Policy

Our policies outline our beliefs, values, and positions on a whole host of student issues, from teaching to housing to international politics. All of our policies are written and approved by students, and any student at Lancaster has the right to submit policies for the student body to consider.

The following policy items have been passed democratically by the students' union. Before 2016/17, our principal policymaking body was Council. From 2016/17 onwards, policy items are passed by either Executive Committee, a Student Jury, or an all-student referendum. You can find out more about these structures and bodies here.

Policy 2020-21

Block Grant Policy	We are looking to campaign for the sustainable growth of our Block Grant and be financially transparent to students.
Safe Space Policy	Making the Students' Union a safe space through policy implementation.
The Return of Students: The Unfair Blame Game	We stand with young people and students, and denounce the Government’s unfair ‘blame’ shift on the spike in coronavirus cases on young people and students.
Student Numbers Growth vs Student Experience	This paper sets out the Union policy on space, proposes a boycott of university open days and invites the Executive to consider extending the boycott to the National Student Survey (NSS) too.
Accessibility Principles	This paper outlines the accessibility principles Lancaster University Students' Union has adopted to ensure that we are accessible to all students, including students with disabilities.
Religious Advertisement	Making the SU social media more inclusive via the stopping of religious advertising on our platforms.

Policy 2018-19

Inclusivity in Sport Policy	We are working to ensure that all our affiliated student groups are inclusive and accessible spaces where students don’t face barriers to being involved.
Fossil-Free Investment Policy	We commit to permanently adopting fossil-free investments as soon as possible, and by all means before the end of the 2020/2021 academic year.
Environmental Sustainability	Environmental sustainability is one of the most critical challenges of our time and we are committed to improving the practices of the Union and the University.

Policy 2017-18

Use of Pronouns	We never assume someone's pronouns and work to normalise clarifying pronoun use
Single Use Plastic	We aim to reduce the use of plastic in our services and lobby the university to do the same
Lecture Recordings	We believe all students should have sufficient access to Lecture Recordings for the bettering of their educational experience.
Mental Health Support	We believe that all students should have access to mental health support which is high-quality and appropriate.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion	We are a diverse and inclusive organisation, taking positive action across the university in support of equality and diversity

Policy 2016-17

Responsible Alcohol Consumption	We have a duty to create a safe space for responsible drinking, and condemn excessive drinking culture
Zero Tolerance	We take a zero tolerance stance against bullying, harassment and discrimination
Housing	All students are entitled to safe, quality, affordable housing both on and off campus
Ethics and Sustainability	We support environmentally friendly choices and lead on ethical and sustainable initiatives in the University community
Content Warnings	All students should be comfortable at our events and training, so we provide content warnings at all appropriate times

Policy 2015-16

Self-defining Electorate	All students have the right to self-define their identity and our elections will allow students to self-define at the time of voting
Hustings in Union Elections	We will aim for our elections and hustings events to be accessible to all students
Opposing Tuition Fees	We condemn the current system of fees and loans as unsustainable, unfair, and a barrier to education
Stand By Me	We stand by victim-survivors of sexual assault and call for a commitment by the University and community to provide accessible support services

If you're interested in writing or submitting your own policy items, contact su.governance@lancaster.ac.uk or the Chair of Executive Committee at su.vp.uniondevelopment@lancaster.ac.uk.

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