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Wales elections
Wales Assembly
If you have spent much time on OUSA's internet, forums you may have come across references to OUSA Futures. OUSA Futures is a major reorganisation of OUSA and the way it goes about representing student opinion. Although there is still much work to be done and the process is not yet finished, OUSA within Wales is about to follow in the footsteps of OUSA in Scotland and trial the new proposals which we hope will be agreed by the membership next spring.
The new OUSA in Wales Assembly will facilitate the representation of O U students at a region/nation level within Wales within both the O U and the wider higher education sector. In addition, it will also have responsibility for providing an OUSA presence at O U events and supporting local OUSA groups. The Assembly will consist of nearly 30 elected volunteer student representatives from throughout Wales and across all O U faculties. For the first time, all O U students within Wales will have the opportunity to vote in the elections of your student reps, and to stand for election to, this Wales wide body of OUSA.
Becoming a Wales Assembly Representative
All O U students within Wales will be entitled to stand for direct election to the Assembly. This includes you! Previously in OUSA it has usually been necessary to be part of your local OUSA branch (if there was one in your area) before becoming a delegate to the Wales wide Region/Nation Forum. The branches are now about to become deformalised into local groups enabling them to focus on providing social activities and mutual support between their members whilst the National Forum transforms into the Assembly and will concentrate on policy making and representation of the student interest within Wales.
The intention is to trial the new Assembly from November 2010 until April 2011. Student representatives will be able to participate in at least 2 meetings during that time. Participation may be at a face-to-face Saturday meetings (various venues) or may be remotely via online means, whichever suits. It would also be helpful if representatives were able to spend a bit of time in between meetings taking part in online discussions by means of internet forums.
Wales Executive
In addition to the Assembly Representatives, there will also be 5 positions available for Executive Members. These students will be expected to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the affairs of the Assembly and the level of commitment will thus be a bit higher. In line with OUSA policy, all representatives are unpaid volunteer students, although travel expenses (and essential accommodation) are paid for attending meetings and other events.
An Inaugural Face to Face Meeting was held on 20th November 2010 with an associated on-line component held from 14th – 28th November 2010.
Documents
Please note the Wales elections have been held successfully and results have been announced.