SU Policies

Students’ Union Policies

University of Galway Students’ Union adopts policies on various issues. Policy can be set by the Executive Committee, SU Council or a referendum of all members of the Students’ Union.

Policy can only be repealed or amended by the body that set it, or by a more senior body. For example, policy set by the Executive Committee can be changed by the Executive Committee or SU Council. Policy set by SU Council can only be repealed by SU Council or a referendum. Finally, policy agreed by referendum can only be repealed or changed by referendum.

Many policies are agreed by the Executive Committee or SU Council. Many of those policies are related to changing events such as support for a local mental health campaign and are fulfilled on a regular basis. Policies which are agreed by referendum are usually associated with national campaigns.

The following policies have been agreed by referendum in recent years:

Referendum on Student Levy

Passed April 2021 – more information on the Levy can be found here

Students’ Union position on the legalisation and regulation of the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis.

Passed March 2015

The Students’ Union has adopted a position supporting the legalisation and regulation of the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis.

Students’ Union Position on the Issue of Couples of the Same Gender Availing of Civil Marriage

Passed March 2014

The Students’ Union has a policy of supporting couples of the same gender availing of civil marriage.

Following the national referendum in May 2015, this policy has been fulfilled.

Students’ Union Position on the campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the State of Israel

Passed March 2014

The Students’ Union adopted a position in support of the campaign of “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the State of Israel” (BDS Campaign).

Students’ Union Position on the Issue of Abortion

Passed March 2013

The Students’ Union has a Pro-Choice position in support of the national campaign for full reproductive rights, which includes a woman’s right to abortion, whether elective or medically necessary.

No Platform Policy

Passed March 2012

The Students’ Union is mandated to oppose any invitation to members of various organisations to speak at the University.

The Students’ Union is mandated to oppose any invitation to members of various organisations to speak at the University.

More information on Students’ Union Policies is available HERE