The Council is a college-wide body focusing on issues relating to the welfare of all students.

Role
Its main purpose is to enhance the quality of college life from a student perspective.  It hopes to ensure that students’ opinions are considered in the day to day administration and future plans of the College.  The Council has an input i.e. an independent voice into the management of the college by representation on various working groups e.g. the governing body, Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety.

Why become a member of the Student Council ?  It:

• enables you to be a spokesperson on behalf of students and
  have a say on key decisions
• is very useful to have on your CV and UCAS personal statement
• demonstrates a range of skills - leadership, teamwork, good communication and organisational skills

Positions
Overleaf is a breakdown of the positions and the first two posts i.e. how the President and Vice President are elected.

Elections
Elections for the posts of President and Vice President take place towards the end of November.  The First Past the Post system is used ie the candidate with the most votes wins and the second candidate automatically becomes Vice President.  Any Lower Sixth students can put their names forward and time is set aside for campaigning and hustings

Activities
The Council holds open meetings weekly and students are encouraged to participate.  As well as organising the annual elections, it arranges other functions such as the Leavers Ball.  Over the last few years, profits raised from such activities have been donated to charities and student based sponsored events.

Contact
To contact the Student Council, use email: studentc@aquinas.ac.uk

The roles of each council member:

President
Head of the Student Council.
Chairs meetings of the Student Council.
Student Governor.
Liases with Principal.
Has authority to counter-sign cheques.

Vice-President
Supports President.
Chairs meetings of the Student Council in the President’s absence.
Attends Governors meetings in the President’s absence (without voting rights).
May attend meetings requiring student representation not covered by other members.

Treasurer
Responsible for management of Student Council funds.
Has authority to counter-sign cheques.
Deals with financial administration and payment of subscription to the National Union of Students.

Secretary
Takes minutes of each Student Council meeting, reproducing copies for archives and each member.
Collects and distributes Council post.
Ensures notice boards are kept up to date with council information for students.
Inform members of meeting they may need to attend.

Equal Opportunities Officer
Attends the Equal Opportunities group meetings.
Communicates any relevant documents and information to the full council.
Brings to the council any concerns regarding Equal Opportunities.

Health and Safety Officer
Attends the Equal Opportunities group meetings.
Communicates any relevant documents and information to the full council.
Brings to the council any concerns regarding Health and Safety.
Deals with any issues regarding Welfare.

Entertainment Officer
Organises social events for students of the college.
Informs the council of issues regarding student entertainment.

Staff Representative
To provide a link with staff of the college.
Oversees the proper administration of the council.
Liases with the President and Treasurer.
Has right to counter-sign cheques.