CUSU Council will tonight vote on proposed changes to the student union’s affiliation fee model, as CUSU seek to shift the basis of their funding away from JCR and MCR affiliation, and towards individual student membership.

The move, which would reduce the financial impact on CUSU of a college disaffiliating, comes after disaffiliation referenda at Peterhouse and Selwyn, as well as one at Corpus in which students rejected the prospect of reaffiliation.

Tonight’s motion – which resolves to “support the new funding model outlined” in supporting documents provided by CUSU – is the same as that put to Council on 24th October, though there have been revisions made to the outlined proposals.

On 24th October the motion was not put to a vote. CUSU President Amatey Doku promised to undertake further consultation amid concerns that the proposed per capita levy would adversely impact colleges where the JCR or MCR is currently disaffiliated, and would impede the ability of JCRs and MCRs to hold CUSU to account.

With a number JCRs and MCRs having recently held elections, the first CUSU Council for some in attendance tonight will be one where they are asked to vote on weighty proposals that look sure to change the dynamic between the central union, combination rooms, and students.

According to CUSU’s supporting the documents, the latter of these is cited as the “major reason” why CUSU’s proposals were opposed by half of the Bursars’ Committee when they were consulted on the proposals earlier this year.

The Bursars’ Committee (in addition to CUSU Council) would have to approve the proposals in order for CUSU’s fee model to change.

At present, CUSU receives £6.70 per undergraduate student and £3.00 per graduate student, with a further £3.50 per full-time graduate student going to the Graduate Union (GU).

In the proposals that were initially put to Council on 24th October, CUSU proposed a levy of £5.90 for every undergraduate and graduate, regardless of whether they’re full- or part-time.

These levies would be paid regardless of whether or not students belonged to an affiliated JCR or MCR, with it being left to individuals to rescind their membership of CUSU if they wished.

The one exception made was for students studying for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), for whom a levy of £1.46 (roughly a quarter of the standard levy) was proposed. Revenue from graduate students would be split equally between CUSU and the GU.

These proposals have now been revised, so that the proposed levies are now £6.00 for undergraduates and full-time graduates, £3.00 for part-time graduate students, and £1.50 for PGCE students.

The revision with regard to part-time graduate students may allay concerns about a huge hike in affiliation fees for graduate colleges, such as those voiced by Darwin College Students’ Association (DCSA) President Elaine Gray when the initial proposals were brought to Council.

This is because, while CUSU currently receive £3.00 for every part-time graduate, the GU only receives funding for full-time graduates. Under the initial proposals brought to Council on 24th October, CUSU and the GU would each receive £2.95 per part-time graduate.

A simple majority of voting members present at CUSU Council tonight will be enough for CUSU to push ahead with the proposals