Here we go, here we go, here we go again

Hello!

Welcome back to TT 2017 – hope you’ve had somewhat of a relaxing vac!

Now that term has started again, I’m here to let you know what’s going on in the world of the JCR.

First up, “hello to our friends from across the pond” as this term’s Stanford Students have arrived! Make sure if you’re organising anything that emails get out to all students.

Secondly, we’ve got some big events coming up:

• OUSU have their SPRINGTIDE free festival on 30th April in Uni Parks. They’ll be bands, food stands and a petting zoo
• ARTS WEEK is in 2nd week and we’ll be joined by Dave Benson Phillips on Wednesday 3rd May, make sure you save a space! The next day at 5.30pm in the auditorium we will be having an intra-college university challenge between JCR, MCR, SCR and Staff that will be chaired by uni challenge champion, Gail Trimble!
• CORPUS CARES WEEK will be taking place in 3rd week, making sure that finalists get the care they need before exams!!
• UNITY WEEK will be in 4th week, so make sure you come along to some fun and interesting talks, symposia and drinks events!

Of course, these events are on top of those already planned by college for the quincentenary, so make sure you get your eyes peeled for alerts in emails about what’s coming up that you can get involved in to celebrate our college!

From my perspective, this term will be very busy enacting papers and policies. First up his rent negotiations that will be taking place in 3rd week. Having taken in suggestions from the various surveys, I have compiled a paper addressing the key rent and charges issues the JCR would like addressed. If you want to read this paper before it is discussed with the Bursars, then let me know. Alongside this paper is one that has been drafted to address the extra accommodation costs faced by undergraduates with extended terms. Again, if you feel strongly on this issue you are welcome to read over the paper.

Other papers or issues that are being addressed is suspension policy and fines. I am currently finalising some suggestions for college’s policy that hopefully I will begin to discuss in committees this term and will be asking the JCR in the 2nd week meeting whether they think the decanal fines policy should be updated to allow students the choice in paying a fine or completing a certain number of hours of community service.

I hope that everyone enjoyed the new cash machine at the bop last night! As you may have noticed we have also got a new sofa and bar stools. However, this is not the end of our quest for updating the JCR. We now have a Welfare Room (the former table tennis room) that can be used as a quiet study space or if anyone just wants to chill for a bit. Over this term it should be getting more decorations and welfare resources, so please donate if you have any going spare!

That’s all there seems to be for now! I hope you all have a great start to the term and will see you all at the meeting next Sunday!!

Alice xxx