Some of you may have seen media coverage last week on initiations, as the national body Universities UK has released new guidance on managing initiation activity. Christ Church Students’ Union does not permit what the guidance terms “problem initiations”, which involve dangerous, humiliating, degrading or abusive behaviour and are the opposite of the inclusive environment that our clubs and societies aspire to be.
We recognise that clubs and societies may wish to hold welcome events to induct new students, and we encourage committees to make these events inclusive and fun. In order to ensure that these events are safe and welcoming, clubs and societies must notify us if they wish to hold a welcome event, and submit our welcome events form the week before the event. Guidance on running welcome events is available in our Welcome Events Policy, but the main requirements are:
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Activity must be risk assessed;
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The event must be overseen at all times by a sober, responsible person;
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Members are advised that any activity is not compulsory and they are not pressured into taking part;
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Members must abide by the Students’ Union Code of Conduct.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind clubs and societies that breach of our Welcome Events Policy can lead to serious consequences for the groups and individuals involved. Sanctions under the Students’ Union Code of Conduct include:
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Removal of membership of a club/society or removal from a committee position;
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Individual or whole club bans from playing in BUCS for a specified number of games;
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Disbanding a club or society entirely.
Individual misconduct can also be dealt with under the University’s disciplinary processes, which could have consequences for your academic and/or professional progression. Please bear in mind that you are subject to the Students’ Union and University conduct policies at all times, and regardless of where you are.
If you experience something at a welcome event that makes you feel uncomfortable, coerced or concerned for someone’s safety, please tell us. We want all our students to feel safe and welcome with us and with our clubs and societies. You can speak to any member of SU staff or any sabbatical officer, or if you prefer to remain anonymous you can fill in our anonymous reporting form.
We wish you all a great first semester!