Voice of Vision

Vision says…

It’s been a tricky few weeks for student volunteers. Money has been taken from Vanbrugh JCRC funds and there’s been chaos in the organisation and support of Varsity – a tournament that had huge potential for wide support and participation. The late arrival of sports kit to our teams and disappointing organisation from hosts Hull made this display of commitment a lot more difficult than it should have been. Becoming involved in university life is undeniably as important as a degree is, both for immediate fulfilment and long-term gain. It is devastating for many when their efforts to make the most of opportunities and work with fellow students appears to be undermined and made overly difficult by a lack of care or effort. Yet it’s hard to see any students getting too disheartened. Sunday’s Varsity tournament is testament to our students’ ability to keep the challenges we face in perspective. The eagerness of students to pose half-naked for Vision to illustrate the lack of sports kit, is testament to both the awareness of students and the positive spirit that they can draw from any situation.

Thumbs up to…

YUSU and the York Council for finally managing to gain street lighting on Retreat Lane, a key route for students between campus and the city centre of York and student housing. The lane is casually referred to as ‘Rape Alley’ by many students – a nickname the route has gained after several robberies and sexual assault incidents on the lane, stretching back for about twenty years. This move is clearly long overdue and, despite new lighting installed in 2003, there have been incidents such as the rape of a female student in 2005 which left many feeling shaken and increasingly nervous about travelling down the route. This agreement between the Council and YUSU is a step in the right direction towards increased student safety, and hopefully this move will result in fewer incidents on the lane in the future.

Thumbs down to…

Sports suppliers for delaying their deliveries for our hockey teams’ sports kit for the second year in a row. This is totally unacceptable. For the money spent, the team should have their new kit on time and ready for use in all upcoming matches, not just the last few matches of term. The supplier has apologised and cited Chinese New Year as the main reason for the delay, which is unsatisfactory – they should have been prepared for this beforehand. We agree with the Committee’s decision to ensure reliability of chosen suppliers in future, so that no-one feels short-changed or disappointed.