Submit a motion

A motion asks SU Council to make a decision. This page explains who can submit one, what you need, and what happens next.

Who can submit a motion

Council members (College Presidents, School Reps and Student Group Presidents) and Sabbatical Officers.

Not a Council member? Start a petition to get your issue discussed, or ask your College, School or Student Group rep to bring a motion for you.

For the meeting on Wednesday 9 December. Motions must arrive at least 10 working days before a meeting. All deadlines

Talk to us first. The Representation Team can help you shape your idea and check it’s something Council can decide. studentvoice@roehampton.ac.uk
Choose what you’re asking for. A policy is a position the Union takes on an issue (needs two-thirds of votes to pass). A mandate tells the Sabbatical Officers to take a specific action (needs more than half).
Find your seconders. Council members need 4 seconders. Sabbatical Officers need 1. Seconders must be Council members or Sabbatical Officers.
Check it hasn’t been decided recently. Council can’t consider something very similar to a motion from the last 12 months unless it adds something new. Search the Policy Book.

Within 5 working days: the Union completes a risk assessment for the Trustees and we contact you if anything needs changing.
The Chair checks it’s valid. If not, they’ll tell you why in writing.
5 working days before the meeting: your motion is published with the agenda and other Council members can suggest ammendments.
At the meeting: you present your motion and answer questions. The final vote is held online within 48 hours.