Referenda

What to bring about a big change in your Students' Union?

Referenda are the way that we make big decisions about the future of the Students' Union. They are a vote of all students on a single question.

We hold at least two referenda every year: in semester 1 alongside the Students Union Council elections and in semester 2 alongside the Students' Union Officer elections.

Click here to read about the proposals being put to the student vote this semester.

Other referenda can take place at anytime during the academic year if a petition of 1,000 members is submitted or it is called by Students' Union Council.

In order for a referendum to pass at least 2,500 students must vote in it. Usually, a referendum requires only a simply majority, but if it changes the constitution then a two-thirds majority is required.

In the past we have held referenda on:

• Stopping the sale of bottled water in all Students' Union outlets.
• Committing the Students' Union to supporting and campaigning to widen access to University.
• Committing the Students' Union to showing solidarity with students in Gaza and campaigning to end the siege of the Gaza strip.
• Boycotting the sale of all Nestle products in the Students' Union.

If you feel you've got a big idea that you would like to put to referendum email elections@sheffield.ac.uk and we can help you take your idea forward.