Skip to main content

michael-williams
24th February 2013

Exec toilet bowl query kicks up a stink

Union exec team urged to act against renegade bathroom users
Categories:
TLDR

The Students’ Union Exec team were asked for their help to flush out an unusual problem last week.

Amongst the more normal requests of a nap room in the library and a Union boycott of Starbucks, a more unconventional idea was logged in the Executive meeting minutes.

“Ask students not to step on the toilet bowl when doing their business,” the request pleaded, “so that ‘things’ don’t splatter out to the rim of the bowl where no flushing can be reached.”

The request, addressed in the February 4th meeting, caused widespread bewilderment within the Exec team.

“There was confusion over the meaning of this, and clarity was needed,” read the meeting minutes.

“Cat [Gray, Wellbeing Officer] to follow up.”

Unfortunately, the idea had to be “deferred until [the] next round” because the University Assembly already had six ideas for discussion.

However, the Exec team did carry out their doody of care, and, not wanting to leave the specifics of this case a crapshoot, contacted the student who submitted the request directly for some clarification.

“Student has already been contacted to confirm that they meant the University,” the minutes show.

Speculation has been swirling around the Students’ Union that such a request was not sincere, and made feces-iously.

Rumours that this was an idea submitted simply to make the Exec team the butt of a joke are, as yet, unconfirmed.

Bogged down with other Union business, the Exec team did not devote too much time to the issue.

The proposal that The Students’ Union should boycott Starbucks was discussed in more length – indeed, it appeared that on the list of priorities, students stepping on the toilet bowl is a distant number two.

At press time, the request had not yet been followed through. However, the Exec team were not prepared toilet the issue slip through the cracks.

“Ask for clarity on the toilet idea,” read the note in the Feburary 11th meeting.

Cat Gray could not be reached for comment.


More Coverage

Manchester Museum named finalist for Museum of the Year 2024

After relaunching only last year, Manchester Museum is one step closer to becoming the Art Fund Museum of the Year

The Women in Media Conference returns for 2024

The conference will take place on Saturday May 4 in the Students’ Union

MPs launch investigation into university reliance on international student fees

As the government pushes to cut down migration numbers, the education select committee begins an investigation into the reliance of universities on international student fees

Senate elections and explainer: what is it and who is on it?

It has been a busy time for university elections in the last month. As well as SU executive elections, the Senate has elected new members to the board. Read on to understand what the Senate’s role is and who makes up the membership