Decision explained

By Denis Phelps

The Joint Committee on Student Participation in the University decided to hold its meetings in committee because the holding of open sessions and the moving into committee "would have a disruptive effect on the deliberations," stated the chairman, Mr S. V. Simpson, in a recent press release.

The Committee has been set up under the following terms of reference; to

(1) enquire into communication systems at the university,

(2) recommend improvements in those systems,

(3) enquire into the desirability of increased representation on University Committees.

The last meeting of the Committee on July 9th was mainly concerned with "the report of the sub-committee set up to enquire into the first point of the terms of reference." As a result of this discussion an interim report to Council will be made.

However the Committee "considers student representation an important part of the problem, and in view of this will recommend to Council that students be represented on the following of its committees:

(1) Ceremonial Committee

(2) Purchase of Works of Art Standing Committee

(3) University Appointments Board

(4) Joint Committee on Honorary Degrees.

"If the Committee's recommendations are accepted by Council there will be student representation on 12 of the 16 committees," he said.

Those written submissions open to the public have been released (extracts will be published in Salient next week), and further representations from individuals will be sought.