NSA passes new constitution

Napier Student Association (NSA) unamionously passed a new constitution last week after two years of planning. 

148 students were present at the student senate to vote in favour. No-one voted to oppose the new plans. 

The Journal first reported this review of the constitution when it was introduced in 2009 by past two-term president Kasia Bylinska, as it had previously been criticised for being outdated.

It has been 12 years since the NSA last reviewed their constiution and the student demographics had changed. It was thought that the constitution now blocked activism rather than facilitating it.

Under the new constitution the student executive will continue to consist of three sabbatical officers and six faculty officers. However, two new positions have been created: an Equality and Diversity Officer and an Activities Officer. All positions have have a council to which they are accountable.

Justyna Paslawska, Vice President for Reps & Volunteers, told The Journal that the student senate is also to be replaced by a council which “can be called in an emergency and will still deal with over-arching student issues affecting the majority of students collectively”. However, this council will not meet as regularly as the senate did.

Ms Paslawska added that the new Constitution contains “a degree of flexibility to allow the NSA to respond to the changing needs of its membership over time”.

The review process was steered by the The Constitution Review Group, consisting of NSA Sabbatical Officers, a member of the Edinburgh Napier University Court, the University Principal’s senior policy adviser and NSA’s General Manager. Consultations were carried out, including student questionnaires, presentations to the Senate and discussions with management.

The new constitutionin promotes transparency, equality and inclusion for the student body and the union.