What is the Open SU rules revision?
Our governance rules state that every four years we must open the floor for students to submit changes they would like to see to the Union's articles and bye-laws that govern how we are run.
The Rules Revision is about Open SU members being able to suggest ways of improving how your Students Union functions, updating our constitution and procedures so they speak for current Open University students and better reflect student voices.
Submissions should focus on changes you would like to see made to the Open SU Bye-laws and articles that are linked below. Topics included in the documents include:
- The Student Leadership Team structure and elections.
- Conference, meetings and wider events.
- Open SU membership.
- Trustees and their decision-making.
All OU students are members of the Union, which means you have a say in how we’re governed. You’ll be able to read governance change ideas submitted by your fellow students on this page, and share your feedback. Trustees will consider suggestions, comments and views, and you will be able to formally vote on anything that gets taken to our 2026 Conference.
The convention mentioned in the bye-laws will be in the form of two online submission periods, where you will have the opportunity to share your ideas and comment on other student submissions. These two open periods are scheduled for:
Period 1: Monday 1 December 2025 to Wednesday 7 January 2026
Period 2: Friday 23 January 2026 to Sunday 22 February 2026
After the first period, we will read through suggestions and where appropriate publish any responses or information that may help students provide further comments and ideas during the second period.
It’s your Union, and your chance to help shape how it works for everyone.
Open SU Bye-laws
Articles of Association
Submit your rule revision
More information
What is a rules revision?
Every four years, the Union can update how we are run according to our governing documents, and the rules revision period allows students to submit any changes they think should be made to how we do that.
What are the Unionʼs Articles and Bye-laws?
The articles and Bye-laws are the documents that define who we are, what we do, and how we do it. They govern our decision-making and reflect what OU students want us to be focusing on. For example, they include how our student leaders are appointed, how Trustees are required to make their decisions, and the format of our biannual Conference.
Why is this process happening?
In line with the Open SUʼs Bye-laws, a Rules Revision should be held every four years. This gives all members of the Union the opportunity to be involved in the process of reviewing the Unionʼs articles, and being a part of potential changes.
Who can propose changes?
All Open University students are invited to submit changes during the submission period.
How are changes approved?
Once the first round of submissions are processed, there will be an additional period of online discussion on the initial submissions. This will provide answers to any questions, any additional information that is required, and the opportunity for other students to provide feedback on submissions.
After these online discussions, the submissions will be considered by Trustees, who will make the final decisions on what will be taken to the Open SUʼs biannual Conference , where OU students will have the final vote on which changes to the way we run are approved. These will then be actioned by staff and student leaders at the Open SU.