Question and Results
A referendum of the Graduate Union was held on 18th May 2005 to change the GU Constitution in line with the GU’s reform plans. The question put was as follows:
Do you accept the new Constitution of the Graduate Union [2005], drawn up in accordance with the recommendations of the GU Working Party report “Ways Forward for the GU”, which was endorsed by the University’s Standing Advisory Committee on Student Matters and approved by the GU Council on March 8, 2005? (If accepted, the new Constitution will replace the current version and take effect from the date of the GU General Election in Michaelmas 2005.)
Results from the ballot are as follows:
| Option | Votes |
|---|---|
| Yes | 534 |
| No | 22 |
| Blank | 42 |
| Spoilt Papers | 3 |
| Total Ballots | 601 |
Under the terms of the constitution in force at the time, a simple majority is required, with at least 200 votes being cast, and at least 134 in favour. Accordingly, the propsed constitution will be adopted.
Further Details
A special Open Meeting to discuss the proposed changes was before the hustings for GU Presidential candidates on Sunday May 15th, at 8pm in the Graduate Union at 17 Mill Lane.
- Summary of the Proposed Changes
- Background Information on the GU Reform programme and the “Ways Forward” report
- Current Constitution (at the time of the referendum)
- Proposed New Constitution
- Voting times and locations
If you would like to know more, you can read the GU’s report, Ways Forward for the Graduate Union, available from the GU at 17 Mill Lane or online. Please contact the President, Ruth, on president@gradunion.cam.ac.uk if you would like to discuss the proposals with a member of the Executive.