MOTIONS

 

WHAT IS A MOTION?  

A Motion is an impactful way to bring about change in the Students’ Union and University.   Tell us your bright ideas, and create impactful change for students now and in the future.   

 

WHO CAN SUBMIT A MOTION?

Any member of the Students’ Union can submit a motion, but Motions must be written in a particular style. 

 

I HAVE AN IDEA FOR A MOTION

You must present a persuasive or impactful argument backing your idea.  Your idea must identify something you want to change, it must be realistic and feasible, and you must detail how you will bring about that change.  

If you have an idea for change that will improve the student experience, and you think your idea could be a motion, but you don't know where to start, please contact us by emailing info@ugmsu.com to arrange a meeting with the SU President or the SU General Manager.

 

WHERE ARE MOTIONS PRESENTED? 

Motions are presented at the SU AGM by the student who submits the motion. All students in attendance have an opportunity to scrutinize the proposed motion, remove parts from it, and vote on whether the motion should be enacted or not. 

The AGM Chair will call your name and give you approximately 4 minutes maximum to speak about your idea. 

It’s a good idea to have written notes, and concentrate on speaking in defence of your idea as persuasively as you can!

After this, the Chair will ask if anyone wants to speak against the idea. If they do, they will also get 4 minutes. Once the speeches for and against are finished, a general discussion will take place about the merits of the idea, potentially putting forward adaptations to the idea.  A vote on the idea will take place; it will either be approved or denied

CLICK HERE FOR THE MOTION FORM 

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT A MOTION

23^rd February 2026

If you have any questions about an idea or AGM, please get in touch. Email: info@ugmsu.com

 

EXAMPLE MOTION

Every proposal needs three things:

A TITLE

Make it short, easy to understand and a question. For example, ‘Should UGMSU make its election paperless?’

A CLEAR IDEA

Explain the idea in simple terms, and include references for any facts or stats.

For example, 'UGMSU provides free printing for election candidates during the election of the SU President. (UGMSU Election Rules Document 2026).  This means using a large amount of paper and printing toner, depending on the number of candidates.'

A SOLUTION.

Again, it's important to keep it simple and realistic!

For example: 'UGMSU should work to phase out unnecessary paper and printing usage with the aim of going paperless by 2027.'

Proposed by:

Seconded by:

Date:

CLICK HERE FOR THE MOTION FORM