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Monday May 5th 2014 | freeword | est.1972 | Issue 1028
Full Varsity coverage Pages 24-36 >> Solus redevelopment underway page 5
Students’ Union wins Green Impact award
page 6
No Chance-llor! Griff Rhys Jones pulls out of becoming
Swansea suspend their President page 6
Katie Evans News Writer University Court blocked the appointment of Griff Rhys Jones as the next Cardiff Chancellor, branding the process of selecting him a “disgrace.” Following the controversy resulting from the Court meeting, the Cardiff-born comedian has written to the Vice-Chancellor, to withdraw himself from further consideration for the role. Griff Rhys Jones was put forward as the candidate for the Chancellorship by University Council but needed final approval to be granted by University Court. He would have replaced Sir Martin Evans; a Nobel prize-winning scientist and
former professor at the University, had the members of University Court given it their approval. Instead, in a confrontational and highly critical meeting, those present refused to authorise the appointment, in part due to the way University Council were not given the option of offering Sir Martin Evans a second term. Professor James Whitely, a member of the University’s two highest decision making bodies, the Council and the Court, told the members present that he was not made aware of Sir Martin’s eligibility for another term. He therefore supported the motion to return the matter to Council, citing his belief that other Council members were most likely unaware as well.
During the Court meeting, Professor Ron Eccles implied that the University had mislead members of Council by not stating Sir Martin’s eligibility and willingness to serve a second term, as had been done for the position of Pro-Chancellor and its incumbent, Sir Donald Walters. When the Vice-Chancellor sought approval from Court for the appointment, Professor Eccles repeated that the way in which Sir Martin Evans had been treated was “a disgrace.” The Vice-Chancellor replied by saying, “I’m not disputing that,” but that he wanted to move forward.
Continued on page 4 >>
Cardiff gets £34 million investment for cancer research page 16