What Is an AGM, and Why Should You Care?
Every year, your Students’ Union (SU) hosts an Annual General Meeting (AGM) – a big gathering where all students (yes, that includes you!) get a chance to shape what the Union does and how it operates. It’s essentially your platform to ask questions, suggest improvements, and hold your SU to account. As a registered charity, our SU must report its financial activities to its membership and be open about where each penny is spent, so the AGM is the perfect time to find out exactly how your money and resources are being used.
What Does the AGM Cover?
- Finances and Budgets: Ever wondered how your SU spends its funds, or why certain priorities get more budget than others? At the AGM, we present (and seek your approval for) the Union’s accounts. This ensures transparency and gives you the power to decide if our spending aligns with student priorities.
- Officer Updates: Your elected Officers (Activities & Opportunities, Welfare & Diversity, and Education & Community) will each report on their manifestos and highlight the changes they’ve made during the year. From their priority campaigns to shaping future services, these updates show how your voice has been turned into tangible action.
- Student Motions: Any student can propose a motion, whether it’s about lobbying for better facilities, improved library hours, or new welfare initiatives. Once you present your idea, the rest of the attendees vote on whether it should become SU policy.
- Honorary Lifetime Memberships: Each year, students may vote on special honours for individuals who’ve gone above and beyond in improving student life. If an Officer or fellow student has really made a difference, the AGM is where we celebrate them.
Why Should You Attend?
This is a forum designed to amplify your voice. Whether you want more microwaves on campus or bigger budgets for societies, your presence and your vote matter. The AGM is your best chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made and what the SU’s top priorities are. As a charity, our SU has a duty to be transparent and responsible. If you’ve ever wondered where your membership fees or fundraising contributions go, attending the AGM is the easiest way to find out.
When Is It?
Our next AGM will be held on 6th May, 4.30 pm – 6 pm, OXTC – 203, Oxstalls Campus.
Keep an eye on our website, social media channels, and campus noticeboards for the confirmed date, time, and location.
How to Prepare
- Bring Your Questions: If there’s anything you’ve been curious about—financial figures, event decisions, or potential policy changes—jot your questions down beforehand.
- Think About Potential Motions: Got an idea to improve student life? The AGM is the place to propose it. Make sure to attend so you can present it in person and gather support. If you’re ready to submit a motion you can send it in here ->
See You at the AGM!
Joining the AGM is one of the easiest ways to get involved with your SU. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-year finding your feet or a postgrad looking to leave your mark—you’ve got the power to shape the student experience for yourself and for others. So, mark your calendar, spread the word among your friends, and come along to cast your vote. After all, it’s your Union!