Tuesday 10-12-2019 - 13:33

Reported by Anna Marshall, Assembly Media Observer

Gathering for their final Assembly of 2019, on Tuesday 3 December, the SU Officers considered their progress so far and their hopes for 2020. Assembly voted to declare Durham University is institutionally disablist, and a motion was passed to recommend Durham SU stops advertising for accommodation during Michaelmas term, in line with work to fight the housing rush. A discussion on student democracy showed areas that need improvement.

Updates from Michaelmas term 

The first half of the meeting was a series of updates, with some interesting developments mentioned. The University is discussing changing accommodation fees to a wider range of price options, so students could select a price band they desire, but Kate McIntosh stated there needed to be more pressure on the ground from students. Sam Johnson-Audini is working developing a decolonisation manifesto for Durham, and Jess Dunning has announced a commitment to researching university sustainability methods. A way to report hidden academic costs will soon be available on the website. David Evans expressed his frustration with the rise in postgraduate fees, but is working with the University on the creation of new postgrad study spaces. The Good Neighbourhood Project is hoping to coordinate students to help clear the snow if harsh weather hits Durham in the New Year. Mental Health First Aid Level 2 online modules will be ready next term.

Students with Disabilities Association (SwDA) are working to allow toilet access during formals. LGBT+ Association are frustrated by the University “dragging their feet” on gender neutral bathrooms. Durham People of Colour Association is anticipating the appointment of a Durham University counsellor who is a person of colour.

Kate McIntosh recognised the SU’s need for wider engagement with international students. A new sexual violence case worker has been appointed. There will be a trial of free sanitary products in the Bill Bryson library. 

Durham University declared institutionally disablist

Jess Madden described numerous failings which supported Assembly’s declaration, such as desks designed to be wheelchair accessible which were screwed to the floor with immovable seats, rendering them unfit for accessibility purposes. Planned pedestrian routes have initially included only stepped access, and requests for dropped kerbs have been denied.

The power of academic staff to limit use of laptops, notes or Lecture Capture was also criticised, as students are forced to directly reveal personal details of their disability to individuals. Students with long-term conditions are required to pay for evidence of their condition and repeatedly defend their position, with SwDA arguing there are poor communication links between staff once a student has reported a disability.

Students who are screened for specific learning difficulties by the University Disability Support Centre are required to pay for a professional report, which can cost £300-600, in order to receive support from the University. Unlike other universities, Durham offers no specific funding for this.

Assembly resolved to demand the University create an Action Plan, “for tackling the culture of disablism faced by students of Durham”. 

No housing ads in Michaelmas Term

Tom Chapman described the current inconsistency in SU policy, which allows the Durham SU building to advertise private accommodation whilst SU Officers simultaneously campaign to fight the housing rush. Although Assembly can only advise Durham SU on this issue, it voted to pressure the SU to end the advertising of housing during Michaelmas, and for the remainder of the academic year to advertise a diverse price range of accommodation.

UCU Strike next steps

The UCU’s demands have not been met, so they are now conducting action short of a strike, but there is high potential for a return of strikes in the New Year. The SU Officers are planning to continue to liaise with the UCU.

Discussing democracy at Durham SU

The closing item of discussion was led by an SU staff member, Dani Beckett, as Assembly was encouraged to give their opinion on the format of student democracy at Durham SU. Many in the room expressed a need for improvement, including widening the communication of Assembly and a more proactive approach to accessibility.

This conversation will be continued in the New Year, and will form part of a wider democracy review at Durham SU, aimed at making democratic processes as open and effective as possible.

 

Assembly will next meet on Thursday 6 February. All Durham students are welcome to come along and join the conversation about how to make the future better for students in Durham.