Arts Centre and Suspensions: Extraordinary UCU General Meeting Thurs 25th April 12 pm

An extraordinary general meeting of the Aberystwyth University Local Association of the UCU will take place in D54 Hugh Owen On Thursday 25^th April 12 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to debate and vote upon the following two motions:

1. Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Aberystwyth University Local Association of the UCU (Aber UCU) recognises the vital role played by Aberystwyth Arts Centre in the cultural life and economy of Aberystwyth and Mid Wales generally. We also recognise that the facilities, reputation and community ethos of the Arts Centre have been built up through external funding and through the dedication of Arts Centre staff. We hold that, as custodian of the Arts Centre, Aberystwyth University has a moral responsibility to give priority to the Arts Centre’s principal artistic and community functions over more general University functions such as teaching and research. Any attempt by Aberystwyth University to undermine the artistic and community functions of the Arts Centre to further another agenda will be viewed by Aber UCU as a breach of trust on the part of the University and will be opposed by Aber UCU.

2. Precautionary suspensions

Aberystwyth University Local Association of the UCU (Aber UCU) acknowledges that members of Aberystwyth University staff may occasionally need to be suspended when recognisable instances of gross misconduct such as dishonesty, theft or violence are alleged. However, Aber UCU deplores the use of precautionary suspensions and gagging orders in cases where no offence recognisable as gross misconduct has been alleged. Aber UCU will use all means at its disposal to ensure that all instances of precautionary suspension of UCU members are justified objectively and that all cases in which precautionary suspensions appear to have been used inappropriately by Aberystwyth University are challenged.

We encourage all members of Aber UCU to make every effort to attend this meeting.