• Contact details
• Essential information for students
  • Proctors' and Assessor's Memorandum
    • Foreword
    • Section 1: Introduction
    • Section 2: Welfare Matters
    • Section 3: Safety and Security
    • Section 4: Oxford University Student Union
    • Section 5: Sport, Clubs and Recreation
    • Section 6: University Academic Support and Other Services
    • Section 7: Residence
    • Section 8: Intellectual Property and Students
    • Section 9: Examinations
    • Section 10: Conduct
    • Section 11: Disciplinary Procedures
    • Section 12: Fitness to Study
    • Section 13: Complaints Procedures
    • Appendix A: Integrated Equality Policy
    • Appendix B: University Policy and Procedure on Harassment and Bullying
    • Appendix C: Matters Relating to the Student Union
    • Appendix D: Freedom of Speech
    • Appendix E: Regulations of the Rules Committee
    • Appendix F: Regulations Relating to the use of the Facilities of the Bodleian Libraries
    • Appendix G: Regulations Relating to the use of Information Technology Facilities
  • Code of Conduct: Behaviour after Examinations
  • Drug Misuse Guidelines
  • Guidelines about Student Newspapers and External Web-Sites
• Complaints
• Student Support
• Examinations
• Student Discipline
• Student Clubs
• College forms
• Proctors’ complaints and disciplinary cases 2011-12
• Policy and Guidance for Examiners

Section 4: Oxford University Student Union

• 4.1 OUSU Structure and Services
• 4.2 The University’s Code of Practice on the Student Union

4.1 OUSU Structure and Services

As well as becoming members of their own college JCRs, MCRs or Student Unions, students on degree or other courses at the University automatically become members of the central Oxford University Student Union (known as OUSU for short). Any student has the right to opt out of membership of a college organisation and of OUSU. Be careful not to confuse OUSU with the independent Oxford Union Society (known as the Union for short), a private members’ club which has no student representative function; itruns debates and other activities and you must pay to join.

OUSU operates from offices in Worcester Street (see below for full address).

OUSU is an independent charity that promotes the academic, social and welfare interests of its members, both undergraduates and graduates, throughout the University. It has an elected Trustee Board, the majority of whose members are elected by students, and an Executive Committee made up of its sabbatical officers and other, part-time members. Overall government is through a Council that comprises representatives from each college JCR, MCR and Student Union. There is also a small staff of paid employees, led by a Chief Executive, who provide administrative support, support the Student Advice Service and aid long-term planning.

OUSU

• appoints members to represent the student body on University committees and provides input to policy-making
• maintains close links with and encourages student support networks within individual colleges and co-ordinates University-wide campaigns
• provides a range of services to its members, including publications (e.g. the Oxford Student newspaper, The Living-Out Guide, handbooks, information leaflets); advice and information on many issues, including graduate and overseas student issues, academic difficulties, housing, welfare, physical disability, financial problems, childcare.
• The OUSU Student Advice Service is a confidential and impartial information, representation and advice service and aims to offer advice on a range of issues which students might encounter during their time at Oxford. It is also able to provide students with support, advocacy and representation in dealing with the University, their colleges or external institutions. The advisers are all experienced in dealing with students’ issues and can help you work through your problem in a supportive environment. Welfare resources like condoms, pregnancy tests and attack alarms are available cheaply or for free. The Service runs during office hours (10am-5.30pm, Mondays to Fridays) and you can make an appointment by calling OUSU on (2)88461 or by e-mailing advice@ousu.org. If the Advice Service cannot help a student, it can refer him or her on to a range of more appropriate agencies. Information about the service, including the confidentiality policy, can be found at www.ousu.org/welfare/SAS. OUSU also produces a variety of welfare publications, including the Guide for Students with Disabilities and LGBTQ Handbook.

Full details are available in The Oxford Handbook which OUSU produces each year for new students.

Oxford University Student Union
2 Worcester Street
OXFORD
OX1 2BX

Tel. (2)88452

E-mail: enquiries@ousu.org

The majority of OUSU publications, as well as information about much of University life, are available on the student union web-site at www.ousu.org.

All OUSU publications can be made available in alternative formats. Please request these from the Vice-President (Welfare and Equal Opportunities): e-mail welfare@ousu.org.

4.2 The University’s Code of Practice on the Student Union

All universities have to draw up and publish a code of practice explaining how the requirements of the Education Act 1994 relating to student unions are being carried out. The government legislation is intended to ensure that any student union operates in a fair and democratic manner and is accountable for its finances.

This University’s Code of Practice is published in full in Appendix C of this booklet, together with guidelines to student unions from the former Department for Education and Employment.

The attention of all student members of the University is formally drawn to the information given in Appendix C.

Information about the right to opt out of membership of OUSU, and arrangements to supply student union services to student members who have exercised this right, is available (to current students and prospective applicants) from OUSU (see above).

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