National Postgraduate Committee
Ordinary General Meeting held on 24/11/07
At Nottingham Graduate School
1.1. Sederunt and Apologies
Present
Amelia Moore - Sheffield University
Hamish Stewart - University of Nottingham
George MacFarlane - Open University
Yousuf Joondan - University of Essex
Derek Sparks - University of St. Andrews
Sarah Weeks - University of Bristol
Armineh Soorenian - University of Leeds
Joy Kaimi - Cardiff University
Danquah Fred - York University
Margaret Davine - MSU
In Attendance
Natasha King - University of Bradford
Akinfola Olusotirini - Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
Christina Yan Zhang - University of Loughborough
Thomas Winzen - University of Sheffield
Tom Crooks - University of Sheffield
James Sheard - University of Nottingham
Takao Noguchi - Oxford Brookes University
Karen Adomako - University of Greenwich
Xanthe Larcombe - Bangor University
David Thurkettle - NPC Chair
Maja Jankowska - University of Bedfordshire
William Cooling - NPC Minutes Secretary
Duncan Phillip Conners - NPC Gen Sec.
Tim Roll Pickering - NPC Treasurer
Peter Campbell - NPC Const. Sub. Comm
Apologies
Victoria Townsend (NPC MSC), Simon Felton (NPC MSC), Jim Ewing (NPC Scotland Chair)
1.2. Chair´s Address
David Thurkettle had nothing to add to his remarks that opened the day, except to say thank you to the delegates and let them know how much he had enjoyed the day.
1.3. Minutes
The minutes of the AGM at Keele University were not available. The meeting agreed to postpone this agenda item.
1.4 Matters Arising
There were no matters arising as there were no minutes.
1.5. Motions
5.1. Equal Opportunities Motion
Armineh Soorenian introduced the Equal Opportunities motion that seeks to improve provision for visually impaired students.
Derek Sparks seconded the motions.
David Thurkettle and Margaret Devine discussed strengthening the resolves section of the motion so that it refers to the whole NPC and commits the NPC to action. The `Equal Opportunities Officer Resolves´ section is changed to the `NPC shall campaign to´.
Vote: Aye - 9 Noe - 0 Abstain - 0
5.2. Motions from the floor
5.2 i. Disabled International Postgraduate Motions
Duncan Connors introduced a motion on behalf of Armineh Soorenian to increase the representation of disabled international postgraduates within higher education. He assured David Thurkettle that it is achievable.
Voting: Aye - 9 Noe - 0 Abstan - 0
5.2.ii. International Postgraduate Motions
George MacFlarene introduced as a block four motions concerned with international postgraduate education. These four motions are:
NPC calls for the completion of the Bologna process by 2010.
NPC calls on all student unions to facilitate the creation of international student forums
NPC calls on universities to establish hardship funds for international students with funding being made available from international student fees.
NPC calls on all universities to be transparent in the setting of international student fees
The four motions are voted on together, as a block
Vote: Aye - 7 No - 0 Abstain - 0
6.0. Agenda Items
6.1. Funding for Equivalent and Lower Degree Courses
George MacFlarene talked about the problems that have been caused by the Government´s decision to withdraw funding for those doing a second degree when they already have the equivalent or a lower qualification. He says that the Open University is running a campaign against this decision and is asking all Students´ Union and related groups to get involved. He asks the NPC to help with the campaign.
There is broad support for the campaign and for the Management Sub-Committee working with the Open University in support of the campaign.
6.2. Publications
David Thurkettle suggested that the NPC should create a publication that helps Students´ Unions improve the international postgraduate experience.
George MacFlarene suggested that the NPC could produce a template International Postgraduate Handbook for Students´ Unions´ to base their own on.
Matt Gayle says that such a publication could be integrated into his project about the international postgraduate experience.
Duncan Conners says that this issue should be referred back to the Management Sub-Committee for more discussion. The meeting agrees.
7.0. Reports
7.1. Financial Report
Tim Roll-Pickering introduced the financial report.
David Thurkettle explained that Keele University have yet to cash the cheque for the conference accommodation
Matt Gayle asks about what progress there has been in billing affiliates. Duncan Connors answered and said that there had been good progress so far.
The Report is accepted.
7.2. General Secretary Report
Duncan Connors had nothing to add to his written report
Report is accepted
7.3. NPC Scotland (Chairperson) Report
No report was forthcoming due to the absence of Jim Ewan. However, David Thurkettle and Duncan Connors both say that progress has been made in terms of rebuilding the NPC in Scotland and Wales.
Report is accepted
7.4. Conference Secretary
George Macfarlane gave an oral report. He says that 14th August is the provisional date for the conference and the NPC will receive the Open University rate.
Report is accepted
7.5. Communications Officer
David Thurkettle gave an oral report on Oleg´s behalf; praises the latest edition of PN.
Report is accepted
7.6. Equal Opportunities Officer
Armineh Soorenian had nothing to add to her written report
Report is accepted
7.7. Project Officers
(i) Matt Gayle gave an oral report about the work he has done for the NPC. This had including representing the NPC at meetings of CHESS and QAA and at the recent UKISA/NUS International Students Training Conference. He also talked about helping to organise the NPC Cardiff training event.
Duncan Connors thanked Matt Gayle and Will Cooling for helping with the organisation of the Cardiff event.
(ii) No report from Victoria Townsend as she was unwell. Duncan Connors gave an oral report on her behalf and says that he will be helping with her project.
(iii) No report from Andre Oboler but Duncan Connors said that he is in Israel and is beginning to do some good work there.
All reports are accepted.
8.0. Election of Officers
8.1. Project Officer - One Position
There were two candidates - Hamish Stewart and Re-Open Nominations
Hamish Stewart `s project was to survey Students´ Unions about what systems them use to ensure postgraduate representation within their organisation, and then to use this data to produce a document that would recommend to Students´ Union what systems have proven effective.
Hamish Stewart was duly elected.
9.0. Any Other Business
There was no other business.
End of meeting.