Concrete issue 068 22 01 1997

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GSI /'

DIS

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ACE OF

A TOP·UP s A

UEA bosses slammed over proposed fees for new students

by KA TIE NICHOLL, Assistant News Editor

In a shock move, UEA has announced that it is Intending to force Undergraduate students to pay top-up fees.

The new comes following a meeting between University Officials, and could mean that incoming student will have to foot the bill of an extra £1,000 per year.

The announcement has outraged many the academic community," she said.

'The possibility of introducing top-up Deans within the University, but Pro fee is disgraceful and students have been Vice-Chancellor Or Richard Jones is admnant that UEA has not made any firm cut out of the discussion.

"I intend to do everything in my power plan .

"We are considering reserving the right to to ensure that students' views are sought charge fees, but no ftnal decision has been and are now taken into account," she made," he aid, adding that any decisions added.

If the University decides to introduce would "depend on what other universitie top-up fees, it will add a statement to the are doing."

UEA seems set to follow the current 1998 prospectus (which has to be trend of the 'Russell Group' of submitted by the end of this month), reserving the right to charge students.

Universities which includes Oxford, Prospective applicants for 1998 will Cambridge and the London School of Economics, who are expected to make then have to decide whether they are statements soon regarding the prepared to pay a lump sum of around £1,000 for each academic year they spend introduction of top-up fees.

If the proposal goe ahead then fees at UEA. Increased hardship could be introduced as early as next year, but will not affect tudents who are The University has made clear that there currently studying at UEA. is a possibility that money could be made Outrage available to students through bursuries, However, Union Academic Officer, however, Dean of Students, Dr Kiff Becky Colley believes that the University Matheson feels that the propo al would is "shooting themselves in the foot" and is contribute to student debt levels. trying to up its status.

"The imposition of fees would "UEA wants to align itself with the '94 inevitably increase the level of bard hip group and the Russell group but it will be and possibly deny access to Higher turning away students who could benefit Education for many students," be said.

University Officials will decide today whether the School of Physics should be forced to scrap its Undergraduate courses.

The news has sparked fury amongst students and staff -

who are demanding that Physics continue to be taught at UEA. New students are also being kept on hold until a final decision Is made.

Full story, page 2

Continued on page 6

VIe ·Chancellor'

hock resignati n ·Page 7

L

2 Ne\NS

Concrete, Wednesday,January 22, 1997

Mature student dies in road accident A mature student will be sadly missed after a tragic accident caused her death during the Christmas vacation.

Mrs Francoise Smith, aged 43. died on December 13 following a road acciden t in Norwich .

Mrs Smith, who liv~d loca lly, was in her final year at UEA studying French and German.

She leaves a husband Mike and a son Greg, who is a student at the Royal Academy of Music and King's College, London.

Sabbatical nominations open Nominations open tomorrow for the Sabbatical posts of Academjc Officer, Communications Officer, Finance Officer and Welfare Officer with in the Union of UEA Students.

T he Union is ca ll ing fo r hardworking candidates who can disp lay good se lf-management skill, time-managemen t and communication ski ll s.

The salary is now the upgraded £ 10. 120 pa.

Nomination forms are avai lable from the Education Uni t and the In fonna tion O ffice wi thin Union House.

The closing date for nominations is January 30.

UEA proposes 24-hour HbraFy

By KATIE NICHOLL, Assistant News Editor

A round -the-cl ock library could become a reality if University bosses give plans the go-ahead.

Extended o pening ho urs w ith the possibility of a 24 hour library was discussed last week at the U niversity ' s Committee of Deans meeting .

The proposal comes followi ng matched again st popularity. We are students ' demands for improved on a limited budget so we will have faci lities in the Library. to weigh up the relative priorities Said Chief of UEA Library. Dr and costs."

David Baker. "Users have reques ted A spokesperson for the University both improvement to library services said that in terms · of security and and increased opening hours." resources, the issue may "come down "At this stage we are looking for to one of choices" but added, "it is the sort of thing we wou ld like to do." general feedback on the poss ibility," he added.

Nevet1heless. Union NUS O fficer Bath is the only campus university Tina William son believes that the in the country that has a 24-hour present system is inadequate and library and so far it has been a great does not cater for students' needs. success.

"The weekends are the worst when "The Student Union are delighted the library closes at Spm. 24- hour as are the students," commented one opening wou ld definite ly be of librarian, Mr Nicholson , who added benefit," she said. that he felt students had been given Union Communications Officer, more freedom in the library which Nick Robinson added. " I think it is ope rates a self-serv ice system necessary and about time that the between 9pm and 9am.

University recognises the need for However, University chiefs are extended opening hours.'' concerned about the practi cality and The future of the Library will be cost of such a project at UEA. discussed thi s week at University "One of the major issues is security Senate. Meanwhil e studen ts can and safety for staff and users," said voice their opinions by filling out Dr Baker. questionnaires in the Library or in "The cost of such a project will be Union House.

The School of Physics ... today's decision will decide its fate

By Jane Kirby, News Editor

University Officials will today decide on the fate of the School of Physics, followin g a proposal to scrap its Undergraduate programme.

The news comes following month> of wrangling between the University and the School - which has plunged into financial difficulty in recent years.

The School is expected to be in deficit by £270.000 this year and student intake has dropped by one third .

Head of Physics, Professor P G Coleman. says he is "very disappointed " by the move to convert Physics into a researchonly department.

Disappointed "I regret that it has come down to a question of budget and I am very disappointed that thi s decision has been made." he said. ·'U ndergraduate teaching is what we believe in and what we shall continue to believe in."

The School submitted ideas to a Planning and Reso urces Committee during the Summer months and hoped to attract students through the development of programmes in medical and health physics.

Brochures and mailouts were also issued to draw students to UEA. "We were starting to see some improvements," >aid Professor Co leman, "but the Planning Committee found the proposals unacceptable .

"They do not believe that the school will be able to attract enough undergraduate students for the foreseeable future to make any great headway."

Dean of Biology Dr !an Gibson bel icves that a decision to finish Phys ics courses wo uld have a detrimental effect on science teaching at UEA. "I think it's disgraceful- Science needs Physics to be taught," he

said.

"The School of Biology along with ChemisLry will now have to re-examine how all students receive Physics teaching."

However, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Richard Jones , a member of the Planning and Resources Committee. is adamant that the University can no longer afford to keep pumping in funds .

"The School of Physics is extensive and the rest of the University has to contribute to maintaining the School," he said.

"We considered closing the School but decided that if at all possible we would not wish to do that.

And he added, "I hope that this wi ll be seen, after the initial turmoil, as a very positive way forward of building on the exLremely high quality of research in the School. ..

Furious Nevertheless. students are furious about the way the matter has been handled .

Said Liaison Committee ·member.

Stephen Tucker, "It doesn't give a very good impression of UEA - In a dawn raid , they've just decided to close the School."

And he added, "How can a University that is in the top 20 not have a Physics department?"

There is further confusion surrounding the fate of students who have applied for entry to the School through the UCAS system. most of whom are unaware that the University is even considering closing the Undergraduate programme.

60 students have been offered a place within the School, including one student who has accepted following his 'gap-year·.

Dr Jones believes the University can offer support to these students and "ensure that there are suitable options available to them elsewhere, perhaps involving other universities.' '

Turmoil However, the School of Physics ' Adm issions Office is experiencing turmoil over what information and help it can give to prospective >tudents. ··we do not know what tim1 decis ions have been made regarding those who have been given offers," said a spokesperson.

"The University has put the School and students in a difficult pos ition ."

Prospective student. Amy Whitaker also believes that UEA hopefuls are being kept on hold. ··1 haven't heard anything from the University since I got my offer.'' she said.

"It really isn't fair of them. especially if I wanted UEA as my first choice.''

Union Academic Officer, Becky Colley is also furious by the lack of action taken by the University.

Disgusted "We are totally disgusted and appalled at the way the University treating its prospective is students." she said.

"If all 60 students take up their offers , wi ll they sti ll be closing down the Undergraduate programme in the School of Physics?"

Becky is now working with the Union Advice Unit to discover the legal implication surrounding the offers made by the Universi ty

Concrete It is five years to the day since Concrete first hit the news-stands as UEA's Independent Student Newspaper.

Since 1992, when the paper was launched by three UEA students who used a makeshift office in EAS, Concrete has continued to provide UEA students with the best in News, Features, Entertainments and Sport.

Newspaper of the Year Award.

With over 68 editions, 15 million pages of newsprint, and relaunch to boot Concrete is set to make 1997 a year remember.

NelNS 3

Concrete, Wednesday, January 22, 1997

Top of the swots

By KATIE NICHOLL, Assistant News Editor

Thieves have seized an estimated £10,000 worth of student property during a spate of burglaries at the top-rate Village complex.

The thefts occurred during the Chri tmas vacation when six ground noor nats at Willow House were broken into.

It is likely that the thieves had been watching the empty property for some time before they forced entry via the windows.

Police described the early morning raids on December 29 as professional, adding that the job

society added. " During terrn-time the Village i relatively self policing, but over the holidays, perhaps an hourly patrol is needed."

UEA Security Supremo Morris Morson believes that the matter is one of concern particularly due to the fact that Willow Hou e and Pine and Hawthorn back onto the West Earlham Estate.

would have taken almost three hours to complete.

The tolen goods include a lap top computer worth £300, several televisions, hi-fi systems and CD'> - all belonging to UEA students.

Much of the property had been left in the care of resident tutor Graharn Madeley, who was staying at the residences over the holiday period.

Graham's personal property, including a pair of antique swords which were not insured, was al o stolen.

Previous incidents

Vandals Vandalism and bike theft is rife at the Village and residents have expressed concerns about their own safety and that of their property.

Said President of The Village People Soc1ety, Jayne Brown.

"Security is a big i sue. particularly down by Willow House where students are isolated from the other re idences.

Gary Massey, founder of the

has received recognition for international excellence after several schools were awarded top marks for research.

UEA

A recent survey carried out by members of the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) published its re ults last ovember, revealing that UEA had obtained standards of excellence for research in many areas.

Five star ratings were awarded to the Department of Environmental Sc1cnces and Scandinavian Studies.

School of BIO was awarded a rating of five as were other academic areas including Film Studie . . Education and Personal Development, Maths and Social Work .

Said Dean of BIO, Dr fan Gibson , "The results renect a lot of hard work and management by staff and students. "lt shows you can raise morale in very difficult times. " UEA ' s total point score has risen in recent years from three to eight, renecting an in reaJ e in the number of research staff.

"We are aware of the problem of the estate and in previou incident juveniles have been detained by University security and the property of village residents ha then been recovered.·," he said.

The University has installed extra lighting and is now considering extending CCTV to the area behind Willow House in an effort to prevent any further break-ins.

Accommodation Centre Manager, Laurence Daly aid that the University has acted promptly in repairing any damage that had been caused, but added that, "The University doe not accept responsibility for theft of personal property".

Union Welfare Officer, Paul Donnelly said that the University has "locked the door after the horse has bolted", but added that he felt Accommodation Chiefs are taking "immediate and adequate action".

Applications for Resident Tutorships for the academic year 1997/98 are now invited from suitably experienced students and 11\embers of staff.

Students who will be abroad during 1997/98 should also apply now for appointment in Septe.m ber 1998.

Resident Tutors form the vital base of a pyramid providing for the welfare and good order of students in University residences. The system demands that students take a good deal of responsibility for their lives on a day-to-day basis, but provide an extensive network of welfare and support services to protect the rights and interests of both individuals and the community of which they are a part.

Further particulars are available from the Dean of Students' Office (Room 0.1 08, ext 2890).

The closing date for applications is Monday 10 February 1997.

ICH

• 24 HOUR FREEPHONE

0500 556789 or

4 Ne\NS

Concrete, Wednesday, January 22, 1997

EY'

Forum member's fury over Sabbs' p_ay rise

'We want a new food outlet'

I I I

By JANE KIRBY

Student Forum member, Rachel Alien, has expressed outrage at the decision to give Union Sabbaticals a 25% pay increase.

Rachcl, who is stud yi ng in the School of Chcm isu-y, c laims the Sabbs 'et the agenda for their own pay increase at the Forum mee ti ng, held before the Christmas break. ··A ll the agenda cons i,ted of was the Sabbati ca l pay." she said. adding. " I would say it was definitely motivated by them ...

Union Sabbatical Officers are set to ben~fit from a £2.000 pay increase which will raise their pay from around £ .200 to £ I 0.120.

Rachel adds that the Sabbs claimed they were un ab le to live on thei r curren t pay and had taken their posts thinkin g they would get a pay rise.

"Their reasons were that they are manager' of companies and they have a big budget.'' she said.

"They also said they could not repay their loan, ... and had taken on the job on the assumption that pay wou ld be reviewed and increased.''

Rachel was the on ly person to vote against the pay ri se in the meeting, and feeb that the Sabbs were keen to hurry the pay increase through Forum.

"They were nmning out of time to get it in." she said. adding. " It annoys me that it was done so random ly."

However. Union Commu ni cati ons Officer. Nick Robinson denies the allegati ons.

"Student· s Forum asked for a pay ri se last year for the Sabbs, w ith a review intentional," he said. " I have not sat here and demanded that I get more mo ney because I'm doing more work . ever.'' he added.

Union managers were asked at th e end of last semester to conduct an

The Union Sabbatical Officers

University counselling launch training programme The University Counselling Service has launched a Human Relations Training Programme to aid students develop self-awareness skills, writes Emma Newbery.

Sensitivity to o the rs and the basic aspects of a helping relationship will also be explored through roleplay, co unse lling th eo ry an d e mpathy trainin g.

The programme wi ll consist of six evening session> throughout February

and March and will also include a residential weekend.

Interviews will be held short ly to se lect ten people from the University to enro l on the programme.

The Cou nse ll ing Service is also running Stress Reducti o n Worksho ps during February and March .

These consist of Relaxati o n Skills. and Massage and will cost £5 per stude nt.

Int e rested student s should cont act Campbell Purto n for an interview or Chris tin e Jope regarding the workshops on 59265 I.

investigation into Sabbatical pay levels around the country and put a recommendation back to Student's Forum.

The average gros' pa) was found to be £8.80 I. but Nick says even this figure wa~ .. ,ubject to increase" . ''I'm happy that Student's Forum fee l that I've do ne a good eno ug h job to deserve a pay rise.'' he said. '' I think all four of us have worked ex tremely hard this year, not on ly in supplying a brilliant ents programme, but in giving people what they want at this University."

Nevertheless. Student'" Forum Chai rman. Joe ll emington. who abstained from voting at the meeting, believes that th e pay increase was excess ive. " I' d prefer a fifth Sabbatical Officer." he said. " I agree that the pay rise should have gone up something, but whet her it should have gone up to£ I 0.120 is another matter."

He added that he thought the Sabbs had become too dependent upon emotio nal factors to argue their case for a pay rise. " I hope that Forum tried to dispel these emotive arguments from their minds when they made their decision,'' he said.

Union Finance Officer 'G inge· Kaye, who believe> the pay rise re flects the leve l of Sabb responsibility, comm ented. ·'Give me a better way the money could have been spent other than paying elected offi cers who run the companies which ge nera te the income and provide services o n a grand scale?"

However. the general response amongst UEA stud ents was that the Sabbs ' pay ri se had not been justifi ed .

Said W AM student. lzz ie Ward. "The Sabbs get enough extras with the job."

J ude O llivere (EAS2) added. ''I've never benefited or come into contac t with the Sabbs apart from du ring th e ren.t strike.

W e never witness anyth ing they have done ...

By Jane Kirby, News Editor

That's what 92% of students claimed in a recent Union survey investigating the possibility of a new catering outlet in the Hive.

The Un ion's plan to ope n an o utlet has been g iven th e thumbs up by stud ents. who added that University evening catering facilities were poor. business in the Hive. but Ginge was unsure how such a As to the type of food students wished to see on the move would affect the SASSAF sandwich bar. menu. 47 o/r voted fm· chip>. 38'7c favoured burgers. 32o/r "The intention will be to provide a service. not to requested kebabs and 14% would like to see pizza. make huge megabucks," he 'aid. "but hopefully it will Un ion Finance Officer 'G in ge· Kaye said there were be a break -even sit uation ... also requests for more vegeta rian food.

Snacks would be provided throughout the day and No date has yet been fina lised for when the outlet until later on an evening. with some weekend >crvice. could be built. but it is hoped to be when planning The catering outlet would take over from the ;andwich permission is received.

UNION' DISSATISFIBD WITB QU·ALITY OF BIVB RBFIT

The Hive... unsatisfactory refurbishments The Union has declared that it is "dissatisfied " with the refurbishments made to the Hive which have cost an estimated £32,000.

Union Finance Offi cer. 'Ginge ' Kaye said that " the whol e j ob has flaw s in various areas" a nd the U n io n will be w it hholding

payment for the mome nt.

The list of compl aints includes: •The antique fl oorin g around the bar is showi ng ;igns of cigarette burns when it was supposed to resist mark.i ng.

• The cleaning of the carpet is not as easy as was ex pected.

•The paint is em ul sio n based and is therefore not washable.

•The seatin g material has not met

New taste for the Grad Bar

the expected standard and is already showi ng sig ns of damage.

•The logo o n the central pill ar was supposed to be unbreakab le but was broken within a few days.

The Union is current ly in consultation and Ginge was unable to comment on the action the Union wil l be taking. " We are still in dispute with the company, .. he said.

The Grad bar was celebrating last week when it announced that it is now the only bar on campus to serve Guinness, writes Jane Kirby.

The news he ra ld s the introducti o n of nine new bee rs and comes as the bar changes brewery from Courage to Bass.

Besides Guinness, the lin e up includes Caffrcys .

Carlin g Pre mi er.

Wonhingtons Bitter, and Hancocks HB .

Guinness was scrapped from the Un ion bar last Se ptember when negotiations between the brewer and NUSSL broke down.

However GSA bar manage r Annette Matt on, denies that there is any rivalry between the Union and the Grad bar. cater primarily for 'Th ey Undergradua tes and we arc a members-only club so there's definitely no competi tion." she said.

"We just want to suppl y stude nt> with a wider ran ge of products like Guinness and Caffreys. whi ch yo u can't get elsewhe re on campus."

A relaunch is planned for this Friday, January 24. when the bar will be open to all Undergraduates and Graduates, from midday to 2pm. and 5 pm to llpm .

Ne1NS 5

Concrete, Wednesday, January 22, 1997

'WE ARE NOT AM SED' 'Homophobic' warm-up act leads to s.tudent outrage resulting in Welfare Officer, PauiDonnel/y Anglia TV ban in Union House ...-.._.=;;....:................:

Loans ·for P-Ostgrads UEA is to launch its own loans scheme in an attempt to curb the rising drop out rate amongst postgraduates, writes Katie Nicholl.

Anglia TV centre in Norwich

By Jane Rlgby-Jones, Staff Reporter

The Union has banned Anglia Television from advertising in Union House following a student's complaints about homophobic, racist and sexist jokes.

The warm up routine of comedian Rikki Jay for the show Split Second last November, left ENV student Edward Rees feeling annoyed and disgusted. on advertising until an "appropriate" apology is Edward described the evening as "pretty awful" received. particularly due to the fact that the contestant he had "lt is unacceptable to the Union and we' ve shown gone to support was gay. that by taking Eddie's case on," he said.

He filed an official complaint to Anglia Television, but was dissatisfied with the response he received "Anglia don't seem to realise that when they come to UEA to ask students to go on programmes, they will from Producer of the show. Bob Cousins, which read, be getting people from all sections of society.

"They should be more sensitive in their attitudes to '·J find it difficult to agree with your strictly politically correct interpretation of his perforrnance." their audience," he added.

The matter was then taken to Channel 5, who Edward feels that Anglia is neglecting the views of commissioned Anglia to record the show. its audience.

"They should take into account the views of people Director of Programming, Dawn Airey, admitted that Rikki's routine was inappropriate, saying, "We who watch the programmes instead of just trying to justify themselves," he said. have asked Anglia not to use him on any future Union Welfare Officer, Paul Donnelly added that commissions".

Anglia also faces being banned from attending next Edward was pleased with the response from Channel year's Fresher's Fair.

5 but said, He described the response from Anglia as "quite "Until I get an apology from Anglia I won ' t be going appalling," adding that the Union will uphold the ban to any other productions."

The project will involve 12 other universities including York and Warwick and will enable postgraduates to take out loans of between £5,000 for a one year course and £10,000 for a course lasting two or three years.

The principle aim of the scheme, which has been forrned with the aid of Midland Bank, is to provide postgraduate students with funding for course fees and living expenses.

However, there is growing Concern that the group of 13 universities (the '94 group), will make the loans exclusive to their own universities, thus forming a "superleague".

Said General Secretary of the National Postgraduate Committee,

John Gray, "A major flaw in the scheme is that it is not universal.

"It is only likely to encourage applicants on vocational courses who will receive high salaries when they finish."

The repayment scheme has also come under attack from critics who believe that the rates of repayment are too high and are not income linked, thus plunging graduates into further financial strife.

The loan mu t be repaid within seven years (for le s than £10,000) and 11 years (for over £I 0,000) and interest building begins as soon as the loan i taken out.

A loan of £8,000 would therefore leave a student paying back a whopping £34,000, an amount which Union Academic Officer, Becky Colley described as "outrageous". ''The loan system will not help postgraduates at all, they will have a mortgage-sized debt by the time they have finished," she said.

University Press Officer Anne Ogden was unable to confirrn any specific details for the cheme, which will now be discu sed by University chiefs.

UEA Conference Services iiiJ~,4~ · ~ Nelson Court Guest Suite The Guest Suite in Nelson Court provides comfortable, purpose built bed and breakfast accommodation all year round!!

By Kay Tickle, Tobacco correspondent

Malcolm Bradbury, former Professor of American Studies at UEA, has been awarded the prestigious title of 1997 Pipesmoker of the Year.

The award, which is perhaps the least academic of the titles held by the Norfolk based author, has only ever been awarded to one other writer, 18 Priestly, in 1979.

Bradbury claims to use his pipe "Smoking a pipe is definitely as a therapeutic "writing aid". calming - it gets me through a "As a writer, I do work office hours sentence." over the word processor", he said.

Bradbury has smoked a pipe for

most of his life, saying, "I belong to the generation of pipesmoking academics."

The award was presented at a special lunch at the exclusive London Savoy where Bradbury was guest of honour.

A presentation speech was made by his publisher, and the lunch was attended by friends and fellow academics.

Competitive rates. There is a 10% discount for all UEA students, their family and friends as well as alumni Located centrally on campus 62 rooms equipped to a high standard Colour TV Tea and coffee making facilities Rooms serviced daily Helpful reception staff

To find out more, or to make areservation contact Conference Services on (01603) 593297 If you are calling from within the University dial 3297 NORWICH

UEA

6 Ne\NS

Concrete, Wednesday, January 22, 1997

Healthy hoP-es The University has announced the opening of a new School of Health, writes Emma Newbery.

The School, which will be based at various buildings on campus incl uding Elizabeth Fry and Queen ' s, hopes the opening will mark the expansion of health-related studies at UEA. The new school combines 120 staff, 640 full-time and 1800 part time students, and is aimed at coordinating health research across the University.

The addition to UEA has arisen from a gradual merger of Nursing and Midwifery, Occupational Physiotherapy and the School of Health Policy and Practice, and also has links with the School of

Biology.

Links have already been formed with the neighbouring Norwich Research Park and the new Colney Hospital which will be based close to campus.

Dean of the School, Professor Shirley Pearce, says she is considering introducing new courses, but that the School's priority is the quality of teaching across existing programmes.

"We wish to develop the Master of Arts in Health Sciences more broadly across the professional group," she added.

"At present there will be no more staff appointments, but honorary links have been established."

... Continued f rom page 1

STEWARD STUART

Part of the new Health school, located at the Queen's building

Union House steward, Stuart Watson was rewarded for hi s hard work and commitment last week.

Stuart was officia ll y made a Security Steward by the Union and will join two other stewards. Gary Laid law and Bernie Aldis. to ensure the safety of staff and students.

The decision to incl ude a clause reservin g the ri ght to introduce top-up fees wi ll be discussed at Uni versi ty Senate today, however there was still anger concerning the way the Commiuee of Dean s were prevented from discussing the topic.

We were being railroaded and many Deans objected to being

railroaded," said Dean of Bio. Dr lan Gibson .

"It will have to move to a discussion as there was a demand for proper figures and information from other universities.

"The decision would stop a lot of students comi ng to UEA and it would be a retrograde step both for students and for the future of Higher Education," he added .

Nick Robinson

Stuart Savage

By Jane Kirby

The Union was in shock last week, following the resignation of its Publicity Officer, Stuart Savage.

Stuart made the decision to quit hi s non-sabbatica l post over the Christmas vacatio n, after having ta ken on a full-time job in Norwich.

'Nice Guy ' Eddie Taylor quit the position last September after barely two weeks in active office. branding Union cons titut ion "bu reaucratic sh**".

Stuart says that he was unable to cope with both a full -time job and the posi tion of Publicity Officer. "" l can't do the Publicity Officer"s job to the full extent that it needs to be done with onl y hav ing one day a week at UEA ," he said.

"There is a lot of work to do fo r it is time th e job a nd consu ming."

Quit

Personal matter

He is the second Publici ty Officer to resign from the Union Execu ti ve in less than four months.

Stuart denied that hi s resignati o n was due to personal difficulties wi th other members of the Exec.

"My resignation is purely a personal matter and there are no personal differences at all ," he said.

Stuart intends to return to studying in September and believes that any new Publicity Officer would need training in Public Relations . ··Now the Union is gelling so big, the job needs to be done by a paid member of staff," he said .

"Then the standard will be beller than a non-sabb or even a sabb."

Stuart also cal led for "a general assessment of what we expect the Excc to do and why it is run" and added that he fel t UGMs were a vital part of the Union.

"Without a general meeting how can we know what studen ts

RAGS TO RICHES UEA RAG came out top in a New Year fund-raising event which managed to raise a total of £13,630-24 for charity_ The event, which tied in with New Year celebrations in Edinburgh , was the first of its kind and in volved 15 universities from across the country.

The money raised will go to Imperial Cancer Research, who distribute money locally as we ll as nationally.

Said Ben Troke, organiser of the event, "A ll the money was rai sed in Scotland and will be spent at the Western General Hospital which is currently working on clin ical trial s to find further treatments for lung cancer.

"The event was a new idea and I was so pleased with

how hard people worked." he added .

UEA students William Baldwin (CHE 4) and Duncan James (ENV PhD) raised over £900 each and will receive trophies for being the firs t and third top co llectors of the event. The presentation wi ll take place in March. during Rag Week.

William was pleased with the amount he raised, saying, ""We are really glad and surprised to have made so much , we couldn ' t believe the generosity."

Despite freezing condit ions, the pair spent 24 hours collecting on street corners.

RAG President. Laura Plaits commen ted , "" ] was really amazed and very proud of them."

want?'", he said.

Union Communications Officer, Nick Robinson is sorry to see Stuart go , saying, "' I hope he does well in his degree and whatever he chooses to do.

"When he puts his heart and his mind

to it, he can do whatever he wants."

No divisions And he added , ""The Union wi ll continue to do the job it has done. there are no divisions within the Exec."

The future of the non-sabbatical post is still il) doubt however, wi th Nick stating that "the Exec, Student' s Forum or even higher" will have to decide whether to scrap the post or re-open nom inati ons.

Banned for ood Pepsi Cola wi ll be banned from all Union food outlets on campus it has been confirmed , writes Katie Nicholl.

The decis io n to scrap Pe psi from the outl e ts comes after 196 stude nts voted at an inquo rate UGM last semester for a total ban. are in contact with all parties Student· s Forum approved the involved." vote in November, meaning that Third World First say they are students will no longer be able to not advocating that Unions purchase Pepsi from the Union breach their contracts but that supermarket and papershop. students stop drinking Pepsi.

The motion is in accordan ce Said Director of Third World with the intense campaigni ng by First, Kevin Steele, ""Ou r the Third World First organisation to get ' Pepsi out of approach is to make NUSSL put Bunna' following a record of commercial pressure on Pepsi and not to put Unions in human rights violati ons in the impossible pos itions." country.

Uni on Communicati ons Officer Nevertheless. Pepsi will still be Nick Robinson added th at he stocked ·., the Union bars in hoped the ban would be effecti ve. accordance wi th the five year ··our boycott is goi ng to be contract which NUS Services Ltd through the outlets. not the bars," (NUSSL) has with Britvic. he said.

NUSSL, who are aware of the "We have gone half way , now boycou. said in an offi cial it's down to the st ude nt s to statement , "We are monitoring choose." the si tuati on very carefully and

News 7

Concrete, Wed nesday, January 22, 1997

ILL HEALTH FORCES UEA' S TOP DOG TO QUIT AT END OF YEAR

By Matthew Doyle, Deputy Editor

UEA staff and students were rocked by the news that the Vice-Chancellor, Dame Elizabeth Esteve-Coll, Is to retire at the end of this year after being diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis.

Dame Elizabeth, who only arrived at UEA in October 1995, announced on December 2 that she had the illness and expressed "real sadness and disappointment" that she had to stand down.

On arriving in 1995, the VC Communication Division to help immediately found herself at the UEA get its message across in a centre of allegations about the costs increasingly competitive e4ucational of refurbishing her qfficial residence, climate.

Wood Hall, just outside Norwich, while the Rent Strike was going on.

The Students Union criticised lhe Her profile with students amount of University money being remained low however, despite her spent on redesigning the property efforts to achieve greater awareness whilst there was furore over student of her role. hardsltip.

In a recent survey only 13% of students could name who the ViceChancellor was.

The story made the local and . Nevertheless, staff were keen to national press, including the Times praise the VC on her achievements. and Daily Express.

Dean of BIO, Dr Ian G ibson, who was on the panel that appointed Controversy surrounding the state of student finances is now set to hang Dame Elizabeth said, " December 2 over the VC' s departure, as she was a sad day for UEA and Higher maintains that the University should Education in general. reserve the right to introduce top-up "She was a compassionate and inspirational leader and as Dean of a fees for new students, which has high flying department she gave me received criticism from staff and students alike. all the encouragement and support I needed."

Dame Elizabeth first hit the headlines back in I 994 when as In a joint statement, UEA Director of the Victoria and Albert CbanceUor, Sir Geoffrey Alien, and Museum, she described it as "an ace UEA Counci l Chair, Raymond Frostrick, paid tribute to the cafe with a museum attached". The following year she was made a Dame contribution that Dame Elizabeth has of the British Empire. made since her appointment.

During her time at UEA, she has been credited with enhancing UEA 's standing both locally and to a wider "The news has come as a great audience, including being credited shock and source of regret, not only with the of the to the Council but to all members of

Low profile

Controversy

Impact

s ignificant impact since her appointment and we shall miss her dynamic leadership, experience and international contacts.

In a statement released at the

USE YOUR ABILITY

The Union in co-njunction with the University has launched a new scheme to Improve students' job prospects, writes

Emma Newbery.

The project, called EmployAbility, aims to help students find holiday or part time jobs and to obtain career-related experience.

Union Welfare Officer, Paul Donnelly hopes that small firms will come to realise the benefits of employing

A late-night bus service launched by Eastern Counties buses has been a resounding success.

Director of Eastern Counties Buses, Phillip Eden said that feedback from the service, which was launched last September, had been "encouraging", adding, "We are very pleased with the service".

The new late-night run means that students can catch the last bus at the later time of 2.10am compared to the previous time of ll.SOpm. Mr Eden believes that the late service bas aided the company in providing for students.

"We are now providing a linking

graduates and that students wiU use the scheme to their advantage.

"It will place students in areas that interest them or in areas which they feel would be beneficial to them in their future careers," he said, adding that there will be opportunity for students to gain vocational skills that are unavailable at UEA. For further information on EmployAbility, contact the Union Advice Unit. 路

service with both nightclub and pub trade where as before it only tied in with pub closing hours," be

said.

Plans are in the pipeline for an even later bus service, but no further information will be disclosed until the spring.

Beeline are confident that the new service has not affected their trade.

"Students still find it cheaper to share a taxi than paying a bus fare," said a spokesperson.

However, Mr Eden insists that the cost of 拢1.25 for a single ticket is"stilllow compared to a taxi"

On the buses ...all night

Between the ages of 20 and 22 the figure rose to 60% with nearly half of clubbers aged 18-25 using drugs in combinations at any one

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very simple- the only safe option is not to take drugs at all.

"However, !here are a significant number of young people who have become quite chotic in their drug taking."

And he added, "This campaign will encourage them to think about the increased risks of mixing drugs."

For further information contact the National Drugs Helplioe free on

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The results of the survey tie in with the Health Educa.tion Authority's 'Know the Score' campaign, which aims to inform young people about the dangers of taking drugs and combining substances.

Advertisements have been placed in youth magaz.ines such as The Face and iD. Said drugs campaign manager, Dee McLean, "Our top line message is

went on to praise academic staff at the University and to than.k all those who have given her support over the last few months .

Pro-VC, Richard Jones summed up Dame Elizabeth's departure as, "A total tragedy for the University and for her personally.''

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KnOW the Scorei....._Ec_suse_ s. . time.

Devoted

University's reputation excellence in teaching and research, both in science and the humanities, places it in a strong position to take advantage of the challenges and opportunities of the next few years."

The VC's New Year message

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Further information can be obtained by calling Eastern Counties Buses on 622800.

A survey of 5,000 young people conducted by the Health Education Authority has revealed that 45% of 11-35 year old's have used drugs at some point In their lives.

Elizabeth said, "Since my arrival at UEA ... J have been privileged to receive the whole hearted support of my colleagues and of Council.

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Features 9 ·

& Features

• The raid on campus last term has opened up a whole new drugs debate which runs deeper than a diametric between those wishing to take drugs and those trying to stop them.

Delve deeper, and the vested interests reveal themselves.... n November 15 last year, Norwich police mounted an operation at UEA, searching clubbers on their way into the Return To The Source event taking place in Union House.

Their aim was to catch drug dealers who, they believed, would be targeting the event. As it transpired, out of roughly 200 people who were searched, 53 were arrested, of which three were detained for intent to supply. A proportion of those arrested were UEA students, but virtually all involved were released with a caution, which does not constitute a criminal record .

Although it is police policy to charge anyone arrested for intention to supply, two of the three were eventually released with·a caution on the grounds that they had merely intended to sell drugs to friends who were accompanying them.

Only one person faced criminal charges as a result of the raid.

The police action, of course, was justified by the fact that one in four people stopped were found to be canying drugs. Few can argue with the thinking behind the raid when such a high proportion were found to be in breach of the law. On campus, however, the illegality of drug-taking often tends to be disregarded and the use of recreational drugs is accepted as part of university fife. Let's face it, if we want to take drugs, we all know where we can get them, and irregular police raids apart, who's going to stop us? · Damien - not his real name - deals drugs from his room on campus. "it's mainly marijuana and speed with good quality acid when I can get it," he explains.

Damien is not a menacing character. He doesn't carry a gun and isn't involved in any extortion rackets. Nor is he a paranoid wreck, living in fear of a knock on the

0

dealing to sustain his habit. In fact, Damien is a pretty normal student. He attends all his lectures, is active in a couple of societies and enjoys nothing more than a few pints in the Union bar. lt just so happens that his part time job is illegal.

"I don't really see it as some big covert operation," he reasons. "I deal mainly to friends, people I know, friends of friends, but I don't tend to walk around campus advertising my wares. I'm subtle - there certainly are dodgy people involved in drugs and there's no need to draw unnecessary attention to yourself."

Damien doesn't have any friends in

Columbia. Understandably, he is reluctant to discuss his suppliers, but he prefers not to take risks.

"I wouldn't deal anything I wouldn't take myself. Hard stuff is out of the question - your clients would become more unreliable and your competitors would be, well, bigleague stuff, professionals, you know? I make a bit of money, but I'm not a drug baron!"

responsibility to police their own territory.

"I know, from my liaisons with the University, that if any students are caught in possession of drugs, they are dealt with. How much time and effort the University devote to drug prevention is entirely up to them."

The University is presumably even keener than Norfolk constabulary to eradicate drug dealing on campus as Damien's claim that supply is a "fairly safe operation" only reflects badly on University security. Yet the cards are

drugs within the venue, the venue will have to provide evidence to support its innocence. Therefore the onus will be on clubs, perhaps a little unfairly, to police their own clientele.

Nick says that the Union is powerless to prevent drug dealing taking place outside the actual boundary of Union House, which, after all (contrary to reports in the Evening News [?] ) was where all the arrests were made on November 15. However, the Union is intending to add warnings to its promotional posters and gig or club tickets advising people not to bring drugs on to campus and hence avoid further police raids.

a policemara on campus. r don't know anyone at UEA who has ever beer searched for drugs except at the big events. In these conditions, drug deaHng is a fairly safe ~'"'lerption " - Damien, campus drvg dealer ., '· tJ

The man is principled, sensible, down-toearth... so why the need to dabble in an illegal trade?

"The money's tax free!" Damien ripostes. His entrepreneurial spirit is admirable, and his situation envious. He trades from his own room, and rather than court business, most of his customers come to him. Still, every time Damien completes a deal, he runs the risk of arrest which is likely to result in a criminal conviction.

Hardly job security, is it?

"Of course, if you trade illegally, there are risks involved, but it's not like I get a kick from operating outside the law.

I'm very careful: I don't just sell drugs to anyone, and I would never go to an event like Return To The Source with a load of gear in my back pocket and expect to be able to sell it inside. To do that, you'd either have to be a big-time dealer or pretty naive.

"Personally, I've never seen a policeman on campus. I don't know anyone at UEA who has ever been searched for drugs except at the big events. In these conditions, drug d ealing is a fairly safe operation." amien, and others like him, pose a problem for the police. lt is suspected there are many small scale drug dealers working on campus, but apprehending these offenders is a near poli~e Impossible task.

Salfldra Wilkinson, Norfolk Constabulary's police liaison officer, admits that the level of drug use and drug supply on campus is "unquantifiable.• "I couldn't say whether UEA is any different to any other university, or even any other senior school in this respect," she continues. "Our powers to obtain this sort of infonnation are understandably limited. We try to work with the University authorities, but we would not no'fllally come on to campus on a regular basis to search people for drugs because, as you can imagine, this would cause problems, particularly with regard to police public I relations." lt seems that the University are given a great deal of :

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stacked in Damien's favour.

Powder and pills are easily concealed and tend to be sold in small amounts.

Even if caught in possession of drugs, it is likely that the quantity would be small enough for Damien to claim personal use only, and to escape with a caution.

Even so, while the University appears to enjoy a good working relationship with the police over the drugs issue, the Union comes in for criticism from Ms Wifkinson.

"I appreciate that the Union has a difficult task attempting to walk the tightrope between providing information on drug use, and being accused of condoning it. But I think that perhaps there may be occasions when the •Union could come down a lot harder on people who they know are dealing drugs.

"I think a big problem is that drug taking has become so acceptable, it allows drug dealers to work comfortably. If they're not condemned, it does help them. We need to get people to feel that drug dealing is an offence against society." nion Communications Officer, Nick Robinson, was quoted in the November 27 issue of Concrete as saying "I'm not sure that there is a drug policy".

However, this view has since been revised.

"We have a drug policy, and it has a lot to do with our licensing agreement," says Nick. "We've met several times with the University and we are taking a harder line against drugs: anyone caught taking drugs, or especially trying to

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' Tne do not want to co-operate with the Union. We have contacted them on several occasions, before and after the raid, asking them what they would like us to do with regards to drug policy, a11d they won't help us" .. Nick Robinson sell drugs, on our licensed premises will be expelled from campus. They will risk the police being called, and could even receive a ban from Union House."

Nick claims that the decision to increase vigilance concerning drugs in Union House was not motivated by the Return To The Source raid, but in fact had been influenced by a Private Member's Bill currently being looked at in Parliament. If the Bill is passed, the police will have the authority to shut down any licensed premises where they believe drug taking and drug dealing is taking place. Instead of the police having to find evidence of

Plctut'N COUI1My of NotwlciJ ~With Promotion Uu•t In CIJIIII you ~bought tl»y IIMH'e IWIIMttl•••)

Nick is also keen to point out that the Union's drug policy is not merely preventative. Advice is available on all aspects of drug use from the Welfare unit.

In response to Sandra Wilkinson's criticisms, Nick contends that "the police do not want to co-operate with us. We have contacted them on several occasions, before and after the raid, asking them what they would like us to do with regards to drug policy, and they won;t heip us."

Despite this, Nick has no problems with the way the police carried out the raid at Return To The Source, and reserves his biggest censure for the Evening News.

"Some basic points of their article were incorrect. There was no swoop on the LCR itself, assumptions were made about what substances had been confiscated before the police had tested them ... from our point of view, the Evening News coverage was very unhelpful. They said they had received all their comments from the police, and if thafs true, I think the police were definitely misleading the public." lt's difficult to believe that the police could have given the Evening News specific information which they were not even able to relate to me two months after the event. As for the claim that "around 24 officers... raided the Lower Common Room of the University of East Anglia at 8.30pm" (Evening News, 16/9/96), this is seriously equivocal, as the LCR was not even open at 8.30 and was at no point entered by 24 officers.

Irresponsible reporting such as this contributes to the unnecessary sensationalising of the drugs raid. We must remember that only, one person was eventually charged - hardly representative of a student drugs epidemic.

Still, the whole business was certainly effective as a public relations exercise for the Norfolk Constabulary.

Sandra Wilkinson admits that being seen to act on an emotive issue is vital, and says, "the public perception is something we look at carefully. Parents at the moment are outraged at the availability of drugs to their children. We

regularly survey the public to find out where they want us to employ our resources, and drugs always figures highly."

To her credit, though, Ms Wilkinson is not just fighting a PR batt.le. She sincerely believes that drugs are a danger, that "there are more and more people dying at the hands of drug dealers• and that "we are sitting on a timebomb, because we don't really know that effects some of these drugs will have over a period of years."

Whether you agree with her or not is anot~er matter.

Damien certainly doesn't: "The drugs I deal won't kill anyone," he claims. "Very few people are damaged by drugs themselves, it's either through impurities in the drug sold or for example, de-hydration as a result of dancing too much on E." Another contentious view, of course, because with zero regulation, it's impossible to guarantee a 'pure' drug.

Nick Robinson treads the middle-ground between these two viewpoints. "People know that if they carry drugs, they run the risk of arrest and I can't condemn or condone their choice to do so. What I do condemn is the sensationalist reporting which giv~s students a bad name." So he doesn't believe that there is a drug problem among students? "Maybe I don't want to believe that!" He laughs.

"But, no, I sincerely don't believe there's a problem." fs a difficult debate to qualify. Anyone taking drugs, and more so, anyone dealing drugs regularly is not going to believe that drugs are a problem, whereas the public at large, reared on media representation which· is always bound to distort the issues somewhat, may harbour a fear of drugs which is out of proportion to their actual effects.

What remains quite clear, is that each party has a vested interest in the issue: drug dealers want to make their product seem fashionable and safe; the police want it to appear as though they are striking at the heart of illegal drug supply; the Union have to represent student feeling while at the same time protect the student image and be seen to take a hard line on drugs; the Evening News must attempt to portray the truth and gain respect through

I

occupation of the moral high ground, but its bottom line is to sell papers.

Once all this is understood, a personal decision on whether to take (or even deal) drugs can be made. Be warned, however. Sandra Wilkinson told me not to rule out the possibility of further drug raids on events at UEA in the near future. Even if most offenders escaped with only a caution to their name last time around, the threat of licenses being cancelled is quite real. Even if drugs don't screw you up, the consequences of your next illegal

a paid advertisement by your student union

Vacancies for 4 Sabbatical Officers 1997/8 Nominations are invited for the posts of: Academic Officer Communications officer Finance Officer Welfare Officer The Union of tJEA students is seeking to appoint four hard-working responsible and reliable students to work for one year as SabQ.atical 9fficers. Once elected, the Officers will act as the primary link between UEA and its Union in the capacity of student representatives /support worke):s. They will alsp have overall responsibiHty for the Union and its companies in whichc apacity they will be l)irectors. ~<

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The ideal candidates will have good self-mana~ement, time-mana~ement and communication skills and should be able to priorltise and manage a wide range of diverse and demanging activities, siqlultaneously. They should be able to work well, under pressure and be team players. Ah interest in, and an understanding of ~e ,Union and its future would be beneficial; in addition word-processing, desk-top publishing and repoltlminute wtiufig skills are desirable, ~ " but not essential.

Duties will In¥ -: Representation of student$' views on Senior University Co~tteesregular and direct contact with students in need of supportoverall responsibility for Union staff which will include:-appointments, disciplinary issues and pay reviews. campaigning on issues identified by the student body d~ to day running of the Union participation in strategic planning and the development of the Union The appointees will be expected to keep· up to date with policy issues and developments Q<>th at local and National level, which affect students_and the Union. They will at the same time work closely with ltnion Managers on all internal matters and will, ~Directors, hq_ve a responsibility in law to oversee the runpingpf Union companies whose turn-over is currently approaching £6 million per ann.um. Once elected by the s~ent ody, Officers will undergo an extensive induction and training programme, after which they will take p post on the 1st August 1997.

Salary

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Hours 36 hours per week minimum ( additionally, at. least one Sabbatical officer is on call at all times and can be contacted by pager) If you feel that you meet the above criteria and believe that you can convince the student body that you are the best person for one of the four jobs available, then please nominate yourself. Nomination forms are available from the Education Unit, and from the Information Office upstairs in Union House. The dates on which nominations open and close are given overleaf.

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See the Education Unit for more information.

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are a new student this term missed out on joining a club or society last term interested in finding more out about a club or society want to join a club or society this term

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Letters & CoiTIITient 13

rete. Wednesday, January 22. 1997 n your last issue, the President of the LGB Society and the LGB Officer use the word ' homophobic' to describe those people who do not agree with homo, or bisexuality.

I am writing to object to the use of this word To call someone 'homophobic' is to imply that thCif dislike of homosexuality is actually an irrational fear such as agro, or arachnophobia.

I personally find this deeply offensive, and feel sure that if I were to suggest that homosexuality is due to a similar mental disorder, homosexuals in the University would be equally offended.

My own objections to homosexuality are not based on fear or irrational hatred, but on the teachings of the Bible: " .. .the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and ... their sin is very grievous" (Genesis, 18) In future , please could representatives of the UEA 's homosexual community be more careful before branding people who do not agree with their way of life 'homophobic'.

I for one resent such careless dismissal of my dearly held beliefs.

I ve vote at an inquorate M, attended by 196 people First all the record should be put that the mot1on put through UGM was not to ban Pepsi, to remove brochures from the travel '>hop which sell holito Burma (or Myanmar. as the regime w1sh Burma to be reason for this 1s that LORC's hurried attempt to bring rish into Myanmar, coupled their abysmal attitude to the rights of the Burmese peomuch of the work undertaken build the touri m mfrastructure been earned out by slave . Therefore, not only will the o tours to Burma help to nance a brutal dictatorship, but it also reinforce the use of slavand give rise to an increase in his practice, as SLORC realises an Rl[tOOJrturlitv to make more dollars '"""mum" its slave-labour built

Edward Reeves, H/52 hilst we are sympathetic towards the injured parties who fell off flat roofs in 01folk Terrace and extend to them best wishes for a peedy recovery. we feel compelled to write concerning the dictate of the November 26 to residents of Suffolk orfolk Terraces. We understand that these roofs have served as balconies since time immemorial.

Why is it that only now in the ultraPC 90s we receive this authoritarian ruling. What will be next, that we 'cease to cross busy streets. or that moking cigarettes is 'not permitted ' ?

Surely the Umversity must reahse that they cannot prohibit the individual from exercising these choice , especially wh~n they lay down the law in such a heavy-handed fashion .

We found 11 doubly hilarious that these instructions were delivered to the bottom floor, since we don't really have a balcony of our own.

W

to sell products which supa corrupt and oppressive which builds its economic · ·nrnorP«' On the baCk Of Slavery. a large body of Union can't be bothered to vote 1ssue. The motion to ban was passed through Forum, at a UGM. you want freedom of choice. then you must decided is whether wish to go on giving your cash those who support slavery, ..,~tprc: ss!l>n a.nu torture , in the for ever more profit, or you want to use your clout a consumer to make them really change the script.'

Neil Monk, DEV3

Paul Escott EUR 1 Giles Bancroft (WAM 1)

Listening Not Lecturing Opening Hours: 8pm- 8am every day for drop-in or phone 503504 cunlidcntial listening and information scn in·

STRIVE TO BE RUDE am writing to express my disgust towards the attitude of the employees of many of the student services and establishments on campus. In my three years at UEA I could probably count on one hand the number of people who have been approachable and polite - not exactly much to ask for.

To name but a few, I would probably begin with the receptionists at the Health Centre. continue with the Personal bankers (although I have only had the pleasure of dealing with those a Barclays 'The student bank· (apparently), and finish with the Union Travel shop and the librarians. I expect that the point of my letter is now perfectly clear to almost any student who has been unfortunate to have contact with '>Uch people.

The Health centre receptionists fail to acknowledge you with any form of greeting ("hello" would be sufficient"); proceed to give you the third degree on whether you actual! y need to see a doctor - as if we'd be spending our not-so-free time pretending to be ill , and then between several huffs and puffs, manage to give you an appointment. l mean, come on now, are we incapable of deciding for ourselves if we need medical attention- I don't think so?

The Personal bankers appear to have their back-up before you've even sat down , which surely contradicts the idea of ' personal bartkers '. And has anyone out there actually been given the advertised £xxxx interest free overdraft without first having been arrested for not paying your bills? ... because if you have then let me (and probably everyone else) know your secret.

To Conclude with the Union Travel shop, whose work-motto must surely be Strive to be rude , on several occasion:. they have given incorrect information seemingly because they just can ' t be bothered to do the job they are paid for. Why does everything seem to be too much trouble?

So to all you employees out there who deal with students - give us a break. We're adults, not delinquents. We don't need to be spoken to like we've just walked in on the sole of someone's shoe. If you tried to be just a tad more polite then maybe your jobs wouldn't eem to be the drag that you give the impression they are. Just remember that there arc hundreds of students out there gagging for jobs, so count yourselves lucky and smile!

l

TJ Richardson ENV3 J Cameron SOC3 M Ives MTH3

A FUTURE FOR PHYSICS! UEA looks set to close its Undergraduate programme in the School of Physics - despite protests from Academic staff, students and newcomers to the University.

The recent news has caused anger and confusion and comes at a time when the Government is trying to promote more students to take up science. Students currently on the Physics course are concerned about their future and the respectability of their degrees if the School becomes research-only.

Isn't it a shame that the future of Phy ics has come down to a question of money?

TOP UP FEES The University is under pressure to make a decision this week concerning the inclusion of a clause into the 1998 prospectus reserving the right to introduce topup fees.

The proposal has been met with fierce opposition both from staff, students, and Union Academic Officer, Becky Colley. The University, nevertheless, seems set on aligning itself with the prestigious Russell Group and '94 Group, who may introduce top-up fees.

It's about time the University began listening to its staff and students.

STOP THE CLOCKS ••• The workaholics dream may become a reality if the University decides to fund a 24 hour library.

UEA's Independent Student Newspaper PO Box 410, Norwich NR4 7TB Te~(01603)250558

Fax:(01603)506822

E-Msil: su.concrete@uea.ac.uk

Concrete welcomes your letters on any subject. Whether it is something we've written about that you wish to take issue with, or you just simply want to make a point, we want to hear from you. Write to us before 1pm on Wednesday, January 29 to have your letter included in the next issue} at the address below or via our postboxes in the foyer of Union House, marking your correspondence for the attention of the Editor, James Curtis. Anonymity will be respected but you must include both your name and address in the first instance.

•Editor: James Curtis• Deputy Editors: Matthew Doyle and Matt Faskcn •News Editor: Jane Kirby •Assistant News Editor: Katie Nicholi•Fearures Editors: Sam Richards and Helen Lovett • ports Editor: ick Tnggle• Picture Editor: Andrew Bailey •Contributing Editor: Caroline Jenkinson •Consultant Editor: Simon Mann•Cilief News Reporters: eil Anderson •Editorial Comributors: , Rob Lutyens. Jane Rigby-Jones, Emma Newbury, .•Piwtogrophers: Kate Crockett, Matt Fasken, Jane Kirby, Chris Loader, Rob Lutyens, Andrew Bailey•Advertising Manager: Matt Doyle •Proofreaders: Emma ewbury, Caroline Simms, Tanya Holt, Vik Scales.

John Spacey, •Special Thanks to: Emma . for being top UH Stewards, Bonusprint, SASSAF for their sandwiches, everyone at EC •DTP Assistants: James Curt is, Matthew Doyle, Matt Fasken, Stuan Dredge, Sam Richards•Concrete is published by the Union of UEA Students. Opinions expressed are those of the Contributor and not necessanly those of the Publisher or Editor. Use of the name 'The Event ' appears by arrangement with the copyright holders, Planet Zog Ltd. • o pan of this newspaper may be reproduced, transmitted by any means electronic. stereophonic, diabetic, in a Christmas cracker, misquoted by Gair Rhydd, or otherwise without the pnor wntten consent of the publisher. •Printed by Eastern Counties Newspapers Ltd., orwich, Norfolk NR I I RE. ID UUEAS, 1996.

The scheme has been tried and tested at the University of Bath where it has been a great success. The project is aided by the provision of a self-service facility which cuts down on the number of staff needed to manage the Library.

Students who are keen to have such a service at UEA should fill out the questionnaires in Union House and the Library.

(01603) 592505 Monday 8 -10pm {Term Times) University of East Anglia Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ su.lgb@uea.ac.uk

Confidential listening without prejudice

V592505 Monday 8 -10pm (Term Time)

.,

14 Features

+Every fortnight, we take a well-known campus celebrity to the bar, buy them a drink and then ask t hem a load of random questions.

THIS ISSUE: Dean of 810, Dr. lan Gibson What did you drea m last night?

That Norwich City got relegated and Bryan Gunn comm itted suicide!

Who do you fancy?

Michelle Pfieffer. In The Fabulous Baker Boys, when she was on the piano, ooh , absolutely ... (trails off as if overcome by the though ~ .

What are yo u afra id of?

The Tories winning the next el ection, obviously. And heights - I don't like walking over the footb ri dge on Grapes Hill.

What sports are you good at?

I used to play professional football fo r St. Mirren . I was there for two seasons and got to play against Rangers and Celti c.

What position did you play?

In those days, it was called left half. I had a reputation as a bit of a dirty playe r!

What do you never miss on TV? Eastenders. I find it re laxing , strangely enough . And I'll watch

any football that's on.

How much can you d rink?

Seven pints of bitter and a half bottle of whisky would put me down .

What's your worst habit?

Picking my nose in public.

Especially in Deans meetings, which get very boring .

What would you say to Jesus?

Hey man , should we legalise cannabis?

Do you think he would be in favour of legalisation?

I'm sure he shared a few joints with the disciples.

What can you cook?

Bacon and eggs, fish and chi ps ... frying food is a real art in Scotland. There isn't much vegetable life up there.

Do you think Gazza should be allowed to play for England?

Not after what he did to his wife - he's a ro le model and should set an example to the kids who idolise him. Actually, I'd like to

play against Gazza . I'd kick the crap out of him and get sent off .

Wh at's you r party trick?

I like to sing, loudly. At the BIO Christmas party, I did the Wild Rover. The party was dying before that, but after my song , it took off.

When was the last time you had a f ight?

About five years ago at the S-a-side football courts at UEA. A student took a swing at my legs and I, er, grazed him with my forehead. We laughed it off afterwards.

What was the last record you bought? it was a tape called Fields Of Athenrey sung by an Irish folk singer cal led Paddy O'Reilly. it's crap, the kind of thing that Irish people sing when they're really pissed, but I like it.

Where would you like to be buried?

Under the top goals on the big

pitch at Colney. I've scored some of my best headed goals up the re , some from almost 20 yards .. . (yeah, right.?

Now for the trivia section.

What was the biggest selling single of 1996?

I would have to guess one of the Oasis numbers.

Wrong! lt was Killing Me Softly by The Fugees.

What did T.S. Eliot's initials stand for?

Thomas Stearne.

I'll give that. The answer is actually Thomas Steams .

Which monarch directly

succeeded Elizabeth I? An ne?

Wrong! lt was James I. One from three - not bad for a scientist!

tan Gibson was drinking a 'half and half' (half a bitter and a scotch) and talking to Sam Richards

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------------------------------~------Sport 15

s ope to s ng again in 199 a

Ill

Norwich City have made a recent return to form after a disastrous preC hristmas run saw them leak 14 goals in just three games .

A 1- 1 draw a g ain ~ l C rystal Palact: wa' marred by a 85 th minut e bra\\ I "hi eh in vo lved all twe nt y two pl ayer!>.

Bot h club' have now be.:n charged by the F.A .. with a fin e looking the mo>t probabk outco me.

L--,.:::~;;.==:=:::f" The follow in g Wednesday 'aw th e team 'uffe r a .'i-1 th ra, hing at the hand ' of West Brom. o nl y fo r matters to won.en " he n they \\enl to Port Vale a nd lost 6- 1.

It became clear th at a c hange wa' need.:d. prompt ing Mi kt: Walk.:r tu en ter tht: tran,fcr ma rket and sign Matt Jachon fro m his o ld c lu b.

Eve rto n. fo r £450.000.

The improvement ll'a' immediate. cv.:n if the re,ult was not a> they trave ll ed to QPR on Boxi ng Day o nly to lose narrowl y 3-2.

The nex t three games all went Ci ty·, way as th ey beat Bradfo rd 1-0.

Po rt,mo uth 1-0 an d perh aps the be!>l of the lot an F.A. C up 3rd ro und victory aga in ' t Sheffiel d Uni ted .

The ' lrengtheni ng of the squad con ti nued with th e e ncouraging sig nin g of ex Eng la nd player Dav id Roca,tle. and littl .: known Swedi sh , tri k.:r Ulf Occmson.

T he'e recen t 'ig nings have bc.: n another a"urance 10 the fans that th.: hated Cha'e regime has gone. an d that the new d irectors are will ing to gambit: to reach the lu crati ve Pre mi er, hi p.

Th is would then ensure the money wou ld come in a lo t faster through large r atte ndances. TV reven ue and o the r bo nu,.;s.

Certa inly the addition of popular cookery expert Ddia Smit h to the board has injected some muc h needed ca,h int o wh at wa' o nce a nin e mill ion pound de bt at the C lub.

T he curre nt squad ha!> a promi"ng look to it with a

Rob l..ulyens, our CaiTOw Road correspondent, looks back over the Christmas games

hi nation of experienced player' and younger poten tial star, .

T he 2 1 year o ld Darren Ead ie ha' already bet:n eannark.:d by Glenn Hoddlt: as a future Engla nd winger. wh il e Keil h O ' Neill is a r.:g ul ar in th.: R.:publi c of Ire land squ ad .

How.:vcr the net:d for a top class ' lri ker has never bct:n more appar.:nt a' the age in g Robe rt Flec k. Ke ith Sco ll and Ade Akinbyi an.: all fai ling to fi nd the back of the ne t.

Bryan G unn ' s te n year first t.:am ca re.:r is also startin g to loo k sli ght ly in doubt wit h the renewed contrac t of Eng land unda 21 goalkeeper Andy M ar~ hall.

Mar-.hall ha' made it clear that he feeb a team place: should be cnn11ng hi' way soon. eve n if it doe' mean r.:movi ng Bryan G unn m his to:sll monia l year.

A larger ' qu ad. three wi ns in a row an d the pm,pec t of an F.A . C up run could mea n a c hange in fo rtune from the now reg ular po'l Chri"ma' 'l ump .

With Ru b.: rl Cha'e no lo nger in ,ight Norl'o lk i-. ho pin g o nce more for the vi,i l of Pre mi e rshi p opposi tion next sea,on.

USA fixtures •With the league stages now complete February sees the start of the BUSA knockout cups.

•The cup phase is compiled of three separate pools, with the winners of the group stage going into the championship, the runners up into the shield, and third place into the plate.

•Thirty-one of ou r teams are now preparing for the February 5 showdowns, the majority of them being in the championship.

•The five hockey teams all have a good chance of success with the ladies 11 probably our strongest team as they showed in the qualifying rounds when they demolished all before them, until the last round defeat when they were already assured of fi rst place. oQther teams to watch out for include the Netball I who with their county standard players play some exciting , attacking netball.

•Both men's and women's volleyball teams stand a good chance if they show the same fightin g spirit of last year when they refused to be beaten, often coming from behind to record memorable victories, such as the men's close 3-2 win in the opening round against Kent.

•The Plate qualifiers should also do well if they perform to their full potential, men's Football I and Basketball I both under sold themselves in the group stages.

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Concrete, Wednesday, January 22, 1997

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...

Lacrosse while perhaps not being one of UEA most well known sports Is certainly healthy and thriving, even if it Is forced off campus and out to Eaton Park.

The sport has been associated with UEA for many years now, but it has only been over the last five that it h<IS developed from its origins as a splinter from Norwich Ladies team.

UEA Lacrosse club currently has 42 members, which enable them to field two mixed teams, but because of the lack of male members they are unable to enter the BUSA competition.

Nevertheless this year remains the best of this past decade as they have managed to be accepted for three competitions, as well as playing the prestigious friendlies again~! Cambridge.

The first of which this season they should have won, leading 3-0 at half time they came out over confident for the second period and got beaten 3-8.

They have faired better in the South Eastern Counties competition, which is mixed Lacrosse's answer to the BUSA league, riding high at the top of the league with a maximum nine points. Although two teams did fail to turn up and UEA were consequently awarded the points, they did manage to beat the highly regarded Royal Holloway 7-6.

The two other friendlies they played were against Norwich Ladies the first which they won 5-4 and the second being an entertaining 8-8 all draw when many of the squad members were given a game, and charismatic goalkeeper Andy Lamb played outfield.

He said, "that is all part of this club, we aim to give everyone a chance to try everything." Obviously relishing his opportunity he went on to score two goals.

These next few months are going to be very exciting times which will have a major bearing on the future of Lacrosse at UEA. They need one more victory from their remaining three league games to progress into the

knockout stages.

Which club president, Nick Robinson anticipated eagerly when he said, "If we can reach the knockout phase it would really get our momentum going.

"Training would improve and it would bring some much appreciated publicity to what is fun, fast action packed sport."

February also sees UEA host the Eastern Counties 7a-side competition in the sports hall, for what promises to be a great days entertainment.

On the teams chances Nick Robinson added, "We are taking these competitions very seriously, and I believe that we have a strong enough squad to do well, if not even win these competitions."

Club captain, Danny Thomas, echoed this belief claiming, "If we don't come out with a trophy this season we will be very disappointed."

Also coming up later on this year is the Norfolk Cup, in which UEA is competing against the orwich

Ladies team and various high schools.

Even with the pro pect of this phenomenal success Union funding still remains low, and this problem is heightened by the fact that the team have to pay to play on the expensive Eaton Park pitches through lack of proper organisation of the UEA facilities.

Training takes place once a week, but with no official coach the senior players are forced to do it themselves, enthusiasm though remains high, cover point Jenny R.itson said, "training is always fun, and the older players are always open to ideas from us."

When asked how he thought Lacrosse would develop after he had gone Nick Robinson replied optimistically, "About 70% of this years squad are first years, so I believe it will go from strength to strength."

And with all the opportunities coming up it can only improve the reputation of Lacrosse, which in turn will bring about more publicity, membership and hopefully funding.

No Payne, No gain••• Union SP.orts Officer, David Payne, tells Nick Triggle of his battles to save Wednesday afternoons for SP.Ort This term will prove just how highly UEA value sport, as we reach arguably the most critical part of the sporting calender with the commencement of the BUSA knockout stages just a few weeks away.

However many teams will be worried about the prospect of having to field severely under-strength teams as players have classes on Wednesday afternoons.

This problem is further heightened by the fact that the BUSA league now claim that UEA are part of the South Eastern region forcing matches to be played as far away as Portsmouth, causing the whole of Wednesday to be taken up by the participation of sport Such problems prompted newly elected sports officer David Payne to represent the sports societies' case to the student sub-committee at the most recent meeting, where he

reminded them of the university policy dating back to February 1993, "That core/compulsory units of teaching should not be assigned to those timetable slots which involved the use of Wednesday afternoons, if at all possible."

He added "It is not as if there are no timetable slots to rearrange these classes to, as there are gaps on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.

"It is all very well for us to campaign for a New Sports Park and Centre of Excellence, but if we cannot guarantee students the opportunity to compete on a regular basis what is the point."

Union Sports Officers have faced constant problems in ensuring that Wednesday afternoons are kept free for sport, campaign which the NUS has also been involved in.

But as David admits, "This has been a constant problem over the years, and only time will tell if it will improve this year."