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Palatinate, Profile, 11
PALATINATE
The official student newspaper of Durham Students’ Union since 1948
Tuesday 8th February 2011 | Edition 726 www.palatinate.org.uk
University to impose 38-week let on college accommodation JCR presidents write open letter to vice-chancellor Concerns raised over out-of-term welfare provisions
Daniel Johnson
College JCRs and presidents have been deeply critical of the University’s decision to impose a compulsory 38-week let on incoming students. In an open letter to Vice-Chancellor Chris Higgins, JCR presidents criticized the effect the changes could have on student welfare, catering and the cost of accommodation. It also questioned whether there was any significant demand for a 38-week let amongst students. The decision taken on 24 November 2010, will mean returning students can choose between a 33 and a 38-week let, whilst a 38-week let will be mandatory for incoming students. Emily Warburton-Brown, Chair of JCR Presidents’ Committee, wrote: “We feel, very strongly, that the introduction of 38 week lets seems only to be a short-term solution to a problem where only a long-term strategy will do. “It’s clear that there are a certain percentage of students who have opted to take 38 week lets, and we understand that a very small number of our constituents value them. “However, those who choose to remain are offered a very different ‘student experience,’ one with only very limited self-catering facilities (with limited, or no scope to develop further facilities), or a non-existent (or as yet un-costed) catering package.” Presidents’ Committee bluntly described 38-week lets as “like paying for a hotel for the week and not being able to use it on the Tuesday and Thursday.” John Ashworth, Dean of Colleges at Durham University, was adamant that 38-week lets will improve the student experience. He said: “We hope the move will enhance the student experience by offering a flexibility which allows students to access their rooms during non-term times, except during periods of college closures such as Christmas, where special arrangements will continue to be made for those students in Durham at that time. “This means that students will be
‘Experience Durham’: the future for your society? SAM GUNTER
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Against all the odds: 8 miles long, over 5,000 competitors and being forced to sign a ‘death warrant’ before racing. Turn to page 17 for a round-up of DUCK fared at the 2011 Tough Guy competition in Wolvehampton
able to leave and return to college when they choose, if for example they have a study or personal need which requires them to be in Durham during vacations.” Durham Students’ Union (DSU) President, Sam Roseveare, told Palatinate that “the decision was not subject to any meaningful consultation, it is not supported by a large number of college staff and it represents an additional charge for something that students don’t want, or in most cases need. “It’s a bit like being charged for the packaging around a product, and whilst this doesn’t affect current students, it represents a bad deal for future ones.” Whilst the open letter acknowledged the present financial climate
and the significant cost of Colleges Division, it expressed grave concerns about the effect the plans will have on student welfare and the perceived lack of foresight on the part of the university regarding the issue. “The lack of welfare support, both in colleges and centrally in Durham is something that does not seem to have been considered. “During term-time, students have the support of the Senior Tutor, President, Nightline and the counselling service. These are important services that help add to the ‘Durham Difference.’ If we are to offer 38 week lets, it is important to keep these services running as well, especially as Easter can be a very stressful time for students as it is
FREE
Jack Battersby
Plans are underway for the launch of Experience Durham, a University-led initiative aimed at coordinating extracurricular activities in sport, music, the arts and outreach. Directed by Dr Peter Warburton, the programme hopes to replicate the success of Team Durham in promoting the University’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading sporting institutions. The wide-ranging plans will see the introduction of three sabbatical positions for drama, music and student media. Supported by alumni donations and corporate sponsorship, senior University staff also hope to build a ‘Student Experience Arena’, a multi-purpose facility based in Durham City designed to host large scale music, drama and sporting events. However, concerns have been raised over the speed at which the plans have been introduced. James Hubbard of Student Community Action (SCA) said: “Experience Durham has serious ramifications for all student-led societies included within its proposals. “Every party involved should take seriously the impact this will have.” The introduction of the programme has prompted a debate on the role of the University in extra-curricular activities. A report prepared by Dean of Experience Durham Dr Peter Warburton stated that the initiative would ‘Increase the profile of our activity externally to help us attract the most talented students...whilst also attaining the interest of funding partners.’ Over 190 clubs and societies are currently affiliated to the DSU, which offers financial support and ensures all groups are run to promote the interests of Durham students. Under the proposals, arts and music societies would be invited to affiliate with Experience Durham, with sabbatical officers liaising between students and the University. DSU Societies and Student Development Officer Kristina Hagen has contacted a number of society presidents to hear students’ opinions on the shake-up. As the consultation process takes place, Palatinate would like to hear your views on the proposed changes.
just before the examination period.” Four College JCRs (Hatfield, Mary’s, St. Cuthbert’s, and Trevelyan College) have mandated to fight against the proposal. Postgraduate Officer Ian Williamson added his voice to the opponents of compulsory 38-week lets. “From a postgraduate perspective, we have been complaining about the lack of out-of-term facilities for a number of years, and any extra residents in colleges will simply compound these problems. “The University’s handling of this issue once again demonstrates that not everyone in Old Shire Hall is singing E-mail your comments to editor@palatioff the same hymn sheet when it comes nate.org.uk, and visit our website for the to improving the student experience.” latest developments.