CAC
Moves are being made to improve Oxford University charity work with the abolition of the position of RAG sabbatical officer and its replacement by a new OUSU post of VP Charities and Community. The reasoning given by Will Straw, OUSU President, behind the change was primarily one of cost; in the past RAG has spent £6,000 of their profits each year on funding the sabbatical placement, whereas the VP Charities and Community will be financed entirely by external sponsorship next year, and paid for in part by OUSU the following year. It is also thought that RAG should become an integral part of the student union as it is in most other universities.
The current RAG sabbatical officer Shruti Uppal commented to The OxStu that "the new VP, in my opinion, is a great opportunity to finally co-ordinate all the charitable and community work that so many oxford students are already involved in".
RAG's affiliation to and support of OUSU should help to raise the profile of their work and to improve the fundraising they undertake for ten core national, regional, and local charities nominated each year. The election for the position will be held on Thursday of 6th week.
13th Feb 2003