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Standing Policy
Standing Policy is a record of the JCR's policies on ongoing issues as explicitly determined by GMs. Items of Standing Policy come up for review every three years. This is not the same as the Standing Orders, which detail procedural matters about how the JCR, and in particular its meetings and committee, are run. Contents
Abortion - Time LimitsPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR supports the current 24-week time limit for legal abortion within England, Wales and Scotland. Admissions ProcedurePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 This JCR notes 1. The publication of the University's Admissions Working Party Report on the Thursday of 10th week MT05 This JCR further notes 4. That it should be possible to keep the system very similar to the current one, but to address concerns about the present transparency - Model C This JCR believes 1. The current admissions system imposes excessive amounts of work on the College Officers and other staff responsible for admissions 2. That a centralised admissions procedure could lessen this workload without necessarily removing individual colleges autonomy. 3. That allowing students to state a preference for a college and be interviewed at that college on application to Oxford is a good thing 4. That colleges should utilise the pooling system allowing candidates to have at least two interviews with differing tutors and colleges, to ensure their application is minutely examined 5. That accepted students, where possible, should be allocated their first choice college, and their second choice college if their first choice is not available. 6. That all relevant contextual information (for example educational background and personal issues affecting academic performance) should be taken into account in assessing an applicant. 7. That tutors should be free to use some discretion in dealing with applications, although good reasons should be provided for their decisions. This JCR further believes 1. Model A would significantly reduce the autonomy of the College, which would be a bad thing. 2. That currently neither model sufficiently explains the logistics of how its proposals would work. 3. If support HAS to be given to one model, Model B would be preferable. 4. That neither model has adequately convinced us and that as a consequence, if possible, we should reject both models 5. Model C is a good idea Asylum SeekersPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR notes that 1. In Britain, refugees are held in detention for an unlimited period, sometimes over a year but frequently longer than 6 months while their refugee status is considered they are not informed as to how long they will be detained. 2. The conditions in these detention centres are akin to prisons, with denial of normal freedoms such as restricted television viewing, reading, recreation time, visiting hours, contact with visitors (e.g. husbands and wives holding hands is forbidden, or even to sit close to one another) and restricted periods of physical activity outside the jail. 3. The detainees are not given an allowance of any sort while their status is considered; hence they are unable to send letters home, make phone calls home, smoke, purchase little luxuries. 4. The detainees are not offered legal advice while in detention nor is it ever officially explained to them why they have been put inside. 5. Frequently, basic religious beliefs are denied for example, in Campsfield Detention Centre, security guards refused to remove their shoes in the room which had finally been set aside as a prayer room; food frequently contains pork or beef; male security guards had been used to police female areas. Balliol JCR believes that 1. Unlimited detention of asylum seekers is wrong. 2. The process of assessment of refugee status needs to be faster and fairer. 3. Refugees should only be held as a last resort, and then only in reasonable non-prison like conditions while their status is being examined. 4. The people who are responsible for them whilst their status is being examined should receive training in refugee issues many refugees, for example, may have particular religious or cultural needs, or may be frightened of people in uniform and need particularly sensitive handling and easy access to medical facilities. 5. The current Immigration Act will not make things fairer, faster, firmer but merely re-enforce the cultural stereotype that refugees are criminals and scavengers for money. (due for renewal AGM 2006) Balliol JCR believes that refugees are not criminals and Britain should do everything in its power at national and local levels to make the assessment process fairer and faster and to make our society a welcoming environment for those who have suffered discrimination and/or torture on account of their beliefs. AUT StrikePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR supports: (1) the AUTs campaign for an increase in their wages (2) the AUTs non-marking of scripts/not invilating exams (3) a strike by the AUT if this were to occur Back GatePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes the back gate should not be put on the Fellows lock on weekends. BannersPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 The JCR red banner, womens banner and LGBT banner may be displayed at the sports matches of Balliol teams, at events the objectives of which are positively endorsed by JCR standing policy/standing orders or at the discretion of the JCR Committee. The Womens and LGBT banners may also be displayed at the individual discretion of the Balliol JCR Womens and LGBT Officers respectively. CampaignsPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes that to ask members of the JCR to bear a financial burden as a result of supporting a JCR campaign is unfair. Charities and RAG Officer (see also Charities)Policy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 The Charities and RAG Officer shall have the duty of investigating appeals from charities, presenting them to the GM so that they can be voted on, raising awareness and providing information about the charitable activity of the JCR. The Charities and RAG Officer shall also review the existing charities to which the JCR contributes, and, together with the JCR Treasurer, provide guidelines as to how much money is available each term from JCR funds for charitable purposes. As far as possible, charity appeals shall be debated and voted upon at one GM each term, to be announced by the JCR Committee; the Charities and RAG Officer shall gather and follow up appeals in such a way that this can be done. In cases of general emergency, charitable requests shall be brought to the next GM or Committee meeting; the JCR Committee shall retain the constitutional ability to vote funds not exceeding 150. The Charities and RAG Officer, together with the JCR Treasurer, shall be responsible for providing a report on the amount of money granted to charities at the end of each term. Members of this JCR shall be encouraged to present any appeals for causes which they wish to recommend to Balliol JCR at the termly GM where appeals received by the Committee shall be discussed. College Cost IncreasesPolicy last updated: 2009-09-01 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 1)That, while any increases are undesirable, the JCR should define its priorities for negotiating new charges to students 2) That it is preferable to increase 'voluntary' charges (such as the price of food in Hall) than compulsory 'fixed' charges (such as the fixed Kitchen Amenities Charge) 3) That it is important that, insofar as fixed charges are instituted, some form of means testing is included, in order to account for the variation in individual students' capacities to pay 4) That any proposed increases should be fully justified, with any relevant figures made available by College to the JCR President, before they are agreed 5) That any increased costs to students should be demonstrably in line with College-wide cost-cutting, and contributions form other College members, while bearing in mind particularly students' typically precarious financial situation Conference TradePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes that the conference trade should not take precedence over undergraduate requirements. (The phrase conference trade as interpreted Sunday 1st week MT01 means any use of college facilities for functions organised or completely attended by groups other than College members in or out of term time.) ContraceptionPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR opposes government charges for the contraceptive pill. Balliol JCR believes that contraception is a right and should be free and that everyone should have the right to decide when and if they want children. CrocodilesPolicy last updated: 2009-09-01 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 This JCR believes: 1) Giant flying crocodiles and record-breaking fish are badass. 2) Any man who can fight off one and catch the other at the same time is doubly badass. 3) Tim Directional AdvicePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes 1. Everyone has a right to impartial and neutral advice on abortion 2. Women should be assisted in making the decision that is right for them Balliol JCR resolves 1. To condemn directional advice groups such as Life 2. To instigate a ban on advertising the Life helpline in the JCR and its publications DiscriminationPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Worldwide, gender stereotyping of men and women still exists and is unfair and unacceptable. As a result of this women have tended to be denied opportunities in all avenues of life, particularly in education and the workplace. No one should be discriminated against, harassed or marginalized on the basis of their gender. Because women are in the significant minority at Balliol, a Women's officer providing welfare, representing women's interests within Balliol, to the university and OUSU and coordinating events is a valuable thing. The potential discrimination against women behind the finals gap is concerning and investigation into it is a valuable and important process. Ethnic Minorities and OverseasPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 It's important for ethnic minority and overseas students to be respresented by a JCR officership, both on JCR committee and in the JCR and university as a whole, but that they would be adequately represented by a single officership. Having 4 people representing these two overlapping groups is unnecessary. Fire SafetyPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Toast is an integral part of breakfast. Toast is a quick and cheap snack at any time of the day, ideal for students who are often in a hurry. That denying students the right to have toasters in their bedrooms removes their access to toast, especially considering the limited number of kitchenettes in college. Free Drinks at BopsPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Enabling certain individuals to claim free drinks at a bop is a corrupt use of JCR resources. No JCR member shall acquire free drinks at a bop Free-Range EggsPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Battery farming is an ethically unsound practice that should not be supported by JCR services. Pantry should buy exclusively free range eggs, regardless of the difference in price between free range and "budget" eggs. Future OutlookPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR notes the level of student interest in careers which are not purely profit-orientated but which incorporate social and environmental concerns and that this interest is not adequately catered for by the annual Guild Careers Fair. Balliol JCR supports fully the principle of Future Outlook, the ethical and alternative careers fair and forum namely, focussing on the public sector, ethical and sustainable business, non-governmental organisations, voluntary and charity work and post-graduate courses. General MeetingsPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 The Norway Room is to be non-smoking during General Meetings. Green EnergyPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR Believes 1. As a responsible institution, we have a duty to minimise our impact on the environment. 2. The large energy users should renew their existing contract with SSE or another green energy supplier and not switch back to brown energy. 3. The opportunity to build a wind turbine is a good one, and the University should make investigations into the feasibility of the project. HarassmentPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR refuses to tolerate harassment of any form on any basis against any member. Indiscriminate ChargesPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2011 Balliol JCR notes that Bursarial attempts were made last term to introduce a fixed charge of 45 for those who live in and 21 for those who live out in order to cover the College catering deficit. Balliol JCR opposes any indiscriminate charges levied against its members, individually or collectively to cover college deficits. International Students FeesPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes that: the university and Oxford colleges should be more open in the fees that they charge for international students. Any changes in charges should be informed in advance. Any increase in the level of university and college international student fees should be justified by an explanation of how the increase is commensurate with academic provision. Balliol JCR also believes that: all colleges should allow international students to pay their fees in instalments. Students allowed to pay fees in instalments should not be charged more than those who pay at the beginning of the academic year. JACARIPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR notes that: 1. Ethnic minority children often face difficulties in England because early problems with learning English mean that they never catch up with their English counterparts. 2. JACARI was set up forty years ago to achieve equality of opportunity for ethnic minority children. 3. It organises Oxford students as home teachers, who visit the children, teach them basic English and help them with their general studies so as to enable them to achieve their potential. Balliol JCR believes that the Joint Action Committee Against Racial Intolerance is a Good Thing and supports it June JamboreePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Holding a June Jamboree for the whole college community is a good thing. The June Jamboree should be held at the end of Trinity Term, with such date and time to be confirmed at a GM. The Jamboree needs to be thought about at an early stage, in order to get the appropriate bar licences sorted out in time. The JCR should be able to seek external sponsorship for the June Jamboree. Jurassic ParkPolicy last updated: 2009-09-01 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 1. Dinosaurs are amazing 2. The primary cast and crew of "Jurassic Park" deserve recognition for their achievements 3. You cant be seen if you dont move Living Out GrantsPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR supports the continuation of means tested living out grants whilst there are still undergraduates who cannot be provided with College accommodation. Living Wage CampaignPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 1. That all workers in the university and colleges should be paid a living wage and have the right to join a union; 2. That we should support the Oxford University Living Wage Campaign; 3. That, as a matter of principle, we should take an interest in the lives of those who work for the university that provides our education and, should they have concerns about their work, be prepared to stand by them in advocating change; As a matter of principle, we should take an interest in the lives of those who work for the university that provides our education. Should workers at the university have concerns about their work, we should be prepared to stand by them in advocating change. Communication between students and workers is essential to a successful Living Wage campaign. Communication between students and workers is desirable as an end in itself. Students and workers have a fundamental right to freely communicate their opinions. LGBT RightsPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes 1. No one should be harassed, discriminated against, or marginalised on the basis of their sexuality. 2. There is no place for such harassment, discrimination or marginalisation in this JCR. 3. One of the best ways to combat discrimination is to raise awareness. Balliol JCR believes that All LGBT people should have the following rights: To have sex at the same age and under the same circumstances as heterosexuals and to be permitted to engage in any sexual activity to which both/all partners consent. To have legally recognised partnerships. To have and adopt children, and to bring them up as they see fit. To have equal employment opportunities in all occupations and not to be dismissed from their job on the basis of their sexuality. To have adequate health information and provision. To have their existence fairly recognised in education, discussion and literature in schools. To live without persecution, discrimination and intimidation. Balliol JCR supports the abolition of Section 28 as homophobic and injurious to gay and lesbian teenagers and as an unacceptable inequality before the law. Balliol JCR believes that lesbians and gay men should have access to information about differing sexualities while at school and that Section 28 significantly impedes this. Balliol JCR believes in equality with straight men and women for lesbians and gay men. Balliol JCR believes that it is unfortunate that Balliol has traditionally done very little in the fight for gay and lesbian equality. Balliol JCR notes that the LGBT Society is the foremost point of welfare and social contact for the gay community of Oxford students. Balliol JCR believes that the LGBT Society should be given financial aid so it may continue its vital role in the university. LockersPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Any locker key must be returned within one week of being signed out. Failure to return the key will result in a fine of 1 per day being levied. MascotsPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 College spirit is a good thing Having a college mascot would only further the college spirit If we were to have a college mascot it should be a lion. Coolness of an organisation is directly proportional to the number of big cuddly mascots they possess. Mr D&M - AppearancePolicy last updated: 2009-09-01 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Mr D&M should not look like Female History Alumni of Balliol. NightbusPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes that the OUSU Nightbus is a very worthy project which will contribute to student safety in Oxford. Balliol JCR believes that the Nightbus provides an excellent service and should be supported. Non-paymentPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR supports any member of College who cannot pay fees or decides to withhold them as a political statement. OccupationPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR supports peaceful occupation as a legitimate means of student protest. OUSUPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Women deserve equal representation on university and student bodies. That the sabbatical post of V-P (Women) is important to ensure Female students receive this equal representation. A part-time women's executive officer will not be as effective as a full-time sabbatical officer. That the appointment of a professional Student Advisor would benefit students but should not come at the expense of the Vice-President (Women). Although a referendum is desirable, it should only take place after proper consultation and this cannot be completed before Thursday of sixth week, Trinity Term 2007 OUSU Charitable StatusPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Re-registering as a Registered Charity is the best option for OUSU OUSU Executive VotePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 This JCR believes 1. OUSU exec have a vote on OUSU council because they are - Representative of students - They will often be the ones who know the most about the many issues before council, because this is their job. 2. JCR common rooms and reps do not necessarily have the time to fully research issues regarding students at a university and national level, which is why OUSU execs job description involves this. 3. OUSU council is not exclusively designed to represent common room opinion. The OUSU constitution ensures the representation and thereby protection of minority groups in the university. This is of particular importance to VP women and also given that JCR representatives rarely include graduates, the 5 graduate officers. 4. Taking away the executive vote would disenfranchise the student body who voted for them and would make OUSU council less representative of student opinion, not more. 5. That such a motion is not addressing the root of the problem, which is lack of attendance at OUSU council by JCR reps. 6. That students, in voting for OUSU exec members, do not merely allow them to vote in OUSU Council, but expect them to vote in OUSU Council and trust them to vote on the basis of their own information and understanding of student's interests. OUSU Publishing BoardPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes that the Oxford Student should be overseen by an independent publishing board. Balliol JCR mandates the representatives of Balliol JCR in OUSU Council to vote for an independent publishing board as and when a motion in favour of such is presented to OUSU Council. Oxford Access SchemePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR supports fully the aims of the Oxford Access Scheme namely, to encourage applications from inner city areas, especially from members of ethnic minorities, to higher education in general and Oxford University in particular. Oxford StudentPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes the OxStu is crap. PantryPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR resolves to encourage people by posters and word of mouth to take their used plates and cutlery not only off the lawn, but also when in the Norway Room, TV Room and Lindsay Bar, to take them up to the trolley next to the Pantry door, or if there is no room, to one of the tables nearest to Pantry. Balliol JCR resolves to always be polite to the Pantry staff who so tirelessly and cheerfully feed us chips, bacon butties and strong cups of tea. Balliol JCR accepts that the JCR Pantry is a subsidised service and so may lose money. Balliol JCR resolves that during mealtimes, smoking is not permitted at the pantry end of the JCR. Balliol JCR resolves that no-smoking signs should be permanently on display informing pantry users of our policy, and that mention of it should be included, together with policy against smoking in GMs, in freshers welcome packs. Payment of JCR OfficersPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes that all JCR officers volunteer their time when standing for positions, and should not be paid for the hours they work, except as ordinary JCR members working in the bar or pantry. Peer SupportPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR notes 1. The SCR has offered 400 annually to fund the training of two peer supporters from the JCR. 2. A peer supporter is a trained listener and not a trained advisor and can refer somebody on to a welfare officer or other support. Balliol JCR believes 1. That training two peer supporters each year from the JCR is a good thing. 2. A peer supporter can be any member of the JCR, not just a welfare officer. Balliol JCR resolves 1. To train two members of the JCR each year as peer supporters 2. To mandate the Welfare Subcommittee to advertise these positions. 3. To ask both of the trained peer supporters to act as co-ordinators of the following years peer supporter selection. PhotographPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR supports the taking of a JCR photograph on one day in Trinity term. Proctors CourtPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR notes that four of our members were summonsed to the Proctors Court (Monday 12th February 2001) on a charge of Occupation with no opportunity to view the evidence against them before their trial and were subsequently fined and cautioned for lack of remorse. Balliol JCR believes that the actions of the Proctors Court in frequently not allowing those accused any foreknowledge of the evidence against them and in cautioning anyone for a lack of remorse is bad legal procedure and an insensitive and patronising act. ProtestPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR supports the right to peaceful protest. PuntingPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 The JCR should hire a punt for the use of JCR and MCR members for Trinity Term. Running punts at a loss is a bad thing. It is better to allow JCR members to punt for free, by charging a levy to cover the cost, thus ensuring no loss is made. RacismPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR condemns racist attacks of all sorts and intentions. Balliol JCR condemns discrimination on the basis of race. Balliol JCR supports justice for the victims of violence in police custody and in prisons, justice for victims of racist murders and justice for immigrants and asylum seekers. Residency RequirementPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR notes that in order to complete a degree at Oxford University, an undergraduate must be resident for nine terms and six weeks of each term (University Decrees and Regulations, Ch. V Sect III). If an undergraduate of the university is under suspension for non-payment of the tuition fee they do not count as resident despite having matriculated and paid rent which is non-refundable. Balliol JCR believes that the residency requirement is antiquated, unfair and ambiguous and should be abolished. Balliol JCR notes that an occupation of the Divinity School in the Old Bodleian took place from Wednesday 7th to Friday 9th February 2001. Balliol JCR supports the demands of the occupiers, namely: 1. That the University recognise non-payers of the tuition fee as resident and lift their suspensions (enabling them to take their degree rather than drop a year. 2. That the University clarify to Colleges and Societies that suspension does not entail non-residence. Safer SexPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes: 1. That the safer sexual practices for all should be promoted. 2. That the safer sex scheme of efficient distribution of condoms and lubricant previously operated by the JCR, will not be effective if we only have the free supplies available to us. 3. That the JCR should supply condoms and lubricant to ensure safer sexual practices by members of the JCR. Balliol JCR Resolves: 1. To take the free condom supply available to us from OUSU. 2. To participate in the bulk buying scheme operated by OUSU. 3. To fund these additional condoms by cresting an optional levy of 20p per term per member of the JCR. 4. To mandate the Welfare Subcommittee to: i. Advertise the availability of these condoms and lubricant in College. ii. Advertise the availability of dental dams from OUSU. Scunthorpe UnitedPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Scunthorpe United's players and management deserve recognition for their outstanding achievements "The Iron" are mighty. Set-Splitting in CollegePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR opposes the splitting of undergraduate sets and rooms in College. SmokingPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Individuals have the right to smoke or not. College is wrong in proposing to enforce a blanket ban on smoking. Sponsorship of a ChildPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 The JCR sponsoring a child is a good thing, and should continue. Staff Christmas BonusPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 The JCR staff Xmas bonus is a good thing. JCR staff work consistently hard for the JCR and many of them have worked for us for a long time. Target SchoolsPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes that Target Schools Open Days are a Very Good Thing and encourage lots of state school students to apply to Oxford and hopefully to Balliol in particular. Balliol JCR resolves to allow Target Schools to use pantry facilities to provide Target School sixth formers with tea and coffee. TerrorismPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR notes the recent attacks on the United States of America. (i.e. the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, 11/09/01) Balliol JCR regrets any loss of life caused by terrorist action. Third World DebtPolicy last updated: 2009-09-01 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 1. This JCR believes that debt in less economically developed countries stunts their economic development and entrenches their economic inequality with the developed world. 2.This JCR believes that the vast majority of this debt is a result of the misrule of local despots and the rapacious asset-stripping of foreign governments and corporations. 3. This JCR believes that there is both a moral and economic imperative to cancel these debts. Transgender RightsPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes transgender people have the right to be legally recognised in their chosen gender. Tutor for WomenPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR supports the designation of a member of the SCR as Tutor for Women who will help women needing to address the SCR, be available to discuss the problems and grievances of individual women and take a role campaigning on access and academic issues. Top-Up FeesPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR believes that Oxford, like other universities, is in urgent need of higher funding. However, it also believes that this extra money should not come from students. TortoisesPolicy last updated: 2009-09-01 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 This JCR will endeavour to replace Matilda with a new, not-ill, race-winning, tortoise, as soon as possible Vacation ResidencePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Balliol JCR notes that vacation residence (the ability to retain your college room beyond full term) was recently effectively abolished in order to make more college rooms available for conference business. Balliol JCR believes in the right of students to obtain vacation residence whenever required. Balliol JCR notes that Oxford terms are often extremely hectic, with little time for things like reading around ones subject, or enjoying the city. 1. That prior to 1980 it was normal for Oxford students to stay in residence throughout the vacation, and that old members report that the vacations were often the most pleasurable, productive and intellectually fertile periods of their degree course. Balliol JCR believes that having a significant number of students stay for a large parts of the vacations would be a welcome return to the pre-1980 culture of college life, and that it would be beneficial in many ways to both our education and the quality and quantity of time spent in Oxford. Vegetable GardenPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 Knowing how to grow your own food is an important life skill that many Balliol students do not have. Growing your own food is an important contribution to environmental sustainability. Contribution to environmental sustainability is valid even if what you produce is unable to meet your consumption requirements. Growing your own food is entertaining. An allotment is as attractive as a flowerbed. Work RoomPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2012 JCR members should have access to an area for quiet study at all times. Policies due for review in 2013: Abortion - ChoicePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2013 Balliol JCR supports a womans right to choose an abortion. Administrative failurePolicy last updated: 2010-11-28 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2013 Public humiliation for administrative failure is a Good Thing. Balliol-Trinity RivalryPolicy last updated: 2010-11-28 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2013 This JCR believes 1. Gordouli has a face like a ham. 2. Bobby Johnson says so 3. He should know! 4. Bloody Trinity! 5. Bloody Trinity! 6. Bloody Trinity! This JCR also believes 7. Menaites once 8. Menaites twice 9. Holy jumping Jesus Christ! 10. Flim 11. Flam 12. Wham 13. Bam 14. Oh, shit! 15. Bloody Trinity! 16. Bloody Trinity! 17. Bloody Trinity! In addition, this JCR believes 18. If I were a Trinity man, I would I would 19. Id go into a public weir, I would I would 20. Id pull the chain and disappear, I would I would! 21. Bloody Trinity! 22. Bloody Trinity! 23. Bloody Trinity! Further, this JCR believes 24. I dont give a fuck or damn who the hell or what I am, as long as Im not a Trinity man. 25. Bloody Trinity! 26. Bloody Trinity! 27. Bloody Trinity! 10 This, too, this JCR believes 28. Im a bastard, yes I am. 29. Id rather be a bastard than a bloody Trinity man. 30. Bloody Trinity! 31. Bloody Trinity! 32. Bloody Trinity! This JCR also believes the following 33. Trinitys burning. 34. We should fetch the engine. 35. Fire, fire! Fire, fire! 36. Pour on petrol. 37. Bloody Trinity! 38. Bloody Trinity! 39. Bloody Trinity! Finally, this JCR believes 40. Goodnight Trinity, weve got to leave you now. 41. Before we go: 42. Bloody Trinity! 43. Bloody Trinity! 44. Bloody Trinity! Charges Resulting from DamagesPolicy last updated: 2010-02-14 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2013 This JCR Believes 1. That while charges to students are undesirable, it is necessary to ensure that, where possible, charges are do not fall on those not responsible. 2. That costs faced by students should not exceed the repair/labour costs associated with the damage. 3. That costs arising from damages attributable to an individual should be met by that individual. 4. That costs arising from damages arising from JCR Entz events, where the perpetrator cannot be determined, can be considered externalities of JCR Entz, and should be charged to the Entz account accordingly. 5. That costs arising from damages where the perpetrator cannot be determined, and where there is a possibility that the damages were caused by graduates/fellows/visitors, should be charged to the College Domus account. 6. That costs arising from damages, where the perpetrator is shown to be an indeterminable undergraduate should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Domus ChargePolicy last updated: 2010-11-28 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2013 This JCR believes 1. Colleges financial position is severe, and worsening and effort should be made to protect the long term financial sustainability of Balliol. In addition, this JCR believes 2. That a large, upfront fee (representing up to 30% of an undergraduates available money after rent) is far more dissuasive to a candidate considering applying than (as advocated in the Browne Review) an income assessed charge after graduation, particularly when this charge will make Balliol the most expensive College by some distance. 3. The Domus charge is very regressive, as it does not distinguish between use of services, or of the financial status of students. 7 4. That the introduction of a Domus Charge would therefore have severe consequences for both Access and Admissions. 5. Candidates for 2011 admission (who by now have selected, and committed to a college) have no prior knowledge of the charge, and therefore (for exactly the same reasons College are not considering introducing this charge to current students) should not have to pay the charge. 6. That by October 2012, only one years worth of candidates will be paying the Domus charge (amounting to no more than a total of 100k). 7. That Higher Education funding will change dramatically and irreversibly in 2012, leading to an increase in the academic income from students (the best estimates at this stage suggesting that income from students will increase by around 1,000 per year after some has been distributed around the University). 8. That this charge will therefore impose an unfair levy on the successful 2011 candidates, for the sake of 100,000, after which the financial income of College will change dramatically, and likely for the better. 9. That a Domus charge should therefore not be implemented in 2011. In addition, this JCR believes 10. That a charge will essentially be used to subsidise Premises, i.e. critical spend (urgent capital expenditure on Hall flooring, critical electrical works and updating fire alarm systems), rather than Residence or Academic funding. 11. That should the subsidy of Premises be shown to be exempt from the definition of Board & Lodgings (i.e. the two categories that College can legally charge for), this charge will be legally challengeable. 12. That the JCR should appeal against the implementation of the charge should it be shown to be legally contentious. In addition, this JCR believes 13. That although College have demonstrated successful efforts to increase efficiency and have intro- duced cuts to Academic staff, the Domus Charge is being introduced on the premise that students should support the Domestic side in its current form. 14. That students would rather accept a decrease to the quality of domestic service (reduced scout hours, decrease in Hall etc.) than lose such a significant portion of available income. 15. That should a charge with the characteristics of the Domus charge be introduced, it should be renamed a Premises Charge for clarity; the clear legal justification of such a charge should be made unambiguously clear by College. 16. That the concessions made to avoid a charge last year that have proved to be unfair and inconvenient, and should be withdrawn should a charge be implemented. This JCR supports any student matriculating in 2011 who refuses to pay the additional fee called the Domus Charge. Fire SafetyPolicy last updated: 2010-02-14 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2013 This JCR believes 1. That waking people up at an unreasonable hour is both unnecessary and uncool. 2. Before noon and an unreasonable hour are synonymous terms. 3. That the fluid nature of peoples work timetables means that they will have lie-ins on different days, and that this is no-ones business but their own. 4. That the Colleges persistent habit of testing the fire alarm at an unreasonable hour encourages a dangerous attitude to fire safety. Independent Student RepresentationPolicy last updated: 2010-02-28 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2013 The events at Queens College are highly worrying, and set a dangerous precedent. Living Wage CampaignPolicy last updated: 2010-01-17 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2013 This JCR believes: 1) That the Living Wage campaign's minimum income calculation is an accurate account of how much someone needs to live on in Oxford. 2) That there is both moral and economic case in favour of the Living Wage. 3) That the JCR is proud of its status as a Living Wage employer and should remain so in the future. This JCR further believes: 1) That the JCR should be proud of the financial and logistical assistance it has provided to the Living Wage campaign. 2) That the JCR should be able to continue funding political campaigns in the future. West PapuaPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2013 This JCR notes: 1. That West Papua is currently occupied illegally by Indonesia 2. That since Indonesia has occupied West Papua, the military (which controls the island) has murdered over 300,000 of the indigenous population 3. That BP which considers itself green and ethical has recently started operating in West Papua 4. That BP has promised $14 million to Oxford University for a new research centre and BP chair of economics in 2006. This JCR believes: 1. That Indonesia is illegally occupying West Papua, and that Papuans have the right to a fair referendum on independence 2. That the Indonesian government's imprisonment of Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage for 10 and 15 years respectively for raising the Papuan national flag is wrong 3. That BP, despite claims to 'honesty and integrity' in its dealings is operating unethically and in the midst of a genocide 4.That the University is implicitly condoning the actions of BP and companies like it by accepting its money and sponsorship.
Policies due for review in 2014: Arms TradePolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2014 Balliol JCR believes that 1. Holding shares in British arms companies supports these companies and is equivalent to condoning their arms exports. 2. Many students would object to the investment of money being held in trust on their behalf in such companies. 3. Universities and Colleges should not be assisting mass murder and genocide by holding shares in British companies that sell weapons to repressive regimes. 4. There is little difference between selling arms to a terrorist group and selling weaponry to a government that consistently abuses human rights, ignores international law and refuses its citizens basic rights such as free speech. 5. Money and profit are not everything, and ethical considerations must be taken into account when making financial decisions and selecting investments. College InvestmentsPolicy last updated: 2009-09-01 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2014 The Colleges investment decisions should be driven not only by financial considerations, but also the social impact of those investments. A socially responsible investment policy for the College would be a Good Thing. Jack HobbsPolicy last updated: 2008-03-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2014 This JCR believes that Jack Hobbs is a twat. This JCR believes that Jack Hobbs should pay for his mistakes. [Namely, forgetting the code to the JCR television, having changed it form its factory default] No-PlatformPolicy last updated: 2008-01-27 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2014 This JCR believes, in relation to the OUSU no-platform policy, that OUSU should resolve to: a) empower the OUSU Executive to deny any OUSU medium (except those already covered in independent agreements) to individuals attempting to use such mediums to advocate, incite or perpetrate violence against other individuals, groups or communities such as ethnic, religious, cultural and sexual minorities. An OUSU 'medium' within the terms of this policy shall include all OUSU elections, referenda and office resources, other than those covered in independent agreements. b) empower the OUSU Executive to deny any OUSU medium (except those already covered in independent agreements) to individuals attempting to use such mediums to actively aid individuals or groups in efforts to advocate, incite or perpetrate violence against other individuals groups or communities such as ethnic, religious, cultural and sexual minorities. c) Any decision taken by the OUSU Executive in either of the above regards must be ratified by a simple majority of Council at the earliest possible opportunity. In instances relating to OUSU elections and referenda, the decision taken by the OUSU Executive must be ratified by an Extraordinary Session of Council to vote solely on this issue, which shall be called immediately after the Executive's decision, unless there is an Ordinary Council being held within the notice period of the Extraordinary Council. Reserved BusinessPolicy last updated: 2007-11-02 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2014 1. Balliol JCR notes that that often matters which are relevant to Undergraduates are discussed in Reserved business when the JCR representatives are not present. 2. Balliol JCR resolves to mandate the JCR Executive to bring papers to college Executive Committee to create a Tutor for Undergraduates who will be our advocate on college committees; have unreserved business as being any business for which there is no positive reason to define it as reserved (positive reasons being the discussion of matters solely relating to college staff). 3. Balliol JCR resolves to mandate the JCR Committee to push for greater Junior Member representation in college. SlatesPolicy last updated: 2008-06-08 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2014 This JCR believes: 1) That, as far as Balliol JCR elections are concerned, slates are bad things 2) If the Oxford Union has contributed anything towards the integrity of the electoral process, it is to show, simply, that slates cause problems. 3) That slates effectively promote the candidates involved outside of their own manifestos, despite the fact that the manifesto is supposed to be their only means of campaigning (excluding Hustings, under Standing Order 5.7.3) 4) That a slate has the potential to unfairly undermine other candidates not running on a slate 5) That, in order to be as fair as possible, all candidates should conduct their own campaigns, and not involve themselves in any way with the campaigns of others
The Social Model of DisabilityPolicy last updated: 2012-01-29 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2014 Balliol JCR believes: 1. That disabled people have historically been excluded from mainstream society and can continue to face discrimination and prejudice leading to disadvantage and exclusion. 2. That disability is a result of the barriers faced by people with impairments. 3. That while many individuals have physical or sensory impairments or learning difficulties or are living with mental health conditions, it is not the individual’s impairment which creates disability but the way in which society responds to these impairments, either consciously or subconsciously. 4. That society can and should pro-actively remove barriers that result in disabled people being excluded from society. 5. That disabilism – discrimination, harassment or marginalisation of disabled people – is a form of oppression in the same way as is racism, sexism and homophobia. 6. That no-one should be oppressed because they are disabled. 7. That Balliol JCR, wherever and whenever possible, should remove barriers that result in disabled people being excluded from its activities and services. 8. That Balliol JCR should strongly encourage other bodies, wherever and whenever possible, to remove barriers that result in disabled people being excluded. Third World DebtPolicy last updated: 2011-11-20 Up for renewal at AGM in: 2014 Balliol JCR notes that 1. Developing world countries owe the Western world a staggering three trillion dollars. 2. For every 1 in aid we give the average third world country they pay 9 back in interest repayments for their debts. 3. Most poorer countries in the world spend more money servicing their interest repayments than they do on health, education and welfare combined. 4. For some countries (such as Mozambique) their debt repayments absorb over half their GNP and stand at over 400% of the countrys total income. 5. The UN estimates that a child dies every 6 seconds because of debt repayments. 6. Debts have been cancelled before, for example for Britain and Germany after the Second World War. 7. The people of most of these countries had no say in how their debt was run up usually by corrupt, unelected dictators. Balliol JCR believes that 1. It is a principle of justice to cancel these debts as a return on our exploitation of the developing world, the gold and the slaves we have stolen. 2. It is a moral necessity to cancel these debts children and adults are dying. 3. That the money is there in our global financial system the total amount needed is less than the world found in two weeks to prevent a global meltdown as a result of the SE Asian economic crisis; it is the amount we spend on mineral water each year in Europe; the amount that the USA spends on going to the cinema every six months. 4. That there is an economic imperative to cancel these debts these countries are unable to develop and play a full role in the world economy. Balliol JCR further believes 5. That debt in less economically developed countries stunts their economic development and entrenches their economic inequality with the developed world. 6. That the vast majority of this debt is a result of the misrule of local despots and the rapacious asset-stripping of foreign governments and corporations. 7. That there is both a moral and economic imperative to cancel these debts. |
