CHAPTER 19

THE STUDENTS’ UNION

The Students’ Union, established in 1971, is the official organisation of the students of the University. It is run for students by the students under its own constitution and is the centre of student non-academic activities.

The two main functions of the Union are:

(i) to act as the representative body in all matters concerning the students; and

(ii) to promote and provide for the welfare and the social, cultural and educational activities of the students.

All students whether enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis are members of the Union. A Students’ Welfare Fund of Rs 300 is payable at registration. The revenue of the Union also includes a grant from the University.

The Executive Committee of the Union is made up of four office-bearers elected from among the students and one elected representative from each of the five Faculties. The office-bearers are elected by all registered students of the University whereas the Faculty’s representatives are elected by students of each Faculty. The policy and actions of the Union are determined by the Executive Committee with the ultimate authority resting in the decisions of general meetings. The administrative business and all other activities take place at the Students’ Centre.

The Union is empowered to recognise and finance students’ societies dealing with recreational activities as well as those that deal with academic subjects and those that cover topics of concern to the students.

It has its own web page and a radio campus through which it communicates with the student community.

The University has a close relationship with the Students’ Union and seeks wherever possible, to involve the Students’ Union in its decision making processes. Student involvement is achieved at a number of levels. Students are represented at different University Committees namely the Council, Senate, Teaching and Learning, the Discipline Committee, Appeals Committee, Student Progress and Complaints Committee, Faculty Boards, Programme Boards of Studies, Library, Sports, Safety and Health and Cafeteria Supervisory Committee. This provides them with direct knowledge of and influence on the development of policies and procedures relating to teaching and learning and their welfare.