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*What Does the Union Do?

The Union is there to organise the student end of university life. The Athletics Union and all it's sports clubs, the societies, the Sugarhouse nightclub in town, various festivals, awareness campaigns and other events of significance to the student community, such as protests against top-up fees, and diversity festivals.

*How is the Union Funded?

LUSU acquires a good deal of funding from the University. The remainder comes from some of LUSUs commercial activity, such as the Sugarhouse, its shops, and the housing office. Profits are driven straight back into Union activities.

*Who runs the Union?

You, its members, ultimately run the Union. All decision-making members of the Union are elected yearly, and serve as long in office. They are all students, and any member may stand. The Union also has a number of full-time staff who are there to take care of its administration and day-to-day running.

*What can I do?

Vote. As the least time-consuming, voting is the thing we most appreciate our members doing. There are 3 main elections every year in the union, for the paid Sabbatical positions, for the non-sabbatical positions, and for the JCR, who are also Union affiliates. All members may vote for sabb and non-sabb, and college members may vote for JCR. The more voters we have, the more democratic our organisation, and the more likelihood we have the right candidate for the job.

Stand. If you wish to commit more time to the Union, then we would encourage anyone to run for a position at the elections. Non-sabb and JCR elections are held toward the end of the first term, and Sabb positions are contested in the second term. Anyone interested can ask questions at Freshers Fair at the Unions stand, as well as asking the officers themselves, or popping into the LUSU offices below Spar.

Talk. We need your input for LUSU to remain a relevant, student-led organisation. Without its members input, a union is nothing. The Union holds a General meeting once per term you can attend and speak at. Here the Union representatives (Sabb and non-sabb) inform on their work, and of future work of the Union. Any member may also come along to Union Council meetings too.

*Student apathy has been the focus of a lot of media attention. Is student apathy a problem at Lancaster?

LUSU is committed to making sure that as many of its members are reached as possible when the time comes for our voice to be heard on important issues, such as fees, welfare, equality of opportunity and facilities. This way, we keep you informed about large-scale events for the things we care about. We don't think apathy is the best word for a problem relating to feeling disenfranchised. The Union is there to be a focus for involvement. A focus on the things we all care about.