Gair Rhydd 1060 (with manifestos) - 12th October 2015

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gair rhydd | freeword Cardiff ’s student weekly Issue 1060 Monday 12th October 2015 Also in this issue

Comment: Tackling America’s gun laws P11>>

MEDIC Forward update: Doing “more damage than good”

Politics: We talk to Wales’ First Minister, Carwyn Jones P18>>

t British Medical Association “very concerned” over implications of MEDIC Forward for senior female staff t Dean of Medicine: “We stand to lose out on £20.7 million in research funding” if levels of diversity not improved within School t Institute of Molecular & Experimental Medicine to be “dissolved” (page 5) EXCLUSIVE Anna Lewis

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ardiff University School of Medicine could be set to lose millions of pounds worth of funding, due to a proposed restructure under the MEDIC Forward Scheme.

As a result of the widely-criticised plans, named MEDIC Forward, senior female staff have been “targeted” according the British Medical Association (BMA). This is set to have detrimental effects upon the School of Medicine’s diversity requirements, and could result in a substantial loss of funding.

The news comes amid widespread backlash against the proposals, with staff citing a total loss of faith in both the School of Medicine and the University’s Executive Board as a result.

MEDIC Forward has been de-

scribed by the University as an initiative allowing the School of Medicine to “build upon existing success” and “embrace positive change”. However, staff have spoken out to Gair Rhydd against the “unacceptable” consequences of this change, causing “loyalties and commitment” within research departments to be broken.

“People need to be aware of what has happened” one staff member warned Gair Rhydd, “to ensure that this does not happen again”.

It has now been revealed that in accordance to the School’s current plans, senior female staff will be put at a major disadvantage in MEDIC Forward’s new criteria used to assess its members. According to the Deputy Chair Women in Academic Medicine for BMA, Dr Marcia Schofield, this can be explained “as many [female] clinical academics also do NHS work and are therefore less than full time”.

Talking to Gair Rhydd, Schofield said: “We are concerned that the MEDIC Forward process appears to be targeting areas that many of the few senior female clinical academics work in.”

The Medical Academic Staff Committee (MASC) at the BMA has also spoken out against MEDIC Forward, as co-chair Michael Rees told Gair Rhydd: “We remain very concerned about the gender issues in relation to MEDIC Forward and having discussed this within MASC we feel the Medical School has to significantly change its approach to gender and age issues”.

Currently Cardiff University School of Medicine holds a Bronze level in the diversity charter Athena SWAN, which aims to support female staff and address the underrepresentation of women in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine) subjects.

Pictured: The University Hospital of Wales at Cardiff University’s Heath Park campus (Photographer: Anna Lewis)

Continued on page 4

Science: How did the dinosaurs die out? P22>>

Societies: Charity work at uni P27>>

2 EDITORIAL Gair Rhydd Coordinator Elaine Morgan Editor Joseph Atkinson Deputy Editor Shanna Hamilton

the free word

Reporting what affects you

News Anna Lewis

The News section this week has gone above and beyond in reporting on some pretty important business

Advice Gwen Williams Comment Em Gates Charley Griffiths David Williams Columnist Helena Hanson Politics Carwyn Williams Luke Brett Sam Patterson Science Maria Mellor Lizzie Harrett Societies Aletheia Nutt Taf-Od Carwyn Williams Park Life Vacant Sport Jim Harris James Lloyd Jason Roberts Jamie Smith Social Media Editor Jack Boyce Thank you To all the proofreaders who helped with this issue!

Want to be an editor?

We have editorial vacancies in News, Politics and Science. Email editor@ gairrhydd.com if you’re interested.

Get involved Editorial conferences are each Monday at 5pm.

Proofreading takes place at 6pm on Thursdays in the media office during print weeks.

Write us a letter letters@gairrhydd.com Tweet us @gairrhydd At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our responsibility to maintain the highest possible standards. Sometimes, because of deadline pressures, we may make some mistakes. If you believe we have fallen below the standards we seek to uphold, please email editor@gairrhydd. com. You can view our Ethical Policy Statement and Complaints Procedure at cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/complaints Opinions expressed in editorials are not reflective of Cardiff Student Media, who act as the publisher of Gair Rhydd in legal terms, and should not be considered official communications or the organisation’s stance. Gair Rhydd is a Post Office registered newspaper.

Joseph Atkinson

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his week’s front page splash, and indeed the News section in general has some pretty amazing revelations about our university.

The MEDIC Forward story that has been driven by Gair Rhydd since our first investigations into the restructuring scheme by previous editor Michael O’Connell-Davidson in May is of national importance and is truly in the public interest.

That isn’t just our view though. A response to a Freedom of Information request, put forward by Mike earlier this year into the details of how many staff had had their jobs put under threat, admitted that there was a public interest argument in terms of openness and accountability of the University.

While the request was rejected as consultation into MEDIC Forward was ongoing, it was said that there was a “public interest in disclosure of information that helps inform public debate particularly where the impact of the changes being consulted upon are likely to be significant at a national level.”

Indeed this story has been of national interest, and should continue to be scrutinised as the lengthy consultation period comes to and end.

Thanks to Mike for starting the ball rolling on this story and to Anna Lewis who spent her whole week emailing, interviewing and balancing the story to the best of her ability. Thanks also go to our sources, many of whom want to remain anonymous due to their fears of the implications of going against the University. These people are risking a lot to get the MEDIC Forward story out and truly believe that aspects of the scheme will be damaging to staff, students and the University itself in the long-run.

The story is of great importance to a great many students studying at the School of Medicine who face the threat of having their courses restructured and changed halfway through their degrees.

It’s also a story that has affected a lot of the staff at the School. With over 1,000 job descriptions being altered and staff moral currently low, the restructure has clearly not gone smoothly and there is of little doubt that it has left some angry and confused as to their futures.

Furthermore, as has been mentioned in previous issues of Gair Rhydd regarding the MEDIC Forward story, the project threatens to affect heart research in Wales. With heart disease being one of the most common causes of death in the country, to “dissolve” a unit of the School of Medicine such as IMEM puts that heart research at risk.

This is all before we get to the £20.7 million of research that the University could miss out on from the Athena Swan diversity scheme if they do not achieve a Silver award. The School currently holds a Bronze award and with many women allegedly having been targeted by MEDIC Forward, the target of achieving Silver as outlined

by Dean of Medicine John Bligh could be under threat.

There have been many allegations flying about, whether they have been from within the School itself, from the British Medical Association, from the University, or from the University College Union. All of these institutions and more have spoken to Gair Rhydd to put forward their side of the story in what is truly a multi-million pound issue.

Elsewhere, after a tip-off earlier in the week we have investigated allega-

tions that some of the Athletic Union’s martial arts clubs were not informed before their training dojo was converted to extend gym space at Talybont Sport Centre. The Karate and Jiu jitsu clubs’ committees have described in the strongest possible terms their dismay at the “reassignment” and the issues of participant safety has become prominent as they have been forced to train in less suitable surroundings.

Going into this year one of the main challenges was to upkeep the excellent public interest nature of the News section from last year. It is with stories such as MEDIC Forward and the dojo conversion that make me think that we’re meeting that challenge and trying hard to report properly and fairly.

We have reached out to multiple sides and have sourced stories professionally and respectfully in the pursuit of these stories and have come out with high quality journalism.

Hopefully, we at Gair Rhydd can help make real change to improve the chances of staff at the School of Medicine maintaining their jobs and students at the School continuing their degrees uninterrupted. Oh, and members of the Karate and Jiu Jitsu clubs getting their dojo back!

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY: GAIR RHYDD 553 07/10/1996 This week in history, we look at issue 553, from 1996; a year in which many of you second years, were probably born.

The issue features: a Chinese takeaway menu, a guide to Cardiff City Centre, as well as a rather inappropriate, yet hilariously funny, dick pic – courtesy of a man referred to as only: ‘The Beast’. Now this is great banter. It would appear that Cardiff students could send in embarrassing and cringe-worthy photographs of their mates for Gair Rhydd to publish. Oh how times have changed! The City Centre pubs, clubs & grubs guide is designed as a Monopoly board, which is really cool and would go down pretty well in 2015.

On a more serious note, the front page featured two stories: one about the accommodation crisis, with a quote from Jon Owen Jones, the MP for Cardiff Central, as well as a story about a meeting that discussed the need for first semester exams or whether to abolish them.

In the inset, you could pick up a beef lasagne with vegetables for a measly £2.75 from the student’s union whilst a Chilli Con Carne for £2.55.

Food glorious food, and at glorious prices. Adam Strange conducted a piece on pub and bar opening hours being extended by one hour from 11pm to Midnight, the headline, “Licensed to

spill” confuses me somewhat.

Apparently, Red Bull existed back then, what a shock; former editor, Alex Lockwood, compares himself to a Vodka Red Bull and also revealed that he was disappointed that he didn’t get “any” in his first week of being a fresher.

There’s a cool feature on music, with hit songs and albums being reviewed, a personal favourite is Steve Wheeler’s take on Nirvana’s album, “From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah.” A book review also features, which is also quite interesting, but not quite my cup of tea, I can imagine that the music and festival sections were amongst students’ favourites as they skimmed through a copy of Gair Rhydd deleting a full English fry up.

Page 31 is a little bit weird. Rhiannon and Felicia ask: “What is your ultimate temptation?”

– All of the answers to this question could be deemed unprintable in one way or another.

In the sport section, a BUSA preview features, coincidentally as does the sport section this week. Ryan Giggs was named Welsh player of the year at the Welsh Brewers Football Awards dinner and Cardiff City FC lost 2-0 away at Lincoln.

ITV withdrew from broadcasting the inaugural Anglo-Welsh rugby competition which is labeled “a farce” as Cardiff prepared to host Harlequins.

- James Lloyd

EDITORIAL 3

Campus in Brief

Jack Boyce

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Gareth Bale was named the FAW Player of the Year, following on from winning the title the last five out of six years.

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reat Western Railway has been blasted after claims that trains between Cardiff and London will be slower than they were 40 years ago, despite huge investment into the railway services. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) has revealed research that suggests that services between London, Bristol and Cardiff will be slower from December 2018 than those achieved in 1977. Great Western Railway has hit back at the research, stating that, “The fastest Bristol-London journey time, quoted by the RMT, in 1977 was one hour 25 minutes. Following electrification and new trains, this will be one hour 19 minutes, that’s six minutes faster than in 1977.”

GWR also presented that the findings are inaccurate, as “these trains will call at more stations than they did in 1977.”

Prime Minister David Cameron has defended the actions of a RAF drone strike in Syria which killed Reyaad Khan, an ISIS member from Cardiff. Khan, 21, died on the 21st August in a “precision airstrike”, alongside Ruhul Amin, another ISIS member from Aberdeen. Cameron told MPs that Khan had been planning attacks on British soil, and that the “act of self defense” was lawful in defiance of previous ruling out of military action in Syria. Cameron stated; “The choice I faced was this: act, and we could stop them carrying out their plans.”

Cardiff ’s City Hall hosted the 25th annual FAW awards, where the big story of the night was Gareth Bale being named the FAW Player of the Year, following on from winning the title the last five out of six years. Bale’s six goals and two assists in the current Euro campaign has led the Wales squad to the top of Group B. Cardiff City youngster Tommy O’Sullivan was named Young Player of the Year, whilst Swansea’s Alan Curtis won the FAW Long Service Award.

National

An average audience of 13.4 million people tuned into watch the finale of the Great British Bake Off, with 14.5 million people watching at the show’s peak to see the winner of the show’s sixth winner. This is an increase from the peak of 12.3 million who tuned into last year’s finale. Luton-born Nadiya Hussain was crowned the series winner, overcoming fellow finalists Ian Cumming and Tamal Ray, after baking a wedding cake adorned with jewels as the “showstopper”. The theme of the showstopper was to create a classic British cake with at least three tiers.

Nadiya said; “Bizarrely, I found the final was one of the least scariest [rounds] and I really enjoyed the experience the most out of all the filming days.”

The UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has confirmed that a “small number” of British troops are to send to the Baltic region as tensions rise between Western countries and Russia rise following Syrian airstrikes. Fallon announced the commitment on his arrival at the NATO conference in Brussels, with troops being sent to Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to “deter Russian aggression” and give reassurance to the Eastern European countries.

Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has outlined a plan for Northern Ireland to once again come under direct rule from London if Northern Irish parties cannot come to an agreement over the alleged existence of the Provisional IRA and welfare reform.

Villiers stated that the talks between unionist and nationalist parties were crucial in maintaining a devolved government, with Villiers stating, “a return to direct rule would be a severe setback”. These talks have come after the controversial murder of ex-IRA Kevin McGuigan in August, allegedly by current IRA members.

International

NATO defence ministers will assess the “troubling escalation of Russian military activities” in Syria ahead of talks in Brussels. NATO’s secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg has stated that he is concerned about Russia’s use of cruise missiles and air strikes in the area, and that Turkey has declared that Russia has violated their air space. The accusations come after Russian air strikes were said to have hit opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, despite claims from Moscow that they targeted ISIS militants. Syrian Army Chief of Staff General Ali Abdullah Ayoub has supported these claims, saying that these air strikes had weakened ISIS and enabled the army to start a “big attack” to retake ISIS-controlled towns and villages. Stoltenberg has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop backing al-Assad and that NATO is willing to take action to defend its allies.

Media baron Rupert Murdoch has come under fire after tweeting that US President Barack Obama is not a “real black president” while voicing his support for Republican candidate Ben Carson. Murdoch tweeted; “Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide?”

A group of inmates at a New York correction facility have caused a huge upset by out debating Harvard University’s team, which was the highest ranked debate team in the world. Inmates at the Eastern New York Correctional Facility challenged the Harvard team to a debate at the facility after forming a debate club with help from nearby Bard College. Despite winning the national and worldwide championships, Harvard were unable to overcome the inmates in a debate about whether students whose parents entered the US illegally should be turned away from schools.

Pictured: Gareth Bale with his fifth FAW Player of the Year award (Photographer: Andrew Penman)

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An average audience of 13.4 million people tuned into watch the finale of the Great British Bake Off, with 14.5 million people watching at the show’s peak.

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4 NEWS

news

Editor: Anna Lewis @GairRhyddNews news@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/news

Cont’d: MEDIC Forward update

Continued from front page

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We stand to lose £20.7M a year in research funding if we do not attain Silver Dean of Medicine, Prof. John Bligh

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However, in an all-school staff briefing given by the Dean of Medicine Professor John Bligh, it was stated that if a Silver level is not reached by 2016 then the school stands to lose £20.7 million a year in research funding.

In the meeting it was explained that “from 2016, the ability to apply for NIHR funding, and possibly RCUK funding in the future will depend on holding a Silver award. We stand to lose £20.7 M a year in research funding if we do not attain Silver.”

The School is currently aiming to renew its Bronze level in April 2016.

Despite the statements made by the BMA, the School’s lack of progress within the diversity charter has been refuted by the University, who stated that a comprehensive Equality Impact Assessment has been conducted for the restructuring of the school and indicated that there will be “no unlawful discrimination against any protected group”.

A spokesperson elaborated that: “The full impact assessment was reviewed by a senior member of the Equality and Diversity Committee”.

The BMA expressed hope that the University will tackle diversity issues as Schofield : “We know the university is cognisant of the aims and values of the Athena Swan process; which aims to promote diversity at the highest levels within academia; and trust this exercise does nothing to jeopardise the progress made to ensure representation of women in senior positions within the school of medicine.”

These current allegations do not stand alone in criticising MEDIC Forward.

In a larger series of complaints against the School of Medicine, staff have also spoken out against the way in which the consultation process was

carried out.

Last summer, investigations conducted by former Gair Rhydd editor Michael O’Connell-Davidson revealed that letters had been sent out to 69 members of staff stating that their positions were “at risk”, and that 12 major research projects were to be potentially disinvested from.

Now, following the closure of this consultation phase after a month’s delay, Bligh has stated that “effective communication alongside openness and transparency has been an integral part of the project, providing everyone with the opportunity to input into the process”.

He then asserted that the School of Medicine has consulted extensively on the proposals and that “at every stage staff, students, stakeholders, and trade unions have been given the opportunity to express their views and contribute fully to the process.”

However, this has been heavily contested by staff within the School who state that they received no communication from senior management.

One researcher who wished to remain anonymous explained: “I am disgusted by John Bligh’s comments that students have been involved in the process of MEDIC Forward, not once have I been spoken to other than by direct and affected supervisors” Another student confirmed a lack of transparency within the school: “We have barely been consulted during the consultation period and I am outraged

by John Bligh’s comments.

“Medic Forward appears to have done far more damage than good, to most of us anyway. As students we have not been involved at all in the process.”

Such testimonies contradict statements released by the University and Council Union (UCU) describing the

consultation as “meaningful” and “dedicated”.

Both the UCU and the Students’ Union VP Heath Katey Beggan have stated that communications between students and staff have improved.

Despite this, questions surrounding the lack of clarity during the consultation process have been reinforced by the results of a staff survey within the School of Medicine.

Results have shown that only 16 per cent of staff display a positive attitude towards decision-making processes in the University.

The staff survey for the School of Medicine is allegedly said to have one of the worst results of all schools in the University.

Statistics have shown that only 23 per cent of those asked believed that major change was managed effectively within the school.

Attitudes towards senior staff and executives at the University also fared badly, with a mere 19 per cent of staff

suggesting they hold a positive attitude towards the University Executive Board.

As a result, it has been suggested by one member of staff that MEDIC Forward has had a devastating effect upon the School of Medicine, with “morale now at rock bottom”.

During the summer a Freedom of Information request was sent to the School of Medicine by O’Connell-Davidson in an attempt to reveal the criteria for MEDIC Forward’s assessment and state why some departments were considered “unsustainable”.

Although the school acknowledged that there was a “public interest” in disclosing information to “help inform public debate”, they were unable to disclose the selection criteria for multiple reasons including the protection of personal and commercial information.

A meeting will now take place with the University Council to finalise the consultation on Wednesday October 14th.

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I am disgusted by John Bligh’s comment that students have been involved in the process of MEDIC Forward, not once have I been spoken to Student at School of Medicine

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Pictured: Academic Avenue at Heath Campus (Photographer: Anna Lewis)

Staff leave University as a result of MEDIC Forward Members of School subject to “intimidation”, suggests source

EXCLUSIVE Anna Lewis

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embers of staff have left the University as a result of an “intimidation technique” caused by MEDIC Forward, a member of staff within the School of Medicine has suggested.

According to sources in the school, a number of staff have chosen to accept a Voluntary Severance Package and leave the University as a result of the “at risk” letters initially sent out during the MEDIC Forward consultation period.

Gair Rhydd reached out to the University to investigate the number of staff confirmed to have left the University. However, the issue was not addressed in a statement released by a University spokesperson.

Instead it was explained that a Voluntary Severance Package (VSP) has been offered to members of the School of Medicine and that the University “anticipate advising of decisions by the end of October”.

Meanwhile, after offering staff VSPs it has now been announced that the number of remaining staff “at risk” of redundancy has dramatically lowered, from 69 members of the School of Medicine to a group smaller than ten.

The University has hailed this development as a success, attributing the reduction in the number of people affected by MEDIC Forward to “clear evidence of a robust and meaningful consultation period where the

views of all parties have been considered to help share the future direction of the School of Medicine.”

However, sources within the School of Medicine attest that those originally selected as “at risk” have been manipulated to feel relieved at a time when they “should feel angry”.

It has been alleged that this is not the first time that such tactics have been employed in what has been a lengthy period of instability for the school.

A reorganisation of the School of Medicine also occurred in 2013, as former Dean of Medicine Professor Paul Morgan retired after University Vice Chancellor Colin Riordan announced the reorganisation of the

previous school into three colleges.

In an attempt to reconcile with those affected by MEDIC Forward this year, a joint statement was released by the University and the University and Council Union (UCU) thanking staff for their patience and cooperation: “We thank all staff for their patience, for contributing to the discussion, and for their willingness to work together in pursuit of the School’s mission”.

Gair Rhydd asked the University whether they would consider making a full apology to those who confessed to feeling threated by MEDIC Forward. A spokesperson failed to address the question as part of a larger response made to the paper.

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Sources within the School of Medicine attest that those originally selected as ‘at risk’ have been manipulated

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NEWS 5

Vital research institute dissolved under new School of Medicine structure MEDIC Forward motives also questioned amid allegations plans were based around by REF framework

EXCLUSIVE Anna Lewis

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ardiff University School of Medicine is to dissolve a crucial research institute as part of its “transformational change”, according to MEDIC Forward plans.

Under MEDIC Forward, the school will see existing departments reorganised into four new research divisions and a Centre for Medical Education.

This will mean that the Institute for Molecular and Experimental Medicine (IMEM) will be dissolved and groups relocated to fit into the new planned structure of the school.

IMEM currently conducts vital research in many areas including cardiovascular research and diabetes, and is home to the €1.2 million international INDIGO research project.

The relocation of projects previ-

ously housed in IMEM has received particular criticism due to the Institute’s extensive cardiovascular work as heart disease remains the biggest cause of death in Wales. During the summer, Gair Rhydd revealed that Cardiff University receives a vast majority (£5.15 million of £5.25 million) of all Welsh British Heart Foundation funding dedicated towards heart research.

It has been confirmed that no external awards or funding previously awarded to research groups within IMEM, including BHF funding, have been returned due to the changes Voicing their concern, one member of staff responded to IMEM’s by asking: “Why is respiratory disease now not an issue for Wales’ most important medical school?”

However, according to the University, disinvestment will be considered in areas “where we cannot realistically expect to be world leading.”

In plans outlined at an all staff meeting at the School of Medicine, it was suggested that the disinvestment process is set to begin between September and December 2015.

In order to carry out the MEDIC Forward restructure, the University is currently working to complete a ‘job matching process’ for its employees.

It has been alleged that up to 1,000 staff positions will now be subject to this extensive ‘job matching’ procedure and change of job description.

According to the University, such extensive changes to the School of Medicine will ensure that a “larger scale approach to research” is put into

practice, in order to benefit the whole community.

Such reasoning has been disputed by academics however, who have voiced allegations that MEDIC Forward has been centred solely on criteria needed to score highly on academic league tables and Research Excellence Framework (REF).

When explaining the outcomes of MEDIC Forward, the University stated that the plan will include “research and education that considers the whole environment within which healthcare is delivered, far beyond the individual.”

In spite of this, it has instead been suggested by sources inside the School of Medicine that the initiative focuses mainly on ‘‘REF results and not about the NHS”.

mostly due to the noise around which prevents us from understanding instructions.”

Karate also expressed concern at the fact that members of Students’ Union staff did not know of the dojo’s conversion. “Our committee decided earlier in the summer that this year we would run two Give It A Go sessions, and ran through the bookings as such, requesting use of the dojo for both sessions. We got the application done, handed it in on time and received an email from the SU to let us know that our application had been successful.“ In addition, they revealed concerns over safety and alleged that Cardiff University Sport had declined requests to improve potentially unsafe equipment: “The already poorlysuited mats slide around all over the place, leaving gaps between them that could cause serious injury. This wasn’t so much of a problem in the dojo as they more or less fit in the room, minimising the separation.

“The only way to remedy this is to

get off the mats and kick them back into shape every 20 minutes or so, which of course takes time out of our already limited sessions. The mats themselves are bulky and hard to put away.

“Various clubs have been petitioning the University for new mats for several years now but as of right now University Sport just doesn’t want to know.

“The AU reckon if we get our own risk assessor in and get all the clubs together we might get them - it’s probably a £2,000 investment for this but it benefits at least five clubs and hundreds of students for a one-off purchase that will last years. Is our safety not worth that?”

In his statement, Parsons added: “Clubs that are not satisfied with the arrangements or are experiencing problems are encouraged to contact myself or Cardiff University Sport.

The Athletic Union and Cardiff University Sport are committed to supporting all sports clubs to develop.”

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The Institute for Molecular and Experimental Medicine will be dissolved and groups relocated into a new structure

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Martial arts club brand dojo conversion “outrageous”

Committees of Cardiff University Athletic Union’s martial arts clubs allege that they weren’t consulted during and after their training dojo was “reassigned”

EXCLUSIVE Joseph Atkinson & Jason Roberts

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This decision was made following a review of use of the use of the facility and involved discussion with all clubs affected by the decision Sam Parsons, VP Sport & AU President

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ardiff University Sport has been subject to criticism from the committees of martial arts clubs at the University, who have complained that the facilities that they use to train in have been “reassigned” without any form of consultation.

The dojo at Talybont Sport Centre was converted into a “functional fitness room” over the summer, but members of Cardiff University clubs such as Karate and Jiu jitsu have told Gair Rhydd how the facilities at the Talybont Sports Centre ‘field hall’ to which they have been forced to train in are “simply not suitable for training.”

In a statement to Gair Rhydd, Sam Parsons, VP Sport and President of the Athletic Union, said: “The decision to convert the Dojo into a functional fitness room was made by Cardiff University Sport who operate the sports facilities of the University.

“This decision was made following a review of the use of the facility and involved discussion with all clubs affected by the decision. All affected clubs were invited to participate in the consultation process.

“Cardiff University Sport met with each club to review the use of the space and the possible future options

for its use. This process included positive engagement from clubs and feedback from a number that stated that the change could bring benefits.”

However, this is disputed in a statement to Gair Rhydd from the a committee member of the Athletic Union’s Karate Club, that said: “I am in the Jiu jitsu club’s Facebook group and a few weeks later I saw a comment on there that the dojo had been reassigned. I brought this up with the Karate committee and this was the first any of us had heard of it.

“It is, in our opinion, absolutely outrageous that a martial arts club that has been part of the university for fifty years should only find out that its training venue has been taken off it through a different club happening to mention it.

“In general, we feel shunted to one side so that University Sports can make a few more pennies out of the gym. The communication from them has been absolutely woeful”.

On top of this, the committee of the AU’s Jiu jitsu club also expressed its concerns at the recent conversion of the dojo: “The Jiu jitsu club would also like to have the dojo back, not only for all the reasons you expressed but also for a series of health and safety issues,

Pictured: The ‘functional fitness room’ (Photographer: Jason Roberts)

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We feel shunted to one side so that University Sports can make a few more pennies out of the gym CU Karate committee

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6 NEWS

Shanna Hamilton

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University refutes chemistry student complaints

omplaints made to Gair Rhydd from Chemistry students stating that they “aren’t as competent or confident in the practical work as [they] should be” and that laboratories are “overcrowded” have been strongly refuted by the university, who point to high student satisfaction rates and state there is “no evidence whatsoever” to support the students’ claims.

A student first contacted Gair Rhydd, asking whether “my department is useless” fell under the newspaper’s investigative remit. The student continued: “Our labs are overcrowded, with not enough staff helping and not enough equipment. This really annoys me. This week around 35 students and two demonstrators were walking round [in a practical session].”

According to a University spokesperson, “In laboratory classes there are

always sufficient staff present to ensure safe working, as well as to provide full technical and academic support.

“These will generally be a combination of academic staff, technical staff and postgraduate demonstrators, with at least one member of academic staff always present. Typically, this will mean a student:staff ratio of 10:1.”

They continued: “There is no evidence whatsoever to support the suggestion that graduates from the School of Chemistry “aren’t as competent and confident in the practical work as [they] should be.” In the 2015 National Student Survey 94 per cent of the School’s students were satisfied with their overall experience.

“Satisfaction was also very high in the areas of resources and teaching, with achieved rates of 97 and 91 per cent, respectively.”

Responding to further allegations

that “four students were jammed to a 1.5m fume hood”, the spokesperson said: “The safety of students and staff in laboratories has the highest priority within the School.

“Students have regular briefings on safety procedures, beginning in their first week at university, and in Year 3 they undertake a risk assessment of each experiment before commencing practical work, which must be counter-signed by a member of staff.

“Four students working in a single fume-hood would only be permitted under exceptional circumstances, and only if the laboratory supervisor was satisfied that it was safe. This would of course depend on the nature of the experiments that were being carried out.”

While claims of overcrowding have been refuted, class sizes have been growing: third year practical classes

have increased from two to three in this academic year, and the average number of students has increased from 27 in the year 2013/14 to 35 students per practical class.

Other students that were approached were unwilling to comment on the allegations and the University spokesperson highlighted how any students should raise their concerns: “Well-established and well-publicised procedures exist to allow students to report concerns they may have regarding any aspect of their course. If a student does not wish to be identified, he/she can approach one of his/ her student representatives (who have already been elected for this year).

“Our Undergraduate Student-Staff Panel is an extremely effective body that has contributed greatly in recent years to the improvement of the student experience within the School.”

Social Sciences study tackles housing issues

Shanna Hamilton

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n an annual week of activity run by the School of Social Sciences, the ‘State of the Campus’ research project took place during the first week of term, with a campaign focused on student housing, safety and security.

Over 1,000 surveys and 200 interviews were conducted by second year students of the School during the five-day period. Supported by Citizens Cymru, students are encouraged each year to choose a subject that is important to them as a community, in the hope that they can lobby for change.

In the surveys, students were asked

to respond to statements about housing issues and their landlord/letting agent relationships with a scoring system of agreement. Statements included, “My landlord or letting agent is quick to make repairs,” and “My landlord or letting agent is helpful.”

Although the data is yet to be fully analysed from this year’s cohort, several issues were reported during interviews, such as the condition of student housing, as well as the relationships between student and landlord.

After data collection, the work was presented at a Citizen Assembly, which involved external stakeholders

as well as University staff. Head of the School of Social Sciences, Professor Amanda Coffey, praised the initiative at the assembly: “The State of the Campus project is a great way to reintroduce our second year undergraduate students to the research environment. Working collaboratively, students undertake primary research on issues that affect them, and get the opportunity to see how research can be impactful.”

Leader of the project Dr Luke Sloan discussed why this work is so beneficial to students: “State of the Campus is an incredibly important ‘learning through doing’ experience

for our students. The vast quantity of data obtained and the impressive amount of analysis conducted is testament to the ability and effort of our students and they now have the opportunity to take the issues they identified forward with the support of a large amount of empirical evidence. We are very proud of what they have managed to achieve in a single week.”

Students will utilise the results later in the year at a housing summit, which will involve landlords and lettings agents as well as local councillors, in a bid to see action on issues raised by the survey.

The Voucher Cloud survey also revealed that 73 per cent of students supported their studies with part time work, while 56 per cent of students relied on financial support from their parents to get them through the term.

Students questioned in the survey also claimed that they have become a lot more money-conscious after experiencing their first year in univer-

sity; over two thirds of students said they were better at budgeting when compared to their first year.

Three quarters of first-year students (73 per cent) told researchers they intend to cut down on the amount of money they spend of alcohol when they enter their second year of university. However, over 40 per cent said they know already that this will not happen.

Survey reveals student loan is spent in 52 days on average

Mark Sweeney

“

Over two thirds of students said they were better at budgeting when compared to their first year

”

L

ate September. As summer draws to a close and overdraft limits are reached (or extended, delete where appropriate), the next instalment of their loan is already on the mind of students across the country. As any returning student can attest, rising rent, pricey books and the expense of freshers sees that student loan deplete faster than a bottle of wine at Retros.

A recent survey undertaken by Voucher Cloud reveals that students, on average, will have spent their entire loan only 52 days after receiving it.

Another report, this time from Lottoland.co.uk found the biggest expense to students to be accommodation and bills, with an average cost of £90 per week.

Next up was nights out and alcohol, with an average cost of £60 per

week. One first year student commented that they had “spent more in one night in Freshers”.

Other big spends included transport (£25 per week), clothes (£30 per week) and food shopping (£15 per week). The total weekly spend totalled over £260 per week.

When this was information was presented to some Cardiff third year students, they said: “£15 on food seems unrealistic. You’d probably spend more than that if you only bought Lidl own brand stuff!”

However, some students admitted that the September influx of loan had led them to make some bad spending decisions. One second year student admitted spending a large part of their loan on the Christmas ski trip with the Snow Sports Society, leaving less than £300 to last them for the next four months.

“

In the 2015 National Student Survey 94 per cent of the School’s students were satisfied with their overall experience University spokesperson

”

“

Several issues were reported during interviews, such as the condition of student housing

”

Pictured: Cash machines, where your student loan goes to die (Photographer: Garry Knight)

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8 ADVICE

advice

Editor: Gwen Williams @GairRhyddAdv advice@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/advice

Shit, I’m in third year!

Pictured: Being in third year usually means that you’ll be looking for a job very soon (Photographer: Flazingo Photos/Flickr)

“

While you figure out what it is that you want to do, try and make yourself look employable

Gwen Williams

“

It suddenly dawns on you that you have bigger decisions to make than what colour socks you are going to wear today

”

S

o you’re in your third year.

You’ve got this far and have really enjoyed it up to now. Everything was going so well in terms of both your academic and social life.

Then, just before returning to university, you attended a family gathering where every one of your relatives proceeded to ask you the same question: “What are you going to do with your life after you graduate?” Shit.

You realise that you haven’t thought about it and didn’t really want to either.

Although they mean well, it’s one of several questions that people shouldn’t ask, and that you have been actively avoiding. This question sits in the same category as “when are you going to get married?” (usually asked at someone else’s wedding) and “so when are you planning on having kids?”(usually asked at your own wedding). You pass them off with a general answer and then go and quietly cry in the corner. It suddenly dawns on you that you have bigger decisions to make than what colour socks you are going to wear today.

Right, try not to panic! I know that sounds like a terrible piece of advice since I have spent the last couple of months worrying about whether I’m going to continue studying or get a job and where I’m going to live. In actual fact, what’s the worst that can happen? You graduate and get a job in a bar until you work it out. In all honesty, that doesn’t seem like the most terrible situation in the world.

As long as you’re doing something

to keep yourself busy and earning money it’s fine. Anyway, it’s easier to go from job to job than to wait months for a position that suits you.

Having said that though, it’s probably a good idea to take a look at what’s out there. If you have absolutely no idea what you want to do, why not write down what you like about your subject and how that can be applied to careers. For instance, if you study English you may be creative or a good essay writer and there are so many jobs out there where these skills are transferable. You may enjoy laboratory life and practical work, which could equally narrow the job field.

Alternatively, you could do a Myers- Briggs personality test online which could suggest jobs suited to your character. Among these may be careers that you’ve never heard of or never considered before. If anything seems interesting, research it.

One online tool that I have found useful is the website http://www. prospects.ac.uk/ where you can look at postgraduate courses, and get advice about applying for jobs an internships amongst other things.

You may feel that the best way to approach the planning of your future is by talking it through with someone. Remember your friends are in the same boat so it would be good to bounce ideas off each other. Equally, you could have a chat with your parents. Some of you may be thinking: “they’re on my case about my life decisions so why would I bring it up deliberately?” However, if you ex-

plain to them where you are with it all (even if you don’t know yet) they may be able to offer some good life advice. If not, they will probably tell you that you have a home with them as long as you need it. That in itself is one less thing to worry about.

Alternatively, why not book an appointment with the careers adviser? There is one for each academic school and there are weekly slots available for all students. They are there to help you and will be able to answer most of your career questions.

If you are thinking about further academic study, your first port of call should be your personal tutor.

They can give you an overview of the process of application and can refer you to the postgraduate admissions tutor who can tell you how to apply for funding. Also keep an eye out for when Cardiff and other universities are holding postgraduate open days and go through the UCAS process (yes, you have to go through the fun and games all over again).

While you figure out what it is that you want to do, try and make yourself look employable. Many students are going to graduate with good marks, so you need a CV rich in extracurricular activities to make you stand out, particularly if it is linked to a particular career.

Voluntary positions, internships, work experience placements, part time jobs and even leisure activities will not only make you a well rounded person, but will give you an opportunity to have an insight into

careers in action. You will know after a week if a job is not for you. There are several societies, associations and schemes at Cardiff University that could help you gain valuable experience such as the Student Media, St John’s Ambulance and Cardiff volunteering.

The Cardiff Award scheme in particular comes highly recommended from students as it’s core purpose is to make you a exceptional candidate for employment. If you want to work for a particular company, why not telephone their office and ask about placements? If you successfully get your foot in the door of organisations like the BBC, it may be easier to get a job with them.

When you decide on a particular career, be aware that there is likely more than one route to get where you want to be. For example, if you are considering a career in teaching, you can either do a PGCE or apply for the Teach First scheme. These are very different approaches that would suit different people. Make sure you take time to look at all possible routes so that you come to an informed decision.

As you can see, there are plenty of little steps that you can take to plan your future when you have a free half an hour here and there. It’s definitely a scary time for us, but it’s equally as exciting. Part of that excitement is turning that horrible question you’ve been avoiding into a statement: “I can do anything with my life.” To quote Milton Berle “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

”

“

Part of that excitement is turning that horrible question you’ve been avoiding into a statement: ‘I can do anything with my life’

”

ADVICE 9

Got a friend suffering with mental illness?

Last week was ‘Mind your head week’, so in the spirit of mental health discussion and awareness, here are some tips and pointers on how best to support a friend who is struggling with mental illness Emma Tranter

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Remind them that there are places they can go for help if they feel ready, and perhaps offer to help them research the different options

”

W

hen a friend tells you that they have or think they have a mental illness, there is one thing you have to remember: don’t judge them. This is particularly important if you’ve never had direct experience of anyone suffering from mental illness before. It isn’t your friend’s job to educate you about what they’re going through, so listen when they want to talk about it, but don’t push them for details.

If you would like or need to know more about their illness, do some research online. Look out for first-hand accounts provided on mental health websites, but bear in mind that there are a diverse range of experiences of mental illnesses, so not everyone will feel the same. The most important thing is to validate your friend.

Let them know that they’re not being dramatic or unreasonable, but that their feelings are justified.

It’s also important not to push your friend into talking about mental health, whether or not they’ve told you about any issues they have.

Don’t force or pressure them to take action and get help, as this may leave them feeling cornered and uncomfortable.

Instead, remind them that there are places they can go for help if they feel ready and perhaps offer to help them research the different options.

Let them know that they can see the GP or alternatively counsellors at the university’s student support service, but allow them to make their own decisions about their healthcare.

A particularly important way you

can support your friend is being aware of any difficulties they may have with accessing professional help. For example, anxiety can make phone calls and appointments intimidating, whereas depression can drain people of energy and motivation. So being able to explain and articulate feelings can be challenging when applying for counselling.

Consider how you can provide support in circumstances like these.

Again, don’t be forceful or pushy.

Just be supportive to your friend by offering to help make phone calls, accompany them to waiting rooms for appointments or help them work through any written explanation of their symptoms.

While watching someone you love go through mental illness is difficult and distressing, it’s important not to make it about you. Don’t focus on how their symptoms affect you because they are actually experiencing the symptoms first hand, and are probably in more distress.

When talking about mental illness, there is a tendency to talk about the ‘stigma’ around it as if it’s an issue no one is responsible for. There is also a misconception that the stigma disappears as soon as people talk about mental health. Implying that the stigma is ‘self-inflicted shame’ is patronising and invalidating.

Think about how these negative attitudes might accidentally creep into everyday life – perhaps in using mental illnesses as insults. Be aware of this, and challenge them when you see them in yourself and in others.

You may not be able to understand what your friend is going through entirely, particularly if you’ve never struggled. Mental illnesses aren’t fully comparable to emotion. Although society likes to talk about illnesses like depression and anxiety being merely heightened sadness or worry, mental illnesses can involve a wide range of symptoms, many of which are difficult to understand for those who haven’t experienced them. Remember this, and avoid undermining your friend just because you cannot empathise their symptoms.

As I said, it’s important to never shame people for their symptoms.

Some symptoms and behaviours

linked to mental illnesses are unhealthy and even dangerous, such as avoiding eating or sleeping, selfharm or reckless behaviour. Your friend is probably already well aware of that, and pointing it out will only make them feel more ashamed and uncomfortable.

There are many kinds of mental illnesses, from mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder to personality disorders, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and many more. These illnesses manifest in a variety of ways, many of which may seem unusual if you haven’t encountered them before.

When supporting a friend struggling with mental illness, it’s important to remember to focus on their comfort and safety. Listen to their thoughts and feelings, help them access professional help if they want it, or else allow them to manage in the ways they feel best doing so.

Don’t force them into situations they aren’t comfortable with If they don’t want to socialise or aren’t ready to get help, don’t push them to do it.

If they are upset by something you say to them, apologise instead of making excuses. You shouldn’t tell your friends how best to manage life, but you can very gently encourage them to be kind to themselves. Make an effort to show your own support and appreciation for them so they know they can trust and rely on you.

Finally, just remind them that you care and that you are there if they need you. This won’t make them better but will make them feel that they aren’t alone.

5 ways to get the most out of your modules and do well at uni 1. Do your reading on time

Pictured: Researching mental health can help you understand what your friend is going through, to a certain extent (Photographer: WordShore/ Flickr)

You will have a better understanding of lectures and seminars and it is more manageable if you don’t let it pile up.

2. Write up lecture notes Going over what you wrote will help you remember what the key points of the lecture were.

3. Participate in seminars Don’t be afraid to voice your ideas and opinions. The more you contribute, the more you will be challenged to think critically and conceptually.

4. Make use of office hours This is your chance to ask questions, get your essay plans checked, and get to know your lecturers

5. Attendance is key Turning up to all of your lectures and seminars is half the battle. Skipping them will only make things harder.

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The more you contribute, the more you will be challenged to think critically and conceptually

”

10 COMMENT

comment

Editors: Em Gates Charley Griffiths David Williams @GairRhyddCom comment@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/comment

Are anti-austerity protesters distracting from their cause?

Pictured: Anti-austerity protest (Photograph: Michael Candelori)

Bradley Walker

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Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had called for a “civilised debate” from protestors

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Bronwen Weatherby

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Is it just a few individuals giving the many a bad name?

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O

ver the past week, over 80,000 anti-austerity protesters marched through the streets of Manchester in response to the Tory cuts to tax credits, NHS funding and disability benefits. Following the 2015 general election, which resulted in an outcome the protesters were clearly dissatisfied with, an activism group named TUC (Britain at Work) aimed to fight back against the Tory government, a government that these protesters did not vote for.

But are they within their rights to protest against the legislation they so obviously disagree with? As voters within the election, you can’t deny the fact that these protesters have the right to speak out against austerity and the cuts made by the Tory government. Despite their lack of support for the current government they are still living with the changes they make and therefore have a right to

W

speak out against the austerity cuts and the way the country is being run.

The protesters value the strength of the public health sector and the support of the disabled, things that are being cut under new Conservative legislation. As a democracy it is the right of the people to speak up; this includes the right to protest cuts and changes, but it’s the manner of protesting that has grasped media attention, not the actual message they are conveying.

Admittedly, the methods of some of the protesters were somewhat controversial and do seem to undermine the legitimacy of the protests as a whole. Despite the call for a “civilised debate”, from labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and celebrity activists such as Charlotte Church, many protesters have taken the protest to a less civilised and intelligent level of action. Many protesters donned pig

masks and Peppa Pig merchandise in response to last week’s ‘PigGate’, as a personal attack on Cameron, rather than an attack on the austerity cuts.

Even the Mayor of London Boris Johnson received scathing attacks from anti-austerity protesters, calling him “Tory Scum” after his conference-party speech. This hostility wasn’t just aimed at politicians however; a younger Tory delegate was egged by protesters during a rally.

Even non-Conservative guests at the conference were spat on, or called “scum” and “disgusting” by the protesters.

Many protesters however have followed the advice of Corbyn and opted for more peaceful forms of protest, with the traditional placards and banners. The Greater Manchester police even voiced their approval saying that they would “like to thank them for their cooperation.” This is the mes-

sage that should be broadcasted to all activists that this is the way to protest - peacefully and responsibly, not through violence and mob tactics.

The methods of a few protesters are marking them as hooligans in the eyes of the mainstream press, rather than the reality of the situation; that they are average people who want change and that their right to protest against that change is central to UK politics.

If the protesters anti-austerity argument is to be taken seriously the protest needs to be conducted in a much less aggressive manner, as egging and hurling abuse at Conservative MPs will do little to change the legislation that they have implemented.

The conduct of some of the protesters is unacceptable and definitely not in line with the left’s values, and is playing up to a stereotype not consistent with the Labour party.

“

Even nonConservative guests at the conference were spat on, or called “scum” and “disgusting” by the protesters

”

Club promoters: friend or foe?

e have all been there as a fresher, endlessly having to answer the door to ticket promoters who constantly bombard you with jargon about one of the many nights, in one of many clubs in Cardiff, whether you want to hear it or not. For some, this is just an occasional annoyance but for others (need I say, you on the ground floor?) just the thought of promoters knocking at your door or window instantly sends you into a rage.

Most students who have moved on to second and then third year will say promoters cease to be an issue. Therefore they fade to a distant and fond memory of a year spent boozing and socialising and really doing very little else.

So, is the constant calling of event promoters trying to sell you tickets a real problem for Freshers? Or is it just an accepted part of living in halls that has mutual benefits?

Any opinion on the matter is going to come from experience, and it is an unfortunate truth that some students have good and others have bad experiences of ticket promoters. Essentially, the bad consist of arrogance, invasion of space, over-selling and not taking ‘no’ for an answer.

Many deem the constant stream of ticket promoters as an issue, finding their tactics invasive and in some cases aggressive. However, speaking with an event promoter about their sales approach, they said that there was an “element of sales tactics but in a light– hearted, cheeky way” adding, “part of your job is trying to sell.”

An event manager for a well-known Cardiff based promotion company said that the “emphasis is on being nice, that is how you sell tickets, that’s how you make money.” They added that their staff are not encouraged to flier needlessly as “good promo staff don’t need to.”

When speaking to them, their focus was on creating an ongoing relationship with the students they met, not just pushing a one-time sell. The events manager, who has worked for an events promotion company for three years during their degree, explained that “we need them and they need us, promotion companies run the majority of nights in Cardiff and that is why we need promo staff to make sure students know about them.”

When suggested it was in fact a case of a few bad individuals giving the many a bad name, both students and promo-

tional staff seemed to agree.

Yet since the recent attacks around the Cardiff student area, some have called into question the safety as well as the legality of promoting in halls.

However, most freshers have said they did not feel scared or intimidated, if anything just ‘awkward’.

Given the formal system that is meant to ensure that no one could do anything untoward, the possibility of a threat is greatly minimised. The Events Manager said, “their actions lie with me, I wouldn’t keep them on if they were the type of people to give the company a bad name.”

Event promoters I spoke with in fact were quite understanding about the point of safety, saying that “a part of it is using your judgement, we have to as well” and another commented that they are “there to earn money, not ruin your night, we want you to have a good time.”

What are the benefits to having promoters? According to the promoters and the event manager I spoke with there are many. Firstly, a valid point is that promotion companies provide much needed part-time work to students being told that if done well it is the easiest way of earning the most

money with comparatively little hours.

“You get paid to be social!” promoters highlighted. However, it seems nobody in the business is in it for the socialising, but most seemed sure that it was one of the best ways of supporting themselves through university.

Without promotion companies the Cardiff nightlife would not be as lively as it is now. Nightclubs need promotion companies and promotion companies need promoters. Societies and students alike can stand to benefit from knowing promoters who can get deals for them or tell them the best nights on in Cardiff.

Whatever your thoughts on ticket promoters, it is hard to see how there are not benefits on both sides, throughout University life. Event promotion companies increasingly spring up from the ground bringing with them new ideas and new nights that we will all end up going to at some point. Personal experiences have taught me that despite the few bad, there are mainly good students just doing a job, yet with the same concerns being voiced year after year, it is needless to say there are aspects of this unique vocation that need to change – if only to keep the sanity of first years.

“

Promoters can be arrogant, invasive of space, oversell and not take ‘no’ for an answer!

”

COMMENT 11

Jack Williams

So far in 2015, there have been 294 mass shootings.

There has been no more than 8 days without incident in the US this year.

380 people have been killed in mass shootings, with over 1000 injured.

(Source: www.washingtonpost. com)

Will Thompson

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The United States of America not united on guns

hen you think of the USA, what comes to mind? Baseball. The Statue of Liberty.

Hot-Dogs. Hollywood. Guns. The list is endless, but yes, unfortunately what sticks out in this list is guns.

On October 1st, 26 year-old Christopher Harper-Mercer shot dead nine people at Umpqua Community College in Oregon. Nine others were injured, and Harper-Mercer then turned the gun on himself following a battle with police. Sadly, if you type “Oregon Shooting” into your search engine, you are presented with four different shootings – three of which occurred in a place of education. That is only Oregon. Many other shootings come to mind. Columbine. Sandy Hook. Aurora. Virginia Tech.

And while there was also a shooting in Florida on the same day as the massacre in Oregon, neither made headlines in specific forums – especially not on the NRA (National Rifle Association) Twitter account. The NRA is the chief advocate for stopping gun control; hence why the NRA Twitter account was pretty quiet during the shooting and the aftermath.

The NRA throws various statistics

around such as “Less than 1 per cent of criminals get their guns from gun shows.” Why would a criminal go to a gun show to buy their guns? Unless they planned on getting caught pretty quickly then they would certainly not buy their merchandise from a gun show.

What it does show, somewhat, is at least some regulation and laws are in place, even if it is just to appease the anti-gun crowd. The NRA prides itself on educating about firearms in order to promote safety through its Eddie the Eagle programme. How successful, is open to interpretation.

Fox News claimed on Tuesday: “Australia has no freedom because it has gun control”. Australia does have gun control. But that does not mean they cannot enjoy freedom. Australians can use firearms provided they have a license and meet the criteria. It is a common misconception that they are all completely outlawed. In fact, most developed nations have similar limits on firearms. America is lagging behind. The central Australian government coordinated with the state governments and sets of regulations were drawn up. Progress was made

because people were open to ideas.

That is both sides of the argument.

Gun owners don’t want their rights infringed, and those who want gun control will never be satisfied unless guns are gone completely and immediately.

What’s more, politicians try to avoid the debate because of the endless political implications such as risking losing funding and votes.

There have been suggestions of a link between the Mercer family’s mental health and the shooting, as there usually is when a shooting occurs.

Blaming it on mental health is seen as a great get-out clause when trying to find a reason for the shooting, again on both sides of the argument. But why is it that mental health is always carrying the blame for these actions?

Depression, instability and social-isolation are often held responsible even if unproven, and many suffer from these conditions without going on a murder rampage.

The 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution gives American’s the right to keep and bear arms in their country, and is the main barrier in gun control legislation taking place.

Even though it was written in 1791, it

remains in force today, while the 18th amendment which banned the manufacturing and selling of alcohol in the United States was repealed in 1933, a clear indication that it is more than possible to edit or even revoke major legislation.

Anyone over the age of 18 can buy a rifle or shotgun from a licensed dealer in all 50 states. Non-US citizens cannot own a weapon; neither can convicted criminals and those with recorded mental illnesses. Laws then become more specific depending on which state in terms of what can be owned and how it can be carried, but how effective are these laws, when they are so open for interpretation?

Despite its various flaws, I love America. I really do. I just wish that Americans would pull together in order to fix its gun problem before many more lives are lost. Gun crime in America is becoming an increasingly controversial issue when, as one of the most developed countries in the world, it is still failing to act on the issue and change legislation. One thing for sure is the eyes of the western world are on America to change their gun laws.

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Gun owners don’t want their rights infringed, and those who want gun control will never be satisified unless guns are gone completely

Pictured: (Source: AK Rockefeller)

”

12 COMMENT

England v Wales

Love the rivalry - or hate it?

For: Mared Parry

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It’s all a bit of fun and adds to the passion of the game

”

Harry Elliott

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For an hour each week, such trivial things as a souffle have us on the edge of our seats

”

H

aving been born and raised in a very patriotic Welsh family, rugby has always been a big part of my life. There’s nothing better than heading down to the local pub on match day to cheer and chant for our boys over a pint or seven. It doesn’t matter who we’re up against, we’ll always scream ‘til our voices are hoarse. But there’s always one team we’ll go bananas for dissing, the team we love to hate. England.

“As long as we beat the English,” is something that the Welsh abide by when it comes to rugby. I’ve never seen any two countries with such rivalry: I find it hilarious! At the end of the day - it’s all a bit of fun and adds to the passion of the game. Out of the whole rugby context, the Welsh have no problem with the English at all.

Most of my friends at university are English, and I love them to bits. But when the rugby’s on, I detest them, and they detest me. It’s all fun and games!

The competitions of “who can sing their anthems the loudest?” in the pubs and in the street whilst the game’s on just adds to the fun of watching a game. The chants of

A

“Wales, Wales!” vs “England, England!” excite me! If people simply went to watch the game peacefully, and not say a bad word against the other team, where would be the fun in that?

In all honesty, what kind of fan would you be if you didn’t hate the opposing team?! Sure, we want Wales to win, no matter which team we play, but this light-hearted ‘hate’ towards England is pretty much rugby tradition. We love to hate them and they love to hate us. Anyone who thinks the rivalry is anything more than harmless fun needs to lighten up that’s clearly all it is!

At the end of the game, the players on both teams shake hands and congratulate each other, and everything goes back to normal, just like it does for the fans. Whoever loses, they will feel the wrath of the other team, no doubt, and have it rubbed in their faces until the other side wins again.

To me, and most of the other Welsh rugby supporters, this huge rivalry with the England team is a part of loving the sport and loving our country.

Match days simply wouldn’t be the same without it.

R

ugby is meant to be seen as a gentleman’s sport, a ‘higher’ class sport than football. Well, this is what has been told to me by friends who are die-hard rugby fans. I am only a recent convert to rugby, as I only started watching it when the World Cup began. I find the so called ‘banter’ can often go too far, even though it is supposed to be fun and harmless.

Being half Welsh and half English, the rugby quite literally splits my family and friends in two. After Wales defeated England, one side of my family didn’t speak to the other, and if they did, it got very heated very quickly.

Competition is a major part of sport - I get that - but it seems to be more political than anything. The rugby suddenly turns the average Joe into a spontaneous sports correspondent and political expert, using the rugby to justify everything from civil unrest to historical rivalries and grudges.

It’s been said that the Welsh tend to support two teams: Wales, and whoever is playing against England. As someone who is in both camps, I can appreciate how both teams played well, and both have strengths and weaknesses.

It seems odd to demean one team in

order to raise the status of another. I supported Wales purely because I am currently in Wales. If I had watched the game with my English family, obviously the opposite would be relevant.

But my opinion of my friends isn’t reflected on what team they support, I just enjoy the atmosphere.

I think the problem I have is that people can actually be ‘too’ patriotic.

It’s just a sport at the end of the day.

I am all for supporting your country, and having a friendly rivalry with the opposing team. I like watching games where England or Wales aren’t playing, and supporting the underdog. (Do I mention Japan v South Africa?) But part of the problem in fact, can be that people get way too touchy about the banter. I was in town on the night of the Welsh triumph over England, and I heard the chant “shove your fucking chariots up your arse” so much that I was immune to it by the end, yet some people still chose to be angry over it.

Just accept the facts: your team didn’t win; better luck at the next World Cup. There is no need to fight with your friends about it. Have a pint, and enjoy the game, regardless of who you support.

Great British Bake Off : everybody loves a soggy bottom!

ugust 2010 saw the premiere of The Great British Bake Off. A show centred around baking and judged by the face of countless cookbooks littering most of middle class Britain, Mary Berry CBE, and Merseyside silver fox Paul Hollywood. Hosted from the beginning by comediennes Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, the show has become engrained in the British televisionwatching psyche and has audiences far wider than ever imagined.

The popularity of GBBO is so vast that it has spawned foreign equivalents in 17 other countries. Personal favourites include ‘Koko Suomi Leipoo’ (The Whole of Finland Bakes) and ‘Das Grosse Backen’ (The Great Baking) in Germany).

Spin offs in the UK, such as Junior

Bake Off and The Great British Bake Off : An Extra Slice as well as various charity specials highlight just how far-reaching and insatiable the demand is for the programme. In this current series, each episode has been the most-watched programme of that week with between 11 and 12 million viewers.

Why so popular? What does this say about us? Perhaps this cute Wednesday night slot is a welcome break from the big bad outside world of unemployment, ISIS and student debt. For an hour each week, such innocent and trivial things as a soufflé, and whether the top of a crème brûlée sounds right when tapped with a teaspoon, have us on the edge of our seats and salivating on cue.

This sustained success of GBBO

should be attributed not only to the good-cop bad-cop judging routine of Berry and Hollywood, but crucially the light hearted banter and very intentional use of innuendos by Perkins and Giedroyc. There are dozens every week, part of the British culture of finding the perfectly valid description of a tart’s “soggy bottom” edgily amusing. Oh how we giggle.

Ian, despite looking like a man who voluntarily spends his weekends in his garden shed, is technically very gifted; as is Nadiya with her snappy one-liners and eclectic flavour combinations. Tamal, with his questionable time keeping, and poster-boy status, always seems to produce too.

Last week’s final saw the three amateurs do bakery battle in the final, with Nadiya coming out on top

Against: Charley Griffiths

“

The rugby suddenly turns the average Joe into a spontaneous sports correspondant and political expert

”

with her perfectly decorated wedding cake. Does it actually matter who won though? No, not really – the most British thing about GBBO is that it’s the taking part that counts.

Pictured: The Great British Bake Off presenting team (Source: BBC)

COMMENT 13

Diversity in mainstream fashion

H&M’s latest advertising campaign ‘Close the Loop’ tells us: “Wear a hat indoors, wear a short skirt after forty, wear a short skirt if you’re a man, dress like a girl, dress like a teen, stand out, mix pink and red, show your panty line, wear socks and sandals, go commando, show it all!”

George Caulton

“

H&M is celebrating the diversity of British culture and society

”

G

lobal fashion retailer, H&M, released a new advertising campaign this week that is simply like no other. The campaign depicts a Muslim woman in a hijab, transgender men and women, and an athlete with a bionic leg, alongside several other underrepresented groups in society. By doing this, H&M dismisses ideologies and concepts of what is deemed to be accepted in society. By selecting a vast amount of different people, cultures and identities, H&M is rightfully celebrating the diversification and individuality of British culture and society. Additionally, it challenges traditional attitudes towards the media who dictate fashion guidelines, expectations and unobtainable, photoshopped beauty.

The promotion of the slogan “There are no rules in fashion” exemplifies a considerable change within the typical 21st Century, size zero fashion industry. Clearly, this creates a gap for radical change in advertising campaigns.

From the 1950s, advertisements were deemed as a guide or instruction manual on how to be accepted.

Equally, they acted as a guide to obtain the unachievable in society. Until now, advertisements have illuminated the role of the idealised woman by associating their brand with a stereotypical size zero model in order to achieve ‘institutional beauty’.

However, British culture is now such a complex term and is associated with several faiths, beliefs and opinions as well as a prominent degree of gender fluidity. This is confidently mirrored throughout H&M’s advertisement.

Recent statistics have estimated that 80 per cent of the US and UK population are absorbing media for roughly 11 hours a day. With this in mind, advertisements are inevitably going to be institutionally forced into consumers’ minds, leaving a stain on their brain on how to be accepted. In past years, some devastating statistics and studies have been conducted, especially in relation to women, suggesting they are unhappy with their lives due to their weight. Critic and researcher Jean Kilbourne undertook a series of experiments, comparing the average daily media intake to the general happiness of women be-

tween 11-17 years of age, as well as middle-aged women. Nearly all of the women between 11-17 years claimed that they would like to “lose weight and keep it off ” and over half of the middle-aged women claimed they would change their weight if possible.

If 80 per cent of the population in US and UK absorbed this mass amount of media, it cannot be denied that advertising has a huge role in shaping public opinion and people’s views of beauty through adverts.

However, the recent H&M campaign promotes a message of acceptance, no matter what your weight, height, sexual orientation or gender.

Mariah Idrissi, alongside several other advocates for change, is attempting to eradicate negative stereotypes associated with fashion and instead, promote them in a more modest, suitable way to parallel her religion and personal beliefs.

Although this advert demonstrates acceptance of people from every walk of life, Muslim model Idrissi gained much prominence due to her appearance in the campaign. Not only this, she has helped create a significant

impact on British culture and acts as a role model for the Muslim faith. In an interview with NBC News, Idrissi commented that she “wanted to combine modesty and fashion” and that “a hijab is a spiritual thing… it can be fashionable but we can’t forget that it is a religious thing… an obligation for us to wear.” Despite H&M being an international retailer with stores worldwide, including Istanbul, Idrissi is the first female model to be modelling their range of clothes in a hijab.

If not anything else, the change suggests a rapid modification in culture and institutional acceptance, as well as understanding that Britain is a progressive, multi-cultural nation. Rather than being dismissed or rejected, this acceptance should be embraced and celebrated.

H&M’s advert redefines the definition of beauty and fashion by subverting the norm. By diverting from the expected stereotype of beauty, H&M have provided a progressive pathway in achieving a positive representation throughout mainstream culture in advertising, which truly reflects contemporary British society.

Pictured: Mariah Idrissi Part of the H&M ‘Close the Loop’ Campaign.

(Source: YouTube: H&M ‘Close the Loop’

“

The recent H&M campaign promotes a message acceptance

”

“Your confidential, independent advice and information service”

Student Advice Cyngor i Fyfyrwyr

Member

THE GAIR RHYDD COLUMN 15

Everybody hates Chris?

Brown, banned from visiting Australia, claims his tour down under would allow him to speak about violence, and make a change. It could, but it won’t

Helena Hanson

“

I want to know why it has taken six years for Brown to decide to discuss violence and assault in Australia

”

L

ast week it was confirmed by the Australian Immigration Minister that Chris Brown’s arena tour, set to go ahead in December, is now unlikely after being issued with a notice of intention to consider refusal of his visa. The expected rejection is attributed to his history of violence, in particular his infamous assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009. It shadows a similar decision made earlier in the year to disallow boxer Floyd Mayweather into the country on comparable grounds.

And I think it’s great.

Australia doesn’t stand alone; New Zealand, Canada and the UK have all deemed Brown unsuitable for entry to the country in the past, and I completely understand why. It would be untrue to say Brown has suffered considerably, in terms of his career, since the highly publicised attack six years ago. The album he released later that same year had a top 20 single, and the album that followed topped Billboard 200, and won him a Grammy in 2011, as well as three successful tours. As with Mayweather, who has been charged with battery on numerous occasions, both men almost appear invincible. I’m pleased nations

are finally standing up and saying no - you must face the repercussions of what you did.

Brown is also not the first rapper to be refused entry into foreign countries. Tyler, The Creator has been banned from a number of countries including Britain and New Zealand for supposedly posing a threat to public interest with his lyrics, dating back to 2009. This is wrong. Rejecting a visa based on lyrics alone opens up any art form to be questioned. Do we then forbid controversial film directors? Photographers? Writers? It becomes impossible to draw a line, not only with regard to within what creative form, but to what extent content is offensive. It is all subjective and thus impossible and incongruous to consider. This I accept. If it were just for lyrics, comments or tweets alone, I wouldn’t condone the dismissal of the likes of Brown or Mayweather from these countries. However, both men have committed serious acts of violence. Both have been convicted of assault, Mayweather on more than six occasions, and there is the principal difference.

Brown has taken to Twitter to defend himself, and argued that he

wants to visit Australia to “raise awareness about domestic violence.”

Critics of the refusal plans argue that Brown desperately seeks redemption, and should be given a platform to speak out against violence and abuse.

This is ridiculous. I want to know why it has taken six years for Brown to decide to discuss violence and assault in Australia. He has toured the country twice since 2009, but is yet to have spoken out about it. I can’t be the only one suggesting it might be a little suspicious that such an ambition has been born just after his tour has been threatened.

If I thought his intentions were genuine, then I would applaud his courage, however I don’t think that is the case. Furthermore, I’m not sure how well a lecture on respect, violence and treatment of women would be received, from a man who still writes the lyrics, “Ima take her ass down when she bring her friend around, fuck them both” and lending his voice to songs which feature lyrics such as “she’s into me, I’m more into money, her body is my hobby”.

Hmmm. I’ll give a tenner to anyone who can find a post-2009 Chris Brown song that doesn’t have the

word ‘bitch’ in it and doesn’t feature a half-naked woman in the music video.

Brown says “mistakes don’t define you”, and he’s right. If he had learned something or had been using his platform to change attitudes over the past six years I would give him more of a chance. But based on his song lyrics and tweets since the attack, it would be ludicrous to suggest he could be an advocate for violence against women or the fight against misogyny.

What he suggests is great, if he does it. Going to countries around the world and speaking about violence against women, spousal abuse, and turning your life around would be applaudable, and even admirable perhaps. What he says is spot-on, entertainers have a platform to spark change, and speaking out and making this change is the best response to his mistakes. But these words will remain vacant and insignificant if he continues to behave in the way he has done, since the attack, to present-day.

All that said, despite the visa ban, tickets for the tour have still gone on sale. Although I ouldn’t rush to buy one just yet.

Pictured: Brown performs at a gig in Australia back in 2012 (Photographer: Eva Rinaldi)

“

I’ll give a tenner to anyone who can find a post-2009 Chris Brown song that doesn’t have the word “bitch” in it

”

16 POLITICS

p politics

Editors: Carwyn Williams Luke Brett Sam Patterson @GairRhyddPol politics@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/politics

Swallowing the centre ground

Tories target Labour voters at party conference

Conor Holohan

“

The Tories are taking strides towards the centre ground and further modernising the party

”

T

he Conservative Conference was not just one of back-slapping and self-congratulation.

Jeremy Corbyn’s victory in the Labour leadership election has necessitated a relaxation of their policy and rhetoric. In addition to this, prominent speakers at the event from the front bench of the party used words like ‘dangerous’ and ‘threat’ to describe Jeremy Corbyn. They painted Jeremy Corbyn as a legitimate threat to Britain’s national security, whilst simultaneously amending their own policy to make it more appealing to Labour voters.

Chancellor George Osborne said in his speech to those who feel abandoned by a Labour Party, “heading for the fringes of the left”, “let us extend our hand”. Osborne declared that £20 billion in savings must be found, but that he was “not prepared to cut the NHS to balance the books”, he said he wanted to “make sure the NHS has more than ever before.” The Tories have pledged £10 billion to the NHS, and David Cameron has announced the introduction of a seven-day NHS. Something else the Tories are unwilling to cut is the aid budget, 2 per cent of national income will be spent on aid to meet the NATO agreement.

The government also want to further ‘The Right to Buy’ scheme, further privatising social housing.

The Chancellor told businesses that he would cut their taxes, mak-

ing them lower than any other major economy. He called on buisnesses in return must train pay their workers better.

On the subject of the national living wage increasing, Osborne said: “Britain deserves a pay-rise.” Still, he made it perfectly clear that he aims for a budget surplus, and wants to “fix the roof while the sun is shining”.

The Tories are choosing to take the majority of their cuts from welfare, and George Osborne said that he subscribes to the idea that “you don’t show your compassion by the size of the benefits check you dole out.” Rather, the Tories have made clear their prefererence to create jobs, believe that people would prefer the security and dignity of work, and that making work that pays is better than recycling taxes with tax credits. There is, however much speculation as to whether this policy will effectuate any substantial rise in the standard of living for Britain’s poorest families.

Osborne also announced the establishment of an “Independent National Infrastructure Commission” that will work on transport and other building projects. On his theme of a divide between the North and South, Osborne wants to further establish the “Northern Powerhouse” by allowing Greater Manchester further devolution and allowing them to elect their first mayor in 18 months time. He also announced “the biggest transfer

of power to local government in living memory,” by allowing councils to keep the money made from business rates - “all £26 billion of it.” He’s set to abolish uniform business rates to allow councils to change them, announcing, “Let the devolution revolution begin.”

Michael Gove headed a drive towards the centre ground by laying out plans to put rehabilitation and reform at the heart of the prison system. Instead of emphasising individuals’ rational choice to offend, he took the more modern approach, pointing out that many prisoners have “grown up in poverty.” The Justice Minister continued that prisons should be places of “hard work, rigorous education and high ambition.”

Measures such as these were contrasted by comments made by Conservatives. In his speech, Michael Fallon, current Defence Secretary, told the conference four new Trident submarines were to be bought, and emphasised the danger of dropping our guard at this point in time. Phillip Hammond said he wanted us to put “security before ideology, and defence before dogma”, announcing a yearly increase in defence spending over the coming Parliament. Sajid Javid, the Business Secretary, talked of the “same old Labour; still thinking businesses are the bad guys”, before saying that “if you back business, you back Britain.”

Theresa May, Home Secretary, set out a review system for refugees and also plans to negotiate the definition of the term “refugee”. She also revealed a scheme to get “better identification” for refugees to help keep track of them and, when they are deemed not in need of our help, deported. Theresa May was very hard on immigration, and having missed her immigration targets hugely towards the end of the last Parliament, she addressed how it caused “strain upon working people”. She said there is no case for immigration of this scale, though she has been Home Secretary for the last five years. Andrew Marr told May in an interview after her speech on Tuesday evening she was “all mouth and no trousers”.

The Home Secretary has allowed historically unprecedented levels of migration in the last five years, and it may take more than a tough, dogmatic speech to deflect allegations of hypocrisy.

The Tories are taking strides towards the centre ground and further modernising the party - with even Michael Gove joining in. They have made no bones about the fact that they hope this will help to keep Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour out of the election race, but also say that it is the best way to govern. Conservatives have diluted themselves to a point where it’s almost as if they were still in coalition with the Lib Dems.

Pictured: David Cameron at the 2009 Conservative Party Conference (Photographer: Paul Toeman)

“

Concessionairy measures such as these were contrasted by certain comments made by Conservatives

”

candidate

Manifestos Maniffestos ymgeiswyr

Why vote? Pam pleidleisio?

Every single student at Cardiff University is entitled and encouraged to vote in the Students’ Union Election, it doesn’t matter if you are a home student or international student, a full time student or part time student, undergraduate or postgraduate.

Simply put: As a student at Cardiff University you will be affected by the decisions made by the representatives elected in this election. By voting, you have the opportunity to vote for the people that you think will best represent you to both the University and the Union.

As George Jean Nathan famously said:

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.

Mae gan bob myfyriwr ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd yr hawl i bleidleisio yn Etholiadau Undeb y Myfyrwyr, a buasem yn eu hannog i wneud hynny. Nid oes ots os ydych chi’n fyfyriwr cartref neu fyfyriwr rhyngwladol, yn astudio llawnamser neu ran-amser, yn fyfyriwr israddedig neu ôl-raddedig.

Yn y bôn: Fel myfyriwr Prifysgol Caerdydd, cewch eich effeithio gan y penderfyniadau a wneir gan y cynrychiolwyr a etholir yn yr etholiad hwn. Drwy bleidleisio mae gennych gyfle i bleidleisio dros y bobl y credwch fydd yn eich cynrychioli chi orau i’r Brifysgol a’r Undeb.

Fel y dywedodd George Jean Nathan:

Caiff swyddogion gwael eu hethol gan ddinasyddion da sydd ddim yn pleidleisio.

transferable voting Transferable voting is a voting system which allows voters to list the candidates in order of preference. The successful candidate will need 50% of the total number of votes plus 1 in order to win. If any candidate does not receive enough support to win a seat, that candidate’s votes will be transferred to others according to voters’ next preferences.

If you don’t believe any of the candidates standing for a position have the qualities you feel are valuable, or you do not agree with their manifesto, you can vote R.O.N. R.O.N stands for ‘re-open nominations’. This means, should R.O.N be more popular than any of the other candidates, no one would be elected to this role and the nominations for the role would re-open, giving the opportunity to find the right person to lead your Union.

pleidleisiau sy’n Trosglwyddo Mae’r system o bleidleisiau sy’n trosglwyddo’n caniatáu i bleidleiswyr restru’r ymgeiswyr yn ôl eu hoffter ohonynt. Bydd yr ymgeisydd llwyddiannus angen 50% o’r cyfanswm o bleidleisiau ac 1 i ennill. Os oes yno ymgeisydd sydd ddim yn derbyn digon o bleidleisiau i ennill, yna caiff pleidleisiau’r ymgeisydd hwnnw eu trosglwyddo i eraill yn ôl dewis nesaf y pleidleiswyr.

Os ydych o’r farn nad oes gan unrhyw un o’r ymgeiswyr ar gyfer y swydd y nodweddion angenrheidiol, neu os ydych yn anghytuno â’u maniffesto, gallwch bleidleisio dros A.A.E. sef Ail Agor Enwebiadau. Golyga hyn pe bai A.A.E. yn fwy poblogaidd nag unrhyw ymgeisydd arall, ni chaiff unrhyw un ei ethol a byddai’r enwebiadau ar gyfer y swydd yn ail-agor, gan roddi cyfle i ganfod y person cywir i arwain eich Undeb.

Manifestos

Maniffestos

Black & Ethnic minorities officer

Swyddog Croenddu a

The Black and Ethnic Minorities Officer works to represent the interests of black students and students of ethnic minority backgrounds (BEM) and to campaign on any relevant issues.

Candidates

lleiafrifoedd ethnig Mae’r Swyddog Myfyrwyr Duon a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig yn gweithio i gynrychioli buddiannau myfyrwyr duon a myfyrwyr o gefndiroedd lleiafrifoedd ethnig ac ymgyrchu dros unrhyw faterion perthnasol.

Ymgeiswyr

NAME / ENW

SCHOOL / YSGOL

Alyza Tabor

History, Archaeology & Religion

Emmanuel Udoh

Computer Science

Helena Corcoran

Modern Languages - Law & Politics

Mavis Loterh

Optometry & Vision Sciences

Sarah Simons

Social Sciences

Alyza Tabor

1.

Defnyddio cyrraedd ac adnoddau Undeb y Myfyrwyr i ddatblygu cymuned gref Croenddu a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd.

I’m Alyza Tabor, a final year ancient history student, Vice President of the Ancient History Society and Chair of the Women’s Association. I would love to be elected as the Black and Ethnic Minorities Officer as I feel that there are still many issues that need to be discussed regarding our community, such as the lack of BEM students in leadership, cultural appropriation, racism and gender issues.

2.

Comisiynu adolygiad o wasanaethau cymorth i fyfyrwyr ar y campws lle gall myfyrwyr Croenddu a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig gael cyfraniad sylweddol.

3.

Gweithio gydag Undeb y Myfyrwyr i greu ffyrdd sy'n tynnu sylw at fyfyrwyr Croenddu a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig sydd angen cymorth a llwyddo eu cyrraedd yn hytrach nag aros iddynt ddod drwy'r drws.

4.

Creu sianel lle caiff eich barn ei chlywed a'i thrinio ar yr un pryd.

5.

Trefnu cyfarfod adolygu misol lle caiff eich barn ar les, ymysg pethau eraill ar y campws, ei chlywed a'i throsglwyddo i Undeb y Myfyrwyr i'w weithredu.

I grew up in the Philippines and I witnessed here that BEM individuals experienced at least some form of discrimination throughout their lives. We should let people know that this is intolerable and that it needs to change. I want to encourage our students to celebrate their differences through participation in university events such as Go Global, as well as joining the various societies that celebrates ethnic diversity.

If elected, I will concentrate on building links between BEM students and the Union. This can be done through the creation of a BEM Association committee which will give students the chance to make themselves heard. I will also create links with charities such as the SVC and BAWSO to provide volunteering opportunities for BEM students.

Vote Alyza for Black and Ethnic Minorities Officer!

Fy enw i yw Alyza Tabor, myfyrwraig hanes hynafol yn ei blwyddyn olaf, yn Is-lywydd y Gymdeithas Hanes Hynafol ac yn Gadeirydd Sefydliad y Menywod.

Carwn gael fy ethol yn Swyddog Croenddu a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig gan fy mod yn teimlo fod yna nifer o faterion ynglyˆn â’n cymuned sydd angen i’w trafod, fel y diffyg myfyrywyr CLlE mewn swyddi arweinyddiaeth, cyfeddiant diwyllianol, hiliaeth a materion rhyw.

Tyfais i fyny yn ynysoedd y Ffilipîn ac yno fe welais bod unigolion CLlE wedi profi rhywfaint o gamwahaniaethu ar hyd eu hoes. Dylsem adael i bobl wybod fod hyn yn anioddefol a bod angen iddo newid. Rwyf am annog ein myfyrywyr i ddathlu eu gwahaniaethau drwy gymryd rhan mewn digwyddiadau yn y Brifysgol fel Go Global, yn ogystal ag ymuno â’r amryw gymdeithasau sydd yn dathlu amrywiaeth ethnig.

Pe caf fy ethol, byddaf yn canolbwyntio ar adeiladu cysylltiadau rhwng myfyrwyr CLlE a’r Undeb. Gellir gwneud hyn drwy greu pwyllgor Sefydlaid CLlE fydd yn cynnig y cyfle i fyfyrwyr i leisio’u barn. Byddaf yn creu cysylltiadau hefyd gydag elusennau fel yr SVC a BAWSO er mwyn darparu cyfleoedd gwirfoddoli i fyfyrwyr CLlE. Pleidleisiwch dros Alyza am Swyddog Croenddu a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig!

Emmanuel Udoh

Dyma fy nghyswllt cymdeithasol â chi: fi fydd eich llais yn Undeb y Myfyrwyr ac ni fyddaf yn bradychu eich hyder na'ch ymddiriedaeth os caf fy ethol yn Swyddog Croenddu a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig.

Helena Corcoran Hello, my name is Helena Corcoran and I am currently a second year student studying Italian and Politics.

I have been a member of Cardiff University’s Afro-Caribbean Society for a year and was additionally elected to be the Social Secretary of the Cardiff University DanceSport Club, which makes me good at communicating and building a rapport with people. I also manage my time well and enjoy working in a team as well as holding a leadership position.

The key areas that I would like to focus on are: Building a Network – Work with the Committees of the BME student societies within Cardiff University, alongside local businesses and communities, to set up an Ethnic Minorities network for both support and celebration.

Promote student politics- Put an emphasis on encouraging students of Ethnic Minority backgrounds to run for executive positions within the students union.

Create a Directory – Produce a document that lists the recommended places in the local community for products that are not widely available or are culturally specific. #CombatStereotypes- Work on educating students on different cultures and religions to break down the preconceptions that are damaging to society through ‘cultural nights’.

Helo, fy enw i yw Helena Corcoran ac rwy’ ar hyn o bryd yn fy ail flwyddyn yn astudio Eidaleg a Gwleidyddiaeth.

My action plan as a Black and Minority officer are as follows:

Bum yn aelod o Gymdeithas Affro-Caribiaidd Prifysgol Caerdydd am flwyddyn ac fe’m hetholwyd yn Ysgrifenydd Cymdeithasol Clwb DanceSport Prifysgol Caerdydd hefyd. Mae hyn yn fy ngwneud i’n dda am gyfathrebu ac adeiladu perthynas dda phobl. Rwyf hefyd yn rheoli fy amser yn dda ac yn mwynhau gweithio mewn tîm yn ogystal â chynnal swydd arweinyddiaeth.

1.

Y meysydd allweddol yr hoffwn i ganolbwyntio arnyn nhw yw:

I’m in the school of Computer Science and Informatics. I am standing for election into the Students Union as a Black and Minority Ethnic Officer. My strength comes from my ability to persuade people and interact with them irrespective of their belief.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Use SU’s reach and resources to build a strong Black and Minority Ethnic community in Cardiff University from the ground up.

Commission a review of student support services on campus where Black and Minority Ethnic students can make immense contributions.

Work with Student Union in creating ways that identify black and Minority Ethnic students who need help and successfully reach them rather than waiting for them to come through the door.

Create avenue where your views are heard and treated on the fly.

Organize a monthly review meeting where your opinions on welfare, among other things on campus are sought and transmitted to SU for proactive action.

My social contract with you is that, I will be your voice in the SU and will not betray your confidence and trust if voted in as the next Black and Minority Ethnic Officer.

Rydw i yn yr Ysgol Wyddorau Cyfrifiadurol a Hysbyseg. Rydw i'n sefyll etholiad i Undeb y Myfyrwyr fel Swyddog Croenddu a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig. Daw fy nghryfder o fy ngallu i ddarbwyllo pobl ac i ryngweithio â nhw beth bynnag fo'u cred.

Dyma fy nghynllun gweithredu fel swyddog Croenddu a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig:

Adeiladu Rhwydwaith – Gweithio gyda Phwyllgorau cymdeithasau myfyrwyr CLlE o fewn Prifysgol Caerdydd, ochr yn ochr â busnesau lleol a chymunedau, er mwyn sefydlu rhwydwaith Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig er dibenion cefnogaeth a dathlu.

Hyrwyddo gwleidyddiaeth myfyrwyr – Dodi pwyslais ar annog myfyrwyr gefndiroedd Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig i redeg am swyddi gweithredol o fewn Undeb y Myfyrywyr.

Creu cyfarwyddiadur – Cynhyrchu dogfen sydd yn rhestri llefydd lle gellir dod hyd i nwyddau a chynnyrch yn y gymuned leol nad sydd ar gael yn hawdd neu sydd yn ddiwyllianol benodol. #brwydrostereoteip (#CombatStereotypes) – Gweithio ar addysgu myfyrwyr ynglyˆn â gwahanol ddiwyllianau a chrefyddau er mwyn chwalu’r holl ragfarnau sydd yn niweidiol i gymdeithas drwy gynnal ‘nosweithiau diwyllianol’.

Mavis Loterh Hi, I’m Mavis, and I’m currently studying Optometry. I’m originally from Ghana, but I moved to the UK at a young age, where it was very exciting but also a little tough adjusting to a new environment and culture, therefore recognising the problems faced by Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) students comes naturally to me. Growing up and meeting new people has enabled me to appreciate and educate myself on the values of different cultures and will look to learn more in this position.

If elected as BME students’ officer, my goals include: - Working with the Students Union to discuss the issues and needs of BME students.

- Personally communicating with BME students and cultural societies to represent their interests within the Union.

- Enhancing the university experience of BME students by offering opportunities to voice their ideas.

- Promoting racial equality.

Fy enw i yw Sarah. Rwy’n fyfyriwr yn gwneud ei doethuriaeth o Cenya. Mae fy nhraethawd ymchwil ar ddioddefwyr troseddau yn hannu o 15 mlynedd o wirfoddoli drwygefnofi dioddefwyr troseddau yn Affrica a Chaerdydd.

Gwahaoddiad agored i chi yw hwn i bleidleisio drostof fi i fod yn Swyddog Myfyrwyr Croenddu a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig.

Yn achlysurol bydd gwrthdaro mewn amgylchedd academaidd aml-ddiwyllianol yn dod o faterion yn ymwneud â hil, crefydd cefndir ethnig, anabledd, tueddfryd rhywiol, a/neu priodwedd arall sydd wedi ei amddiffyn. Gall yr effeithiau fod yn anghyfforddus gan effeithio’n negyddol ar berson. Rwyf wedi profi hyn fy hunan ac yn gwybod faint yw’r angen am gymorth priodol. Mae angen empathi, sensitifrwydd, ymwybyddiaeth cyfreithiol a gallu i fedru gwneud penderfyniadu cymorth deallus.

Etholwch fi fel eich Swyddog Myfyrwyr Croenddu a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig er mwyn i fi allu defnyddio fy mhrofiadau gwaith a myfyriwr i: Amddiffyn hawliau myfyrwyr CLlE ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd Eiriolydd CLlE: yn cynyrchioli myfyrwyr CLlE werth herio camwahaniaethu Codi ymwybyddiaeth: Ymgyrchu dros well ymwybyddiaeth o faterion amrywiaeth er mwyn mynd i’r afael â gwrthnod Ymgorfforu Amrywiaeth mewn polisi ac ymarfer ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd.

Helo,

Bod yn asiant dros y newid y dymunwch ei weld.

Fi yw Mavis, arwy’n astudio Optometreg ar hyn o bryd. O Ghana rwy’n dod yn wreiddiol ond symudais i’r DG pan oeddwn yn ifanc iawn, pan oedd yn gyffrous dros ben ond hefyd ychydig yn anodd i addasu i hamgylchedd a diwylliant newydd, felly daw adnabod y problemau a wynebir gan fyfyrwyr Croenddu ac o Leiafrifoedd Ethnig yn naturiol i fi (CLlE). Wrth i fi dyfu a chwrdd â phobl newydd, fe’m galluogwyd i werthfawrogi ac addysgu fy hun ynglyˆn â gwerthoedd gwahanpol ddiwyllianau ac fe fyddaf yn ceisio dysgu mwy yn y swydd hon.

Pleidleisio’n rhagweithiol.

Pe caf y ethol yn swyddog myfyrwyr CLlE, byddai fy nodau yn cynnwys: - Gweithio gydag Undeb y Myfyrwyr i drafod anghenion a’r materion sydd yn wynebu myfyrwyr CLlE. - Cyfathrebu’n bersonol gyda myfyrwyr CLlE a chymdeithasau diwyllianol er mwyn cynrychioli eu buddianau o fewn yr Undeb.

- Gwella profiad prifysgol myfyrwyr CLlE drwy gynnig cyfleoedd iddyn nhw gael lleisio’u syniadau.

- Hyrwyddo cydraddoldeb hiliol.

Sarah Simons My name is Sarah. I am a PhD student from Kenya. My thesis on crime victims is a culmination of 15 years volunteer supporting victims of crime in Africa and Cardiff.

This is an open invitation to you to vote me in as your Black and Ethnic Minority Officer.

Interactions in a multi-cultural academic environment, occasionally give arise to issues stemming from one’s race, religion, ethnic background, disability, gender orientation, and/or another protected characteristic. The effects can be uncomfortable, and could affect one negatively. I have been there and know the need for appropriate support. Informed support decisions require empathy, sensitivity, legal awareness and competence.

Elect me as your Black and Ethnic Minority Officer so that I can use my student and work experiences to: Defend the rights of B&ME students at Cardiff University B&ME Champion: Represent B&ME Students in challenging discrimination Awareness raising: Campaign for improved awareness of diversity issues to counter stigma Incorporate Diversity in policy and practice at Cardiff University.

Be an agent of the change you want.

Vote proactively.

Manifestos

Maniffestos

Mature students officer

Swyddog

TThe Mature Students Officer role is to represent mature student’s interests and to campaign on any relevant issues.

It is a voluntary role and the successful candidate will carry out the role alongside their studies.

Candidates

y myfyrwyr hyn Rôl y Swyddog Myfyrwyr Hyˆn yw cynrychioli myfyrwyr hyˆn ac ymgyrchu ar unrhyw faterion perthnasol. Mae'n swydd wirfoddol a bydd yr ymgeisydd llwyddiannus yn cyflawni'r rôl ynghyd â'i astudiaethau.

Ymgeiswyr

NAME / ENW

SCHOOL / YSGOL

James Roberts

Mathematics

Mengying Xia

Business

James Roberts I’m 27, a Maths student and like the majority of mature students have completely changed the direction of my life to come to university. As a group we are very diverse in our situations and have taken vastly different routes to get here. This can mean that some of us have very unique situations where fitting university life in around our other commitments causes problems. This is where I come in if elected I will be our voice and endeavour to put our concerns forward to help make the changes we need to get the most out of our studies.

My plan for the future is to get us talking, and that working alongside with the association to improve our sense of self as a community, to bring us all together so that it is posable to understand the issues we are facing and the actions that are needed to resolve these. Together our voice can be heard.

Rwy’n 27, yn fyfyriwr Mathemateg ac yn debyg i’r mwyafrif helaeth o fyfyrwyr aeddfed, rwyf wedi newid cyfeiriad fy mywyd yn llwyr er mwyn dod i’r brifysgol.

Ceir amrywiaeth fawr o fewn y grw ˆ p o ran y llwybrau tra wahanol a gymerom i gyrraedd yma. Gall hwn olygu bod amgylchiadau unigryw yn perthyn i rai ohonom lle gall trefnu ein bywyd prifysgol o amgylch ein hymrwymiadau eraill achosi problemau. Dyma lle y gwelaf innau’n cyflawni fy swydd fel eich llais chi pe bawn i’n cael fy ethol ac fy fydden i’n ymdrechu i leisio’ch pryderon a helpu i wneud y newidiadau sydd eu hangen arnom er mwyn cael y gorau allan o’n hastudiaethau.

Fy nghynllun innau ar gyfer y dyfodol yw i’n cael i sgwrsio gyda’n gilydd a, thrwy weithio gyferbyn â’r gymdeithas i wella ein hymdeimlad o fod yn gymuned, dod â phawb ynghyd er mwyn ei wneud yn bosibl i ddeall y materion rydym yn eu hwynebu a’r camau sydd eu hangen i’w datrys. Gyda’n gilydd, fe gaiff ein lleisiau eu clywed.

Mengying Xia My name is Mengying, come from China. In my undergraduate period,i have worked in student union for two years and work as volunteer in my university’s history museum. I am a girl full of energy and want to do something for others.

As an international student, i am not familiar with the university culture, but i have strong passion about it, i will try my best to do everthing if i could be one of the students’ union team. Thank you!

Fy enw i yw Mengying ac rwy’n dod o Tsieina. Yn ystod fy nghyfnod fel myfyriwr israddedig bum yn gweithio y yr undeb myfyrwyr am ddwy flynedd ac fel gwirfoddolwr yn amgueddfa hanes y Brifysgol. Rwy’n ferch sy’n llawn egni ac yn awyddus i wneud rhywbeth dros eraill. Gan fy mod yn fyfyrwraig rhyngwladol, dydw i ddim yn gyfarwydd â diwyllliant y brifysgol ond rwy’n teimlo’n angerddol drosti ac fe fyddaf yn gwneud fy ngorau glas i wneud popeth pe bawn i’n cael bod yn un o dîm undeb y myfyrwyr. Diolch!

Manifestos

Maniffestos

Scrutiny committee

Pwyllgor

Scrutiny Committee members are responsible for holding the Elected Officers accountable to their commitments, monitoring any ongoing projects and ensuring the officers are at all times striving to improve the student experience and lead Cardiff University Students’ Union in the right direction.

Candidates

archwilio Mae aelodau'r Pwyllgor Craffu'n gyfrifol am ddal y Swyddogion Etholedig i gyfrif o ran eu hymrwymiadau, goruchwylio unrhyw brosiect parhaus a sicrhau bod y swyddogion wastad yn ymdrechu i wella profiad myfyrwyr ac yn arwain Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd yn y cyfeiriad cywir.

Ymgeiswyr

NAME / ENW

SCHOOL / YSGOL

NAME / ENW

SCHOOL / YSGOL

Dewi Alter

Welsh

Thomas Fletcher

James Yeoman

Dentistry

History, Archaeology & Religion

Matthew Jenkins

English, Communication & Philosophy

Thomas Tollefsen

History, Archaeology & Religion

Muralikrishnan Ramesh

Business

Timothy Nagle

Healthcare

Nadine Dahan

Law & Politics

Usman Mahmood Bukhari

Law & Politics

Dewi Alter I strongly believe in electoral accountability. As a member of the Scrutiny Committee, I will ensure that Elected Officers fulfil their promises and use their power for the benefit of all students. I will push for a union that is more democratic and where English and Welsh have parity.

Credaf yn gryf mewn atebolrwydd etholiadol. Fel aelod o'r Pwyllgor Craffu byddaf yn sicrhau bod y Swyddogion yn cyflawni eu haddewidion ac yn defnyddio eu grym er lles pob myfyriwr. Byddaf yn gwthio i greu Undeb sy’n fwy democrataidd ble mae’r Gymraeg a’r Saesneg yn gydradd â’i gilydd.

James Yeoman As a current society president, I have a very good understanding of the workings of your Students' Union; I believe that this knowledge would be essential for successful and thorough scrutiny of the elected officers when holding them accountable to the promises they made at the time of their election.

Fel llywydd cymdeithas ar hyn o bryd, mae gen i ddealltwriaeth dda o sut mae’ch Undeb Myfyrwyr yn gweithio; Credaf y byddai’r wybodaeth yma’n hanfodol ar gyfer craffu swyddogion etholedig yn llwyddianus a thrwyadl a’u gwneud yn atebol i’r addewidion a wnaethon nhw ar adeg eu hethol.

Matthew Jenkins I'm Matthew, I'm a graduate in Philosophy and ran for VP Education but pulled out to continue onto MA Ethics and Social Philosophy. I want to stay involved at the union and keep up the high standard we've come to know and love, to do this I need your vote!

Fy enw i yw Matthew. Rwyf wedi graddio mewn athroniaeth ac wnes i sefyll am Is-lywydd Addysg ond bu rhaid i fi dynnu fy enw ‘nôl er mwyn parhau gyda fy MA ar Foeseg ac Athroniaeth Gymdeithasol. Hoffwn aros ac ymwneud â’r undeb a chadw’r safon uchel rydym wedi dod iarfer ag ef a’i garu. I wneud hyn mae’n rhaid i fi gael eich pleidlais chi!

Muralikrishnan Ramesh The office bearers might have slipped out a few of their jobs. It is people like me who are responsible to make sure that every single person elected, does justice to their postings. Vote for me and I promise, I would make sure that everything is goes smoothly as expected.

Mae’n bosib bod y sawl a etholwyd i’w swyddi wedi llithro yn eu dyletswydd. Pobl fel fi sydd yn gyfrifol am sicrhau fod pob un person a gaiff ei ethol yn gwneud cyfiawnder â’i swydd. Pleidleisiwch drosta i ac rwy’n addo y byddaf yn sicrhau fod popeth yn rhedeg yn llyfn yn ôl y disgwyl.

Nadine Dahan I think it is very important to keep focus throughout the year and I would love the opportunity to help. It is easy to set yourself unrealistic goals, but as elected officers, those goals may be the reasons for their election, thus making-sure the utmost is being done is vital.

Credaf ei fod yn bwysig iawn i gadw ffocws drwy gydol y flwyddyn ac fe fydden i’n caru’r cyfle i helpu. Mae’n hawdd i osod nodau afrealistig i’ch hunan, ond fel swyddogion etholedig, y nodau hynny allai fod wedi peri iddyn nhw gael eu hethol yn y lle cyntaf, aac felly mae sicrhau bod yr ymdrech fwyaf yn cael ei wneud a’i gyflawni yn hanfodol.

Thomas Fletcher If elected, I will bring an objective and impartial approach to SU commitments and projects, taking all students' views and experiences, including the Officers, into account when carrying out my duties.

Pe bawn i’n cael fy ethol, byddaf yn dod ag ymagwedd gwrthrychol a di-duedd i brojectau ac ymrwymiadau’r Undeb, gan gymryd barn a phrofiadau pob myfyriwr i ystyriaeth, gan gynnwys y swyddogion, wrth i fi ymgymryd â fy nyletswyddau.

Thomas Tollefsen I'm Tom, an international PhD student in SHARE. Now that we have a VP for postgraduate students, I believe it's important that postgrads are represented on the Scrutiny Committee. As a member of the Scrutiny Committee I will make sure postgrads are not overlooked.

Tom ydw i, ac rwy’n fyfyriwr PhD rhyngwladol yn SHARE. Rwy’n sefyll am swydd Myfyriwr Seneddwr oherwydd fy mod yn credo bod angen i fyfyrwyr ôl-raddedig gael eu cynrychioli ar y cyrff pwysicaf sydd yn gwneud penderfyniadau yn Undeb y Myfyrwyr. Byddaf yn gwneud fy ngorau yn rhinwedd fy swydd fel Seneddwr i edrych ar ôl buddianau myfyrywyr ôl-raddedig.

Timothy Nagle Let me take my experience at Student Senate last year to scrutiny. While those elected represent all students it is especially important that students from Heath Park have a voice within the Students’ Union. Trust me to be that voice.

Gadewch i fi gymryd fy mhrofiad yn Senedd y Myfyrwyr llynedd i’r Pwyllgor Craffu. Tra bo’r sawl a etholwyd yn cynrychioli pob myfyriwr, mae’n arbennig o bwysig bod gan y sawl sydd ym Mharc y Waun lais o fewn Undeb y Myfrwyr.

Byddwch cystal ag ymddiried ynof fi i fod y llais hwnnw!

Usman Mahmood Bukhari As a scrutiny committee member, I promise to do my very best to hold our elected leaders accountable. My experience as a good debater will ensure that I will effectively be able to engage in productive dialogue and expose any deceit.

Fel aelod o’r pwyllgor craffu, addunedaf i wneud fy ngorau i gadw’n arweinwyr etholedig yn atebol. Mae fy mhrofiad da fel dadleuwr yn sycrhau y byddaf yn gallu cynryd rhan effeithiol mewn dialog cadarnhaol ac amlygu unhryw dwyll.

Manifestos

Maniffestos

Student senator

Myfyriwr

Student Senators represent and act as the voice of Cardiff University students. Student Senators are responsible for creating and reviewing Union policies.

Student Senate has the power to make policy which ensures the Union works in a way which reflects the values and ideals of the Student Body

Candidates NAME / ENW Aaron Jawan Ashwin Anil Nair Audrey Azerot Cassidy Smith Chiron Hooson David Echevarria Dewi Alter Emlyn Pratt Esyllt Lewis Fern Hockney Jacob Ellis Jake Smith Jennifer Owen Lucy Shires Madeline Page Martha Smith-Higgins

SCHOOL / YSGOL Engineering Business Law & Politics Journalism, media & cultural studies Law & Politics History, Archaeology & Religion Welsh Law & Politics Welsh English, Communication & Philosophy Journalism, media & cultural studies Law & Politics Business Social Sciences English, Communication & Philosophy Law & Politics

seneddwr Mae Seneddwyr Myfyrwyr yn cynrychioli ac yn gweithredu fel llais myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd. Mae Seneddwyr Myfyrwyr yn gyfrifol am greu ac adolygu polis誰au'r Undeb.

Mae gan Senedd y Myfyrwyr y pwer i lunio polis誰au sy'n sicrhau bod yr Undeb yn gweithio mewn ffordd sy'n adlewyrchu gwerthoedd a delfrydau Corff y Myfyrwyr

Ymgeiswyr NAME/ENW Matthew Carroll Matthew Jenkins Megan Gibbs Muralikrishnan Ramesh Nadine Dahan Rebecca Taylor-Ashfield Robert Lodge Sambit Pal Sarah Al Sayed Thomas Tollefsen Timothy Nagle Usman Mahmood Bukhari William Fairbanks Wing Ling Au-Yeung Yasmine Dimitrova

SCHOOL / YSGOL Bioscience English, Communication & Philosophy Social Sciences Business Law & Politics Journalism, media & cultural studies Modern Languages Journalism, media & cultural studies Social Sciences History, Archaeology & Religion Healthcare Law & Politics English, Communication & Philosophy Business Architecture

Aaron Jawan

David Echevarria

Dear comrades, it’s in my best interest to ensure that everyone gets heard. Be it about the inadequate support for international students, or regarding the price of a pint in the union. I pledge that your time in university would be beautiful beyond compare, that I promise in all sincerity.

Being able to help make life for students is something that I greatly aspire to do, even if it’s just helping my flat mates. I will work to make sure that all decisions are for the benefit of the students, and to help give every student a voice.

Annwyl Gyfeillion, mae sicrhau bod llais pawb yn cael ei glywed er fy mudd gorau innau. Boed ei fod ynglyˆn â'r gefnogaeth annigonol sydd yn bodoli i fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol, neu bris peint yn yr undeb. Gwnaf adduned didwyll y bydd eich cyfnod yn y brifysgol yn hyfryd tu hwnt i gymhariaeth.

Ashwin Anil Nair I am someone who has a very creative mind. I always have a unique perspective when approaching an issue due to my broad range of interests and hobbies.

Creativity is the source of differentiation and hence I differentiate myself by following attributes: honest, reliable and consistent.

Rwy’n berson sy’n meddu ar feddwl creadigol iawn. Mae gen i ffordd unigryw o edrych ar faterion o ganlyniad i fy niddordebau eang. Ffynhonell gwahaniaethuopopokp yw creadigrwydd ac felly rwyf yn gwahaniaethu fy hun gan y nodweddion canlynol: gonestrwydd, dibynadwyedd a chysondeb.

Audrey Azerot Hi! I am Audrey, a second year Politics and Economics student.

Standing up for Cardiff Uni students, making sure the Union’s policies reflect what they want and be relied on by others is very rewarding and that is why I am standing for the position of Student senator.

Helo! Audrey ydw i, a ‘dwi’n fyfyrwraig Gwleidyddiaeth ac Economeg yn fy ail flwyddyn.

Caf foddhad mawr wrth fod yn rhywun mae eraill yn dibynnu arni ac wrth sefyll i fyny dros fyfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd yn ogystal â sicrhau bod polisiau’r Undeb yn adlewyrchu’r hyn maen nhw eisiau – dyna pam rwy’n sefyll am swydd Myfyriwr Seneddwr.

Cassidy Smith I would put an emphasis on situations affecting all kinds of minority students and shed a light on the members of the SU that are often unintentially left without a voice, in order to allow every single student to reap the benefits of every opportunity that is presented to them.

Byddwn yn dodi pwyslais ar bob math o sefyllfaoedd sydd yn effeithio ar bob mathau ofyfyrwyr lleiafrifol ac yn amlygu aelodau’r Undeb Myfyrwyr sydd yn aml heb fwriad yn cael eu gadael heb lais, er mwyn caniatau i bob un myfyriwr i elwa o fuddion pob cyfle a gaiff eu cyflwyno iddyn nhw.

Chiron Hooson As a student senate member, I would help the SU in continued action against the government cuts affecting many students lives, expand the new initiative to keep the students safe at night and improve the way the SU can benefit our learning experience so everyone finishes with best possible degree.

Fel aelod o Senedd y Myfyrwyr, byddaf yn helpu’r Undeb yn ei ymgyrch barhaus yn erbyn toriadau’r llywodraeth, sydd yn effeithio ar gynifer o fywydau myfyrwyr; byddaf hefyd yn ehangu’r fenter newydd i gadw myfyrwyr yn ddiogel yn ystod y nos a gwella’r ffordd gall yr Undeb fod o fudd i’n profiad dysgu fel bod pawb yn gorffen gyda’r radd orau posib.

Mae gallu helpu gwneud bywyd yn haws i fyfyrwyr yn rywbeth rwyf yn dyheu am gael ei wneud, hyd yn oed os taw dim ond helpu fy ffrindiau sy’n rhannu fflat gyda fi fyddaf yn ei wneud. Byddaf yn gweithio er mwyn sicrhau fod pob penderfyniad yn cael ei wneud er lles y myfyrwyr, ac yn helpu rhoi llais i bob myfyryiwr.

Dewi Alter I strongly believe in electoral accountability. As a member of the Student Senate, i will ensure that Elected Officers fulfil their promises and use their power for the benefit of all students. I will push for a union that is more democratic and where English and Welsh have parity.

Credaf yn gryf mewn atebolrwydd etholiadol. Fel aelod o Senedd y Myfyrwyr, byddaf yn sicrhau cyflawna Swyddogion eu haddewidion ac yn defnyddio eu grym er lles pob myfyriwr. Byddaf yn gwthio i greu Undeb sy’n fwy democrataidd ble mae’r Gymraeg a’r Saesneg yn gydradd â’i gilydd.

Emlyn Pratt As your Student Senator I will strive to make your voice heard in the way our Student Union is run. I want to make the Union more democratic and accountable to you. Also I want to increase the extra-curricular opportunities available to students and promote student welfare.

Fel eich Myfyriwr Seneddwr, byddaf yn ymdrechu i leisio’ch barn yn y modd y caiff ein Hundeb Myfyrwyr ei redeg. Dymunaf wneud ein hundeb yn fwy democrataidd ac atebol i chi. Dymunaf hefyd gynyddu’r cyfleoedd all-gyrsiol sydd ar gael i fyfyrwyr a hybu lles myfyrwyr.

Esyllt Lewis I would personally like to concentrate on the status of the Welsh language, women’s rights and multi-culturalism through the medium of the student senate.

I would discuss with my peers, their ideas regarding ensuring equality between different cohorts in the university, before reporting suggestions back to the senate, in order to ensure that students understand the importance of their voice.

Hoffwn yn bersonol ganolbwyntio ar statws y Gymraeg, hawliau merched ac aml-ddiwylliannedd trwy gyfrwng senedd y myfyrwyr. Buaswn yn trafod gyda’m cyfoedion eu syniadau hwythau ynghylch cael cyfartaledd rhwng gwahanol garfannau yn y brifysgol, cyn adrodd awgrymiadau yn ôl i’r senedd i sicrhau fod myfyrwyr yn deall pwysigrwydd eu llais.

Fern Hockney I am heavily involved in the Union and would love to contribute in an even greater way. I will aim to increase the participation of students when it comes to our voting and democracy, as it is important for all to be involved and feel their voices will be heard.

Rwy’n weithgar iawn gyda’r gyda’r Undeb a hoffwn gyfrannu yn fwy. Byddaf yn anelu i gynyddu cyfranogaeth myfyrwyr pan ddaw hi i bleidleisio a democratiaeth, am ei fod yn bwysig i bawb gymryd rhan a theimlo bod eu lleisiau wedi cael eu clywed.

Jacob Ellis

Martha Smith-Higgins

Shwmae! I’m a current postgraduate student, former President of Aberystwyth SU and former NUS Wales’ Welsh Language Officer and would love your support in order for me to continue to represent and influence change. We enter two years of political elections in Cardiff - let’s make a difference. Diolch.

My work as a Student Representative and volunteering with Citizens Advice demonstrates commitment to listening to people’s needs and taking action. In Student Senate I will also use my experience working with Give it a Go and the Law Society to enact the changes that you feel the SU needs.

Shwmae! Rwy’n fyfyriwr ôl-radd cyfredol a chyn-lywydd Undeb Myfyrwyr Aberystwyth a chyn Swyddog Iaith Gymraeg UCMCymru, ac fe fydden i’n dwli ar gael eich cefnogaeth er mwyn i fi barhau i gynrychioli a dylanwadu newid. Rydym ar drothwy dwy flynedd o etholiadau gwleidyddol yng Nghaerdydd – beth am wneud gwahaniaeth. Diolch.

Mae fy ngwaith fel Cynrychiolydd Myfyrwyr a gwirfoddolwraig gyda Cyngor ar Bopeth yn arddangos ymrwymiad tuag at wrando ar anghenion pobl a chymryd y camau priodol. Byddaf yn defnyddio fy mhrofiad hefyd o weithio gyda Give it a Go a Chymdeithas y Gyfraith ar y Senedd i weithredu’r newidiadau rydych chi’n teimlo sydd eu hangen ar yr Undeb.

Jake Smith

Matthew Carroll

I’m standing for better support for renting students, a more inclusive freshers’ week and to improve sexual and mental health. On Senate I’ve successfully campaigned for healthier food options in libraries and opportunities for students to lobby their city councillors. With your support I can continue to make a difference.

First year student from Northern Ireland. Past experience as Welfare Officer for NUS-USI (2014-2015). Willing to hold officers to account and stand up for students rights and basic the freedom of speech. Approchable, dedicated, friendly and open to views from all sides.

Rwy’n sefyll dros well cefnogaeth i fyfyrwyr sydd yn rhentu, wythnos y glas sydd yn fwy cynhwysol, ac i wella iechyd rhywiol a meddwyliol. Yn ystod fy nghyfnod ar y Senedd rwyf wedi ymgyrchu’n llwyddianus dros gael dewisiadau bwydydd mwy iachus yn ein llyfrgelloedd a chyfleoedd i fyfyrwyr lobio eu cynghorwyr dinas. Gyda’ch cefnogaeth gallaf barhau i wneud gwahaniaeth.

Jennifer Owen With prior experience of facilitating discussions, creating & reviewing policies through the civil service, I will be an effective student senator. I will help shape union policy, ensuring the student experience is developed into union policy, while reflecting the values and ideals of the student body.

Gan fod gen i brofiad blaenorol o hwyluso trafodaethau, creu ac adolygu polisiau drwy’r gwasanaeth sifil, fe fyddaf yn Fyfyrwraig Seneddwr effeithiol. Byddaf yn helpu i lunio polisi’r undeb, gan sicrhau fod profiad myfyrwyr yn cael ei ddatblygu mewn i bolisi’r undeb, tra’n adlewyrchu gwerthoedd a delfrydau corff y myfyrywyr.

Lucy Shires As I am naturally an enthusiastic person who loves to engage with new people and ideas, I believe that I am very well suited to this role. One of my policy ideas would be to have pairs of volunteers walk students, who are alone, home from the union at night.

Gan fy mod yn berson brwdfrydig o ran natur sydd yn hoff iawn o ymwneud â phobl a syniadau newydd, credaf fy mod yn gweddu’n dda i’r swydd hon.Un o fy syniadau polisi fyddai cael parau o wirfoddolwyr i gerdded adref gyda myfyrwyr sydd ar eu pennau’u hunain o’r undeb fin nos.

Madeline Page I’ve been heavily involved with SU for the past two years and am now on the societies exec. I love the SU and want to ensure the SU continues to reflect our principles and values. I’m a confident public speaker who will make your voice heard on the senate.

Bum yn weithgar iawn gyda’r Undeb Myfyrwyr ers y ddwy gflynedd ddiwethaf ac rwyf nawr ar bwyllgor gwaith y cymdeithasau. Rwy’n caru’r Undeb ac yn awyddus i sicrhau fod yr Undeb yn parhau i adlewyrchu ein hegwyddorion a’n gwerthoedd.

Rwy’n siaradwr cyhoeddus hyderus fydd yn lleisio’ch barn ar y senedd.

Myfyriwr blwyddyn gyntaf o Ogledd Iwerddon. Profiad blaenorol fel Swyddog Lles NUS-USI (2014-2015). Profiad blaenorol o gynadleddau UCM. Yn fodlon cadw swyddogion etholedig yn atebol ac i sefyll dros hawliau myfyrwyr a’r hawl sylfaenol i gael siarad yn rhydd. Rwy’n hawdd i fynd ato am sgwrs, yn ymroddgar, cyfeillgar ac yn agored i glywed barn o bob ochr.

Matthew Jenkins My name is Matthew. I graduated in Philosophy and am now studying MA Ethics and Social Philosophy. I’ve been on the Societies’ Exec for two years, spoken at two AMM’s, and been involved with a smorgasbord of societies. This experience leaves me well equipped to represent you on Student Senate.

Fy enw i yw Matthew. Rwyf wedi graddio mewn athroniaeth ac wnes i sefyll am Is-lywydd Addysg ond bu rhaid i fi dynnu fy enw ‘nôl er mwyn parhau gyda fy MA ar Foeseg ac Athroniaeth Gymdeithasol. Bum ar Bwyllgor Gwaith y Cymdeithasau ers dwy flynedd, siaradais mewn dau gyfarfod AMM ac rwyf wedi ymwneud â nifer helaeth o gymdeithadau gwahanol. Mae’r profiad yma yn golygu fy mod i mewn sefyllfa dda i’ch cynrychioli ar Senedd y Myfyrwyr.

Megan Gibbs

Sambit Pal

Last year I was a year one representative on the SOCSCI SSP and I found it very rewarding as the panel helped overcome issues raised within SOCSCI itself. I'd like to expand my experience further into the students union and become part of the student senate to represent Cardiff students.

I’m a postgraduate student in the School of JOMEC. I believe in democratic principles and would like to highlight the issues involving the PG students.

Personally I think there should be more clarity about how various services can be availed by the students here. The focus is “we the students”.

Roeddwn yn gynrychiolydd y flwyddyn gyntaf ar banel SOCSCI y llynedd ac fe ges i brofiad boddhaus iawn wrth i’r panel oresgyn materion o fewn y SOCSCI. Hoffwn ehangu ar fy mhrofiad ymhellach i Undeb y Myfyrwyr a dod yn rhan o senedd y myfyrwyr er mwyn cynrychioli myfyrwyr Caerdydd.

Rwy’n fyfyriwr ôl-radd yn yr Ysgol Newyddiaduriaeth (JOMEC). Credaf mewn egwyddorion democrataidd ac rwy’n awyddus i amlygu materion sydd yn effeithio ar fyfyrwyr. Yn bersonol, credaf y dylai fod mwy o eglurder ynglyˆn â sut gall fyfyrwyr ddod o hyd i a chael gafael ar wasanaethau amrywiol. “Ni y myfyrwyr” yw’r ffocws.

Muralikrishnan Ramesh This is no formal manifesto, but more of a friendly introduction. Policies are framed, only to benefit you and me. It is by us ,of us and for us. We as a team, can surely make our upcoming year the way You had dreamed of !!!. Do vote for me.

Nid manifesto ffurfiol yw hwn, yn hytrach mae’n fwy o gyflwyniad cyfeillgar. Caiff polisiau eu llunio yn unswydd i fod o fudd i chi a fi. Mae ganddom ni, ohonom ni ac er ein mwyn ni. Rwy’n sicr gallwn ninnau fel tîm wneud y flwyddyn sydd gerllaw yn un sydd yn debyg i’r hyn wnaethoch chi freuddwydio amdani !!!. Pleidleisiwch drosof fi.

Sarah Al Sayed I want to contribute all I can to ensure that students get the best and fullest experience of life at university and after school to help them be confident in standing up for issues they believe in, not just for university but for the rest of their lives.

Dymunaf gyfrannu y cyfan alla i er mwyn sicrhau bod myfyrwyr yn cael y profiad gorau posib o fywyd prifysgol ac wedi hynny eu helpu i fod yn hyderus i sefyll dros faterion maen nhw’n credu ynddyn nhw am weddill eu bywydau.

Nadine Dahan

Thomas Tollefsen

I have sat in on Studen-Senate meetings on behalf of senators before, and have attended as an observer, passing a motion to condemn the CTSB. I am therefore very familiar with how Senate meetings are run and how important the issues that go to Student-Senate are to us students.

Hi, I’m Tom, international PhD student in SHARE. I’m running for Student Senate because I believe that postgraduate students should be represented on the highest decision bodies in the Students’ Union. As a senator I will do my best to look after the interests of postgraduate students.

Rwyf wedi eistedd mewn nifer o gyfarfodydd Senedd Myfyriwr ar ran seneddwyr o’r blaen, ac mwedi mynychu fel sylwedydd hefyd, gan basio cynnig i gondemnio’r CTSB. Rwyf felly yn gyfarwydd iawn gyda’r ffordd y csaiff cyfarfodydd o’r Senedd eu rhedeg a pha mor bwysigi ni’r myfyrwyr yw’r materion sydd yn mynd o flaen Senedd y Myfyrwyr.

Tom ydw i, ac rwy’n fyfyriwr PhD rhyngwladol yn SHARE. Rwy’n sefyll am swydd Myfyriwr Seneddwr oherwydd fy mod yn credo bod angen i fyfyrwyr ôl-raddedig gael eu cynrychioli ar y cyrff pwysicaf sydd yn gwneud penderfyniadau yn Undeb y Myfyrwyr. Byddaf yn gwneud fy ngorau yn rhinwedd fy swydd fel Seneddwr i edrych ar ôl buddianau myfyrywyr ôl-raddedig.

Rebecca Taylor-Ashfield

Timothy Nagle

I have experience representing the interests of the student body through my role as a student rep and as President of the Journalism Society. If elected onto the student senate I will ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and considered when making decisions on union policies.

As one of your student senators last year I proposed and improved policies that impact on your student experience. While those elected represent all students it is especially important that students from Heath Park have a voice within the Students’ Union. Trust me to be that voice!

Mae gen i brofiad o gynrychioli buddianau myfyrwyr drwy gyfrwng fy swydd fel cynrychiolydd myfyrwyr a Llywdd y Gymdeithas Newyddiaduraeth. Pe bawn i’n cael fy ethol i senedd y myfyrwyr, byddaf yn sicrhau fod llais pawb yn cael ei glywed a’i ystyried wrth wneud penderfyniadau ar bolisiau’r undeb.

Fel un o’ch Myfyriwr Seneddwyr llynedd, fe gynigais a gwellais bolisiau sydd yn effeithio ar eich profiad chithau fel myfyriwr. Tra bo’r sawl a etholwyd yn cynrychioli pob myfyriwr, mae’n arbennig o bwysig bod gan y sawl sydd ym Mharc y Waun lais o fewn Undeb y Myfrwyr. Byddwch cystal ag ymddiried ynof fi i fod y llais hwnnw!

Robert Lodge I’m Robert and I’m running for Student Senate. I’m a 4th Year Languages student and during my time at Uni I’ve been a Student Rep, volunteered for SHAG and helped students register to vote. If elected I’ll be an accessible, hardworking senator making students’ voices heard.

Robert wyf fi ac rwy’n sefyll i fod ar Senedd y Myfyrwyr. Ryw’n astudio ieithoedd yn fy mhedwaredd flwyddyn ac yn ystod fy nghyfnod yn y Brifysgol bum yn Gynrychiolydd Myfyrwyr, yn wirfoddolwr SHAG ac wedi helpu myfyrwyr i gofrestru i bleidleisio. Pe caf fy ethol, byddaf yn seneddwr hawdd i fynd ato, yn gweithio’n galed ac yn sicrhau bod lleisiau myfyrwyr yn cael eu clywed.

Usman Mahmood Bukhari As your student senator, I aim to be attentive to the needs of my fellow students, fight and campaign for on their behalf and be persistent in this endeavour . A good listener, willingness to stand up and impassioned indivdual, this is what I know and promise.

Fel eich Myfyriwr Seneddwr, anelaf at dalu sylw i anghenion fy nghyd-fyfyrwyr, i ymladd ar eu rhan ac i fod yn gyson wrth wneud hyn. Rwy’n dda am wrando, yn fodlon sefyll dros bethau ac yn unigolyn llawn angerdd; dyma a wyddaf ac rwy’n ei addo i chi.

William Fairbanks

why your vote matters Pam mae eich pleidlais yn bwysig

In my past experience as a student representative I have seen that, as students, we hold the right to put forth our ideas to a body of people that will act responsibly on them. I believe that I would be a valuable asset to this body.

Gwelais drwy fy mhrofiad blaenorol fel cynrychiolydd myfyrwyr fod gyda ni fyfyrwyr yr hawl i gyflwyno’n syniadau i gorff o bobl fydd yn ymddwyn yn gyfrifol gyda nhw. Credaf byddai hyn yn gaffaeliad gwerthfawr i’r corff hwn.

Wing Ling Au-Yeung My regard for Cardiff students’ voices, which I believe are the core values of our democratic campaign, will drive me to act in the best interest of our community as a senator One community Formed by different cultural and racial backgrounds Indivisible with liberty and caring for all.

Reason YOU LIVE HERE NINE MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR

Rheswm RYDYCH YN BYW YMA AM NAW MIS O’R FLWYDDYN

Mae gen i barch uchel tuag at leisiau myfyrwyr Caerdydd, gan fy mod o’r farn taw dyma werthoedd craidd ein hymgyrch ddemocrataidd, a dyma fydd yn fy ysgogi i ymddwyn er budd gorau ein cymuned fel seneddwr Un gymuned, Ffurfiwyd gan gefndiroedd diwyllianol a hiliol gwahanol, Anwahanadwy gyda rhyddid ac yn gofalu am bawb.

Yasmine Dimitrova My goal is to improve the quality of our lives .Being Student Senator would be an advantage for my own learning experience while translating ideas into reality. I am looking forward to communicating with students to innovate together. For the people by the people.

Fy nod yw gwella ansawdd ein bywydau. Byddai bod yn Fyfyriwr Seneddwr o fantais i fy mhrofiad dysgu innau tra’n trosi fy syniadau mewn i weithredoedd.

Edrychaf ymlaen at gyfathrebu gyda myfyrwyr er mwyn arloesi gyda’n gilydd, Dros y bobl gan y bobl.

Manifestos

Maniffestos

NUS National conference delegates

Cynrychiolwyr i Gynhadledd genedlaethol ucm

NUS delegates represent the views of Cardiff University Students at NUS National Conference, the annual policy making body of the National Union of Students. Cardiff University Students’ Union is currently a member on the NUS and therefore entitled to send eight delegates to attend the conference.

Mae cynrychiolwyr UCM yn adlewyrchu barn myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd yng Nghynhadledd Genedlaethol UCM, sef corff llunio polisi blynyddol Undeb Cenedlaethol y Myfyrwyr. Mae Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd ar hyn o bryd yn aelod o UCM, felly mae’n gymwys i anfon 8 cynrychiolydd i fynychu’r gynhadledd.

Candidates

Ymgeiswyr

NAME / ENW

SCHOOL / YSGOL

NAME / ENW

SCHOOL / YSGOL

Alyza Tabor

History, Archaeology & Religion

Muralikrishnan Ramesh

Business

Nadine Dahan

Law & Politics

Hannah Sterritt

Music

Rachael Melhuish

Jacob Ellis

Journalism, media & cultural studies

English, Communication & Philosophy

Timothy Nagle

Healthcare

Jake Smith

Law & Politics

Usman Mahmood Bukhari

Law & Politics

Matthew Carroll

Bioscience

Vincent Mullin

Law & Politics

Alyza Tabor I’m Alyza Tabor, a final year ancient history student, Vice President of the Ancient History Society and Chair of the Women’s Association. I was one of the university’s delegates for the NUS Wales conference last year and would love the opportunity to go to the National one this year!

Fy enw i yw Alyza Tabor, myfyrwraig hanes hynafol yn ei blwyddyn olaf, yn Is-lywydd y Gymdeithas Hanes Hynafol ac yn Gadeirydd Sefydliad y Menywod.

Roeddwn i’n un o gynrychiolwyr y brifysgol i Gynhadledd UCMC llynedd ac fe fydden i’n caru’r cyfle i fynd i’r un cenedlaethol eleni!

Hannah Sterritt As a current Sabbatical Officer I feel that I have the knowledge and expertise to represent Cardiff University Students’ Union at National conference.

Credaf gan fy mod yn Swyddog Sabathol cyfredol, fod gen i’r wybodaeth a’r arbenigedd i gynrychioli Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd yn y gynhadledd Genedlaethol.

Jacob Ellis Shwmae! The political landscape in the UK is changing and its more important than ever that we hold NUS to account. As a current postgraduate student, former President of Aberystwyth SU and former NUS Wales’ Welsh Language Officer I want to ensure you’re represented. Diolch yn fawr!

Shwmae! Mae’r tirwedd wleidyddol yn y Deyrnas Gyfunol yn newid ac mae’n bwysicach nac erioed ein bod yn cadw UCM yn atebol i ni. Fel myfyriwr ôl-radd cyfredol a chyn-lywydd Undeb Myfyrwyr Aberystwyth a chyn Swyddog Iaith Gymraeg UCMCymru, dymunaf sicrhau eich bod yn cael eich cynrychioli. Diolch yn fawr!

Jake Smith Serving as an NUS Delegate last year taught me much about how to maximise Cardiff’s influence within the NUS. If elected, I will consult widely involving as many students as possible before the conference and use my experience as a course rep and society Treasurer to make Cardiff’s voice heard.

Fe ddysgais lawer ynglyˆn â sut i gynyddu dylanwad Caerdydd o fewn yr UCM wedi i fi wasanaethu fel Cynrychiolydd i Gynhadledd UCM llynedd. Pe caf i fy ethol byddaf yn ymgynghori’n eang gan gynnwys cynifer o fyfyrwyr â phosib cyn y gynhadledd gan ddefnyddio fy mhrofiad fel cynrychiolydd cwrs a Thrysorydd cymdeithas i sicrhau bod llais Caerdydd yn cael ei glywed.

Matthew Carroll First year student from Northern Ireland. Past experience as Welfare Officer for NUS-USI (2014-2015). Past experience of NUS’ conferences. Willing to hold officers to account and stand up for students rights and basic the freedom of speech. Approchable, dedicated, friendly and open to views from all sides.

Myfyriwr blwyddyn gyntaf o Ogledd Iwerddon. Profiad blaenorol fel Swyddog Lles NUS-USI (2014-2015). Profiad blaenorol o gynadleddau UCM. Yn fodlon cadw swyddogion etholedig yn atebol ac i sefyll dros hawliau myfyrwyr a’r hawl sylfaenol i gael siarad yn rhydd. Rwy’n hawdd i fynd ato am sgwrs, yn ymroddgar, cyfeillgar ac yn agored i glywed barn o bob ochr.

Muralikrishnan Ramesh Knowing the importance of the NUS, it takes me great pride in representing the views of every single one ofyou as one in their upcoming National conference.

Feel free and be open, we shall discuss your thoughts andif needed, we shall project it out to the nation.

Gan fy mod yn ymwybodol o bwysigrwydd Undeb Cenedlaethol y Myfyrwyr, caf falchder mawr wrth gynrychioli barn pob un ohonoch yn y Gynhadledd sydd ar gyrraedd. Byddwch yn agored a rhydd, fe drafodwn eich syniadau ac os oes angen byddwn yn eu cyfleu i’r genedl.

Nadine Dahan I attended the NUS conference last year and was very passionate about a number of motions debated upon. I would love to represent Cardiff Students in this years conference and hopefully help to make a difference within the organisation.

Mynychais Gynhadledd UCM llynedd ac roeddwn yn llawn angerdd ynglyˆn â nifer o’r cynigion a drafodwyd. Carwn gynrychioli myfyrwyr Caerdydd yng Nghynhadledd eleni a gobeithiaf wneud gwahaniaeth o fewn y mudiad.

Rachael Melhuish Having previously been to NUS and NUSW women’s conferences, I now want to represent the interests of Cardiff students on issues that affect us, at a national level. If elected I would ensure to ask students their views on policy submitted to conference, so I can make informed decisions.

Gan fy mod wedi bod i gynadleddau UCM a Menywod UCM, dymunaf gynrychioli buddianau myfyrwyr Caerdydd nawr ar faterion sydd yn effeithio ni ar lefel genedlaethol. Pe bawn i’n cael fy ethol bydden i’n sicrhau fy mod yn gofyn barn myfyrwyr ynglyˆn â pholisi a gyflwynir i’r gynhadledd er mwyn i fi wneud penderfyniadau deallus.

Timothy Nagle Let me take my experience at Student Senate last year to NUS Conference It is important that policy that affects students can be improved and shaped by those attending and I have the skills and experience to do that.

Gadewch i fi gymryd fy mhrofiad yn Senedd y Myfyrwyr llynedd i Gynhadledd UCM. Mae’n bwysig bod polisiau sydd yn effeithio ar fyfyrwyr yn gallu cael eu gwella a’u llunio gan y sawl sydd yn mynychu ac mae gen i’r medrau a’r profiad i wneud hynny.

Usman Mahmood Bukhari I have been the student Ambassador, Student Councillor for my Secondary School and my Sixth Form, including numerous Model United Nations competitions shows, the level of experience I have in representation. I aim to use this vast wealth of experince in representing my fellows at the NUS conferences.

why your vote matters Pam mae eich pleidlais yn bwysig

Rwyf wedi bod yn Lysgenad myfyrwyr, Cynghorydd Myfyrwyr yn chweched dosbarth fy Ysgol uwchradd, gan gynnwys nifer o sioeau cystadleuaeth Model y Cenhedloedd Unedig, Mae fy lefel o brofiad eang sydd gen i wrth gynrychioli yn rhywbeth hoffwn ddefnyddio i gynrychioli fy nghyd-aelodau yng Nghynhadleddau UCM.

Vincent Mullin As a dedicated university student who is passionate about our voice as a student body, I can be trusted to represent Cardiff University students at the NUS conference. Cardiff students voices will be heard, questions answered and queries prioritised, I will make sure of it.

Rwy’n fyfyriwr prifysgol ymrywmedig sydd yn teimlo’n angerddol dros sicrhau ein llais fel myfyrwyr. Teimlaf y gellir ymddiried ynof i gynrychioli myfyrwyr prifysgol Caerdydd yng Nghynhadledd UCM. Byddaf yn sicrhau bod lleisiau myfyrwyr Caerdydd yn cael eu clywed, bod cwestiynau’n cael eu hateb ac ymholiadau’n cael eu blaenoriaethu.

Reason ENSURE WE SPEND YOUR MONEY ON THE RIGHT SERVICES

Rheswm SICRHEWCH EIN BOD YN GWARIO EICH ARIAN AR Y GWASANAETHAU PRIODOL

Manifestos

Maniffestos

NUS Wales delegates

Cynrychiolwyr

NUS Wales delegates represent the views of Cardiff University Students at NUS Wales Conference, the annual policy making body of the NUS Wales, of which Cardiff University Students’ Union is currently a member.

Mae cynrychiolwyr UCM yn adlewyrchu barn myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd yng Nghynhadledd UCM Cymru, sef corff llunio polisi blynyddol Undeb Cenedlaethol Myfyrwyr Cymru, yn sgil y ffaith fod Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd ar hyn o bryd yn aelod o UCM.

Candidates

Ymgeiswyr

ucm cymru

NAME / ENW

SCHOOL / YSGOL

NAME / ENW

SCHOOL / YSGOL

Alyza Tabor

History, Archaeology & Religion

Katey Beggan

Medicine

Leah Hibbs

Social Sciences

Dewi Alter

Welsh

Matthew Carroll

Bioscience

Jacob Ellis

Journalism, media & cultural studies

Rachael Melhuish

English, Communication & Philosophy

Jake Smith

Law & Politics

Sarah Al Sayed

Social Sciences

Jennifer Owen

Business

Timothy Nagle

Healthcare

Alyza Tabor

Katey Beggan

I’m Alyza Tabor, a final year ancient history student, Vice President of the Ancient History Society and Chair of the Women’s Association. I was one of the university’s delegates for the NUS Wales conference last year and would love the opportunity to go again!

As a current elected officer who you voted in, I feel that I am best placed to represent the views of our students at a national level and vote on agendas in line with Union polices and the best interests of our Student body.

Fy enw i yw Alyza Tabor, myfyrwraig hanes hynafol yn ei blwyddyn olaf, yn Is-lywydd y Gymdeithas Hanes Hynafol ac yn Gadeirydd Sefydliad y Menywod.

Roeddwn i’n un o gynrychiolwyr y brifysgol i Gynhadledd UCMC llynedd ac fe fydden i’n caru’r cyfle i fynd unwaith eto eleni!

Dewi Alter I strongly believe in electoral accountability. As an NUS Wales Delegate, I will ensure that Elected Officers fulfil their promises and use their power for the benefit of all students. I will push for a union that is more democratic and where English and Welsh have parity.

Fel swyddog etholedig cyfredol a etholwyd ganddoch chi, teimlaf fy mod i yn y safle gorau i gynrychioli safbwyntiau ein myfyrwyr ar lefel genedlaethol ac i bleidleisio ar agenda yn unol â pholisiau’r Undeb a buddianau gorau ein corff myfyrwyr.

Leah Hibbs As VP of Socialist Students, I believe it is important for students to have a democratic voice. NUS Wales provides this platform. I will represent your views.

It is my view education should be free, education is a right and NOT a privilege.

Vote Leah Hibbs for NUS Wales Delegate!

Credaf yn gryf mewn atebolrwydd etholiadol. Fel Cynrychioludd NUS Cymru byddaf yn sicrhau bod y Swyddogion yn cyflawni eu haddewidion ac yn defnyddio eu grym er lles pob myfyriwr. Byddaf yn gwthio i greu Undeb sy’n fwy democrataidd ble mae’r Gymraeg a’r Saesneg yn gydradd â’i gilydd.

Fel Is-lywydd y Myfyrwyr Sosialaidd, credaf ei fod yn bwysig bod gan fyfyrwyr lais democrataidd. Mae UCM Cymru yn cynnig llwyfan o’r math hwn. Byddaf yn cynrychioli eich safbwyntiau. Fy marn innau yw y dylai addysg fod ar gael am ddim, gan fod addysg yn hawl ac NID yn fraint. Pleidleisiwch dros Leah Hibbs am Gynrychiolydd i Gynhadledd UCM Cymru!

Jacob Ellis

Matthew Carroll

It’s imperative that Cardiff students play their part in shaping the political agenda in Wales and hold our national movement to account. As a current postgraduate student, former President of Aberystwyth SU and former NUS Wales’ Welsh Language Officer I want to ensure Cardiff students’ voice is heard and valued.

First year student from Northern Ireland. Past experience as Welfare Officer for NUS-USI (2014-2015). Past experience of NUS’ conferences. Willing to hold officers to account and stand up for students rights and basic the freedom of speech. Approchable, dedicated, friendly and open to views from all sides.

Mae’n hanfodol bod myfyrwyr Caerdydd yn chwarae eu rhan wrth lunio’r agenda wleidyddol yng Nghymru ac yn cadw’n mudiad cendlaethol yn atebol i ni. Fel myfyriwr ôl-radd cyfredol a chyn-lywydd Undeb Myfyrwyr Aberystwyth a chyn Swyddog Iaith Gymraeg UCMCymru, dymunaf sicrhau bod lleisiau myfyrwyr Caerdydd yn cael eu clywed a’u gwerthfawrogi.

Myfyriwr blwyddyn gyntaf o Ogledd Iwerddon. Profiad blaenorol fel Swyddog Lles NUS-USI (2014-2015). Profiad blaenorol o gynadleddau UCM. Yn fodlon cadw swyddogion etholedig yn atebol ac i sefyll dros hawliau myfyrwyr a’r hawl sylfaenol i gael siarad yn rhydd. Rwy’n hawdd i fynd ato am sgwrs, yn ymroddgar, cyfeillgar ac yn agored i glywed barn o bob ochr.

Jake Smith

Rachael Melhuish

Representing Cardiff at UK level in the NUS has taught me much about how to maximise Cardiff’s voice, including through opposing moves to reduce Wales’ position in the NUS. If elected, I will consult as many students as possible and seek to make NUS Wales relevant to your university experience.

Having previously been to NUS and NUSW women’s conferences, I now want to represent the interests of Cardiff students on issues that affect us, at a national level. If elected I would ensure to ask students their views on policy submitted to conference, so I can make informed decisions.

Mae cynrychioli Caerdydd ar lefel Brydeinig ar UCM wedi dysgu llawer i fi ynglyˆn â sut i fwyhau llais Caerdydd, gan gynnwys gwrthwynebu ymgais i ostwng safle Cymru o fewn UCM. Pe bawn i’n cael fy ethol, byddwn yn ymgynghori â chynifer o fyfyrwyr â phosib ac yn ceisio gwneud UCM Cymru yn berthnasol i’ch profiad yn y Brifysgol.

Gan fy mod wedi bod i gynadleddau UCM a Menywod UCM, dymunaf gynrychioli buddianau myfyrwyr Caerdydd nawr ar faterion sydd yn effeithio ni ar lefel genedlaethol. Pe bawn i’n cael fy ethol bydden i’n sicrhau fy mod yn gofyn barn myfyrwyr ynglyˆn â pholisi a gyflwynir i’r gynhadledd er mwyn i fi wneud penderfyniadau deallus.

Jennifer Owen

Sarah Al Sayed

Having already been a NUS Wales Delegate, I know exactly what is required. I will engage in debate & discussion for our union, I will relay the views of Cardiff students and I will vote on motions in line with union policy, following your views where there is no precedent.

I want to contribute all I can to ensure that students get the best and fullest experience of life at university and after school to help them be confident in standing up for issues they believe in, not just for university but for the rest of their lives.

Gan fy mod eisoes wedi bod yn gynrychiolydd i Gynhadledd UCM Cymru, gwyddaf yn union beth sydd ei angen. Byddaf yn cymryd rhan mewn dadl a thrafodaeth dros ein hundeb, Byddaf yn llefaru barn myfyrwyr Caerdydd a byddaf yn pleidleisio ar gynigion yn unol â pholisi ein hundeb, gan ddilyn eich barn lle nad oes yna gynsail blaenorol..

Dymunaf gyfrannu y cyfan alla i er mwyn sicrhau bod myfyrwyr yn cael y profiad gorau posib o fywyd prifysgol ac wedi hynny eu helpu i fod yn hyderus i sefyll dros faterion maen nhw’n credu ynddyn nhw am weddill eu bywydau.

Timothy Nagle Let me take my experience at Student Senate last year to NUS Wales It is important that policy that affects students can be improved and shaped by those attending and I have the skills and experience to do that.

Gadewch i fi gymryd fy mhrofiad yn Senedd y Myfyrwyr llynedd i Gynhadledd UCM Cymru. Mae’n bwysig bod polisiau sydd yn effeithio ar fyfyrwyr yn gallu cael eu gwella a’u llunio gan y sawl sydd yn mynychu ac mae gen i’r medrau a’r profiad i wneud hynny.

Get involved in your local community, Gain & develop new skills and experiences, and make friends along the way!

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POLITICS 17

Daniel Heard

M

Russian air strikes deepen Syrian Conflict

oscow’s role in the conflict has escalated. Russia have launched airstrikes in Syria, raising questions about whether its intent is fighting Islamic State militants or protecting long-time ally, President Bashar Assad.

President Vladimir Putin called it a “pre-emptive strike” against the militants, and the Russian Defence Ministry said its warplanes targeted and destroyed eight positions belonging to ISIS. Though it did not give specific locations, Putin, who is Assad’s most powerful backer, justified the airstrikes as a move to not only stabilize Syria, but also help stifle global terrorism.

Russia’s first airstrikes in Syria came after Putin met with President Barack

Obama on the side-lines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, where they discussed Moscow’s military build-up in the country. Obama had said the U.S. and Russia could work together on a political transition, but only if the result was Assad’s departure. The U.S. and Russia both agree on the need to fight ISIS, but not onwhat to do with Assad.

The Syrian Civil War, which grew out of an uprising against Assad, has killed more than 250,000 people since 2011, and sent millions of refugees fleeing to the Middle East and Europe.

Despite the U.S. investment of at least an estimated $90 billion in various counter-terrorism efforts, they have found few reliable allies to carry the

load on the battlefield, and now seem to have few options.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran, three of the most prominent countries involved in the ever-growing conflict, have made their stances clear. Saudi leaders were angered by the Obama administration’s decision not to intervene militarily in Syria after a 2013 chemical attack blamed on Assad’s forces. They later agreed to take part in the US-led coalition air campaign against ISIS, concerned by the group’s advances and its popularity among a minority of Saudis.

Turkey is a key supporter of the Syrian opposition and has faced the issue of hosting almost two million refugees.

They did agree to let the US-led coali-

tion against ISIS to use its air bases for strikes on Syria, but have been critical of coalition support for the Syrian Kurdish Popular Protection Units, an affiliate of the banned Turkish Kurdistan Workers’ Party, deemed a terrorist group by the EU and the US. Iran, meanwhile, is allegedly spending billions of dollars a year propping up Assad, providing military advisers and subsidised weapons, lines of credit and oil transfers. Russia’s sudden moves to seize the initiative in this crisis has stunned both the U.S. and the EU, and laid bare the erosion of their once unquestioned influence in the region. It yet remains unclear whether Russia’s intentions are truly benevolent.

Basic Income tested in Europe

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Luke Brett & Sam Patterson

The test will be to discover whether or not the welfare state actually encourages dependency

T

he Dutch city of Utrecht has planned to give selected welfare recipients free cash by January 2016, in an experiment conducted by the Utrecht University and local council.

The test will be to discover whether or not the welfare state actually encourages dependency and how the behaviour of those on welfare, whose expenditure is advised and regulated, compares with those who have received the basic income, who can spend the money unconditionally.

Tilburg, a city of 200,000 habitants close to the border with Belgium, will follow Utrecht’s initiative, while Groningen, Maastricht, Gouda, Enschede, Nijmegen and Wageningen are also considering it.

Utrecht will transfer €900 to an adult per month, and €1,300 for a couple or family. With 46.1 per cent of the Dutch population in part time employment, the possibility of extending the policy to over 300,000 citizens in the region will be debated after the research findings are published.

Talking to Quartz, the lead organiser of the project argued the experiment would signal whether those on welfare need regulating and punishing or not. This comes after a recent study found only 1.5 per cent of Dutch claimants abuse the welfare state.

This approach to welfare greatly contrasts the current conservative paradigm. Yet historically, the concept is neither radical, nor inherently socialistic, having been endorsed by

” A week in the Senedd

”

First Minister’s Questions Leanne Wood again mentioned health in FMQs, with more of the same likely as the topic will be a vital one in the upcoming election in May. She called the plans for maternity services a “mess” that the government could have planned better for, with the First Minister refusing to outline a preferred option for the future of services.

fabricated testimonies of benefits recipients, and declared thousands of disabled claimants “fit for work”.

Though, over half of these cases were subsequently overturned on appeal.

Basic Income is an idea that is being advocated by many European economists. A study conducted across 18 countries by Van der Wel and Halvorson of HiOA, Norway, found that generous state payments to citizens, encourage rather than diminish work incentives. However, if there is to be any relaxation of welfare reform in the coming years, it will only be the result of an attempt to appease voters in reaction to Labour, and the idea of an adoption of the “citizens income” into government policy is at best, farfetched.

with Carwyn Williams

“

The First Minister refusing to outline a preferred option for the future of services

the neo-liberal, Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman. Despite this, the idea of a “Citizens Income” has yet to penetrate Corbyn’s Labour, and remains a concept that only the Green Party are incorporating into policy.

At the Conservatives’ party conference, Work and Pensions Secretary Ian Duncan Smith said: “We won’t lift you out of poverty by simply transferring taxpayers’ money to you. With our help, you’ll work your way out of poverty.”

He criticised Labours alleged policy of “something for nothing”, and defended the Conservative party from protests directed against the recent behaviour of the Department of Work and Pensions, who earlier this year

There was confusion over education between the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and the minister.

Williams originally asked whether the minister knew how many local education authorities were under special measures. In what was an embarrassing moment, Carwyn Jones replied asking “For what?”, perhaps showing the state of local authorities with so many in different special measure

situations. Jones went on to explain how education in Wales is improving, despite a report by Estyn, the government’s education inspectorate, concluding that last year there was an overall decline in standard at Welsh primary schools.

Looking at economic development in South Wales, Jones insisted that the priority was to support jobs and improve transport links, but took a dig at Conservative plans to cut tax credit to thousands of Welsh families while the people who caused the recession were escaping responsibilitya.k.a. the bankers.

Avoiding an embarrassing defeat The Local Government Bill would allow ministers to approve mergers between councils, and was meant to be voted on last Tuesday. The vote has however been delayed due to the government wanting further crossparty talks on the issue. However, every other party looked likely not to

support the bill, with the Lib Dems calling for fairer votes in council elections, the Tories unsure about the point in passing this bill, and Plaid Cymru’s amendments were all refused. It is unsure when this bill will return, but local government reorganisation will be a big talking point during the election campaign. £20 million on a road to nowhere?

It emerged last week that almost £20 million will be spent this year on the M4 relief road project around Newport. Building work has yet to begin and it is still possible for the project to be scrapped altogether. The Welsh Government argues the money is needed to assess how the project will be built, and the environmental measures to be considered.

Cardiff Central Labour AM Jenny Rathbone was “appalled” by the revelation, and Plaid Cymru are calling for a halt in spending on the project.

“

Iran, meanwhile, is allegedly spending billions of dollars a year propping up Assad

”

Pictured: ‘Money makes the world go round’, Peter AshleyJackson.

18 POLITICS

Carwyn on Carwyn:

The Gair Rhydd interview with Carwyn Jones, the First Minister of Wales

EXCLUSIVE Carwyn Williams

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At the end of the day, it is a Welsh election and we’ll produce manifesto here in Wales

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H

t Jeremy Corbyn won’t effect Welsh Labour t “Far, far, far too many” law graduates t CUSU Welsh Officer referendum “bizarre” t And why Welsh Labour is the student vote

aving been the First Minister of Wales for almost six years, Carwyn Jones is the most senior Labour elected representative and government minister in the UK. With the toughest Assembly election ever coming up in May, Gair Rhydd talks Jeremy Corbyn, higher education, and devolution in an exclusive interview.

Last month, as you surely know, Jeremy Corbyn was emphatically elected leader of the UK Labour party. What does his overwhelming success mean for Welsh Labour?

Over the summer Jones made it clear that he was the leader of Welsh Labour, and it seems his stance has not changed. When asked whether Corbyn will have any influence on Welsh Labour policies or next year’s manifesto, the First Minister made it clear that this will not be the case. He commented “Our manifesto is produced in Wales, by Welsh Labour, to suit Welsh circumstances.”

Many students will be dissapointed to hear this. They’re getting excited by the new straight talking politics that Corbyn offers. They also recognise that he is bringing socialism back into the Labour movement.

It is obvious though that a vote for Welsh Labour in May will not be a vote for Corbyn style politics, so maybe don’t get too excited.

Despite the First Minister’s comments, Luke Fletcher, Chair of Cardiff Labour Students believes that there are already some elements of ‘Corbynism’ in Welsh Labour, such as abolishing the internal market

in the NHS in Wales. Fletcher appears to agree that policies are made in Wales, for Wales. He points to an event hosted by Welsh Labour: ‘Wales you want’, that was recently held in Cardiff.

Mr Jones explained that Welsh Labour has never had the issue of London interfering with Welsh policies.

He considers that it is business as usual for him. He adds, “at the end of the day, it is a Welsh election and we’ll produce the manifesto here in Wales”.

Since 2012, English domiciled students have paid up to £9,000 per year in tuition fees. Their Welsh counterparts have paid significantly less.

This year Welsh domiciled students will pay £3,810, thanks to the Welsh Government covering the costs.

When asked whether this is fair and sustainable, Jones said “We do what’s best for Wales”, adding that, “it’s up to England to justify what it does.”

When quizzed on whether cheap education was a matter of principle for him, Mr Jones would not be drawn. Instead he commented “there are a few unknowns, we know that if the cap was ever removed on tuition fees in England, it would have an effect on the financial model we use for student support in Wales.”

The Diamond review of the current Welsh financial model will report it’s recommendations next September. It will be interesting to see whether the review identifies a way to reduce the current £232 million a year bill. Don’t expect any big announcements before then though.

Jones admits we have to wait to see what happens in England, and all parties have to see what the report says. He emphasises again “there are a few unknowns at the moment, but we want to deliver the best student support package that we can.”

Many governments are now prioritising degree programmes. In Japan humanity and social science departments have been closed or significantly reduced, so that students can study ‘practical’ subjects. But of course, this is an extreme measure.

When asked his view on government prioritisation of degree schemes Jones commented, “Well we do of a fashion, because we provide support for certain students training to be teachers”, for example. He added, “we have to take a long hard look at this, we know there are some areas where there are shortages, and

we know that in some areas there are far too many graduates”.

He highlighted law as an example, saying there are “Far, far far too many studying than the job market can absorb”. “The reality is that universities have met the demand for more people coming forward to study law but it’s very, very tough now if you want to practice law.” “There’s no way they will all get jobs in law.”

Many people believe that higher education is not all about just getting a job. Jones agrees and in his view it puts students in a position to get a job and also increases their knowledge. Professor Daniel Wincott, Head of Cardiff ’s School of Law and Politics, confirms that “It is true that a significant proportion of Law graduates end up in careers outside of legal practice.” “Equally though, a Law undergraduate degree provides a rigorous and demanding University education which provides a strong foundation for many subsequent careers.”

He goes on to demonstrate his

point with statistics from Graduate Employment Market Statistics which show 96.3% of Law graduates who were available for employment had secured employment or further study at the 6 month point after graduating. On closer analysis, Unistats show that despite a high postgraduate employment or further study statistics show that a quarter are not in a professional or managerial job.

Looking further afield, in Aberystwyth, just over half of those in employment 6 months after graduating are in a professional or managerial role. This confirms Carwyn Jones’ point is a valid one.

The minister also commented on the result of a CUSU referendum held earlier this year. A student vote was held earlier this year, called for

by Steffan Bryn, the part-time Welsh Language Officer, calling for a full time Welsh sabbatical officer. On learning about this, Jones called the idea of a referendum on the topic “bizarre”.

Pictured: Above: The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones (Source: National Assembly for Wales) Left: Jeremy Corbyn , will Jones wave him off?

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Far, far far too many studying than the job market can absorb

”

POLITICS 19 Continued from previous page

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People in Wales shouldn’t have powers curtailed and should be treated exactly the same as in Scotland. We are not second class citizens in the UK

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Yes the London media is going to attack us, but that’s what they’re there to do

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Pictured: Carwyn Jones (centre) and Stephen Crabb (right) seem unlikely to reach an agreement on devolution (Source: Welsh Government)

In the most successful referendum ever held at CUSU the result was against the motion, with 1,138 Yes votes and 1,229 votes against. This result was “unfortunate”. Jones goes on to say that perhaps it failed as some students didn’t realise the implications it would have on Welsh language students, who are a minority within Cardiff.

The union has since gone on to advertise a post in the marketing department as a Welsh Language Coordinator. A success in one light that might not have happened without the referendum, but far from the hopes of getting a full time Welsh Language sabbatical officer.

It is also important to face the issue of the Welsh media presence, or perhaps lack presence, and its effect on Welsh politics. Jones’ government can be considered as the least scrutinised by the media of any UK legislature.

This is down to several points, and from the Welsh Government’s perspective “people have looked at Scotland and forgotten about Wales, and it is always a challenge to get Wales noticed in the London press.” He continued saying, “People should be fussier about what [newspaper] they buy, and if people don’t buy newspapers that don’t include Welsh issues at all they shouldn’t be surprised that they don’t know what’s going on in their own country.” Plaid Cymru’s Elin Jones called for stronger Welsh media to “make life harder for politicians”, but the First Minister admits this is much easier said than done.

If you’re not sure about the importance of Welsh devolution or what powers the Welsh Assembly has, then you should “read more”. This was the blunt response of the First Minister, but suggested the British media has not focused on Wales, and the “tendency in the London press is only to mention Wales if it’s in a bad light”. He mentioned the Daily Mail’s attacks on the Welsh NHS and education system last year as a prime example of this.

On this, and the pressure from the London media, he adds “There are no grounds in saying the Welsh education system is somehow worse than Scotland or England, and we know that.”

He added, “Yes the London media is going to attack us, but that’s what they’re there to do”.

On the topic of devolution, Jones believes that there is indeed a danger of the devolution debate getting boring to the public, but “we need to get things right across the UK.” In last week’s Gair Rhydd we reported that the UK government’s plans were not

thorough and not sustainable. Carwyn Jones goes further, saying the Tories are “clueless” and have “no idea how to deliver that”, adding that they “will push Scotland in that direction [towards independence]”.

Jones attacked Whitehall in particular, getting “the impression that they don’t care one way or another in Whitehall at the moment”, as the Scots will be happy with a maximal devolution settlement that is not being offered. With a draft of the new Wales Bill due to be released soon, he makes it clear that “People in Wales shouldn’t have powers curtailed and should be treated exactly the same as in Scotland. We are not second class citizens in the UK.” Welsh Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb last week said he was “pessimistic” about an agreement being made between the Welsh and UK governments. This puts future Welsh devolution into question with Wales heading for a potential constitutional crisis, and Carwyn Jones did not settle this view of thinking.

One of Jones’ main criticisms has been that he blames the Westminster government for the failings in Wales.

He defends himself, “from our point of view our budget has been cut by 10% and we can’t get away from that. We can’t deliver the services that we want when that happens.” Looking ahead to the election, Welsh Labour knows it can’t go into the election campaign blaming everything on the Tories, although it is “an element of it”.

In the 2011 Welsh election manifesto, Welsh Labour made a promise to fund 500 Police Community Support Officers, for a fairer future, but this year there are only 300 more PCSO’s on the street. I asked whether his party needs to repeat the promise it made, especially considering the recent sexual assaults in Cardiff. “It’s difficult because we don’t control the police, it’s not devolved, we think it should be devolved but there’s resistance to that in London”, adding he’d, “prefer to see policing devolved so we

Current Welsh Assembly Constituency poll Labour: 39% Cons’: 23% Plaid C.: 18% UKIP: 13% Lib Dems: 6% Others: 2%

can have a proper system of policing across Wales.”

But looking back, Jones believes it has been a successful Assembly term.

Having kept all of their promises, the Welsh public will agree that tough decisions have had to be made, “they understand the pressure that we’ve been under.”

Looking ahead to next year, the minister seems confident. Welsh Labour has shown it can keep all of its promises while delivering a new “fresh, challenging and exciting manifesto”.

For anyone reading and thinking ‘I’m not Welsh, I don’t need to bother about the Welsh election’, Jones has a message to you “Well they[you] live in Wales, and if they live in Wales it’s important that they do that”. And why is it important? We still “need to send a message, the Lib Dems let them down very very badly, and the Tories seem to be conducting some kind of ‘war’ against those under 24.”

The latest poll by YouGov (yes, let’s

not get too excited about polling yet), showed Labour’s polling leap 4 points over the summer, with many putting this down to a potential Corbyn effect.

Despite this boost, with only seven months to go until election day, Labour still appear to be heading short of the majority they want but have never had in the National Assembly. At the recent Labour conference, Carwyn Jones described next year’s election as the toughest ever. Despite this, he isn’t threatened by any party in particular, although you’re “always under threat during an election”. Looking at the student vote, Jones believes that Welsh Labour is now the student vote, adding that, “I think the Lib Dems have betrayed students”, talking about the decision to raise tuition fees. Looking at next year’s challenges, Jones looks forward to revealing a “fresh, challenging and exciting manifesto”, that will ensure people keep voting for his party.

Welsh Labour must however remain cautious, any ‘Corbyn bounce’ must be sustained from now all the way until the election in May. Roger Scully of the Wales Governance Centre writes on his blog that there are many sources of vulnerability for Labour, including the fact that they will have governed continuously for seventeen years, too long perhaps for some voters. Only time will tell how the election will go, but what is true is that Carwyn Jones is confident he can keep Welsh Labour’s dominance in Wales, and happy with his record.

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With only seven months to go until election day, Labour still appear to be heading short of the majority they want

”

Regiser to vote at www.gov. uk/register-tovote

Postgraduate loan for Welsh students unlikely

Carwyn Williams

B

efore the summer, Chancellor George Osborne announced some changes made to the Student Loans Company (SLC), that included scrapping the maintenance grant, but also in its structure. Welsh Education minister Huw Lewis last week announced concerns over some of these changes, which could mean the SLC will not be able to arrange a postgraduate student loan scheme for Wales, despite one beginning for English students from next year.

A Welsh Government spokesper-

son has also said Welsh students could be worse off, “the SLC’s inability to implement Welsh policy changes, could result in Welsh learners being up to £500 worse off than their English counterparts.”

It seems unless these changes can be adapted or improved to take the Welsh and Northern Ireland’s Governments concerns on board, it will be unlikely a postgraduate funding option will be enforced.

When the postgraduate loan scheme was mentioned for the first time last year, President of NUS

Wales Beth Button called on the Welsh Government to “step up to the mark on the provision of postgraduate loans.” She went on to say that “without it, the entire Welsh postgraduate sector will suffer.”

Carwyn Jones told Gair Rhydd before this announcement that postgraduate funding is “something to be looked at over the next year”, but commented that postgraduate study is needed, although it “depends what they do”. The minister also said that it’s currently a difficult situation, as a postgraduate degree is sometimes

the minimum need for a particular job, so funding is important, but maybe not in some other subjects.

CUSU Postgraduates Students Vice President Katie Kelly commented, “Cardiff University Students’ Union supports any initiative that encourages more people to take up postgraduate study.”

Agreeing with Beth Button,, she said, “it is vital that a similar funding system is introduced in Wales to ensure equal opportunities for Welsh domicile students wishing to pursue postgraduate study.”

“

Without it, the entire Welsh postgraduate sector will suffer

”

20 POLITICS

Canadian general election tightest in generation Rhys Thomas

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One of the most interesting elections in the country’s history

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Toby Holloway

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This victory came in spite of a significant swing to the left throughout the country

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N

ext week Canadians go to the polls in one of the most interesting elections in the country’s history. The vote on Monday 19th October is wide open, with three parties all having a realistic chance of forming a working Government that will control a country of 35 million people and have significant global influence.

One of the striking things about Canadian politics is how similar it is to the United Kingdom - perhaps not surprising for a country that only achieved full sovereignty from the mother country in 1982. They use the ‘Westminster’ system, which as the name suggests is based on our democracy - the Queen as Head of State and the Prime Minister as Head of Government. This also includes mirroring our Parliament, with the House of Commons elected by a First Past the Post system and an unelected upper chamber (here it’s the House of Lords, but called the Senate in Canada). The Commons is comprised of 338 seats across ten provinces and three territories. They also share with us a five-year fixed term limit in national elections.

There are three main parties in Canada - the governing Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper who came to power in 2006. The main opposition are the New Democrats (NDP for short, the equivalent of the British Labour

Party) led by Tom Mulcair, a former lawyer and the man who has overseen the NDP’s solidification as an effective opposition. Thirdly, the Liberal Party, who were the “natural party of Government” during the 20th century, and aguably the most successful political party in any developed, democratic state before their startling fall from grace in the 2011 election.

They’re led by the photogenic Justin Trudeau, son of Pierre - a former

Prime Minister and revered Liberal icon. The political positions of these parties broadly mirror those of their British equivalents.

This three-way fight is unprecedented in modern Canadian history, and since the starting gun was fired back in early August, opinion polls have shown all three parties in the lead at various stages. The big issues have been the economy, Canada’s place in the world, the niqab, the Key-

stone XL Pipeline and the Environment in general, as well as bill C-51 (Anti-Terrorism Act) which has given significant new powers to the Canadian security services.

An early election indicator came in summer this year, when the NDP scored a historic victory in provincial elections, they swept the board in the province of Alberta - a traditionally Conservative stronghold. Also, the NDP went from a small minority to a clear majority in the legislative assembly. This was a historic moment - imagine the Democrats winning in Texas, or the Conservatives winning in the Rhondda. You get the picture!

With the ‘official’ campaign clocking in at 11 weeks, it has been the longest in modern Canadian history.

The most recent polls have shown the Liberals with a few more percentage points than the Conservatives, with Trudeau’s party benefitting from a decrease in support for the NDP as the election approaches. There is much anti-Harper sentiment in Canada, but with two major centreleft parties at a federal level, the antiHarper vote is split. Many fear this will lead to the Conservatives being re-elected, whilst others are hoping for an NDP-Liberal coalition. This time next week, the people will have had their say, will they go for an untried and untested NDP, a resurgent Liberal Party or the comfort blanket of the Conservatives?

Centre-right success in Portugal signals new trend in Europe

T

he Portuguese general election took place this week, with the result leaving governing centre-right coalition re-elected.

Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho won 38 per cent of the votes, meaning that his party maintained leadership of Portugal, but fell short of the 51 per cent of votes needed for a majority in parliament.

This victory came in spite of a significant swing to the left throughout the country, which saw a number of left wing parties gain support from the electorate. The left-centre Socialist Party, who won 28 per cent of the votes in the 2011 election, received 32 per cent on Sunday, whilst Left Bloc and the communist CDU party achieved their best ever results: 10 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.

Unlike in the UK where a party must have a majority of votes in order to form a government, the Portuguese electoral system does not require an overall majority. Instead, the President of Portugal will simply ask the party with the most votes to form a government.

The result of this means there will be a ‘minority government’ where the party in power is centre-right and parliament consists of mostly

left-wing MPs. Therefore, the coalition government will continue to run Portugal even though only 38 per cent of the population voted for them; a fact that has caused a degree of resentment from some Portuguese people.

Mr Passos Coelho has shown willingness to engage with competing political parties in the next parliament in order to pursue the policy reforms that he wants to complete.

“Times haven’t been easy, and the times ahead will be challenging,” he said, guaranteeing negotiations with the Socialists for fiscal stability, managing the budget and a shrinking the public debt. The number of people in work has been rising for two-and-ahalf years, although economists generally deem the recovery as unstable.

Though victory for Mr Passos Coehlo’s pro-austerity government perhaps does not reflect the genuine views of the population, the increase in support for parties on the left certainly does not hail a revolution for socialism for the country.

Since radical leftist party Syriza’s dramatic rise to power in the Greek election in January, conservatives across Europe have feared a similar series of events in their own coun-

“

There is much anti-Harper sentiment in Canada

”

Pictured: Stephen Harper, current Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative party

Pictured: Portugese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Caelho with Angela Merkel at the 2010 EPP Summit (Source: European People’s Party)

“ tries. While many countries have seen, and continue to see, a rise in the polls for left wing parties, the pattern of vast swings to the far right and left expected by many after the economic crisis, has not occurred.

Following Alex Tsipras’ triumph for Syriza, many political commentators expected the leader of Spain’s Podemos party, Pablo Iglesias, to follow in his footsteps. Over the past year, support for left wing Podemos gathered pace, however their steady march up the polls stalled recently,

as they were overtaken by a centreright party called Ciudadanos. This along with the result of the Portuguese election, may suggest a new trend throughout Southern Europe, which would see conservative governments with pro-austerity policies gaining popularity. This could be a reaction to the improving economic circumstances across Europe as we emerge from the financial crisis and conservative parties have proved popular in Northern European countries such as the UK and Germany.

Suggest a new trend throughout Southern Europe, which would see conservative governments with proausterity policies gaining popularity

”

n io n u ’ s t n E d u Your st

AT THE HEATH

EvEnts wEEk TUESDAY OCTOBER 13TH HEATH PARK SERVICES FAIR 11:00 – 14:00, IV LOUNGE AT THE HEATH Have a look at what the Union has to offer for students at the Heath Park Campus, and also get involved with the stalls and games. Come and say hello, even if it’s just for our freebies!

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14TH HEATH PARK STUDENT PARENT MEET UP 13:00 – 14:30, SU POOL ROOMS, IV LOUNGE AT THE HEATH Come and meet other students who are parents. Our meet up is a great chance for you to have a chat and of course have a free cup of tea or coffee and some biscuits.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 15TH HEATH PARK PUB QUIZ STARTS AT 19:30, IV LOUNGE AT THE HEATH We’re opening the bar in the IV Lounge for a Heath Park pub quiz. A chance to meet new people and of course eat some pizza!

22 SCIENCE

science Alec Evans

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Timing was a big impact in what might have killed the dinosaurs

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Tom Morris

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Your brain changes as you move from country to city, and reacts to meeting people in a totally new way

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Editors: Maria Mellor Lizzie Harrett @GairRhyddSci science@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/science

Volcanic activity contributed to the dinosaurs’ extinction

he demise of the dinosaurs is something that man currently does not fully understand. But a recent report in Science has made steps to clarify it. It claims that an asteroid did not kill the dinosaurs directly, but set off a chain reaction of events that led to the death of the dinosaurs, a process also known as the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K/T) extinction event.

To make sense of the new findings, it’s best to begin by understanding what palaeontologists have been arguing over for decades. When it comes to ideas on what killed the dinosaurs, there are two broad schools of thought, the intrinsic gradualists and the extrinsic catastrophists. Both parties can agree that there was a global climate change, rapidly causing the earth to cool and resulting in the extinction of many species. They also agree the K/T period included soot being thrown into the air, causing short term acid rain and emission of poisonous gases and a long term global greenhouse effect.

But intrinsic gradualists believe that the K/T extinction was a result of earthly factors (intrinsic) and happened over a long period of time (gradualists), through both increased volcanic activity and continental drift through changes in plate tectonics. The extrinsic catastrophists

put it down to something of an extra-terrestrial nature (extrinsic) and something much more sudden (catastrophists), specifically a large space rock that struck the Gulf of Mexico, an idea first proposed in 1980 by Luis and Walter Alvarez of the University of California at Berkeley.

However, fellow associate of Berkeley University and lead author of this new project, Paul Renne, seems to think these studies are both in part correct, explaining that he and his colleagues believe that timing was a big impact in what might have killed the dinosaurs. The asteroid’s shock waves allegedly reverberated around the planet, causing earthquakes around the globe, triggering extraordinary volcanic activity. The abstract explains, “initiation of this new regime occurred within 50,000 years of the impact, consistent with transient effects of seismic energy.” It may not have taken as long as 50,000 years, but this is more precise than the 100,000 years initially predicted. In an interview with Christian Science Monitor, Renne claimed, “An impact the size of [this] probably happens only once every billion years or so on earth”, adding “It’s all of these different phenomena acting together with all their feedback.”

They are not even the first people to link the two schools of thought,

following on from research from University of Texas School of Geosciences last year ultimately believing the asteroid was the biggest factor, but also suggesting that volcanism weakened the dinosaurs before the extrinsic impact. But Renne believes that

the new findings are not going to stop people from arguing over the topic any time soon. People of both types of opinion can probably agree on this; it’s going to take another comet, or surge of volcanic activity, to put these arguments to rest.

Pictured: The dinosaurs meet their doom (Source: Delyth Angharad)

The science behind recognising faces

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Can’t put the name to the face? You’re not alone

e’ve all been there: you stumble into the first lecture of a new module, and there she is, waiting outside - that girl you danced with in a club a few days ago. She’s got a nice face, you remember that much, but what’s her name?

You rack your brains, and come up with squat. Just completely blank the connection between name and face refuses to form. A lot of people have this trouble with the fast-paced hyper-connected world of uni. Is there a scientific explanation?

One is that you may suffer from prosopagnosia: facial blindness. More than likely though, you’re just having a bit of trouble adjusting to the pressures of university life.

First of all, we can look at the sociological explanation: living in a city can lead to prosopagnosia, supposedly as we live alongside far larger amounts of people than our tribal caveman brains are used to and refuse to acknowledge that most of them are there. In this way it’s how

many people make it through first year without learning the names of everyone in their halls - whereas can you imagine if you didn’t know your neighbours’ names at home in your small town? You would be considered rude! Your brain changes as you move from country to city, and reacts to meeting people in a totally new way - learn everyone’s name, or ignore most people? Guess which is easier.

Another factor in this phenomenon is the “next in line effect”. This means that when introducing yourself to someone, you may have a problem in that you’re focusing on your own lines rather than listening to what they have to say.

This means you might not take in their name, or worse, you might be too busy wondering how you look to take in their face. Your short term memory is a bit of a leaky sieve, only able to focus on a small amount of things at a time.

If, like me, you are terrified of the embarrassment when you forget a

Pictured: They may know the faces, but do they remember the names?

(Photographer: Pepe Pont)

new friend’s name, I wouldn’t suggest plastering photographs and names all over your bedroom walls in an effort to remember things as the room will quickly resemble the den of a conspiracy theorist. Try a simpler tactic,

such as admitting your mistake and moving on, or sneakily introducing someone else to them, wherein they will hopefully cough up their name when they go “oh, nice to meet you Laura. I’m Dave.”

SCIENCE 23

Is this little piggy taking gene-editing too far?

Pictured: A tiny pig (Photographer: Lwp Kommunikáció /flickr)

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Similar gene-editing techniques have already been used to produce more attractive pets

Shanna Hamilton

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The micropigs produced by gene-editing are ‘cute’ for some people, but they are still pigs and require that their owners know how to raise them properly Max Rothschild

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P

aris Hilton has one called Princess Piglette. Miley Cyrus parades her friend Bubba Sue on Instagram, and even George Clooney had his companion Max for over 18 years before he passed away. I think I even had my very own pet crush on Babe from the classic 90’s children’s film. Although the cuteness pigs ooze is absolutely undeniable, especially the tiny ones, should we be playing with DNA just to make micro pigs for the perfect pet?

Scientists at the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) think so. Outlined in journal Nature, the report describes how ‘micropigs’ have been created by using a pioneering genetic technique to alter an already-small breed of the mammal. These methods have been used to simply make pets for sale, and these tiny creatures are to be sold from the institute in the near future. A furious debate across the scientific and animal rights community has since been kindled about the improper use of ethically delicate laboratory methods.

Genetic techniques to tinker with DNA have come on leaps and bounds since the first discovery of the double helix in 1953. For example, in my PhD studies, I use a human heart protein.

This protein might be identical to what you find in you or I, but it isn’t taken from someone’s body like you think – I don’t have to churn up an organ in a blender to get what I need. Bits of the correct DNA code have been stuck together in a laboratory to make the human sequence, but no one was harmed in its production.

However, I nearly started a PhD in cancer medicine, which involved the dissection of mice. While a horrifying thought to many of you, animal experiments are a necessary part of

medical research. Genetics might have advanced dramatically, but every drug we take has been tested on some mammal, usually a mouse or a rat, to confirm it is safe to test in humans.

Rats and mice though, are not really anything like us. For example, I don’t look at mouse hearts because they actually beat six times faster than a human being, which doesn’t make it very representative of our own cardiovascular system.

This is where the farmyard favourite, our cuddly swine comes in to play. A pig is much closer to a human physiologically – it shares most of the same organs and almost all of the same muscles. Heart transplants have even been attempted from pigs into our closer relative, the baboon, with some success. It therefore stands that pigs are much better model organisms for human disease.

Pigs however, are much pricier to keep in the lab. Larger than mice or rats, they require more space and food, as well as larger doses of expensive experimental drugs in trials.

Bama pigs have therefore been the answer to many scientists’ problems, which weigh just a third of your average farmyard equivalent.

BGI researchers have used the cells of Bama pigs to shrink these animals even further, to create the miniature ‘micropig’. By using a gene-editing process called TALENs, they managed to disable one copy of the growth receptor hormone gene in the cells of a Bama fetus. They then made cloned pigs from these cells, which developed with stunted growth because no ‘grow’ signal was received.

To make the pigs even smaller, researchers then bred male stunted clone pigs with normal females. Half

of the naturally conceived litter were ‘micropigs’, weighing just 15kg, the same as a medium-sized dog. BGI’s micropigs are set for sale at the end of this year, with a price tag of 10,000 yuan, the equivalent of £1,000.

“We plan to take orders now and see what the scale of the demand is,” said senior BGI director, Yong Li. The Institute also hopes the animals will be used in stem cell experiments and other medical research.

Animal rights groups, as well as many scientists, are outraged by such proposals. Dr Penny Hawkins of the RSPCA’s research animals department said, “The idea is completely unacceptable. In the past, pets have been bred by selecting animals, generation by generation, to produce a desired trait. Inducing a massive change in one go risks creating animals that suffer all sorts of horrific impairments.”

Max Rothschild of Iowa State University also echoes the same opinion: “The micropigs produced by geneediting are ‘cute’ for some people, but they are still pigs and require that their owners know how to raise them properly. Gene editing of livestock is considered by some as a GM product, and hence anti-GM issues may play a role in consumer acceptance.”

Speaking about BGI’s plans to sell these genetically altered pigs as pets, Rothschild added, “More to the point, this more trivial use of gene editing takes away from its important uses to improve livestock welfare, disease resistance and productivity.”

Similar gene-editing techniques have already been used to produce more attractive pets for the home. A fish made fluorescent in the laboratory, GloFish, has been sold in the US for

a number of years. Produced in Singapore, scientists put genes from jellyfish and sea anemone into zebrafish eggs, that cause the desirable glow.

Harvard bioethicist, Jeantine Lunshof, is not impressed with the notion of changing the genetic makeup of animals just to make for cuter pets.

He described it as “stretching physiological limits for the sole purpose of satisfying idiosyncratic aesthetic preferences of humans.”

Willard Eyestone, a reproductive biologist of Virgin State University, is more optimistic however: “We must bear in mind that we have been altering the genetic make-up of pets for millennia, using the comparatively imprecise method of selective breeding, which sometimes results in less than healthy traits for the animal. In principle, gene editing should offer a far more predictable and humane alternative to selective breeding for all domestic animals.”

An obvious case to support Eyestone’s point of view is that of the pug, originally bred to have cute flat faces, but as a result left with severe breathing difficulties. “We have to more away from the idea that we can pick our companion animals purely because of their cuteness and size”, said Hawkins.

Whether or not you find these miniature animals utterly enchanting like myself, with their oversized pink bellies and little tufts of grey hair, their tiny stature has been developed using some serious genetic techniques.

Such methods are controversial already, even without the application to produce a more aesthetically pleasing pet. The love affair of Max the pot-bellied pig and George Clooney might melt my heart a little, but I would think first before purchasing a gene-edited micropig.

”

“

These methods have been used to simply make pets for sale, and these tiny creatures are to be sold from the institute in the near future

”

24 SCIENCE

The pollution-control software scandal Volkswagen come clean on their dirty emissions secret

Lizzie Harrett

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Up to one million extra tonnes of fumes will have been produced by defective VW vehicles

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obody likes a cheater, especially when it’s a multinational company that manufacture the most cars in the world. Automobile giant Volkswagen (VW) have admitted to installing a ‘defeat-device’ pollution-control software in over 11 million diesel-powered vehicles since 2009. This has allowed their cars to run cleanly under emission test conditions but spew out high levels of pollution when on the road.

This deception has resulted in VW flouting air pollution laws across the globe. However, the discrepancies between between emissions under test conditions and on the road did not go unnoticed, with The International Council on Clean Transportation and West Virginia University researchers working together to uncover this ruse. They monitored VW diesel car exhaust emissions by driving from San Diego to Seattle in a range of models. Their results were shocking, with the Jetta (one of their flagship ‘clean emission’ cars) belching out a staggering 15 to 35 times more toxic gas than the United States limit.

By May 2014, the United States federal government were involved, putting pressure on VW to tell the truth who then continued to deny any foul-play until the government threatened to block their 2016 line of clean-diesel models from going

on sale. This ultimately caused VW to crack and admit the presence of ‘defeat-device’ software.

But how deep does the rabbit hole go? VW also produces Audi, Skoda and Seat cars, all of who have also reported cars programmed with the ‘defeat device’ software. It additionally opens the question of whether other car manufacturers are implicated.

A report by the sustainable transport group Transport and Environment supports this, where they found nine out of ten new diesel cars break EU pollution regulations when tested on roads rather than test tracks.

Released just prior to the scandal breaking, the report states that car makers use a range of techniques to achieve allowed emission levels, including over-inflating tyres and removing car components to reduce weight. Greg Archer, head of clean vehicles at the Transport and Environment think tank, has said that the deception could go beyond diesel, also affecting petrol powered vehicles.

These additional emissions will have had a catastrophic effect on our health and the environment. Diesel emissions contain nitric oxide and dioxide (collectively known as NOx), which react with the atmosphere to form small particles, ozone and smog. All of these can irreparably

damage lung tissue and our respiratory system. In London alone 3,000 individuals die prematurely from air pollution each year. NOx is also a precursor for acid rain, which damages many ecosystems through acidification and also leads to the decay of buildings and statues.

Analysis by the Guardian estimates that up to a whopping 1 million extra tonnes of NOx will have been produced by defective VW vehicles, worsening these devastating health and environmental issues. Even more worrying for us is that Europe will have been disproportionately affected by this air pollution increase - just three per cent of American cars are diesel powered compared to almost half in Europe.

Professor Martin Williams, science policy head at the Environmental Research Group, has confirmed this stating that the United States would have “nowhere near the effect it would have in this country and the rest of Europe”. He added that in the United Kingdom the deaths caused by diesel emissions could be reduced by a factor of up to five if cars emitted the legal limit.

Due to the extent and significance of the deceit, there will obviously be huge economic and political implications. VW has long been regarded by consumers as a reliable brand and

the scandal has shattered this reputable image - their share price is down by 35 per cent since the news broke.

There is also the cost of refitting all affected vehicles, with over 1.2 million cars in the United Kingdom alone expected to be recalled. VW have put aside £4.7 billion for compensation, although it is expected costs will surpass this.

To make matters worse for the automobile company, the United States finance committee has now opened investigations over whether VW used the defeat devices to benefit from £33 million of tax credits on diesel cars being sold in America. This is on top of investigations being launched by the German state and over 1,200 individuals being represented by law firm Leigh Day who are considering legal action.

Even prior to the scandal, there had been measures put in place to improve diesel emission tests. By 2017 a ‘Real Driving Emissions’ plan will have been implemented, which ensures cars are tested on the road as well as in the laboratory, where they can be subject to manipulation.

However, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on policy makers and car manufacturers in light of the ‘defeat devices’, especially because major British cities have failed to meet EU standards on NOx since 2010.

Pictured: The interior of an affected VW Passat (Photographer: Vernon Chan)

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In London alone 3,000 individuals die prematurely from air pollution annually

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SCIENCE 25

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine divided between three scientists Lisa Carr

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Pioneering treatments have allowed the disease to be eliminated in Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico

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Maria Mellor

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There is hope that the discovery of this strain of bacteria in the mealworm’s gut could lead to further benefits for the environment

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fter careful consideration, assessing research from 327 different scientists, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to three scientists conjunctly. William C. Campbell, Satoshi Omura and Yuoyou Tu have conducted groundbreaking work on therapies to fight parasitic infections that have devastating impacts on the developing world. Representatives from the Nobel Assembly said the discoveries from the three researchers “have provided humankind with powerful new means to combat these debilitating diseases that affect hundreds of millions of people annually,” and highlighted how “the consequences in terms of improved human health and reduced suffering are immeasurable.”

William C. Campbell, an Irish born biochemist, biologist and parasitologist and Satoshi Omura from Japan won together due to their pioneering research into treatment for a range of infections caused by parasitic roundworm. Infections caused by the roundworm include river blindness and elephantiasis. River blindness in particular has had devastating effects on countries in Africa, Latin America and in particular Yemen.

Pioneering treatments have allowed the disease to be eliminated

in Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico so far. Campbell and Omura developed drugs known as avermectins, naturally occurring compounds that have strong insecticidal and anti-worm properties. In particular, Ivermectin was the greatest breakthrough discovery allowing for effective treatment of river blindness from the 1980s. This drug is generously distributed freely in the most needy and impoverished regions.

The World Health Organisation has said that the drug transformed the lives of millions of people suffering from river blindness. Previously, this disease was neglected in research interests due to its prevalence affecting the developing world alone and not impacting upon western nations.

The third winner, Yuoyou Tu of China, also shares the prestigious Nobel Prize due to her work on reducing mortality rates in malaria patients. Tu developed a drug, Artemisinin, that treats plasmodium parasites effectively when used with other anti-malarial drugs. Alongside insecticidal nets to cover beds that prevent the initial bite of the mosquito that leads to parasitic infection, Artemisinin has transformed malaria treatment and has contributed to the significant decline of the disease, aiding in a global eradication cam-

Pictured: A nobel prize medal (Source: Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, UofT)

paign. Artemisinin is a plant, a staple of traditional Chinese medicine. Tu works for the China Academy of Tradition Chinese Medicine in Beijing.

The awarding of the Nobel Prize to her sheds light on the practice and value of traditional medicines even in today’s modern society.

Mealworms digest plastic into biodegradable waste

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One man’s trash is a tiny worm’s treasure

ealworms could hold the solution to a major global pollution issues. Researchers at Stanford University in California have found that the beetle larvae can survive on a diet of plastic, specifically polyethylene, and digest it into biodegradable waste matter.

Polyethylene is the most commonly used plastic in the world. Approximately 80 million tonnes are produced every year globally, and it is used to make products from grocery bags to children’s toys. It had previously been considered an environmental nightmare as it pollutes both land and sea, and even in landfills the plastic can take anything from 500 to 1,000 years to decompose.

“There’s a possibility of really important research coming out of bizarre places”, said Craig Criddle, a Stanford professor who supervises plastics research. “Sometimes, science surprises us.”

Researchers found that it is the bacteria in the gut of the mealworm that is able to convert the plastic, and although the bacteria would be able to do the work on its own, the mealworms are capable of chewing and eating polyethylene therefore making the decomposition process

much faster. The mealworms were left to feed on styrofoam for over a month and each one ate a pill-sized portion of the plastic per day.

Almost half of the plastic digested was converted into carbon dioxide, while the rest was excreted into a biodegradable waste product. This excrement could potentially be used as compost, meaning that a revolutionary recycling technique has been created, turning a huge source of pollution into fertiliser that can be safely used on soil. The mealworms eating plastic were found to be just as healthy as those with a normal diet.

“Our findings have opened a new door to solve the global plastic pollution problem,” said Professor WeiMin Wu, a co-author of the study and senior research engineer at Stanford University.

There is hope that the discovery of this strain of bacteria in the mealworm’s gut could lead to further benefits for the environment. The researchers plan to look into whether mealworms can safely break down other types of plastic, and further hope to find marine creatures with the same plastic-munching abilities so both the land and sea can be cleaned of polluting plastic.

Pictured: (Photographer: Yu Yang / Stanford)

26 SOCIETIES

societies Hannah Sterritt VP Societies

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Editor: Aletheia Nutt @GairRhyddSoc societies@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/societies

Hannah’s note

i everyone, this week in Societies we are still ever-increasing in members and everyone is settling into the weekly meeting or socials routine, so we are looking good for the term ahead!

Last week the Union held Mind Your Head Week, led by VP Welfare, Kate Delaney. Mind Your Head Week is the Students’ Union’s annual Mental Health campaign which is aimed at raising awareness of and tackling the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Quite a few of our societies were involved which was great to see. On

Monday, Student Minds got involved with Lego Therapy where four tables of Lego were available to make all sorts of creations. On Tuesday, Silver Linings Playbook was screened in the lounge and on Wednesday, the Inner Child society were busy face painting and playing with toys and games in Y Plas all day. The real highlight was the presence of two dogs from a local Rescue Home who were really happy to have so much attention from our students for a few hours. On Thursday, Dance Therapy featured four of our dance societies: Expression,

FAD, Slash and Belly Dancing in the Great Hall and to finish off the week, a Meditation Evening was held in the IV Lounge in the Heath Park Campus.

The whole week was a reminder that getting out and doing something different including involvement with Societies is a great way to relax and take your mind off the stresses of University life. I hope you all have a great week and as ever if you’re interested in what the Guild of Societies is up to, head to facebook.com/guildofsocieties.

music in a great atmosphere. We sing an eclectic range of music from classical to pop so there’s something for everyone, with a number of concerts and events throughout the academic year. We rehearse from 2.003.30pm on Wednesday afternoons in the large lecture theatre on the top floor of the Music Department on Corbett Road.

Monday 12th October 2015 Act One Drama Society invites you to join us on the 4th floor of the SU in rooms A&B with a theatre workshop on Shakespeare! In this session we will be getting to know each other, doing warm ups and, with Act One’s production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ underway, some experienced actors and directors of Act One will give you a workshop on Shakespearian acting and directing! Please wear clothes that are comfortable and can be moved around in easily. (£1.00) Also on Monday, come along and give Tae kwon-do a go! Tae kwon-do is a martial art that is welcoming to all levels of ability.

Cardiff University Tae kwon-do is the best martial arts club with a gold tier ranking.

If you would like to learn how to defend yourself and improve your fitness, flexibility and confidence, Tae kwon-do is the sport for you. You are more than welcome to come and join us for a Give It a Go session. We look forward to meeting you! Wear loose clothing.

Please bring plenty of water and your Give It a Go confirmation.(£2.50) Tuesday 13th October 2015 Ever wanted to try meditation or experience a calm and peaceful state of mind? If so come

along. Naam Simran is one of the three key teachings by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, our first Guru. Naam Simran is chanting on the God’s name, ‘Waheguru’ and allows our mind, body and soul to reach a peaceful and sublime state.

Through mediatting on God’s name we often experience joy and true happiness. Kirtan is singing hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib, our living Guru and can achieve the same feeling as meditation. It has many teachings, life lessons and the history of our Gurus within the words. Please dress modestly. No short skirts or low cut tops. Bring a scarf to cover your head. (£1.00)

Ever wanted to unicycle one footed suspended from the ceiling whilst juggling fire and spinning a plate on your nose? Run away with the circus! Or to town anyway…

Circus Society have a fantastic opportunity to learn a wide variety of circus skills, or progress and share what you can already do.

Skills include juggling, poi, fire, hoop, acro, aerial and more! We have an amazing space at Cardiff ’s famous NoFit State Circus School where we can practise, share, learn and play!

With specialist tuition from professional instructors and a relaxed and open environment. The session runs for two hours and will include tuition, freestyle practise and skills sharing. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to pros. So why not Give it a Go?!

Try something you’ve always dreamed of... (£1.00) Thursday 15th October 2015

The Cooking Society are also holding an event on Tuesday, bring a dish from home!

Come along to our first bring a dish night!

What is the dish that most reminds you of home? We want to know! Bring along anything that reminds you of home and we shall feast together! (Free)

With the use of exhilarating music, energetic dance and colourful costumes Bollywood Dance Society guarantee an electrifying experience for all! Love dance and want to try a new style? This taster session is an ideal way for you to get a feel of what Bollywood dance is really about. Bollywood Dance Society has set out to incorporate various dance styles from all over India into one.

Whether you are new to Bollywood or not, it is an easy dance to learn, with rhythms with cadence and melodies that will ensure you to have a memorable experience. Please bring a water bottle, comfortable clothes and lots of energy! (£1.00)

Wednesday 14th October 2015

Friday 16th October 2015

Come and join The Cardiff University Purcell Singers weekly rehearsal! The Cardiff University Purcell Singers are a mixed, nonauditioning choir open to singers (or potential singers!) of all abilities. We provide a fun and relaxed environment in which students can come together and have fun singing good

We are Bringing back OLD SCHOOL HIPHOP in the form of Breakdancing. So we are calling for all Bboys and Bgirls to the dance floor. Why not try something new and daring. Breakdancing isn’t only for the strong and powerful capable of doing some insane moves. NO! It is more than that. It is about

having Style, Originality, Musicality... So if you have what it takes come along to our regular classes, taught by professional Bboys/ Bgirls for all levels- everyone is welcome.

Comfortable Clothing recommended. (£1.00) Saturday 17th October 2015 In Japanese culture, sushi is considered to be a form of art, because of its taste and the appearance of the sushi. Possibly the most well known food of Japanese culture, you can find sushi almost anywhere in the world. The Japanese society would to invite you to experience the making of sushi for just one pound. It will be a great experience as you’ll learn how to make sushi, meet new people, learn about Japanese culture and try other things we’d bring to this session like Japanese Sake. The session will start on the 17th October 2015. We will E-mail you more details about this session in October. (£1.00) Sunday 18th October 2015 Come try out Airsoft in the Great Hall of the Students Union. Come try out airsoft right here in the Students Union! We are repeating our award winning Speed Ball event of last year that saw the Great Hall netted and transformed into a 5v5 airsoft arena.

Everything is included in the price, with all the ammo you can fire. So come along and enjoy rapid, close quarters airsoft combat without leaving Cardiff or the building! Doors open at 12pm and close at 4pm. It is drop in, drop out. Bring your student card. (Free) Monday 19th October 2015 Gair Rhydd and Quench are your university newspaper and magazine. Give it a Go: Gair Rhydd & Quench will provide you with tasters of design, editing, proofreading and writing, and the chance to see first-hand what goes into creating a weekly newspaper and a monthly magazine. Quench, a student lifestyle magazine, was originally a pull-out from gair rhydd, but is now editorially independent of the newspaper and is thriving as one of the best student magazines in the country. This session is a perfect opportunity for you to get involved with Cardiff University’s awardwinning student publications, and learn more about the processes that go into producing them. (£2.50)

SOCIETIES 27

Discussion, Campaign and Awareness Societies Cardiff University Students’ Union is home to many charity societies, make sure you get involved!

Tessa Eeles HOPE not hate society

Zoe Hall Cardiff Uni Red Cross Group

Ellie Philpotts Cardiff Marrow

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OPE not hate is a national charity whose main focus is tackling the forces of hate within society by raising awareness of fundamental truths and facilitating community cohesion. This is done through a combination of world-class research and grassroots community organising.

The HOPE not hate campaign was founded in 2004 when the British National Party (BNP) was winning substantial votes.

Through grassroot activism and community organising we were able to contribute to the failure of the BNP in the elections and foster an atmos-

D

o you know what to do in a crisis? The British Red Cross Group is the society for a variety of different activities, and we’re all about learning new skills and helping your community. As a society, we give first aid training to students at Cardiff University. We also have regular socials to meet new people and help in

D

id you know you can save lives by spitting? It may sound strange, but read on.

Becoming an actual lifesaver really can start as simply as this.

We’re Cardiff Marrow. Marrow, found within 40 British universities, is a branch of Anthony Nolan, the country’s main bone marrow register for blood cancer patients. This means that, as well as having fun and meeting great new people like all societies do, we make a real difference in that our actions have direct consequences, often providing a lifeline for those in desperate need of a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.

Let’s set the scene – each year approximately 2,000 people in the UK need this type of transplant, and most of these rely on Anthony Nolan’s register, which was established

by Shirley Nolan after her 7-year-old

Holly Brice SKIP Cardiff

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Bethan Jones Coppafeel

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KIP (Students for Kids International Projects) is a national, entirely volunteer-led, non-profit charity with branches across several universities in the UK. SKIP aims to develop and maintain sustainable, community-based projects which improve the health, education and welfare of vulnerable children.

SKIP Cardiff specifically supports schools in Livingstone, Zambia in the communities teaching our 4 interventions: puberty, sex education, S.T.Is ardiff Coppafeel Society is a team of students dedicated to fundraising for breast cancer charity Coppafeel and raising awareness about breast cancer symptoms around campus.

We remind students and other young people to check their boobs regularly as this can save lives. The earlier that breast cancer is detected, the better. So, here at Cardiff Cop-

phere of peaceful coexistence.

Ten years on, the same narratives of hate and division are beginning to emerge again. So what can we do about these sad realities? The Cardiff HOPE not hate society has only been established for a year or so. However in a short space of time we have done a lot. Before the General Election last year we ran a campaign called ‘Don’t Let Them Drown’ where we counteracted media stereotypes of conflictfleeing refugees as scroungers and a burden to British society through demonstrations around Cardiff and pushed for our MPs to welcome refugees into the city. We received a lot of

support and even succeeded in convincing the current MP Jo Stevens to accept our proposals. Now, one year on, Cardiff has agreed to take refugees from Syria and Afghanistan.

With winter fast approaching in refugee camps in the Middle East, we are campaigning to make sure they do so sooner rather than later.

Our biggest campaign as a society perhaps came earlier this year. Before the General Election 23,000 people fell off the electoral register in Cardiff.

Changes to voter registration rules mean that the majority were students, and nearly 1 million around the UK were no longer able to vote. This con-

tinues to be a democratic crisis. We conducted voter-registration drives every week on campus, and our big voter registration event in Cathays – which started at a local mosque and finished with dinner at a local church - even made national BBC news. This was about action: getting people on the streets, having fun, and making a difference. At the peak of our campaign 5000 students registered to vote.

With the Welsh national elections coming next year, we hope to continue these projects (and much more) with renewed ambition and vigour, and we hope you can be a part of this great cause too!

volunteering with British Red Cross Services. We believe that interacting with students with different interests is important; we have collaborations planned with Music Society and the various choir societies for a big fundraising event at Tesco this autumn and we’re hoping to collaborate with the Comedy Society to fundraise at one of

their shows.

Last year, we were very proud to win the award for Best Newcomer Society and we were recently informed that we’ve been shortlisted for the National Humanitarian Citizens Award from the British Red Cross for the work we achieved last year. We will be finding out the results for this very soon. Being

part of the British Red Cross Group will be great for gaining transferrable skills, helping you later on in employment and will look impressive on your CV. Membership for the whole year costs just £4- we can’t wait to meet new members and start going out into the community to make a difference. Check us out at facebook.com/CURCG.

son Anthony died in 1979.

Marrow steps in because we’re formed of, and target, students.

Holding recruitment drives throughout the uni year is what gets most of our potential donors signed up, but we also frequent events like sports matches and Freshers’ Fairs, plus host fundraising events like Variety Nights also showcasing the best of local dance and comedy; and Christmas carolling, all raising awareness and funds for this incredible cause.

So, what’s the whole process? Well, at one of our regular clinics, you’ll be able to join Anthony Nolan’s all-toocrucial register. All you have to do is have a quick read over our forms, but if you’re over 16 (which we’re guessing you are if you’re at uni); weigh over 7 stone 12lbs and are generally healthy, you should be ready to go.

Then, we’ll oh-so-kindly give you a

tube in which to spit. This will then go off to Anthony Nolan’s HQ, and you’ll stay on the register until you’re 60. Don’t panic – you can always withdraw if you change your mind, and there’s only a one in a thousand chance you’ll ever be a match, but if you are, you’ll probably only donate once, and for 90 per cent of people this through in a process similar to giving blood. This is called peripheral blood stem cell collection, and is relatively painless – you’ll just bear the brunt of mild flu symptoms for a few days, but that’s nothing compared to the amazing feeling of knowing what you’ve offered someone in dire need of your help. The remaining 10 per cent of donations are taken from the pelvis bone marrow cells.

Blood cancer patients often can’t count their families as matches, which hits home how important it is

for strangers to sign up. Incredibly, a quarter of all donors in the past two years were recruited by Marrow – so whoever said students are lazy is clearly having to eat their words.

Intrigued, but not sure you want to be a donor? Fear not, there are plenty of chances to get involved with volunteering with us. Give back in one of the best ways possible and join our team. Our next clinic is on Wednesday 14th October, all day from 11am, also at Taly Social, and we host these around once a fortnight.

Come along – or at least connect with us on Facebook and Twitter as Cardiff Marrow. We’d love to meet you, and are sure that after volunteering with us you’ll agree it’s one of the most productive things you can do at uni – as well as actual studying itself!

and HIV. We teach children aged 8-18 in two schools, Malota and Negwenya, as well as going into the communities talking to women who have HIV. This year we introduced a new project called Project Mwezi which involves teaching the girls and women to make reusable sanitary pads enabling them to carry on with everyday life. Our aim is to educate the women and children on topics they vitally need information on that may not be as readily available to them as it is to us

here in the UK. Through interactive lessons, games and activities we manage to successfully implement these interventions and want to continue this success. Knowledge is power and SKIP Cardiff aims to continue spreading knowledge.

Our main focus is fundraising, we do numerous fundraising activities throughout the year that we want to encourage as many people to get involved with, whether you want to help organise an event or support the

charity by coming along to them. We welcome students from all courses and interests and all the money goes towards resources to be used in Zambia. Being a part of a charity is a rewarding and fun experience; it enhances many skills, and allows you to meet new people while raising money for a worthy cause. Every member is then given the chance to apply to be a volunteer in Zambia over the summer to implement their hard work from the year.

pafeel Society we actively encourage getting to know your boobs so that you can detect any changes sooner.

We have regular fundraising events, meetings and socials, so be sure to pick up a cake (or two!) at one of our famous bake sales in the Union and come along to one of our many boob-themed socials. We are really excited to announce that our latest fundraiser is a Coppafeel club takeo-

ver on 14th October (more information is on the Union website) so bring your friends and flatmates for a night of good music, great company and plenty of boob awareness.

Last year we took part in the Welsh Four Peaks Challenge, where we all enjoyed a great weekend of hiking in the Welsh hills getting absolutely soaking wet courtesy of our glorious climate, but all was forgiven though,

thanks to a hearty pub lunch and a nice warm mug of tea. Another great event on our calendar is Boob Week, a week-long Coppafeel campaign jam-packed with events throughout the Heath Park and the Cathays campuses, aiming to raise as much awareness for our charity as possible. So what are you waiting for? Join Cardiff Uni Boob Team today and don’t forget to Coppafeel!

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Now, one year on, Cardiff has agreed to take refugees from Syria and Afghanistan.

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Don’t panic – you can always withdraw if you change your mind, and there’s only a one in a thousand chance you’ll ever be a match.

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The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better.

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October/Hydref

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SPORT 29

Shaun Davey

Cobras factfile The Cobras won their Varsity fixture against Swansea Titans 19-17 In the BUCS league, they finished second, tied on points with first-placed Swansea who had a better head-tohead record The club was established in 1986

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We have to win out, win all of our games; we went seven and one last year, so seven wins, one loss.

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One of the best things this year is that we’ve got five or six guys who have played before and played at a good level before, not just throwing a ball around in their back garden.

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Coach’s Corner : Ben Watkins

his week in Coach’s Corner, fresher Shaun Davey met up with Ben Watkins, Head Coach of the Cardiff University American Football team, the Cobras. Watkins, 25, enjoyed a successful season with the Cobras where they secured a 7 and 1 record, and won their Varsity match against the Swansea Titans. Find out his thoughts on a memorable year for Cardiff and his 2015/16 ambitions: Firstly, good luck for the forthcoming season, what are your expectations for the coming season?

For this season, it really is the playoffs. We have to win out, win all of our games; we went seven and one last year, so seven wins, one loss. It cost us getting into the play-offs because there is only one play-off spot for the whole of our division; which is really, really tough because we were up against good opponents. But that’s it, there’s no other choice this year. We’ve got to make it.

At the fresher’s fair recently you had over 200 sign ups, is it nice to see so many people interested in playing for the Cobras?

It’s great actually; it’s something that’s really improving. We now have close to 80 university teams. We’re starting to see the number really pick up a bit more. The knowledge about it, before people get here, and actually one of the best things this year is that we’ve got five or six guys who have played before and played at a good level before, not just throwing a ball around in their back garden. They’ve played for wellorganised and solid teams and then they come here. Frankly, some of them are ready to start. I can think of a couple of the boys here, who I think could definitely play straight away for us. The number’s, great; it always doesn’t quite translate to 250, sadly, but if it did, my job would be an awful lot harder.

How were the recent tryouts? Any exciting new members to the squad?

So we’ve had a lot of players that turned up in really good shape, which first and foremost is one of the most important things. They’ve turned up in the right shape; they have clearly been in the gym before. We get a lot of university students who haven’t - you know,

hardly ever been in the gym. That attitude is starting to change now, which is very good. They’re taking to it very well and then, yes, there are a few who have played for youth teams and who have been in youth organisations, who are doing a great job around the country, preparing the guys for university and senior football.

With players obviously leaving and a new president being appointed this year; what will this new President (Toby Lock) provide to the team?

I think Toby is a great influence on the team: He’s a good leader; he has been here for a few years. He’s a great player, which is why he’s being put forward for the GB student team, so we’ll see if that works out and I hope it does for him, because he has a lot of talent. Off the field, he does a good job of keeping the players where I need them: as in organising them the right way, getting them into training, getting them insured and paid-up, which is more important for me as its left with the committee’s hands. It is hard with players changing all the time, but I think that’s one of the key things with the coaches, having and trying to keep the coaching staff the same, year-in year-out. It really makes a big difference if we have the same key influences and coordinators, who have been here for a couple years now and we help the committee in the summer.

We help give them advice; I mean we were all part of committee’s at our time at university, so we know exactly what’s going on. I think we’ve got a good relationship between the coach and the committee. They understand what we need and we understand what they’re trying to do as well.

You recently won Varsity, how was that experience? How did you celebrate?

It was a great experience for the team. I myself was not there - I was in Finland playing professionally, as I do in my summers. But it was great for the team morale; exactly what we needed, it was another close game, but we won a close game against UWE (Bullets) earlier in the season by a blocked field-goal as well, so it just did a great thing for the team. It gave them that extra energy, extra off-season motivation. Varsity, is always a difficult one because it’s a cou-

ple of months after our season’s over. It means you have some drop-offs; a bit of a lack of motivation but I think the win really helped everything out. Motivation has been great coming into this season, everyone, everyone is fighting to make that play-off spot so it’s great for the team.

After the success of last year, how can you progress to the next level?

I think the key thing is to build on that success, we had some very close games, a little too close, so we just need to just improve in a few areas. The key thing for me now, as coach with losing a few key players, we really must find the rookies; the second years and third year rookie guys that can really take over those spots. Some of them are ready. That’s part of the sport; part of it is sitting for a while, you maybe don’t play straight away, like you would do in other sports, but it’s because there’s a lot of learning that needs to take place in order for that to happen. So, I really think that the key thing here is for us is offence. Defence is looking good; we’ve got a lot of our defensive leaders back. The offence has got a lot of its players back, we just need to see how it clicks, but we did well with Chris (Brinkworth) as quarterback last year.

I’ve got no problem with that at all, He is a good quarterback. He’ll do a good job for us, so we just need to get everything clicking. But offence always takes a little bit of a time to get clicking at the start of the season - especially with rookies involved. So we just need to get all that sorted but we’ve got a good amount of training time.

You mentioned playing semi-pro in Finland over the summer? How was that experience for you?

Oh yeah its amazing, I discovered it a couple years ago; there are teams around Europe that are willing to pay money for people like myself to go and play and it’s great. I try and do everything I can to encourage players here and everywhere really to get on this website called: Europlayers.com. The key thing you need is film, so you need

to get a good film of yourself. I got filmed myself from three rubbish clips off a YouTube video and it was enough to get me my first sign. Then I was able to get a better film from that team, so anything a player can do to get themselves out there really. It’s just the life experience of it of being in a different culture: different team and having to go and spend time away from family back here. But it’s a big part of helping football grow in the UK, getting the outside experience of those players who come from America over to Europe. They can provide a different outlook on coaching, playing, technique, on everything really. It really does help improve the sport as a whole if we keep having those external influences coming to improve the overall game in the UK. Finally, how do you see the development of American football progressing in the UK, especially with the sport being played much more at venues such as Wembley more frequently?

I think it’s really good. I think there needs to be a bit more done at the senior grass-routes level; I think there’s been a lot done already, though. So, for example this year the senior final was down at Allianz Park, where Saracens play near London. I thought that was a great first step to get it into a bigger arena, to get more people to go to the game. I think that’s really good. Then at this sort of level, we just need to keep on getting what we are getting now: a good amount of ex players coming back to coach. A lot of the assistant coaches we’ve have got are coming back to help out the veteran coaches and it’s great. Players that we have had here before like Robin Ford and Rhys Romo are coming back and a lot of our Coaches are ex Cobra players as well.

That’s the key thing really, that we keep that driving forward and we have more of these coaches that come back and help out. That’s what’s really going to help. I mean its impossible to do this with only three or four coaches; you’ve got to have six to nine coaches if you can, to really progress as a team.

Pictured: Above: Watkins in action for the Helsinki Roosters in Finland.

Below left: Watkins ready to snap (Photographer: Sami Ranta)

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There are teams around Europe that are willing to pay money for people like myself to go and play and it’s great.

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I think there needs to be a bit more done at the senior grass-routes level.

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30 SPORT

Sport Spotlight: Korfball

Every week, Gair Rhydd Sport sends a volunteer down to one of our 64 AU clubs to find out more about a particular sport.

This week, Jamie Smith trained with Cardiff University Korfball

Jamie Smith

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Now, I consider myself to be relatively knowledgeable when it comes to sports. Not that I know a lot about each sport, but I at least know of them. Korfball, however, is not one I can say I have ever come across before

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Jim Harris

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tanding with the inner edge of my right hand pressed firmly against my forehead, as if I was shading my eyes from sunlight, I gazed into the distance at this giant-like pole topped with a yellow hoop.

“Is it netball?” I asked myself. Come on, Jamie, there is no net in sight so it obviously isn’t netball. “Perhaps it’s basketball,” I pondered. But there was no backboard behind the hoop and the pole was considerably higher than where said board is usually positioned on a wall.

Now, I consider myself to be relatively knowledgeable when it comes to sports.

Not that I know a lot about each sport, but I at least know of them. Korfball, however, is not one I can say I have ever come across before.

Lingering around the edge of the court in Talybont Sports Centre, I tried to effuse an element of confidence - one that suggested I have played this on many an occasion and that I was not an outsider.

Perhaps wearing a Stoke City shirt with black football shorts and white socks somewhat defeated the objective, hardly giving the impression of an experienced Korfball player.

Fortunately, this was a Give it a Go session so I was not the only newcomer trying out this enigmatic sport. And, after standing on the sidelines measuring up the enormity of the task ahead of me for a good five minutes, I finally decided to step onto the court where others were practising their shooting.

There was no going back now. I approached two guys, Chris and Fatih, who, like me, looked to have very little clue about what they were doing. Both are exchange students and this was just one of a few sports they were delving into during the Give it a Go series. It was nice to see the two trying to make the most of their time in the Welsh capital and not being afraid to step out of their comfort zone.

Their presence certainly helped to extinguish my nerves, at least until the dreaded whistle that signals the start of the session blew vociferously in our

ears. Niahm Sully, the President of Korfball, subsequently gave a brief introduction to outline what the session would entail and off we went.

Typically, we began with some running and stretches- both static and dynamic. I felt like a pro at this point, having completed similar exercises earlier on in the day at a football training session. That was quickly followed by some peculiar shuttle runs. In groups of eight, each player had to run to the far wall and back. Sounds pretty simple. But there were a few twists to this warm-up.

In the first set, we had to run whilst repeatedly transferring a football between our hands and around our torsoreferred to as ‘Around the World’. I managed to keep the ball in my hands for the duration and, after a stuttering start, developed some rhythm in my movement.

The next task was comparatively challenging. With the ball in one hand, we had to place it underneath and round our left leg before switching to the right leg and continuing to repeat the movement all the way to the wall and back.

Stumbling from the off, I eventually found consistency - gaining sufficient momentum to execute the skill perfectly. Even if I do say so myself. At this point, my self-esteem was as high as, well, the Korfball pole itself, which is a staggering 3.5m tall. That is nearly twice the size of Peter Crouch! Nevertheless, my confidence came crashing down as quickly as England’s Rugby World Cup campaign once we started practicing shooting.

Unlike basketballers, Korfball players tend not to shoot with their arms above their heads. The main reason being that, in basketball, it is possible to rebound the ball off the backboard and into the net. As already mentioned, no such backboard exists in Korfball so successful shooting requires a lot more power.

Thus, the ball is held directly in front of the chest, with the hands joining to grip the ball in a ‘W’ shape and the elbows tucked in at the sides. Bending the knees and springing upwards, you release the ball with powerful exertionthe level of which is dependent upon

your distance from the hoop - and, in my case, hope for the best.

Abysmal. No, believe it or not, I am not describing Stoke’s start to the current Premier League season. I am actually referring to my shooting ability or, more accurately, lack of it.

I took some comfort from the fact that the senior demonstrating the skill failed to score but it was little consolation. What I found hardest was the absence of a reference point. In basketball, you tend to aim for an area of the rectangle on the board. Obviously that is not possible in Korfball so you are relying on your own discretion to a much greater extent.

So, unsurprisingly, my first few attempts were rather wayward. But, after several misses, the moment I had been waiting for arrived. Applying a small dose of trademark backspin- a technique I had learned from some Greek compatriots whilst playing basketball on holiday - I finally managed to get the ball in the Korf, which, by the way, is Dutch for ‘basket’.

Admittedly, I felt slightly rebellious considering that one of the seniors had advised beginners not to integrate basketball-style shots. But I eagerly shared my story of success with Chris and Fatih, who were also performing above expectations.

In fact, when the coaches decided to advance the activity by making players move to different groups once they had scored, Chris virtually completed the circuit. In order to control my fluctuating confidence levels, I convinced myself that he was lucky. In hindsight, though, Chris was a bit of a natural.

To explain the rules for those of you who are still finding the game incomprehensible - as I still very much am - it is best to make comparisons with both

netball and basketball. Like netball, you are not allowed to travel with the ball.

Similarly to basketball, you can position yourself anywhere on the court. Teams consist of eight players- four girls and four boys. Korfball actually claims to be the only genuinely fair unisex sport because you are only allowed to mark someone of the same gender.

Moreover, you are allowed to shoot from anywhere on the court and no physical contact is permitted.

The rules were not the only aspect I was questioning throughout the session. What was constantly circulating in my head was ‘how do you get into Korfball in the first place?’ Perhaps the aforementioned Niahm Sully has the most interesting answer to such an interrogative.

“My elder brother got into Korfball at Birmingham University and I was forced to join our local club in Norwich during my year out before uni,” the Adult Nursing student commented.

“After three years of hearing about this weird sport I thought ‘this is going to be rubbish.’ However, four years later and Korfball is basically my life!”

And, just recently, Niahm was selected for the official Wales Korfball squad, along with three of her teammates. Not such a rubbish sport now it seems.

Ultimately, I thoroughly enjoyed my Korfball experience. The senior players were very welcoming and friendly.

They did not laugh at my blatant inadequacy, at least not in front of my face, and I would jump at the opportunity to return in the near future.

Korfball training is open to anyone from 6.30-8.30pm on Wednesdays at Talybont Sports Centre. If you are interested in trying out Korfball, you can find out more information on their AU webpage.

It’s been a far from ideal to start to this Guinness Pro 12 campaign for the Blues. Danny Wilson’s side have not won since their 61-13 victory over Zebre on the opening day and the disappointing defeat against Connacht has left the Blues faltering in seventh place.

It has in fact been a generally disappointing start for the Welsh regions as a whole, with only unbeaten Scarlets proving the exception - last year’s semi-finalists Ospreys are yet to register a win and the Dragons’ only victory came in a nervy 13-0 affair at

home to Zebre.

After Danny Wilson’s comments following the defeat to Leinster, there were significant improvements to the Blues’ attacking play against Connacht, however it was defensive lapses which cost them this time.

Connacht ran in five tries and, whilst the Blues responded with four of their own, it wasn’t enough and Wilson’s men were made to leave with just the two losing bonus points.

Following a 14-day break, the Blues travel to Munster this weekend and Danny Wilson’s side should expect

another stiff challenge having not beaten their Irish counterparts since January 2013. Last year’s Pro12 finalists are unbeaten this campaign, having already toppled Treviso, Ospreys and Glasgow and will undoubtedly look to an out-of-sorts Blues side as the best opportunity to make it four from four.

Fly-half Rhys Patchell did take a knock in the defeat to Connacht but will be fit, so there are no fresh injury concerns. However, the Blues will have to wait a while longer for their internationals to return following Wales’ qualification out of Pool A

in the Rugby World Cup. With only five missing; all in Warren Gatland’s Wales squad, the Blues are not as heavily affected as others in the Pro12, so there is legitimacy in the claims that Danny Wilson’s side should have begun their campaign in far more convincing style.

The jury is still out on Danny Wilson and, despite the defeat, there were unquestionably plenty of positives to take from the Connacht game – positives that Blues fans will hope can now be the catalyst for a charge up the Pro12 ladder.

Pictured: Cardiff Uni’s Korfball Club winning bronze at the BUCS National Championship (Photographer:

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Korfball actually claims to be the only genuinely fair unisex sport because you are only allowed to mark someone of the same gender.

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SPORT 31

Swimming and Water Polo Club season preview

Harry Eade

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The swimming team also put in a strong performance during the year

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Dan Heard

Jamie Smith

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he new season of BUCS fixtures is nearly upon us and nobody is more keen for it to start than the Cardiff University Swimming and Water Polo Club.

The season begins for the mens and ladies water polo teams in November against Imperial College London, whilst the swimming team kick off their season with the short course BUCS championships, also in November. Following a highly successful 2014/15 season for the club, President and first team polo player Kate Thompson is looking forward to what lies ahead; “We’re aiming for the club to continue to improve and develop within every training session and to maintain and indeed, build upon the high level of performance that the club has been achiev-

ing over the past few years.”

Thompson is not wrong about the high level of performance that exists within the club. Last season, the mens polo team made it to the BUCS finals, resulting in a hard fought third place before coming second at the UPolo finals in the last matches of the season.

The men’s water polo captain, Daniel Picton, adds; “After a tough season of polo we were thrilled to win a bronze medal at the BUCS finals in Leeds.”

The ladies team was no exception, making it through to the BUCS semifinals and also achieving a superb second place at the UPolo finals. Varsity also saw another victory for the men’s team with a convincing 16-3 win over Swansea University.

The swimming team also put in a strong performance during the year,

making it into the B finals at the BUCS short-course championships.

Despite a loss at this year’s Varsity, the men’s swimming team captain, Luke McCluskey, remains in a buoyant and positive mood for the new year; “As captain all I can ask for is full commitment from the squad so that we can be as successful as possible in BUCS and hopefully reclaim our titles at both Varsity and the Celtic championships.”

Both Cardiff polo teams face stiff competition in the Premier South Division in the form of first teams from Birmingham, Cambridge, Imperial, Oxford and long-term rivals, Bristol.

Despite some losses to the squad over the summer, Picton is confident about building on its previous success; “Having retained key players and wel-

comed some promising new freshers I believe it is well within our ability to achieve the same level of success as last season.” Meanwhile, the swimming squad faces a tough challenge in both the long and short course championships but with freshers trials coming up shortly McCluskey is positive about the squad’s chances.

Cardiff University Swimming and Water Polo Club not only prides itself at succeeding in its particular sports, but is also keen to emphasise the social aspect of its club. Its weekly socials are as important as every training session in the pool. Kate Thompson adds; “As well as aiming high this season we want to remain a social team that is inclusive to all its members and allows them to make new friends whilst keeping fit.”

Pictured: Above: The Mens and Womens Water Polo team 2014/15

Students raise hundreds at Cardiff Half Marathon

R

unners descended on Cardiff in their thousands on Sunday as the annual Lloyd’s Bank Cardiff Half Marathon took place once again.

23,000 runners, some professional, some first-timers, and some even in fancy dress took part, as more than £2.4 million pounds was raised for various charities across Wales and the UK. This year’s route began, as always, on Castle Street, in the shadow of the giant inflatable Rugby World Cup ball embedded in the castle wall. From there, they faced a gruelling 13.1 mile run through Grangetown, Penarth, along the barrage of the Bay, back through the City centre, Cathays and Roath Park, before finally rounding the corner past the Bute Building to the finish, to be greeted by hundreds of friends, family members and supporters.

There was a particularly strong student contingent representing Cardiff University this year, with many exceeding their own expectations to

raise hundreds for their chosen charities and score very impressive times.

Arianrhod Engebø, a JOMEC student, was running for Welsh Children’s Charity Tŷ Hafan. “I chose this charity as it is dependent on donations to be able to help all the families in need of their services, as well as keeping it cost free. So far I have raised £288, which I am extremely happy with. However, I found that more people donated after the race so there might still be some more to come!”

“I started training for the half marathon at the beginning of August, but I have always liked to stay active and do exercise so the training was mostly but fun. It also helped that I had three good friends who were also doing the marathon, so we could all go on runs together. Also, seeing how quickly my fitness improved with the training was a great motivation.”

Another of Arianrhod’s group, fellow Journalism second year student Jess Bellamy, agreed that the training

had been tough, but well worth it. “I found training tough to begin with however towards the final weeks I did feel Freshers’ Week became a bit of a hindrance! I found the race enjoyable and appreciated all the support and the feel of community spirit around Cardiff and often found myself feeling emotional!”

The support from the crowds made all the difference to our runners. “It really pushed me on”, Jess said. “I enjoyed running in such a big crowd of runners and felt like I was never running the half marathon alone. It was such a great feeling after months of hard work!” Arianrhod agreed, “The whole atmosphere was really amazing and an experience in itself. It was amazing to see how many people did the run for a charity – thinking of all the money that was raised for so many important causes. Whilst I was running, I thought about all these people I was running alongside, probably had some intense memories and stories

and were likely to feel very passionate about the charity they ran for – it made me feel quite emotional.”

Asked if they would both consider running another half marathon in the future, they agreed that the experience wasn’t one to forget in a hurry.

Arianrhod was already looking to the future for her next challenge. “Most definitely! I have already started looking at what half marathon to do next.

I came in at 2:03, so my next target will be to do it in less than two hours.

You will definitely see me at the next Cardiff Half Marathon!” Jess agreed, saying, “Yes I would, however not in too much of a hurry as I’m still feeling achey!” Overall, a fantastic effort from everyone involved. Cardiff University, and Cardiff as a whole, showed exactly what can be delivered on the big stage, as so many runners gave everything they had to cross that line, get their medals, and prove that anything is possible if you try and work hard enough, as so many did on Sunday.

It is just over 12 months since Russell Slade replaced Ole Gunnar Solksjaer as Cardiff City manager, so what has the former Leyton Orient boss achieved in the last year?

Well, in simple terms, not a lot.

Slade’s reign certainly started brightly, taking maximum points from his first five home games in charge, the first of which saw the Bluebirds secure an unexpected 2-1 win over then unbeaten Nottingham Forest.

But that might now be described as what many call a ‘honeymoon period’ because, following that explo-

sive start, Cardiff suffered another campaign of mediocrity as an immediate return to the top flight failed to come to fruition.

And Slade’s dealings in the transfer market have, like Cardiff ’s occasionally lacklustre style of play, failed to inspire a discontented set of supporters. The likes of Alex Revell and Eoin Doyle have hardly set the Cardiff City Stadium alight, whilst Stuart O’Keefe has also struggled to impress.

However, fellow January signings Matthew Kennedy and Lee Peltier

have produced consistently pleasing performances, and keeping Kenwyne Jones at the club, along with the acquisition of Sammy Ameobi on a season-long loan, suggests some good business on Slade’s behalf.

Arguably, one of the biggest concerns was the potential of having another new manager at the club if Slade endured a difficult start, which would most likely result in yet another year of transition and instability- something fans are understandably fed up with after the last few years.

But Slade deserves the chance to have a full season. Cardiff finished the last campaign strongly and that has, for the most part, continued into this season.

The 2012 League Cup finalists are currently eighth in the table, just two points off the play-off places after earning a very credible point away at current league leaders Brighton last time out.

So, having arrived at a team entrenched in difficult circumstances, perhaps it would be fairer to judge Slade more strictly next May.

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There was a particularly strong student contingent representing Cardiff University this year, with many exceeding their own expectations

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Editors: Jim Harris James Lloyd Jason Roberts Jamie Smith @GairRhyddSport sport@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/sport

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Despite some sports, including netball, Medics rugby and volleyball already completing their opening round fi xtures last Wednesday, over 62 fi xtures are set to take place on Wednesday afternoon as a number of Team Cardiff clubs open their campaigns in a highly anticipated afternoon of sport.

The men’s rugby first team, who had a bye week last week, open their season with a home tie against University of Bath at Llanrumney. Head of Rugby, Louie Tonkin said: “We’re really excited about the game, it’s our first home game this season, our first

BUCS game and the boys have prepared really, really well”. He added: “We went to watch Bath the other day against Hartpury and they were unlucky to lose that one, so they’ll be entering the game with confidence, but we’re determined to hit the ground running and have another successful season.”

Other sports playing on Wednesday include: lacrosse, basketball, hockey, tennis and badminton, to name a few.

AU President, Sam Parsons said: “We have some great structures in place now with some really good sports coming through in areas that are going to get us some really strong BUCS points. Everyone is getting behind Team Cardiff now, the BUCS name is really out there.” He added: “We’d love to improve on last year’s position of 15th. I’d liked to see clubs individually and they can look at

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