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M ONDAY 2 3 RD F EBRUARY 2009 Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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THE RECESSION HITS HARD, RIGHT AT THE HEART OF KEELE Talah Omran KUSU President
A lalrew ec uhte- ba ra cikns ,t hteh en ewwesa tkondeasys
of the sterling and the almighty rece ssion (or depress ion as some like to call it). Well it has just hit Keele and right where it hurts our students, the Library.
It was announced in a Library Advisory Group meeting yesterday, 12th Feb 2009, that the projected budget for 2009/10 is likely to be a static non-pay budget. This means that the library budget so far, which is minimal in any case, will not change even with the ever increasing journal price rises and operational costs. The Copyright Licensing Agency Limited (CLA) license has increased by over 20% this year alone which is a necessity when purchasing electronic resources. Even more worrying however, is the information that journal prices are rising to a 25% increase next year. With the weakness of the pound at the minute and the fact that we buy our journals
F EATURES I NSIDE:
in Dollars and Euros this means that approximately 25% of our journal purchases will be cut. So although the budgets of the library are not being cut our much needed resources are! Unfortunately the bad news does not stop there, information has come to light that it is to be expected that the figures allocated to book purchases will be reduced by more than a third resulting in some departments book funds entirely disappearing! These revelations are completely outrageous and are a backward approach to trying to rectify our University wide problem with the National Student Survey. It was highlighted clearly in last year`s results that one of Keele`s major downfalls is the lack of resources within our library and students dissatisfaction with the matter. Surely in order to tackle this problem in a constructive manner the University, as an educational facility should be pumping more money into our library where we need it most. It is undoubtedly obvious that the library is not being supported in the way it should. The cut-backs being made in the library are going to be incredibly detrimental to student`s education and with Natural Sciences now spending over 80% of their dismally allocated budget on journals it will be those students that suffer the most. The University claim that the library is one of our biggest assets that lies in `the heart of Keele`. What I would like to know is how much will students have to suffer before they pump back
into this heart of Keele and resuscitate our forever downhill sliding Library? One of the most disheartening truths concerning this situation is that I did an interview with Sky News yesterday talking about the difficulties students and new graduates are facing in today`s economical climate. There are very few jobs out there right now and graduate jobs are declining and are predicted to keep doing so. How are our students to stand a chance if the education that they receive is not supported by the resources we so desperately need to compete in this big bad world? So what is KUSU d oin g about the problem? In fairness, as is widely known the economic climate right now has hit all institutions very hard and the problems that we are facing in this University are also faced by many others. KUSU realises and understands that the University has to tighten its purse strings as we all have to in today`s climate.
AT KEELE Continues Page 2
E LECTIONS S P ECIAL - P AGE 3 ONWARDS F E AT URE S - P AG E 4 ONWARDS
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News/Opinion
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b y i n g and However, we will not stop lobb asking for greater support for Library resources as we believe this is an area that we really need to invest in. KUSU Sabbatical Officers sit on many committees where we have been strongly voicing our concerns regarding the library and we will continue to do so to the best of our abilities and then a little bit more. Both the Vice-President (Education & Welfare) and I sit on the Library Advisory Group and have inputted our strong concerns on the issues presented above. I would like to assure you that I will continue to raise the matter in all the relevant meetings and am going to continuing submitting reports to both University Senate and University Council. These are the two highest bodies within Keele and will highlight the growing problems to both academic staff and councillors.
F REE S PEEC H V S . R EL IGIOUS H ATRED D E B AT E R E - I GN I TE D O N CE A GA IN Liam Murray
T
he government`s ban on Dutch Freedom Party MP Geert Wilders, from entering the UK has once again brought to the fore the debate regarding free speech in Britain today.
Wilders – a `populist twit and bigot` in the words of Michael Portillo – claimed notoriety last year as the director of the movie `Fitna`, which likened the `Islamic ideology` to Nazism. The film has been widely condemned as serving purely to incite religious hatred; the rationale for refusing Wilder`s entry to the UK.
The move has ruffled a few feathers in government. Birmingham`s Respect Party councilor, Salma Yaqoob, admitted having mixed views on the ban. Asking whether Wilders had the right `to provoke or even be offensive`, the councilor duly stated, `yes, he does under freedom of speech`. Yaqoob noted, however, the hypocrisy of applying this defence to a figure who publicly calls for the Qu`ran to be banned. The Wilder`s case cannot be considered an isolated affair. In fact, the issue takes place in the context of a much broader confrontation of the far right at many levels of British society. But is the nature of such a confrontation pre-emptive, or a sign that respect for racial equality is on the defensive? Following his appearance on a leaked list of BNP members on the internet last November, the President of Sheffield University`s Student Union, Brian Thwaites – was forced out of office. The same list also contributed to a synod of the Church of England convening last week, to discuss BNP membership amongst the clergy. The Archbishop of Canterbury`s view, that the BNP`s political message, combined its history of violence and intimidation, made it incompatible with the teachings of Christianity was overwhelmingly backed when put to vote. Keele`s No Platform Policy ensures that the BNP, and other political groups considered to have racist views, are barred from positions within the Union, and are unable to publicise their views on campus. However, neighbouring Stoke-on-Trent has the second largest support of the BNP in the country, with nine councilors. Reverend Nicholas Reade, speaking at last week`s Synod, effectively hit the nail on the head by referring to the link between economic recession and the rise of the far right. The Reverend commenting that `in these difficult economic times there are those who could be tempted to look for solutions among extreme political parties`. On the cusp of a dramatic recession, it is now more important than ever to prevent extremist political views from gaining a strong foothold in society. The worker`s strikes at Lindsey oil refinery this month have been accompanied by such unsettlingly familiar slogans as `British Jobs For British Workers`. Although the protests concerned a very serious fear amongst workers with livelihoods at stake, and were absent of racist elements – the BNP is the only party whose central message is
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
23 rd F ebru ary 20 0 9 addressing just that, regardless of its exclusivist definition of what being `British` entails. EU law, and the dangers of protectionism, have forced the government`s hand in this scenario but if British workers feel they are being sold-out – as was the case in the 1970s when the National Front drew significant support – than the BNP may once again become an attractive option. As such, nationalism must at this time, be unequivocally condemned as a potential refuge for the victims of the credit crunch.
Britain differs from its European neighbours, in that one is legally entitled to make outlandish claims, to support particular views and even deny particular genocides. However, as David Miliband stated yesterday, `We have profound commitment to freedom of speech, but there is no freedom to cry `fire` in a crowded theatre, and there is no freedom to stir up religious and racial hatred, according to the laws of the land`. However, such laws must be used appropriately. To push too hard is to galvanize the cause of extremism and add credibility to their defensive victim mentality. Thus, the use of these laws must be coupled with a continued discourse between Britain`s ethnic communities, social programmes engaging young minds from different backgrounds, and best of all, education.
B N P K NO CK I NG O N O U R DOORS Newcastle & Keele Conservative Future
F oc irl a efleewc t ieolnesc t ioofn cSytcolkees- onno-wT rienn tt h et hcei t yB rciotui snh-
National Party (BNP) has seen some success. Th e question of why they have had this amount success has been asked by all political groups. To which there have been man y answers brought forward.
Some say it is because they work hard within their wards doing local campaigns, where as the national parties havent been quite so hands on and focusing on city wide issues. Others believe that it is because many local people in Stoke have become disillusioned with the Labour Party after 40 years of ineffective rule... Continued Page 10
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Elections
23rd February 2009
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Candidates for KUSU President 2009/10 ADAM MASON
Vote Adam Mason for President. Over the past year, I've shown that I put 100% of my effort into the job. I have unrivalled experience that will take our Union from strength to strength. Don't settle for second best, come and make your vote count. I will: Bring Back Union Square, campaign for locks on kitchen cupboards, lower drinks prices, sort out parking at Keele and keep the BNP off our campus! Make history: elect me as President - you won't regret it. "Adam is an effective representative and campaigner for students, who actually delivers results" - Wes Streeting, NUS National President.
JOHNATHAN FOX Vote Foxy.
Hi my name is Jonathan Fox and I am a third year Business Management and Marketing student. Being nominated for the SU Presidency has been in my thoughts for a while now and I believe that given the opportunity I can make a huge impact and bring a fresh enthusiasm to the role. My main focus will be on increasing student participation, offering a more diverse and vibrant Students Union and improving entertainments and promotion. I will ask the questions that need to be asked and challenge the answers in order to improve Keele life for YOU.
Candidates for VicePresident (Democracy & Communications) 2009/10 PETER ‘NEB’ BROOKS
JEZ TULLOCH
I've been falling in love with Keele for almost four years now and in that time I've become involved with both the university itself and with KUSU through the numerous societies and committees I've been a member of in that time. Spending this last year in industry with the company who developed our new KUSU website gave me a valuable experience. Upon my election I will use this insight to take Keele forward; transforming concourse into an on-line resource, introducing convenient e-voting and revolutionising the way students become involved with democracy at Keele.
I’m Jez Tulloch and I’m a third year Law with Chemistry student and I am running for the position of VP Communications and Democracy. I am a hard-working individual who knows a lot about organisation and time management, from being on the committees of two societies in my final year. Two skills I think are important in fulfilling the elected role. My main aim in running for this position is to get people involved in student politics and to further what has already been started with the website and make it more interactive for students.
NICK HEATH
BECCA MULHEARN
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Elections
23 rd F ebru ary 20 0 9
Candidates for Vice-President (Finance & Activities 2009/10 ALEX CARR
TOM SHARP
I would like to introduce myself to you and why you should vote Carr for VP Finance. I am a third year Accounting and Finance student, with finance being my degree discipline I feel it will be a manageable transition to the position of VP Finance. Throughout my three years here I have been involved with the Poker, KRAP and Keele Drama society, where I have held the position of Production Manager for 2007/2008 and progressed to Chair for this year. Any questions you have for me then just approach me about campus or drop me a facebook message.
My campaign bases itself on five main points:- society forums, society funds, a society officer, the boiler rooms & society storage. The society forums need to be reinstated, after they were shut down by a previous VP Finance officer a few years ago. There are many funds available to societies that society executives don’t know about; better society training will help. The VP Finance officer is only one man, and by instating a society’s officer, societies can receive a more personal touch from their union. For more information on these policies, please read my manifesto. Thank you for reading – Tom.
PAYAM GAMMAGE
OLI COTTERILL
Hi there! I’m a 3rd Year Neuroscience Psychology student, active committee member of Keele Ski & Board Club (KSBC), Master of Ceremonies for the Keele Live Lounge Sessions, and now I’m looking to branch out into the role of VP Finance & Activities! In my time at Keele I have been involved in the political dealings of the union, though this has generally only been when I felt a serious injustice was being committed.
As a member (and current social secretary) of KSBC, I have come to fully understand the position that society committee’s regularly find themselves in when relating
Hi, I’m Oli Cotterill, most of you probably recognise me as the ‘little one that walks a bit funny and is quite good at pool’! In 2007 I was elected to this position and accomplished many fantastic things for students.
I simply urge you to vote for me again, to elect a Sabbatical that has first-hand experience and knowledge, coupled with passion, commitment and dedication, to start the position where I left off last year. I PROMISE to use my experience to do many things, including RE-OPENING UNION SQUARE! VOTE for EXPERIENCE VOTE for CONTINUITY VOTE for OLI COTTERILL
Candidates for VicePresident (Education & Welfare) 2009/10 NAOMI ROULSTONE
RICH HILL
A current sabbatical, already with the understanding and knowledge of how KUSU works. I promise that if you re-elect me I will continue to have the utmost commitment and passion for this organisation and the student body. I am always student focused and constantly striving to enhance your expectations of university. I have strong experience about this sabbatical role and by being the compassionate type I will be able to relate to any needs, concerns or complaints that you have with the university or in life. Vote RICH HILL for continuity and make me the first sabbatical to be re-elected.
Keele University University Students’ Union Newspaper Newspaper Keele Students’ Union
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Elections
23rd February 2009
JACK THISTLEWOOD
I am very passionate and energetic and I’m ready to channel that into something good. Summing up a campaign in 100 words is quite difficult, like finding a good sitcom on ITV, though less painful. So to make it easy for people, here’s a biggy –
More support to the support societies, such as KUDOS and Nightline, give them the resources they need to help the rest of us and help them improve and refine the services they can offer, they do so much already but with the right sort of help I know we can make even more of them.
ANDY HUMES
My name is Andy Humes. I am a 22-year-old post grad student from Belfast. This year is my fourth at Keele having studied here at under-grad level. I want to ve VP Education & Welfare because I have faces the pressures (personal and academic) of being an undergraduate and post-graduate student, and I am passionate about being in position where I could make difference in the day-to-day lives of Keele students. I feel my experience as working as part of a tram in various forms would make me an ideal VP Education & Welfare. Please read my manifesto.
KUNAL KHANDERIA
Hi, my name’s KUNAL KHANDERIA and I’m running for VP Education and Welfare. I’m an AU member and the social secretary for KEFMS. Working abroad has helped refine my work ethic and sense of responsibility. I am very approachable, friendly, reliable and hard-working. If elected, I vow to re-examine the inherited atrocious parking situation, review current escalating library fines, focus more on general safety and sexual health, bring in more freebies and promote humanitarian issues. I endeavour to work with the newly elected officers to re-evaluate and solve the Union Square issue, and also maximize the IAU’s potential. Thank You.
DAN HOUGHAM
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GLEN WATSON
I’m running for an opportunity to truly represent students, and to bring your concerns to the table. I have the passion and the experience to fight for your interests, and to speak out against the cuts in student services that so often limit Keele’s potential. We need a fighting Students Union, one that will take up the campaigns you want and run with them to the finish line. Vote Glen Watson for VP Education & Welfare, and make your voice heard. Your opinions. Your campaigns. Your Union.
OLI DZIOMBACK
Candidates for the newly created VicePresident (Sports & Fitness) 2009/10 ROGER WESTON
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Elections
23rd February 2009
Candidates for Athletic Union President SONIA DOUZ
My name is Sonia and I am a 2nd year History and Sociology student. I am a member of the Women’s Rugby Team, and currently the AU Deputy President. As well as my love for sports I have a great passion for representing students. My main aims for the year are to help students to gain coaching and referee qualifications within their chosen sports. I will also tackle the issues of students not being able to compete on Wednesdays. I know how the AU runs so a vote for me is a vote for consistency!
Candidates for Disabled Students Officer CHARLI BAILEY
Hi! I am the current Disabled Students Officer. I want to continue to work for and represent disabled students, and have already built up good relations with Disability Services and Exams. I already have plans for some great awareness events next year, and am in contact with many national charities. This year I would like to push for KUSU to become more proactive and ensure that the proposed access audit is finally carried out. I would also help to make KUDOS an active and engaging society. Basically, let’s make Keele a great place to live and study!
Candidates for Faculty Representative of Humanities & Social Sciences LAURENCE MALLOWS
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Candidates for Campus Affairs Officer LAUREN PROCTOR
I am re-running for Campus Affairs Officer because I want more time to achieve more results for campus students. Since winning the by-election in December more issues have come to my attention - such as inadequate bike sheds - issues that cannot be solved overnight. Please re-elect me as the voice of Campus Students! Thank you :)
Candidates for Entertainments Officer ALLIE COOMBS
Candidates for Female Gender Officer RASHA TOUQAN
I'm a second year studying International Relations and Media, Communication and Culture. I'm from Jordan, but have lived around in a lot of different places. I'm extremely committed to Keele and want it to be as good for everyone as it is for me. As Female Gender Officer, I will work closely with the Male Gender Officer to ensure the fact that there is no gender discrimination and that gender equality is maintained. I will also work on breast cancer awareness and sexual awareness campaigns and events. Also, I'll campaign for more safety buses to ensure students get home safe.
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Elections
23rd February 2009
Candidates for Mature Students Officer
Candidates for International Students Officer AMANDA GROSS
Candidates for Off-Campus Affairs Officer CARRIE MARTIN
For a hard working, active campaigning off campus affairs officer that will listen to your problems, hear and understand those problems and act to resolve your problems, vote for me. I pledge to continue to pressurise the university to give longer library opening hours, and to campaign for more student parking spaces and for lockers for students. I want to increase off campus student involvement in KUSU providing a small information sheet with pointers of how to stay in `the bubble` at welcome events, and to put copies of Concourse on the main buses that come into campus.
S AD D E NI N G A CT O F K E E LE VA N DA LI SM John Easom Keele University Alumni Officer
O
n 9th September 2008 a tree was planted by Sneyd House (S Block) in Lindsay Hall – it was on a small semi-circular lawn by the entrance and was accompanied by a large plaque in memorial of Thomas Suharlan. Thomas was from Singapore and he attended Keele from 1996 to 1999.
KATE LAWRENCE
Hi, I'm Kate and I'm hoping to be re-elected as Mature Students' Officer. I hope to be re-elected so that I can continue the work I have already started, such as working with the Off campus Affairs Officer to ensure all mature students who live off campus have all the same information and access to services as those living on campus. Also to work alongside the university so that there is one clear definition of a mature student. Please vote for me.
Polling
Monday 2nd March - 9am-7pm Tuesday 3rd March - 9am - 7pm Wednesday 4th March - 9am - 2pm Returning Officer: Dauda Bappa vp.finance@kusu.keele.ac.uk kusuelections@googlemail.com
When he was killed in a road accident at the young age of 33 his family asked to plant a tree in his memory at Keele – and specifically at Lindsay Hall – because he loved his time there so much. We hoped and expected that Keele students would respect the tree and Thomas`s memory. The tree was an extremely rare Chinese Tulip and it took considerable effort, weeks of searching and great expense to track down a sample that was mature enough to be replanted at Keele. Thomas` mother and several members of his family, along with former Keele students and friends travelled all the way from Singapore and Malaysia and elsewhere to plant the tree. Unfortunately, about two weeks ago deliberate or accidental vandalism resulted in the tree being snapped off and killed. The family intends to make a return visit in five
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years to see how the tree has grown – when it was due to blossom beautifully for the first time - and now I have to find a way to tell them that it is dead. I am very disappointed – in fact I am angry – that this has happened, especially as the memorial plaque is right next to the sapling and describes it explicitly as a memorial tree. I am ashamed that Keele students have behaved in this irresponsible and disrespectful manner and I do hope that those responsible will feel their guilt and come forward to me in the Alumni Office or to the Lindsay Hall Resident Manager. Perhaps they would like to raise a sum amongst themselves to buy a replacement tree? Or maybe they would like to join me when I meet the family when they visit, in order to explain how their son`s precious memory has been desecrated? Or at the very least write a letter of apology that I can forward to his family and friends? Or perhaps they will do nothing at all and pretend to themselves that this outrageous act has had no consequences. I do hope that somebody will step forward to right this wrong. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Mon 23rd feb Massive Monday Mardi Gras Theme Tues 24th Comedy Club
Weds 25th Wicked
Thurs 26th Quiz Night KRAP in K2
Fri 27th Live 6 Nations Rugby Get Funked
Sat 28th 6 Nations Rugby 3pm/5.30pm Disco Disco in the Lounge Free anything goes Disco Sun 1st March Live Lounge Premiership Football 7.30pm
The ShowCase ShowDown (SCSD) by Jayne Winstanley (Entertainments Dept)
I've had a lot of students ask me over the last few weeks what this event is so I thought this would be a good place to let you know. The SCSD began last year and was the brainchild of a group of Keele students who wanted to celebrate the rich cultural diversity that we have here at Keele. Many students rallied together to put on a show of performance artists from singers, dancers, spoken word, musicians and a fashion show! The event was an amazing sucess thanks to the time and effort put in by the student performers and organisers.
There has been a great tradition at Keele to celebrate its multiculturalism and did so in the form of the International Extravaganza. I myself was a student at Keele and took part in this event 10 years ago! I had an amazing time and made life long friends just by being involved in this event. So it was a great honour for me to be involved with the SCSD last year and now that I have returned to Keele as a member of staff. Keele Uni is a very special place and this event is one of the reasons why, seeing so many people from different parts of the world and different backgrounds come together makes it such a wonderful heart warming event we can all be proud of. It's a chance for the Keele community to really shine.
The ShowCase ShowDown As if this wasn't reason enough to get involved in this special event all takes place on Thursday 26th March, the profits made from this went to if you don't want to perform then please support with your attendance. Cancer Research UK. Tickets for this event will be available soon. Be part of something really special. Thanks for reading.
The SCSD organisers are looking for people to take part and showcase their talents and celebrate their culture and that of others no matter where you are from. They are also looking for students to model in the fashion show, if you would like to get involved then please email: showcaseshowdown@hotmail.com shaileespatel@hotmail.com or contact Jayne in the Entertainments Dept
Entertainment始s Department - j.winstanley@keele.ac.uk
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Opinion Continued from Page 2
....with their traditional vote not being given to other national parties, the voter has been driven to use there vote either for the BNP or an Independent. Finally it has been suggested that they have gained support through their national policies, such as, immigration. The BNP are labeled as an extreme right wing party, yet if you look closely enough they are in fact rooted in their beliefs that are founded in socialism. Conservative Future National Chairman, Michael Rock recently said in his official blog. `The consistent miss-labeling of extremist parties is very damaging to liberal democracy, as it creates false tensions and misaligns people with causes they do not understand fully. I`ve yet to meet a Tory who believes in clamping down on free-trade and the nationalisation of private companies. The BNP are both racist and fascist: all fascist parties have left wing tendencies as they predominantly believe in nationalisation, collectivism and forbid free expression, which makes fascism the very antipathy of right-of-centre politics.` But the BNP have as of yet not darkened the doors the Newcastle Borough Council, until now. With a fast approaching by-election in Ravenscliffe, we see on the electoral ballot a BNP candidate. We must take action and fight against these racist and homophobic so called `politicians`, and stop them from coming into power and having the authority to make decisions that affect our lives on campus, were we live and how we choose to live our lives. Shane Greer, Executive Editor of Total Politics said; `The truth though is that it doesn’t really matter whether we disagree on where groups like the BNP fall on the political spectrum, what matters is that we in the mainstream parties take seriously the need to challenge the BNP wherever possible, to undermine their efforts by engaging with the disengaged individuals who the BNP target, and ultimately to see the BNP destroyed.` Whether, as students, we are members of Keele Conservative Future, Keele Labour Students or completely apathetic towards national politics, we must all join together and fight to prevent fascism darkening the doors of our University.
23rd February 2009
S E L E CT & S A VE O R S EL ECT & S PEND ? Frederike Dammé
E ve ve reyryoonne e k ngoowe ss itto, eSveelreycot n eannde e dSsaviet ,!
Keele`s essential source for students every day needs. Some go more regularly, some go more frequently but with a great certainty you can say that everyone has been the re at some point in their student lives.
It is very convenient, isn`t it? The chances to run out of milk, bread or alcohol are very low by having opening hours till ten o`clock. But it is also a great business idea, maybe the oldest business concept ever. If you are the only option people have, as a business you can, to a certain extent do whatever you want. I bet, I`m not the only student who stands in front of the shelves, staring at the prices and thinking: this is not possible, this is just not possible! Select and Save is expensive, it really is. Back in Germany, I have been always warned of the immense price differences of England and Germany, especially when it comes to food and living. Like with everything, you don’t believe it until you have seen it. Living in Reading for a year showed me that it is possible to charge £3.50 for a plain tuna sandwich! Obviously there are price differences in England. Reading is very close to London and London is on another planet, financially speaking. We all know that. By coming to the Midlands which is probably
IN
P RAISE OF PAPE R
Harriet Earle
E vd earyyst. h i nOgr, raetl ileesa sotn, i tc ocme rptuatienrlsy ns eoewmas-
that way. We communicate via the Internet, we type everything we write, and we rely on Google and Wikipedia for
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
one of the cheapest areas in the country (I informed myself beforehand to make sure that I wouldn`t make another Reading disaster), I thought of being extremely clever and financially secure. Standing in front of the shelves in Select and Save makes me strongly rethink that. Am I a victim of a national lie? Are the Midlands possibly much more expensive than I have been told? Was it all a dream? I just have to leave the secure bubble of Keele University and head down into Newcastle to find out that, I`m not losing my mind. Walking through the big aisles in Morrison`s I realise that I can buy goods for half the price that Select and Save would charge me. I feel a wave of relief, however, closely followed by a build up of anger. Students and welfare recipients have one important thing in common: both have little income. Therefore they are probably financially on the lowest end of society. Select and Save is run by the University, unsurprisingly! And the University does not seem to feel too bad about charging their students, on top of tuition and accommodation fees, overprices food. To be fair the quality of the food is fairly decent, the selection of goods to purchase is alright, but not outstanding. I wonder if the word `save` stands more for saving time instead of money. But that is just me speculating. I doubt that the circumstances will change in the near future. Furthermore, I think that even when the prices continue to go up students will still buy the products. They moan but they still buy. It all just seems to be a bit of a vicious circle. Even the staff in Select and Save do not always give the impression that they are happy to work there. Maybe because they know that prices like that are not morally right. Maybe the price issues at Select and Save should be an issue at the next Union General Meeting or Student Council. But as much I wish these governing bodies of the Union had the power to change it, I doubt they will. Not because I don`t Union representatives are not committed enough. Simply because business is business and that is life. our information. Schools are shrinking their libraries to make room for more computers and children are more computer-literate than most adults. I am sure that most people, when asked, would say their computer was their most important possession. But is this computer worship damaging? Take a typical week in the life of a student. We read our emails, and reply. We type essays, research projects on the Internet. We also spend a ridiculous amount of time on social networking
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Opinion
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sites, such as Facebook. Perhaps a tutor will post E E LE GA S D R ILL IN G P R OP OS AL N O T G IV E N links to important documents on WebCT. It is fair to say that the majority of our work will be T H E GO AH E A D done on computers. What we do not think about it how much we lose – how many people write letters anymore? Furthermore, how many people Keele University`s plans to become energy self-sufficient have been dealt a blow because of still handwrite anything? We are so used to typ- concerns over gas drilling. ing everything that the art of penmanship is The university is looking at coal bed methane extraction as part of a sustainable energy dying an inky death. strategy and wants to drill two exploratory boreholes to test the viability of these plans. Of course, all these electronic resources would But Newcastle Borough Council`s planning committee yesterday called for this scheme to be suit those eco-warriors who bash on about exces- blocked because of concerns over noise and water pollution. sive paper consumption. Or would they? I am Councillors voted to make their objections known to Staffordshire County Council, which will unable to read off a screen due to abysmal eye- determine the application next month. sight and so I print any big documents to read as The rig, which would be up to 38 metres tall, would be located at the southern end of the hard copy. If it were not for all this obsessive eco- university`s science and business park and would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week concern perhaps my lecturers would still hand out for up to six months. hard copies and thus save me, and those like me, Phil Butters, assistant director of commercial and facilities management at the university, a small fortune in printing charges. But no, said: `The university has world-leading research into renewable energy sources. We want to apparently the environment is much more impor- embrace all the other renewable technologies, such as wind, solar and geothermal, and through tant than good eyesight, so we battle on. I only that we genuinely believe we could become self-sufficient for energy.` hope when the eco-warriors eventually take over o`clock lectures unable to keep our eyes the world they make their recycling signs clear A N A N A S I N P Y J A M A S open due to lack of sleep. Perhaps some of enough for us all to read through milk bottle lensus are just dirty stop outs or maybe we`re es. A N D A V E R Y S L E E P Y not really `morning people` but statistics This computerisation obsession is spreading fursuggest that 60 million people a year suffer ther than we ever thought. Amazon has just S T U D E N T from sleep disorders ranging from short launched Kindle 2, the improved version of the term insomnia to long term cases of sleep Kindle, a small palm-pilot sort device that claims Kelly O` Connell apnea. As students we haven`t really got a to hold 1500 books, weighing less than an average chance of maintaining a healthy sleep patpaperback and also includes wireless connection. tern what with poor diets, work anxiety, Although it claims to `read like paper` it`s still a noisy sleeping environment, transparent screen. As a self-confessed book lover (and l e e p i n g d i s o r d e r s : I t ` s a n a s t y b u s i - curtains, and caffeine consumption not to Literature student) I love the feel of the crisp n e s s , b u t i f y o u a r e a t h i r d y e a r ( o r mention all those late night socials we simpages of a new book. Amazon, and the thousands of people who use a Kindle, do not share this opin- j u s t a l i t t l e m o r e i n c l i n e d t o w a r d s b e i n g ply must attend. And so we spend our n e u r o t i c ) y o u h a v e p r o b a b l y a l r e a d y lives, in our dressing gowns, smoking in the ion, apparently. cold at 5 in the morning when the rest of My point remains. Computers are not the be all e x p e r i e n c e d n u m e r o u s s l e e p l e s s n i g h t s . the world are safely tucked up in bed. Or and end all. In fact, they can be awful things – I myself have been having progressively fewer in my case, writing an article on how lack unreliable and likely to crash at terrible moments. We are graced with the ability to grasp a pen and, hours in the land of nod over the last few of sleep really is very irritating. On the presumable, write. Please don`t let this become a months, and this has culminated in having such upside, it does give me some new material. Hopefully nobody reading this is expectlost art. For the sake of your eyesight if nothing vivid night terrors that I kicked my friend in the face when `top-and-tailing` after a particularly ing me to provide them with any solutions else! heavy night. You will probably deduce that my to the problems of insomnia. I don`t have unconscious outbursts are caused by alcohol and any answers. The doctors don`t even have seeing as I am indeed a student this would not any answers, and they are supposed to be an unreasonable presumption. I have howev- know about these things. I have resigned er tried; cutting caffeine and alcohol out of my myself to the fact that I will probably not diet, drinking hot chocolate/milk/various herbal be able to sleep now until finals, but at least drinks, sleeping tablets, running and pulling all then it`s over. I may sleep for a year then, nighters in the hope that I totally exhaust myself, but that`s a sacrifice I am willing to make. eating bananas before bed (which apparently make you sleepy!), and even as a last resort; reading Jane Austen for however long it takes me to bore myself into a coma. Unfortunately though, my quest for a deep nights sleep has been fruitless. Unless of course, you count the bananas. I know I am not the only person in Keele struggling with sleep deprivation. It is startlingly clear that there are a number of us who sit in our 9
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Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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12 Societies K E R B SI D E R E C YC LIN G
F OR S TU -
DE N T S A T R I SK Jason Davies KUSU Environmental Officer
ue to current low levels of recycling, the kerbside recycling scheme which has been extended across bin areas in Horwood, Lindsay, Holly Cross and the Oaks is at risk of being withdrawn unless it is taken up by more students and residents. There are also additional recycling points at the Students' Union, Hawthorns and Barnes. Recycling has always been a sticky point at Keele and this is the first opportunity for all students to be able to access recycling facilities a lot easier, than is currently available. Its not just low levels of recycling but some blue bins have even gone missing.
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A recycling flyer for Keele is available online at: http://www.keele.ac.uk/feature /docs/green/NLUBC%20R ecycling%20STU% 20FlyerF.pdf So now all students are being called on; to increase their recycling, protect their blue bins, encourage others to recycle and fight to keep kerbside recycling at Keele! All ideas are welcome over how to increase recycling participation, please e-mail me at: st a51@kusu.keele.ac.uk
T HE E VOLUTION
OF
M U SI C
Shehreen Tariq
23 rd F ebru ary 20 0 9
Keele changed, or one may say `evolved`. While the famous Indie, Rock and Pop were still being delivered regularly at union events, other DJ`s made their mark and brought in a new flavour of tunes. It was this new turn that allowed the group Def Jam to come about. Known for their old and new commercial music, Def Jam also introduced the concept of give-aways, promotions, etc, and it was here that DJ Jus J (JJ) made his name at Keele, with the help of another DJ Yaw and their promotional officer, AJ. Though Def Jam made their mark at Keele, tables took a turn when a new group of kids were on the block. They call themselves the `Audio Primates`, and were five average guys who came together, with big hopes and music background, to start a revelation in Keele`s music entertainment. Starting off small in Horwood Bar from 2007 -2008, Fahad Ibrahim (DJ Fad), Tapiwa Saburi, Nikul Mayariya, Daniel Okello ( D-Boy) and Rajdeep Dogra (DJ Dogra), received response bigger than anticipated, and before they knew it, students and societies were asking them personally to host events as well as become regulars at the Student Union. It was just the push they needed to go forth with what they had been working so hard to achieve, and in doing so, have become one of the most-liked and recognised DJ groups in Keele. It has been quoted from one of the members that `We add that extra bit of showmanship and keep the dance floor on their feet nonstop. We go in with the mindset that we have to make a show, and that is precisely what we do...` So on that mark, it is safe to say, that you can`t know where you`re going until you know where you`ve come from. It was the DJ`s in the past, such as Martin, and DJ Dasha, still spinning his tunes now, which set the bar for the Audio Primates. They call themselves the `misfits` of Keele, who people used to laugh at, but now can`t get enough of. They plan to keep their events big and spaced out, each show bringing a fresh new twist to your night out at Keele. They promise their fans mixed cd`s, t-shirts and other forms of merchandise. Their logo and motto `No Imitation or Repetition`.
Hello Kubeites and Kubettes, and welcome to another update! We've been very busy getting KUBE back on air and set up for the new semester. As of February 9th we have been back on air with all your favourite student shows. Although, be sure to check the show schedule, as it has changed from last semester and there are a lot of shows in new places, as well as a few new shows you may be interested in checking out. To check the schedule, go to http://www.kuberadio.com/schedule/.
with our new schedule, we also have elections upcoming for a new W ha ni lde os ot hmeer spge oopfloe r gtoh et ot htrhiel l Uonf i ot hne t o` pguel lt` ,hdaomems earneyd-, Along committee for next year. The dates we have tentatively set are March
one go just for the love of music?
When looking back at previous years, the DJ`s at Keele were entertaining the crowds for Indie, Pop and possible Electro/Trance fans. Familiar names such as DJ P, Mario and Martin were known for their skills in these music genres, but there wasn`t much demand or supply for music such as Hip-Hop, Garage, and Reggae; basically everything you would hear on the streets of big cities! There was DJ Dasha, who would play at a small venue, The Pig and Rat, but this lacked capacity or promise. However, it wasn`t before long that DJ Dasha`s tunes and talent were recognised and filtered into the Union, because people were demanding it. It is here that a small turn in the scene of music at
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
5th for the opening of nominations, and the elections taking place on March 19th. These dates are yet to be made final, but if they change it will be announced on the KUBE website. If you would like more information on the specific positions, send an e-mail to info@kuberadio.com. Or, if you're interested in running, e-mail tk@kuberadio.com, stating your name, and the position you would like to run for. All nominated candidates will have to be prepared to give a two minute speech on why they should be elected to the position they're running for. That wraps up this update. Make sure you keep tuning in to www.kuberadio.com, Staffordshire's most highly awarded student radio station!
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23rd February 2009
KEELE DRAMA
SOCIETY PRESENTS `FUDDY MEERS` - BY DAVID LINDSAYABAIRE Fuddy Meers, directed by Lucy Druce and Sarah-Jane Kitchen, is the next play to be adapted by KDS. This farcical comedy is being performed in K2 on 26th, 27th, 28th February & 1st March at 6pm. Tickets are as little as £3.50 for students. Fuddy Meers tells the story of an amnesiac, Claire, who awakens each morning as a blank slate on which her husband and teenage son must imprint the facts of her life. One morning Claire is abducted by a limping, lisping man who claims her husband wants to kill her. The audience views the ensuing mayhem through the kaleidoscope of Claire's world. The play culminates in a cacophony of revelations, proving that everything is not what it appears to be. KDS looks forward to seeing many of you at the performances. If you have any questions or would like to reserve tickets please email KDS on k e e l e d r a m a s o c i e t y @ g m ai l. c o m.
P O S TG R A DU A TE
Societies/KPA
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government would continue to support postgraduate study in the current e conomic climate.
The Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills was asked how the government is responding to the downturn in financial assistance for postgraduate study from private companies and banks. These questions are pertinent in a time when postgraduate numbers are increasing (an increase of 27% in the last decade) and financial assistance is in decline. David Lammy MP, responded by firstly highlighting the Government`s determination to ensure that finance is not a barrier to education, hence why it is the Government`s priority to invest in financing undergraduate studies. However, as Lammy stated, it is important that people are given the opportunity to reach their potential, and this may mean postgraduate study. According to Mr. Lammy, the Government has responded to this by providing funding for `internationally acclaimed research activity` through investment in the various research councils; Government support for the UK research base has risen from £1.3 billion to £3.4 billion in the last decade. As far as funding for postgraduate taught programmes, the Government has repositioned career development loans as new professional and career development loans (PCDLs). PCDLs will provide more generous terms for the lender, such as a maximum loan amount of £10,000, and lower interest rates. Mr. Lammy also points out that the Access to Learning Fund (ALF) may also be a source of help to postgraduate students. These responses are largely uninformative and disappointing to say the least. The only new measure that the Government has taken to support postgraduate education is the slight change to the career development loan. Encouraging further debt seems to be the Government`s answer to encouraging `life-long learning` and the `re-skilling of the workforce`. As we have been experiencing over the last year, this debt culture is unsustainable and volatile, and does not provide an adequate form of postgraduate funding. As the job market becomes ever more competitive, and graduates look to improve their chances of employment through postgraduate study, we will no doubt see an increase in either graduate unemployment as they are unable to access finances for postgraduate study, or in postgraduate debt. The unfair funding system for postgraduate study does not reflect society`s needs and is letting down a generation of young adults who are looking to their government for support.
FU N D IN G A ND
T H E E CO NO M I C DO W NT U R N Lauren Fuzi KPA Chair
C
oncerned by the current financial difficulties that postgraduates are facing, Paul Farrely, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, asked the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills last week, how the
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IAU/VE L O OK I NG
FO R A JO B ?
A sy oau smt uadye nhta vset undoyti incge dd ui tr i ni sg btehceo mc ui nrrge ni tn cerceoansoi nmgilcy cdriisf feis-
23rd February 2009
must prove that you are worthy of employment!
Ensure your contact details on any correspondence are legible and correct. Go to Keele Careers Service for information and advice on interview skills.
cult to get a part-time job to help you finance your way through your study, gain work experience and / or meet new N.B. It is important to have a happy study / work / life balance and people. remember that you are here to study and get the best degree you can Due to businesses closing down and staff being made redundant, the whilst also meeting new friends and having fun, funding your studies competition for each available job vacancy has increased and to get is admirable but do not let it ruin your education! ahead you need to make yourself `shine` like never before! Keele Students` Union and Keele Careers Service have teamed up to help all students prepare for the world of part-time and / or graduate work The best ways to do this are: with `What makes you so Special` a series of talks and workshops. Put Complete all application forms to the best of your ability and neatly. May 2009 in your diary NOW! Put all your work experience on the form no matter in what country For more information and to book your place log on to you gained the experience. All experience counts! www.kusu.net/special Read all job adverts properly and use any `skills` words used in the Jobshop advert e.g. reliable, organised etc in your application form or covering Top Floor, St udent` Union letter. Tel: 01782 734800 Email: Jobshop@keele.ac.uk Make sure your CV is perfect and as good as it can be, go to Keele Careers Service to get your CV individually looked over! If you need to phone to enquire for a job, ask for the appropriate person if specified on the advert, be polite and explain why you are calling e.g. `Hello I am interested in applying for the............. job vacancy`. Before ending the conversation thank them for their help. Do NOT be forceful with your conversation, employers do not owe you a job you
O VE R S E AS C HA LLE N G E 2 0 0 9
Thailand project, the VE @ Keele Project Leader will also be travelling to Thailand with volunteers to support and assist them for the first two weeks of the project. Becky Taylor The Keele volunteers involved in this exciting project are: Olivia VE Project Higginson, Michael Rogalski, Laura Wloscowicz, Sarah Lloyd and Esther Dick. VE @ Keele are still looking to recruit a sixth volunteer! Each volunteer must fundraise the ÂŁ1255 cost of the trip to Thailand, which will Five Keele students have been chosen to participate in a unique over- include their flight, accommodation and food costs. seas volunteer opportunity, Overseas Challenge 2009 for four weeks in Overseas Challenge volunteers will be organising a number of fundraisAugust 2009. A partnership between VE @ Keele, Manchester ing events across campus and in their local communities over the next Metropolitan University student volunteer project, coMMUni and chari- few weeks and months in an attempt to raise the full cost of taking part ty Volunteers for Educational Support and Learning (VESL), Overseas in this unique opportunity. If you would like to make a donation,contact Challenge 2009 aims to provide a summer school experience to prima- Becky at VE @ Keele. ry school age children in the rural northern province of Chiang Rai in Anyone interested in finding out more about Overseas Challenge 2009, Thailand. or would like to part, contact Becky at VE @ Keele at v o l u n t e As a charity organisation, VESL aims to set up and run structures and i n g @ k u s u . k e e l e . a c . u k or telephone 0 1 7 8 2 7 3 3 6 2 6 . supported placements in some of the neediest communities in Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. Working closely with governments and local communities, VESL can ensure that its projects make a real and measured difference to the host communities. Similarly to VE @ Keele, coMMUni aims to increase and expand student volunteering in the local community through the involvement of both university staff and students. coMMUNi worked in partnership with VESL in 2008 to facilitate a student volunteer project in India. As well as working in partnership with VE @ Keele in Thailand, coMMUni volunteers will also be returning to India again in 2009. Whilst VESL provide in-country volunteer co-ordinators during the
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IAU
23rd February 2009
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A DVICE T I ME If you are thinking about renting a house off campus for next year, please don`t panic about sorting one out now. There is plenty of time, the earlier you sign up the more potential there is for problems; do you know you will be definitely coming back for 09/10? Will your house mates pass their exams? What if you split up with your girlfriend between now and moving into the house you have both signed up for? When you start to look, Housing Packs are available from the Independant Advice Unit to help with house hunting – you can also check out the notice board on the top floor of the Students` Union. This has loads of information and also has some properties advertised. If you find a house you think you like and you`ve run through the checklist in the housing pack, bring the contract in for us to check over for you, particularly important if your prospective landlord isn`t using a Residential Landlord Association (RLA) agreement. If the agreement is a RLA agreement check to make sure that the logo is on every page not just the front page. Don`t sign a contract until you have had it checked. Further help and advice will be available from the Advice Unit over the next two months. We will be running housing advice surgeries at the end of February and in March, representatives from the local authority and from environmental health will be available as well as our Advisors. Check out kusu.net for further details. Study worries? How were your results? Had any unexpected shocks? If you are concerned about how your course is going, or having a difficult time at the moment, you can always come along and chat to an Advisor about your options. The Unit offers independent advice on academic matters, University Regulations and processes. Advisors are able to represent students at University hearings.
E A T IN G D I SO RD ER WEEK - 2 3RD 2 8 TH F EBRUARY Charli Bailey KUSU Disabled Officer
T ht hee eanndnoufalt hai ws amroe nnet hs smwaer ke ks
for eating disorders.
To mark this week BEAT, the national charity for eating disorders is running a great photography competition. Working with the Dove Self Esteem Fund they are looking for examples that `challenge the rigid, stereotypical ideals of `beauty`. The winner gets a cash prize of £150! Think of the great nights out you could have with that! To find out more visit their website; w w w . b - e a t . c o . u k . On there you can also find out ways that they can support you if you are suffering an eating disorder, or if you want to find out how to support someone you know who has one. Alternatively, make use of the free on campus counselling service; give them a ring on 3 4 1 8 7 . Here are there top ten self help tips for sufferers; Buy a self-help book. Research has
proved that self-help books can be enormously effective.
Write down your family history noting dramatic or eventful periods of change.
Begin to keep a diary - write down See if there are emerging patterns of behaviour. Look at the way feelings. Make your diary personal to you relate to others. Do you have equal give-and-take in relationships? If not look at books on assertiveness or join an assertion you - be your own confidante and group. friend in whom you confide your thoughts. Scribble, stick in photos, Be gentle on yourself. Accept the way you are. Your eating disdraw pictures - there are no rules order has enabled you to cope with difficult circumstances. See if about how you have to use the you can come up with other coping strategies which are less space. harmful. Begin to be in touch with the feelings and thoughts around the binges. Begin to understand your underlying emotional issues. Ask yourself what is it that you really want instead of food - is it a response to the worry of work? Do you really want a hug, a chat with a friend? Start nurturing and pampering yourself. Set aside time in the day for your own relaxation and leisure periods. Prioritise your needs. Dare to say yes to yourself instead of no. Learn to accept the way you are and begin to appreciate and love yourself. Do not overly criticize or judge yourself harshly. Over zealous self-criticism will drive the compulsion of the eating disorder. Draw a family tree to include all friends and all those living or dead.
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Sport
2 3rd Feb ru ary 2 00 9
TEAM: KEELE
Sonia Douz Athletic Union Deputy-President
o...we've had loads of our fixtures cancelled due to the weather which for us sport lovers has been extremely annoying to say the least! Just like to say thank you to all of you that are still finding ways to train and bearing with us while we try to return to normality. Not all is doom and gloom as we have a jam packed semester on our hands. We have some really important dates coming up so make sure you put them into your diaries. The Presentation Ball tickets are now on sale for £35 which includes a three course dinner, a photo and gauranteed good time to be had! The Presentation Ball is the highlight of the year where all those that have been working hard, performing outstandingly and promoting the good name of Keele in their chosen sport are recognised with awards. The committment and dedication of all A.U. members has been outstanding so far! The Presentation Ball is a chance for everyone to celebrate individual achievements as well as team,club and as an A.U. as a whole. The Ball is on March 21st so make sure you don't miss it! Of course we cannot forget that Varsity is upon us. For those of you that do not know Varsity is, it is a day long event where by we compete against Staffordshire University in a number of sports. At the end of the day the number of wins decideds the overall champs of the year. The date for our rivals to be shown up is March the 11th. We're certainly excited in the office and looking forward to Staffs eating their words...THEY ACTUALLY THINK THEY ARE GOING TO WIN!! Keep up with the hard work guys and girls, it's not long now! Lastly it's the time to elect a new A.U. Committee. The positions up for grabs are Deputy President, Secretary and Treasurer. Each position is rewarding and enjoyable. Nominations are now open and close on the 6th of March. The elections will take place on the 9th. It is seriously worth considering as it will give you an oppurtunity to really make a difference within the Athletic Union.
S
S KI
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Kim Topham
I
n light of our recent snowy conditions it seems appropriate to mention some of Keele`s Ski and Snowboard Club events anticipated for this semester.
qualified ski and snowboarding instructors. Alongside our fortnightly riding sessions we will also be offering opportunities for anyone to attend The Chill Factore freestyle nights, which provide equipment for all freestyle abilities including boxes, rails and kickers. These nights are usually hosted on a Tuesday and are well worth attending, as they not only allow you to practise your own freestyle, but also they offer the opportunity to be a spectator to some of the best freestylers in the country. So for those who may not want to join in but fancy an evening out of the bubble there are bars and places to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, whilst experiencing some amazing freestyle spectacles. Transport there and back is provided for so to get involved email k s b c _ 2 2 @ y a h o o . c o . u k and we will be happy to provide more information. On a final note we will be hosting the usual socials on a regular so keep your eyes peeled for emails and facebook invites. Don`t miss out. Hope to see you all at the next social.
Firstly, for those of you who may not know we have changed our Wednesday fortnightly ski location from Tamworth to Manchester`s brand new indoor ski dome, suitably named The Chill Factore. With brand new snow making facilities ensuring 400mm in depth of snow and with a main ski slope of 180m in length and 100m in width, it houses the longest and widest ski slope in the country. The Chill Factore charges £20 per person for 90 minutes of riding, and for those who want to learn or even improve their ski and snowboarding technique private tuition can be arranged by members of KSBC committee, some of which are
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
Next Wednesday`s Home Fixtures - February 25th 2009 Badminton Bangor
Men`s
2nd
Vs.
Football Men`s 1st Vs. Cumbria Football Men`s 2nd Vs. Chester (W) Football Men`s 3rd Vs. NEWI Hockey Men`s Manchester 5th Hockey Woman`s Manchester 2nd
2nd
1st
Vs.
Vs.
Netball 1st Vs. Lancaster Netball 2nd Vs. Lancaster Rugby Women`s 1st Vs. UCLAN
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