JCR Meeting, HT '08 Week 5 (10/02/08)
Summary of Actions
Mandates:
- Mandate the JCR Treasurer to investigate the viability of scrapping the punt scheme, to report at the next JCR meeting
- Mandate the Ball Committee President to report, in a maximum of 1000 words, a breakdown of what £55 will buy, by the start of 6th week
- Mandate the Ball Committee to appear at a JCR tea in 6th week, inform the JCR as to what £55 will buy, and hand out their business cards at this meeting
- To mandate the Access and Admissions Officer to, before the end of 7th week, set up a discussion group (similar to Jon Smart's Academic Affairs discussion group) to discuss suggestions on the revising of the Alternative Prospectus and the JCR's procedure on the official prospectus, and to report with this information at the next JCR meeting of term.
Money:
- The JCR resolves to give £500 from the money designated for charities in the JCR private account to Hands Up for Darfur
- It resolves to give £120 to the Clubs and Societies Officer to pay for Challenge t-shirts
- The JCR resolves to raise the punt levy to £12 per term and to levy a one-off charge of £2 in Trinity term to cover the cost of punts
- It also resolves to give Emily Tipping, Captain for Women's rowing, £100 to buy an appropriate number of yoga mats
- The JCR resolves to give £200 to the Winton Volunteers
Preliminary Business:
Minutes of previous meeting:
No objections
No other matters arising
People:
Chair: Tom Carlisle (Vice-President)
Secretary: Rosalind Brown (LGBT Officer)
Present: Tom Carlisle (Vice-President), Joe Fallon (Treasurer), Tom Gover (Admissions and Access Officer), Sophie Rees (Clubs and Society Officer), Carl Gaffney (ENTZ President), Tom Corcoran (International Students Officer), Alex Merry (Male Welfare Officer), Rosalind Brown (LGBT Officer), Jonathan Smart (Libraries and Academic Affairs Officer), Merlin Cooper (Computing and Website Officer), Katie Johnston (Female Welfare Officer), Hannah Al-Hasani (Domestic Officer), Tom Abbott (Accommodation Officer), Mark Hamid (Returning Officer), Rhiannon Ward (Ball President), Felicity Burch (Equal Opportunities Officer)
Apologies: Meg Powell-Chandler (President), Alexander Scrivener (OUSU Representative)
Officers Reports:
President (Meg Powell-Chandler):
[absent] Attended Academic Committee, Governing body meetings RE: Academic preformance. Attended welfare lunch (a reminder that porters must be notified if you are leaving Oxford for over a day). Went to OUSU Council in 4th week. Attended meeting with Proctors. Met with Senior Tutor and Dr Watts (senior tutor next term) – talked about prospectus, encouraged to use website more. Participating in Corpus Christi Challenge next week.
Vice-President (Tom Carlisle):
Updating of JCR website; minutes from previous meeting. Attended OUSU Council in 4th week.
Treasurer (Joe Fallon):
Attended Governing body meeting; emailed Vendcare RE: Coffee machine and now has invoice as to what JCR are owed.
Admissions and Access Officer (Tom Gover): Met with Dr Watts and Peter Hore regarding the Alternative Prospectus (motion follows today)
OUSU Representative (Alexo Scrivener): [absent] Attended OUSU Council
Clubs and Societies Officer (Sophie Rees): Still arranging next week's Challenge. Regular communication with Cambridge, especially on the issue of Formal Hall
ENTZ president (Carl Gaffney): Mr and Mrs Corpus (Saturday 4th week) organised, crowned Lawrence Woolley and Sophie Rees. Bop to be held on Friday 5th week.
International Students Officer (Tom Corcoran): Held Stanford tea; more events to come. Stanford students 'settling in well'
Male Welfare Officer (Alex Merry): Attended Welfare lunch; discussed opening hours for college GP, came to conclusion that extended opening hours were unnecessary (all students have some time free during the day, even if scientists, and an out-of-hours service exists) Attended OUSU Welfare meeting; investigating shared yoga sessions. Holding Welfare tea on Thursday of 5th week.
Female Welfare Officer (Katie Johnston): Durex condoms have arrived; arranging Welfare tea
LGBT Officer (Roz Brown): Meeting for LGBT reps with OUSU Monday of 5th week
Libraries and Academic Affairs Officer (Jonathan Smart): OUSU meeting, also attended Library Committee. Met with Academic Committee RE: proposal on subject reps, specifically remuneration. Encourages people to fill in tutorial questionnaires
Computing and Website Officer (Merlin Cooper): Met with Computing Committee; idea of putting a wireless network in the library, but probably not owing to damage to library building. Looking into a total revamp of the Computer Suite, which is currently broken. Also installed Lost and Found section on JCR website.
Domestic Officer (Hannah Al-Hasani): On bike sheds – setting up promised system where individuals must register with college, which will also help with theft etc. At the end of HT/start of TT there will be a clearance of bikes. Also, organised Halfway Hall for 2nd years (Wednesday of 6th)
Accommodation Officer (Tom Abbott): Ballot details are up in JCR Common Room; individuals with exams in both 2nd and 3rd year should pick which ballot they wish to be on each year, before Sunday of 6th. Accommodation ballot to be held Tuesday 8th week – this is mandatory.
Returning Officer (Mark Hamid): Organised Burns Night ballot.
Ball President (Rhiannon Ward): Promotional party for ball; launched ball to university, tickets selling fast. Visited Cash and Carry; communicated with Marketing company.
******
Procedural motion to move motion 4 (Choir Trip) to motion 1 // upheld
1. Choir Trip
This JCR notes:
1. That the choir are going on a tour to Japan this Summer.
2. That the Choir need as much money as possible for the tour.
This JCR believes:
1. That we should encourage and support all forms of music within the college.
2. That the choir is for life, not just for Christmas.
3. That the choir doesnt often ask for money
4. That the arts fund needs to be paid somewhere
This JCR resolves:
1. To sponsor the choir by donating giving a pro-rata loan of £700 £400 towards the tour.
2. That this money should come from the arts fund
Proposed: Emily Round
Seconded: Benjamin Woodgates
Short Factual Questions:
- Jiekah asked, why Japan. Rosie replied, Sir Tim has a contact in Japan who has invited them and offered to give a substantial amount of money to the trip
- Lawrence wondered, why a donation, why not a pro-rata loan. Rosie answered that this was because the trip was unlikely to make much profit.
- Dave Nickerson asked how much the trip cost for the individuals going. Rosie answered that it was £450 per person, plus sponsorship, plus money from the Choir accountability
- Mark Peppin asked whether the £700 was split equally between the choir. The answer was yes, equalling £23 per person given that 30 people are going on the trip.
- Mark then asked whether the JCR can afford this. Joe answered, yes, but the surplus in the JCR private account will not last forever, and at the current rate of spending will be gone in two years.
Debate:
- Joe commented that last TT the JCR gave out money to the Choir, so it would seem reasonable that they should now ask for less. Rosie replied with a comment on the grand scale of the Choir.
- Joe said that £200 has already been given to the Choir (see TT), which means that the Choir are ultimately asking for £900 on this tour alone. Rosie answered with details of Choir trips to the New Forest and the Isle of Man (paid for with this £200), and raising the profile of the College whilst making money.
- Dave N then asked how much the Choir made on their trip to the New Forest. £4000 was in the account at the start of HT '08.
- Mark P proposed an amendment – replace Resolves 1 “by donating” to “by giving a pro-rata loan of” // upheld
- Tom Abbott wished to know how much has already been given to the Choir. Joe answered, £600 for the Canada trip, partly in protest to the SCR's refusal to give out a travel grant to the Choir. Tom asked whether the Choir were now applying for a Travel Grant. Rosie thought so.
- Dave N wanted to know how much difference £23 per person made. Rosie answered that this would make an improvement in the accommodation for the Choir for one night – equally, some people are already stretched by the £450 asked
- Mark P wanted to know if the Japan trip was for the purposes of fundraising or publicity or any particular purpose, given that the JCR (in his opinion) has seen very little of the money the Choir has raised. Is this any different to a normal Clubs/Soc motion, he asked. Rosie offered up the idea of the Choir promoting the college abroad, which Mark pointed out is very different from going abroad simply to have fun.
- Mark asked how much Sir Tim's contact is giving the Choir. £10,000 is the answer. Lawrence wanted to know why he can't give out £700 more? Rosie answered, not really – they have already downgraded accommodation in order to allow more people to come along.
- Tom Abbott was no opposed to the motion, but had a deep concern about the amount. He was concerned about the amount of donations given out, keen to keep the surplus high. Proposed an amendment: replace Resolves 1 '£700' with '£400' // upheld
- Dave again asked, what will this reduced amount actually do? Rosie answered that the Choir were looking for as much support as possible. Dave wanted to know whether it came off accommodation, food, or what? Rosie said, the Choir will decide as they see fit.
- Sophie commented, the Choir don't come to the start-of-year Clubs/Socs meeting to ask for part of the budget, even though the money is available. They should come and give the SCR an idea of plans so they can get money.
- Mark Peppin wondered if the Choir might give up a Formal Hall in order to make the money they need. Mark Hamid believed that the money could not be redirected. Mark P pointed out, it is a question of sacrifice, and Joe added, perhaps for the Choir it is not much money, but for the JCR it is a very large amount.
- Mark H commented, there are precedents for the Choir's asking – perhaps other organisations should do stuff and ask for money. Lawrence replied, they regularly do, but the money goes on technical necessities rather than nicer accommodation. It is fundamentally rather insulting to expect the JCR to pay, he claimed.
Move to a Vote
Rosie (proposing): Choir is a good thing; and they want to go to Japan with the support of the JCR
Mark P (opposing): This is a lot of money, which is not translated into much return per person. It could be better used to other things.
In favour: 17
Against: 19
Abstentions: 10
Motion fails
2. Hands Up For Darfur
This JCR Notes:
1. The work of Hands Up for Darfur, an initiative launched by a committee of Oxford students who are dedicated to raising awareness and funds for relief agencies in Darfur. Hands Up for Darfur supports two charities: Médecins Sans Frontières, and Kids for Kids. (futher details at the end)
2. The magnitude of the current crisis in Darfur; the US government has recognised that genocide is being committed in Darfur and recent UN estimates suggest that roughly 400,000 people have lost their lives and some 2 million more have been displaced from their homes.
3. Hands Up For Darfur is an apolitical organisation that is trying to raise money for humanitarian aid and awareness about the crisis occurring in Darfur. Therefore, by supporting them the JCR is not making any sort of political statement.
4. The huge potential that Hands Up For Darfur has for raising funds for the humanitarian crisis in Darfur last year £50,000 was raised for the two aforementioned charities through the Hands up for Darfur Ball. Hands Up... are currently planning a fashion show extravaganza, with the aim of exceeding last years fundraising triumph.
5. The need for capital to set up said fashion show extravaganza. Hands Up... have asked Corpus Christi JCR to donate £500 from the old private account to HUFD to provide them with money to put on said event.
This JCR Believes:
1. Genocide is a bad thing.
2. Hands Up for Darfur have a proven track record in raising money in order to improve the situations of those driven out of their countries by genocide.
3. £500 is a comparatively small amount to give in order to allow the facilitation of said event which could raise much money to alleviate the circumstances of those in refugee camps.
This JCR Resolves:
1. To give £500 “from the money designated for charities in the JCR private account” to Hands Up for Darfur
2. To encourage its members to support the work of Hands Up for Darfur, attend said extravaganza and give generously.
Proposed: Leora Kelman
Seconded: Sarah Murray-Gates
Further information on these charities:
Médecins Sans Frontiers is an independent aid agency committed to providing medical assistance in the refugee camps and Darfur villages. Kids for Kids is a local Sudanese charity which is engaged in numerous projects in villages under threat in the area that enable their inhabitants to become self-sufficient.
Short Factual Questions:
- Rhiannon asked, what date is the HUFD event? Leora answered, April 25th (same day as Corpus ball)
- Dave N queried why the motion was not passed last meeting. Leora answered that Sarah was proposing in her place, and did not have full knowledge of all details
- Felicity wanted clarification as to what the event is. It is a 'fashion show extravaganza'. Within this there will be food and drink.
- Dave N wanted to know how much the previous HUFD ball raised? It made £50,000 through donations, a silent auction, raffle etc. The aim is to top this, but likely figure is £30,000 given wholly to charity after costs. Dave wanted to know what that figure was based on – based on the ticket price and predicted attendance.
- Mark Hamid wanted to know what Kids for Kids was. Leora explained, it's a goat thing (hence, kids (young goats) for kids (young children)...)
Debate:
- Rhiannon commented, we want people to attend the ball. Michael's reply was, we are not telling people to go to the Fashion Show necessarily, only to give a donation and encourage the work of HUFD.
- Joe proposed, add to Resolves 1 “from the money designated for charities in the JCR private account” // upheld
- Dave N wanted to know, what proportion of JCR money is this? Joe answered, it is not part of the JCR's charity levies, but specifically money out of the JCR private account, which is currently in surplus.
- Jiekah wanted to know whether the money was being given specifically to the chaity. Michael Ford answered no, that it is a capital investment, which worked previously
- Rhiannon wanted to know how much the event cost. Around £20,000, answered Leora. Rhiannon asked how many other JCRs had been approached – some, but very few have that much money. About 5 had given money.
- Mark wanted to know what the money would pay for. Leora answered, venue, insurance of clothes donated, lighting etc.
Move to a vote
Michael (proposing): HUFD has involved Corpuscles all along, and does a huge amount of good. It is for charity, and will make a difference.
Jiekah (opposing): This is inefficient, only doubling the money given. It's not like just giving the money to charity.
In favour: Overwhelming
Motion passes
3. Challenge Stash
This JCR notes:
1. There will be stash for the challenge arriving next week which the Clubs and Socs fund has provisionally paid for in light of the fact that individuals will have to pay for their own t-shirts and thus reimburse the Clubs and Socs fund.
2. The current cost of a t-shirt is £8.40
3. Last term the JCR agreed to contribute to the cost of the Challenge should need arise.
This JCR believes:
1. That, of course, the C and S fund should be reimbursed.
2. that £8.40 is a bit of an odd price for a t-shirt and that things would be easier if it was £8 £6 flat.
3. Subsidising something in which all sporting and many non-sporting members of the college participate seems fair.
This JCR resolves:
1. to pay the extra £2.40 40p per t-shirt so individuals can pay an easier flat rate of £8 £6 or to grant extra subsidy should JCR opinion lean this way.
2. to reimburse the C and S fund in the unlikely event that not all the shirts get sold (they are FIT).
Proposed: Sophie Rees, Clubs and Socs
Seconded: Tom "Roman history is my middle name" Corcoran
Short Factual Questions
Andy Bolton asked, what is the motto? Sophie answered, this year, there is none.
Debate:
Joe proposed an amendment: replace Resolves 1 'flat rate of £8' with “flat rate of £6”, costing a total of £120 overall. Change 'pay the extra 40p' to “pay the extra £2.40” // upheld
Motion passed Nem Con
4. Punt Scheme
This JCR notes:
1. Corpuscles pay a £10 levy in Hilary term to hire three punts for use in Trinity term.
2. Punts cost over £10 per hour to hire privately.
3. Last year the punt scheme lost £600.
This JCR believes:
1. Punting is the perfect way to relax between bursts of revision in Trinity. (for those of us lucky enough to have exams)
2. The punt scheme should pay for itself.
This JCR resolves:
1. To mandate the JCR Treasurer to increase the annual punt levy to £12.
2. To mandate the JCR Treasurer to issue a one-off punt levy of £2 in Trinity term to cover the cost of this years punts.
3. “Mandate the JCR Treasurer to investigate the viability of scrapping the punt scheme, to report at the next JCR meeting”
Proposed: Joe Fallon
Seconded: David Giles
Short Factual Questions
- James Marsden asked, can't we just buy a punt? Roz answered, this would cost literally thousands of pounds.
- Tom Corcoran asked, how much would it cost to rent a normal punt? Tom Abbott answered, about £10 an hour.
Debate:
Gregor proposes an amendment – to scrap the punt scheme altogether, because he believes that it is just not worthwhile – not enough people go punting, and people should pay for their own experiences. Joe does not accept. // hostile amendment proposed
Debate on Amendment
- Alex argued that the debate was not for this meeting; it is unfair to discuss it without announcement.
- Jon Smart argued that if people were that passionate about punting, they should have shown up to discuss it. Mark Hamid pointed out that it is dangerous to raise the motion today in case it fails – then it cannot be brought again.
- Joe argued that it is pointless to bring the motion today, given that punt costs have already been paid.
- Tom Abbott proposes amendment –add Resolves 3, “Mandate the JCR Treasurer to investigate the viability of scrapping the punt scheme, to report at the next JCR meeting” // upheld
- Gregor withdraws his hostile amendment.
Motion passes Nem Con
5. Yoga mats
This JCR Notes:
1. Exercise is good for you.
2. A number of JCR members enjoy doing circuits, especially when done with friends.
3. The squash courts are an especially good place in which to do circuits. However, the floor of the squash courts is often dusty, dirty and hard.
This JCR Believes:
1. Supporting its members' physical health and well-being can only be a good thing
2. Providing exercise mats would encourage JCR members to use the squash courts for circuits and similar activities
This JCR Resolves:
1. To give Emily Tipping some money £100 to buy an appropriate number of yoga (or similar) type mats, which will be available for all of the JCR to use for circuits, yoga, pilates etc, etc
2. “to ask its members to put the mats away after use”
Proposed; Emily Tipping, Women's Captain
Seconded Joanna Bell, Ex-women's captain
Short Factual Questions:
- [NB: at this point secretary changes from Roz Brown to Alex Merry] Cost of mats is £5-10, and Emily says that she wishes to buy around eight. They are for everyone to use.
- Tom Abbott mentions the former yoga club, which shared mats with other colleges. He wanted to know if Emily had asked the Clubs/Socs fund. Emily answers no, given the amount of money already given to rowing.
- Gregor asks whether the Rowers have considered using the 'fit balls' purchased by the male rowers and available for general use in the squash courts
Debate:
- Amendment proposed – replace Resolves 1 “some money” with “up to £100”
- Amendment proposed – add Resolves 2 “to ask its members to put the mats away after use”
- Rhiannon pointed out, eight mats is enough for a boat, but what about other teams, ie. football or rugby squads? Suggested amendment - “ask captains about the number of mats that should be bought” - proposer is talked out of it
Motion passes Nem Con
6. The Winton Volunteers
This JCR notes:
1. The Winton Volunteers is an Oxford University based charity. Students go to a local primary school to work with children for an hour on reading and writing and then produce a magazine.
2. This magazine will contain mainly creative writing and (if sufficient funding can be found) will be printed out nicely (total cost £900) and distributed to that school and others.
3. The first (not so nicely printed issue) was launched last year and received great feedback from parents and teachers.
This JCR believes:
1. That contributing to a nicely printed magazine is a great opportunity for these schoolchildren to use their creativity and newly aquired language skills, and it allows them to produce something they can be proud of, which will certainly make them more confident.
This JCR resolves:
1. To give
Proposed: Gregor Jotzu Seconded: Laura Lee-Rodgers
[NB: motion is not on printed agenda given out on meeting owing to administrative error]
Short Factual Questions:
- How many Corpuscles are involved? At the moment it is only Gregor. Suggestion of better publicity for the organisation.
- Where is the other money coming from? Gregor does not know at present.
- Why the name 'Winton Volunteers'? Any link with the Bishop of Winchester, asks Mark H? Gregor still does not know.
Debate
Amendment proposed – replace Resolves 1 “£100” with “£200” // upheld
Motion passed Nem Con
7. Corpus Christi 2008 Ball
This JCR notes:
1. On 25th April, Corpus will be hosting the Ball of the season.
2. The Corpus Christi Heaven & Hell Ball 2008 is being organised BY the JCR, FOR the JCR.
3. The Ball will host 550 people, and there are only 250-odd undergrads at Corpus
4. Ball tickets are a meagre £55 (and who could find anything better to do whilst the rest of Oxford partys outside their window?!)
This JCR believes:
1. The Corpus Ball should reflect the splendour of the glory of the pelican
2. The earlier people buy tickets, the more money the Ball Committee can commit to reflecting the splendour of the glory of the pelican in throwing a kick-ass Ball.
3. The Ball Committee have the potential to bring Corpuscles the best ball of their lives, in fact the best ball Corpus has ever hosted.
This JCR resolves that:
1. To hand out the Ball business cards (which will be available in the JCR shortly) to all of their friends and acquaintances outside of Corpus at lectures, tutorials, classes, mealtimes etc.
2. Encourage all Corpuscles new and old (including Tom Carlisle and Meg P-C) to get off their fat arses and buy a ticket tonight.
“3. Mandate the Ball Committee President to report, in a maximum of 1000 words, a breakdown of what £55 will buy, by the start of 6th week”
“4. Mandate the Ball Committee to appear at a JCR tea in 6th week, inform the JCR as to what £55 will buy, and hand out their business cards at this meeting”
Proposed: James Wilkinson (Ball Secretary)
Seconded: Rhiannon Ward (Ball President)
Short Factual Questions:
- There is a request for what will be delivered at the ball. Rhiannon answers: food will be cooked in what remains of the garden – there will be a hog roast, spicy veg dishes, fresh donuts, cheese to go with the wine, special cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks at the bar. There will be jazz, comedy (Niall Gildea and Tom Greeves), casino tables, pole dancing, drum and bass in the Beer Cellar, bands on in the main stage, from samba bands to a capella groups, DJ Evo, DJ Fee (?), and some living statues
- What will happen with the garden? Rhiannon answers, this is our of her control – it will be half building site, half cooking area. Garden Quad (by Staircase 6) will be used, though.
- Tom Gover asks about the Disclaimer on Sam Kay's emails – will anyone apart from the first 70 to buy tickets not get their money back in the event that the ball does not happen? Rhiannon answers no, a full refund is available until four weeks before the event, by which time it should have sold enough to guarantee that it will happen.
- What is the point of this motion? Rhiannon answers, to promote the motion and get Corpuscles to buy tickets
- Question about Tequila Girls – why not men? Rhiannon agrees. They are to be Corpuscles, and will get subsidised tickets for their efforts.
- What about people who live in college but have no ticket? They must leave during setup (3pm-7pm), and are confined to their rooms during the ball.
- How do drinks vouchers work? Vouchers to be bought before or during event - £5 vouchers, drinks in 50p segments.
- What about Tutorials during setup? Tutors know about setup times; library will be shut – it can be arranged, but it is not ideal.
Debate:
- Amendment proposed: Add to Resolves “3. Mandate the Ball Committee President to report, in a maximum of 1000 words, a breakdown of what £55 will buy, by the start of 6th week” // upheld
- Proposal of a meeting for people to quiz ball committee. Possibility, but Rhiannon says she needs to ask committee. Business cards will answer lots of questions. Perhaps at a JCR tea soon?
- Amendment proposed: Add to Resolves “4. Mandate the Ball Committee to appear at a JCR tea in 6th week, inform the JCR as to what £55 will buy, and hand out their business cards at this meeting” // upheld
- Amendment proposed: Add to Resolves 2 : “Encourage... all Corpuscles... to get off their fat arses” // upheld
- Mark H asks, how difficult would it be to have a 'restricted pass' for those staying in college but not going to the ball? Rhiannon answered, it's not practical – this is the SCR's rule! Equally, staircases must be locked at 12, by college stipulation.
- The disclaimer for the ball is read out. Rhiannon answers this by talking about insurance – if, by some disaster, the ball were not to happen, at least £30 would be returned to those individuals who had bought tickets. Mark P pointed out that it is incredibly bad practice to give out disclaimers AFTER tickets have been given out. Rhiannon answered, the likelihood of it being cancelled is very small. General assent that this is not the point.
- Sophie R asks, could the Ball go ahead with its current numbers? It could, plausibly, but would not be as good as it will be if more people buy tickets early.
- Suggestion that these issues should be further discussed at 6th week tea.
Move to Vote
Motion passes Nem Con
**************
Emergency Motion // alternative prospectus
This JCR notes:
1. The Alternative prospectus is outdated
2. The SCR has made known its view that the Alternative prospectus does not send out the correct message about Corpus Christi in terms of academic focus
This JCR further notes:
1. The SCR are currently reviewing the official college prospectus and is contemplating greater student involvement in the production of it.
This JCR believes:
1. If the official prospectus was to contain both a student section and an official one it would make the Alternative Prospectus somewhat obsolete and redundant.
2. The Alternative Prospectus should not be abolished without the consent of the JCR.
This JCR resolves:
1. To give consent for the Access and Admissions Officer (and when necessary the JCR President) to proceed with planning of the official College Prospectus with the Senior Tutor and the SCR.
2. To give the Access and Admissions officer permission, if necessary, to replace the Alternative Prospectus in its current form with the combined official prospectus.
3. To mandate the Access and Admissions Officer to, before the end of 7th week, set up a discussion group (similar to Jon Smart's Academic Affairs discussion group) to discuss suggestions on the revising of the Alternative Prospectus and the JCR's procedure on the official prospectus, and to report with this information at the next JCR meeting of term.
Proposed: Tom Gover
Seconded: Meg Powell-Chandler
Debate
- In response to Tom Abbott, Tom Gover offers brief synopsis: SCR don't like alternative prospectus – it has the wrong tone. They are, however, open-minded about the student section of the official prospectus. Tom G says, originally he was against the motion, but since discussion he appreciates the SCR's way of thinking.
- Pete Hawkins wanted to know about the SCR's powers of veto, and specifically whether they possessed one. Tom G said that this was not yet decided, but probably would be so. Mark P pointed out that the AP was funded almost entirely by the JCR and printed apart from the SCR, so actually a veto was unlikely, but as a way of showing respect to the SCR listening to their advice may be sensible. Roz pointed out that the SCR can, after all, stop distribution at all college events, which basically removes the point of the AP's existence.
- Jon Smart commented that the SCR were keen to have oversight into what is being given out in the college's name. Tom G added, they are prepared to have business cards offering student information – it's not about cutting us out of the loop.
- Pete H was sceptical about SCR plans. As a state school applicant, he used the AP extensively – didn't apply to a college without it. He is worried about the perception of SCR control. Jon S argued that the veto would not be regularly used; just for image protection. The SCR currently have no decision on the message sent out, which is just as dangerous.
- Felicity Burch could see the SCR's problem with the AP in its current form, but argued that it would be worth hearing the opinions of the JCR on the current AP. Tom Gover believed that a number of people read the AP only after arriving at Corpus. Alex Merry asked the room how many read the AP before coming to Corpus – 2/3 had.
- Mark Peppin wanted to know if an improved AP and co-operation with the SCR on this issue might help perception of declining academic performance, allowing student participation in the Official Prospectus. Mark proposed a round table on the AP, with Tom to set up a motion, proposing the amendment: Add to Resolves, “Resolves 3: To mandate the Access and Admissions Officer to, before the end of 7th week, set up a discussion group (similar to Jon Smart's Academic Affairs discussion group) to discuss suggestions on the revising of the Alternative Prospectus and the JCR's procedure on the official prospectus, and to report with this information at the next JCR meeting of term.” // upheld
- Mark H was cautious about the amendment, wanting a limit to the SCR's powers of veto if possible. Felicity Burch said that we can still use the website as a tool to educate and put out a sense of the college's day-to-day activities
- Rosie Ievins was not prepared for the AP to go without a fight, arguing that people want to join a college, not an SCR vision of a college. Tom Gover said that Dr Watts was aware of this, and would make the reasons clear in the new prospectus. Dave Nickerson was equally cautious about the 'rubber stamp' appearance that the new official prospectus may give off
- Roz Brown wanted to make sure that the College prospectus did not portray an Oxford degree as an easy life, as it is not – the official prospectus would prevent this.
- Alex Merry proposed splitting the motion in parts. Mark Hamid opposed, wanting further debate, but relented.
Move to vote, in parts
Resolves 1: Passes Nem Con
Resolves 2: Objection.
Tom Gover (proposing): The current AP is outdated; a new combined prospectus would reduce the conflict of content and of JCR and SCR views
Rosie Ievins (opposing): AP is a valuable access tool, talking about both college and community. In its current form it can easily be tweaked; why not do this?
In favour: 11
Against: 9
Abstentions: 5
Resolves 2 passes
Resolves 3: Passes Nem Con
End of meeting – next JCR meeting to be held Sunday of 8th week