Trinity College Junior Common Room

President's Corner

Michaelmas 2010

So far this term:

Freshers' Week went off with a bang and no broken bones, although pride may have taken a bruising in some cases.

PwC sponsorship confirmed- awaiting transfer of money.

Met with Kevin Knott for preliminary discussions about the setting of Rents and Charges for the next period. The review will be ongoing through this term and Hilary.

Reviewed the results of the Accommodation Survey taken TT10 to aid these discussions.

Constitution given a Spring clean- the grammar is now, hopefully, less offensive and obsolete passages have been removed.

The Junior Committee positions of Poster Rep and Reports Rep were combined in the creation of the prestigious new role of Communications Rep because this just made sense.

Peer Support training moved to Hilary Term to facilitate Constitutional change which requires at least one Welfare Rep of each gender to undergo Peer Support training.

JCR Dinner approved by JCC and preparations underway.

Still pursuing recycling bins. They're elusive.

MICHAELMAS TERM 2009

5th Week

Environment & Ethics - Met with Olly and Becky to discuss arrangements for recycling, saving energy and how to promote being environmentally aware in College.

Health & Safety Committee Meeting - raised safety of spiral stairs up to Staircase 4 and the lack of light in the smoking area of Library Quad.

JCR Facilities - Met with the Accommodation Manager to discuss curtains and furniture in the JCR.

Executive - Finalising arrangements for JCR Dinner and the role of the new JCR Committee

4th Week

Governing Body Meeting - introduced to everyone present and would confirm dates of the Trinity Panto.

Meeting with Local Police - met with the local police officer to discuss how he could support Trinity. Decided it could be worthwhile to have him in College every now and again for students to talk to him.

Elections

Organised and run without a hitch. Ayaaz introduced to Governing Body.

JCR Dinner

Outline agreed with Julian (pay Guest night price plus extras - cheaper than last year!) and invited SCR guests. The specifics handed over, with everything else, to the new executive in 4th week as the constitutional change stipulated.

Governing Body

Interesting discussion surrounding our statistics as a college with regard to admissions based on the UNIQ summer schools requesting accommodation from us. The majority of GB regard access as "the most significant challenge facing the college" and support wholeheartedly any project to increase the number of excellent students we have. Point to the new JCR position, and we are hopeful for a new, more open attitude involving fellows, students and alumni.

Constitutional Change

Over the summer, the Executive proceeded with a partial review of the JCR constitution, specifically renewing how many officers we should have, new roles, reviewing welfare and election timetable. These were put to a JCR general meeting and a referendum and passed, allowing students with years abroad to run for Executive positions. This paves the way for Charlotte Meara to be president in 2010/11.

We create the role of JCR Access and Bursaries Rep to consolidate some parts of roles that often get overlooked, but are very important. OUSU rep is rolled into 'External Affairs Rep.'

Freshers' Week

A massive thank you to the Freshers' Week committee for all their help. As seems to be always the case, no matter how much forward planning events always get lost in confusion, some second years end up doing everything and someone ends up in the student press.

I am impressed that the OxStu turned my "We are not in a position to comment" into a, "In a statement to the Oxford Student, JCR President said..." In the end, everyone seemed to have fun.

TRINITY TERM 2009

JCC Issues addressed

JCC has proved to be a useful forum for discussion this term, with many issues brought up. The Lawns Party was very much supported by the committee and the refurbishment were reported at both meetings.

Vacation Residence was a big issue It was agreed that the license agreements should start on Tuesday of each term, working towards more flexible arrangements. Obviously with massive strains on the accommodation, Vac Res forms are still essential.

Dress in Hall was addressed. We fought for common sense and reasonability in how the rules were enforced. Shorts would now be allowed at Lunch, whilst sports clothes at breakfast (rowing) would be allowed? Double standards?

Timetable for Staircase 6 discussed at length. Noisy work would be completed over the summer to minimise disturbance to students. The completion date is given as April 2010.

Lawns Party

A considerable amount of effort was put into the planning of this event this term, and we were once again delighted by the support of most college staff. Unfortunately the weather didn't quite look as favourable, even after several anti-rain dances! The final profit was aprox £500, which will be directly invested into the JCR room.

New curtains were approved. The Table Football table was made free.

Governing Body

Quiet term to a large extent, except the discussion of our new Environmental Policy. Broadly support targets as a way of following progress, and would push very much for the inclusion of a Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) clause, which was removed from the university model.

HILARY TERM 2009

23/03/09: Website Update

The 'Information' section of the website has been updated (with thanks to Dave) to include information on Financial Support. This will hopefully be useful, and if not I can recite facts about every grant, bursary and fund available backwards... whilst hanging upside down... eating a cookie...

We've also uploaded content from the Alternative Prospectus into the same section. The College Office have confirmed they will fund 50% of the printing costs of this which will be done in time for the Access work next term. Some slight edits and it should be soon on its way to the printers.

11/03/09: Governing Body

See JCC, much of the same and everything was approved. Lawns Play also approved.

4/03/09: JCC

Refurbishment plans were presented for discussion. The full report produced by the JCR Committee can be found here. After lengthy discussions between the Bursars, Claire, Ellie and I over the last month, most of the main points passed without question, a few points of clarification and we barely have to speak (slightly disappointing!) The full budget will be produced ASAP.

The many aspects to the housing situation are discussed. 4 spaces have been given to the MCR, and it is proposed by them to have a junior dean in the area. We argued against, and it is decided instead to have a nominated 'point of contact' from both the MCR and JCR in this area in case of any problems e.g. "My house is on fire."

Sports team registration is raised following the incident with Queens. Looking into a solution...

Totally missed out on coffee after another chair shortage problem.

25/02/09: Governing Body

Lawns Party brought to GB's attention and discussed briefly, given the timing with a meeting with the Dean scheduled later the same day, nothing more can be said. General nods, and we assure that it will be brought with a full written proposal in eighth week if the Dean approves the idea. All profits to go to JCR Refurbishment.

The sentiments expressed in the letter sent by the president to the JCR have been passed on. The damage has now been paid by the JCR so someone took responsibility for it, and the JCR is now open again.

Unreserved business ended before I finished my cake. Massive fail.

19/02/09: Health and Safety Committee & Meeting with Senior Tutor

Joy. H&S should be everyone's concern. Nothing to note except the coffee was particularly good at this meeting and the range of biscuits exceptional. The Librarian looked somewhat confused as to why she was there. I can sympathise.

Meeting with Senior Tutor about photographs for the new prospectus. Interesting chat to update 'what Trinity is all about' and draft timetable is agreed. A plea to cooperate if you are asked to be in one of the shots!

17/02/09: Development Committee

Expected vs. actual expenditure for the last year main topic of conversation. We talk for a bit about Telethon FUN, and it is decided to encourage more students from the MCR to take part next year. All the important places the money goes to were mentioned.

The new building has been approved by Governing Body and a committee have been formed. Major funding drive will be required for this project. Chapel and Tennis projects also flagged.

We all turn to the biscuits for sustenance near the end of the meeting, but everything gets cleared up before Hall.

11/02/09: Governing Body

Minutes of meetings we'd all attended. A useful use of time. Churchill College (Cambridge) exchange dinner will be held on 5-3-09.

Nice Carrot Cake.

10/02/09: The Radiator

The Radiator in the JCR is ripped off the wall causing a slightly stressful Monday morning. I am a little peeved after having just convinced the Bursars we are responsible enough to look after a new kitchen... They repeat the list of things that have been damaged this term...(the iron isn't on the list.)

28/01/09: Governing Body & JCC

Gentle start to GB meetings. Nothing to report except that the Broad Street license application by the City Council has been overturned successfully and many of the points brought by college have been accepted. The 'Love Oxford' event will not happen, and restrictions have been put in place to avoid any noisy or disruptive events around and in the lead up to exams or moving days.

(For those not here last year, Love Oxford tested their speakers at 7.30am on the Sunday a week before my exams...)

Left-over Christmas cake was served, nice to see waste-not want-not isn't lost even at the highest levels.

At JCC we raised the issue of the increased fines for not leaving rooms promptly at 10am at the end of term. The warning given was not specific enough which led to nasty surprises. In future, adequate warning will be given and we will stress once again there will always be unforeseen circumstances, so there should be flexibility as long as people aren't playing the system

The recent 'incident' in the laundry room was raised with exhibit, the melted iron. It was noted that the iron should have switched itself off/tripped the switch/blew the fuse... there is no way to prove who did it, and it was probably an accident. Stressed everyone should be careful, especially considering the recent fire in Hertford. Electrical items should be tested, don't prop open fire doors etc. A fire drill will take place soon at a 'time fires usually start' - this turns out to be 7.30am after Welfare. Joy.

Chill-Out room will be closed until next term due to damage caused. Smoking in designated areas is to be stressed, as is making sure we do our bit to save energy(/money) with the recent hike in electricity prices. College will be taking part in a 'B&B Trial' for one month over Easter.

15/01/09: Housing

College have decided to mention to the MCR and JCR that it is likely a staircase will be refurbished next year, displacing at least 20 students... (a nice way to start a presidency) It transpires it will be Staircase 6, and we are reassured to hear Brenda will not be loosing her job as a result but are otherwise unhappy.

Through much chat the way forward is decided, and it seemed likely that it would be second years who would have to live out (in college rented accommodation) The Executive Committee hold a meeting with the Domestic and Estates bursars and get the low-down on what is going on. By the end of first week it was confirmed this would happen, and we decide to hold a meeting with all the current first years.

Christmas Vac

Discussed at length the proposed constitution changes to the MCR and its impact on JCR members (Part II Science Students) In the end it is decided to reduce the social membership from £10 to £5, and give everyone a choice. With college saying it is "up to us," it left the JCR in a tricky situation - in the end the motion brought passed and the situation seemed resolved...

Began working on collection of Rent Data with the rest of the committee. It was decided to have a survey in Second Week to give us time to collate the data for the proposed discussions that week or the week after.

TRINITY TERM 2008

The usual:

Governing Body meetings

JCC, Health and Safety and regular chats with the powers that be in College

Freshers Committee has been set up and seems remarkably keen and - with any luck - efficient

Continuing good relations with our sister college, Churchill

Discussed the possibility of inviting members of St Benets to join our sports teams

Regular attendance of Prescom and discussion with OUSU representatives over their course of progress. Nothing to get excited about I'm afraid - but watch this space.

The Committee is preparing a handbook explaining the various grants available from College and the University.

We're also looking into the JCR cooking facilities and possible opportunities for improvement.

HILARY TERM 2008

February 26th - 27th

Spoke to John Keeling about room provision for Finalists over the Easter vac; a coffee machine; revamping the JCR room; an extra blackboard at lunch and lights along the path round the lawns.

Attended JCC (Joint Consultative Committee) with Aj and Sarah - very little to discuss which was a pleasant surprise for everyone. The kitchen came up again but Felix the Junior Dean was otherwise actually impressed with the JCR's recent behaviour.

January 10th - February 23rd

Realised this page hasn't been updated in a while.

So far this term (brief summary): - attended an OUSU Council - attended a President's training day - attended 3 Prescom meetings - attended 2 Governing Body meetings - attended one JCC and one Development Committee - spoken to Mandy Giles wrt JCR kitchen - spoken to John Keeling wrt Beer Cellar refurbishment, Easter Vac provision for finalists, disciplinary matters, Arts Festival - dealt with the police over the JCR robbery - alternative prospectus online, edit copy given to the Access Office - helped Sarah Downes co-ordinate Half-Way Hall - spoken to Mandy Giles and Trudy Watt wrt Room Ballot with Sarah Downes - discussed Grace with Chaplain, Governing Body and Scholars/Exhibitioners

TRINITY TERM 2007

September 2nd - 13th

Wrote another letter to the proctors about the freshers' fair.

Emailed OUSU about the freshers' fair.

Sorted out the KPMG logo on the T-shirts and the sponsorship money for this year.

Various discussions with committee members about changes to JCR Meeting dates / venues / format. If anyone has any suggestions about increasing participation in the decision making process please get in touch.

September 2nd

Freshers' Week organisation update - we have organised the club nights, hopefully. The T-shirts are being organised. Various other administrative matters attended to. Emails sent to accomodation manager and others after concerns raised by several JCR members.

Wrote ANOTHER letter complaining about entry charges to the freshers' fair (OUSU had in fact failed to book us in at all until this unfortunate omission was brought to their attention).

August 2nd

Printed the Freshers' Guides and the College Parent letters and gave them to the college office for inclusion in the freshers' maildrop.

Monday July 23rd

I have written the Trinity entry for the OUSU Alternative Prospectus. So you can blame me.

Friday July 20th

Printed the Freshers' Guide. Chatted to Trudy Watt about the possibility of upgrading the college website. Later contacted the relevant fellows by email.

Freshers' Week

A number of emails and letters were sent to the relevant authorities to ensure that Trinity freshers will not be disadvantaged as a result of disaffiliton from OUSU. OUSU will be providing the Freshers' Guide at no cost - we have to pay for the postage.

Emails were sent repeatedly asking how much tickets to the freshers fair would cost - as of 24th July, we still did not know.

A Freshers' Guide was produced and submitted to the College Office for approval to be sent out to freshers in advance of coming to Trinity.

Governing Body 9th Week

The outline plan for the Trinity Commemoration Ball 2008 was approved. The Senior Tutor circulated new academic disciplinary proposals for consultation. Further information to follow. A possible renewal of the college website was mooted - I have subsequently sent an email conveying the concerns of the JCR Committee that the college website lags behind those of other colleges.

OUSU

At the request of the LMH Treasurer I attended the LMH re-affiliation debate. At the request of the Exeter JCR President, I attended an Exeter JCR meeting, in company with the OUSU President, as an 'expert witness' on disaffiliation. Jiten and Greg kindly agreed to go in my place when the St Catz JCR President requested that somebody from Trinity attend their re-affilition debate.

Wednesday 7th Week

JCC. The President agreed to continue funding half the cost of the Broadsheet. An agreement on backward funding was reached with the Domestic Bursar. Invited to represent Trinity at Karaoke Cuppers, the President declared himself unavailable on whatever date the event is to be held.

Welfare Supplies

Though I can't remember the exact dates, a number of meeting were held with the JCR Welfare Reps. Acting on their recommendations, a new condom machine was purchased and another supply of more satisfactory contraception sourced. See the accounts for exact details on cost but it was under half of the maximum budget agreed in the JCR meeting of 2nd Week - "This JCR laments the callous and brutal axing of Moira Stuart from Sunday AM, and would therefore empower the JCR Committee to spend up to £600 on a new condom machine"

Thursday May 24th

Health and Safety Committee.

The provision of first aid kits around college was discussed and the inadequacy of information made available to undergraduates concerning first aid procedure noted. If an accident does occur - such as the occasion when I unsuccessfully attempted the amputation of my left index finger with bread knife - you are advised to go to the lodge. Obviously.

Fire Drills. Observance of these has been poor. The Estates Bursar is becoming so incandescent with anger that he has himself become a fire hazard. Failure to observe future drills will result in them being held at "the most uncivilized hours of the day he can think of". You have been warned.

Break-ins in off-site college property. Third and Fourth years are advised that propping open fire doors - if only for ventilation - is both a breach of health and safety law and a serious security risk. The Staverton Road annex is thought to be particularly vulnerable.

Tail-Gating. In light of the continued threat in the centre of town from extremists - the incendiary device at Templeton College was noted -students are requested to remain vigilant at all times. Report anybody suspicious to the porters.

Wednesday May 23rd

Governing Body meeting. Nothing of interest to the JCR on the unreserved agenda.

Monday May 14th

I wrote a letter to the council concerning LoveOxford requesting that if evangelical rock must be played on Broad Street at stratospheric volume the week before prelims, they do not start sound testing at 6 in the morning as happened last year.

Wednesday May 2nd

Meeting of the College Development Committee. Nothing really of interest to JCR members. College is keen to re-vamp its publications, and perhaps in the long term, its website.

Wednesday May 2nd

JCC - Many things discussed. Feasibility of a JCR Lawns Event some time this term, possible increase in the freshers' levy if OUSU decide to charge an unreasonable amount for Freshers' Fair tickets and Finalists' coffee, which will begin in fifth week in the scouts' pantry. The Dean also expressed his concern over Mens' Welfare Events at which he said there was an unreasonably high level of alcohol consumption by some students. The efforts of the Oxford Student to create disharmony between porters and students were also noted and lamented.

Thursday 18th April

Governing Body Stated Meeting. Nothing on the unreserved agenda.

HILARY TERM 2007

Friday February 16th

Met with David Mills, college domestic bursar, to explain/discuss the introduction of the emergency JCR taxi fund. See a forthcoming news item for exact information on the introduction of this and how it will work.

Friday February 16th

Met with senior tutor Trudy Watt to discuss the Alternative Prospectus and the findings of the JCR Financial Survey, particularly regarding access issues.

Friday February 16th

The Executive Committee (Jiten, Greg and myself) met with Christopher Fenwick, JCR returning officer, in order to finalise proposed changes to the constitution, which may be viewed here:

http://www.trinity.ox.ac.uk/jcr/web-documents/constitution.pdf

This was thought necessary as a number of sections required clarification, particularly regarding the responsibilities of JCR officers. We also required a section detailing the election and responsibilities of a ball committee, prior to the election of that committee later this term.

Friday February 16th

OUSU Council:

Most discussed was proposed 'working parties' to draw up written constitutions for both Oxide Radio and The Oxford Student Newspaper, both of which are funded centrally from OUSU. This occured in the wake of OUSU's controversial cancellation of an appearance by BNP leader Nick Griffin live on Oxide.

Agendas for OUSU council meetings available here:

http://www.ousu.org/content/index.php?page=7786

Use the pop out menu on the left.

Minutes here:

http://www.ousu.org/content/index.php?page=4117

Again, click the pop out menu at left.

Wednesday February 14th

Governing Body meeting. JCR representatives may only be present during the 'unreserved' section of the agenda. I presented GB with the plans for Arts Week and discussed the production of the alternative prospectus.

Wednesday February 14th

Met with Kevin Knott, college estates bursar, David Mills, the domestic bursar and college accountant, Robyn Searle, to discuss the JCR's initial response to the rent/establishment charge proposal. Discussion centred around the JCR Financial Survey, (arguments contained within this can be found in it - it is available as a link on the links page and as a link in a news item on the main JCR page) and were centred upon the following:

1. The (un)affordability of the proposals, based on substantive information regarding the income and expenditure of JCR members found in the survey.

2. The cost relationship of Trinity to other colleges in Oxford and the negative impact we predict that to have (and to have had) upon applications from a wide range of educational backgrounds.

3. A lengthy discussion of the influence of accomodation cost on access.

4. The 2006 Charities act and its (argued) influence that it will have upon college's ability to subsidise services to students.

Rent/Establishment charges are ongoing and further discussions are to be had with college prior to the agreement of any amended proposal.

Tuesday February 13th

The JCR Executive Committee convened, prior to our meeting with college, in order to finalise our report on student finances and the costs of living at Trinity. It is available here:

http://www.trinity.ox.ac.uk/jcr/web-documents/JCRSurveyreport.pdf

Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Friday 9th February

The Executive Committee met with Andrew Ng, President of the MCR, and David Payne, MCR Treasurer, in order to discuss arguments relating to rent/establishment charge negotiations.

Wednesday February 7th

Met with Richard Williams to discuss the production of Trinity's alternative prospectus; we plan to have it finished around the start of /earlyish in Trinity term. If you're interested in getting involved, whether in writing articles, editing or submitting photographs, please e-mail me.

Monday January 29th

Jiten and I met with JCR Presidents and Treasurers at OUSU Towers in order to discuss the issue of rent; our (at that stage incomplete) table of Oxford-wide college rents was distributed.

Friday January 26th

'PresCom' at Christ Church hall. This consisted of a meeting beforehand, at which rent and a few other things such as extended freshers weeks were discussed, and was followed by a meal.

Never eat anything in Christ Church. It is DIABOLICAL. The plebs.

Friday January 26th

Met with OUSU President Alan Strickland, to discuss the issue of rent, and encouraged him to pressurize the university into releasing specific information on the issue of Van Noorden, the inflation index by which Oxford rent increases occur.

Wednesday January 24th

JCC Meeting with College. JCC is the means by which the JCR & MCR may raise specific issues of complaint to college. Items raised were as follows:

1. College security 2. Environmental Policy 3. Sky TV Subscription

College endeavoured to improve security, particularly at night - complaints about the abscence of a night porter when people return late at night should be addressed to me, and i'll pass them on to college. I pointed out that the spring mechanism on the back gate was broken and this has now been fixed.

College rejected all of my proposals regarding an 'environmental policy', favouring a 'top down environmental impact management plan'. Whatever this means, I'll continue to badger them for it until the end of term, and will petition for student involvement when it finally happens.

The situation regarding SKY was discussed; college raised the issue of the investment in the beer cellar television prior to its installation, and wish to recoup a part of it.

Wednesday January 24th

Development Meeting.

Discussed was the allocations of telethon money (£100,000 in realised cash, a further £65,000 'en route' to specific causes. The exact distribution has not yet been decided, but JCR & MCR members will have a say in this; options include the following:

1. Air conditioning in the lower library 2. The Boat Club 3. Sports Funds 4. The Trinity Players

Any suggestions regarding how this money should be spent will be appreciated by college, and myself, as it'll be my job to convey these suggestions to them.

The development office proposed, as a way of furthering links between JCR & MCR members and alumni, a careers mentoring programme, by which members could contact in writing alumni of the college in specific sectors of industry and commerce in order to learn about their chosen career.

Other items discussed included the development of alumni relations by the organisation of regional dinners and drinks events with fundraising in mind.

Friday January 19th

OUSU Council Meeting

Ed Mayne, Vice President for Finance offered up a paper on 'the reform of the position of the VP Finance'. It seems he has been doing that rather than his job, from most accounts. Congratulations.

Lots of incredibly interesting people talked about why OUSU Council should be renamed OUSU Student Council to improve student interest. I think they'd be more interested if they didn't spend half an hour talking about their name rather than actually achieving anything.

We're going to look into exactly what we get from OUSU; they provide us with a range of services, such as welfare provisions, entz and student counselling, as well as 'the Oxford Student'. We will investigate the best way to get what we need out of OUSU and attempt to find out if they offer value for money for the services they provide.

Agendas for OUSU council meetings available here:

http://www.ousu.org/content/index.php?page=7786

Use the pop out menu on the left.

Minutes here:

http://www.ousu.org/content/index.php?page=4117

Again, click the pop out menu at left.

Thursday January 18th

Met with Trudy Watt to give her a bit of a progress update on the alternative prospectus currently being put together...

Wednesday January 17th

Attended a meeting at Keble with John Hood, the University Vice-Chancellor, and Giles Kerr, the University Finance Director. The subject was the university's finances and how they plan on facing current funding problems. Student funding was discussed briefly, but the general theme was the Unis attempts to raise more funds to bridge their deficit by investing heavily in 'alumni development' and their investments/endowments office in order to get a greater return on their investments. The extent to which the uni, which had a total income of £1.3BN in 2005-6, is supported by the Oxford University Press, is surprising - approximately £500m per year. The Oxford endowment - our capital (presumably not including fixed assets such as buildings) - currently adds up to roughly £5bn including the OUP. This is compared to Harvard's £16 bn / $30 bn USD. Quite some difference.

More information for those interested at:

www.ox.ac.uk/aboutoxford/fs

www.ox.ac.uk/gazette/2006-7/suppr/3_4783.pdf

Friday January 12th

Met with Josephine Walton, the campus rep from KPMG, sponsors of the JCR, to discuss their February promotional campaign. They wish to organise a dinner for finalists at some point in the middle of term which will happen in a restaurant in Oxford. I also discussed possible future occasions at which further sponsorship money could perhaps be generated in exchange for KPMG support.

Thursday January 11th

Stated Meeting of Governing Body

  • Very little to report here as our presence is largely token; we are only present for the 'unreserved' section of the agenda, and on this occasion there was little going on. However, Amanda Partridge came along to put forward her plans for Arts Week, occuring in sixth week to college. We will have to submit a more detailed plan by fourth week.

For details of President's Corner HT06 - MT06 (Kushal Banerjee) click here