was passed by Referendum in March 2004 (2095 votes for; 133 against; 2008 abstentions). An amended version (above) was approved by Referendum in March 2007. It was renewed without amendment by Students’ Students' Union Council in November 2009 and is due for review in October 2012.

Companies Involved in Animal Testing

This Students' Union believes the adoption of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV’s) ‘Go Cruelty Free’ standard will allow the easy identification of cosmetics, toiletries and household products that are free from animal testing. This Students' Union resolves to stock a range of cosmetics, toiletries and household products that meet the BUAV standard, alongside any other unclassified products, providing informed choice to students.

The original policy was passed by Referendum in March 2007, and was renewed by Students’ Union Council in November 2009. The amended version (above) was approved by referendum in March 2010 (2198 votes for, 1113 votes for no policy and 476 abstentions), following a report to Council from a Select Committee. It is next due for review in October 2012.

University Relations with Arms Companies

This Students' Union is opposed to the University’s collaboration with arms companies, which develop the weapons that are used to kill hundreds of innocent civilians around the world every day.

This Students' Union resolves to:

• declare its opposition to our University’s dealings with all arms companies.
• lobby our University to divest itself of shares in arms companies;
• lobby our University to actively seek to replace the funding that arms companies provide;
• end all dealings with arms companies, for example at careers fairs and in advertising;
• work with the relevant Students' Union societies to campaign on this issue.

Passed by Referendum in March 2007 (2,116 votes for, 675 against, 739 abstentions) and renewed without amendment by Students’ Union Council in November 2009. It is next due for review in October 2012.

Disabled Students

This Students' Union believes that all students, regardless of disability, are entitled to equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of University life. Furthermore, this Students' Union is committed to ensuring that all of its facilities and services are as accessible to disabled students as they are to the rest of the student population. This Students' Union will not tolerate any discrimination on the grounds of disability.

Passed by Students’ Union Council on 22 May 2008. This policy was renewed without amendment in October 2010 for a period of up to one year. Council is due to consider the following revised policy on 9 December 2010:

This Students' Union believes that all students, regardless of disability, are entitled to equal opportunity when participating in all aspects of University life. Furthermore, this Students' Union is committed to ensuring that all of its facilities and services are delivered in ways that are accessible to disabled students; as they should be to ensure representation of the diverse student population. This Students' Union will therefore support both staff and student volunteers to have a good awareness of additional support needs and how best to deliver their services/activities in ways which fulfil these needs. This Students' Union will not tolerate any discrimination on the grounds of disability.

Solidarity with Gaza Students

Israel's 2008-09 attack on Gaza killed over 1400 Palestinians - 300 children. Thousands of homes, hospitals, schools and universities were also destroyed.

Since 2007, Israel has imposed an illegal blockade on Gaza barring people, goods and aid from entering or leaving. Damage caused by Israel's attack cannot be repaired. Food and medicine are scarce. Students lack books, desks and paper.

Education will play a vital role in rebuilding a safer, peaceful Palestine.

This Students' Union resolves to:

• actively campaign for an end to the siege on Gaza.
• take practical steps supporting Palestinians' right to education by fostering links with the Islamic University of Gaza.

Stop Selling Bottled Water

This Students' Union Notes:

1. 40% of bottled water comes from taps, but costs about 500 times more.

Producing a bottle uses up to seven times the amount of water it will eventually contain, as well as quarter of the bottle of oil.

This Students' Union Believes:

1. Many students spend a lot of money on water which should be more freely obtainable through the provision of water fountains and the sale of reusable bottles.
2. The University of Sheffield, as a leading university, should lead the way in environmental sustainability.
3. The Students' Union should be active in assisting the global reduction of consumption necessary to avoid irreversible climate change. This is also in accordance with the Students' Union's Environmental policy that includes aims to reduce waste and energy consumption.

This Students' Union Resolves:

1. To stop selling still bottled water in the Students' Union shops within 12 months.
2. To lobby the University to replace bottled water sold in its outlets with long-lasting, affordable, re-usable bottles.
3. It is Union policy to install drinking fountains in the Students' Union and sell re-usable bottles in the Students' Union Shop within 12 months, and to make students aware of the environmental and economic disadvantages of bottled water.

University of Sanctuary

This Students' Union notes:

• Asylum seekers and refugees encounter immense barriers to Higher Education.
• Asylum seekers are charged international fees by Universities, cannot work in the UK and cannot access student loans and government grants.
• Refugees often struggle to fund themselves through Higher Education.
• Sheffield was the first ever 'City of Sanctuary'.
• The University of Sheffield intends to sign up to CARA (Council for Assisting Refugee Academics) and to become a 'University of Sanctuary'.

This Students' Union believes:

• Education is a Human Right and should be accessible to all on the basis of merit, not ability to pay.
• Asylum seekers and refugees would particularly benefit from Higher Education because it would help them successfully adapt to life in the UK.
• Asylum seekers and refugees culturally and intellectually enrich our campus, our city and the UK.

This Students' Union resolves:

• To educate our members about the difficulties encountered by asylum seekers and refugees by working with student groups (including STAR, the Red Cross Society, Amnesty International Society, United Nations Youth and Students Association).
• To lobby the University to successfully become a 'University of Sanctuary'.
• To lobby the NUS to seek a national agreement on university provision for asylum seekers and refugees.

Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment

This Students' Union notes:

1. The NUS Hidden Marks report found that 68% of women students had experienced sexual harassment and 14% had experienced serious sexual or physical violence. Many students reported persistent harassment in bars/clubs and reported that this kind of behaviour was seen as normal.
2. The NUS' defining characteristics of sexual harassment are that 'it is unwanted, persistent and of a sexual nature', including
   • Unwanted sexual comments/invitations.
   • Groping, pinching or smacking of your body.
   • Having your clothes lifted without agreeing.
   • Someone exposing themselves to you without consent.
3. NUS Women's Campaign established the zero-tolerance campaign to help create environments where all students can enjoy their time in their Students' Union without persistent and unwanted attention of a sexual nature and many Unions have already successfully implemented the policy.

This Students' Union believes:

1. All students should be able to enjoy the Students' Union without experiencing sexual harassment.
2. That sexual harassment should not be tolerated by the Students' Union, and those who commit acts of sexual harassment should be stopped and disciplined.

This Students' Union resolves:

1. To adopt a 'zero-tolerance' to sexual harassment policy.
2. To use the NUS definition of sexual harassment.

Internationalism

This Students' Union notes:

1. Internationalisation is defined as the process of bringing an international perspective to every aspect of the student experience.
2. Over 20 per cent of students at our University are international students.
3. Forty Students' Unions, including our own, have taken part in the National Union of Students' Internationalisation Audit.

This Students' Union believes:

1. Every student at our University should have access to an international experience that will enhance their academic and career prospects.
2. International students enrich the University through the social and cultural diversity which they bring to Sheffield.
3. Integration is the active process of students from different backgrounds educating each other about their cultures, thereby expanding their understanding and appreciation of the globalised world we live in.

This Students' Union resolves:

1. To promote and deliver internationalisation by acting on the recommendations of our Internationalisation Audit.
2. To work with the University in delivering their International Strategy.
3. To promote and encourage integration within our student community.
4. To bring our Students' Union to the University's International Faculty in Thessaloniki through sharing best practice exchange with student groups.

Child Friendly

The Students' Union notes that student parents make a valuable contribution to our student community and diversity, that higher education should be accessible at any stage of life and that the inclusion of student parents is important to widening participation.

This Students' Union believes:

1. Where possible and appropriate, services, activities and facilities should be child-friendly.
2. No student should be discriminated against because they have children or are pregnant.

This Students' Union resolves:

1. To lobby the University to be more accessible for student parents and work with the University to develop a student parent policy.
2. To establish a Student Parent Charter to be reviewed annually by the Student Officer team.

Widening Participation

This Students' Union notes:

• National progress in improving the participation of young people from lower socio- economic groups in Higher Education has been slow.
• A recent survey commissioned by the Sutton Trust found that an increase in fees would deter many secondary schools students from progressing to university.

This Students' Union believes:

• Education is a Human Right and confers key human capabilities.
• Higher Education should be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit (in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights).
• Higher Education should help generate greater equality of opportunity.
• The University of Sheffield and its students have a responsibility to help young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds gain access to Higher Education.

This Students' Union resolves:

• To engage directly with local schools, the LEA and the University to instigate mentoring schemes and other outreach activities designed to widen participation in Higher Education.
• To lobby the University to ensure that widening participation is an institutional priority.
• To campaign for Higher Education related information and guidance, and outreach and mentoring programmes, to be provided to primary school level onwards.
• To campaign for a national bursary scheme.