News

Should LUU or the University create more inclusive, non-alcohol focused spaces that feel welcoming and event-friendly?

This idea was presented by Aditri Agrawal. The idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.

The results were 16 for and 4 against.

“Currently, students at the University of Leeds and LUU have limited access to inclusive, event-friendly spaces that don’t revolve around alcohol. While spaces like Common Ground are welcoming, they are often busy and not available for private bookings. Other options, like Crossroads, are specialized for gaming, while Terrace and Old Bar allow bookings but serve alcohol.

Many available spaces, such as student common rooms or LUU Rooms, feel too formal (like seminar rooms) and lack the inviting, social atmosphere needed for student-led events. There is a clear need for more accessible, vibrant, and inclusive spaces where students or staff can host gatherings, workshops, or social events without the presence of alcohol, in an environment that feels welcoming rather than corporate or academic.

LUU or the University should create more inclusive, bookable event spaces designed for socialising without the presence of alcohol and without feeling like a seminar room. A dedicated multipurpose space with comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a relaxed, vibrant feel would provide students with a more accessible and inclusive environment.” -Aditri.

Should LUU do more to amplify the student voice through changes to its democratic engagement model

This idea was presented by Lucy Hart. The idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.

The results were 18 for and 2 against.

“In 2024/25 LUU undertook a comprehensive review of its democratic structures to understand how students engage with decision-making and to evaluate the effectiveness and inclusiveness of the current democratic structures. Students told us that LUU’s engagement model needed to change for greater transparency, stronger empowerment, more opportunities for meaningful agency – through a culture of organising, mobilising, and advocacy.

Over the years LUU’s democracy has centred on its Sabbatical Officer Team carrying the bulk of representation, campaigning and governance. Yet with ever expanding agendas—from housing and the cost of living to liberation and academic issues—the Officers’ capacity is stretched thin. Their efforts to maintain strategic relationships with various stakeholders who can make change often come at the expense of grassroots campaigning and direct student engagement.

Other student representational structures are inconsistent. Inconsistencies include paid vs voluntary roles, number of reps for each group and how they are recruited. For example Faculty Officers are appointed and paid a stipend, whereas the Activities Exec are elected volunteers. Complicated representation structures create confusion over who represents what, how decisions are made and where students make their voice heard.

The proposed change was to introduce a new democratic engagement model that will rebalance the focus of representation from a small number of elected officers, to a much broader, more accessible network of paid student representatives. It would mirror a community organising model, where students are brought together as a community to take action around their common concerns. It would rely upon paid organisers reaching out and listening, connecting and motivating people to build their collective power.” -Lucy.