ISSUE #1
INFORMER the
Cumbria’s Student Voice
sick initiations
CLASS OF 2013
INDEPENDENCE
Sports teams blamed for rowdy and disgusting behavior.
Coverage of this year’s graduation ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral.
Views of Cumbria’s Scottish students on how they’ll vote in independence referendum.
Strike action The latest behind this month’s strike action
SPORTS TEAMS BLAmed FOR sick initiations
sugarhouse rape suspect still wanted by police
A harder line is to be taken against any inappropriate behaviour by sports teams by the student’s union, with some calling for harsher penalties and possibilities of funding being withdrawn.
DETECTIVES investigating the rape of an 18 year old student in Lancaster have released an image of a man they wish to speak to.
The Informer has been told reports of sports teams urinating in public areas and taking part in initiations such as the ‘naked mile’ at the Campuses around Lancaster and Carlisle. The issue has already been at the U-Decide meeting and this month’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Student Union Representation Sabbatical, Matt Tennant, told The Informer: “If you speak to any student union around the country, student group behaviour, especially sports teams is a problem. I’m not sure if its sports mentality or its encroached in the culture of sports teams. It’s a huge issue.” “One of the problems that we face is that sometimes a slap on the wrist is not enough to make people recognise the impact of their behaviour.” “It is something that will be brought up in our next AGM as we’re thinking of taking a much harder line on the impacts of student group behaviour, there’s a notion that a student has brought to the table, which says if sports teams continue to misbehave we should pull their funding.” He added: “When we’ve got students jumping up and down on cars, weeing on the street, reports of inappropriate language and quite disgusting conversations being said extremely loudly in public areas, that behaviour is just not acceptable.” Inappropriate behaviour certain sports teams and student groups were also debated at the first Student’s Union meeting of the year. One attendee complained that certain teaching students seem to think it’s acceptable to bully others in halls. Although the debate was cantered on all groups, students say that most of the behaviour comes from university sports teams, with some specifically singling out Rugby in particular; there is also talk of groups taking part in banned initiation rituals. One such initiation described to The Informer is the ‘naked mile,’ where a student is dropped off far away from the university without any clothes, then made to run back to campus, whilst avoiding any police and potential indecent exposure charges. Union community sabbatical Matt Hayhurst said: “A lot of our students go on to have professional jobs. Does no one else have a problem with people p***ing on tables?”
At around 12.30am on Tuesday 1 October, an 18 year old student was confronted by a man as she left a toilet cubicle in The Sugarhouse nightclub in Lancaster. The man pushed her back inside the cubicle and raped her. The woman managed to fight off her attacker, running from the toilets and raising the alarm. She described him as being: white, about 6ft tall with blond hair and aged between18 and 30. He was wearing a light coloured short sleeved top with no collar, but he may also have been wearing a long sleeved shirt or jacket and darker trousers. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Gilbert appealed to anyone who attended the event: “You might not think you match the description which has been circulated, but if you can relate to various aspects of what has been said about that evening then please contact us so that we can talk about it. I am appealing for you to come forward so that you can give your version of what happened that night.” Officers are still keen to trace a man captured on CCTV heading towards the ladies’ toilets along with other potential witnesses, including a woman who seems to be coming out of the ladies’ toilets. The event was known locally as ‘The Big Night Out’, just one of the Fresher’s events being held that week. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Gilbert added:“We are also still keen to speak with a female law student who possibly spoke with the victim in the ladies’ toilets around the time of the incident. If this was you please come forward.”
By Jon Carter & Andy Hamilton
By Jon Carter
E-fit released by police
lecturers angered by ‘miserly’ pay offer By Martha Kane
Dr Katrin Joost and Maxwell Robertson at the picket line on Brampton Road
Last week we saw a second day of strike action at the University of Cumbria in as many months. Some lecturers formed picket lines outside campuses, disputing the ‘miserly’ pay increase offered by employers. Students were only made aware of which classes were affected on the day of the walk out. Adam Lewis, Research and Communications Coordinator for the Student Union, said that such action is always going to be a disadvantage to students: “Inevitably in a small university any absence of a lecturer will have a negative effect on students, we feel especially bad for any students who have had to travel far to find out when they have arrived that their lecturer is on strike.” Despite this the Student Union supported the right to action, he added: “We are completely neutral in the dispute, but we believe all public sector staff has a right to a union and they are within their right to vote for strikes.” Dr Katrin Joost, commented from the picket line at Brampton Road about the increasingly difficult conditions lecturers have found themselves working in, she said: “We feel that higher education in general in under threat; a continuous devaluing of the education sector is taking place. It is lecturers particularly who are not experiencing any pay rises, the management of the same sector seem to manage to get pay rises for themselves.” Many lecturers have mentioned the increased number of administration tasks they are now expected to carry out, after many administrative roles have been cut across the university, as Dr Joost explained: “What we can see is people who are leaving the job are not being replaced so you have increasing
stresses on existing staff as the workload is increased. And then continuous restructurings are not helping either.” The number of staff employed by the university has dropped significantly out of line with student numbers, lecturer to student ratios have been decreasing ever since. Maxwell Robertson, Gaming Design course leader, and representative from the UCU union suggests the falling numbers of lecturers would have a negative impact on students, as lecturers would have less time to spend with each student. He added: “a university can’t be seen to lose money but then again how much profit is enough profit?” No more strike action is planned at present but there is talk of “working to contract hours”, which would mean that staff would only work the hours in which they are contracted to. The average lecturer is said to work on average ten unpaid working hours each week. Therefore such a course of action could lead to major disruption for student’s education. Lecturer’s pay scales do rise alongside academic attainment and experience, therefore to say that they have effectively received a 15% pay deduction over the last four years could be deemed misleading by some. However recent data has revealed that the average full time wage for a lecturer is now lower than that of a teacher. At the same time, the average university Vice Chancellor’s pay packet has rocketed to record levels since the financial crisis hit. In 2010 the university was forced to defer a pay rise after it announced that to honour it would result in job losses. In fact they had to get an advance from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to meet costs that year. The further education sector has also seen a large reduction in funding from the government, which has put a squeeze on expenditure in most universities, at the same time the price students are paying for their education has rose dramatically.
O S S A L C 1068
former students
of the University of Cumbria attended graduation ceremonies at a three day event, last month based at Carlisle Cathedral. They were presented with degrees by the university’s Chancellor, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu alongside the university’s vice chancellor, Professor Peter Strike. The Archbishop described the event for the university as being: “a joy, an honour and a privilege” adding “long may it [University of Cumbria] continue to inspire!” Mature student, Jane Barker, from Carlisle, a young mother of one, was amongst those who graduated, she completed an Academic practice and primary care certificate. She described the day as “a fantastic experience” adding: “It was wonderful to be able to finally graduate after a year
of long hard study” adding that: “it was brilliant to be able to share it with everyone today.” Many, including Jane were working full time alongside studying on their courses. She admits to finding it difficult in the beginning. She said: “Fitting studies in around my day to day life was always a challenge, and with a young daughter too, it was difficult. The university was really supportive to me and made me feel welcome throughout my time here.” Many students commented about their positive experiences at the university, amongst them was postgraduate, Andrea Jago, from South Shields. She said: ‘When the course got tough around Christmas, it was initially challenging as I had a family to support, but the tutors got me through, and now I wouldn’t change it for the world.”Stephanie Bird, QTC Graduate, described the occasion as: “the end of an era as it’s one of the last times we’ll all be together.”
3 1 0 2 F O By Jon Carter & Martha Kane
The Archbishop presented six honorary special prizes awarded for academic fellowships in recognition of ‘outstanding con- excellence presented to The Royal Forestry tributions’ which have been made either to Society’s Alec Pyman Prize, Elaine Morrish the university or in support of causes linked (FdSc Forestry) and Shelly Ann Haslam closely with the institute. (BSc (Hons) Nursing) will receive the Those honoured were: Euan Cartwright, Gordon Neill Prize awarded for Nursing. Cedric Robinson MBE, Juliet Westoll MBE DL, This exciting event has created many Chris Tomlinson OBE, Pam Eland and Steve wonderful memories for all of the graduHoldup. ates. We at ‘The Informer’ wish them all Alongside honorary fellows there were the very best in the future.
Photograph by Kevin Nobin
student views on an independent scotland
By Andy Hamilton
On 18th September, Scots over the age of 16 will be voting in the historic poll to decide whether Scotland becomes an independent country, separating itself from the rest of the UK. While some students look forward to voting ‘yes’ to Independence some strongly disagree with breaking up the UK. Others have also complained that they won’t be able to vote as they live, and are registered to vote, in England. John Sharp from Dumfries, recently elected as Academic Sabbatical to the UCSU, told The Informer about his personal views: “I don’t agree with Scottish Independence as I think it is a backward step.” Adding: “I think that the way of the future is for the world to come together and break down borders and barriers, instead of reinforcing them.” Although John says that he currently won’t be able to vote in the referendum as his permanent residence is outside Scotland. Dani Horton, Carlisle Graphic Design graduate from Ayr, will be voting yes in the referendum. She said: “Scotland becoming independent means that we can finally decide our own fate for our own people. I think we will not know exactly where tax payer’s money is going until we become independent.” She added: “In hindsight we should have gone independent a long time ago, it would have been better before we found the oil in the North Sea.” Katy Brown, also from Dumfries and studying English and Creative Writing, has met the First Minister, but isn’t too keen on breaking up the UK: “I met Alex Salmond at an awards evening and he is a really great guy, but like I say I would prefer Scotland not to
become independent.” Despite reservations from some, the governing Scottish National Party say they are confident that students will help them win a ‘yes vote’ in the referendum, with their commitment to no tuition fees in Scotland, as well as enabling 16 and 17 year olds to vote. Asked by The Informer if the SNP expect Scottish students to vote yes in the referendum, Nicola Sturgeon, the Deputy First Minister said: “We’ve guaranteed free education. We think education should be based on the ability to learn, not on the ability to pay, other parties have betrayed that commitment so I think many students will support us because of that.” Students, who live in Scotland, but stay in England during term time, will be able to vote in the Referendum, so long as they are registered to vote in other Scottish elections. However Scottish students who permanently live in England or abroad will not get a say in the historic vote in 2014.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister
cumbrian MP delighted at ambleside u-turn Students have finally returned to Cumbria’s most scenic campus this year after UoC’s controversial decision to mothball the site, which was criticised by the MP at the time. Around 100 outdoor education students have just started their studies, with more courses to relocate there in the coming year. Tim Farron, the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, campaigned to keep the campus open back in 2009, and was there in October to meet staff and students
MP Tim Farron joined the campaign to save Ambleside campus
By Andy Hamilton at IFLAS – the university’s new Institute for Leadership and Sustainability. The MP, a keen environmentalist, also spoke about climate change during his visit to the campus. After talking to the students he welcomed the role of IFLAS, which seeks to connect local, national and international business leaders around the theme of leadership to address difficult environmental, social and economic problems. “With the climate crisis we will need senior managers to learn new approaches. So it’s really encouraging that hundreds of senior executives from around the world are coming to the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus to study at their new Institute for Leadership and Sustainability. “The first step for learning is to be humble enough to realise we can learn from someone else.” Speaking to the Informer last year, Mr Farron criticised his parties coalition partners on the environment, saying: “The economic crisis is peanuts compared to the environmental one if we let it continue at this pace. The Conservatives have a habit of thinking it’s all a load of nonsense and would rather not bother, so it’s up to us to make sure it does.”
cheerleaders win regional championship This time last year, The ‘UOC Saints’ left the ‘Northern Classics Cheerleading Competition’ feeling deflated after not even placing amongst the top ten finalists. Twelve months later, with a new committee and determination, they found themselves walking away with the top honours, making them BCA Regional Champions for Senior Open Cheer. The girls were delighted and very proud of their achievement. Hannah Brewster , Vice-Captain, said: “The feeling we got when we won was amazing.” “After years of competing and not walking away with anything to show for the work we had put in, this year we all felt a sense of belief and faith in ourselves and each other and were determined that we could be successful.” However they will not become complacent and are still struggling to gain recognition for their sport,
By Martha Kane she added: “We are still fighting for the respect from sports teams at our university, who still unfortunately think we run around waving pom-poms.” The win has brought the girls: “closer together as a squad.” They hope to continue their rise to the top with the BCA University Nationals in April where they will face competitors from across the UK.
Cheerleaders delighted with their first big win in four years
tv channel wants you! By Martha Kane
UOCTV was originally created by students who wished to give themselves the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge further, whilst also giving students a platform to showcase their talents and abilities. The channel originally started out as a magazine style entertainment show with content provided from across campus. But now the channels’ producers are eager to create a variety of programmes rather than just having the one, there is even talk of having a dating show, film reviews and documentaries. Max Evans-Kirkmann, Film and TV student, has been involved with the channel since its launch, he said: “As it is effectively a student channel we would like to push for more diverse content and material. We are interested in hearing from anyone who would like to become involved in creating content.” One of the main obstacles the channel has faced is creating enough material to create the programmes, which can be a time consuming activity, especially when students at the channel have to work round all their curricular activities.
Max added: “We want to push involvement with other subjects and especially increase the amount of journalism related stories, allowing us to become more involved in a story rather than just watching from the crowd.” There has been a few slight changes to this year’s shows, firstly there are more presenters than ever before, some are from the performing arts courses. The channel has also been working closely with the students from wildlife and media courses too, which will hopefully make for some interesting viewing. The third instalment for the second season is due to go out any day now and will include footage from the Christmas lights switch on in Carlisle, the firework show and also the Greener Minds initiative which was filmed down in Ambleside. The episode is available at: http:// vimeo.com/uoctv
Photograph by Dominic Boulding
‘sorry’ for bad communication A Lancaster lettings firm has apologised to UoC students for a “breakdown in communication” after one was angered to arrive home one day to find builders pulling out their kitchen sink.
By Andy Hamilton
Students spoke to The Informer about poor communication prior to visits by painters and other workmen arriving unbeknown to them. One Lancaster student, Alyssa Jade Walker, said she felt they weren’t being treated with the same rights as non-student tenants would in other rented properties. Following our inquiries, Yellow Doors has apologised to student Alyssa and told The Informer that they are sorry for any poor communication. Lettings Manager Gordon Pye told us: “We did not email all the tenants which was an oversight. In hindsight we should have made sure everyone knew and we are sorry if Alyssa did not find out exactly what was going on. “To the issue of ‘poor communication’, we are quite prepared to admit it that there appears to have been some breakdown, albeit unintentional. “It is important to note that whilst we accept that we could have communicated more effectively with the tenants, this is an isolated incident and is far from being our normal modus operandi.” Alyssa, who studied diagnostic radiography, told the Informer Online at the time: “Firstly they sent a painter round to decorate the communal areas, he turns up with no identification and we’ve had no emails from yellow doors warning us that a stranger would be arriving on our doorstep. I came home from placement
today and they’ve ripped out our sink in the kitchen. “Just because they’re a student housing company does not mean we don’t have the same rights as tenants in any other rented property. “On other occasions they’ve only emailed one person and expected them to tell the rest of the house, which is just unreasonable as everyone is on such different work and university schedules that you could never guarantee it. After complaining to Yellow Door lettings manager Gordon Pye, Alyssa said: “The day after me having the argument with Gordon, the workers all came in and apologised to people in the house.” She added: “And now they’ve given us a TV. Alyssa has accepted Yellow Door Lets’ apology. Commenting on how the meeting went, she assured Informer Online: “There were lots of apologies and admitting that they were in the wrong.” Yellow Door Lets, recognisable across the city for their bright yellow front doors, has been providing rented accommodation for a number of years to UoC students in Lancaster and say that the majority of students are very satisfied with their landlord. Students have also told Informer Online that the company have always been fair and flexible with rent, and also that any staff or workers coming to their homes have been decent people, despite complaints of poor communication from the company beforehand. Despite this the Students Union won’t be dealing with Yellow Door Lets anymore, due to university requiring landlords to be signed up to a new accreditation system. The university will now subsidise the money the UCSU previously received for advertising the firm on their website and at Welcome events. Student Union, Representation Sabbatical, Matt Tennant told The Informer: “The university has got really hot on accredited landlords and people who go through a special landlord accreditation scheme, to ensure that students are getting as better quality accommodation as possible. “The university essentially want to ensure any landlords go through the website student-pad, because landlords who use that go through the special accreditation and Yellow Doors don’t go through that programme at present.”
By Andy Hamilton
Joshua Cannings tells The Informer how radical OCD treatment in America helped him find a job, after his condition had made him drop out of his course at the University of Cumbria.
Cumbrian student on living with
OCD
Joshua Cannings, life was put on hold when his OCD compulsions forced him to give up his course here at the University of Cumbria. He suffers from symmetry Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He explained: “I have to touch every object I encounter with my left and right hands, the same amount of times, which can make life very difficult. “My Symmetry OCD affects how I walk, how I shake hands, how I pick up objects, how I work, play and everything in between. Joshua said that the course in Seattle was different to anything he’d previously tried, saying it’s been hugely effective in improving his everyday life. Joshua said that the course in Seattle was different to anything he’d previously tried, saying it’s been hugely effective in improving his everyday life. “The treatment in Seattle was unlike any other I have encountered. The therapists treat you one to one and as a group and they help you however much or however little you give to the group. They believe in strength through communication and group action. “It was in America because that is where this particular type of treatment was conceived. The treatment is a cross between Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which takes the best of both treatments and combines them with group therapy to make something not available in the UK. “The treatment has helped me get a job, as I was unemployed due to me not being able to find work that catered to my OCD. I’ve also moved out of my mum’s house to live with friends. I’ve always been an independent person, but OCD had robbed me of that. Joshua says the new friends he meet during the treatment were fantastic: “I got on amazingly with the others in the group, I was quite unsure how we’d all get along, with it being a very pressurised trip. But we all understood our limits and weaknesses and helped everyone overcome them all.
“The North Cascade Mountains were absolutely spectacular.”
“Certain members of my family and friends were quite unsure with me taking part, what with a few other programmes that had been on TV which seemed to trivialise the disorder, but I knew I was in good hands.” “The BBC and Watershed Productions were incredible. They made sure I had access to an independent psychotherapist.”
new student placement scheme launched
By Martha Kane
The Cumbria Wildlife Trust has launched a placement scheme for students studying at the University, which will hopefully improve graduates job prospects in the future. It has been difficult in the past for students to develop the necessary experience which only practical experience can achieve. As Kevin Scott, Reserves Officer at the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, recognises. He said: “For students and graduates seeking a career in nature conservation it is vitally important to enhance their learning with practical and hands-on experience. Without this it is nearly impossible to get a foot on the rung of the career ladder in this sector.” It is hopeful that the scheme will provide a more formal and structured approach to placement opportunities. As previously there had been openings but they were more based around the Trust’s work schedule rather than being developed specifically for it. Kevin added that the relationship was a “clear example of a win-win situation.” Dr Volker Deecke, a Senior Lecturer at the university said: “In my opinion, doing a placement with Cumbria Wildlife Trust is one of the best things our students can do to boost their employability and ultimately excel in their chosen career.” Alongside looking enticing on a CV in prospective job opportunities, it also develops a strong work ethic which is vital when heading out into the world of employment.
carols by candlelight By Rosina Kermani
After the success of last year’s ‘Carols by Candlelight’ service at Lancaster and Carlisle, it has been decided to run the ceremonies again this year. Reverend Matthew Firth, Chaplain at the University of Cumbria, said: “The university’s Chapel Choir will lead the singing at both services, and will also do some choir only pieces. “People may join in with the carols, and listen to the short talk, silently echoing the prayers that are offered during the service. And afterwards, people can participate in eating and drinking the festive treats.” The idea behind the ceremony is to: “celebrate with students and staff at the end of a busy term. It’s a chance to try to share the message of Christmas with people in the university, the message that lets people know that God loves them so much that he came to rescue them in the form of his Son, Jesus.” When asked if there was something special he is hoping for this Christmas, Matthew replied: “I’ve asked for a new squash racket, as there is one particular student who I want to beat in the New Year!” You can join the chaplain, at the Carols by Candlelight celebration at the St Martin’s Chapel, Lancaster, Tuesday 10 December at 6.00pm. And also at Fusehill Street, Carlisle: Wednesday 11 December at 5.30pm.
STUDENT HELPS BBC TV STAR WITH NEW VENTURE By Martha Kane
A new business venture run by a BBC TV star is having its brand designed here at UoC. Luvena Petty, a third year graphic design student has been handpicked by the “eccentric” bargain hunt expert valuer, Paul Laidlaw, after her designs caught the TV presenter’s eye. All of Luvena’s class were given the brief to create a ‘brand’ for the star’s new business. Out of thirty students it was Luvena’s that stood out. Although not completely sure why her designs were chosen, she feels her use of “photography with figures and faces” could have been what had initially ‘grabbed’ the bargain hunter’s attention. The shop is “hidden between old buildings and a factory” on Rome Street in Carlisle. Luvena describes it as being a: “quirky little building on an industrial estate, it’s a narrow building which is unique in its very own way.” Luvena, who watches Bargain Hunt with her grandma, enjoyed working with the “very Scottish and slightly eccentric” star and the project is still ongoing. Despite being initially “surprised” when her design was chosen, she is very excited at the prospect of working on a “real life project” and the responsibility that comes along with it, she confidently said: “it’s in my hands, I’m nervous about it, but I’m sure it will be fine.” The shop will be called ‘Laidlaw’s’ and will be an antiques store and valuers, it is hoped that an opening date will be announced shortly.
Luvena Petty, who will be designing the brand for Bargain Hunt Valuer, Paul Laidlaw
WHATS ON 4th – 8th December
Carlisle Christmas Markets Give yourself a taste of Christmas by taking in
the aromas and flavours which the international food and gift stalls have to offer, perfect for
7th December
festive inspiration.
Finding Albert
Free
A Dumfriesshire five piece who have recently
made it into the iTunes top 100 in the alterna-
6th December
Help for Heroes Fundraiser
tive charts. Tipped to be the hottest unsigned
Scottish act of the moment, which many believe
they are destined for great things. A real chance to see an amazing act in an intimate setting.
Join, The Castanettes, the Cozmo’s , The
Awkward, Heisenberg, plus special guests in a
@ The Brickyard / Doors: 7pm - 10pm
fundraiser to help those who have been injured
Admission: £7.00 advance / £10.00 on the door.
whilst being in the armed forces.
Ages 14+. Please see entry policy for info.
Join this special event for a worthwhile cause
Tickets: Buy tickets online or call Ticketweb on
whilst listening to some of the best up and
08444 77 1000. Alternatively pop into The Kings
coming indie and rock bands. Guaranteed to be
Head or S4.
a brilliant night.
@ The Brickyard / Doors: 8pm
Admission: £4.00 advance / £5.00 on the door.
13th - 31st December
Ages 14+. Please see entry policy for info.
Tickets: Available from The Kings Head or S4.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Panto
Get into the festive season with this year’s
12th December
‘Sands Centre’ offering. Highly entertaining,
with an abundance of fun, you may not know who the ‘celebrities’ are but laugh along with
Carlisle Ghost Tour
Join a history and ghost tour around the
‘steeped in history’ streets of Carlisle. Starting off at the Crown and Mitre Hotel you will be led around the horrors Carlisle has to offer,
finishing off with a bacon sarnie (veggie options available) and a hot drink. Bring a lantern along with an abundance of courage. 7pm Tickets £10 and bookable at the Carlisle Tourist Information Centre, Telephone: 01228 598596
them anyway.
@ The Sands Centre
Tickets for £11 and Available from The Sands Centre.