I SSUE 1 F R I D AY 2 6 T H S EPTEMBER 2 0 0 8 Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
SABBA T ICA L T EAM T A KES A BYT E HAL LSN ET 500 MB Q U OT A
www.kusu.net
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Rich Hill Vice-President (Communications & Democracy)
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been constrained to a daily download limit of 500mb. Following on fr om f u rt he r d is c u ss ion s b y p re v iou s sabbaticals, your new team chose to once again re-ignite the issue and query why the limit still remains at 500mb. I think we will all be in agreement by saying that digital delivery is becoming more and more popular especially at being the delivery mode for a wide range of academic, leisurely and technical uses. Since the daily limit came into effect I am almost certain that there are now a much higher percentage of students wishing to download things through BBC's iPlayer, 4 on Demand, YouTube and iTunes to name just a few examples. Further to this, core updates to software such as Microsoft Windows and
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iTunes are no longer mere megabytes but are in much greater quantities. Individual’s bandwidth is now going to be greatly diminished even through legitimate use of downloading. The illegitimate downloading being a firm and fair enough reason as to why Hallsnet in the past have refrained from extended the quota. It was on this basis that I sent an e-mail to Dr. John White, (Deputy Director of IT Services), echoing the many grievances of the student population. Due credit should be given to Georgie Hammerton for establishing the ‘Please Hallsnet Remove the 500mb Daily Download Limit' Facebook group many months ago where many of the debates here proved useful in putting forward our case. It was said that if they were to increase the limit then Hallsnet can really deliver the service most students come to expect. The internet is one of the most useful resources for information especially for someone academically of mind. However, it was further said that we should not impinge students who do want to use the network for entertainment purposes as well. After all, everyone is entitled to a well earned break from their studies. The meeting then took a technical turn and I was left to hand over the gauntlet to Adam Mason (Vice-President Education & Welfare) and Dauda Bappa (Finance & Activities) who are more technically in the know than I.
With their expertise and Dauda’s research into other universities usage polices we had strong reasons for why the limit should be increased. In conclusion we spoke about various issues within the meeting and managed to secure and guarantee the limit being raised to 1gb for the start of term. Hallsnet have told me to remind students that all other restrictions and rules remain the same and I would like to take this opportunity to ask all of you to continue to abide by the Hallsnet ruling on file-sharing. Further to this we have now set up an action to have continued meetings in the future with the IT services, production and Hallsnet staff. It will be in these future meetings where we will be continuing the discussions and hopefully advancing the negotiations to allow for an even more flexible system with the possibility of accumulative totals. It ought to be mentioned that Hallsnet have in the last year been more accommodating to student’s needs with their new banning policy being a much fairer and improved system. I would like to thank Hallsnet for finally having an effective meeting which enabled your sabbatical team a first success. Hopefully this will be a sign of good things to come.
I N S I D E : U N I O N S Q UA R E C L O S U R E - P A G E 4 F U N CT I O N S O F T H E U N I O N - PAGE 7
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
vp.comms@kusu.keele.ac.uk
M A R K E T R E S E A R C H - PA G E 8 & 9 W E B S I T E R E L AU N C H - PA G E 1 2 www.kusu.net
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We l c o m e
“WE ARE RESPONDING”, PAGE 8-9
27th Septemb er 2008
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WA RM W ELCO ME FRO M Y OU R S ABBA TI CA L T EAM
“GET CHECKED!” PAGE 15. A STRANGELY PAGE 18.
SATISFYING FILM,
SPORT, PAGE 19.
Talah Omran President
Heblalcok at on da l l wyeoluc o mr ee-
CONCOURSE Editor: Rich Hill Keele University Students’ Union Keele University Newcastle-Under-Lyme Staffordshire ST5 5BJ Editorial: 01782 733702 Advertising: 01782 733712 Submissions: vp.comms@kusu.keele.ac.uk
Concourse is written and produced by students of Keele University. The views expressed in this paper are not neccessarily the views of Keele University or Keele University Students’ Union. Concourse aims to abide by the code of conduct of the National Union of Journalists. Concourse is designed in-house using QuarkXpress 7 and printed by Trinity Mirror Printing Cardiff Ltd, Tidal Sidings, Cardiff. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the specific consent of the Editor.
t u rn in g st u d en t s an d a n even bigger hello to all you new students! Your new sabbatical team are all really excited about the up and coming year as we have a lot lined up for you.
Already this summer has seen some new changes and additions to KUSU. The Outback has now been completed and we have we have generated a new look to our K2 venue so be sure to check out the new funky look. Further to this, our website is being relaunched and Concourse has had a revamp. The brilliance about KUSU is that there is always something going on so please do find out what we are all about and more importantly get involved. One of our biggest pushes this year is communication and to make sure that you have the ultimate student experience during your time here. I really want to emphasise that we are here for you, so please inform us of any problems you may have. There are many ways you can get in touch with us whether that be through email, Facebook, Concourse, or even just popping in and having a chat.
I am here to make sure that your voice is heard and to represent all students from all backgrounds and nationalities, ensuring that we have a diverse, vibrant and brilliant community. We want you to enjoy what we have to offer, especially Welcome Week; be sure to join up to different societies and have the best time you can. I shall see you soon and do not forget to pop into our Sabbatical ' I n t r o d u c t i o n t o K U S U ' event on F r i d a y 3rd October. Please feel free to get in touch with any queries or issues you may have at: president@kusu.keele.ac.uk Thank you and I look forward to meeting you soon.
Rich Hill Vice-President (Communications & De mocracy) vp.comms@kusu.keele.ac.uk
Adam Mas on Vice-President (Education & Welfare) edwel@kusu.keele.ac.uk
Dauda Bappa Vice-President (Finance & Activites)) vp.financ e@kusu.keele.ac.uk
I am editor in chief of Concourse and the new website. I also ensure elections are run democratically and efficiently and I am responsible for all outputs of publicity from KUSU. I aim to give you the opportunity to publicise your views and opinions in Concourse. I plan to get you involved politically and ensure you have a say in the running of your union through Student Council and Union General Meetings. In addition to which, I aim to maintain the great variety of nights out that KUSU can provide for you. Welcome back and I hope your enjoy the year ahead.
My job is to run welfare campaigns, making sure you stay safe, happy and stress-free throughout the year. To safeguard your academic interests, assuring you get the most out of your degree at Keele. I pledge to listen to your problems nd help you find a solution, be it difficulties with your course, living conditions or general life at Keele. I wish to make the Students’ Union even more accessible to all students and aim to revamp the Students’ Academic Representatives Scheme (StARs); to ensure your views are heard and acted upon.
I help oversee the finances of the entire Students’ Union. I am your main point of contact and support for anything society related. Our mission is to trade as a not for profit organisation. We strive to provide our student members with a wide range of commercial services, including bars and entertainments. catering outlets and a shop. All the money raised from these activities is ploughed straight back into both non-commercial services such as the Independant Advice Unit and improving all other services generally.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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News
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VERY)
27th Septemb er 2008
LAST
ORD ERS AT UN IO N SQ UA RE AS ST U D ENT F AV OU RI TE VEN U E IS CLO S ED
Talah Omran President
from CFM then known as Keele Hospitality and was a pun on the square outside the union buildings which resemble that of the o a s y o u m a y h a v e a l l r e a l i s e d famous Union Square in New York. ou r g ood old un ion s qu are h as c l o s e d d o w n . T o a l l t h e n e w s t u - KUSU have reclaimed possdents I thought it would be insight esion of the Union Square ful to give you a little bit of background information to the pub that used to exist at the corner of Union Square has always been a controt h e u n i o n l o o k i n g o u t o v e r o u r c o n - versial issue, particularly back in 2001 course. were there was the day as there was a stuThe Union Square was officially opened dent-led boycot. This was due to a dispute in the autumn of 1991 prior to a sublet run between the university and the union over café named Café Mirage. The Americana who should occupy the space. An agreetheme supposedly was to have originated ment was reached and we find ourselves in the position we are today: that KUSU have reclaimed possession of the Union Square. To end all speculation surrounding the issue of Union Square, your current sabbatical team issued a statement on Facebook earlier this summer answering the queries of some KUSU members. Reiterating the mes-
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sage sent out, we would just like to point out that the current sabbatical team had no influence on a plan that was already in completion when we took up office in July 2008. We are however continuing negotiations with the University on the plans for the Union Square that were already setup by the previous sabbatical team. I would like to assure you that any steps taken forward on the matter will be to ensure the advancement of the long term aims of KUSU and most importantly, that you as students get the services you require and need. Nevertheless I would like to point out that there may be some limitations that we cannot bypass.
gestions however, we can take the necessary steps to ensure a prosperous future for the students and the Students’ Union, with no boundaries on what we can achieve. So please do get involved and come back to us with your feedback on what YOU would like to see YOUR Students’Union do. Finally I would like to thank the alumni society which helped with some of the information provided for this article. We cannot wait to hear back from you on this issue and many more. president@kusu.keele.ac.uk
Union Square has always been a controversial issue. With your feedback and sug-
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Dauda Bappa Vice-President (Finance & Activities)
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elc ome back and I hope all of you had a great summer. I would like to take this opportunity t o c o n fi rm t o y ou t h at K US U’ s l at est venue, the Outb ack is now officially open. In a nut shell, the Students’ Union was provided £600,000 by the university to improve our facilities and maximise our space. Our predecessors played a crucial role in the three projects; new large toilets in K2, a chill out room in K2 aka ‘The Bubble’ and the Outback. The aim of the Outback was too provide a scenic recreational area for our students and to make the KUSU experience even more enjoyable. It was officially opened at last (academic) year’s Graduation Ball and was widely praised by all. The area is fully equipped including
ample seating for over 150 people, several large umbrellas to protect against the very little rain we get obviously and with the added bonus of heating, electricity and water. It doesn’t stop there though; the area will also be able to accommodate for BBQs and even bands for future events. We are also looking into providing external catering facilities, a bar and we are also researching into the possibility of a sponsored outdoor all-weather plasma screen. The Outback is open to all students and is wheel chair accessible; two gates provide external access to outside of KUSU. We hope you enjoy this new addition to the building and enjoy it as much we have during the summer. I would just like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Mr. Rob, Oli, Joan and all those involved in its development and for making it such a wonderful area.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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27th Septe mbe r 2008
NA T I O N A L ST U D E N T SU R V EY RESU L T S
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Rich Hill by students at from the SEMs restructuring VP (Communcation & Democracy) 87% and Keele which has obviously been was also well above average in Personal Devele e l e h a s b e e n r a t e d opment, Academic Support a m o n g s t t h e b e s t i n and Organisation and Managet h e c o u n t r y f o r s t u d e n t ment. Vice-Chancellor, Professor satisfaction. Dame Janet Finch, said: “I am The University, with an overall satisfaction score of delighted that Keele has been 88% in the National Student so highly rated by our stuSurvey, significantly exceeds dents in the National Student the national satisfaction rate of Survey. Keele is a very special 82%. Teaching satisfaction place in which to study and was rated particularly highly develop and this survey underlines our commitment to the student experience at the University.” In contrast to this, one student who wishes to remain anonymous responds to the Vice-Chancellor s comments by saying that they are "sweetly satisfied apart
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overlooked in this instance". More students than ever responded to the National Student Survey this year. Nearly 220,000 students completed the 2008 survey. This figure comprises over 210,000 students studying at higher education institutions (up from 177,000 last year) plus over 6,000 students studying higher education at FE colleges, which took part in the survey for the first time. This is the fourth annual National Student Survey.
Sweetly satisfied apart from the SEMs restructuring
SH O UL D BE G REEN W IT H EN V Y A T F IRST RAT E AN D
Jason Davies Environmental Officer
and environmental academic staff, the University has been slow to react to growing pressure on the sector to reduce their impact on the environh i s s u m m e r K e e l e U n i v e r - ment and produce a future sustains i t y h a s f a l l e n 3 8 p l a c e s i n able system to help deal with the t h e P e o p l e a n d P l a n e t g r e e n new challenges society faces. league of universities. Keele University has come in at 76 The green league looks at environ- out of 119 other universities, narmental performance at universities rowly being awarded a 2:2 ‘must based on a dual approach; looking try harder’ on the green league both at commitment to systematic classification scale. This is a huge environmental management and at drop from last year would obviously their actual performance. They are needs to improved. then ranked accordingly. Keele’s C02 emissions per headDespite Keele’s green landscape were rated as a ‘poor performance’ which was worse than last year with many other areas being recommended for improvment.
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ronmental behaviour, particularly last year. However, with all the consultations that have took place there still has been a lack of direct action with a fear of financial implications leading to much dithering to avoid change. Unless Keele actually makes changes systematically in its environmental management then there will be no sudden change in Keele’s league position.
76 out of 119 other universities
2:1
UNIVERSITIES
time and resources now. Hopefully knowing a little bit more about the challenges Keele faces, you may want to get involved in the renewed ‘Keele People and Planet’ group. The society campaigns on world poverty, human rights and the environmental issues. You can find ‘Keele People and Planet’ on facebook where you can find more information on meetings and links to campaigns. To see how Keele compares to other institutions please visit http://pe oplean dplanet.org /gog reen/greenleague2008.
It is in my opinion that Keele is not a lost cause. We are surrounded by outstanding green landscapes and have some of the most renowned enH o w c a n K e e l e i m - vironmental academics. Potential is prove? there for us to act as a leader in environmental performance to other Admittedly Keele Uni- universities in the future however, versity has been on a that means putting the foundations, path to change its envi- changes and investment in terms of
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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News
27th Septemb er 2008
G ET S A NO T H ER REFRESH O V ER SU MMER
Dauda Bappa Vice-President (Finance & Activities)
ridor really does look wonderful. The centre piece being the extremely large picture of one of our own resident DJ’s playing one of his sets to the masses in the ball room. The artwork, aside from v e r t h e s u m m e r , K 2 h a s s e e n a n o t h e r looking very modern and sleak, does have a h o s t o f m i n o r b u t f a n t a s t i c i m - “where’s Wally” appeal when looking out for p r o v e m t n s t o t h e v e n u e f o r y o u r e n j o y - your friends. As for the inside of K2 a new Perme nt. spex bar shelf has been built which compliments So many improvements and changes take place the Bubble very well with the luminous lights into the building. I remember when I first started place. In all, minor changes but maximum effect here in 2003, you would not recognise the Lounge in making the KUSU experience even better. I as it is today with its predecessor known as the hope you enjoy it. Gallery then. K2 has only just seen its biggest development in recent years and has now had some even more professional finishing touches added. The two additional major upgrades that K2 had saw the implementation of the new large toilets and the conversion of the old toilets into our new chill out room known as the Bubble. So I am sure that you will be pleased to hear that another has been made, while only a small change compared to the Bubble and toilets – the results are excellent. One component of this is a new and stylish paint job in the corridor leading to K2 with new signage. Normally grey isn’t associated with style but when coupled with the new wall art, the cor-
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Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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27th Septe mbe r 2008
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BRIEF G U ID E T O T HE I MPO RTA N T FU NC TI ON S O F
Rich Hill VP (Communications & Democracy)
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s y o ur re pr es e n ta ti ve f or de mo cr ac y, I thought it would be wise to give you an in si gh t t o t he p oli ti ca l f un c t ion s wh ic h serve you within your union. I will start with Union General Meetings. Union General Meetings UGMs are, in essence, the highest decision-making body in the Union. The idea is that you as students can influence and make decisions when it comes to your Union so we as sabbatical officers make sure that we do our upmost best to fulfill these mandates. UGMs now happen four times a year and these dates can be found below. The only time this number will increase is if you need to call an EGM (Emergency General Meeting), which would occur if a decision needed to be taken before the next UGM. The UGM is the only forum in which a decision can be made that changes the Regulations section of the Constitution (at the moment, Standing Orders and Procedures can be changed in Student Council), and is also of course a chance for the students to change things by bringing motions to the UGM.
Features Y OU R UN IO N
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Connstitutional Affairs Committee The maximum membership of Student Council is 50, and quorum is half of the number of memThe basic premise of CAC is to look after the bers there are. The membership is made up of students who represent the various factions of the constitution, make any constitutional changes that student population (i.e. societies reps, off-campus are passed at UGMs and keep the policy book updated (policies run out after 3 years, and need to reps etc). be renewed). CAC have also traditionally acted as the steering committee for UGMs and Student Members of Student Council: Council. 5 Barnes Hall reps The structure of CAC has been radically altered 5 Horwood Hall reps in the new constitution and now stands thus: 5 Lindsay Hall reps 5 Hawthorns Hall reps General Secretary 5 Off-campus reps Constitutional Affairs Secretary 1 Nursing and Midwifery rep Chair of the Student Council 2 Postgraduate reps 8 Societies reps The General Secretary and Constitutional Affairs 7 AU reps Secretary are elected in the same way as Union 2 Undergraduate reps Committee. The Chair of the Student Council was Each member needs to represent a group they elected at the last Student Council of the year. are part of (i.e. a Barnes Hall rep would have to In the next Concourse issue there will be the live in Barnes). The reps are elected at the first meeting – they just need to fill out a nomination chance to see who actually represenst you and form and get ten other members of KUSU to sign what positions are still vacant. If you think you their form. have an interest in how your Union runs, any of Union Committee the above posistions or Union Committee is made up of fifteen part-time have any general quesofficers, three faculty representatives and your tions, then please do feel four full-time sabbatical officers. Union Commit- free to get in touch and I tee are there to answer your specific problems and will be most happy to to provide as much representation to the student deal with your query. body as possible. The part time officers are as follows:
Athletic Union President Campus Affairs Officer Disabled Students Officer Entertainments Officer Environmental Officer Female Gender Officer Hospital Campus Officer Student Council International Students Officer LGBT Officer Student Council works very much like a smaller Male Gender Officer version of the UGM; the elected officers give re- Mature Students Officer ports and there is a chance for a timed question session and individuals can bring motions which Non-Portfolio Officer are then voted on. Off-Campus Affairs Officer Postgraduate Students Officer There are seven Student Council meetings held Racial Diversity Officer throughout this academic year. Student Council does not have quite as much power as the UGM Faculty of Faculty of Humanities & Soin the sense that any motions that involve consti- cial Sciences Rep. tutional changes may only refer to the Standing Faculty of Natural Sciences Rep. Orders and Procedures, (and not the Regulations), Faculty of Health Rep. if they are to be voted on at Student Council.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
ST UD EN T COU NCIL /U G M DAT ES TU ESDA Y 14TH OC TO BE R – ST UDE NT COU NC IL (T BC ) TU ESDAY 21ST O CT OBE R – UG M (BAL L ROO M) T UESD AY 4TH NOV EMB ER – STU DEN T COUN CI L ( TB C) TU ESDA Y 2 5TH NO VE MBE R – STU DE NT COU NC IL (TB C ) TU ESDA Y 2 7TH JANU AR Y – STU DE NT C OU NC IL (TB C ) TUE SDAY 3R D F EB RU ARY – UG M (BAL L RO OM) T UE SD AY 1 7T H F EB RU ARY – STUD EN T C OUN CI L ( TB C) TUE SDAY 10TH MARC H – ST UDE NT CO UNC IL (T BC ) TUE S DAY 31 ST MAR CH – UG M (BAL L RO OM) T UE SD AY 2 6T H MAY – STU DEN T C OUN CI L ( TB C) TUE SDAY 2N D JUN E - UG M (BAL L RO OM)
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Features
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27th Septemb er 2008
We have split the review into four main themes:
| Communications What you said… • • • •
You felt that Concourse can be out of date with news and that typos and grammatical errors can detract from quality of content. Union:Update – some students weren’t aware they could sign up to receive the Update and that it could be laid out more attractively. www.kusu.net was criticised for being difficult to navigate, out of date and hard to read. Facebook was cited as a preferred form of electronic communication by some. Welcome Pack: You were happy with the format of the Welcome Fair and cited the Ents planner as a useful communications piece.
What we want to achieve… • • • •
A good quality newspaper that is to a professional standard as is possible to achieve within the bounds of limited resources. A relevant, timely e-zine, used for direct offers, discounts and news in greater detail than web updates and less editorially heavy than Concourse. Facebook to be fazed into communications in a secure and moderated opt-in format. Professionally moderated, current, relevant, easy to use content managed site. To maintain the high standard of the Welcome Fair and continually strive to improve and to maintain the Ents planner alongside a day-time planner as per Focus Group suggestion.
How we are planning to do it… • • • •
VP Comms is forming a Press Gang in order to achieve a better Editorial process. Whilst it hasn’t proved possible to decrease the time between article submission and publication, we’re aiming to cover ongoing topical debates within Concourse and use more immediate mediums such as kusu.net and Union:Update for time sensitive issues. Union:Update will be automatically sent out to all students unless they wish to actively opt-out. The Update will be emailed to students in the form of a digest (webmail can’t support the HTML format it was traditionally sent out in) – there will be a link included in the digest through to a well presented web page. KUSU’s long-standing contract with its web provider has ended and we have commissioned a local web provider to design a bespoke site which meets all our particular needs effectively. Facebook has been incorporated into the format of the site offering live KUSU info feeds via your Facebook account. The Welcome Fair has been planned in the same format as usual but as a bigger and better event. A new day time wallplanner is being produced to run alongside the popular Ents planner for evening events.
| Services & usage of the union building What you said… • • •
58% of you were aware that KUSU is a not for profit organisation and 7 in 10 thought it was a good idea to allow increased non-student usage of the building to increase revenue. Some said the SU building itself could benefit from some modernisation and that lack of air conditioning in the Ballroom was a continued problem. Generally, there was a high level of knowledge and awareness of KUSU services, with praise for the IAU and its staff and 51% of you agreeing that Entertainments were good value for money. 41% of you provided suggestions as to how Ents could cater for a wider audience.
What we want to achieve… • • •
An organisation that stays true to its not for profit ethos and its mission to recognise students as priority, whilst recognising its obligation to ‘re-invest all surpluses in order to provide and develop services whilst improving existing facilities.’ To achieve a safe, accessible, clean and regularly refurbished environment, within the bounds of resources and the restrictions of an older building. We want to achieve an increasing level of awareness of all our services to every segment of the student audience year on year. Entertainments is striving for an inclusive, fully-informed department, which shares ownership of its line-up with the student body.
How we are planning to do it… • • •
Projects for 2008-9 include research into the local market-place and test activity to gauge whether non-student usage is viable during vacations. Also, to implement an awareness-building campaign to increase student understanding of the wider not for profit message. Regular environmental audits are carried out (within which the air-conditioning issue is flagged as urgent) and presented to our landlord, the university, for consideration and discussion. We regularly work with the university on new builds or refurbishment projects, such as our exciting new outdoor living development, the Outback. Levels of awareness are planned to increase, in line with the fully integrated communications mediums in place for the year ahead. Ents have listened to your comments from the research and implemented a new line-up, including all music genres with further smaller, niche music events to be held in Sam’s. It is hoped that more students will attend the weekly Ents meeting to gather ongoing developmental feedback.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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27th Septe mbe r 2008
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| Branding What you said… • • •
Three quarters of you said the current KUSU logo was ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ and failed to understand how it related to you and what it communicated. You suggested that the new logo should be ‘fun’, ‘cool/funky’, ‘bright’, ‘modern’ and ‘relating to us as students’. Focus Groups overwhelmingly voted for the ‘Speech Bubble’ proposition when presented with three logo concepts. The colour was praised for being ‘fresh, bright and exciting’; the design for being ‘simple and modern’ and the concept for clearly encapsulating what the logo stands for both representationally and contextually. The speech bubble shape was recognised as representing the democratic process and the green colour and the alternative interpretation of the shape as a leaf, were both identified as signifying the unique element of the Keele experience, the leafy environment.
What we want to achieve… • • •
To achieve our core mission to ‘provide the ultimate student experience’ as a charitable, non-profit making organisation which looks after the interests of the student body as a whole, providing it with a collective voice within the University. To strive to understand current students’ levels of awareness of the services provided by KUSU and the ways in which we can continually communicate with and represent the full student body to best effect. To implement a strong corporate logo and identity that represents this core vision and these mission objectives.
How we are planning to do it… •
Whilst the recent research provided excellent feedback and thorough consultation as to both the rationale behind the logo propositions and the concepts themselves, the political process at the final UGM on 27th May 2008 mandated the new Sabbaticals to re-run the logo selection procedure, including students’ designs in the process. You may have seen the process detailed on Facebook – watch out for the next edition of Concourse, when the final designs will be presented. Go along to the UGM on Tuesday 21st October to vote for the logo that you think best represents your union – the Speech Bubble concept will once again be part of the final line-up.
| Representation What you said… • • • •
39% of you voted in the last Sabbatical Officer elections. Many cited disillusionment with the system as a reason for not voting and claiming ‘popularity’ as an insufficient basis on which to fight and win elections. Some also complained about unrealistic manifesto pledges. A proportion of part-time and off-campus students felt they didn’t receive enough information, requesting Sabbs be more visible and increase their listening skills. Whilst there appears to be a good general understanding of the role of Sabbs and awareness of committees such as UGM and Student Council (SC), there was some confusion as to their politics and what they’re trying to achieve. Postgrads felt they had little understanding of what Sabbs had actually achieved and some overseas students felt underrepresented and unable to express their own cultures.
What we want to achieve… • • •
Increased attendance at elections and a fully transparent and explanatory system of manifesto campaigning that reaches every member of the student body. Full understanding of both the role of Sabbatical Officers and the democratic system in place at KUSU, with a good general knowledge of representational achievements amongst all students. Stronger links and promotion of closer integration with traditionally under-represented groups within the student body, such as International and Postgraduate students.
How we are planning to do it… • • •
A fully transparent and explanatory break down and communication of KUSU’s democratic and representational process, prior to the 2009 election process, fully distributed to all students via effective mediums. Sabbaticals scheduled to increase contact with every section of the student body in the year ahead: Halls Talks, regular Drop In sessions in Halls and social spaces, regular updates of achievements to be published in Concourse. All face to face activity will be advertised in advance. Close working relations have been forged with the International Support Office and a series of International Culture Evenings (ICE) events have been planned throughout the year ahead, enabling overseas students to celebrate and showcase their culture to fellow Keele students.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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Features
27th Septemb er 2008
K USU finall y reaches the 21st century with a re fresh of technological i mprovem ents
Scott Osborne Membership Services Co-ordinator
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ver the summer we have changed our website provider and completely revamped not only the look of kusu.net but the range of services we are able to provide online through the site itself.
actions take place using a secure payment gateway called Protx to ensure your personal banking details are used with the highest standard security protocol in mind. Again, there is more information about the E-Shop available on the website. A lot of the sites development has been aimed at making it work for the Union as well as offer students some great new features.
With the increasing popularity of online services in all aspects of our everyday life we were keen to bring a whole new range of services to E-Shop facility Keele students via the web. Teaming up with local web development company Digipigeon, setup and staffed by ex Keele students, we were pleased We also now have an inbuilt Venue to launch the new look website on Friday 12th Management system which will be in September. use throughout the year. This will be noticeable through a change in our So what’s new? door policy/management this year. Firstly, the site not only looks different on the All students will have their Keele outside. The system the site has been built on Card scanned upon arrival to the aims to meet all the latest web standards meaning building, twice during your first visit kusu.net has been built with accessibility, relia- and once every time you come to the bility and ease of use in mind, regardless of what Union after that. This enables us to media you are using to browse the site. It also al- match up your card number to your lows all staff and societies to easily update their profile on the website so we can offer own pages and keep you all informed of the lat- you our online services like the Eest news and info on a daily basis regardless of Shop, society web spaces and news bulletins. With this in place we can their knowledge of web editing. As the site has been built with KUSU in mind also see at a glance which events are there are some new features which are we hope proving to be more popular and make you will find useful during your stay at Keele. sure we are catering for everybody’s The Facebook application will allow you to select tastes throughout the year. which areas of KUSU you would like to hear news KUSU Facebook App from and you will be sent relevant updates on a regular basis. Whether you want information Everybody is already signed up to about events we are holding, meetings we are having, campaigns we are running and even what our the system so all you need is your societies are up to, this application will act as a Keele card number to login and your handy guide to all things KUSU. Similarly if you date of birth as your password. You are getting updates from an area which is not rel- will be able to change your password evant to your interests you can opt out and ensure to a personal preference upon your that you are only recieving updates about the first visit to the site. There will be things which really interest you! More informa- further changes made to the site as tion about the Facebook application can be found the year progresses, the next major work being the overhaul of the socion the homepage. eties and AU sections so keep your Venue management system eyes open. In the meantime if you have any We are also introducing an E-Shop facility so suggestions or enquiries about the you can purchase tickets for student nights, and website you can email me on s.a.osevents we are hosting. You will also be able to borne@kusu.keele.ac.uk purchase hoodies and other items of Keele memorabilia from the online Union Shop. All transHere’s to a great new year at Keele!
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
www.kusu.net
27th Septe mbe r 2008
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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Postgraduate/Societies
Lauren Fuzi Keele Postgraduate Association Chair
Thy iosu rs unme wm eKr e he laes Psoesetng rtahdeu aetlee cAt isosnocoif-
ation committee and the closure of the KPA Bar. However, there is no need for you to be alarmed because as many of you know the KPA clubhouse was closed in the early summer months for a much needed refurbishment.
bar, extended bistro area, a huge patio and some sparkling toilets accessible to all and not just those able to climb stairs. We really look forward to your visit whether it is your first time or your hundredth and we promise it will not be your last. The laid back and friendly atmosphere makes the KPA Clubhouse the perfect place to hang out, meet new people and even get a bit of work done when you are feeling motivated. The KPA Clubhouse is YOUR space so if you want to hold an event, or if you have any suggestions then please let us know.
27th Septemb er 2008 Oliver Cotterill KPA Treasurer 2008-09 Email: p5t20@pgt.keele.ac.uk
Your newly elected committee Lauren Fuzi KPA Sabbatical Chair 2008-09 DH1.10 Dorothy Hodgkin Building Email: kpachair@keele.ac.uk Tel: 01782 734227 Mob: 07971884567
Juliet Yates KPA Secretary Email: j.r.yates@ihum.keele.ac.uk
KPA Clubhouse Refurbishment
While we were all lamenting the closure of the KPA Clubhouse, the builder fairies were busy hammering and painting away to turn our Clubhouse into a shiny new space just for us postgraduates. We now have a beautiful solid oak
Liv Sadler Societies Editor
A
s a n e w y e ar o f i mme n se s oc ial ev e n ts kic ks of f with a bang this Welc ome Week you won’t f ind it hard to fill you diaries with something different every day and night of the week. With a b u z z in g s oc i et y s c e n e , an im p re s s iv e A . U. and an Ents team pushing for more and more events at your union don’t be surprised if the semester races by in a blur. The thing is, if you’re anything like me you’ll have a tendency to forget which socials you’re supposed to be attending, which charity do’s are going on and what gigs the union are hosting for the coming 24 hours. Anyway, basically this is where the new I n : K e e l e column is going to be the social Bible for all you Keelites out there. Each week I’m looking to find out what exactly is going down in The Bubble, covering the best of these events to make sure you have an inkling of how to spend your time. I mean, obviously going to The Lounge for a pint of Snakey B is always a good option, but if you’re looking to have a bit more variety and maybe do something a little less calorific than getting through a bottle of black a day then this is the place to look! Starting next issue, I’ll be previewing the stand
out occasions of the coming 7 days as well as featuring the goings on of one society and one club to let you know exactly what they have to offer and maybe introduce you to a different side of Keele life. Not only is this an easy way to keep updated on the goings on all over campus but for all the clubs and societies out there, it’s a fantastic way to promote events you are hosting and to pick up new members throughout the year. With this in mind, my first column is a request to all the clubs and societies ad even the halls bars out there that want to be featured and have events they want to promote. This is your chance to advertise yourselves and make even more of an impact on the social scene with what is happening in your Keele. Freshers and oldies alike, I n : K e e l e is about making sure everybody can make the most of their Keele experience by getting word round about events and occasions that might not otherwise reach as far as say.. Hawthorns...let alone to all those second years braving student housing in Newcastle or further. As for this week? Well, you don’t need me to tell you the big line up for the Union as clearly you’re going to be out every night. Clubs and societies? You probably either know the drill from previous years or there are posters absolutely everywhere telling you about where to go, and for what. For every society from the Afro Caribbean So-
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
ciety to the Welsh Society (I couldn’t find any X, Y or Z’s – if you’re out there – enlighten me!), sign up takes place in the Ballroom 10-4 on, Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th so make sure you check it out. So if you fancy something a little bit political, or musical, or competitive, or maybe even academic - go and see what the stalls have to offer as there’s bound to be at least one that appeals you. Not to be outdone, the A.U. fair is, as always, making an impression on Sunday 28th, as well as Monday AND Tuesday in the Sports Hall. Every team in the A.U. will be there on the stalls with information about trial sessions, membership fees, training times, upcoming socials, charity events and the talk of the moment – where they are going on tour. The fair also affords you the chance to buy your A.U. membership and I’m sure if you ask nicely, anybody would be more than happy to talk about the legendary A.U. Balls which you absolutely must go to. As a sign off all that’s left to say is again, get in touch if you want to be featured one week and that I hope you enjoy your remaining time in the Bubble – whether it’s your third year or first, just make the most of it. You can contact me direct through facebook or as an alternative you can use the In:Keele email address. inkeele@hotmail.co.uk
www.kusu.net
27th Septe mbe r 2008
Join the fight against racism and fascism Neil Watkins
Sos omme e oof f yyoouu wwi li ll l anl roeta) dtyh akt nKo we e l (ea’n ds
nearest c ity, S toke-on-Tre nt, is now one of the main stomping grounds of the racist and fascist Britis h National Party. Some of you might remember this time last year, when BNP activists plastered our campus with posters and stickers trying to convince students to join their cause. Some of you might even remember the year before that, when BNP members gathered outside our Students’ Union building to chant slogans about how homosexuality is an abomination and should not be tolerated. Some of you may even have been part of that group of people who have worked so hard over the past few years to keep groups like the BNP from being a part of life for students at Keele. Students should of course be free to explore whichever set of ideals and opinions they choose, but that can only happen in a learning environment which is safe and inclusive. The BNP succeed through bullying, intimidation and isolation of vulnerable individuals, but they are by no means the only group who act in this way; UKIP, The Real BNP and the English Democrats all play the race card when it suits them, and even some
branches of Conservative Future (although thankfully not Keele’s, I am pleased to say) have gone so far as to parade a ‘Bring Back Slavery’ banner at an NUS training meeting earlier this month. These attitudes can creep into the mainstream if nothing is done to check their progress and that is why it is important for people who want a fairer society without discrimination to take a stand and do something about the problems they see around them. Last semester Keele students chose to do that and voted to incorporate the no platform for racists and fascists policy as a permanent part of our KUSU constitution. The anti-racism campaign has gathered real momentum over the past few years, with Keele Labour Students joining in the continuing efforts of KUSU by organising fundraising and awareness events on our campus and by taking to the streets of Stoke-on-Trent regularly at weekends to carry the fight straight to the BNP. The campaign days organised by Keele Labour Students, in which students can and do participate without being Labour members, have already succeeded in completely eradicating the BNP presence from the Longton North area of Stoke; the BNP share of the vote in the city as a whole continues to rise, however, so a lot more work needs to be done.
S EXU A L H EALT H W EEK 6 - 10 T H OC TO BER 2 0 0 8
Adam Mason Vice-President (Education & Welfare)
T
o kick off the year, KUSU is running a Sexual Health week just after Welcome Week.
C a m p a ig n s
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In addition to Labour Students, the Keele AntiRacist Anti-Fascist society (KARAF) emerged towards the end of last year and began some very worthwhile campaigning of their own, which any Keele student can get involved with. This will be the first year that KARAF has had a stall at the September society sign-up days, so if you support the cause then join up to help make sure that this year’s anti-racism campaigns are the most successful yet.
Intolerance and discrimination are always difficult to overcome unless we are united – but this is a union after all, so let’s make a difference.
As many as 70% of women and 50% of men who have an STI do not show any symptoms. You can contract an STI from any kind of intimate contact, not just from sex – oral, anal or vaginal as well as through genital contact.
Gonorrhoea can cause your penis or vagina to drip with g r e e n o o z e ; thrush can make your vagina produce a f r o t h y g r e e n d i s c h a r g e or your penis drip with green goo. Genital herpes/warts give you blisters or warts on your penis, vagina or anus which can leave you scarred for life. How attractive!
On Sexual Health Week, we have two full days where you can come and get tested for Chlamydia (and get a fantastic goody bag of condoms and play lube while you’re at it!) So, hop upstairs to the Top Floor of the Union on Tuesday 7th or Wednesday 8th October. Throughout the week, we’re unleashing Super I don`t know about you but if I got into bed Sperm and Captain Condom onto campus. These two superheroes will be caring for your sexual with someone whose genitals were oozing with health by offering free condoms and advice about green goo or covered in blisters, I don`t think I where to go and get yourself tested. We have also would be too turned on! got b-clear in on Manic Monday, 6th October, so watch out for lots of freebies and information on Avoid embarrassment – get yourself checked! how you can get checked. Chlamydia Screening Here are some scary statistics: Tuesday 7th October / Wednesday 8th October 1 in 10 sexually active young women has Chlamy- Top Floor, Students’ Union dia. If you’re in a corridor of other women, at least one of you could have Chlamydia right now. You can also get yourself checked in the Health Centre on Campus.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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Vo l u n t a r y E x p e r i e n c e
Becky Taylor VE @ Keele Project Leader
Lov e Keele?
Become a VE volunteer!
If you are passionate about university life, love Keele and would recommend it to potential students, then we need you. Making decisions about where to go to university can be a minefield. Students are choosing where to live and study, with an eye on their future careers and it could be the most important decision they’ll ever make. Do you remember that feeling? Keele University’s Student Ambassador Programme offers you the chance to help young people consider their choices and make those decisions, by sharing your own experiences at Keele University. In return, being a Student Ambassador will: develop your communications skills; provide formal training in how to present to groups of people; give you excellent professional experience for your CV; and help spread the word about what Keele University has to offer! The skills you will gain with the Student Ambassador Programme will help to impress potential employers and we will pay you for your work with potential students. The scheme is open to students in any year at the University, including those who have joined us this year. For more information about becoming a Student Ambassador for Keele University, please follow the link to the application form at w w w . k e e l e . a c . u k where you can download a copy of the job description. Representatives of the Student Ambassador Programme will be at the Jobs Fair in the Ballroom at the Students’ Union on Thursday 9 October 2008. Why not come along for an informal chat?
Weylocuomwe i ltlo bKee erleet u2r0n0i8n-g20 0t o9 ! KMeaenl ey toof
continue your studies after the summer break, whilst ot hers will be new to university an d beginn in g a whole new and exciting chapter of life, bringing with it new experiences, opport unities and challen ges, and of course new people!
Whatever your circumstances we hope you will have a fantastic time at Keele and will get involved in many of the wide array of activities on offer around campus and within the Student Union. A popular activity with Keele students is volunteering through VE @ Keele, which is an exciting initiative based within the Students’ Union. VE @ Keele can support you to volunteer in the community, experience unique opportunities and develop new skills and expertise in an area of personal interest or in relation to your degree studies. You could also work towards gaining one of our VE Awards in recognition of your volunteering achievements. Here are some of the activities VE volunteers were involved in 2007-2008... Get involved in the local community Improve your CV Achieve an award Enrich your Keele experience Develop new skills Have fun and meet new people! Interested in finding out more?
Come along to our Volunteer Fair on Thursday 9th October in the Student Union Ballroom from 11am – 3pm. This event will be bursting with a variety of placement providers looking for volunteers, just like you! Or contact Becky at VE @ Keele office (based in the Independent Advice Unit on the top floor of the Student Union building). Tel: 33626 (Internal) or 01782 733626 (External) Email: volunteering@kusu.keele.ac.uk Check out our website: www.kusu.net/ve
Look out for our volunteer newsletter available during Welcome Week!
27th Septemb er 2008
Keele University Students' Union Jobshop KUSU Jobshop is the one stop shop for Keele students who are looking for part-time, term-time and vacation work at home or abroad! Natwest Banks annual poll 2008 shows that 42% of the UK student population will be in part-time employment during the 2008/2009 academic year - 4 in 10 students! What the Jobshop offers: FREE, professional and friendly service to help Keele students find part-time work during termtime and part or full time work during the vacations.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
Administers applications for work within the Students’ Union.
A member of NASES (The National Association of Student Employment Services) Specialist advice and guidance on: 1. Employment Advice e.g. National Minimum Wage, Income Tax, National Insurance, Holiday pay, Working time directive, etc. 2. Prevention of Illegal working, identity checking and help for non-uk students. Creation and maintenance of links between Keele University and the local community. As members of NASES ‘Vacation Link’ scheme – students coming back to the Staffordshire area during university vacations can use the Jobshop to find vacation work and we can help Keele students looking for vacation work in their home town!
www.kusu.net
I n d e p e n d a n t A dv i c e U n i t
27th Septe mbe r 2008
Independant Advice Unit The Independent Advice Unit is here to help you whilst you are studying at Keele. We provide advice, information and assistance on a wide range of issues. You can search our web pages at www.kusu.net, or you can see and advisor for personal one-to-one advice, we can also provide support / representation if you have to attend university meetings. Whatever your needs, we can help! The IAU team is made up of professionally trained full time staff and is a member of Advice UK. We are authorised to provide immigration advice and debt counselling amongst other advice. The service is completely confidential and independent.
The Advice Unit makes condoms available, free, to Keele students. Condoms provide protection from unwanted pregnancy. However, they can also provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are passed on through intimate sexual contact which includes vaginal, anal and oral sexual intercourse, as well as through genital contact with an infected partner. According to the NHS encyclopaedia, the ‘highest increase in STIs has been among the 16 to 24 age group’. To find out more information on STI`s, see http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleID=436, call into the Advice Unit, speak to you GP, or visit a clinic. The Health Centre on campus also offers sexual health screening as well as family planning and contraception advice. Telephone 01782 753550.
Look out for our various information and advice sessions throughout the year, coming up... Session
Legal surgery
Nursing Outreach
Independent Advice Unit Top Floor, Students’ Union Tel / Fax: 01782 73 4800 Email: independent.advice.unit@keele.ac.uk Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm.
Date & Time
Location
Monday 13th Oct, 10 – 12pm
Clinical Education Centre
Wednesday 24th Sept, 1pm
Plaglarism Information Session Wednesday 15th Oct, 2.30 – 3.30pm Legal Surgery
Wednesday 29th Oct, 1pm
IAU
TBC IAU
Emergency Contact Numbers For Your Reference
IAU
Cut this out and pin it on your notice board!
Nursing Outreach
Tuesday 18th Nov, 10am – 12pm
Clinical Education Centre
Nursing Outreach
Thursday 4th Dec, 10am – 12pm
Clinical Education Centre
Legal Surgery
Nursing Outreach
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Wednesday 26th Nov, 1pm
Friday 16th Jan, 10am to 12pm
Clinical Education Centre
Duty Resident Tutors
Come and meet local and national employers who want to recruit you!
Barnes - 33782 Hawthorns - 33783 Horwood - 33784 Lindsay - 33785 Hollycross/Oaks - 33786
Look out for our jobs fairs throughout the year!
Resident Managers
Jobshop Top Floor, Students' Union Tel/Fax: 01782 73 4800 Email: jobshop@kusu.keele.ac.uk Open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Bob Dicker - (7) 34620 Neil Whitehurst - (7) 24621 Ursula Reeve - (7) 34622 Paul Connell - (7) 34623 Security Emergency Line - 888 General Line - 33004 Police Campus - (01782) 637590 Non-Emergency - 0300 1234455 08453 302010
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R ev i ew s FILMS The Strangers
Fifrosrt ltyh,e tahlils t oi so dt yepf iinciatle lhyornrootr af anm ot hvai et
thirsts for a rapidly rising body count and lots of blood and gore. On the cont rary , th is film is ve ry muc h ab out a fairly realistic, psychological terror. In The Strangers, with its tension and adequate construction of dense atmospheres a sweet spot is achieved many times throughout and it is during these moments that writer/director Bryan Bertino shows that he knows how to demonstrate an eerie
27th Septemb er 2008 and downright scary experience. However, outside of Bertino's more refreshing techniques, he irritatingly resorts to tired horror cliches, dull narrative and predictable storytelling; it is a strong contrast of brilliantly executed originality versus dull predictability. Taking place for the most part in a single summer home, The Strangers is a claustrophobic nightmare that persists to take that image of safety (home) and turn it into a confinement of horror. Focusing the first twenty minutes on troubled couple Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler) and James Hoyt (Scott Speedman), the script introduces us to the domestic heart of the story; a quarrel and misunderstanding between two lovers. Not only does it add to the light hearted feel of the opening sequences but it develops the characters into fully empathetic beings and when terror comes knocking at the door, we too are feeling the fear. As protagonists, Kristen and James are of standard horror movie build; she is fragile and prone to screaming and James is just as ill-fated to poor decision making. Individually, neither of them ever show any real sense of compelling attributes, yet as a pair they at least share enough dynamics and chemistry to warrant the movie's key moments of characterisation. Unfortunately for all the good that the director does through the film's first act, the quality suddenly begins to dip shortly after the climax of tension has been reached. The films story then becomes much less coherent and more clumsy in its pace; there are genuine scares scattered throughout as a result of these freaky little visitors to the couple's cabin at four in the morning but then other parts prove dissatisfying. Everything from our female protagonist tripping and breaking her ankle to the predictable 'split up' of the pair for no logical
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
reason. It becomes more irksome than terrifying. The main issue I did have with the film was a lack of tension in the second half due to a feeling of inevitability. All along the killers are smarter, quicker and stronger. Also, although the film tries for gritty realism, the killers sometimes seem to be almost super-human. They sneak soundlessly in and out of the house and they always anticipate the couple's exact next move. They attack and monitor the house with the precision of a SWAT team. However, despite such precision and planning, they oddly use improvised weapons from around the house. The killers' actions are inconsistent in that respect. The horror genre is probably the most perplexing genre in cinema, not because of its inherent qualities but because of the countless ways in which a movie stops being scary and starts to make people criticize and this is true here. Taken as a whole, The Strangers is a strong first attempt from newcomer Bryan Bertino who shows definite skill for making suspenseful scenes of terror and bringing out strong emotion from the cast. The Strangers feels satisfying in its ability to deliver horror, but simply does not do enough to cover up the glaring holes in its unconvincing disguise. Rich Hill.
www.kusu.net
Sport
27th Septe mbe r 2008 Roger Weston Athletic Union President
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H
ello an d welcome (back) to Ke ele! I hope you’ve all had great summers and are raring to go for the 2008/09 seas on . Fo r t h os e o f yo u w h o d o n o t alr e ad y know me I w ill g iv e y ou a qu ic k int roduction. I am Roger Weston and I am your Athletic Union President for the up-and-coming academic year. I joined Keele in 2005 and have finally reached my 3rd year of study here. I am a Criminology and Human Geography student and my Athletic Union ties go back to my first year here when I joined Mens’ Rugby, a club which I then progressed on to captaining before taking on the role of Athletic Union President, a job which I am desperate to get my teeth into and serve all sportsmen and women to the best of my ability. Working with me this year is the Athletic Union Committee, which consists of a Deputy President, Secretary and Treasurer. Your Deputy President this year is S o n i a D o u z , a rather colourful and vocal former Women’s Rugby Club Captain, Sonia’s presence and passion this year will be essential to a successful season. Your Secretary will be C h r i s W h i t t l e , another who has devoted significant time to his club during his time as Club Captain of Badminton. His experience of the Athletic Union is a major asset to the committee. Your Treasurer is S t e v e n K e w . Steven’s knowledge of finance through his university studies as well as his year as treasurer of the Fencing club means that your money will be safe in his hands. The Athletic Union also has a full-time member of staff in B e t h R e d f e r n . Being a former Keele student and Athletic Union Secretary means Beth has as much determination and drive to make Team: Keele succeed as anybody! Much of the hard work behind the scenes is done by Beth and her experience and hard-work is much appreciated.
Ok so the introductions are out of the way and we move on to the nitty-gritty of what the AU is and what it can offer you. We have 38 clubs, offering sports such as Football, Rugby, Cricket, Hockey and Netball, right the way through to the lesser know but no less enjoyable sports of Ultimate Frisbee, Korfball and Jiu-Jitsu. No matter whether you are an expert or complete novice I would urge you to give at least one sport at try. Sport at Keele isn’t all about the competition (except on Wednesday’s when it most definitely is!). It also provides you with the key to meeting so many people, outside of
Sports Strategy your block and halls of residence. It is an amazing networking tool which will allow you spread your wings at Keele as well as Some of you may also be aware that there have keep you fit and healthy. been planned changes to the structure of the Athletic Union itself. Beth is no longer the AU Co-orTour dinator, she is now the University’s “Sport Development Officer”. As for the changes to the In addition to the usual benefits which we pro- AU, these have not yet been finalised, but the idea mote each year, there is the added benefit of an behind them will be to provide greater funding AU Tour this year, which is open to all clubs for the Athletic Union, which in-turn means more (whether you compete or not!). This has never funding for individual clubs. There will also be been done at Keele before and I have spent end- a new SU Vice-President role created, which will less hours over the summer getting this on the focus upon Sport at Keele and in the local comroad. We are travelling to Saloufest in Spain for munity. a week in April next year for a university sports festival and it is available exclusively to AU memThese are exciting times for sport at Keele, with bers. It will cost £230 for travel, accommoda- the university and AU pulling in the same direction, breakfast and evening meal and free entry tion we can hopefully increase the standards of to venues in the evening. To lighten the financial facilities, and coaching in years to come, this burden payments can be made across two loan in- won’t happen overnight, but the fiest steps on a stalments. It is certainly going to be one not to long journey are being taken. miss. I hope you all come down to the Sports Fair in BUSA has changed the Leisure Centre to join the AU and take advantage of what we can offer you. The Freshers There have been some changes in the structure Fair is running for the following days: of University sport this year, with the merger of BUSA (British University Sports Association) and Sunday 28th September 12pm-4pm UCS (University and Colleges Sport) to create Monday 29th September 10am-4pm BUCS. I won’t bore you with the technical insTuesday 30th September 10am-4pm and-outs, but its should provide you with a better sporting experience at Keele. Competitions have Please come down to have a look around and remained largely the same, however the “Con- speak to existing club members about what they ference Cup” has been introduced for Tier 2 and offer. I hope you all have a fantastic time this year below. This replaces the old end-of-season knock- and lets make this the most successful yet for outs. The new format means the cup-ties will be Team: Keele. played roughly every three weeks during the season, providing you with a respite from the weekly grind of the league season. It also means that the league season will run longer, into March.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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Games
27th Septemb er 2008
Crossword Across 1. Vomiting. (6) 4. Glue. (8) 9. Thin. (6) 10. Fibrous mineral formerly used in fireproofing. (8) 12. As well. (4) 13. French town famous for it's mustard. (5) 14. Land measurement. (4) 17. Disagreeable. (12) 20. Picture taker.. (12) 23. Pinnacle. (4) 24. Horse straps. (5) 25. Self-satisfied. (4) 28. Strong,dry spirit. Kirsch for example. (8) 29. Stinging insect. (6) 30. Place where the deceased are kept prior to burial. (8) 31. Alchemic preparation formerly believed to be capable of prolonging life. (6)
Let te rs to Editor - Re spo nses Conco urs e Is sue 2 Pl ea se se nd to vp .c om ms @kus u. keel e. ac .uk
Down 1. Cornish town. (8) 2. Jet fuel. (8) 3. Mid-day. (4) 5. Hindering, Putting off. (12) 6. All square. (4) 7. Whole. (6) 8. Christian festival. (6) 11. Man behind the stumps. (12) 15. Having bravado. (5) 16. Of the moon. (5) 18. French ski resort. (8) 19. Hot rod. (8) 21. Two-wheeled covered carriage. (6) 22. Light breeze. (6) 26. Capital of Azerbaijan. (4) 27. Utensil. (4)
Sudoko
Interested in journalism or fancy being a section editor? Then visit the pressgang stall at Society Signup Monday 29th/Tuesday 30th, 10-4 in the Ballroom. Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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