Taken from qmunicate, April 27th 2006:

The Annual General Meeting of the Union was held last Friday, 21st April. Arguably it is the most important meeting in the Union’s calendar. Decisions made at the AGM provide the foundations on which the Union is built – alterations to the Constitution, or decisions that are binding on the Board of Management can be taken.

The AGM this year passed two amendments to the Constitution – one providing a mechanism for a referendum to be called by members, and the other increasing the number of people eligble to represent GUSA, the sports association, on the Union Board. Ally Meek, Honorary Assistant Secretary, was elected to the position of Honorary President, whilst Joe Evans, Publications Convenor, and Laura Kane, Past President, were elected to the positions of Honorary Vice-President. It is hoped they will continue to contribute their experience to the Union Board.

The AGM provides the opportunity to question the Executive and Convenors on their performance throughout the year – why decisions were taken? Why did certain events happen? Why did others not? Aside from this, how else are those running the Union accountable to you, the membership?

The Executive and Convenors all write fortnightly reports to Board Meeting, which are summarised in the minutes of the meeting, pinned on the Union notice board in Reception. The Executive reports on a variety of
issues, the President on the general running of the Union, the Honorary Secretary on the license, membership and discipline, and the Honorary Assistant Secretary on training, board matters, and each individually may give opinions on any projects they may be involved with. The Convenors each report on their given remit within the Union – Entertainments (club nights and gigs), Freshers’ Week, Publications, and Social (events in the bar). There is also a report from the Ordinary Board Convenor that submits details of the discussions from Board Members who have no specific remit. Overall, if there is anything you want to know about the Union, it’ll be contained within the minutes. How else can you hold the Board Members accountable? Committee meetings are one forum – They occur weekly, chaired by a Convenor, dealing with their specific area. You can visit the Board Offices on the third floor, the Executive Office, or the Convenors Office. You can fire off an email to info@qmu.org.uk. If you are on an evening out at the Union you can always talk to the duty board members, identifiable by their Board Member polo shirts.

The Board are planning a heckling- style event for those folks who have questions or comments on the Union. A selection of Board Members will be put on Jim’s Bar stage – where you can get the answers you need, or provide suggestions about any aspect you want. It’s a chance to have your say in running the Union – look out
for details!