Have we seen the death of the Italian Dream? (page 15)
indigo talks to Durham’s triumphant University Challenge team (page i6)
Durham’s independent student newspaper
Palatinate Thursday 23rd October 2014 | FREE
www.palatinate.org.uk
9
No. 765
News Features: Average fresher gains nearly a stone
7
Politics: Is Clacton the first of many?
Unfinished blocks of student flats in the Viaduct have come under fire from students and residents
i4
Photograph: James Poole
Durham student leaders demand radical change
Tom Fenton
Fashion: Most fashionable fresher photoshoot
Student leaders are demanding radical change in the way the University is run in a document seen by Palatinate. Durham Students for University Reform have produced ten proposals with the support of twelve other student groups, including Durham University Feminism Society, International Students Association, Durham University Labour Club and Durham University Students Against Austerity. The group describes recent relations between the Vice
Chancellorship and “numerous groups within the University community” as “deteriorating”. The document declares: “Restructuring plans [have] threatened to take power away from students, greater work burdens have been imposed on staff, unjust wage policies disadvantage local workers and increased student intake and construction projects have enraged residents. “Though we all suffer the rising costs of living and education, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor has made unpopular decisions without meaningful dialogue with students, staff,
workers or residents.” It also states: “It is crucial that the search for a new ViceChancellor is more than the search for a new personality to continue business as usual. “The student feedback sessions organised by the DSU are a promising start, but a wider discussion must take place within the community aimed at addressing issues of University policy, facilities and governance.” Harry Cross, the co-chair of the group, told Palatinate: “Several of us realised at the end of last year that the Vice-Chancellor was the major obstacle
blocking student campaigns to reform and improve the university. “When Chris Higgins stood down, we sensed this was an important opportunity that could not be missed. It made sense to combine our efforts to advance several campaigns that had been stalled for years.” “It’s important that the university no longer assumes that the student body is passive. Too many unpopular decisions have been forced through on that assumption.”
Continued on page 4