In This Section
All Student Forum Members have been selected at random to represent the views of the UCC Student Body and are broadly representative of the UCC Student Community as reflected in the data available.
Timing and Frequency of Meetings
Meetings of the Student Forum will generally take place several times a year.
Attendance of Meetings
It is important that participants are available to attend all sessions to ensure all students have the same information and can participate in the discussions which will influence the final conclusions of the Forum.
Use of mobile devices
While the Forum is in session, members agree not to use mobile devices.
Press and Communications & participants' interaction with the Media
Authorised members of the media shall be permitted to attend plenary sessions of the Forum, subject to such terms and conditions as may be laid down by the Forum. Members of the media will not have access to private sessions of the Forum.
As a general principle, the Chairperson shall act as spokesperson in relation to administrative or procedural matters.
Role and duties of the Chairperson
The Chairperson shall be the sole judge of order and shall be responsible for the smooth running of the Forum in accordance with these rules. They shall engage such support services as are necessary for the effective administration of the Forum and, from time to time, make such recommendations to the Forum on the management of business as they see fit.
Work Programme
The Work Programme will be based on the topic specified by the Expert Advisory Group. The programme shall be reviewed regularly but any subsequent changes shall only take effect with the agreement of the Forum.
Steering Group
A Working Group shall be established to support the Assembly in the efficient and effective discharge of its role and functions. In practice, the Group shall assist with planning and operational issues associated with the work programme. The Steering Group shall consist of the Chairperson, the Secretariat and some Members.
Protection of Members鈥� Privacy
While the names and general programme areas where Members come from will be made available on www.uccstudentforum.ie other personal details of the Members will be treated in strictest confidence.
Debates/speaking arrangements
The format and structure of speaking arrangements shall be agreed in advance and as a general principle, all contributions by Members should be brief, respectful and non-repetitive. Any Member wishing to speak should indicate this to their Facilitator who will inform the Chairperson. In an effort to make efficient use of time in plenary sessions, members are encouraged to use the opportunity of roundtable discussions to express their views, ask for factual information if required and deliberate with one another.
Tabling and Circulation of Papers
All documents for Forum meetings shall be made available to all Members of the Forum via e-mail. Alternative arrangements will be made for those Members who are not in a position to receive e-mail.
Voting
Votes, if required, shall be by secret ballot of the Members present. Votes shall be overseen by the Chairperson with the support of at least 2 Members of the Forum. The Chairperson will only vote in the event of a tied vote.
Expert Advisory Group
An Expert Advisory Group has been selected from relevant disciplines and fields to assist with its work in terms of preparing information and advice. The composition and focus of the Expert Advisory Group may change during the lifetime of the Forum.
Accessibility of Services and Information for Persons with Disabilities
In line with the provisions in the Disability Act 2005 and the Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided by Public Bodies, the Forum will ensure that services and information will be accessible to all Members including those with a disability insofar as is practicable and appropriate.
Observers
It is recognised that certain organisations/ individuals such as advocacy groups, NGOS, academics political parties and social partners may have a legitimate interest in being present at the meetings to observe proceedings first-hand.
However, there is limited space for observers. Attendance will be for plenary sessions only and will be subject to an application process governed by the Secretariat.
Review of Procedures
The Chairperson shall consult with Members of the Forum and other interested parties and conduct such reviews of the procedures and administration of the Forum as they see fit.
Forum Secretariat
The Chairperson shall have direction and control over the staff of the Secretariat and other supports and resources available, subject to the wishes of the Forum.
Early warning
Members are encouraged to signal any concerns or difficulties to the Secretariat as early as possible so they can be resolved quickly.