Today we have launched two All Student Votes on the following statements:
1. “Should the university divest* from fossil fuels?
The University of Southampton currently invests over £2.6 million in direct fossil fuel companies and £3.1 million in indirect fossil fuel companies, based on the University’s 2023 Financial Statement (publicly available on the UoS website). This is the equivalent of 616 UK students’ annual tuition fees!
The University holds 0.5% of its investment portfolio in direct fossil fuel companies, and 0.6% in indirect fossil fuel companies, despite their “ongoing commitment to sustainability … in line with Goal 6 of their Sustainability Strategy” (Fossil Fuel statement 2022).
In the face of the climate crisis, one of the most pressing issues of our age, any investment in fossil fuel companies is a direct contribution to the climate crisis. Surely the most responsible investment is one that contains no fossil fuel companies?
In this vote, you can give your answer (yes or no) to the question: Should the university divest* from fossil fuels?
*divestment involves withdrawing the money it has invested in companies that are extracting fossil fuels”
2. “The University should allow a week break between Semester 1 exams and the start of Semester 2
This allows students to recuperate from semester one, supporting their well-being and preparing them to return to study after exams. Currently, some students have as little as two days (the weekend) to prepare for semester two, contributing to burnout and exhaustion as well as impacting attendance, quality of work, and motivation. This longer break aligns with the university’s aim of supporting students’ wellbeing, as students would get time without any exams or assignments due, allowing them to de-compress and compose themselves for the coming semester.”
In the vote, you can have your say on whether you agree or disagree (by voting yes or no) with the following statement: “The University should allow a week break between Semester 1 exams and the start of Semester 2
Voting will close on Tuesday 30 April at 16:00.