Edinburgh University Students' Association

Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) is responsible for student representation, support, and welfare.

Foundation

It was founded in 1973 via the merger of the Students' Representative Council (SRC), the Edinburgh University Union, and the Chambers Street Union. This was the culmination of a campaign to bring all student bodies together into a single organization. In 1971, Edinburgh University Union finally voted to admit women shortly after the Chambers Street Union had extended its membership to male students. Negotiations now began to dissolve the SRC and the two unions and to create a single students' association. It was soon established, however, that the SRC could not be dissolved as it had been officially recognised by the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889. Nor was it possible to alter its constitution in a way that would permit it to take over responsibility for the unions. In the end, it was resolved that the Students' Representative Council and Edinburgh University Union would continue to exist as discrete entities within the proposed association. Chambers Street Union, conversely, would merge entirely with Edinburgh University Union. Edinburgh University Students' Association was officially consituted on 1 July 1973. Each newly matriculated student would automatically become a member. A later merger,in 1989, brought the Kings' Buildings Union into the Association.

Composition

Within EUSA, there is a complete division of representational and union structures. Student representation on teaching and learning, welfare, academic services, postgraduate affairs and external affairs continues to be the responsibility of the Students' Representative Council (which also organizes Freshers' Week). A Committee of Management (CoM), conversely is responsible for the running of union services, events programming, and the provision student support and guidance.

Leadership

EUSA is led by a team of four full-time elected students, known as 'sabbaticals', comprising:

• The President responsible for the overall functioning of the association
• The Vice President Societies and Activities (VPSA) responsible for recognised student clubs and association and representation to the University on non-academic services
• The Vice President Academic Affairs (VPAA), responsible for representing students on academic matters
• The Vice President Services (VPS) responsible for the running of the Union buildings, and financial affairs of the Association

EUSA Union Buildings

• Teviot Row House – the largest of the union buildings and the oldest purpose built student union building in the world.
• Potterrow – with its distinctive dome, this building includes a shop, cafe and a large venue used for nightclubs and live bands. It is also home to the organisations administrative offices, including the Societies; Charities and Volunteering centre - collectively known as EUSA Connect - and student support centre, known under the banner the advice place.
• King's Buildings House – on the main science / engineering campus in the south of the city, includes bars and food outlets, as well as sports facilities.
• Pleasance – A popular venue for the annual Edinburgh Fringe during the month of August. Contain two bars during term time and a fully functional theatre that plays host to screenings every Tuesday night. Is also located next to the newly refurbished (2005) Centre for Sport and Exercise gym.

Sources

• Iain Catto (ed.), 'No spirits and precious few women': Edinburgh University Union 1889-1989 (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Union and Iain Catto, 1989)