Columns

As this column goes to print, changes to the Design department are being voted on at the University Senate. You may have seen posters around the place, and read about it in Critic.

I’m pretty pre-occupied with that at the moment, and hopefully the meeting goes well (this column is due in before the meeting is being held). I’m sure you will hear about it elsewhere in this issue of Critic. If you think this doesn’t really apply to you because you don’t study Design, think again. The reason this is all happening is because the Government is not giving enough funding to the University, and the University has to make some big changes to deal with this. 
I’m going to keep it brief and answer a few FAQs this week. If you have more, send me an email.
1. Van bookings aren’t actually part of my job description, but if you contact the Clubs & Societies reception, they will be happy to help you out.
2. I’m not going to tell you how to find a flat for 2011 until second semester. You’re an idiot if you start looking now, and you will hate your flat mates before you even move in together if you sign a lease six months before you are actually going to live together. The Flatting Magazine comes out in July and has all the information you need. Now get off my front door step.
3. The University didn’t force Gardies out – it wasn’t making money, so put itself up for sale. If you had spent more money in there, maybe it wouldn’t have been sold. I’m just sayin’ …
4. OUSA doesn’t have a standpoint on mining (it’s not exactly a student-specific issue) but if you want there to be one, move a motion at the upcoming Student General Meeting (SGM).
5. I’m not a member of NORML .
6. The high court told us that the Code of Conduct applies, but because of an SGM motion from a few years back, OUSA’s position is that we oppose it. This means we have a conflict of interest when representing students if they appeal a decision made under the Code. If you think this is silly, you should turn up to the SGM. Same goes with some other silly motions from the past. We hope to rescind a whole bunch and move voting online on May 13, but need you to help us out.
7. I personally haven’t seen your cellphone, but if you come in to the main reception, the front desk staff will help you out.
8. First-years have never been allowed in the Octagon. It’s in the Code of Conduct.