Across the four-day voting period, over 850 students took part in the referendum, comfortably surpassing quoracy and representing around 7.5% of the student body, which is higher than the average referendum engagement seen across the Students’ Union sector. The final result saw 87% of students vote to keep the Traditional Archer logo as the identity of Cardiff Met student sport. This gives a very clear democratic mandate from students.
Following the conclusion of the Cardiff Met Students’ Union Sport Logo Referendum, I want to say a huge thank you to every student who took the time to engage with the conversation, speak up, and vote.
Across the four-day voting period, over 850 students took part in the referendum, comfortably surpassing quoracy and representing around 7.8% of the student body, which is higher than the average referendum engagement seen across the Students’ Union sector. The final result saw 88% of students vote to keep the Traditional Archer logo as the identity of Cardiff Met student sport. This gives a very clear democratic mandate from students.
The Students' Union endeavours to act as the university’s critical friend, challenging them on their shortcomings. This referendum has shown the importance of listening to students before major decisions affecting student identity and culture are made. The identity worn by Cardiff Met athletes every week should reflect the voices of the people who represent it. The role of Cardiff Met Students’ Union was never to push for a logo change, our role was to make sure students had a democratic opportunity to shape the future identity of student sport.
Throughout this referendum, one thing became incredibly clear, students care deeply about the Traditional Archer. The Traditional Archer is not just a logo to people. It represents generations of Cardiff Met athletes, memories, achievements, and identity. The level of passion shown throughout this process really highlighted how important the Archer is to students, alumni, clubs, and even incoming athletes. For some people, it means so much that they literally have it tattooed on them. One message came through louder than anything else, the Archer belongs to the students who wear it.
Students have spoken clearly, and the result could not be more decisive. The Traditional Archer logo will remain the official identity of Cardiff Met Students’ Union sport. We know that some colleagues at the university may be disappointed by this outcome, but we hope it further reiterates why the SU can be a vehicle for ensuring student voices are heard in decision making.
Thank you again to everyone who voted and made sure the future of Cardiff Met student sport was decided by students. We look forward to continuing to stand up for students and the traditions, identities, and communities that matter to them.
Souparnika Parameswaran Namboothiri, SU President