UTech, Jamaica 2015-16 Annual Report

Darrian McGhann President Page 36 University of Technology, Jamaica ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 STUDENTS’ UNION The Students Union Council for the academic year 2015/2016 focused its efforts on improved governance, increased and active representation of the student body on issues of critical concern, enhancing physical facilities and attempting to ensure continuity from one Council to the next. Some of the notable achievements of the Union’s efforts: • Successfully lobbied for the regularization of the three permanent staff members attached to the Students’ Union to receive usual entitlements, including retroactive payments, salary increase, and other staff benefits. • Secured approval of a plan which reduced the amount required for a student to be registered from 80% to 65% percent of tuition fees. • Negotiated reduction of the Enrolment Commitment Fee from $50,000 to $20,000 and ensured that these students are guaranteed the class spaces they have selected, despite not paying the full required amount to be registered. • Successfully lobbied for the Students’ Union to be a part of SYSPRO (tax exemption system), which saved the Students’ Union over $1 million dollars in tax. • Generated over 10 million dollars worth of sponsorship. • Stabilized the Students’ Union Finances. • Increased bursaries to an additional 100 students. • Finalized approval for the construction of a much- needed restroom in the Students’ Activity Centre. • Acquired an additional 5 washers for the washroom on the campus. • Ensured the smooth transition to the incoming Council in the interest of continuity. The Students’ Activity Centre.