Rules revision

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.

Thank you for all your submissions, we really appreciate your time to send us your ideas. They are all being reviewed and will be taken to our Board of Trustees meeting in April for their consideration.

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.

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Rules revision

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Faculty representation

Submitted 2 months ago by Nicola Simpson

Current
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Understanding student issues within and across faculties is essential to the work of the Student leadership team. Open SU should seek to build greater faculty representation outside of the S L T by electing/appointing representatives for each module, similar to 'class rep' in a traditional university. OpenSU can appoint students from within this pool of reps to attend OU governance committee meetings and the senate reference group. They can liaise closely with the S L T without needing to be full members of the S L T. A renewed focus on building faculty representation will give the SU a visible presence amongst students that is currently lacking.

Open SU: 12:31pm on 22 Jan 26 Thank you for your suggestion. For those who would like to consider this topic further, the relevant sections of our governance documents are: Articles of Association: Section 26: The Student Leadership Team Bye-laws: Section 4: The Student Leadership Team (SLT), and item 10.10 which explains who can stand as a Faculty Representative.
William Docherty: 2:59pm on 5 Feb 26 I agree more reps in a faculty would be good, but remember its not only faculty reps that are there, we have all the reps on Boards of studies, faculty assembly, academic committee etc. I like the idea of class reps, but if ever tutor group was to have a rep, this would be a huge amount of training but Open SU staff to do in a year.
Charon Gates: 3:21pm on 5 Feb 26 Agreed Billy and with the new teams space we have far greater communication
Louise Gardner: 4:22pm on 5 Feb 26 I agree. As a student, I dont think enough people (other students) actually know who their regional/local/faculty reps are or how to contact them. To have a module rep, with their details given alongside the tutors, for example, would provide a massive outlet for support and may even free up the SST a little.
Nicola Simpson: 11:38am on 18 Feb 26 For clarity, I think faculty representation is probably the most vital element of student voice within the university but it could be strengthened by increasing the number of reps and increasing visibility to the wider student body. The O U and Open S U are well equipped to build an online learning environment for reps which need not be very resource intensive for staff. Student reps gain practical skills and knowledge alongside study and the union and university a depth of knowledge at the module level which might otherwise be lacking.

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.

Rules revision

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.

Submit your rule revision

Rules revision

Faculty representation

More information

What is a rules revision?

What are the Unionʼs Articles and Bye-laws?

Why is this process happening?

Who can propose changes?

How are changes approved?