FAQS

01/

HOW OFTEN DOES OCA STUDENT ASSOCIATION MEET?

The constitution requires us to meet at least four times per year, though we’re currently meeting more frequently than that (roughly every 6-8 weeks) to plan, start and push forward projects. We keep in contact in-between our official meetings so if you want to bring anything to our attention get in touch. You can find all of our minutes here.

02/

WHO ARE THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION MEMBERS?

Most students don't realise that all students automatically become members of the Student Association when they enrol at the OCA unless they choose to opt out. The Reps are actually the main members of the Association's Executive Committee. The Exec Committee can also include so-called 'co-opted' members, who can be specialists, programme spokespeople, or students volunteering to fill a Rep role when it has not been filled as part of the elections.

03/

I'D LIKE TO GET INVOLVED,HOW DO I BECOME A REP?

Each value area can have two Reps. Elections for representatives are held:

• whenever someone leaves their role and their value area has no other Rep covering it, or

• at the end of their term (usually, 12 months - which can be extended to a maximum of 2 years).

Not all roles are currently fully occupied, so if you’re interested in becoming a rep please contact us for more information.

04/

WHY HAVEN'T I BEEN CONSULTED ABOUT<TOPIC I FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT>?

The reality of our Student Association (and most student unions, for that matter) is that it is a representative democracy, not an absolute one. That means that all of the Reps are elected to speak on your behalf. However, they are not obligated to agree with you on every point.

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Just like in many democratic systems, it's up to you to vote for the candidate that best reflects your personal outlook on subjects.

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All of the Reps have an obligation to speak for all of the student viewpoints where possible, not just the people who voted for them! That means that we spend a good deal of time reading and interacting with students through official and student-run channels.

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Just because we haven't talked to you personally doesn't mean we haven't carefully considered the situation. Likewise, while we try and gather objective metrics about the current state of things (like our student surveys) it is too time-consuming and impractical to poll every student about every topic.

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That why it's a representative democracy.

The fact of the matter is, it's up to OCA students. At the last elections, all of the people running ran unopposed - so no votes were needed. When we ran the last student survey less only 15% of the whole student body engaged with replies.

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We are working extremely hard to change this, but we need your help to make that happen.

You need to be the change that you want to see, and we welcome your help.