DU Dance and the DU Geographical Society (GeogSoc) were among seven societies officially derecognised by the Central Societies Committee (CSC) at its Michaelmas Term General Meeting last week.
Arabesque, Nursing & Midwifery, Pool, Public Health, and TedX also “lapsed”, having failed to submit satisfactory accounts for two consecutive years.
In a statement to Trinity News, the CSC said: “These societies lapsed according to our Recognition Policy, which states that any society which fails to submit satisfactory accounts for two years running automatically lapses.”
They added that anyone who signed up to be a member of these societies since the start of term will be refunded.
Speaking to Trinity News, GeogSoc said that while it wasn’t the start they’d hoped for, its committee is “excited to come back with a bang in Hilary term”.
Societies who wish to regain official recognition must follow the same process as brand new societies and collect a petition of 200 student and staff signatures to be presented to the CSC.
“We’ve already nearly hit the 200 signatures required to becoming recognised by the CSC so there is definitely support for the society,” GeogSoc said.
“Once we’re back on the books, we want to hit the ground running so members can get excited about our annual field trip, revamped and better than ever. Our historic Atlas publication will be open to student submissions once we’re back and all the other fun bits geogsoc was known and is loved for.”
“There may even be some cheeky ‘save GeogSoc’ events before we rise from the flames.”
The societies may continue to operate as “proposed”, but will not receive funding or amenities from the CSC until they are formally recognised.
Chairperson Lucy McQuaid said that “it’s business as usual” for DUDance, which will continue to provide “an inclusive dance community for our student body”.
“Regardless of recognition, DUDance remains an active hub for students to express themselves through movement and performance.”
The society added that auditions for competition teams will still take place in the coming weeks, with several team set to compete at intervarsity competitions next semester.
“The committee are already working with the CSC on recognition for Hilary term, retrieving signatures and support from students. DUDance will operate as a proposed society for Michaelmas term, and continues to provide workshops in a diverse range of styles and disciplines.”
While the Public Health Society has recently been active, holding an EGM last week, the pages for Arabesque and TedX have not been posted to in almost 12 months, implying that they may not make a return this year.
This article was updated on October 6 to include comment from DU Dance.
