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Editor Katie Preston Editor Marti Stelling Deputy Editor Dan Bennett SCENE Editor Emily Sinclair Chief Subeditor Megan Bartley Subeditor Philippa Salmon Subeditor Matt Davis Subeditor Miri Huntley Subeditor Jacob Bassford Subeditor Alexis Casas Illustrator Niall McGenity Managing Director Matt Davis Deputy Managing Director Vacant Social Media Director Orla McAndrew Technical Director Marks Polakovs Head of Multimedia Vacant

Opinions expressed in York Vision are not necessarily those of the Editors, Editorial Team, membership, or advertisers.

A LOOK AT THE QUEEN’S TIME IN YORK IMAGES: MARTI STELLING

BY KATIE PRESTON AND MARTI STELLING then-Chancellor Lord Harewood.

FOLLOWING THE PASSING of the longest reigning British monarch Queen Elizabeth II, Vision looks back on her time in York, her contributions to our university, and the impact she made to our city.

The plaque is placed with pride outside Derwent dining

A paramount year for the University was when the monarchy and Head of State herself came to open two new colleges, Derwent and Langwith. Occurring on 22nd October 1965, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip were joined by

Met by cheering crowds on a cold, autumnal day, her Majesty was notably impressed by Heslington Hall but “did not like the new colleges”.

Occurring less than four years after the University’s opening, the Queen’s arrival at the University and opening of the colleges is still remembered today, with a plaque commemorating the event located outside of the Derwent Dining Room.

Footage of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip attending the event can be seen on the University’s website history section, with videos courtesy of the Shepherd Group, the main contractor for most of Heslington West’s buildings.

Following the death of her Majesty, the Rt Hon. Lord Mayor of York, Councillor David Carr said: “because we have always been delighted to welcome The Queen to grace York’s great moments, we now feel her loss very deeply.”

As a city, York has mourned the loss of the Queen in full force. From floral displays outside of York Minster to the lowering of the flag on York Mansion House to half-mast, the city has shown its love and respect for the Queen after her passing.

The Queen wasn’t impressed by Derwent

On the day of the Queen’s funeral, Monday 19th September, shops and businesses across York honoured her Majesty by remaining closed, with people across the city joining the nationwide two minutes of silence.

The VUE cinema in York, however, remained open on the 19th to broadcast the State Funeral live, allowing mourners to come together in remembrance for the much-loved monarch.

During the service the Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, said a prayer at the service at Westminster Abbey, describing his prayer as “the most extraordinary honour”.

The Archbishop remarked that the reign of Queen Elizabeth II was “extraordinary, perhaps never to be repeated [and] carries the story of our nation in no other way”.

H.M. Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

Katie Preston Co-Editor she/her Marti Stelling Co-Editor she/her

IT’S THAT TIME of year again. The leaves are beginning to change colour, Glimore Girls box sets are being dusted down, and awkward first day conversations are happening in kitchens across campus.

The theme of this issue is Fresh: something that our editors are feeling anything but.

As we lay this issue up in the deserted Eric Milner, we begin to wonder if they’ll give us a chance to evacuate before the entire block is knocked down.

This issue, you can read about the challenges working- class students face over summer and the issue of transphobia at university in our Opinion section.

In Lifestyle, Katie Preston explores coming to uni as a sober person, and later losing her sobriety in first year.

In Features, Vision interviews Charlie Jeffery on the cost of living crisis, as well as offering our own forward for a role? Don’t fret! Our Welcome Talk will explain each and every section in detail, look at the role’s responsibilities, and include some of our previous editorial team to go through the makings of the paper.

There’s also chances to get involved with Vision throughout the term without having a formal title either! Write both print and online content on any topic, anytime… anywhere? So if you want to get involved in ways big or small, come down to our Welcome Talk on the 5th of October in P/L/001 at 6pm.

If you’ve read this far, congratulations, you are either my Gran or me reading this over once we’ve gone to print checking for typos.

I’d like to give a few shoutouts: to the maths department vending machine for supplying me with chocolate and crisps during layup, to The Lemon Press, for taking away the pressure of being the first student publication to go to print this term, and to McDonalds Monopoly, for existing.

tips to students.

Over in our Climate section, Kaitlyn shares how to get involved in York’s climate conversation, from reading York Vision, to sustainable coffee shops.

Our Sport section features an exclusive interview with women’s football, as well as exploring niche sport clubs at the University.

Of course, we couldn’t write this editor’s note without paying homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Read about the impact Her Majesty had across campus and beyond in this special edition of York Vision.

Writing our Freshers’ issue over the summer made me reflect on my time as a first year on campus. Ah, to be 18 again…. In a year of Covid-19 restrictions, takeaways and late night walks were about as exciting as it got. If you are an incoming fresher, make the most of every activity (*wink*) that comes your way!

Upcoming, we have our welcome talk on the 5th October, and our elections on the 10th. Could you see yourself as the next lifestyle or books editor? Fancy yourself a bit of a relationship guru? There really is a section for everybody!

Unsure about putting yourself

NEWS E-ACCESSI-

BILITY

BY MELISSA JAMES (she/her)

IN RECOGNITION OF the work by our University’s E-Accessibility Working Group to nurture the digital accessibility of our institution, AdvanceHE - a charity that aims to ‘improve higher education for staff, students and society’ - felt it warranted to award a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) for their efforts.

Who are the E-Accessibility Working Group?

The aim of the team, chaired by Dr Richard Walker, is to guide staff and students through the use of software and other technologies. Made up of representatives from the different branches of the university cog: support services, teaching staff and the student body, it functions as part of the Disability Inclusion Network. Their insertion of different voices is a significant display that the team understands the importance of inclusion and perspective. The working group ensures the technology within reach of the University is being used to its fullest potential and will openly admit in their ‘Accessibility Statements’ when it is not and how they are working to fix that.

After a period where online learning was unavoidable, it has been paramount that our education remains equal even in the online sphere. The winning of this award acknowledges, nationally, the team’s commitment to the promotion of the inclusiveness that technology can make capable. With constant projects and user research, the team are working tirelessly to improve accessibility throughout all streams of the University’s use of tech - whether it is their Captioning Policy that reminds lecturers that pre-recorded lecturers must be accurately captioned or their annual Digital Accessibility Tutorial.

Their efforts to acquire software such as Mathtype, Xerte and Kortext since their conception in November 2018 have changed the learning environment of students. The smoothness of the transition from classroom to zoom can be largely thanked to their determination and dedication.

YORK COUNCILLORS WELCOME NEW STUDENTS TO YORK

IMAGE: Will Rowan

BY KATIE PRESTON (she/her)

AS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS flock to York to start an exciting new year, Vision spoke to Council Leader Keith Aspden and Darryl Smalley on the relationship between the student body and York.

Council Leader Aspden began by welcoming new freshers to the University of York:

“I’d like to extend a warm welcome and best wishes to all the students joining University of York and those returning to study in this world class university at the heart of one of the UK’s most unique and beautiful cities.

“Whilst York is a city steeped in history, we are also a forward-thinking and innovative place. York is big enough to feel lively but small enough to feel like home. We take pride in our vibrant culture and heritage, welcoming spirit and diverse communities. York’s Universities and students make an enormous contribution to our city.

“Their social and cultural influence places them at the heart of our community. We are proud of the long-standing and positive relationships the Council and city partners have forged with the University and its students, as we work to make York even more welcoming to all - whether that be through unique local events and safe nights out, or career and job opportunities and community involvement.

“Whilst it could be a daunting time as you take your first steps into this new stage in your life, know that you are now a part of our community, our city and its future. As a graduate of the university myself, I know just how special your time in this university and our city will be.

“It will be your contribution, talents and work that will continue to shape our city’s future as we address the challenges that face York and take full advantage of the unique opportunities that our wonderful city offers. Welcome to York!”

Vision also interviewed Councillor Darryl Smalley, who is responsible for culture, leisure and communities within the city, on the importance of community, the relationship between students and residents, and how students can make the most of York city centre.

“Firstly, York is a fantastic city to be part of and to live in, be that for three years as a student or staying in York. I came to York as a student in 2016 and fell in love with it like many people do, and made a conscious choice to do what I could to try and stay here!

The various communities across York and the student community are quite close knit. Although York’s a city of just over 200,000 people, in some ways it’s just a big village, really!

“What I noticed when I arrived was just how friendly everyone is, whether that be at the University or right across town. I’d try and expose yourself to as much of it as possible. We saw through COVID in particular how York really came together and how, unlike many other cities, York is blessed in that we don’t have a resident-student conflict because residents have a good understanding of just what the two universities have brought to the city in terms of investment, jobs, and a younger demographic.”

Vision asked Cllr. Smalley about the impacts of the current cost-of-living crisis, and how students can access support:

“The council does offer support in the form of a Household Assistance Funding, which we always make sure students are eligible for and if there are any instances where students are unable to access this let us know and we will remove those barriers. The University and YUSU know what is on offer in that sense and will consolidate from the Government, the University itself and the City council.

“Know that you’re not alone, I knock on doors an awful lot and we are seeing people increasingly, especially as it’s getting colder, getting into more and more desperate situations. The council is facing exactly the same pressures: our energy bills, the street lighting is rocketing up too.

So just reach out, we try to make sure there’s no “wrong door”, so whether you’re speaking to Citizens Advice, directly ringing the Council, or speaking to the Student Union that everyone will be able to signpost where available support is”

Cllr. Smalley also discussed the mutual benefits between the city and the students:

“After a very busy summer with hundreds of thousands of people visiting York and everyone notices when it’s Freshers season: it breathes new life into the city at a time when many businesses are winding down after the summer period.

“There’s so much to do in terms of societies, events and day to day things that are on in the city centre: York’s one of the host city’s for the Rugby League World Cup in Autumn, we’re home to the Aesthetica Short Film Festival, we have probably one of the best Christmas markets in the UK so there’s so much to look forward to! Treat it like the amazing experience it is.”

“You speak to residents who were here before the University was founded and it’s transformed York. York prior to the University was really struggling in terms of its transition from an engineering city with the garage works and as a confectionery city with Rowntrees and Terrys as they were exiting the city. The University has arrived at the perfect time, and since then things have only got better in terms of the relationship between the students and the community.

“Students make the city what it is: make it far younger, more vibrant, bringing energy and different experiences into the city. You look at how some of the cafe culture and independent shops have really thrived in York which is fantastic and is helped in part by students. Students really do benefit the city and you’d be hard pressed to find someone who swears there’s no positive impact!.

“The city is everyone’s, and I think some of the things that the University and the students do, such as the campaigns for bus services and Save the River, they impact everyone and make the city better for everyone. Students have a massive role in making York a better place.”

Vision also asked Cllr. Smalley about the ways in which students can most benefit from living in York:

“I’m biased but top of the list is the libraries in York. We have one of the best library services in the country and, aside from the University library, York Central Library and the other fifteen libraries are brilliant places to read and have quiet spaces to work, meet friends and catch up on things, and are increasingly becoming a more important role in supporting communities in the cost of living.

“Lots of things are happening in York at the moment from big infrastructure projects like York Central, revitalising the area around Clifford’s Tower. There’s some great facilities on your doorstep, so don’t spend all your time on campus when there’s some fantastic buildings and aspects.

York has so many hidden treasures: we have an Edwardian swimming pool that used to be powered by steam made from chocolate - it’s incredible!”IMAGE: KATIE PRESTON

IMAGE: IWAN STONE

ROD LIDDLE AND JULIE BINDEL TO SPEAK AT DURHAM

PALATINATE REPORTS THAT columnist Rod Liddle is set to visit Durham University in November to speak at a Union event.

Julie Bindel, a controversial writer, has had events cancelled twice in Durham, but is scheduled for a debate at the Durham Union Society. Liddle will attend the campus in November, his speech at a South College Christmas formal sparked protest less than a year ago. A Durham spokesperson said: “This event will be advertised in advance so that students can make an informed decision regarding their participation”.

CAMBRIDGE BENEFITTED

FROM SLAVE TRADE

SHEFFIELD PARTNERS WITH UKRAINIAN UNIVERSITY

LANCASTER THIRD YEAR PUBLISHES BOOK WITH LONDON PRESS

VARSITY REPORTS THAT Cambridge gained from the slave

trade. Though there was no evidence the University owned enslaved people or slave plantations, Cambridge gained “significant benefits” from its financial and cultural involvement in the slave trade, a recently published report has found.

The report found that the University held direct financial investments in the South Sea Company, a company involved in trading enslaved people. Outgoing Vice-Chancellor Stephen Toope said:

“It is not in our gift to right historic wrongs, but we can begin by acknowledging them.”

FORGE PRESS REPORTS that the University of Sheffield has twinned with Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) in a bid to support students and staff affected by the war in Ukraine.

KPI is one of Ukraine’s largest and oldest universities. Their staff, students, and day-to-day operations have been significantly affected by the war.

Sheffield is donating £20,000 to rebuild air raid shelters on KPI’s campus, providing access to essential equipment, and resources, and launching research collaborations and staff exchanges.

“The decision by the University of Sheffield to donate £20,000 for the reconstruction of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute air-raid shelters is not only humanitarian, but it also has a significant political dimension in the context of the incredible amount of Britain’s assistance to Ukraine in this war.”

SCAN REPORTS THAT Elizabeth Train-Brown, a previous editor of the paper, had a book published by London-based Renard Press this August.

Her deput collection of poetry “salmacis: becoming not quite a woman” explores gender identity through gods, monsters, and sambuca shots.

COLLEGE JCRC CHAIRS FIGHT STUDENT HUNGER CRISIS

IMAGE: WILL ROWAN

BY KATIE PRESTON (she/her)

OFTEN FORGOTTEN WITHIN the cost of living crisis, students across the nation are struggling to afford basic necessities during term time.

According to a 2022 survey by the National Union of Students, around a third of students believe their universities could be doing more to support them through financial help and more access to affordable food.

With students most affected including disabled, estranged and financially vulnerable, Vision spoke to the JCRC College Chairs to discuss the effects of student hunger, affordability and how they are making sure that their students are eating.

Vision first asked the College chairs about the pre-existing strategies to help students access food at the University, and whether or not these systems work.

The Vanbrugh Chair, Lex, emphasised that whilst bursaries can help, they often do not target the problem:

“While the Uni does try to provide some bursaries, those are not fixing the issue at hand and also aren’t always publicised enough for people to access them”

“During meetings with YUSU, the topic has come up but not much, if any, guidance has been offered except for sign-posting towards food banks. These often aren’t accessed by students for multiple reasons, including shame.”

Alcuin’s Chair, Chloe, reiterated the same sentiment, stating that “it often feels like the university’s response to the cost of living crisis is to hand out bursaries, which is obviously useful but once that runs out, then what?”

“It’s not prevention or a cure to a massive problem, it’s just temporary mitigation”

Lex further emphasised the University’s failings to support students during COVID-19:

“During lockdown, the university was still charging for rooms until the following year, meaning costs for student rooms that weren’t being used were continuing and charged full fees for the courses.

“But the university did provide vouchers and food when isolating which helped provide food for those with COVID-19, which should still be considered a minimum”

“Students need to choose between paying utilities and rent or food as the higher prices aren’t factored into the maintenance loan.”

To combat the impact of the cost of living crisis on students, Vision asked the college chairs about their plans for the next academic year and how they will support students to access food.

Planning to line up regular brunches and lunches to provide a meal for students in need each day, the College Chairs are currently devising plans to ensure that students are able to access a meal each day at every college, with students’ individual college allegiances ignored to allow access.

The Goodricke College Chair, Seraphina, told Vision about their idea to “make a discrete food bank in Goodricke” using “some kind of Google form to send out to students, allowing them to select items they may need”.

“It’s only an idea right now, but I definitely want to do something through the college to help students this year”.

Seraphina highlighted the importance of anonymity for students, emphasising that communication with students in need “only needed to be a university email as I worry students will feel embarrassed to access food banks”.

Vision then asked the College chairs to promote their own student-friendly food schemes:

Kyle, Constantine’s JCR Chair, told Vision that “we do a breakfast every Wednesday morning during term time that I’m fairly sure our college team would be happy to open up”, an event that is often very well attended by Constantine students.

Chloe, Alcuin’s Chair, promoted their upcoming strategies also, stating that “I know my college team are now going to be doing a weekly food event (I think soup, we have a gigantic soup cauldron!) and we certainly won’t be asking questions about which college people come from”

“Depending on when it ends up being, I will also attend myself” Vanbrugh’s JCR Chair discussed their college’s previous steps towards ensuring students are able to access food throughout the term:

“We’ve been holding Wellness brunches on Fridays since last year and are hoping to continue them, to provide at least one meal a week to students and other Colleges are doing the same, not checking if people are from our College or not.

“We’ll also be hosting a Wellness and Wellbeing Wednesday during Freshers where we work with several societies providing resources to access food”

Finally, there was a strong commitment from the Vanbrugh College chair, who promised Vision that “if the University doesn’t feed the students, we will find a way”.

Vice Chancellor Charlie Jeffery ensured Vision that students will be given access to food:

“We are going to be going back to something we did during COVID which is make food vouchers accessible to students who are in need. Food is one of the things that really worries me because if students aren’t eating properly then they’re going to have all sorts of other consequences so we are working to make sure that we get these messages across.”

YUSU Community and Wellbeing Officer Hannah Nimmo

“Student hunger is a problem - one that will become worse in the face of the cost of living crisis. YUSU is running a cost of living campaign which aims to not only lobby the university and local services for more provision and support but also stay abreast of the real-time effects that this crisis is having on our members.

“We encourage all students to talk to us - tell us what you’re struggling with financially, where those pressure points are, and how you want services to support you.

“We can only tackle this together - so talk to us and campaign with us, and in return, I and we will do all we can to make sure those who need the help get it.”

BAME STUDENTS SPEAK OUT ABOUT RACISM

BY KATIE PRESTON (she/her)

FOLLOWING THE SCHEDULING of “The Mighty Oak Dinner: An Evening with Sir Desmond Swayne”, BAME students at the University have been highly critical of the off-campus event, which has not currently been approved by YUSU and is under review.

MP Desmond Swayne has been accused of racial insensitivity through his defence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s use of blackface in 2019, calling the usage an “entirely acceptable bit of fun” according to an MSN report. The Conservative MP also hinted that he had worn blackface himself, stating he “went to some trouble to be as authentic as possible” according to the Telegraph.

A racially charged practice in which people of colour are charicatured, the media’s use of blackface was reviewed following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

As the event is off-campus, the University and YUSU has limited jurisdiction, however still has responsibility and accountability over the society. The event is under review by YUSU, with Activities Officer Rohan Ashar explaining:

“The permittance of events like this happening ultimately comes down to a matter of law. It unfortunately goes way above YUSU’s head because we are bound by the government and, by extension, the University’s rules, so we must facilitate things unless the event itself is directly discriminatory.”

First speaking to Zara Sharif, Derwent JCRC Chair, Vision asked about her lack of confidence in the University:

“I never had any confidence that the University cared about BAME students or students from any marginalised communities. It’s incredibly disappointing to see such a speaker allowed at an [off campus] event, especially after the significant backlash after the recent Free Speech Society event. It’s also incredibly disheartening to see YUSU allow an event like this to take place, and have a constitution that allows this despite the risk to ethnic minority students.”

“In general at York there is a significant lack of support for BAME students, and very little is done when instances of racism occur.

“The University and YUSU need to take a very hard look at themselves and their supposed intention of anti-racism, because when they allow events like this to happen it just proves that it is completely superficial surface level, and there is no genuine dedication to fighting racism and protecting students. They must stop virtue signalling without any genuine change.”

YUSU BAME Officer Emilia also elaborated on the need for the University to actively support BAME students:

“The phrase ‘Anti-Racist’ must not be allowed to become another meaningless, corporatized buzz-word. Real anti racism saves minoritised lives. To be truly anti racist an organisation must be proactive in its approach to tackling claims and instances of racism. So far we have yet to see this from the University, and this instance is a prime example. There is absolutely NO room for racism on our campus. We acknowledge the importance of free speech, but this does not and cannot include hatred.”

A University of York spokesperson said: “Our approach to tackling racism is first and foremost based on listening to experiences. We will absolutely be following up on this feedback.

“We are working to educate and raise awareness across the University about the harm caused by many forms of racism, be it overt or hidden. Our Race Equality Coordination Group is here to take action and students can find out the latest on our race equality action plan by searching online for York and ‘let’s talk about race and racism’.”

Vision then asked Emilia on the steps the BAME network have been taking to prevent the event from being approved, and the communication with YUSU during the process:

“On 7th September, when the event was first announced, The YUSU BAME Network (run by elected student volunteers) brought it to YUSU’s attention. Since then, we have been in ongoing conversations with YUSU, gathering information and discussing their plans moving forward.

“The BAME Network committee sent a letter to the Tory Society on 10th September, expressing our concern about the event and calling for his invitation to be revoked. They have yet to reply, which is obviously very disappointing.

“Ultimately, someone who holds such abhorrent views should not be welcomed into our University’s community and space. We see no need for us to tolerate someone whose views are themselves so actively harmful and exclusionary.”

A University of York spokesperson said: “When one of our Students’ Union societies organises events on University premises and requests external speakers to attend, there is a comprehensive process to follow - with YUSU, and if appropriate, the University - before anything goes ahead.

“In general, there are legal limits to what the University could do to stop events happening, especially one being held off campus at a hotel.

“We know many of our students disagree with society invitations, and in this sense, we appreciate the limits placed on us legally - including the duty to uphold lawful free speech - can create tensions with our ethos of being an inclusive and welcoming community.

“We recognise this particular event is causing upset, and having been alerted to these plans, we will work with YUSU and its societies to address the impact of any such event going ahead.”

As a student leader, Vision asked Zara about how she has been personally affected by the event despite it not yet being approved:

“It’s incredibly sad to see this event happening in general, but also right when all of the new freshers will be joining the University. I know as a person of colour I was terrified coming to York as the University is notorious for how white it is, and in my first few weeks (and still sometimes now) I felt incredibly overwhelmed by the lack of diversity, and the lack of support for BAME students, and from the racism that myself and my peers experienced.

“I used to be BAME Rep for Derwent before I was Chair, and during Freshers Week the number one question I got asked was “Is it really as bad as they say?”.

“If you are a BAME student who also feels affected by this event, me and the rest of the BAME Network are always here to support you and advocate for you. If the Tory Society event is allowed to take place we will be holding our own wellbeing event alongside it for BAME students to come together and be part of a community.”

Finally, Vision spoke to Emilia about the ongoing nature of the event and any security measures that may be put in place should the event be approved:

“Through communication with YUSU we know that as things stand the event has not yet received approval to go ahead.

“As we understand it, YUSU are limited in what they can do to prevent this event from taking place due to their by-laws which are shaped by governmental free-speech regulations and national restrictions on the power of Student Unions.

“We have heard that YUSU are currently in conversation with the Tory Society about making the event more debate-like in style, as opposed to a one-sided argument. Whilst this is a step in the right direction, matters of basic human rights such as the right to live in a society free of discrimination are not up for debate whatsoever, even if there is a central monitor and ‘both sides’ are represented.”

Rohan Ashar, YUSU Activities officer, also commented on the event:

“I am using my own right to free speech in being vocal that I do not think groups should want people like Desmond Swayne to participate within the student community, as it constitutes a significant lack of care for inclusivity and our BAME cohort.

“A few weeks ago, I requested a meeting with the University about free speech and the applicable legislation, since it is an area in which I am very interested and would like to address, even if it is just to gain more clarity for everyone (which is necessary before we begin taking steps towards institutional change). I totally agree that the University can do more to both be truly anti-racist and deal with racism better.

“From personal experience, I know that York has problems with racial ignorance and attitudes around ethnic diversity. I am therefore determined to work with many people (such as Emilia, Zara, the rest of the YUSU BAME committee, and staff) and bring meaningful conversations about race and diversity to a higher level than probably previously ever achieved here.”

Vision has reached out to Tory Society for a comment on the event.

NEW ACADEMIC SCHOOLS

BY MARTI STELLING (she/her)

ACCORDING TO THE University, “the change is part of York’s vision to be a University for public good”

Bringing together previously separate subjects and fields of study, the newly launched School for Business and Society brings together the University of York Management School with Social Policy and Social Work.

The School of Arts and Creative Technologies combines Music, Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media. Meanwhile in STEM, the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings together Electronic Engineering and Physics.

According to York’s Executive Board member Ambrose Field:

“In blending our existing strengths, and developing new collaborative research and teaching activity, the schools will create a unique intellectual agenda at York - one that powerfully echoes the heritage of the City of York and the ethos of the University of York’s founders.” YORK TOPS TIMES RANK-

INGS

BY MARTI STELLING (she/her)

THE UNIVERSITY OF York has secured the top spot of Northern universities in a national ranking, trumping local competitors, Sheffield and Leeds.

The University sits in 17th place nationally in The Times Good University Guide rankings for 2023, and has a student satisfaction rate of 73.2 percent, up from 72.1 percent the previous year.

The results show that 82 percent of graduates were in professional jobs or graduate level studies, as well as boasting a 93.9 percent completion rate for undergraduates.

The University of York has risen eight places to ninth place in the research quality index, which has helped to lift their overall ranking by two places since the previous year.