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Issue No.10 February 2010
FREE to a good home
The official voice of Northumbria Students’ Union www.mynsu.co.uk
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? ? ? ? ? ? ? Sabb Elections ? ? ? ? ? 2010 ? ?
RAG ? ? ?Street ? ? ? Student Style
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I’ll be honest with you, between the months of January and March, I want to do nothing else but hibernate. I’m well into my overdraft, the weather is a constant shade of grey and the prospect of “summer” isn’t even a speck on the horizon. BUT SOMETHING IS HERE TO PULL ME THROUGH! THE SABB ELECTIONS 2010! I’m a Sabb this year, last year I was a Northumbria student just. like. you. Any Northumbria student can do this job for a year, full time, paid and trust me - it’ll be the best year of your life. There is still time to nominate yourself for election, see the centrefold for more info. Otherwise, just vote! You directly choose who you want running your SU next year.
NSU NEWS Editors Words 3 Sabbs’ Info 4-5 SU News 6 Oh! What’s Occurring? 7 Hot or Not 9
FEATURES Sabb Elections 11
GET INVOLVED Societies (Writers Society & Dance) 12 RAG (Raise & Give) 13 21 Things a Student Thinks a Day 15
LIGHT RELIEF Horoscopes 16 Lauren West Knows Best 17 Centrefold 18-19 Spotted 20-21
STUDENT CULTURE
Of course there are other massive events happening this month including the infamous RAG, read up on this month’s controversial Hot Topic, something which all of you can relate to, plus tick off the 21 thoughts you see as your own on page 15.
Student Street Style 23 Hot Topic 24 - 25 Ask Claire 27 Gig Goers 28 - 29
In the words of Terry Tibbs,
Stan’s Back 30 Stan Calvert Fixtures 31 Net Gains 32 SUNEE Outlook 33 Navy Sail into North East 34 Cold Comfort for North Star 35
Thank you, goodnight. Jones x
contents
EDITOR’S WORDS
TEAM NORTHUMBRIA
Contributors Hot & Not - Danni Mustarde Vote in the Sabb Elections - John Taggart Society Successes - Dance Society (Jasmin Burn & Emily Wood), Writers Society (Holly Marsh) RAG - Hannah Cassidy 21 Things - Pippa Harper Agony Aunt - Lauren West Student Street Style - Jennifer Broom Hot Topic - Sarah Hellawell, Miles Chambers Gig Goers - Phil Moore, Jasmin Burn Team Northumbria - Simon Rushworth , Andy Street & Andrew Spoors
Design www.thearchitectshop.co.uk
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NSU News Sabbs’ Info
Your Sabbs’ Back To Work Ahh it’s that time of year when the Sabb’s become all nervous, as their jobs are up for the taking! Yes the Sabb elections are here and we’re all hard at work proving our mettle. Also there’s a little insight in how far we would go for our RAG week charities. Follow us on Twitter or join the official Facebook fanpage www.facebook. com/mynsu to keep up to speed with What’s Occurring. You can also visit our YouTube account by typing NothumbriaNUTV aNUT TV into YouTube.
Got an ? opinion? E-mail us! Whether it’s one question or a massive request, we will reply.. 04 nu:life
Dave Wright President What’s been keeping you busy? A heck of a lot of meetings over the past month including one with the Universities version of Ofsted. Something you have achieved for students this month? A mass amount of postcards signed by students who want to see Anonymous Marking come in. How far would you go for RAG? I’d shave my beloved beard off. dave.wright@ northumbria.ac.uk
Alison Jones Vice - President Communications & Involvement What’s been keeping you busy? The set up of the SU’s very own TV station NU:TV plus the Sabb Elections 2010!! Something you have achieved for students this month? NU:TV - broadening student prospects since 2010. How far would you go for RAG? A Charity Naked Calendar. My body is only going to go downhill after 22! alison.jones@ alis nes@ northumbria.ac.uk nor n mbria.ac.uk
NSU News Sabb’s Info
Becky Warburton Vice - President Activities & Development What’s been keeping you busy? The monumental RAG week! It’s taken a lot of stress to get it organised but it is so worth it. Something you have achieved for students this month? Raised a huge amount of cash whilst giving nearly 100 students the chance to volunteer for a good cause while having a good time! How far would you go for RAG? It depends on how far the he RAG team can persuade me!!
Adam White Vice - President Academic Affairs
Pete Woodward Vice - President Welfare & Equality
What’s been keeping you busy? Planning Course Rep Conference 2 so we can have better trained reps. Something you have achieved for students this month? Securing backing from the University for Anonymous Marking How far would you go for RAG? All I’ll say is a Tutu and wax.
What’s been keeping you busy? A lot of international induction talks for the new January starters. Something you have achieved for students this month? Liaised with the council on student housing strategies. How far would you go for RAG? Very far!
te@ a.white@northumbria.ac.uk
pete.woodward@ northumbria.ac.uk
becky.warburton@ northumbria.ac.uk
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NSU NEWS SU:News
SU:News Win £300 from NU:TV
Fancy winning £300 for a 3 minute video? I’ll let you do the maths. We want you to produce a 3 minute video on what Life@Northumbria is to you. This can be anything from life on campus to what you get up to outside of the classroom. We want to see Northumbria students as they really are. The winning video will be broadcasted across campus and the internet to Northumbria’s 37,000 strong population. Exposure for your talents! Second place will receive £150 and third place £50. Videos can be as abstract and as comedic as you like, so there’s no reason not to get involved!
February 2010
Anonymous Marking The time to finally put your name to the campaign is here. If you haven’t heard already, the SU’s big campaign for the year is to have more schools employ the practice of students handing in work not with their name on, but with their student number instead so that all students are graded fairly regardless of their gender, ethnicity or any other factor perceived by someone’s name on a paper. Look out for people round campus asking you to sign the Anonymous Marking postcards to make your school listen up.
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For full specs, rules and regs e-mail alison.jones@ northumbria.ac.uk for an information pack. GOOD LUCK.
Competitio no closes 25 pens 10 Feb & March. Vid eos must submitte
d via CD d isc or USB the SU Wel to come Des k.*
* Videos m ust be no lo than 3min utes and no nger bigger than 10mb
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Oh! What’s National Student Volunteering Week Your SU is big on volunteering. It enhances your CV, its helps other people, and gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside. That’s why we have devoted a whole week to it. Welcome to the National Student Volunteering Week fronted by the SU’s very own volunteering guru Lady Kitt. The projects will include a Swap Shop, a tea dance for the elderly, a mass Lego building session, climbing, ping pong and walks. And you thought volunteering was dull. For more info e-mail su.activites@northumbria.ac.uk and get involved.
Building Works I love the sound of drilling in the morning! The building works on your SU are well under way on the front entrance and theatre (Stage 2). The foundations are set and things are on the up and up. Don’t let the mess put you off as the SU is still open for business as usual for day and night events.
Chaplaincy for Everyone You may or may not be aware that Northumbria has its very own Multifaith Chaplaincy open to all students. You don’t have to be religious to drop by, as the name say’s Multifaith which includes any faith you can think of, including atheism. No preaching or converting occurs, however as Head Chaplain Gavin Wort comments, “the chaplains are here to support you and help you make the most out of uni life. Whether you’re going through a rough patch, want a “deep and meaningful” conversation or just looking for someone to listen, we’re here for you”. The Chaplaincy is now located on the Fourth floor of Wynne Jones Building (the building next to the Northumbria bridge). My contact details are as follows: tel.: 0191 227 3284 and email: gavin.wort@ northumbria.ac.uk.
NuTalent 2010 Calling all MUSICIANS! Have you ever wanted to perform in front of hundreds of people at one of Europe’s LARGEST music venues? Well here’s your chance! In conjunction with Northumbria University, we are giving YOU the chance to perform your own music live at an event being held at the Sage Gateshead on the 22nd of March 2010. Last year’s event was a HUGE success and once again we are out to find the North East’s most promising new and upcoming acts. We are looking for solo and group acts to audition for a chance to become Newcastle’s next big talent! We are open-minded about the style and genre of music and will consider all acts that are willing to perform. Auditions are being held on the 12th of February from 5pm and the 19th of February from 5pm (Please contact us prior to these dates if you want to audition for our event.) Further information is provided on our Facebook group, search for “NU Talent” and join! So if you’re the next big thing contact Kelly either via email, kelly2.thompson@ northumbria.ac.uk or phone, 07971556380.
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Hot!
NEWS Hot! or Not! NORTHUMBERLAND STREET’S ‘AWESOME BASS GUY’ Another cold and grey Monday morning and as we mindlessly wander Northumberland Street between lectures suddenly a beautiful sound overcomes us... we follow the funk and there he is... plucking, slapping and thumping, ‘awesome bass guy’ always puts a smile on your face. THECUT One of the city’s newest clubs in town with a load of different nights from the indie/rock/alternative Connection on a Monday night to Thursday’s dub step night ZOO, there’s something for everyone and if you haven’t already given it a go, DO IT.
ooper... C I N I M
Not!
HABITA’S PIZZAS Quite simply. They always taste good, they arrive at your table on time (and in a pizza box instead of a plate, authenticity at it’s best) and they’re really good value. What more could you want?
THE JUST FOR MEN ADVERTS There is just no possible way to sit through any of this series of sickly sweet adverts about greying men folk without the most immense cringe. VALENTINES DAY Valentines day... what better excuse for the suited and booted money making folk to convince consumers that they must go out and buy something red, fluffy or chocolatey for their better half than making their girlfriends/boyfriends think that by not receiving a gift their love is no more. Genius.
Reliant Robin...
BUS BANTERERS You’re sat on the bus at the end of a long day, you’ve found yourself a prime seat a good distance away from the violent youths and far away enough from the driver to be able to sneak a cheeky sandwich, when all of a sudden... the ‘bus banterer’ boards. They single out their victims, invade their personal space, then trick you into taking your earphones out whilst asking you to move your bags along and before you can put them back in - BOOSH - the journey long banter begins. Pure public transport hell.
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FEATURES Sabb Elections
Could this be you?
votebook Sabb Elections Have you ever heard of the Sabb Elections? Maybe not. But don’t feel too guilty about it, you’re not stupid or anything (well you might be but I’m not going to generalise), but it is something worth knowing about so help is at hand in the form of this article... You are clearly gripped by suspense so I think I should just go ahead and tell you about it... the Sabb election occurs in March and is a chance for any student to stand for any one of the positions - whether that be President, Vice-President Communications and Involvement, Vice President Activities and Development, Vice-President Academic Affairs, Vice-President Welfare and Equality (I know fancy names! This obviously looks good on the old C.V.) Don’t be fooled into thinking people who do this will be sitting around doing nothing - because they are doing other things as well; you know like spending a week campaigning, performing a speech at the beginning of the voting week to 400 students on why they should vote for them and at the end of it - if they are lucky, they’ll be working full time at the head of a £3 million organisation in the form of the SU - collecting a tasty £16,000 salary as they go, something to consider for yourself then? I think yes. Some people seem to already seem to have it in for the possible candidates who are considering going for the Sabb elections - they are probably jealous, but I can say with the utmost confidence that they have never wronged me or did anything to upset my life...of course I don’t know these people but I feel that is wholly irrelevant. Safe to say that none of them resemble Sarah Palin, which is always a plus – so if you don’t feel like running for anything at least make your vote count. By coincidence one candidate has something against polar bears - a strange and somewhat disturbing coincidence I’m sure you’ll agree...
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President
Vice - President Communications & Involvement
Vice - President Academic Affairs
Vice - President Activities & Development
Vice - President Welfare & Equality
Anyway I feel I’m venturing away from the point there. Basically the University needs candidates and moreover the candidates need votes, they NEED you - yes YOU! Think of it as a popularity contest, in the sense that that is exactly what it is – the most popular candidates will win (I gathered that pearl of wisdom whilst studying A-level politics). This is just something to consider...what if one of the winning candidates won the Euro millions jackpot and decided to split it with his/her loyal voters? Then how stupid would you look? You would never live it down, people would laugh at you on the street and throw things... safe to say it would be a nightmare, so even if you don’t fancy being a candidate, at least be rational and clever and VOTE!
...a tasty
£16,000 salary as they go, something to consider for yourself then? I think yes.
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GET INVOLVED Societies (Writers Society & Dance)
DANCE SOCIETY WRITERS SOCIETY Once upon a time, in a Poly way up North, there was a society full of great writers who long aspired to become the next William Shakespeares, Lord Byrons and Quentin Tarantinos… Okay, cut that - let’s get down to the crux here. Do you just like writing for the sake of writing? Maybe you write stories or poems or just about anything and have no one to read it or to give you constructive criticism? I mean, let’s face it, you could write anything and your mother’s still going to say “It’s brilliant, dear!” and your friends may say “It’s good” or “I don’t like it” but rarely tell you just what’s right or wrong about it. Then why not try Northumbria’s new society, the Writers’ Society? We’re brand new and aim to provide a support network for student creative writers. Encompassing a whole range of creative writing forms such as prose, scriptwriting, poetry and editorial work, we are open to those who write as a hobby and those who aspire to be professional writers. Our meetings aim to provide a social arena for members to bounce ideas around, discuss current work and get feedback and criticism on written work as well as an opportunity to socialise with fellow writers as a way to keep you motivated and beat the dreaded Writers’ Block! We will also be providing resources on character development, story arcs, grammar and literary devices as well as guides to the publishing process. And that’s not to mention the projects we have ongoing and lined-up, like a self-published anthology of members’ work, a radio drama and a soap opera! There is a lot for you to get involved in so if you’re interested, please sign up at the Welcome Desk. We meet on Wednesdays at 2pm in Reds for our social meetings and Thursdays at 6pm in the Training Room for structured workshops and we’d love to see you there! Holly Marsh Secretary of the Writers’ Society
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Is your new year’s resolution to get fit but you’re bored of the gym?! Well look no further!! Northumbria Dance Society is a newly formed society for anyone who just wants to dance! Any age, any course, any dance level, male or female, anyone can come, whether you are a first time dancer who may have only shuffled a sneaky moon walk in their room or a professional, just give it a go and have fun! With weekly meetings in Domain it is a great opportunity to meet like minded people with similar interests, learn a variety of different dance styles such as ballroom, Latin, street and ballet. You can even get involved with choreographing your own routines! Currently working towards Northumbria’s Got Talent, dancing at Jesmond Festival and participating in the Unions Strictly Come Dancing sessions every other week in Reds. So, if you are interested in having a good old boogie, sign up at the Welcome Desk in the Students Union for only £3 membership for the whole year, and meet us every Monday in Domain at 8pm! Join us on Facebook, search Northumbria Dance Society. You can also get in touch with Emily Wood (President) by emailing emily2.wood@ northumbria.ac.uk, Jasmin Burn (Secretary)-jasmin. burn@northumbria.ac.uk or Sarah Edmunds (treasurer) sarah.edmunds@unn.ac.uk. By Emily Wood and Jasmin Burn
GET INVOLVED RAG (Raise & Give)
How much can
RAG YOUtake? Rise & G Give ive
It’s that time of year again, when the NSU Raggies hit the streets of Newcastle. Collection buckets at the ready, donning their best fancy dress costumes, Northumbria’s volunteers embark on a fun filled week in an attempt to raise as much money for charity as possible. What is RAG I hear you ask? In simple terms, RAG stands for Raise and Give, we’re a group of volunteers who want to raise as much money as possible for deserving charities. However, any experienced Raggie will tell you this is only the tip of the ice berg! If truth be told there are no words to describe RAG, it really is a unique experience.
Every February we hold RAG week, somewhat of a manic week, filled with fundraisers. Everything from street collections, to bar crawls, sponsored fire walks, to silent discos; we really try and pull out all the stops for a good cause! This is a fab opportunity to really make a difference, lose your inhibitions, and make some amazing friends, all whilst whi lst ad a ding din g that t att vvital a somet so m hing to your o CV that will set adding something you ap apart a from from eve everyo ryone ne els e e. Sou ound nd goo o d? everyone else. Sound good? We Wel Get Inv Involv olved! d! C Co Conta ntact ct eit ei her he er my m se f a sel Welll Get Involved! Contact either myself att hannah.cassidy@unn.ac.uk or VP Activities & Development Becky Warburton at becky.warburton@unn.ac.uk.
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GET INVOLVED NVOLVED Society y Successes
21 Things a Student Thinks a Day... .
Sho shoulduld I g I do o out t that onight assig or nmen t? Students, the crème-de-la-crème of society, the forward thinkers and future rulers of Britain. There is something very special about the way the student mind thinks. The inner workings of the mind. The depths of thought and philosophical notions. I give you, the 21 thoughts that students think every day. 1.
No way is it time to get up already… snooze button!!
2.
…….Snooze again
3.
Whoops...I’m not going to make it to my lecture, ahh why else was blackboard invented?
4.
Is this edible? Oh it’s mouldy... I’ll just eat around it and hope for the best!
5.
Should I go out tonight or should I do that assignment? GO OUT!
6.
Ergh it 2pm, I think it’s time for a nap.
7.
Nobody will know if I’m still drunk in this seminar will they?
8.
Once again, I’ve done absolutely nothing productive today.
9.
I don’t have the money to go food shopping, but when it comes to going out or clothes shopping, I suddenly have money to burn!
10. Facebook or Uni work, Facebook or Uni work… Facebook! 11. Boys: Is there any footy on tonight? 12. Eww what’s that smell... I think the bins need taking out. 13. It’s Jeremy Kyle time! 14. Must check my email… to see if I can get guestlist tonight. 15. Washing up is such an effort; I’ll just leave it here for 2 minutes and do it after Hollyoaks… 16. I need to catch up on the latest on BBC iplayer or 4od! 17. What the hell happened last night?! I literally cannot remember a thing! 18. I should probably be working right now. 19. When was that photo taken… when were we there last night?! 20. 10 missed calls from home, I think I should probably ring my parents to tell them I’m alive. 21. Would that person mind if I dumped their washing on the floor cause I really need to use the washing machine so I actually have something clean to wear.
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LIGHT RELIEF Horoscopes
ARIES 21 MARCH - 19 APRIL
LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER - 22 OCTOBER
Hold onto your opinion this month as people may tell you to shut up. Mondays will be lucky for you this month.
Watch out for anything electrical this month as you may get a shock….literally! Oh and go spend a bit of time with your parents as well.
TAURUS 20 APRIL - 20 MAY
SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER - 21 NOVEMBER
You’re a cool, calm and collective soul and your secret desire this month is to buy a goat. However your landlord/ lady and flat mates may not appreciate a goat living in the house, so it may be easier to adopt one in Africa.
Think before you buy those shoes this month, you’ll regret it later when you don’t have enough for the bus.
GEMINI 21 MAY - 21 JUNE
Take a bit of care when your mate asks you for advice this month, your honesty could cause more tears than you can cope with.
Apparently you will be involved in activities with two young people and an old man. Need I say any more?!
CANCER 21 JUNE - 22 JULY I’d recommend not spending time with people you work with this month, the office gossip will come back to bite you.
LEO 23 JULY - 23 AUGUST Do more things you enjoy this month! All play and no work makes for a very happy student.
VIRGO 23 AUGUST - 22 SEPTEMBER Uh oh, tissues at the ready as you’re going to be a bit emotional this month. But it will give you the perfect chance to meet a few eccentric people. Every cloud ey!
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SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER - 21 DECEMBER
CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER - 19 JANUARY You will be involved in a triangle of sorts this month; whether that’s love, work or money, watch out.
AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY - 18 FEBRUARY Litigations a.k.a. court appearances could happen this month if you don’t behave yourself! Go pay that bill from last September.
PISCES 19 FEBRUARY - 20 MARCH Prisons hold a high number of Pisceans - so this month concentrate on your degree and stay out of trouble. A criminal record will definitely not help you get a job when you finish university.
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LIGHT RELEIF Lauren West Knows Best
LaurenWest knows best Dear Lauren, I really want to go travelling this summer but have no idea how to go about it Where can I get the cheapest deal? Which countries are safest to go to? How many people are ideal to travel with? Just any info or websites would be great. Cheers, Josh. Hiya Josh, Good news you are one of thousands of students wanting to do the exact same thing every year and there are countless ways to find out about it. The most suitable operator for people like yourself and fellow students would be STA Travel, which can be accessed at www.statravel.co.uk or there is a branch located at St Mary’s Place (the road going from Northumbria up to Haymarket, after Luckies.) You should pop in for a wee chat with them and they are able to do pretty much everything to help you get sorted. They can plan your route, advise you on where is safe and where would appeal to your individual interests. In regards to how many people to go along with, 3 is usually a sound number to be safe with. Anyway, good luck and have an awesome time! Love Lauren xxx
Dear Lauren, I split up from the boyfriend a while ago and we both still have feelings for each other and I have no idea whether I should get back with him or not. I don’t want to get back with him right now but I’m worried I’ll lose him for good if either one of us moves on and I can’t face that. What should I do? K. Hi K, This is a bit of a tricky one, I know I’ve been there myself. I guess the right thing to do if you still have feelings for him is to not ignore them, but to swallow your pride temporarily and tell your ex. At the same time, you should explain to him that you don’t feel now is the right time for the two of you, and you never know, he might be feeling the exact same way, yet also afraid to say anything. In terms of him moving on, you never know, you could meet somebody else just as easily as him. You have to look at it in the sense that what’s meant to be will be and if you and this boy are meant to be together, you will be. Maybe not right away, but when it matters. I’m a firm believer in this and to be honest, it’s usually for the best =) Good luck, hope things work out! Love Lauren xxx
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LIGHT RELIEF Centrefold
Profile edit
Friends
votebook Sabb Elections
Positions available President
Want to run a £3million business for a year? Earn £16,000 for doing it?
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Want to gain managerial experience whilst you’re at it?
Vice - President Communications & Involvement
Then look no further than your Sabb Elections 2010! You have the opportunity to run your SU for the next year by running the Elections. Quoted by The Guardian
Figurehead of the SU, responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the Sabb team and University committees and talking to the media.
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You can be the editor of NU:Life, the producer of NU:TV, uphold democracy in the SU and communicate to all Northumbria students.
as “one of the best jobs in the world”, those who get
Vice - President Academic Affairs
the opportunity of becoming a Sabb really do have the advantage over other graduates. The experience is invaluable and will leave you head and shoulders above the rest.
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Vice - President Activities & Development
I don’t know if you heard but there’s something of a recession going on and jobs are hard to come by. The chance of becoming a Sabb is the perfect opportunity to do something exceptional. You take a year out to do the job
Looking out for your academic issues and leader on Course and School reps.
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Be the leader of the infamous Welcome Week, show the way for RAG and all volunteer projects and societies
and most courses will accept it as an internship (a paid one at that!) in the middle of study, or you can choose to do it at the end of your degree.
Vice - President Welfare & Equality
Any Northumbria student can run and you are elected
Watches over the welfare of Northumbria students including health, housing and money.
into the position through getting your mates and other Northumbria students to vote for you. Simple.
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Closing date to nominate yourself is FRIDAY 5TH MARCH so get on it quick. Go to the Welcome Desk to pick up a nominations pack or e-mail su.democracy@northumbria.ac.uk
LIGHT RELIEF Centrefold
Networks
Inbox
Sabb Elections
Your RSVP You Are Attending.
VOTE
Attending Maybe Attending Not Attending
Why should you vote in the Sabb elections?
RSVP
If you don’t want to run in the elections you must vote! Don’t give up your right to vote on who you want running your SU for the next year. It’s vital that you have your say.
View Discssion Board Invite People to Vote Add to My Events Share
Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Vote 1.
2.
3. 4. 5.
Once that person is elected you have to put up with what they want for the next year. You don’t want any random Joe running your SU. This random Joe (not that I have anything against Joe) may write on his manifesto that he’s going to start charging £5 a pint. Don’t want that? THEN VOTE! Once you vote, you can tell anyone else who pesters you to do it, where to go If you don’t vote you can’t complain about how your SU is run because you had your chance to have your say. To cancel out someone else vote - if you know your mate is going to vote for the guy who wants to charge £5 a pint, you can cancel out his vote, by voting.
6.
Every vote counts don’t leave it to someone else. Past Sabb election some have won by only 4 votes!!! 7. Don’t let someone else make the decision for you. 8. It’s YOUR SU. Decide on something which you get a lot out of. 9. The SU has a massive impact on your life at Northumbria, more than you may think. From everything to the library opening for 24 hours to appealing a poor grade you get. 10. It will take you 1 minute 45 seconds to do from any computer. You’ll be back on Facebook in no time.
VOTING DATES Nominations Open - Monday 15th Feb Nominations Close - Friday 5th March Voting Days Tues 23rd - 25th March You can vote from any computer via your desktop, so there is no excuse!
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LIGHT RELIEF Spotted
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LIGHT RELIEF Spotted
OH THE JOYS OF BEING A STUDENT. Three fuelled years of friends, flings and the odd essay. Here are a select few photos from our past events. With everything from raves to gigs, karaoke to cocktails. Whilst ‘more than just a bar’, your SU can put on one heck of a party.
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STUDENT CULTURE Student Street Style
tudent treet tyle
It’s the middle of winter and most people use it as an excuse to boot up and save the best of their clothes for when the sun reappears in April. Well not Northumbria Students! How are Northumbria kids keeping warm, I hear you ask?
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STUDENT CULTURE Hot Topic
MILES CHAMBERS NORTHUMBRIA STUDENT
YES
Students are lazy; students are alcoholics; and students are poor. Though all three of these stereotypes have truthful foundations (come on, admit it, we can be pretty damn lazy!), the one that is without a doubt the main issue to plenty of us is money. They say money makes the world go round, but what they didn’t say was how it can evaporate effortlessly on stuff you didn’t even think about at the time. That sandwich I harmlessly bought frequently from university campus? Well buying one every weekday over the 12 weeks of last semester would help explain where £120 of my loan went. Ouch.
HOT TOPIC GIVES YOU, THE STUDENT, A VOICE TO THE BIG ISSUES AFFECTING YOU. THEY ARE CURRENT QUESTIONS SURROUNDING YOU AND YOUR LIFE AS A STUDENT AND RAISE AWARENESS OF THE TOPIC.
ARE STUDENTS REALLY AS SKINT AS THEY MAKE OUT? You’ve heard it before and probably have had some stick for it at some point. But it’s the same wherever you go; some people don’t believe you really are as skint as you say you are. But are they right? You do get around £3000 a year to live off, with some students whose parents pay their rent and the occasional food shop. Or are students genuinely strapped for cash, living out of overdrafts and raiding the discount shelf at Aldi.
24 nu:life
I don’t know about you but when I began life at Northumbria - doe-eyed and disorientated from fresher’s week - I never thought I’d be going down to the supermarket realising that I’d spent more the night before than I had on food for the past week! I guess now is the time of year when how much you’ve spent really hits you. Doom and gloom is often tagged onto January but thanks to the second batch of our student loans coming through and patching over our weakening overdrafts the actual effect the first semester had on our pockets isn’t felt for many until February, when once again those overdrafts take a pummelling. I’m not saying that students are exceptions in the world and that everyone else has their finances easy. The fact is being a student is a good introduction to managing (or more often than not mismanaging) finances, and it’s a healthy way of informing us how easily money can be spent. Sometimes we’ve gotta accept we’re to blame a little too. I could complain for hours when I’m broke, but in all honesty I’ll happily spend more on a night out than I intend to spend on food shopping for a week. As students maybe our priorities are unbalanced in the favour of entertainment, but we’re in full time education still - why should we be expected to embrace all of life’s responsibilities just yet? I’m not saying that all students have money problems; I know quite a few people who for one reason or another are finding funding their university lifestyle a breeze. But for every one of them there are four or five of us and the stereotype of students being skint becomes worryingly real.>
“I never thought I’d be going down to the supermarket realising that I’d spent more the night before than I had on food for the past week!”
SARAH HELLAWELL NORTHUMBRIA STUDENT Student: a word that is often interchangeable with skint, broke and even impoverished, but does this necessarily ring true with today’s student culture?
Topic STUDENT “many CULTURE studentsHot find
NO
the time and money for regular shopping trips, they own laptops, iPods and the latest phones.”
Take a quick look around campus and you will be hard-pressed to find anyone who appears poverty stricken. The familiar shuffle of Ugg boots down the corridors, the flash of designer gear courtesy of Jack Wills and the continuous updates to Facebook via Blackberry or iphone suggests that in reality students enjoy a relatively extravagant lifestyle. Many of us would have the rest of society; in particular our parents believe that we are struggling to cope on limited funds. Hence, the stereotypical view of the tax-dodging, scrounging students surviving on baked beans and beer. In actual fact most students regularly afford takeaways, a meal in a restaurant and of course the odd night out. In addition, many students find the time and money for regular shopping trips, they own laptops, iPods and the latest phones. Often seen in M&S food department, driving their Mini’s through Jesmond and boasting grand summer holiday plans, students no longer conform to their traditionally dismal status. This luxurious way of life is funded by a generous, low-interest loan, non-repayable grants and bursaries, part-time work and usually a hefty contribution from the bank of Mum and Dad. Leaving few students to stump up the cash to become self-reliant during their studies and with the enhanced career prospects that a degree can bring, the student lifestyle doesn’t seem so destitute after all. On a serious note, over three billion people worldwide live in actual poverty surviving on a mere £2.50 a day. People living in the poorest countries work hard for little or no pay and no hope of a better lifestyle. It really puts our grumbles about being skint into perspective: • • •
Everyday about 25 000 people die of hunger as they are too poor to buy food. Even in the 21st Century nearly a billion people remain illiterate. In the United Kingdom a fifth of the population live under the low-income threshold and therefore in relative poverty.
(Statistics courtesy of www.poverty.com and www.poverty.org.uk, 2008)
Without wanting to sound too heavy, compared to the many examples of desperate poverty around the world flashy undergrads with their gym memberships, GHDs and general high standard of living do not convey the image of deprivation. Student: affluent, prosperous, loaded.
nu:life 25
STUDENT CULTURE Ask Claire
Cause for
Complaint…? Dear Claire,
Finding a Resolution
I’m in my first year here at Northumbria and I haven’t found University to be all it’s cracked up to be. I’ve made mates and I’ve had some awesome nights out but there are things the University said about itself that I just haven’t found to be true. I’m completing all my work but there are just other things in terms of ‘sorting stuff out’ that I’ve found difficult and the staff I’ve approached haven’t been very helpful. I really want to make a complaint - is that too far fetched? Jason
Of Course!
The Advice and Representation Centre can make enquiries or advocate on your behalf - it’s usually easier and more effective to attempt to resolve issues before making a formal complaint..
Your Course Rep might also be able to help if it’s something affecting many students. Have a chat with them about it or ask us if you don’t know who they are.
Are You Satisfied…? If you want to make a formal complaint, we can guide you through this too. It’s your right to complain and let the University know that you’re not satisfied. Following the Student Handbook of Regulations, you should firstly alert the person creating or responsible for resolving the problem, if possible. If this isn’t successful, completing a ‘Complaints Proforma’ (form) is the second stage. As part of the Proforma, it’s important to say how you think your complaint can be resolved. These complaints are considered by the Dean of a School or Director of a Service and if still unresolved, can then be considered by the University’s Student Appeals and Complaints Ombudsman.
Hi Jason, I’m sorry to hear you have had difficulty in getting things sorted out. Your letter doesn’t say exactly which part of Uni you’ve been finding difficult and so here’s some generic advice... Feel free to contact me directly for more information.
The deadline for making a formal complaint is usually 3 months after the events you’re complaining about. If in doubt, come and ask us! Claire Education Caseworker Advice and Representation Centre
i
For more info, someone to represent you at a hearing/meeting or any other on-course issues, get in touch with the Advice and Representation Centre Tel: 0191 2274810 E-mail Claire directly at claire.rasul@northumbria.ac.uk or you can find us on 1st Floor, Students’ Union building, City Campus - Call in for quick enquiries or to make an appointment.
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STUDENT CULTURE Gig Goers
RIHANNARATED R
PLAN B NEW SINGLE STAY TOO LONG British rapper, singer and actor Plan B found his chart fame collaborating with Drum and Bass duo Chase and Status. End credits reached No.9 in the UK singles chart last year, since then both have punched out the powerful 2008 Dance Chart topper single Pieces, a great song to listen to after a break-up! Following on his drum and bass interest he has teamed up with Pendulum for his newest release Stay Too Long, a good song un-tampered with but appealing with a heavier backing added. A slight contrast to his usual knock-outs what with the high notes, bouncy beat and happy tune but with an indie influence, catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm there’s no doubt your feet will be tapping to this one. If Stay too Long is anything to go by for the rest of Plan Bs forthcoming album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks (set to be released in April this year) it will be a well spent tenner.
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Song choice - listen to Rude Boy and Wait Your Turn Rihanna, unconventional R&B singer/songwriter from Barbados released Rated R in November of last year which has already spawned two top singles, “Russian Roulette” and “Hard”. The album is a result of a muddled musical influence where each track offers a new character to her story. The lack of cohesion throughout could be seen as negative but compared to a lot of R&B artists around at the moment its arrived as a breath of fresh air to hear such a diverse mix included on one CD. The tinny electric guitar backing from the former Guns N Roses member in Rockstar 101 adds another flavour to the plate, a slightly cheesy one, Rihannas voice just seems to clash with the Slash. Rihanna is renowned to have a contemporary musical style within her field and this album is no exception. Mad house, the first track on the album kicks it off with a Dubstep beat and organ effect, alongside with her lyrical fusion it gives a dark, revenge filled feeling throughout. This may be seemingly what Rihanna wanted to achieve with the use of her passion sparked from recent messy break from now exboyfriend singer Chris Brown. The lyrically amusing track Rude Boy exploits Rihannas style to the best of her unique vocal abilities as well as adding a playful, uplifting attitude to the compilation. It has been said she may have gone a little too intimate with her lyrics but hey, what’s wrong with pain in music sometimes? After all R&B does stand for rhythm and blues. By Jasmin Burn
STUDENT CULTURE Gig Goers
FRANKIE AND THE HEARTSTRINGS One to watch Frankie and the heartstrings is a brand new old fashioned pop band from Sunderland. Coming fully formed out of the North East, this five piece band made up of Frankie Francis (vocals), Dennis Mennis (bass), Dave Harper (drums), Michael McKnight (guitar), and Pete Gofton (bass), have a 50’s style influence complemented with a modern twist to their sound. The name of the band is suited to their 50’s, jock rock sound, and with a charismatic, cocky front man leading the helm, who has been compared to greats like Morissey and Edwyn Collins, the Frankie and The Heartstrings look set to turn heads this year. Like other successful bands from the North - East such as Maximo Park and the Futureheads, Frankie and the heartstrings show a diverse range of songs, with funky upbeat tunes like ‘Hunger’ and emotional, bring a tear to your eye tracks such as ‘Fragile’, they show the potential to be an accomplished indie band. Overall it’s too early to say how good Frankie and The Heartstrings could be, they’re rough, ragged and that’s not just from their Sunderland upbringing, once their flaws are chiselled out, I guarantee you’ll be straight on itunes downloading their album. Rating: 8/10
VAMPIRE WKDCONTRA What do you get when you cross Robert Pattinson with a Saturday night? That’s right Vampire Weekends new album Contra. The New Yorkers are back with their second album Contra, and after my first, second, third,...tenth listen, I conclude that it’s a good album. Ok that is a bit of an exaggeration, but it is a listener, which grows on you like a bad hair cut which turns good. With an opening track called Horchata, (which is the ingredient used to make Tia Maria), it is the base mark for the rest of the album, a simple chilled out sound. Contra does have songs which can be linked to the old stuff of the first album, there are songs like ‘Cousins’ and my Diplomat Son’, which still contain the catchy lyrics and African backing. Although this album isn’t going to make your blood boil, it does have a feel good sound, and reminiscences of the first album. It is defiantly a listener which grows on you, and if nothing else it has given me a craving for a glass of horchata. Rating: 7/10
nu:life 29
TN Stan’s Back
STAN’S BACK!
“It’s not what staff and students are used to but we’re
Stan Calvert is back this month and this time the most fiercely contested competition in university sport means business.
force on February 28.
hoping it will prove to be a change for the better. And as usual we hope the Northumbria community will be out in
“The day might have changed but we’re expecting the support to be as vociferous as ever.”
Moved from its traditional Wednesday slot, the event will take centre stage on a Sunday for the first time.
Newcastle are the reigning holders of the Stan Calvert Cup after their shock 2009 success.
But the action will reach its familiar conclusion at Gateshead Stadium in the evening as Northumbria tackle
And Northumbria are desperate to get their hands on
Newcastle in the rugby union showdown.
a trophy which means everything to Tyneside’s big two universities.
“Due to the expanded BUCS programme in 2009/10 it was just proving impossible to squeeze everything into the
Hundreds of athletes across scores of sports will play
usual Wednesday,” explained TN’s event orginaiser Lynda
for vital points in the most competitive and keenly fought
Dunn.
contest in British university sport.
“Rather than try and shoehorn sports in and put pressure
And teamnorthumbria.com is planning to be all over
on teams and venues we decided to set aside a Sunday to
Stan Calvert 2010 with blanket coverage as it happens.
showcase Stan Calvert.
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TN Stan Calvert Fixtures
STAN CALVERT SPORT
FIXTURES Athletics
28 Feb
Gateshead Stadium
Badminton Men’s
28 Feb
Gateshead Stadium
3-7pm 2-4pm
Badminton Women’s
28 Feb
Gateshead Stadium
12-2pm
Basketball Men’s
28 Feb
NU Sports Centre
6-8pm
Basketball Women’s
28 Feb
NU Coach Lane
4-6pm
Cricket Men’s
21 Feb
South North Cricket Centre
1pm
Cricket Women’s
21 Feb
South North Cricket Centre
10am
Fencing Men’s
28 Feb
NU Sports Centre
1:30-4:30pm
Fencing Women’s
28 Feb
NU Sports Centre
1:30-4:30pm
Football Mens
28 Feb
NU Coach Lane
2pm
Football Women’s
28 Feb
Bullocksteads
2pm
Golf
24 Feb
Matfen Hall GC
11am
Hockey Men’s
28 Feb
Coach Lane
1:30-3pm
Hockey Womens
28 Feb
NU Longbenton
3:30-5pm
Lacrosse Men’s
28 Feb
UNN Bullocksteads
12:30pm
Lacrosse Women’s
28 Feb
UNN Bullocksteads
2:30pm
Mountain Biking
28 Feb
TBC, Hamsterly Forest
10am
Netball
28 Feb
Gateshead Stadium
6:30-8:30pm
Rugby League
28 Feb
Gateshead Stadium
5pm
Rugby Union
28 Feb
Gateshead Stadium
7pm
Rugby Union Women’s
28 Feb
Cochrane Park
2pm
Rowing
28 Feb
Newburn Boat House
1:40pm onwards
Squash Men’s
28 Feb
UNN City Campus
3:30pm
Squash Women’s
28 Feb
NU Sports Centre
3:30pm
Swimming Men’s
28 Feb
City Pool
1-4pm
Swimming Women’s
28 Feb
City Pool
1-4pm
Table Tennis Men’s
28 Feb
NU Sports Centre
2-5pm
Table Tennis Women’s
28 Feb
NU Sports Centre
2-5pm
Tennis Men’s
24 Feb
Northumberland Club
12-4pm
Tennis Women’s
24 Feb
David Lloys
12-4pm
Volleyball Men’s
28 Feb
Gateshead Stadium
12-2pm
Volleyball Women’s
28 Feb
Gateshead Stadium
10-12pm
“Newcastle are the reigning holders of the
Stan Calvert Cup after their shock 2009 success.”
nu:life 31
TN Net Gains
NET GAINS Northumbria University’s blossoming relationship with British basketball’s biggest club was strengthened last month as we welcomed home Newcastle Eagles. Fab Flournoy’s hoops stars had been forced to spend six weeks on the road after making way for hit musical Mama Mia! at their Metro Radio Arena home.
Team Northumbria skipper Chris Pearce regularly trains with the Eagles and said: “Everybody knows what a great relationship we have with the club.
“There is a long history between the Eagles and Northumbria University and many players have benefited from Fab’s support over the years. “Sponsoring games like the Worcester match reinforces that bond and
But Northumbria staff and students were
it’s a great opportunity for staff and students to see a very professional
out in force to back the Eagles in their first
organisation in action.
homecourt clash since November. Team Northumbria coaches Greg Modzelewski and Deirdre Hayes The university were the official match sponsors
already work for the Eagles in various roles.
of Newcastle’s fixture with old foes Worcester
And former TN star Marc Steutel is now assistant coach to Flournoy.
Wolves on a night of high drama on Tyneside. But neither the university nor Newcastle have made an official And it is understood the tie-up also served as
announcement on where the Eagles will host their BBL fixtures next
a fact finding mission for staff ahead of what
season.
could be an even more significant tie-up in the future.
Newcastle MD Paul Blake said: “We have enjoyed a very good relationship with the Metro Radio Arena over the years and we are very
NU:Life has been told talks are at advanced
grateful for their ongoing support.
stage to bring the Eagles to Northumbria’s state-of-the-art £30m sports centre next
“This is always the time of year when we start to look ahead to next
season.
season and talks are taking place with a number of partners.”
And the university could be hosting top flight hoops action from September if Newcastle bosses choose to sever ties with the Arena.
32 nu:life
SUNEE OUTLOOK Salt and pepper. Students and alcohol. Football and the North East. Each word is pretty much synonymous with the other. So it came as little surprise, when back in August, one of the fastest growing sports schemes came to the region.
“When you look at the atmosphere and the response from the people that are here, that is something that is very important.” The number of teams participating in the matchdays has shown a steep rise, with more and
Originally set up in London and Glasgow, Street League has now
more adults in the area looking to turn their lives
taken a hold of the nation’s footballing hotbed. The charity aims
around. One of Street League’s early success
to help adults that are currently Not in Employment, Education or
stories is Graham Carter.
Training (NEET), gain qualifications through football. “Any problems I have had, SUNEE Street With midweek training sessions, local and regional match-days the
League have supported me through it. I used
scheme has been an instant success and Team Northumbria has
to answer with my fists to any confrontation, but
been there to lend a helping hand the whole way.
now I do it verbally,” said a reformed Carter.
In association with SUNEE (Sports Universities North East England),
“I had never had any encouragement before.
Northumbria has been sending student interns to help out in
Through their help and my own determination I
all aspects of the programme. From coaching to reporting and
have turned it around and I love life now. I was
everything in between, students have been given a range of roles to
only existing before.”
develop their own CVs. But its not just students getting involved, local football legends Peter Beardsley, Paul Bracewell and Joey Barton have all shown their support for the scheme too. “I’m from this part of the world and it’s a brilliant idea, Street League is becoming more and more popular and if we can help people it’s brilliant,” said midfield maestro Beardsley “It’s nice to see people getting exercise and it brings people together no matter where they’re from.
* SUNEE aims to break down barriers and increase engagement in physical activity and sport by delivering a number of sport related projects, including Street League. The SUNEE partnership will have a dramatic impact on the lives of our students and staff as well as the community of the North East through the promotion of physical activity. By Andrew Spoors
nu:life 33
TN Navy Sail into North East
NAVY SAIL INTO
NORTH EAST Northumbria University welcomed the Royal Navy to the North East last month. But the planned trip was far from plain sailing for the seafarers as they came up against our battling Rugby League boys. The Navy were hot favourites to take the honours in the preliminary round of the world famous Challenge Cup. And Northumbria had a real fight on their hands at a chilly Percy Park. “It was a huge game for us but we gave it our best shot,” said skipper Karl Brandt. “We played the Army at the same stage last season and it was a bit of a drubbing.
The ex-Newcastle Knights and Gateshead Thunder player was instrumental in progressing the university’s RL programme during his time here. And he explained: “I was delighted when we drew Northumbria. “I was part of a group of players who really pushed Ian Elvin to throw Team Northumbria’s weight behind moving Rugby League forward a few years back. “As a result of that the university joined the Super Sixes last season and are competing in the Super Eights this year. “I’m proud to have played a part in getting them to that stage and it’s a programme which continues to move forward.” Metcalfe is based in Somerset working as an aircraft technician and has helped to form a new Rugby League club in the county. The Middlesbrough lad’s trips to the North East are few and far between these days but he’d love to come back on February 28.
“So we knew it would be tough but we’re a team that’s improving all the time.”
“I played for Northumbria in the Stan Calvert Cup when we beat Newcastle and it’s a very happy memory,” he added.
Former Northumbria favourite Richie Metcalfe looked after the navy squad during their trip to the region.
“I’m wishing the lads all the best this month and hoping they can repeat the trick
34 nu:life
TN Cold Comfort for North Star
COLD COMFORT
But the worst weather for a generation has forced a fixture pile-up the like of which our coaches have never seen
FOR NORTH STAR
before.
Sport was the big loser last month as the worst winter weather in 30 years decimated fixtures across the country.
And now the squad faces two or three games a week for
And Northumbria University’s athletes were caught in the middle of severe ice and heavy snow with games cancelled right, left and centre. While football and rugby were obvious casualties, as frozen pitches and several inches of snow left pitches unplayable, even indoor sports suffered. Team Northumbria’s Super League netball stars saw their first game called off before Christmas as Mavericks failed to make it out of Hertfordshire.
Paul Johnson’s Northern League footballers went for five weeks without a competitive game.
the foreseeable future in a bid to fight through the backlog of national league and BUCS fixtures. It is a similar story for Richard Arnold’s promotion-chasing rugby players with the Bullocksteads pitch frozen, then covered snow and finally waterlogged. “It’s been a difficult time for everyone,” added TN’s Colin Stromsoy. “But we’ve tried to keep staff and students informed of fixture changes on our website and we’re just hoping we’re over the worst of it now.” To stay in touch with what’s happening on the TN sporting scene log on to www.teamnorthumbria.com
And Barbara Brown’s roster saw their double header in Bath and Glasgow called off in the first week of January with airports closed and major roads blocked. It was a similar story for our basketball teams and TN’s Gareth McKenna admitted: “It didn’t matter whether we were supposed to be playing indoors or out. “Transport was a nightmare and health and safety issues meant most venues were deemed unfit. Our players couldn’t make training sessions and opposition players couldn’t travel up to the North East.” TN officials spent hours making phone calls to counterparts across the country in a bid to save some of the scores of fixtures blighted by the bad weather.
nu:life 35