This week students at the University of Lincoln go to the polls to decide whether we should remain a member of the NUS.
Use this guide to find out the arguments from the Leave (Keep Lincoln Independent) and Remain (Yes to NUS) sides on a range of key topics.
On what the NUS does for students in Lincoln
Yes to NUS: The NUS have managed to force changes which have been beneficial to students in Lincoln such as securing the exemption from council tax and introducing rent deposit protection schemes.
Keep Lincoln Independent: The NUS is based in London meaning that issues in the capital gain more attention than regional issues. The NUS currently has over 1000 live policies meaning that it’s difficult to find time for them to address specific issues that students may have.
On the NUS’ ability to campaign on key student issues:
Yes to NUS: The NUS is a huge organisation and has good links with MPs and government ministers meaning change is more likely to happen. Outside the NUS the only person to represent students in Lincoln would be the local MP who might not have the best interests of the students at heart.
Keep Lincoln Independent: Outside the NUS, Lincoln SU would still be able to work with the NUS and other students unions on big issues which affect all students. It would also result on the SU concentrating on more local issues and working with local charities.
On NUS Extra Cards:
Yes to NUS: As the NUS Extra Cards are available to buy for all students, more businesses are inclined to get involved meaning the variety of shops students can use is massive.
Keep Lincoln Independent: There are lots of other student discount schemes such as UNiDAYS cards which are free to use, whereas the NUS Extra cards cost £12 to buy.
On the cost of membership:
Yes to NUS: The membership fee goes towards a range of different things from officer training to getting cheaper food and drink in student union venues.
Keep Lincoln Independent: Lincoln SU spent £44,000 on membership of the NUS last year. This money could be spent on Lincoln students own affairs such as sports teams and societies.
On the NUS’ willingness to reform:
Yes to NUS: Currently a democracy review which will change how students can affect how the NUS is run, as well as a review on the cost of membership.
Keep Lincoln Independent: The NUS’s new committee to look into racism and anti-Semitism within the NUS turned into a whitewash after its’ National Executive Committee (NEC) voted in favour of making it so that only NEC members would be on the panel.
Voting closes at 12pm today.