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.

Submit your rule revision

Rules revision

Back to list

-1 score

11 voter

Minimum level of study.

Submitted 2 months ago by Nicola Simpson

Current
8comments

Candidates for S L T positions should have completed a minimum number of modules or reached a stipulated level of study before being eligible for election.

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 section of our governance documents are: Bye-laws: Section 4.3, which details the rules of eligibility for joining the SLT.
William Docherty: 2:57pm on 5 Feb 26 What if you have studied in other universities and gained qualifications outside the OU, would you still be barred from standing for election. Election and roles should be open to everyone unless you going to hold formal interviews for every person applying on the grounds of equality. In addition completing modules may not make you any more suited for a role than another student. Some student have massive amounts of experience out with the OU, are you suggesting we ignore that ?
Scarlet James: 3:36pm on 5 Feb 26 Agree with Billy on this. We are a university whose UPS strives to be “education and opportunity for all”. This would limit the pool of applicants to be minimal and not enough equality on the team. There are those of us who like to see a diverse team representing us and as Billy quite right said… there are those who come from many diverse backgrounds with many skills from previous job roles and experiences beyond the OU, who can make powerful and meaningful impacts for all students, present and future!
Louise Gardner: 4:18pm on 5 Feb 26 I disagree. I think this is adding restrictions for the sake of adding restrictions. It's got a massive grey area and stands to exclude lots of very engaging, passionate and suitable candidates.
Harrison Jenkins: 5:21pm on 5 Feb 26 I disagree with the idea that candidates for SLT positions should be required to complete a minimum number of modules or reach a set level of study before being eligible for election because it unfairly limits who can participate and be represented. Leadership roles should be based on a candidate’s ideas, commitment, communication skills, and ability to represent others, not just how far they are in their studies. Some students who are earlier in their course can still be highly capable leaders, bring fresh perspectives, and be strongly engaged with the student community. Setting strict academic progress requirements could exclude motivated and effective candidates who would otherwise do a great job. It also reduces democratic choice by narrowing the pool of people voters can select from. Elections should focus on suitability for the role and the support of voters, rather than using academic progress as a gatekeeping rule.
Katherine Richardson: 9:59am on 7 Feb 26 I am not convinced that it’s lever of study that is required here, it’s level of volunteering…. Slt is a deeply technical and important job, and so frequently people take it up, with no idea of the work commitments or the level of papers they will need to read and immediately leave. Ido ‘t see how having passed a module makes things any better for that
Afon Thomas: 9:32pm on 10 Feb 26 I became a member of the SLT during my first stage 1 module. I think this is actually a strength. I'm thinking that stage 1 is less stressful/demanding than 2 and 3. It's meant I have more time to dedicate to the role.
Nicola Simpson: 7:02pm on 17 Feb 26 Interesting to read everyone's thoughts on this. I do think it's important that a student union president especially should have significant experience of the O U. Imagine how steep a learning curve it would be if you started your first module in February and became president by July. It seems quite common for sabbatical officers at other unions to take up their role after final year but I think that is usually the convention rather than the rule. What was your first role on the S L T Afon?

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

Minimum level of study.

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?