I SSUE 2
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
M ONDAY O CTOBER 1 3TH S EPTEMBER 2008 www.kusu.net
D e p ut y V i c e - Ch a n c e l l o r i nt e r vi e w e xc l u s i v e : ‘St ud e nt exp erienc e cen tral to the suc cess of th e u niv ersity .’ Rich Hill Vice-President (Communications & Democracy)
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s many of you may know, Rama Thirunamachandran became the new Deput y Vic e-Chance llor of Ke ele University in J une 2008. When the invite came through for me to interview Rama I welcomed it with much delight as it is not often a figure of such high importance in our university academic structure is so openly available. With a set structure of student issue related questions, a trusty dictaphone and with the help of Simon Chandler (the NonPortfolio Officer) we set off to Keele Hall for our interview with Rama. It is probably most worthy to note Rama`s background seeing as he has played a huge part in the higher education system of this country. Rama was the Director for Research, Innovation and Skills at the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) from 2002 with overall responsibility for the strategic direction of HEFCE's research, knowledge transfer, and employer engagement and skills policies with budgetary responsibility for some £1.5 billion per annum. He was a senior officer at HEFCE between 1999 and 2002 variously taking responsibility for the South East region, for overseeing the whole funding operations of the Council, including the distribution of student numbers, the strategic development fund and HEFCE's regional and international policies. He has previously held posts at King`s College London, University of Bristol and Royal Holloway. The interview began with shared pleasantries about the splendour of the campus and obviously the building we were located in; the grand Keele Hall. As Rama has quickly learnt, what
F EATURES I NSIDE:
Keele has done is to balance the emphasis on the historic, like Keele Hall, with the modern such as the medical school building and the Innovation Centres with even more modernity in the Phase 3 and Science Park development. It was a fitting start to the interview because Rama stated that as the university looks to build new buildings, one of the keys issues will be ensuring they are `fit for purpose, not just for the immediate future but for the years to come`. Rama further added that what will be built will have `to reach the highest standards of environmentally friendliness and appropriateness` and so this led to my opening topic; Keele`s environmental commitment. Green Planet League Position After prompting the question on the university`s stance about Keele falling down in the People and Planet Green League (see Concourse Issue 1), Rama gave some very positive views. Although any institution should be wary of the use of league tables Rama went on to say that we need to look at a range of sustainable technologies. We obviously have a very beautiful environment and this needs to be used alongside Keele`s policy on the environment not just in terms of facilities for students who live on campus, but in academic programmes that have an environmental focus.
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Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
The university needs to look at a range of environmental approaches and sustainable technologies that in a few years time could generate a proportion of the energy used on campus. As Rama states, `we need to turn our campus into a live laboratory for sustainable technologies`. Concourse Re-development
In discussion it was said that the plans going forward are both exciting to what they will add to the environment and it will provide us with `a secure base longer term to what the university has set itself out to be – the ultimate campus university for the 21st century`. Rama went on to say that this should not be an empty statement and that the Concourse re-development should be part and parcel of creating an `open and integrated community`. As we both agreed, a campus university can only succeed with a very good student experience and that student experience will be hugely enhanced by the environment that we will live in. The raise on the cap of tuition fees An always continual and contemporary topic to most students is the anticipation of the raise of the cap on tuition fees. With Rama’s background after working at HEFCE I thought it only appropriate that we questioned his expertise on this matter. When asked what Keele’s official stance was we learnt that the university will when the Government announces the fee review, initiate a debate across the university including students and staff to understand what the overall view of the university should be. Obviously being fairly new to his position Rama emphasised that to the best of his knowledge there is not an official university policy or stance on how we should go forward. Continued on Page 2.
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Features
Continued from front page.
13th October 2008 Students` Union, the Keele Postgraduates Association and university staff has given Rama a very positive first impression as to how they are helped to integrate into our community. `Ultimately Keele`s success is about providing a first class service to all students, including international students`. It can be paralleled from the Students` Union that we must work together in order to do everything we can to make Keele an international environment and to take forward appropriate initiatives. It can be said that your Students` Union is already underway with our ICE (International Culture Evening) schedule with a wide range of different events focussing around food from the many different international cultures hosted.
However, what he did say is that `ultimately university education has to be properly funded in a way where we can be world leading with the teaching we provide`. When questioned on how the possible raise on the cap would affect Keele`s recruitment and selection especially regarding students from working class backgrounds Rama said that Keele would continue to show a `commitment to widening participation which is absolute`. This can obviously be reflected in Keele recently being short listed in the Times Higher Newspaper Widening Participation Awards for the Keele-Links scheme. One that impressed me mostly was Rama`s clear view that it is ‘vital that whatever funding arrangements come to SEMS Visitor`s Decision play that they do not in any way detract us from our wider mission which is to be able to attract students from all sections of our com- Obviously this is still a contentious issue and munity regardless of their financial background. I was not surprised when Rama stated he had We need students from a diverse range of back- nothing more to add on the visitor`s decision. The thing he did stress was that `the universigrounds’ ty and UCU had come to an agreement about International Student Recruitment the way forward of SEMS` and the fact that the visitor did not instruct the university to take One of Rama`s remits since coming into posi- any further action. Rama stated that this was tion is the implementation of the International important because the plans for the restructurStrategy. As a university, recruitment and ing of SEMS are now well underway and going movement of staff and students to and from forward. `Economics as a discipline is very other countries, cultures and institutions and much here to stay as part of Keele academic forming partnerships with others abroad is landscape regardless of where it sits`. He furparamount according to Rama. He also empha- ther added that students should see no change sised thankfully that they will be `looking into in a substantive way and that the university support, not just language preparation but in will continue to provide the best teaching and adapting in terms of difference in culture`. This research in management economics and related is promising considering the change in the disciplines. demographics of Keele`s students of late which is expected to continue in the future. Rama highlighted the importance of their support being very important. Discussions had with the
University management engagement with students I stated to Rama that in recent years, students feel that the university management engagement with students is at an all time low. I proposed that the relevant members of the management team should perhaps voice the university`s stance on contentious issues at our UGM`s or through Concourse like they have done in the past. Rama gave a very positive answer and said that we `can certainly look at that`. As he went on to say that there are not that many universities that have a Pro-Vice Chancellor like Ray Cocks who has specific responsibilities for students. Rama said `that demonstrates how seriously we as senior management take student engagement`. He went on to saying that `we need to engage in appropriate ways and if that is university management speaking at, or engaging in debates at the appropriate students forum we will do so`. It can be said that Rama seemed very pro-student throughout the interview, emphasising on numerous occasions that the `student experience is key to continuing success into the future. The university relies on it`s students and staff working together`. Rama concluded the interview by saying that `the university is it`s students and staff and we pride ourselves on being what is under the Ultimate Campus University for the 21st century moto, an open integrated intellectual community for students and staff`. He further wanted to wish everyone all the best for the start of the new academic year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Rama for allowing us to interview him at this very busy time of the year.
SEMS: Belda m Bedlam Adam Mason Vice-President (Education & Welfare) he University got itself into bother T over the proposed re-structuring of the School of Economic and Man agement Studies (SEMS) when a me mber of staff petitioned the Visitor (t he overseer of institutions, including Un iversities) about alleged procedural impropriety.
In attempting to re-structure SEMS, senior managers of the University chose to put the proposals straight to Council (the University’s highest body) without going through Senate (a committee comprised of a selection of expert academics). Rt. Hon. Sir Roy Beldam, on request of the Visitor, made a statement that implied that the University had breached its own regulations in bypassing Senate. The Visitor could not make a solid ruling or give direction because the petition had been withdrawn by the member of staff during negotia-
tions between the UCU (University and College Union) and Keele University. Since then, Prof Dame Janet Finch has released a statement questioning the decision of the Visitor and the University has sought legal advice. In the latest meeting of Senate in which all four of our Sabbatical Officers sit on, there was some discussion into what exactly was meant by the Visitor, if that decision is legally binding and if the University needs to do something in response. It seems to me that the baby is being thrown out with the bathwater here; the whole issue should not be about what the University are obliged to do, but what they should do. Best practice when restructuring departments and organizing new courses should be to consult with those experts whose jobs it is to teach – the Senate is made up of Heads of Schools, Deans, Pro-Vice Chancellors and numerous other highly regarded individuals. When it comes to education, they really do know best. To me, it seems ridiculous to avoid consultation with such experienced people when changing the courses that the University delivers. It is staggering how easily the University`s senior
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management can lose sight of what is best for Keele when they are thrown off by legal interjections. In closing, I suppose this is just another case of people losing sight of the bigger picture. My advice to anyone reading this, in anything they do consider the bigger picture and make sure you`re aiming for the right targets.
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Opinions 3 S n a k e b i t e i n t h e u n i o n : £2 . 3 0 ( ! ) , R e n t p e r s e m e s t e r : £1 , 0 7 5 , T u i t i o n f e e s e a c h y e a r : £3 0 0 0 + , O w n i n g a K e e l e C a r d – P r i c e l e s s
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Liv Sadler
ness of it, which is really what this university is becoming increasingly about, then I am a customer of this business. I`m also, similarly, the That would be far too simple, and helpful, and customer of my bank. My bank, does not make efficient. nearly the same amount of money off me that Keele does. I`m talking about the direct money I forgot, this is Keele Business Park I go to. they take from my account here. So why, does Somehow I confused it with a University. the bank happily send out new cards to me, but Keele can`t even manage that? To provide me So the man looks at me, with pity – nice; and with something that they have made it impossiexplains that I'll have to pay £10, despite the ble to complete uni without? fact that I already have a card. Mind. Boggled. What. The Hell Am I Paying For?? But then again, maybe I`m just missing the I know for a fact it`s not administration point of something here... because it's all electronic and done in a matter Although if anybody is looking for a business of seconds, and works immediately because I venture – Keele Cards on the black market. used it 2 minutes later in the library. My stu- Think about it. It could work. dent number stays the same, and all that changes is I'm 10 pounds short and owner of now 2 cards. The whole thing is infinitely more hassle to me than to them. The only reason I ever needed it in the first place is because I HAVE to have one to live at Keele. I have to have one to get in my block, to go to the library, to go to the union, to join the A.U. and so on. So surely, this thing, this piece of plastic that is so central, so critical to being a student at Keele should be made as accessible as possible? Slapping a £10 charge on it to people already paying over £3000 a year for their course seems a little bit unnecessary if you ask me. Imagine this situation at the end of the semester and you`re at the wrong end of your overdraft. £10 for a replica of a card you already have in your possession seems incredibly pointless and is likely to make you feel the need to shove your replica card somewhere unadvisable. The thing is, if we`re going to get to the busi-
Oh no.
o I'm the kind of girl that repeatedly S loses stuff. Most of my friends already know this from witnessing multiple events that go like "oh my god, where is my phone... can't find it anyw h e r e . .. o h my g o d . . . ok . . . w e h av e t o g o bac k and search for it..." (only for it to be found moments later in eithe r bag or poc ket). Then there is the other favourite, the old Bank Card which usually goes missing at least once a semester and means I have to trek into town with my Passport every time I want to get money. Oh yeah and obviously The Passport is another Bain of My Life. The thing that cost me £120 to get replaced 3 days before I went to New York because I'd "lost" the other one which eventually came to light 6 months later scrunched up at the bottom of my hockey bag. As you can imagine, this is an expensive habit to have. So when I return to Keele Card Services for the now 6th time since my arrival at Keele I'm a little bit aggravated by the fact that I have to pay a whole ten pounds for a new one bringing the grand total of spendage on purely them to £60. Annoying right? A week`s worth of rent gone on 6 little pieces of plastic. Two very good nights out. A month`s worth of food shopping, at least... What's even more annoying is when you consider the fact that yes, I had lost my current card, 06, but in looking for that one had discovered a previous card, 03, which had lodged itself deep in the recesses of under the bed. I, naively, figured this 03 card could be easily re-activated to use as my current Keele Card in place of 06.
Union Square Closure Disappointment Stephen Johns
ike many returning students to Keele I have L felt disappointment and sadness at the closure of union square. When I first heard about
it closing down I thought my mate was pulling my leg. There was no inclination to the average student that it would be shut by the end of the summer. It was a great place to pop in for a drink or have a bite to eat, especially in the day between lectures. Nevertheless the economic downturn has affected everyone including Union Square which is unfortunately no longer open. Although you could see this as a great opportunity for a new use for the building or a different themed pub! Even though it was a great
place, it seriously needed updating with pretty shabby furniture and door. While the union has bound forward with numerous changes over the last few years from moving the position of the lounge bar, opening the bubble and creating the outback, Union Square stayed pretty much the same. This could be YOUR chance to voice your opinions and views on what should be done to Union Square. A ‘Save Union Square’ Facebook group was set up last semester and since its closure it has become more of a suggestions group. There have been some interesting suggestions from turning it into a strip club (would definitely get the mens’ votes!) to more serious suggestions like a student society room or a revamped Union Square with different door and a wider selection of food. Personally I would like to see the venue as a pub again with a new theme. I have spent numerous hours in Union Square and enjoyed
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every minute. With the university having big plans to revamp the concourse with more places to sit, modern sculptors etc (details are on those big boards that have been attached to Union Square), what an opportunity we have as students to help make Keele an even better place than it is! I have written this article for the purpose of starting the debate on the future of Union Square. I am looking forward to seeing your responses in future editions of Concourse and you never know, your ideas could be taken on board by the sabbs and turned into reality!
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Features
Are you feeling the credit crunch blues?
It often pays to shop around. When it comes to your bill make sure that your gas and electricity Gemma Davison supplier has an accurate meter reading. Estimated bills are often higher than your actual usage so make sure you are only paying for what you use rather than what your supplier has e all know that university is getting guessed you`re using! more and more expensive no matter where you go. There are now not only l e a g u e t a b l e s o f w h i c h u n i v e r s i t i e s a r e t h e Use your student discount to its best academically but also league tables of full potential which are the cheapest to attend. While many concerns surrounding the cost of uniThe cost of food continues to rise, with some versity arose from the introduction of top products, including basics like bread, being up by up fees, now we are faced with greater more than 20%. There are now warnings that financial pressure as a result of the credit with a wet harvest ahead there is little chance that crunch. the cost of food will be falling anytime soon. Consequently your weekly shop of pizza, baked We watch the daily news reports on the credit beans and pot noodles will be costing a lot more. crunch, including: the collapse of Lenmark, a huge So what can you do about this? Share your food! bail out in America and banks across the world Take it in turns in your house or block to buy having their deposits guaranteed by their country`s things like bread and milk. Also try cooking and governments. You may think that this has nothing eating together with each of you contributing an to do with you. You are wrong unfortunately. So ingredient to your feast! It will save you money let`s look at the positives and negatives of the credand make you more sociable with those you live it crunch for the everyday student and how to overwith – you may even find you live with the next come the negatives. Gordon Ramsey! For inspiration pick up the meal cards in Sainsbury where Jamie Oliver shows you Everything is costing more! how to feed four people for £5! It is not just food which is on the up, so is alcohol. So while you To sum up the negative, everything is costing are cooking together crack open a bottle of wine! more. If you are living off campus this year and Also if you have a car things are not looking too bills are not included in your rent don`t be sur- good for you either fuel, tax, insurance, none of prised to find you have higher energy bills than you these are getting any cheaper. However it`s not just that things are getting were expecting. The cost of gas and electricity is continuing to rise and shows little sign of slowing more expensive. Employers are also feeling the down. So what can you do to reduce your bills? pinch, with many of them making redundancies and others simply not taking on new staff. This has a knock on effect for students as there are not as many student jobs available, so not only are things more expensive there is less possibility of topping up your income with a part time job. It is therefore even more important to watch the pennies and it may also be tempting to borrow money. But this is not always the answer. We`ve watched as Northern Rock and Bradford and Bingley became nationalised and this has an impact on you and I. In recent times banks have been more than willing to lend us students money but beware, this willingness may be coming to an end. You may find they are actually more keen to get their money back or at least charge you more for borrowing, particularly if your favourite method of borrowing money is on your credit card! Use timers for your heating. There is no point heat- After all the gloomy negatives are there any posing an empty house while you and your housemates itives to the credit crunch? Yes there are! Use are all on campus. If your landlord lets you, look your student discount to its full potential! In into whether you can change to a cheaper supplier. Hanley many shops are now offering 15-20% off
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Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
13th October 2008 instead of the usual 10%. Plus many shops are putting on extra sales so there are even more bargains to be had! As well as this many takeaways and restaurants are also offering extended discounts. Blockbuster are offering 99p rentals on dvds and free rental when you open an account, which is a whole lot cheaper than the cinema even with student discount! But don`t think the credit crunch means staying in all the time. KUSU are also helping us students out by making it free to go into the union before 10pm on Wednesday and Friday nights! And finally, if you are finding it difficult to manage your money and need help budgeting and/or have debt problems go up to the Independent Advice Unit who will be more than willing to help you.
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Features
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University Vs Real Life. What were your reasons? Kelly O`Connell
A fwahmeitlhye rmIewmobuelrd rreecceonmt lmy e nads kfeudr t hmeer
education to others. This, of course, fired up the old grey matter and started cogs turning in a characteristically over-analytical manner. Like every right-minded st udent here and admittedly every wrong-minded one also, I love Keele. Most of us are walking billboards in our hoodies, ranting about how good such and such was, removing almost any need for advertising campaigns. What is it though, that makes us choose university over `real life`? What is it that drives us to stay in education when the majority of people remember school as the worst period of their lives? I believe that there are four main reasons for attending university. I won`t go into the less frequent motivations as I doubt the reader wishes to know the individual motives of each and every student, nor do I wish to do the massive amount of research necessary to discover such information. Furthermore, my laptop real-
ly can`t deal with it. Motive number one concerning university attendance is the wish to get that dream job, and for the lucky few gain a real qualification, in law or medicine, or some such profession. As there are plenty of other courses that do not guarantee a job, I am relatively sceptical that not every student embarks on the road to academia in order to secure a particular career, though arguably this would be the best reason. I believe however, that the majority of people choose to go to university due to an entrenched sense of a fear. A fear that is so strong we are willing to chain ourselves to a library for three years of our lives. You may be wondering what anyone could be so afraid of. The chief inducer of extreme levels of fear in an undergraduate, is the possible repercussions should one disappoint one`s parents. As every child knows, a parent`s disappointment is far worse than its anger, leaving you, assuming you have a conscience, feeling utterly guilt ridden. This happens in almost every parent/child relationship, the parent totally aware that every child (with the exception of really weird ones) is scared of being a disappointment to its parents. Even as young adults, a lot of us are afraid that we will cease to be mummy and daddy`s little princesses and soldiers if we stop making the achieve-
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ments they expect. Full of a terror stronger than if a parent were running menacingly towards them, rolling pin in hand; said child spends three years at the family university worrying that they are not doing well enough to be loved by their parents. Clearly, I am now just hypothesizing and digressing ever-so-slightly. Anyhow, perhaps there is another, slightly more common fear among youngsters, which herds us like sheep towards the university gates. Fear of the real world. The rose tinted interior of the Keele bubble provides us with superb protection from this. I know many people who view a three year degree as an excellent opportunity to stay slightly removed from the real world, giving extra time in which to decide exactly what to do with their lives, as many need to rethink their original plans. We apply to UCAS with our university and course choices at the tender ages of 16/17 and go on to spend ÂŁ4000 a year studying a subject that we liked at that age but which we may begin to hate as we grow older, and which may not even lead to employment.
Continued on Page 6.
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Features/Letters Cont inued from Page 5.
This, of course, is the modern students` greatest fear. A degree used to be a mark of academic distinction, something your nan could boast about over tea and garibaldis. Now though, how many people do you know that do not have a degree? I personally know very few. More depressing is the possibility that I will one day arrive at an interview with my `I`m a graduate badge` proudly displayed, and be sent to the queue of all the other graduate applicants, while that girl that no one ever liked at school waves from inside, now top dog after working her way up over the last five years. Wouldn`t it have been far easier to drop out of school at 16 and head to Primarni where I`d be on a reasonable salary (comparative to student allowances) and spend my money on
13th Octobe r 2008
shoes? The fact is however, that as much as I`d love to have hundreds of pairs of shoes, by spending this time and money at university I will one day be in the position to own thousands of pairs of designer shoes thanks to my fantastic career. That`s the plan at least. So it seems the little men doing all the work in my brain have finally reached a decision on whether or not I would promote university education. It`s expensive, it`s a long way from home, and halls toilet paper is water resistant, but we are exposed to so many fantastic opportunities and people that others aren`t so lucky to have. Even if you were driven here by the fear of your parents` disappointment, panic about the real world, or just because you thought it was the only sure way to get employed in the future, at least now you`ve escaped the crazy parents and are protected in the snugly cocoon of the Keele Bubble! Now
Letter 1 Dear Editor, During last year`s elections I heard many promises that library fines would be reduced. I`ve returned to uni this week to discover that no such reduction has happened. We are expected to pay a ridiculous amount of money particularly for short loan books. Plus I`ve found out that you can`t renew short loan books before 8.30am. So even when I know I won`t have it back by 11am I still can`t renew it until the next morning when we all know that unless there`s a 9 am lecture most students are still in bed at 8.30am! What is KUSU doing about these issues? Also is there any possibility that the library opening hours will be extended? Even if it`s just an extra hour until 11pm Monday to Thursday. Anon.
Our response
Firstly, thanks for your message, it's encouraging to see students contributing and encouraging Sabbs to be more proactive about issues that effect everyone in Keele. As I'm sure you'll understand, the library has been a contentious issue for a long time. So far, I've been lobbying the library on issues like opening times and the oddly constructed fine system. This is not something that can change over one summer, so I make no apologies for it not happening 'overnight'. However, I do intend on fighting the issue as I think it is of fundamental importance to students both current and future. The first meeting of the 'Library Advisory Group' is in November and I will be putting in a well drafted and succinct report about the situation with both fines and opening hours; drawing on the
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you`ve got part way through you may as well stick it out, because you didn`t pay that much money for nothing. Even if you gain nothing else, you can at least be sure that you`ll know some nice people in the back of the graduate queue.
Letters to Editor Pl ease se nd to vp.comms@k usu.kee le .a c.uk
QAA report and the National Student Survey results - both supporting our cause. The University have refused to budge on this issue for years and are slowly realising that Keele is lagging behind with regard to its Library services. The Library itself certainly is not our enemy, they just don't have the funding to support longer opening hours. I have a sneaky proposal that I will be drafting next week to sidestep some speed bumps that have hampered previous Education & Welfare officers' plans, so watch this space. With regard to fines, it is my understanding that the Library are forced to find funding through fines as an income. As strange as it sounds, they have a 'budget' for the amount of fines they should collect during the year. So, if everyone returned their books on time and nobody was fined, the library would get in trouble for not meeting their budget! How absurd is that?! As I said to a lot of current 2nd/3rd years, my plan would be to make library fines more fair, not reduce them. I think this is the only way we can get any change made. I strongly believe that it is fundamentally wrong to be fined for returning a book 1 hour after it's due when another copy of that book is on the shelf; no students are being harmed by your book not being there as there is already one they can use. This, to me, is an unfair fine and something which should be heavily reduced. I'll work on this more after Sexual Health Week is over, so if anyone has a strong opinion or complaint about the current system, please please please email me at vp.edwel@kusu.keele.ac.uk. Only with your help can I fight for fairness for our students. Thanks again for your message and keep them coming! Adam Mason.
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Letters to the Editor/Postgraduate Our response
Letter 2 Dear Editor
Gemma,
Following the recent revelations from Gloucester University on initiation ceremonies by sports clubs as reported by the BBC I am curious to know what the opinion of KUSU is on initiations. What is KUSU`s current policy? And will KUSU be supporting the NUS in getting such initiations banned or not?
Your right in saying that the video has provoked a great deal of comment arguing both for and against initiation ceremonies. After doing some research, posts on the BBC News website have been largely in favour of the right to perform initiations, despite the recent bizarre footage. Many posts accused the BBC of demonizing students and of a failing to credit them with any independent will with one post arguing that the bullying aspect of initiation ceremonies had been grossly overstated. However, Keele University senior management wholly condemn the practice of initiations and NUS have fiercely denounced the culture of initiation in university societies. It should be stated that anyone found to be responsible for holding these ceremonies faces exclusion.
Gemma Davison
Lauren Fuzi Keele Postgraduate Association Chair
to undertake PhD study before 2008 are guaranteed `personal office space` during the continuation period. Thus, it is the KPA`s belief that the University has broken its contract with those continuation students for whom access to personal office space has been withdrawn and who also started before 2008. The KPA is discussing this issue with Profs. Ray Cocks and Sian Maslin-Prothero. The KPA will also be making a formal complaint using Regulation 26. Regulation 26 allows for group complaints, so if you want to make a complaint with the support of the KPA then please get in touch. Email kpachair@keele.ac.uk.
Postgraduate Office Moves
KPA Clubhouse Supports Diversity
ecently the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has implemented space moves for PGR students within a number of its institutes. Full-time postgraduate students in their third year have been moved to the Claus Moser Centre, full-time first and second years have been moved to the Darwin Building. All students on continuation status have been informed that they are entitled to `hotdesk` facilities but are not provided with space for their belongings. This has negative implications for the provision of adequate and appropriate resources and facilities for continuation students. The KPA also believes that there is a legal issue that needs to be addressed. It is the KPA`s understanding that students who entered into a contract with the University
The KPA Clubhouse is, as many of you may be aware, a space dedicated to the flourishing of postgraduate social life. Keele`s postgraduate population is amazingly diverse, adding a richness and depth to the student community here. As part of the KPA`s mission to support all postgraduates, it is important that the KPA Clubhouse is an inclusive place that represents the diversity in our postgraduate population. The KPA Clubhouse aims to reflect this diversity, hosting great eclectic music nights, chilled Sunday evenings, stimulating film nights, and delicious vegetarian food. If there is something you would like to see at the
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Keele`s Athletic Union has for many years adopted a blanket ban on initiations which I can assure you will be their stance this year. Inline with NUS, your Students’ Union will be supporting the view that these ceremonies put students at serious risk and exclude students who don't want to take part in the binge-drinking culture. Indeed, it is more than likely a motion will go to the first UGM in order to try and make this an official policy. I hope this answers your question and I also hope it highlights to Freshers that they should not feel pressured into taking part in any ceremony. Rich Hill (Vice-President Democracy)
Communciations
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Clubhouse, from circus skills training days to `civilised` cheese and wine nights, then let us know and we`ll support you in every way we can. Get in touch by emailing kpachair@keele.ac.uk.
Fire Kills - See Page 15
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Feature
Union General Meeting What is a UGM?
UGM stands for Union General Meeting and in essence is the highest decision-making body in the Union. that is held 4 times a year. Picture this...over 400 passionate students, all cramed into one massive room in the Union for an evening debating over some of the most important issues that affect you. So why is it so important you attend?
UGMʼs are the only meetings of the year where all students are invited to come along and create Union policy; it is essentially the voice of the students and your chance to have your say. In order to have a quorate meeting (a meeting that is valid) we need to have 3% of students living on campus in attendance.
Donʼt forget that you will need your student card to vote!
Proposer of the motion will state his/her case for the motion
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
13th October 2008
Top Table
The people in charge of the running of the UGM sit here. This includes the Chair and the Constitutional Affairs Committee (CAC).
They are responsible for making sure that proceedings are fair and that we are sticking to the rules of the constitution. How to vote
After the motion has been presented, you will be asked by the Chair to vote for, against or to abstain (neither for or against). After raising your hand CAC will count and inform us of the result
Welcome to the KUSU UGM 2008
www.kusu.net
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Union General Meeting
Motions
Motions will be posted on kusu.net prior with hard copies being made available at the meeting. A motion is basically a proposition to change something and have three parts: notes, believes and mandates. These are basically facts, opinions and actions. A motion will look something like this:
This Union notes: 1. That Dauda Bappa (VP Finance & Activities) has a large afro styled hair cut.
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Tuesday 21st October 2008 - KUSU Ballroom, 19:30pm
On the day, we will discuss each motion in turn. The `proposer` of the motion has a few minutes to then try and convince people to support it. If somebody wants to oppose the motion then they can present a case against.
After an initial round of speeches, you can then ask questions about the motion. If the issue is contentious and there are many debates with people having lots of differing opinions then the debates can be curtailed or extended at the request of the Chairʼs discretion.
This Union Believes: 1. That his hair length is too long and his hair gets everywhere and that the afro style is way too 70ʼs.
This Union Mandates: 1. That Dauda should shave his hair for the future RAG week in order to raise money. Proposed by: Rich Hill Seconded by: Talah Oman
If the motion is passed, then the mandates section will be adopted as Union policy, if the motion fails, then it will not. Simple really!
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
Opposer of the motion will state his/her case against the motion
www.kusu.net
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Societies
13th October 2008
Get ActiVE with us as we relaunch!
H
i, we`re ActiVE (Action in the Commu nity Through Involvement and Voluntary Experience). Thanks to all of you who came and supported us during Welcome Week in the Student Un ion on Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th September. And for those of you who are now members of ActiVE – welc ome!
To those of you who don`t know about ActiVE, we are a student-led society which aims to set up and maintain your volunteering ventures in the local community. We will support you alongside VE @ Keele, even if you are not taking part in one of our events, to make sure you get the most out of your volunteering experience at Keele. Becoming a member of ActiVE is a great opportunity to meet other like-minded, friendly Keele volunteers, gain some great volunteering experience to add to your CV and enjoy our social events which we plan to hold throughout the year. Our current venture is a fortnightly coffee morning for the residents of Keele village, starting on Wednesday October 22nd. Aiming to develop really positive links with the Keele village community, these coffee mornings will include performances
by local groups and Keele societies. So, if you would like to get involved, drop us an email at: keele-active@hotmail.co.uk where we can give you more info. ActiVE is also about what we can do for you. So if you have an idea about a volunteering event or project that you would like to organise, get in touch and we’ll help as much as we can! James (President), Sarah (Treasurer) & Gemma (Secretary)
Stich & Bitch Society
A strangely green thought I had
Jason Davies Environmental Officer
The lights are on and the solution`s green, we`ve microgeneration and saving you see.
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o here`s a poem, that`s still ongoing, searching for its core. The core is green and very clean, yes, it`s the ideal university we`re all looking for. So if this sounds interesting, please keep listening and let this poem find its core.
Now money`s important so our investments have had to have a clean. So Natwest is gone, and the swap shop has come. Where you`re bound to find a saving, and later do some giving in return. With swapping and recycling common, So here`s my dream and there`s lots to see wastage is bygone. but transport will begin. But what do we see in our classroom, through Now the students come, the huge windows, Cycling down lanes, or travelling by trains. The curriculum`s been greened and there`s an They come in coaches or even walk from environmental school also. nearby homes. The few cars are shared and flying is With so much told, the secret`s out, its green banned but students still find there way league status number one and so the poem`s around. found its core.
With travelling sorted, Managements been courted. Yes, the VC`s gone and environmental manager enthroned. While students manage, business lobby as environmentalism takes hold.
It may never be the best poem but I hope it illustrates some of the campaigns that People and Planet runs and a rather unusual future that could be gleaned from a strangely greener University a world away from our own. So if you`re tired of poor recycling and a lack of ethical and environmental responsibilThe word procurement, can lead to con- ity being taken seriously by the University fusement but when sorted can be galore. then you can join ‘Keele People and Planet`. Fairtrade`s the game, which comes unusu- You can find us on facebook at `Keele People ally in our hoodies too. and Planet` or you can e-mail me at sta51@kusu.keele.ac.uk.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
ome of you may have seen my fellow co-founder, Jen, around campus with knitting needles and a trailing ball of yarn and wondered what she was up to. Some of you might have asked her. Some of you might have been afraid to. If you had, she would have told you what a wonderful hobby knitting can be, and she would have (only mildly aggressively) encouraged you to come to Stitch and Bitch.
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Stitch and Bitch is a society for people who do any kind of stitching, from knitting to embroidery to crochet to making clothes. It`s also for people who want to learn. We have some wonderful, slightly eccentric teachers ready and willing to teach all you newbies how to create brilliant masterpieces in the art of stitchery. Of course, if you have your own projects that you want to work on, that`s fine too. Bring it along and chatter with other needle-wielders while you work. STITCHING IS NOT JUST FOR GIRLS. We have men in our society too, and we welcome more. It doesn`t matter how manly you are, you can always learn to knit or stitch. Just ask Danny, he`s making a teddy bear and wooing girls left, right and centre. Not that I should be encouraging using our society as a dating tool, but as long as we get members I don`t care :-) We meet on Thursday nights in Lindsay bar at 8pm. It`s not difficult to miss us, we`re the ones with needles and yarns. If you have any questions at all, email us on: keelestitchandbitch@yahoo.com Cleo Horsburgh, Secretary
www.kusu.net
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Keele Welsh Society
Societies 11 Introducing Keele`s Official Musicians` Society By Roxy Rudzik & Matt Tyrer (Co-President s)
re you from Wales? Do you have Welsh fam-
Aily? Or are you interested in Wales? If so then
the Keele Welsh Society is for you! As a new society this year we aim to rise through the ranks and become one of the top societies at Keele! The brainchild of current VP Education and Welfare Adam Mason and with the help of the committee we have finally managed to set up the society after an absence of about 15 years. You DO NOT have to people signed up in the number were English family and some joined in Wales.
be Welsh to join. Over 70 freshers fair and a sizeable with Welsh parentage or because they are interested
Are you INTERESTED IN MUSIC? Would you like the opportunity to meet like-minded people? Perhaps you play a musical instrument or enjoy singing? Want to start your own band? Network with musicians? `Jam` with others? Learn to play an instrument? Develop your musical talent(s)? Perform on stage to a live audience? Record your music and get it heard on the Musicians` Society Radio Show on KUBE? Or perhaps get some experience of music behind-the-scenes as a radio DJ? etc... Interested? We can offer you all the above and lots, lots more to enhance your student experience at Keele. Not only will you be making music, you`ll get to meet new Keele musicians and together, develop the music scene at Keele University. Want to be a part of this, then sign up with the MUSICIANS' SOCIETY for 2008-09 (N.B. It only costs £3).
Set up mainly as a social society our socials will be a great opportunity to meet fellow students that are either Welsh or have interest in Wales. There will be regular socials, especially when the six nations start and it will allow us to all meet and support our country together!
Although we are offering much more than just socials. I will be holding an informal basic Welsh speaking class once a week, enabling members who cannot speak Welsh to have a go at learning Welsh without any pressure of exams. I cannot empha- Liv Sadler sise how important it is to be able to speak and Societies Editor read Welsh (even if only basic) in the workplace in Wales. Many jobs (especially in Welsh public sector jobs) either require the employee to speak fluent Welsh or Welsh can be a great advantage to eek three eh? You thought it was all about Freshers` Fortnight. With your Icebreaker, gain a job and looks good on a CV. and your Taio Cruz and your neon Massives and a newly Funked Friday night. Well yeah when you look at it like that it wasn`t a bad start to the year, in fact it was pretty damn We are currently in the process of planning a trip awesome! ‘Round two!` I hear you cry, and rest assured, there is no need to be disappointto Wales in the second semester. Details will be e- ed. Get ready for it, and get on it because the next 14 days could be even more alcohol-filled, mailed (k e e l e w e l s h @ h o t m a i l . c o . u k ) and posted even more diary-stretching and even more of a reason to be in Keele. on our Keele Welsh facebook group. But wait - before I sell you the highlights of the coming 336 hours (check out that maths!), a Finally I would like to welcome all the Welsh fresh- quick review of the ride so far... ers to Keele and you will realise there are many Welsh people in Keele. I would also like to wel- Did the ice break for you? Oh yeah it did! The Ents team have put on a Union line up to come all 2nd and 3rd years back to Keele. Come remember (or not as the case may be) this last 2 weeks as, despite the scarily long queues to and join our society to meet your fellow Welsh get into the union every night, each and every one has been well worth it. Icebreaker excelled brothers and sisters and commence some friendly expectations on Saturday and with the newly opened Outback the union has a whole differbanter against the English! ;) ent area to kick back and chill.. or to try desperately to sober up in. Massive Mondays, which only came into existence a short while ago, proved the need for a Monday night out by rocking Keele’s socks last week with a neon explosion before Coolio iced the cake on a Freshers’ Party that really was a party.
In : Keele
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But that`s not even mentioning everything in between! Tony Lee – the most hilarious hypnotist you will ever see again worked wonders (though some cringe worthy!) on Sunday night, which will guarantee a popular turnout again next year. Combined with the Union-run quiz on Thursday even on the `rest` days there`s still been something to do at your union.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
Continued over the page.
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Societies/Campaigns
Continued from the last page.
That`s not to say there wasn`t the option to just carry on going out however! After a hectic fresher`s fayre the societies have also been on form this week with KUBE launching on Tuesday night in K2 with their music legends themed night and KRAP dominating Thursday night with their Anti-pop also in K2. Not to be outdone by the well established societies however some of the others have been making their mark by holding socials in these first weeks.
Horwood bar became host to a joint Table Football and Psychology Society social on Thursday night, to literally get the ball rolling for their Socs. You wouldn`t think you can get that competitive over Foosball but believe me, when there`s a ProMaster amongst other nation ranked players in the tournament things can get pretty loud and suddenly those 11 immobile men become more important to you than you`d like to admit.
Both societies have been since planning more socials and with it looking like there will now be a permanent table in Horwood Bar, combined with one going into Barnes social space very soon, it looks like the Foosball Soc is taking off. Sarah Brice is still looking for new members and as membership is only £3 what`s stopping you – the Facebook group is ready and waiting. Her email address is u 6 d 1 1 @ u g d . k e e l e . a c . u k so get in touch. The Psychology Society (KUPS) also had a bar crawl with a difference this Wednesday - The Lynx Effect. All about looking smart and sexy with merchandise and freebies for society members and those who were the best dressed - this society is definitely trying to get itself noticed. With many a follow up social to come and a Psychology Ball on the way if it sounds like something you`re interested in, get in contact with Daryl Channing, u 6 u 3 2 @ u g u . k e e l e . a c . u k , president of the soc or join the Facebook group to keep up to date with more KUPS goings on - again membership is only £3.
The Trailblazers Young Campaigners` Network he Trailblazers Young Campaigners` Network was a new initia-
Ttive set up by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign charity to
encourage young people aged 16-30 to become more politically involved and who want to make a difference to the lives of people living with neuromuscular conditions. It is also a great opportunity for others who know someone who has a neuromuscular condition such as friends and family and who are interested in campaigning. It will also help build networks of young people across England who themselves will get to learn invaluable skills for their own lives. This year on July 15th the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign launched the Trailblazers Young Campaigners` Network at the Houses of Parliament. This campaign launch was something I was personally involved in and thought it would be a good idea to get involvement from those at Keele and surrounding area. There is to be nine Trailblazer groups throughout England in the different regions, one of them being in the West Midlands which I am to head because of going to University in the area. With co-operation from other societies at Keele such as KUDOS (the Keele University Disability Organisation for Students) I hope to campaign on issues such as better access to local services for those with disabilities, improvement on access around Keele Uni and many other ideas.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
13th October 2008 What`s more this week is that the societies have had even more events to keep you entertained. The achingly cool KURBS (Keele Urban Society) had their FreshAsF*ck night last Thursday with a mix of Garage, Hip Hop, R n B and more to make it yet another good night out. Again with more socials to come in the near future and events in the making, put this soc down as one to watch when it comes to the social scene. Speaking of good nights out – Hello first Flirt night of the year! Wednesday was High School Musical and as usual the first socials for many of the sports clubs and therefore, a very, very good night. Some made an entrance with their more revealing outfits, (and I am not talking about the girls teams here), so even those struggling to cope with a bout of Freshers` Flu after that first heavy week could sit back and enjoy the hilarity of what was a definitive Wednesday night. A repeat performance will no doubt be had on the second Flirt night on the 22nd with Commando style fancy dress – camouflage, war paint and a pint – what more could you want? Put it in your diary. Wednesdays have also got a bit of a twist in store this year though as this week (15th Oct) we see the launch of the Retro Rooms – your very own bi-monthly time warp with vintage music, dress and, worryingly, probably dancing circa the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Only £2.50 entry – choose an era and choose a style, from Travolta like pink shirt and socks combo, to Spice Girls Union Jack looks – anything goes. If you`re starting to feel the strain of all this partying though, the 21st of October also sees the 2nd in a line up of 19 shows for the comedy club. For just £4 you can have comedy on tap in K2 for a more chilled out approach to the weeks following Fresher`s in the social (academic) year. But really now, how can you chill out when there is so much to see and do. Despite all the societies, and nights out at the union this week, special mention has to go to the fact that there is plenty in the way of live music happening in the next few days. After already 4 live music gigs since KUSU reopened its doors to the masses, yet again this week big names are hitting the Ballroom. Check out the gig list, and check out the preview and then get buying tickets because they will sell fast. For next week again I`m looking for more societies to get involved and let me know what they`ve got planned in Keele. So as always, get in touch through my uni email u 6 k 1 8 @ u g k . k e e l e . a c . u k , or Facebook me directly. Have another wicked week and I`ll catch up with it all next issue! What I would love is for anyone who is interested at all in just campaigning, whether it is for an issue that you feel strongly about or improving the lives of those with disabilities, to become involved with Trailblazers at Keele. To join is completely free and you can dedicate as much time and energy as you want, you will also get the chance to learn new skills such as how to work with media and lobbying politicians. But most important of all, being part of Trailblazers gives you the chance to influence politicians by getting your voice heard and improve the quality of lives and independence of young adults with disabilities. To learn more visit the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign website. Look under Campaigns then Trailblazers. Here you can find detail information about the Campaign and join it nationally. To join the Trailblazers West Midlands group contact Concourse. Judith Merry.
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Campaigns
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Are you a StAR? Do you want to get your money`s worth out of your education? Do you care about the quality of your lectures? Do you want more from your time at Keele? Then you`ve got the StAR quality! StARs are ‘Student Academic Representatives’. They are an essential part of making sure you get the best courses Keele can provide. What do you need to do? Sign up to be a StAR – ask in your course office, stand for election or email Adam Mason (vp.edwel@kusu.keele.ac.uk). Listen to people on your course – if there are problems, you need to know. Fight for your right as a student – you pay for your education, so it’s in your best interest to get your money`s worth!
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
Interested? Need more information? Got a course problem? E-mail Adam Mason, Vice President (Education & Welfare) (vp.edwel@kusu.keele.ac.uk – or `Adam Mason` on Facebook)
www.kusu.net
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Voluntary Experience
Widening Participation at Keele aiting for your degree results must be one of the most nerve racking episodes in life, seconded only to the night before your wedding, or maybe the night before Stoke City played Leicester needing only a draw to end 23 years of hurt and a glorious return to the top flight of English football (well ok, maybe that’s just me). This summer I, like many other would-be graduates at Keele, were left not only praying that we would achieve our dreams of obtaining a good mark, but were left mumbling a few words to the big man in the sky about e vision not crashing at that all important moment. But it was on this day, Friday 13th (yes, I know) of July that my mind wandered back to the days of kicking a football around the back to back terrace housing of Stoke and jumping over the wall of an under achieving state school, to buy a fritter from the chippy next door.
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I went on a mental journey, archiving what had brought me to this stage of my life: awaiting results of a course that had taken me from studying near Moscow for five weeks, to silently cursing the person who has just taken that book I needed from the library 15 seconds before I got there. How the hell have I got here? Why are some of my mates either out of work, have poorly paid jobs and some even spending time in Her Majesties` finest? Well, here`s why, I concluded: along the way people have inspired me, people have believed in me and people have assured me that I could achieve. Some of these people were Keele student mentors, showing us, a moody bunch, around the Campus when we were 14, and telling us, `hey, guess what fellas, this is uni, no
13th October 2008
red bricks, no ultra posh accents, and no caps and gowns`. When I was 19 and started at Keele, I became one of those Student Mentors, and so the process, in a kind of Elton-Johnsinging-in-The-Lion-King type of way, started again. And now, I am here putting a plea out to you - you can be the people to inspire the next generation. Here at Widening Participation, we work in various ways aiming to break down barriers that young people see between themselves and higher education, whether it be campus based events for 10 - 18 year olds, to placements - going out into local schools and directly working with the youngsters, to E-mentoring –working with young people via e mail, as well as many more roles for Keele students, just like you. Many of the contracts that we offer are casual and you can earn up £8 per hour, whilst making new friends and adding valuable experience to your CV. So come on, check out our website for a full list and description of the roles we are currently offering, and put an online application through to us now. Help others, help yourself, help us! Summary of what we have on offer: Widening Participation Event Mentor
young people about university life, finance, courses and much more. You will mainly deliver sessions in schools and colleges to groups of students from 11-18 years old. AimHigher Mentor A casual contract paid at £8 an hour. In this role you will be allocated 4 mentees to mentor in a school or college on a face-to-face basis and 6 mentees to mentor in an online e-mentoring setting. You will mentor your mentees on making educational choices, their goals and worries around university and general aspiration and education related areas. Homework Club Mentor A casual contract paid at £6 an hour. You will attend our weekly local homework clubs which take place on weekday evenings 4-7pm. For two hours you will support the pupils attending with homework they bring to the session and also deliver fun student life activities. For the final hour you will work with students` in their chosen activity area, for example football or dancing (lead by an instructor). Lead homework club mentors will support you and run the clubs you work at.
KeeleLink E-Mentor A casual contract paid at £6 an hour which gives you the opportunity to work with a group of school or college students on our campus- A voluntary activity. This role will give you an based days for schools and colleges, guiding opportunity to mentor up to 10 young people your group and supporting our events team. via email, in a secure and safe e-mentoring environment. This can be undertaken alongside AimHigher Ambassador another role and is a great way to develop ICT skills, communication skills and demonstrate an A casual contract paid at £8 an hour. In this interest in the local community. role you will be trained to deliver sessions to
VE at KUSU
Session
Date & Time
Location
VE@Keele Induction Weds 15th October, 1-2pm KUSU Meeting Room Ever thought about volunteering? VE @ Keele works with over 130 volunteer and notVE@Keele CSP Induction Weds 15th October, 4-5pm K2 for-profit organisations, all looking for volunCommunication & Presentation Weds 22nd October, 1-2 KUSU Meeting Room teers– just like you! By giving up just a couple of hours of your VE Bronze Award Weds 29th October, 1-2 KUSU Meeting Room time a week you could gain new skills, experience new challenges, make friends, help others VE @ Keele provides Bitesize training sessions that are open to all Keele students. and gain a VE Award! However, as places are limited, priority will be given to VE registered volunteers.
If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved in volunteering contact Becky at VE @ Keele – now!
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
Becky Taylor, VE @ Keele, Keele University Students` Union, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST% 5BY Tel: 01782 733626 Email: volunteering@kusu.keele.ac.uk Web: www.kusu.net/ve
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IAU
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Independent Advice Unit
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How to dodge a £50 fine
Fire Saftey
The University are getting really, really strict with false activations of fire alarms this year – and with an average of 2 unnecessary callouts every Workshop for visa extensions! day, can you blame them? The Independent Advice Unit and Keele's International So, here it is, my guide on how to avoid getting fined £50 for setting off Student Officer are holding workshops to help internation- the fire alarm: al students whose visas/leave to remain will expire at the - If you`re cooking, don`t leave the room. I know it`s a pain when you`re end of October. The Home Office are becoming increasingly strict with cooking in the middle of Neighbours, but you only need to leave the room immigration rules and many students find the form com- for 2 minutes for your sausages to go up in flames and have an angry plicated and are unsure which documents they need to pro- Residential Manager knocking on your door the next morning. vide. These workshops will offer international students the opportunity to go through the forms and ask any ques- - Don`t tamper with your fire alarm. It`s easy to say you just wanted a tions they may have to ensure that their application is quick smoke in your room, but if you mess with your smoke detector they could actually chuck you out of Uni, or throw you off campus. complete. The workshops will be held on 14th October from 12 noon - 1pm and 22nd October 1.30pm - 2.30pm in the Walter - Keep your kitchen door closed! You have heat detectors in your kitchen and smoke detectors in your corridors. If you just burn your toast under Moberley Building, room WMB 02. Anyone who is interested in attending, should make an the grill, the kitchen heat detector won`t go off but the one in your corappointment with Kerry in the Independent Advice Unit, ridor will! on the top floor of the Students' Union building. - Don`t use candles, portable heaters or incense in your rooms. They`re really, really bad for setting off the fire alarm and they`re banned for that Plagiarism workshop reason! Plagiarising means using sentences and quotes from other Did you know? sources without properly referencing them. Every year, students get caught out when their referencing is not to You are twice as likely to die in a fire if the standard required by the University. you do not have a working smoke alarm. If you are not 100% confident about your written work, i.e. how to use quotes and references properly, come to an Portable heaters caused over 3,000 fires in the UK last year. advice and information session on Wednesday 15th Chip pan fires caused over 18,000 fires in October 2.30 to 3.30pm in the Walter Moberley Building, the UK last year! room WMB 02. All welcome! Outreach session at Clinical Education Centre On 13th October, the Independent Advice Unit will hold their first Outreach Session of the semester in the Foyer of the CEC from 10am - 12noon. The Independent Advice Unit, based on the top floor of the Students` Union building, offers free, independent and impartial advice on a wide range of issues, including academic issues, finances, housing, health and employment. Many students based at the CEC have told us that they find it difficult to get to the main campus to access our services so we have responded to this by offering these convenient outreach sessions. If you have any issues or concerns that you want help with, please come along to one of our outreach sessions or feel free to come up to the Independent Advice Unit at the SU. Following the session on 13th October, the IAU will be at the CEC on November 18th, December 4th and January 16th. Independent Advice Unit Top Floor, Students’ Union Tel / Fax: 01782 73 4800 Email: independent.advice.unit@keele.ac.uk
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
Firemen are HOT! But fire alarms are NOT! Welcome back! Now, get ready to go abroad!
Everyone has just settled into university life, so why would anyone think about leaving already? Because as a Keele student you have the unique opportunity to spend a semester at one of 53 partner universities that are located in 11 different countries.
Whether you`ve already decided to pursue a semester abroad, or never thought about it until now, the Centre for International Exchange and Languages (CIEL) can help you take the next step toward your international experience. Stop by Room 03 in the Walter Moberly Building between 9-5 pm during the week and one of the Peer Advisors will tell you about their time overseas, as well as answer any questions you may have. And don’t forget to attend the annual Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday 28th October for more information and a chance to win a prize!
www.kusu.net
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Sport
13th October 2008
TEAM: KEELE
Sonia Douz Athletic Union Deputy-President
he Athletic Union have had for the second year in a row another great start with the Fresher`s Fair. Firstly and most importantly we would like to say a big thank you to all the clubs for working really hard throughout the three days making it a success. Even though the weather wasn`t great and everyone had been enjoying the Fresher`s festivities in the Union the night before and were clearly feeling the after effects, by the Monday we had already signed up more members to the AU than last year. Secondly we would like to say thank you to everyone that came down to the Fair to checkout what the AU has to offer. We hope you found a club to suit your needs and enjoy your experience with them. But don`t forget if you haven`t signed up to a sports club but want to it isn`t too late. AU membership cards are still on sale in the AU office in the Leisure Centre. All you need is fifteen pounds, your Keele card and a passport-sized photo.
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Remember sports is not only great for your health and well being, it looks great on your CV and is a great way to make new friends and get involved in university life. If you`re not sure what sports you would like to get involved in,do not hesitate to pop in to the AU office where one of the committee members will be more than happy to help.
Mens Rugby 1st XV Vs Salford 1st XV (H) Wednesday 8th October 2008
Keele Win 37-13 few training sessions and no friendly was the Keele preparation for this game, so one could be forgiven for being slightly pessimistic beforehand. Excuse is a word that no longer lies within the Keele Rugby vocabulary and the boys had to do the job. Pre-match preparation was near perfect. Out on the pitches running moves and getting warm, things were looking good. Then we find out Salford were running late and we headed back into the changing rooms. When we had the 10 minutes shout from the ref the fire up began, the senior boys stood up and made themselves heard, and the newer lads responded. We headed out onto the pitch prepared for glory. It was in fact Salford who made the better start and took an early lead with a penalty in front of the posts. This woke Keele up and the lads began to play some phase rugby. The Salford pack looked pretty strong in the loose and were slowing ball down, but when the ball made its way out to Monty and co. they looked a cut above their opposition, with extra pace and verve. The first try was scored by the skipper Owen Russell after some slick hands from his backline. Weston stepped up and slotted the conversion. Five minutes gone and both sides were on the score sheet. Salford again camped out in Keele territory and the hosts found it difficult to relieve the pressure when they did gain possession because of a deceptively strong head-wind. The Salford response was swift, as their No.6 gathered a neat inside ball after a quick ruck and powered home. 10-7 was now the score. The first half was certainly an attack domi-
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nated half, as Keele struck back immediately with a neatly worked lineout putting the defence on the back foot and quick ball was shipped out by Mills to Monaghan whose exchange with Big Russ put Weston in a yard of space, Keele Rugby veteran Weston shook off one would-be tackler before powering through another, his momentum taking him over the line for an impressive team score. The touchline conversion was missed but Keele now lead 12-10. Salford helped themselves to another score after some average defending and poor discipline resulted in another penalty. 13-12. The game became a midfield battle for a while until Salford had their No 7 binned for a blatant stamp on Dinners. The ref was well placed and displayed yellow. The extra space was well exploited and fresher Tom used his pace to good effect as he went over in the corner. 17-13. The only other thing to write home about from the first half was Rob "The Machine" Baker earning himself some time in the cooler for going off his feet at the ruck. After a frank chat at half-time the boys focused and headed out into the 2nd half with real purpose. With the elements on our side, territory was far easier to come by, helped by a typical lineout display from Ricky McCollom, Keele were able to pin Salford back. Two penalties from Weston provided Keele with a 10-point advantage before Baker could make his was back onto the pitch and from then on, the game was never really in doubt. Jon Mac managed to scramble over the line from yet another stolen McCollom line out and the touchline conversion was added. 29-13 and Keele were cruising. There was still time for 3 more try scoring opportunities to be created, each with a different outcome. The first came from an intelligently taken quick lineout from Mills to Weston, who ran 40 yards to put Fresher Tom
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in at the corner, only for a dubious touch call from the Salford touch judge to ruin a brilliant counter-attack. The second was a 3-on-1 overlap which was well and truly butchered by Protein-Shake Murray. But all this pressure had to find a crack at some point and another fresher, Simeone scored from the bench when he was put in for a simple touchdown in the corner. The conversion struck the post but the game was in the bag 34-13. The last play of the game ended up with a penalty beneath the posts, the 3-points were duly dispatched and Keele had a comprehensive 37-13 win. Well done boys!
Next Wednesdays Home Fixtures - October 22nd 2008 Badminton Mens 1st Vs. Salford 1st Badminton Womens Vs. MMU Cheshire 1st Fencing Mens Vs. Leeds 1st Football Mens 2nds Vs. Salford 4th Football Mens 3rd Vs. Liverpool 4th Football Mens 4th Vs. Bolton 4th Hockey Womens 2nds Vs. Bangor 2nd Lacrosse Mens Vs. Manchester 1st Netball 2nd Vs. Salford 2nd Netball 3rd Vs. Manchester Met 4th Tennis Womens Vs. Manchester Met 1st Volleyball Mens Vs. Liverpool J Moores 1st
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