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Monday May 26th 2014 | freeword | est.1972 | Issue 1031 page 16
Barney Willis
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Big changes within the Labour
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party reviewed
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Interactive ‘zombie game comes to Cardiff
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Call to unite against Uganda’s homophobia
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Heath Par
SHAMBLES SHAM AMBLES AM Student Senate
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CARDIFF
Senators refuse to take
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Katie Sands News Writer
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The University has approved plans for a lecture recording service to be developed and rolled out across the whole University over the next two years. The proposal was passed by Cardiff University’s Executive Board and will award the contract for the development by June so that the scheme can begin from September this year. Professor Patricia Price, Pro-Vice Chancellor Student Experience & Academic Standards, said to gair rhydd that: “The University want to implement a consistent, centralized scheme that will
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benefit students.” There will be trials conducted in September 2014, and March 2015 and, according to Professor Price, will be introduced steadily. She says that: “Having an ongoing programme of implementation is key so that we don’t interrupt existing study.” Professor Price as described the reasons for this change: “A perfect storm of combined factors.” These include: “A very persuasive Equality and Diversity argument,” so that people with any sort of impairment or language barrier are still able to make the most of their learning experience. Another contributing factor was comparison with other Universities. She says that: “Other institutions are further
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Monday October 14th 2013 | freeword | Issue 1010
ahead in this area, many have already implemented a lecture recording scheme and we are therefore falling behind in student experience.” Furthermore, pressure from the Students’ Union through routes like Student Senate (formerly the ‘Ministry of Change’) played a big part, according to Professor Price. Ollie Wannell, VP Education, who submitted a motion through the Union’s democratic structures to make lecture capture a priority across all schools, made the policy the focal point of his manifesto in his successful election campaign in 2013.
University agrees ag to pay all staff a living wage Tom Eden Editor
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Monday October ber 28th 2013 | freeword Est. 1972 | Issue 1012
A policy to pay every single sing gle member of Cardiff University staff att least the living wage was officially approved appro oved last week. The move by the the University to seek accreditation as a ‘Living ‘L Living Wage employer’ was proposed by the newly promoted Acting Chief Operating Operatting Officer, Ms. Jayne Dowden.
She put the proposal to the University Executive Board (UEB) on Monday 17th February and says the move has the full support of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan, adding that, “He is personally very committed to this.” It is believed that, if the application is successful, Cardiff University would become the first University in Wales to be an accredited Living Wage employer, paying a minimum hourly rate of £7.65.
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Ms. Dowden told gair rhydd d of the news from her office where a bunch of flowers stood next to a large ‘Thank You’ card, given to her by some of the University’s cleaners who had benefited from this decision. She explained that it has been a lengthy and complex project to get off the ground, not least with the nature of the cleaning contracts. “We have thirteen separate cleaning contracts so we had to change the terms and con-
ditions of each company’s contract and now every single cleaner is paid the Living Wage “This has made a real difference to peo ple’s lives and this [the flowers & card] is a very moving gesture.” Ms. Dowden made clear that a wide rang of people had been working on getting th University to a stage where it was able to ap ply for Living Wage accreditation.
Continued on page 7 >>
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members. Because of this we can now also provide access to Office 365 ProPlus for students at no additional cost.” Microsoft Office for mobile devices offers less programmes, but still includes Word, Excel, and Powerpoint which are popular among students. In addition to this new initiative for students, Microsoft already offer Microsoft Office 2013 for the cut-price of £15 to university staff that can be installed on one computer. However, students hoping for a refund on previouslyinstalled software will be left disappointed; Microsoft have already confirmed that there will be no compensation offered to students who have already purchased the suite.
On-going pay dispute nears conclusion page 5
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Government introduce sch for Maths & Physics P
Full coverage and analysis analysis: sis: sis drama all the results and dram ama ma Ashley Bebbington News Editor
After a week of campaigning, the Students’ Union elections 2014 have finally drawn to a close. 41 candidates ran for the seven Full Time Officer positions, and 12 candidates ran for the eight available Part Time Officer positions culminating in the results ceremony on Saturday 22nd March.
Find out more at cardiffstudents.com
The number of days of campaigning doubled from four last year to eight this year, and as a result the amount of votes cast increased. For a whole week Park Place and the Cathays area in general were overtaken by candidates and their campaign teams vying for the votes off the student body. The week was not without its controversies, controvers ersie sies, sanction Elliot Howells was hit with an SU sanct nction ion for e before befo b publishing his campaign website the election had begun. Additionally, lly, anonymous an
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Monday November 11th 2013 | freeword freewor | Issue 1014
ed
page 6
Katie Evans News Writer
Tom Eden
VP
g Electwit Elec Ellectwit was accused of providing a watchdog platform m for fo members of the student body to personally person sonall nally attack candidates in the race for VP Media Med dia & Marketing, and was criticised by SU President P Pre Cari Davies. For candidates and students alike, the university campus has returned to relative normality, only a few campaign banners left adorning Cathays houses and the SU steps.
Welfare
Danial Alauddin
Full coverage: pages 4-13 >>
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Monday November 18th 2013 | freeword freewor | Issue 1015
JOMEC researchers accu of falsifying res
Swansea Griff Rhys Jones pulls out of becoming suspend their "#$% '' $ ( )%*+ ,*(. " / ( $, President
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Katie Evans News Writer
Student Senate, aptly held on April Fool’s Day, became a total farce when it was revealed that the votes cast during the four hour meeting were not valid and that it would have to be rescheduled. Students and the Senate alike were left exhausted and confused on Tuesday following hours of debate about the submitted
board failed to reach the necessary target of 21 attending representatives. In a statement given to gair rhydd d, the Students’ Union said: ‘The Union is committed to its democratic values and believes that it is right and appropriate that the highest out of the two quoracy [minimum levels of voter turnout] levels are applied when making decisions. Therefore the decisions made on Tuesday will be revisited once a quorate meeting can be resumed. To avoid unduly influencing the next meeting and the
motions. The majority of the evening was dedicated to debating a controversial ‘ProChoice Union’ motion, which drew a large crowd of concerned students. The meeting was ended after the fourth hour, with only half of the motions having been discussed, because of the lateness of the day and concern for the welfare of the people present. Although concern had been expressed early on in the Senate about the number of people there to vote, it was only confirmed on Thursday that the Senate was void as the
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Senators who were unable to attend, the voting records will not be disclosed.’ The shambles of the Senate’s validity was only one issue to emerge from the evening that has provoked strong reactions. Motion five, which proposed Cardiff Students’ Union take a ‘Pro-choice’ stance, drew a great deal of attention, particularly from religious groups and the Union’s prolife society, Students for Life. Continued on page 4 >>
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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.
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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.
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Cardiff gets £34 million investment for cancer research
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“W “We We offer the best future for young people” - Ed Miliband The Labour leader talks to gair rhydd during visit to Cardiff
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d Miliband promised that Labour offers the best future for students after signing a Welsh ‘cost of living contract’ in Cardiff last week. Speaking to gair rhydd, the Labour leader also congratulated Cardiff University on their Living Wage pledge as well as asserting his confidence looking ahead to the 2015 general election. Miliband joined Carwyn Jones and some
of Labour’s Cardiff candidates for both the european and general election to walk through the city centre meeting members of the public. Asked about what a Labour government would mean for young people, Miliband told gair rhydd: “I think young people should vote Labour because we offer the best future for young people. Whether that’s on jobs - where Carwyn has already shown the way forward with jobs growth
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Monday December 2nd 2013 | freeword | Issue 1017
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Monday December 9th 2013 | freeword | Issue 1018
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Katie Evans Politics Writer
Complications in se for alien
Wales. “On education and tuition fees - again where Carwyn’s showing the way with Educational Maintenance Allowance. The proposals we’ve got around zero hours contracts and around wages, Labour is showing that it’s got the best future for young people.”
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gair rhydd interviews Peter Hain
Later this week British voters will elect a new European Parliament following months of cutthroat campaigning. But how much do you know about the vote, and why should you care? On Thursday, May 22nd, Britain will join millions of Europeans in electing representa-
tives for the EU Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg. The elections, which take place every 5 years, have this year amassed uncharacteristic levels of interest across the UK following increasingly vocal calls from Eurosceptic voters for Britain to quit the EU. As well as approving the entire EU budget, the European Parliament currently influences a range of European laws, including those concerning animal and consumer rights, the
environment, trade and economic development. Out of a total 751 parliamentary seats, the UK’s 12 electoral regions will elect 73 Members of European Parliament (MEPs). The Conservatives, who returned the highest number of MEPs in the previous election, have pledged to hold a referendum in 2017 on whether or not to stay in the EU. In the meantime however, the party have promised to ‘take back control of criminal
justice’ and ‘kee ders. The party’s tr hoping to drum u elections this ye pointing 13 MEP as UKIP and 12 l
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Monday January 27th 2014 | freeword | Issue 1019
Monday November 4th 2013 | freeword | Issue 1013
BL ACK HISTORY MONTH
Is Halloween too commercialised? page 9
Achievements recognised at national awards page 2
7th–11th October Octo ober
Elections
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which is unfortunate. “But for everyone else who hasn’t got Office, it will be hugely beneficial for the rest of their time at University both at undergraduate and postgraduate level.” Students will be able to download the programmes onto five different devices via their university email accounts for computers, and Google Play and the App Store for Android and Apple mobile devices. The supported platforms will be Windows, Mac, Android, and Apple mobile devices. Announcing the deal, a Cardiff University spokesperson explained in a statement that “through our Microsoft Campus Agreement, we license Office Professional Plus for staff and faculty
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nell believes that the move will be well-recieved by the student population, telling gair rhydd d that: “having free access to Office will obviously be of benefit to students. The package is expensive to buy so it’s just one less thing to have to spend money on. “There are other free alternatives, but they can cause complications when uploading work in an unrecognised format.” The introduction of the scheme comes late into the university calendar, meaning that final year students will only benefit from it for a few months as free subscription runs out after graduation. Wannell commented that “for students in the final year, it is a little late receiving this at the end of their studies
VP S
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tudents of ‘suitable calibre’ in ‘direct contravention’ of Widening Access policy p3 >>
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Ashley Bebbington News Editor
From March 6th, Microsoft will offer Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus to Cardiff University free of charge as part of the Student Advantage Scheme, which aims to “enable the next generation of… business leaders to achieve their full potential.” The suite will be available to students registered to study at the university for the duration of their studies. The scheme will provide access to Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus, which includes the programmes Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Link, and Publisher. VP Education Ollie Wan-
ing et
page 16
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All staff, including externally contracted cleaners (pictured), will now be paid at least the Living Wa
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The i newspaper hosts engaging political debate
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Lecture recording scheme approved
Multi-million pound renovation of Students’ Union gets approval
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Students’ Union wins Green Impact award
controversial motion on abortion to AMM
Claire Blakeway
page 10
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Doctor Who filming begins in Cardiff
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Rhys Jenkins
2013/2014: The Academic Year in Review Pages 24-36 >> page 12
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#mindyourheadweek #mindyourhead d week
Christian Union Carol Concert
Eight motions discussed: six pass, two fall
HOUSING ADVICE WEEK
page 19
18TH - 22ND NOVEMBER 2013
page 2
University Challenge success
Christian Union launch their mission week
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For & Against: the veil debate
Sharia La Law comp mplia pliant compliant s stu student loans introduced in page 6
page 9
Amid the controversy, Cardiff Medics RFC put in two strong performances at the Cassdian Blues Uni Cup
BUCS stand firm while healthcare students are split over future ; Sport Editor
Cardiff Medics have been backed into a corner as they continue their bid for survival. Earlier this year, BUCS presented
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UK’s biggest storm in last decade hits Cardiff
Cameron’s cuts for under 25s
Xpress Radio ban ‘Blurred Lines’ from airing
Cardiff Strikes
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Armed police in Cathays seige p4
Un University staff to strike Lillith Hickling, Bryony Humphries & Thu Nguyen News Writers Following outrage over “year on year” cuts to pay many
Cardiff University has actively been trying to reduce its wage bill, with a Voluntary Severance Scheme running since June this year. Michael MacNeil, UCU’s Head of Higher Education stated that “Staff have suffered cuts in the value of their pay Quite
Employers Association) said that “the vast majority of the staff understand the reality of the current environmen and would not want to take action that could harm the institutions and their students.” A spokesperson for the Cardiff branch of UCU who sai
Rosemarie Hopwood = 2 On Thursday, Cardiff University faced disruption as staff staged a strike over pay, cancelling lectures and seminars as ‘thousands of members’ of Unite, UNISON and the University and College Union (UCU) took action. The unions rejected a 1% pay increase as they argued that they are still earning
any affected students in advance of the strikes, as well as rescheduling lectures and seminars wherever possible. One member of staff, also a member of Unite, said from the picket line that, “we’re striking because we’ve only been offered [a] 1% increase… I’m pleased to see the three unions are joined together in solidarity to take action.” In response to the strikes, a University spokesperson said, ‘The priority for Cardiff University and its staff, as always,
‘‘
Cardiff University’s pioneering research into Alzheimer’s page 16
Appalling & Unacceptable
page 5
20 1 3 cardiffstudents.com/movember cardiffstudents.com/ m movember
#movembercsu
USA’s reputation in Europe damaged following surveillance revelations g
14
Law & Po Politics Pol olitics to merge
Students’ Union
Football Club presented with ban after ‘disgusting’ Powerpoint during a social
Two changes to Welsh language g g policies
Iran agrees nuclear deal
Jamie
Roberts lectures at Cardiff page 7
Max Eshraghi News Editor Cardiff University Students’ Union hosted its Annual Members Meeting (AMM) on Thursday November 21st and saw the passing of some historic motions. The event offers a forum for societies across the Univer-
onto the nominations for both the Student Council and the Scrutiny Committee. Those nominated were invited to deliver one minute speeches in order to make their case for the positions. Then attention turned towards the tabled motions, when a variety of policy sug & motion, delivered by Cerith
Union has a moral responsibility to operate as a bilingual organisation and that students should expect the Union to treat the Welsh and English language with equal respect. Resolving that the Union should review its Welsh Language Policy as a matter of urgency, he stressed the Welsh language was “a key component of modern Wales and that
? @ @} '$ 1 $ ? @ @} Under the terms of the amend ( $ % sponsible for the interests and representation of all Welshspeaking students. The motion passed narrowly with 211 votes for and 208 against. proposed The third motion, propose ed by the Union’s VP Welfare, Wellfare, Helen Dent, concerned concerned Cardiff ’s role in the issue issue of men-
University Challenge team selected page 5
Government privatises
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Why Criminalising Cannabis doesn’t make sense page 28
1 , /%5 , /(*%. 8$* #.55 ' ;, $( <# (# / ' ( 5 = , %($(*+ , ; =( (# * = ?*, , Michael O’Connell-Davidson News Writer Each year, a team of sabbatical officers is elected by Cardiff Students. Candidates using a combination of gimmicks and policies in order to gather votes. But what is more important? Inside, we speak to the outgoing elected officers, and ask whether or not our elected representatives have actually done the
jobs they set out to do. It is important to remember that our full time officers are paid a great deal to represent the needs of students, and that democracy is central to a vibrant university community. As such, candidates who fail to iterate upon their manifesto promises threaten to undermine this important aspect of student life. gair rhydd, as part of our retrospective analysis of the academic year,
look back at our officers’ manifestos and subject them to scrutiny. On top of celebrating their achievements, we will question their failures - for example, one candidate planned a night bus scheme last year which was not implemented, and another promised to overhaul the library fines system, which have not undergone any significant change. What happened? We ask these question and more on pages 8 - 13>>
Farage: not just a racist page 29
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