O U S A 
Conference
Conference is O U S A’s supreme decision making body. It elects the President, Deputy President, Vice Presidents and the Student Member of Council. It also determines the Constitution (O U S A’s rules) and decides on what O U S A’s policy will be on any proposal (motion) put to it by any of its constituent units. Every student has the chance to be represented at Conference with Branches, Regions, Executive Committee and affiliated Societies all sending delegates. Even students in catchment areas not currently organised into a Branch can elect delegate(s) to represent them. Normally, Conference is held in April of each year.
In brief, motions are prepared and submitted by the different O U S A units (Branches, Regional Forums, Societies, etc.) according to what the students in those areas consider to be important issues. Those motions are then debated at Conference. In charge is, usually, the President and the General Manager. The proposing unit has 3 minutes at the microphone to convince the delegates that their idea is sound, valid and good for students. An opposing view is then called on for the argument against. There are then further views sought and the debate is finally drawn to a close by the proposer being asked to respond to the points raised. A vote is then taken with delegates holding up their voting cards at the appropriate time.
This year, O U S A Conference took place at the Open University, Milton Keynes, on 26th & 27th April.
Conference 2008 - information and feedback
