St. John's College JCR
JCR Meeting
February 18th 2007
20:00, Leech Hall
Opening Prayer
Read by Megan Taylor
Apologies
None
Minutes accepted on a General Aye
Josh Heald, President
Great to see such a good turnout; please keep coming. JCR Meetings are really important. Congratulations to Becca for being elected (applause).
For the past three weeks I have been working on showing Becca the ropes of what she is about to take on. I went to a meeting on the Licensing Act last week. I have been starting planning the College's centenary in 2008-2009; they may fund a ball.
I went to Resources Committee.
I looked into the days of JCR Meetings.
Margaret's is now at £49 plus £6 electricity.
Katie Wray, VP:Estates
Hi guys, we've had the Darts house sports. There are some matches still to play. The next formal signup opens on Monday.
Jeanna Shalkowski, VP:Welfare
You can now get safe sex supplies, chlamydia testing packs, and panic alarms from the JCR flat, myself, my assistants. Livers-out handbooks are now available thanks to Pete Godden. I had a Health and Safety Committee meeting; we're looking into who has First Aid training in College. DSU Accommodation Office released houses last week. I'm looking into organising personal protection workshops.
Felix Schubert, JJCR Treasurer
Good evening. Briefly, since the last meeting I've been to Bar Committee, the bar's on budget according to the resurrection documents. We're slowly but surely filling the financial hole. I went to Resources Committee.
Richard Kelly, Senior DSU Re
Since the last JCR meeting I've been to DSU Exec, and discussed the DSU website. The president hasn't had enough time to do it. We've discussed ents which seem to be aimed more at locals than students. We've tried to get the treasurer to stop running expensive events that students don't go to. From the treasurer, don't sneak into DSU events, as you'll get caught and banned. Housing release week - I'd like your comments. I'd like to hear about it so I can pass it on. I went to DSU Council. DSU made about £3k more than last year. A Purple Radio officer was elected. The Sabbatical election results were announced. Rise Against Racism week is this week, culminating in a Planet of Sound.
Martin Hodgetts, Services Manager
All the stash order forms have been sent off, and the cheques sent in. It's about a balance about when we pay them in. I disputed a bill for the laundry; the problem was that one machine was broken, but we were charged for an engineer when it started working again. We don't have to pay that now.
Tim Marshall, Comms. Officer
I went to bar committee, and did a couple of This Weeks.
Alice Manuel, Social Secretary
Since last time we had the President's Banquet and bop, which went well. If there's anything you feel we could do better, let us know.
Epiphany Ball; I have a few tickets left. What I've done recently is having meetings with the hotel. The other thing to mention is Stand Up And Be Counted, with Cranmer. IT's a comedy night with sketches. It's also being done with DUCK. If you want any more details, let me know. If you have an act, you can fill in a form about it. THere's a ratings system, so we can save the ruder stuff until later, so that the Cranmer Kids have safe acts at the beginning.
Dan Baxter, Senior Bar Officer
Evening. I wasn't going to mention this, but [Dan explained Bar Committee].
You won't see any bar team elections, as it's appointed by college.
From the bar, we had our successful events this week; Mr. John's and Bathtime in the Bar. BUT. We had lots of ducks, and people have taken them; please bring them back as they're DUCK's ducks. We have Miss John's coming up this week. Please get involved. We now have a published cocktail list. We have jugs available. Come and get them.
For the past few weeks we've opened earlier on a Thursday. The Cranmer people have a Methodist ministry, so we can catch them before they go to Varsity.
I'm selling drinks this evening. Come and buy some.
Well done St. John's College Men's Netball team for beating the girls.
Becky Ryding: If the bar opens at 7:30 do we have to go there earlier?
DB: Well the way we've worked it so far, I just open it up on my own to start off with. If we need more staff, yes, come earlier, and yes, get more money.
Cranmer
nobody was present
Ed McCarter, MCR President
Right. The wheels of the MCR grind slowly.
You may have seen some of my grads at formal. We're all horribly stressed with exams and essays.
James Evans
We didn't get as far as Brazil; we only got to Heathrow Airport. We raised a lot of money this week, though I've no idea how much.
Josh Heald: Can I thank everyone involved in DUCK?
APPLAUSE
Elections
Drum Kit Rep
No Candidates
Toastie Bar Manager
Emma Matthews (standing for re-election after resignation of joint co-manager)
There was no call to hust.
The candidate was elected on a General Aye
2x BEC Decs officers
Dan Baxter: We need people to help us decorate the bar. If you like making it pretty go for this, if you like posters, go for pubs.
Lou Gough
Siobhan Whadcoat
Becca Davies
Phil Wallbridge
Both candidates were elected on separate General Ayes
BEC Publicity Officer
Ben Jarvis
Proposed:
James Rainer
Ed McCarter
The candidate was elected on a General Aye
Alumni Rep
No candidates - manifesto position
Senior DSU Rep
Sammy Hicks
Proposed by Lucy Knight
Seconded by Robert Feakes
My name is Sammy Hicks. I think I'd be a good representative of John's in the DSU. I've been a Junior Rep for about a year, and been to a lot of DSU Meetings. I often find myself wanting to take things on a General Aye. I don't want to just go through my manifesto. I recommend that you look at all of the manifestos before voting. The DSU isn't just a load of meetings; it's important in the student experience in Durham; it runs Hound and DUCK and other societies, and provides a lot of welfare as well. I'd be good at emphasising the importance of DSU in the JCR.
Rich Kelly:
A large part of being a Senior Rep is going to meetings but you also need to encourage people to get involved in it.
Sammy Hicks:
Generally talking to people about DSU and being enthusiastic about it.
Josh Heald:
What do you think are the three most important things DSU does and how would you change them?
Sammy Hicks:
Welfare, Ents, and running Societies. I think societies could be publicised a bit better, and ents need to be more aimed at students. Welfare seems to be running OK but needs to keep on getting the funding; we had a problem with Nightbus.
Ed McCarter
Is DSU Boring?
Sammy Hicks:
The meetings can be boring, but the DSU isn't.
Christine Leahy:
If the DSU was a farmyard animal, what would it be and why?
Sammy Hicks:
A chicken, because you can get meat and eggs for it.
Becca Davies:
How do you feel about sitting on Exec and getting involved?
Sammy Hicks:
DSU involves meetings mainly, so I'd be able to give time to support other exec members.
Becca Davies:
I went to my first general meeting and it was long and dull. Not many people come. There's a struggle to get people to meetings in John's let alone DSU. How would you get people to come.
Sammy Hicks: They've got a lot better this year. The first meetings I went to were too long, up to 3 hours. It's about finding people who would be interested.
Richard Kelly:
DSU is the body which represents us to NUS. NUS isn't very popular in Durham, and that it might be a talking shop for political groups.
Sammy Hicks:
There are positive things that the NUS provides, such as discount cards and low prices in shops. You have to discuss it with students.
Richard Kelly:
Beyond the discounts and the deals with NUSSL, what else?
Sammy Hicks:
It's important in that it's for recognition in the wider country.
AOB
Close of meeting
JHJCR Meeting
Vice-Chair
Phil Wallbridge
Phil husted: I would like to be Vice-Chair to keep Sophie company. I see this as a two-pronged job. I will support Sophie. and I will be Senior Returning Officer.
Becca Davies: VC is seen as a button pusher. It's more than that. Do you mind the definition?
PW: I'm happy to sit there anonymously clicking my mouse.
Ed McCarter: What would your greatest weakness as VC be?
PW: I might be over-zealous. I might click my mouse button twice.
Richard Kelly: If it's done electronically why do you need a key to the ballot box?
PW: you can ask for a paper ballot for some elections. you then need the box.
Candidate: Overwhelming
RON 0
Yearbook Editor
Megan Taylor
Proposed by
Andrew Griffiths
Seconded by
Harry Walker
Megan said that she intended to work with a good group of people to get the yearbook done.
Katie Wray: Who is the group of people?
they stood up
Josh Heald: How do you plan on getting people to get their entries in on time?
Megan Taylor: There are people who hadn't dropped out of the room ballot and I emailed them repeatedly.
Martin Hodgetts: How much are you willing to put on the Services Manager.
Megs: I am anal about organisation. I will take it on myself.
Dan Baxter: It's been tricky to make a profit
Megs: It's not primarily a profit exercise. We'd however like to get sponsorship involved.
Katie Wray: Do you know enough gossip for the snog tree?
Megs: I am friends with Crudge and Ali.
Candidate: over whelming
RON: 0
abstentions: 0
Yearbook Sub-editor
Christine Gaston and
Katie McCraw
Joint Candidature
proposed by Christine Leahy
Accepted on a General Aye
Candidate elected on a General Aye
Yearbook Art and Design
Andy Griffiths
There was no call to hust.
Candidate elected on a General Aye
VP:Estates
Will Holloway
Questions
Byron
I'm intrigued to know more about more than one formal every two weeks. I've found it difficult to get into formals as a liver out. Would it be viable to have a formal a week?
Will
It's something I'd look at. I assume it's a budget issue a lot of the time. Currently the reason that formals are mostly livers in is that it's covered by the food budget.
Dan Baxter
How do you view the VP part of this job?
Will Holloway
It's more meetings, but it's all about putting myself into it.
Josh Heald
A lot of the estates role means covering the things that the President hasn't the time or patience to do. How can you relate to catering staff and cleaners?
Will
When you work over the holidays, you get to know the staff. I'd be happy that I know them well enough to talk to about things. I feel I'd be good as a middleman.
Martin Hodgetts:
One of your jobs is pairing up freshers in rooms. What extra question would you ask to get them to pair up better?
Will:
What's your favourite TV show?
Sammy Hicks
What's your favourite building in College?
Will:
Probably the Cranmer buildings, with its huge basement with lamp-posts in it.
Ben Salter
Being VP:Estates means you should go to a lot of boring meetings. Do you like meetings, and would you be happy to go to lots of them over and over again.
Will:
I'm doing a team project in Computer Science this year. You need a lot of meetings.
Esther James
I wondered how you'd cope with stress.
Will:
Next year I don't have as much contact time. I will still do sport, but I will cut down, but I need stuff to relax.
Katie Wray
Are there any estates-related systems or projects you'd like to change in college?
Will:
Not really; I like the way it works: formals, perhaps. Mostly I would work to keep projects rolling.
Tom Briggs
Are you willing to be a bit of a villain when people break things and do things wrong?
Will:
Yes
Richard Kelly
A big part of Estates is doing up a part of college. Katie had the gardens. What area of college would you like to look at improving.
Will:
This amphitheatre; I'd like to get the ball rolling on that. If you look at it now, it seems overgrown, but a bit of imagination down in the trees...
Felix
Luckily things here don't get broken very often. If they do, what's your view on fining and charges?
Will
I'd like to think that a lot of people wouldn't want to break things as they would respect college. It would depend on frequency and how serious as to the course of action.
Martin Hodgetts:
As VP one of your main roles is to support the president. What would happen if you disagreed?
Will
I'd try to resolve it in a closed meeting. If I couldn't it should go to the JCR. The main point of the Exec is to carry out student wishes.
Becca Davies:
Do you think you'll be able to play a good part in the Exec Panto?
Will:
Acting isn't my strong point!
Katie Wray:
Consuming a lot of alcohol helps
Will:
I can do that quite well!
Laughter
VP:Welfare
Nick Robson
Proposed by Sarah Mullins
Seconded by Sarah Trotter
The JHJCR exec Welfare officer requires subtlety and tact. I believe that I have the ability to judge a difficult situation well, both in conversation and in action. Not at all judgemental (other than how I like my music), my approach would be open and accessible.
My availability throughout term will be a further attribute. For my first two years in Durham, I have only missed one night of any term to go home. Always on call when needed, I also like to spend a little time in Durham before the action starts, to get myself sorted-out and I am always willing in these moments to offer support.
The Vice President position requires regular and sustained commitment throughout the year. Having had experience with running St. Cuthbet’s Society choir, I have explored my strengths as an organiser and a thinker. When it comes to organising groups of people, I believe that my confident, yet personable approach has been particularly successful. I have opened up possibilities for methods of rehearsal and implemented them in a manner which has worked well. I hope to use these strengths in the position of Vice President and Welfare. This post includes a minimum of 50 meetings per term. This is not simply a matter of turning up; it requires the utmost preparation. As well as staying on top of my paperwork and providing my own ideas, I also have an ability to listen to others and take advice and criticism.
Enthusiastic and willing to contribute my time and energy into both John’s exec and welfare, I believe that I would be particularly valuable as head of the welfare support system.
Experience in welfare
I have an open mind with regards to welfare issues. In summer 2004 I travelled to Malawi where I witnessed some of the poorest living conditions I believe I will ever see. But in these conditions there was an amazing drive to publicise sexual health information. If anything is an inspiration for this Job, then this is certainly it.
As we have all witnessed, the workload of JHJCR president is colossal, to say the least. And, while the college does not have a sabbatical president, it is important that the positions of the VP are used efficiently and effectively. Were I to be elected, I would certainly offer myself and support to the President. As well as more managerial roles, it is important to note that I have no pride! I will lick envelopes, make tea, sort paper work and clean the flat. (I am employed regularly, after all, as a professional cleaner.)
One of my really big policies in standing for welfare is to increase the sense of community within the livers-out. I do not expect this to be an easy job in itself. But working with the other members of the exec and senior bar officer, I intend to put on “livers-out” nights in the bar and perhaps also livers-out formals. Regular events like this will help to maintain a network of community which I hope to some extent will act as a network of support in itself. It is always easier to ask for support when one feels part of the community which provides it.
I also believe that information should be even-more present than it has been. We’ve seen some great ideas from Welfare this year, especially during sexual health awareness week. Pokemon-style sexual disease cards with the tag-line ‘don’t catch them all’ requires an element of genius. But we should build on this. How many people know, for instance, that panic alarms are available free for all students from the DSU, JCR Welfare and nightline? The answer is always going to be: not enough.
But the welfare position should also speak to the everyday difficulties, which everyone experiences. I hope to implement time-management and relaxation sessions, especially during exam period, but also over the entire year. Part of the JHJCR’s Welfare responsibility must be to offer methods of avoiding the universal occurrence of stress.
.
Finally, I urge you to think carefully when asking questions. Difficulties with my manifesto and speech must be addressed to ensure they are thought through properly. Challenge me; and help welfare.
Thanks.
Edward Byron Romain
Proposed by Tom Briggs
Seconded by Pete Godden
I was told, in the months leading up to me coming to Durham that I would have an amazing time, that my first year would be the best year of my life and that freshers week was “amazing”. Suffice to say, when I came up I found myself depressed and with a burning desire to turn on my heels and run home. I was homesick, lonely and four hundred miles away from my friends and family. And yet, I am still here, and the reason for that is because of the welfare support system at St Johns. Welfare is, in my opinion one of the most important issues for students at university. Thanks to the fantastic welfare support system at Johns I have been helped through some incredibly difficult moments in my university life. This is something I very much want to be a part of and indeed help to lead in Johns. The problems I have encountered and experienced I believe help to make me suitable and all the more qualified for this job as I know what its like not to be happy at university.
I have a large amount of welfare experience. Prior to coming to University I was deputy head of my house at school which was primarily a welfare job, and acting as a student counsellor for the students in my house. It also involved organising welfare talks and liaising with the PSHE department to discuss things varying from alcohol and drugs to sexual health. The role was also to help back up the head of house, which I believe is very similar to the role of VP welfare.
Further to this when I came to Johns I ran in my very first term for the position of assistant male welfare rep as I was, even in my first term incredibly keen to get involved with welfare and help the then VP welfare Miquela in her job. I was also a student2student counsellor in college last year. Later on I sat on the LGBTa exec as publicity officer. All the executive positions for the LGBTa are also welfare based. We ran drop in sessions and it was the responsibility of all exec members to help run these drop in sessions which allowed students to simply turn up and discuss any problems they might have without having to be embarrassed or request meetings. This is something I would like to set up in Johns so there are regular drop in sessions every week allowing people to simply turn up as opposed to having to ask to meet up which can be embarrassing.
I believe it is crucial for the person in this position to be open minded. I am incredibly open-minded and certainly do not feel that people would worry about approaching me over any issues they might have. Further more, my previous experience in welfare means that I know how to deal with a large variety of problems. Sometimes it is important for people to know that they are not alone. I remember in my very first term chatting to another fresher after a union society debate. When she asked how I was enjoying my first term I told her the truth and said that I was unhappy. She was so pleased and relieved when I said this, as she too wasn’t having the best time and was just glad and relieved she wasn’t alone.
The role of VP welfare also obviously is incredibly important as it is a vice presidential position. I have a great deal of experience in helping to lead and organise. As I have said I was deputy head of my house at school and sitting on the LGBTa executive committee gave me a great of experience in organisation and leadership. Further more I believe I would work very well with the president elect who I feel privileged to count as one of my closest friends at Durham.
Thus, this is a role I am very confident I would fulfil well. I would dedicate myself to the position and work incredibly hard. I am a passionate person and I have a great deal of experience in welfare support and have through out my Durham career been in roles of responsibility and leadership. It is true; coming to university is one of the greatest experiences of ones life. However, for many it is also one of the most terrifying and bewildering. Johns has, in the past had a reputation as being judgemental, this unfair reputation is something that I want to help change. If elected I would work with dedication to show that Johns is truly a caring and supportive community which will fight for its students. I desperately want to help lead Johns and be part of the support system that has always been there for me and has always fought for me!
Questions
Ben Salter: I haven't done my research, but I know we've previously had a female VP:Welfare. Do you think that being male will hinder your being VP:Welfare?
Nick: I think one of my main strengths is knowing when I'm not meant to be there. I don't think sexually it makes much difference, especially with a female assistant.
Byron: I think it's fantastic that we have men standing for it as it recognises that men have an awareness of welfare. It shows that men have feelings too!
Esther James: In John's we're a tight-knit community; everybody knows everyone else's business. How would you make it more accessible?
Byron: i think a big part of it is people knowing who you are. I'm well known in college. People also need to know where to find you. Making sure that students know where you are is important. Drop-in sessions are a good idea. People would know that they could find me at certain times. People wouldn't then have to seek me out. The key thing is that people know where to find you and who you are.
Nick: I'd like to increase drop-in sessions, especially in Margaret's. A big thing is getting a lot of people involved in welfare.
Becca Davies: I'd like to know why the two candidates haven't been more involved in Welfare so far.
Nick: I haven't been involved in anything to do with welfare in the title, but it's more than just a title. At school I had a few roles as prefects and house captain, but my role in Cuths Choir has been more welfare-based than I'd have imagined.
Byron: I was really involved in student welfare. I stood for assistant male welfare. I lived opposite Miquela. I was a student to student counsellor last year, which was entirely welfare based. Also sitting on the LGBTA exec - all the positions in that society are essentially welfare positions, dealing with confidentiality and often very sensitive issues. I learned a huge amount from that. I think I have been involved in welfare throughout my time in Durham.
Jeanna Shalkowski: What do you think you would dislike about the job and how would you overcome it.
Byron: I think the issue of long dull meetings would be one. But I don't see that as a problem. If you want to do something enough you put up with both the bad and the good. It wouldn't hinder me and I would attend meetings that I was obliged to attend.
Nick: I think everyone hates meetings actually. I think the biggest problem would be detaching myself.
Richard Kelly: part of being Welfare is running campaigns to raise awareness with welfare issues. People feel men's welfare hasn't been addressed very well in Durham. What is the area of male welfare that needs to have awareness raised.
Nick: I don't think you can really pin something down. As Byron mentioned earlier, there is more of a pride in males. As Byron also said, it is great to have two males running for this position. I don't think it has to come to sexuality and gender.
Byron: I think emotions would be a point. i think guys are quicker to discuss a sexual problem than an emotional problem. I've always been open about my emotions. It's about changing a mindset: you know, it's OK not to be happy. I think guys might be happier to discuss this with a guy. I think whether you're happy or not is a big issue.
Megan Taylor: Some things you'll have to deal with as Welfare are very serious. What's your background in professional help? How would you know where you need to pass it on to professionals?
Byron: Knowing when you can help and when to seek further advice is something I discussed with miquela. I learned a lot at school about that. I have experience with knowing when something's a little beyond me. I think I have a good awareness of that. I was aware of that when I ran for assistant male welfare. I know when things are a bit extreme.
Nick: Confidentiality's important, but having said that, duty of care is essential. We are just students, so when it comes down to individual cases, it's done case by case. If one was endangering themself or someone else you have a duty to pass it on. Other issues which don't pose threat have to be confidential.
Katie Wray: How would your beliefs affect your role?
Nick: I see no problems with ethical issues. I mean I DO see problems. I'm not a judgemental person. My faith wouldn't make me more judgemental.
Byron: I come from a rather bizarre religious background. That said, obviously, I've never made any secret about my sexuality. I'm an incredibly liberal person, but I'm also understanding about the importance religion, especially in this college. I believe I do represent a good middle ground. I think anyone has to be able to approach you. I come from a good middle ground which would produce no ethical problems.
Charlotte Ramsbotham: How would you cope with the time management of the Welfare position?
Byron: I am an arts student, and we notoriously do very little work. so I don't think my degree would pose any significant problems. That said, I have been involved in theatre, but that is something I would plan to phase out significantly. I don't think I would have the problems, as I'd put myself all into this job.
Nick: I'd like to take this final opportunity to draw your attention to my manifesto. I've juggled a lot of things on my plate, and have managed to do a lot of things well. I intend to sever every link with choirs bar one.
Treasurer
Martin Hodgetts
The JCR in essence is a small business with an average turnover of approximately £65,000. Something of this magnitude requires, dedication, commitment and enthusiasm for JCR finances. However it would seem unlikely that someone would hold such emotions for a job that I have heard to be perceived as dull, boring and at times highly stressful. Yet the prospect of holding the treasurer position does not provoke any of these negative emotions within me. Instead it fills me with excitement at the challenge of applying my skills to a part of the JCR, which is in every aspect essential for the running of this student body. Without the treasurer there would be no budget and complete financial disarray, Services offered would cease. Imagine a college with no shop, no welfare resources, and no motions for spending on DVD players, Gazebos or anything else. Without the financial structure of the JCR, so many things would fail or falter. It is this and the commitment that I have seen from so many members of the JCR, that drives me not only to apply for this position, but also to stand here in front of you all with the promise that if elected I will do my utmost to not only maintain the high standard set by previous treasurers but also to build upon that.
To build upon something that already works very well within the set of rules that are applied to it, not just by the JCR constitution or even College but also by the Government, clear ideas and plans are essential. I have many ideas as to how to develop the current structure. These vary from investigating online payment systems for SEC events and stash, through to the implementation of the ethical purchasing policy with regards to banking. Improving the efficiency of the JCR finances is also something, which I feel strongly about, however this must be done without sacrificing but reinforcing security measures in place. Most of my other policies are detailed on my manifesto in the Bailey Room, which I urge you to read, along with the manifestos for all the other candidates.
The past year as Services Manager has helped develop the competence and experiences that are required for the position of Treasurer, whether it be the financial experience that I have gained working alongside Felix, or the necessary skill set that is required to work in a team like a JCR Exec. But skills and experiences only go so far. Motivation and passion for the role are also vital. It is with all of these things that I stand here before you asking you to vote for me as JHJCR treasurer 2007/08.
Questions:
Dan Baxter: The position is one of great responsibility and has a large amount of power. If the love of money is the root of all evil, how corruptible are you?
Martin: It's not my money. That's one thing you have to remember. My policies involve improving the security of money in the JCR, to make it more difficult for corruption.
Josh Heald: Other JCRs have large amounts of emergency cash in banks. We don't. What do you think?
Martin: It's important to have money there, but it's also important that you put money towards the students. I would propose that we keep a certain level in our accounts that we don't go below.
Nick Robson:
Quite a few execs have assistant treasurer positions. was it a bad idea to abolish it?
Martin: It was abolished because it wasn't used any more. There are several treasurers, so you need to learn to rely on them.
James Dalton
Positions like the SEC, planning things for the ball. I was often out of pocket. We're paying, then having to ask for money.
Martin:
I'm sure that there is a system already in place; a purchasing form for Part II Treasurers. If that form is filled out prior to paying for it, the Treasurer can write a cheque from the Part II account. I would want to improve the rate of turnover for signatures for money request forms.
Felix:
Shame on Dan for stealing my question. As you pointed out, you're dependent on other treasurers working smoothly. How would you ensure that your team works well together?
Martin: Finance Committee, which meets prior to JCR meetings, is important, but I feel it's also important that individual meetings occur, like Exec 121s. Kind of like that. Also perhaps an informal committee where things are discussed and turned around.
Megan Taylor:
Degree, living next year, and time management?
Martin:
Maths, but I've been Services this year doing that and being up Gilesgate. With Treasurer, it's live-in, so I would be around and it would be easier to come back from the science site.
Enoch Cheng:
Which currency do you describe yourself as and why?
Martin:
The Pound, I'm British
Comms. Officer
Charlotte Ramsbotham
Hi. I'm Charlotte, and I'm running for Communications officer. I think I'd be good at Communications.
Firstly why I think I'd be good:
I've taken minutes before so I can touch type. In printing this week, I have relationships with Prontaprint already. I'm used to logistics of organising things regarding productions. One of the jobs is sending TW to livers out so I'd be able to do that. I'm involved with BTC, rowing, and John's Choir, and it means I'm involved in College and know what's going on in different areas of College. I have a history of admin activities.
As Nick said, not enough people know what's going on, and I think this is really important. If everyone knows what's going on, it'll be much happier and much better. If people know what opportunities are available to them it'll be good. I feel making what you want to happen happen is a job of Exec, If we don't know what you want, you don't get it.
Having someone who knows what's going on in college is helpful.
What I would do.
I'd want to put more in on what's going on in the University as a whole. People need to know what's going on outside college. I think it would be good to have that in This Week.
I'm a PPE student so I have a flexible timetable. All the extra-curricular activities I do are flexible. I think that if communications are bad it leaves people feeling isolated, so this role links quite nicely with welfare. Isolation isn't fun, so having good communication is good for college life, so I'd hope people can tell me what's going on, I'd like to help them get what they want.
Felix:
We all know that in the modern world you need to know what to do with computers. You need to deal with elections and the website.
Charlotte:
I spent a large amount of time last year on a computer course. Tim's said that the website has been changed to be easier.
Esther: You said you'd try to make TW fun to read. I love TW. How would you encourage people to read it?
Charlotte: I think keeping it fun to read is really important. Livers-out get it sent to them. It's also on tables in the dining room. people end up spilling things on it, so perhaps getting it in other places would be good.
Martin:
Tim gets grouchy if he doesn't get TW entries in on time. How would you get people to get things in?
Charlotte: I'm used to getting people to attend rehearsals, I'm used to chasing people up. I think these are skills that can be used to persuade people
Katie:
Part of your job is stamping posters: What's your view on the Poster Policy?
Charlotte: I think it's often evident that if people put up something stupid it should come down. People should have access to the stamp, but you should be available if people want to put up posters, as people then know what's going on around the university and college.
Tim: Typing and thinking:
Charlotte: Having minuted before and doing essays, I'm quite used to typing and thinking at the same time.
Nick Robson: What's your greatest strength in offering ideas to the Exec and your greatest weakness?
Greatest weakness: talking a lot
Greatest strength: problem solving.
Becky Ryding: Often livers-out don't get This Week until Tuesday. What would you do about that?
Charlotte: I'll look into it. It is available online and in college.
Jeanna: How would you find balancing it next year with living out?
Charlotte: I think I'm around college quite a lot, and next year a lot of my friends will be living in Margaret's. I'll end up being around here a lot. Also I'm living in Hallgarth Street, so I'm not far.
Ben Salter: Things can go wrong, whether it be arguing with the photocopier... How do you handle stress?
Charlotte: I think that I'm fairly used to dealing with pressure and stress. I can usually find ways around the broken photocopier etc. I think one of my strengths is problem-solving.
Richard Kelly: A large part is minuting meetings: it's not the most enjoyable job in the world. How do you feel about doing a job that largely people don't really know about?
Charlotte: It's important that they are minuted. If people are interested, it should be there for them. If you're typing, you're paying attention and therefore it can be a bonus.
Social Secretary
Jo Crawford
Proposed by Christine Gaston
Seconded by Robert Feakes
Good evening everybody, for those who don’t know me, I’m Jo. I’ll try to keep this short and sweet, (I’m sure everyone is keen to get to the bar).
Social events are important, they are an integral part of college life and a great way for everybody to let their hair down. I want social events to be fun and appealing to everyone in college and I have a lot of ideas that I would like to put into practice.
Alice has done an awesome job this year but if elected there are a number of areas that I would like to work on:
Firstly, publicity, I would aim to increase publicity in an attempt to raise awareness of SEC organised events. SEC work so hard it’s a shame when people say they don’t know that bops etc. are happening, or that they haven’t had enough notice and have made other plans.
I would also like to increase the profile of Margaret’s around college and particularly with next year’s freshers by investigating the possibility of holding more events there. As I will be living at Margaret’s next year, I feel that I would be able to take an active role in organising this.
Another area that I would like to look into, if elected, is the possibility of sponsorship. This would allow us to make our existing social events even bigger and better and potentially even lower ticket prices.
I would also like to promote our affiliation with other committees within John’s, such as DUCK and the Bar Events Committee. I feel that this is important to make events run as smoothly as possible and believe that I have the communication skills necessary to do this. On a wider scale, I would like to work with the Social Events Committees of other colleges, which would allow us to share resources and organise more inter-collegiate events.
In my opinion, the most important attribute of John’s social secretary is organisation. This is a skill which I believe I have shown to possess in balancing my current involvement at John’s (rowing, toastie bar, social events committee, and my role as interview and open day rep) with my degree work and I believe that I have the determination and enthusiasm necessary to succeed in the role of social secretary.
I have been an ents officer on the social events committee since the start of michaelmas term, which I feel has provided me with the best experience possible for this role. John’s social secretary must unite the SEC team and provide a cohesive voice on the JCR exec and I feel that I have the skills necessary to do this. As a result of my involvement with SEC and talking to Alice, I am fully aware of the hard work and commitment that is necessary to take on this position. As a first/second year (and an arts student) I have the time and flexibility around my degree work to fully commit to this role.
I love John’s and would enjoy the opportunity to give something back to college (and help you to answer that immortal question - what should I wear…?)
Thanks
Tom Pember-Finn
Proposed by Adam Crudgington
Proposed by Ben Powell
Hi everybody, I’m Tom, and I’m currently the Social Event’s Committee Treasurer and I think that this is a fundamental reason why you should elect me as your next social secretary. As Treasurer I’ve worked closely with Alice in drawing up budgets for every SEC-run event in College for the past year. This has given me a key working knowledge of the financial aspects of the Committee and also an understanding into the creative side, working closely with every other member of the Team to discuss how much they could afford to spend, and on what. This has given me a great insight into the practical workings of the SEC not only as a whole and also of the individual positions within the Committee.
I’m very organised and capable of leading the SEC effectively and decisively, as I’ve already spent the last year organising Ents such as drink receptions and adventure training for the Airforce, and so have the ability to delegate tasks and know what to reasonably expect from people and push them to achieve the team’s goals.
Next year, I’ll be living out on the bailey, close to College, which I believe to be important since I’ll still be in touch with both the livers in and out. I’m also an artist and shall have more than enough time to fully commit to the role.
In terms of what I’d bring to the position, I’d open up the SEC as a Committee working for John’s as a whole, and this means making the SEC resources available to other college bodies, such as the Bar Committee, Livers’ Out rep and CU. Also, as you’ll see on my manifesto, I’d love to work more with the other Colleges. In practice this means liasing with other Social Secretaries to discuss the best providers of goods and services and also to share around equipment, chocolate fountains and decorations for example. This practice will lower our costs and I’d pass this on to you in the form of lower ticket prices. I will also diversify our services to College, providing film and music nights. Of course, the time-honoured tradition of the John’s Bop will still be an important focus, though I feel with a little work we could make these better and more popular too, and I’d definitely talk to the Bar Officer about the possibility of serving drinks in Leech Hall during Bops. I’d also like to consider John’s trips to Newcastle for nights out, as I know these have been popular with groups of Livers’ Out this year, and if they were organised through College we could get a certain degree of bargaining power with clubs and coaches. Aside from these ideas I would ask you, the JCR, to get in touch with the SEC and tell us what you want, and I’m happy to say that some people have already approached me with ideas for Ents, and I’d like to think that this stands as a testament to my aptitude and skills for the position of the next Social Sec. Thanks for listening.
Questions
Becca Davies: I was in SEC in first year. DO you think you'd be able to nag people on the morning after the Bailey Ball to get up and spend all day cleaning up without annoying them?
Joanna: I think it's important that the SEC works together, so that way people wouldn't feel it was too much a task.
Tom: I'm a very annoying person. I can nag. Last night, I was playing rugby in Scotland. It was a job to get everyone out at a fire alarm at 3am. I did it with minimal physical violence.
Alice: How would you deal with someone who isn't pulling their weight in the team?
Tom: This year I've been lucky to live with most of the SEC, so most of the team worked. People who are in SEC do it because they want to do the job. If there was no chance then we should ask them to consider their position. We could always get someone else.
Joanna: It's really important that people pull their weight. If people aren't getting along, you need initially to discuss it 121, then ask the member to reconsider why they're on SEC, and take it from there.
Byron: I'm intrigued to hear candidates elaborate on how to make bops more appealing and more fun.
Joanna: It's important to have a big selection of music. Making people more aware of them; the more people there, the more fun they are.
Tom: I talked to Ben, and thought if we could enclose the area a bit more, and perhaps get some curtains so we can make Leech Hall seem smaller. Maybe some more equipment. Maybe get the bar in. You don't need to go 8 doors down the road from Klute to get a drink!
Jeanna: You're both currently involved in SEC. If you were unsuccessful in this election, would you continue in SEC.
Tom: Yes, as treasurer.
Joanna: Definitely, I've really enjoyed being part of the team and definitely would go for another role to get a different aspect.
Felix: One of the more recent policies of the JCR is not to subsidise ticket prices any more. The JCR isn't really in the position where we can subsidise SEC events. What do you think?
Joanna: I realise the JCR can't really support events. It's important to gauge student responses. I'd like to look into student sponsorship to reduce ticket prices.
Tom: I'd try and get JCR subsidies back, but then otherwise cooperation with other colleges might help. We've all got contacts; let's use our knowledge and resources.
John's Day. That or the Bailey Ball, are the big events. Do you have any specific ideas for these events?
Tom: John's Day is amazing: It waned in the evening, perhaps we could get some fireworks and fire breathers (laughter)
Joanna: I think keeping up interest is important, It is primarily a day of fun. Speaking to people, finding out what people want. Trying to incorporate that.
Josh Heald: What do you think is currently the biggest weakness in the College's social calendar.
Joanna: There is a lack of awareness about social event. Everybody's been very positive about all the events. There are posters up, but not early enough. People often do trips home during term time, so I think we need publicity so people don't' miss them.
Tom: Ticket sales for the Epiphany Ball aren't amazing. How can we make things better? Diversification might be better. Maybe if we diversified, we could keep things constant.
Josh: I don't think Joanna heard me properly:
Joanna: I think first years seem to think of the Epiphany Ball as a sports ball. It's important to emphasise that everybody's welcome.
Tom Briggs:
As head of SEC you're head of a team but also part of a team. Have you got any plans to keep meeting short and sweet?
Alice: How do you stop Tom talking is more of the question!
Tom: Getting down to business is a big focus for me. Business, meeting, hit the bar.
Joanna: I think it's important to get out the way the important stuff. You want meetings to be fun, but it's important to discuss SEC related issues first.
Ben Jarvis
Why do you think there are so many people on the Bailey Ball survivors' photograph?
Joanna: I think it's a good thing, as everyone clearly enjoyed it. It shows a strong college spirit.
Tom: We can take our drink! We can last the duration! More next year!
Services Manager
Enoch Cheng
Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening. My name is Enoch Cheng, a first-year historian who lives opposite the JCR shop and I’m standing for Services Manager this year. In the following speech I am going to tell you more about what I believe are the ways that the Services Department can be improved within the College, and then followed by why I am the best person for the post this year.
There are two main areas, in my opinion, that the Services Department can improve in order to give its best to our fellow Johnians: a clearer division of labour, and better communications. It is hard to deny that services have provided an important dimension to our College life. Some of them are slightly more predictable and reliable in bringing in our satisfaction, like the nearly unlimited supply of 5-alives in the vending machine; but some of them less so: like the laundry services in Cruddas. From my experience as Assistant Services Manager, I believe that the activation of the post of ‘JCR Shop Manager’, as written in the JHJCR Constitution, would be one of the most convenient ways to improve the quality of the Services. At the moment, it was the Assistant Services Manager that dominates the day-to-day running of the shop, which, in effect, is acting as the Shop Manager. However, by establishing another post to deal with this area and freeing up the Assistant Services Manager, the latter can then be more involved in acting as the first contact point in college, such as solving problems concerning the cues and pool balls. Assistant Services Manager would then also have a better grasp of the overall picture and could answer Johnian enquiry swiftly and provide Services Manager the information for improvements.
As far as communications are concerned, I believed that both external and internal communications could be further improved. Few freshers, for example, know the opening times of the JCR shop until the later part of last term and similar problems have to be address. While This Week has served its purpose in providing vital information from the Services Department, this means of weekly communication is sometimes quite inflexible. Services Department should increase its publicity in college and let the Johnians know what’s going on and who to contact if something goes wrong. After freeing the Assistant Services Manager from the day-to-day running of the Shop, he/she can be the communication channel between the College and Services Manager, through, perhaps, informal fortnight sections with the Johnians to invite suggestions and produce notices to inform Johnians about the shop and Services Department. There would also be meetings among the personnel within the Services Department to keep one another well informed and the ability to answer enquiries.
I believe that I am the best person for this job because I have the experience that could be used to serve my fellow Johnians. Being heavily involved in my Church, DICCU, John’s CU, Toastie Bar, and JCR already, I have developed a high degree of organising skills and they would be useful in my post. I do make mistakes at times but I am always keen and quick to learn from it and improve myself, as both my bosses Katie and Martin can both testify. But ultimately, I love John’s and I love to serve people. So please vote for me.
On a lighter note to end, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year and if you were struck down by flu last week, paracetamol is available at £0.90 at the JCR shop after this meeting. Thank you!
Questions:
Byron:
I have very little stash, and it's making you sad. I have had a problem getting orders in on time, Is there any chance of making stash available throughout the term. Do you think this would be something you'd be interested in pursuing.
Enoch:
I had come across some suggestions. This would be an area you could work on. I have had problems communicating with the stash department.
Becca:
Do you see there are problems with living out and doing this post.
Enoch:
Yes. But I'm quite sure I will live in Margaret's, so it's only 10 minutes away. I'd like to delegate more to the assistant services manager.
Andrew Griffiths:
What super-cool new thing would you put in the shop?
Enoch:
I'm not quite sure of the possibility.
Dan Baxter:
LAST ORDERS AT THE BOTTLE BAR
The pool table at Margaret's. Nobody uses it, and the company wants to take it away.
Enoch:
One of the reasons the pool table isn't being used is because some people aren't aware of it. Margaret's isn't fully occupied by John's people at the moment. There isn't a pool team at Margaret's. I'd like to try to improve the services at Margaret's to produce a community, then the table can be used more often.
Katie Wray:
You have to deal with a lot of outside companies. Are you good at arguing?
Enoch:
I bargained 12 bottles of squash from Dan for £2.50!
Ben Jarvis:
What would you think about keeping the shop open for longer?
Enoch:
I'd like to open the shop earlier, but not too early as to interfere with the bar. I'm inclined to open 10 minutes earlier. The only thing about extending the opening hours is that sometimes we need to return the keys before Howard is gone, so there's quite a limit to what we can do, but we might be able to leave the keys in the letter box.
Emma Matthews.
Toastie Bar is under your jurisdiction. how would you bring it closer under your jurisdiction?
Enoch:
I think it's running quite well at the moment. I'd like it to have autonomy as now, rather than forcing my own ideas on it. The Toastie Bar people know more than the Services manager in that area.
John's has got a reputation for Fairtrade. Could you look into cheap Fairtrade stash?
Enoch
With John's, we have a Fairtrade policy to uphold, but we would still seek for the lowest costs. Same applied to the shop as well. If we find a product which is overtly unethical, we'd rather not sell it.
Martin Hodgetts:
Be it from carrying picnic benches between lawns to getting people to do shop shifts, how do you propose to get more people involved?#
Enoch:
As I mentioned, publicity is very important. If people don't use the shop, they won't be aware that they are able to help. Firstly, increasing publicity is a must. Otherwise, we have to let people know that the services department responds to what they want, so being on shop shifts influences what we can provide.
Felix Schubert
If you were a product from the shop, which would it be and why?
Enoch:
A Tuna and Cucumber Sandwich - I'd always be there!
JHJCR AOB
RK: How is the vice-chair performing?
SG: Very satisfactorily!