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Exeposé
What makes Exeter great? pages 10-11
Interview on page 20
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Monday 19 March 2012 • Issue 592 • www.exepose.com • Twitter: @Exepose • www.facebook.com/Exepose
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Russell Group: Our “natural home” Photo: Ollie Bradburne
Joe Johnston News Editor EXETER UNIVERSITY has accepted an invitation to join the Russell Group of leading research-led universities. The announcement on Monday 12 March from Vice-Chancellor Sir Steve Smith stressed that the Russell Group is “the natural home for Exeter”.
“The Russell Group is now the natural home for Exeter” Sir Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor of Exeter University
Exeter was one of four universities along with Durham, York and Queen Mary, to accept an invitation and leave the smaller lobbying association, the 1994 Group. Notification of the new membership was shortly followed by a climb in Exeter’s global league table position from 184 to 156. Exeter’s rise up The Times Higher Education rankings, released on Thursday 15, was counter to the national trend of UK universities heading downwards. Reactions from students have been broadly positive. Hannah Barr, a second year Theology student, tweeted immediately following the announcement: “So @UniofExeter is now in the Russell Group. Slogan change to ‘definitely the best university in the world?’ I think so.” However, another tweet from an Exeter student questioned the University’s intentions: “Does joining the Russell Group mean even more emphasis on research and even less on students? @UniofExeter #Priorities.” Stuart Franklin, Director of Communication and Marketing Services at Exeter, has denied such claims of a shift in emphasis from students to research, stating: “The two aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact the best universities for
teaching quality also tend to be the best at research.” Franklin emphasised the value of belonging to the Russell Group, stating: “The Russell Group brand is incredibly powerful and this will aid recruitment of the best students and staff.” When asked where Exeter’s acceptance into the Russell Group leaves the remaining 15 members of the 1994 group, Franklin stated “this is probably a question for the 1994 Group”. Michael Farthing, chair of the 1994 Group, expressed his disappointment at the departure of the four institutions. He said: “Like all members of the 1994 Group, they are excellent institutions with global reputations. It is a mark of pride that they have been able to build on these reputations through 1994 Group membership.” James Eales, VP Academic Affairs at the Students’ Guild, has expressed his delight in Exeter’s admission into the Russell Group, calling it recognition of “the improvement that Exeter has experienced nationally over the last 5 years, and its current position within the UK ‘Ivy League’.”
Tom Payne Books Editor
“Does joining the Russell Group mean even more emphasis on research and even less on students? #Priorities” Anonymous Exeter student on Twitter
He continued: “This should have really positive teaching impacts for our students, and looking beyond University could have a positive impact on their employment opportunities.” The move has increased membership of the Russell Group to 24, placing Exeter alongside universities such as Cambridge, Edinburgh, UCL and Oxford.
Bracton Law Soc expenses challenged
Sledging across the Arctic See page 2 for full story
THE Students’ Guild has conducted a review of the spending of Bracton Law Society (BLS) after an anonymous group questioned the society’s expenditure. The group, called ‘A Fairer BLS’, issued an email to Law students claiming that the society spent more on netball matches and cake purchases than on employability events. They said: “We have no aims other than to engage Law students with their society and acquaint them with the real issues in the BLS.” After a review of the society’s expenditure, the Guild determined that A Fairer BLS had misinterpreted BLS’s financial figures. While the anonymous group claimed that BLS this year has spent £337.85 more on netball than on mooting, the Guild has recognized that these figures are inaccurate, and that a total of £1,201 was actually spent on mooting, a significant amount more than the anonymous group’s calculation. The society estimates that they spent £19.07 less than last year. Julia Paci, the Employability and Work Placement Officer for the College of Social Sciences, has said: “In terms of employability activities, the Bracton Law Society has organised over twenty events so far this year – this is a significant achievement that should not be underestimated.” Continued on page 6