State of the Union - EUSA

Speaking to students from the other universities, one could easily come to a conclusion that Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) is the standard by which they judge their own student union. Perhaps this is unfair given the historic nature and status of Edinburgh University, but it is impossible to escape the fact that on sheer scale, EUSA is dwarfing its equivalents in the city.

The impressive EUSA buildings could easily be a cause for union-envy given their size in comparison to their more humble counterparts at HWU and QMU. Teviot and Potterrow are popular haunts for non-Edinburgh University students, but for these people, there will always be a sense of not belonging.

Edinburgh University student James Brennan tells The Journal what the buildings mean to him: “There’s no question they’re a great space, and full credit to the Union because they make them very accessible. I’ve always felt that these buildings really belong to the students which is so important, it helps you embed the University into your identity.”

Mr Brennan continues, explaining his awareness regarding the envy of other students towards EUSA. “I don’t know if it’s something that everyone would be conscious of, but I know through my friends at Napier that they sometimes have some contempt for us [Edinburgh University students] because of what we’ve got in comparison to them.

"But it’s not really something that should impact on what EUSA does, Man United aren’t going to stop winning trophies just because Blackburn are a bit jealous.”

EUSA President Mathew McPherson is eager to deflect comparisons between the city’s student unions, saying that each union faces its own challenges: “Every student union strives to represent its members, and what's great about the higher education sector is that we are all unique.

"Of course we must learn from one another and share good practice as a student movement, but here at EUSA we're committed to fulfilling our charitable aims of creating a world-leading student experience for everyone here.

"There is no doubt we are a strong Union, but there is plenty of more work to do, particularly on engaging a far wider range of students, and in modernizing our facilities and services for the 21st century.”

While the union buildings host the most entertaining events in EUSA's calendar, Mr McPherson wants to show that EUSA and its buildings are not just about providing a cheap pint for its student body.

“I don't think that engagement with EUSA is particularly focused around the bars. I hope we are defined by the strong representation we make on behalf of students to the University on issues which effect them, like library opening hours and bursaries and scholarships, but much of our work and day-to-day contact with students is certainly focused around our four Union buildings.”

Mr McPherson continues by highlighting the difference between the terms building and bar. “Our buildings host a whole range of activities, not just drinking. The vast majority of our societies meet regularly in Union buildings, and we provide food all day which is really good value.

"But above all, our Union buildings are about the social space - an opportunity for students to meet up, work, or just hang out. Of course, many drink, but nowhere near all, and our Union doors are firmly open to each and every one of our members."

But even EUSA, whose commercial operation dwarfs those of most other unions, is not without its problems. As The Journal reports today (see page 3), the union's finances have struggled in recent years: an operating deficit of £90,000 in 2010/11 is now set to triple to £320,000 this year, in the face of major capital expenditure projects, rising costs and lacklustre performance in some venues.

Politically, recent turnout at the University’s by-elections and referendum on a new constitution tell two tales. Whilst the figures at Edinburgh are impressive in relation to most national figures, these national figures tend to suggest that almost all student unions suffer from a passiveness problem.

To place this in context, a 12 per cent turnout at London Metropolitan University’s elections was heralded as a success by the union. The lowest turnout for a national election since WWII was 59 percent in 2001.

The Journal spoke to Edinburgh student Eileen McAllister about general student attitudes toward union elections. She said: “Student politics is a different ball game to the real thing, and I think student attitudes highlight this. It’s very easy to get through your entire time at university without ever dealing with the union, it’s only important if you make it important.

"At the end of the day, you still pay your fees, show up for your classes and get your degree, regardless of what happens with the union. It doesn’t take a genius to spot that one. I’m more worried about enjoying the company of my friends than the constitution, sorry EUSA.”

There will be always be a counterpoint to the type of student Ms McAllister has described. The EUSA president explains the ways more interested students get involved with the Union: “Students represent themselves to EUSA in a whole range of ways.

"We have one of the highest voter turnouts in the UK, and many of our members use our Advice Place at Potterrow for confidential advice and support. Others email us with queries, stand for Student Council, and join us on marches against fees as we defend education."

Mr McPherson added: "But many of our students simply represent themselves to us by coming to the Big Cheese [EUSA's flagship club night], which is good too. We put a lot of effort into advertising our elections and events, and Freshers' Week is a good example of when we try really hard to encourage as many people as possible into the heart of the Union.”

Despite low overall participation in EUSA democracy, however, the union is among the most politicised in the country, with its student council currently divided between moderate, Labour-aligned students like Mr McPherson and Vice-President (Societies & Activities) Emma Meehan, and the well-organised Defend Edinburgh bloc of anti-cuts activists which formed at last year's election, and which includes current Vice-President (Academic Affairs) Mike Williamson. 

But factional fault lines worry some, with many close to EUSA observing that there is a risk with two politically-aligned blocs dominating the student council that 'independents' - students who don't identify with a party or group - might be squeezed out or discouraged to stand in future elections.

Overall, however, the picture painted by Mr McPherson and the students who spoke to The Journal, is one that transcends the state of their own union, instead reflecting issues that face unions across the country.

The constant battle against student passiveness is a challenge that has, and most probably will continue to, cause dissatisfaction for those holding posts in their union.

But members of struggling unions elsewhere can perhaps take solace from the fact that, even after peering into the workings of a “successful” student association, the only definitive conclusion to be reached is that no union is perfect, regardless of how big their buildings are.