Vision says…
The methods used by the University of Manchester Students’ Union to organise support for the National Student Demo tomorrow are quite simply outrageous. Their Activities and Development Officer, Tommy Fish, apparently threatened student societies who failed to send at least 10 of their members to the protest with drastic funding cuts. Such politicising of a students’ union is a dangerous and stupid move, and Fish was quickly shot down by the NUS and a student petition. Over here, it’s safe to say that YUSU’s organisation has been much better. The Facebook group, for instance, has offered polls for indicating students’ opinion on the protest and Kallum Taylor has encouraged us to think carefully about why we should consider protesting. It is unlikely, however, that a free night out in Tokyo on Thursday will help York achieve its target of 400 people, but it was a good idea nonetheless. “Will the protest make much difference?” you ask. Well, it seems unlikely the coalition will diverge so greatly from their current economic policy and where savings could be made elsewhere. However, we must applaud YUSU and the students who venture south tomorrow for their efforts in the face of adversity.
Thumbs up to…
Vish Nithi, the man who is attempting to set up the first ever chess boxing society at a UK university. Finally, you say, York will actually be put on the map for something which doesn’t involve ducks. The sport itself involves players alternating across 11 rounds between chess and boxing until there is a victor in either discipline. Don’t forget, just a few years ago, chess was arguably the most boring game to watch, despite being one of the most engrossing to take part in. Now, though, its reputation has been transformed through the unlikeliest of marriages. Would it be so ridiculous to expect the sport of chess boxing to be among the most popular at BUCS level in a few years? And who knows, maybe it will be introduced to Roses even sooner if students at Lancaster follow suit. Let’s hope that YUSU ratify Nithi’s proposal because, if nothing else, this seems like a pretty hilarious sport to go and watch.
Thumbs down to…
The University, for not installing a cash machine on Heslington East in time. It was announced in April this year that a cash point would be available for Goodricke and Langwith students on Heslington East for the start of the academic year. Students were elated at the news, and freshers this year looked forward to settling into their new accommodation with a wallet lined with some handy cash. However, unless you get cashback, a trek to Heslington West is still required. At a time when the University is forging ahead with designs for ‘College 9’, it seems they are neglecting some of the simpler, more important things in life.