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INKYTEXT 280 Part I
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FIRST INKYTEXT OF LENT
Issue No 280 Part I WEDNESDAY 24 FEBRUARY 1999
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Minutes, Amendments, Matters arising
1. News: Chairs, Blackburn College, Assault, Web Hi-jack, Mental Health,
Social Science plans, Overseas Links, Wednesdays, Fewer I/IIis,
Terry Frost, Telegraph Table.
2. Paris Diary [HELD OVER]
3. Small Ads: Galgate Cinderella, Hurrican Mitch Salsa Fiesta, Tabby cat
seeks home, Management School Doctoral Day, Houses for sale, Furniture,
St David's Day dinner, Gullberg's Mathematics for sale, Wardrobe,
Monkey Bucket gig, Translation services, International Women's Day,
House wanted, HEDEC events, La Cage aux Folles, Peer Gynt, Pinochet.
PART II FOLLOWS SHORTLY AND INCLUDES
4. Appraisal: a few classics
5. Readers' Letters: Cyclists and motorists, Staff Cricket Club, Rich Text,
Wheelchairs and Lake Carter, John Whitelegg, Mail, Mariah Carey, Furness
Back Bar.
MINUTES, AMENDMENTS, MATTERS ARISING
------------------------------------
The air quality monitoring equip has been installed at Water Street
(nr Sainsbury's) There is to be a public display of the results in
Dalton Sq. The local authority is negotiating with the Dept of
Environment to connect to the national data network. If successful, the
results will also be available at http:www.detr.gov.uk.
Mr McGovern's admin appointment has now been extended to 31 May.
Best wishes to Adrian Cunningham (Rel Studs), a mainstay and
powerhouse during our truly innovative years and yet another
long-standing member of the university to disappear unsung and
unheralded, save as a report item in a list at the back of the Senate
agenda.
The secret review of Catering conducted by unnamed consultants was
discussed at last week's UMAG and at last Friday's Finance Committee.
Still no leaks. Some parts are thought to relate to suggested options
that will arise when current leases come up for renewal.
1. NEWS
-------
CONGRATULATIONS TO PROF CN LEWIS on his personal chair in family and
developmental psychology, to Dr N Davies on his readership in
distributed mobile systems, to Bob Rothschild on his readership in
industrial organization [SIC].
THE UNIVERSITY WEB SITE WAS INACCESSIBLE this weekend. Callers found
it replaced by a black screen with a coloured logo. The culprit,
understood to be a 2nd year student resident on campus, was instantly
identified by ISS staff on Monday morning, and has had all computer
accounts withdrawn pending further disciplinary procedures.
[NOTE: The hi-jacking was in fact hideously easy, though covering
one's traces is not. The problem would have been obviated if student
accounts had been moved onto another machine, but this has been delayed
by budgetary constraints. (Ed.)]
BLACKBURN COLLEGE: The RESTRICTED report of the (strangely composed)
group chaired by Prof Davies is to be discussed at this afternoon's
Senate. The group recommends pursuing closer links with Blackburn
College, notably by validating a number of their degrees currently
awarded by numerous other places (Hull, Glamorgan, etc.). A number of
these courses fall within the business area and considerable opposition
has emerged within the Management School, many of whose members do not
want to see the 'brand image' of the Lancaster degree eroded. [In that
case their validation would clearly have been inadequate.]
Failure to take the Blackburn courses under our wing will drive them
to seek validation from another regional institution and will drive us
in a direction contrary to that of current government policy.
It is a great pity that so few involved have direct experience of the
massive validation exercise involved when Prof Ross was 'Emperor north
of the Mersey' and Lancaster validated innumerable college degrees. The
question of 'standards' currently being debated was covered much more
fully and satisfactorily then.
AN ASSAULT TOOK PLACE ON THE SOUTH SPINE on Sunday evening. A
complaint was lodged with the police who have since interviewed a man
in connection with the incident. The man has been bailed to reappear at
Lancaster police station on 6 April and the file has been sent to the
CPS.
MONDAY'S STUDENT UNION MEETING was, as is traditional, inquorate. The
150 or so present discussed a motion tabled by Alex Hanff and Owen
Barton condemning the low wages paid by some campus businesses. An
advisory vote was taken and it is expected that the SU executive will
pursue the matter.
THIS MORNING'S UMAG is discussing various models for apportioning the
equipment money in next year's budget. 700K is to go to Faculties. The
matter will be decided at this Friday's APC.
STUDENTS SEEK TO SAVE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS: Senate will be asked to
reaffirm the policy that there should be no teaching on Wednesday
afternoons. The students' union is concerned by reports of various
departments encroaching on sports time. [The request for a common lunch
hour made by the Strategy Conference has been declared unfeasible.]
FEWER FIRSTS AND IIis: Lancaster awarded 8 percent of last year's
graduands First Class degrees, 52.8 percent IIi, 31.2 percent IIii, 3.7
percent 3rd, 2.2 percent a pass. Only 1.9 percent of finalists failed.
The overall total of Firsts and IIis has been declining from a high of
66.3 percent in 1995, to 63.6 in 1996, 62.4 in 1997, and 60.8 last
year.
YET ANOTHER LEAGUE TABLE appeared in the Daily Telegraph last
Wenesday. It was based on the proportion of departments already
assessed achieving an 'Excellent' or at least 22/24 in TQAs. This
created a so-called 'Premier League' (how pathetic) of Cambridge, York,
Imperial, Oxford, LSE, Nottingham, Durham, UCL, Sheffield and Warwick,
followed by the OU and Lancaster (12th) at the top of the 'First
Division'.
[NOTE: The arbitrary nature of such tables can be demonstrated by
using 20 or 21 as the measure instead of 22, well within the margins of
inconsistency of TQA panels. This leaves the top few much the same but
produces huge changes further down the table. (Ed.)]
A DRAFT OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCE FACULTY entry for section 6 of the
Corporate Plan has come this way, marked TOP SECRET. It is most
eloquently phrased and totally elitist. Noted with interest that it
calims the faculty is famed, inter alia, for outstanding
interdisciplinary work in science studies, until recently the province
of Independent Studies.
The draft proposes 'less stringent' selectivity to protect the 5 and
5* departments until the RAE, and thereafter perhaps pusuing 'more
stringent' selectivity at the expense of the other, unnamed,
departements (Law, Philosophy, Politics).
WORRIES ABOUT APPOINTMENTS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES, who have been much
affected by retirements lately and who are concerned not to lose their
top rating in the forthcoming RAE.
QUALITY ASSURANCE: the follow-up academic audit (essentially of our
structures and processes) requires us to submit our version by 1 Dec.
The visit takes place next year, from Feb28 to March 3rd. Forthcoming
TQAs include: Biology (week after next), Maths (November), Physics (Jan
2000) and Art (March 2000).
HEFCE JIF BIDS: both the Applied Science and IENS bids for new
buildings are on course to be submitted by the April 30th deadline. A
third bid is being worked on by the Social Science Faculty, which also
fancies a new building. Careful calculations are being made about
recurrent costs during and after the period of JIF funding (an area
where we burnt our fingers during the Ruskin development, lumbering the
Library with unanticipated additional recurrent costs).
The exciting possibility of moving the Natural Environment Research
Council's Insititute of Terrestrial Ecology (at not cost to ourselves)
from Grange over sands to Bailrigg is being pursued both as a
free-standing enterprise, and one linked to the IENS building bid.
STRATEGY STEERING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS: a helpful table from Prof
Davies shows what is happening to these, so that they don't simply
disappear quietly when some senior officer decides to bury the ones he
or she doesn't like. Most major items are now subsumed in the Corporate
Plan.
SIR TERRY FROST: The Peter Scott Gallery's exciting 'Spotlight on
Terry Frost' exhibition opens this week. Those who have still to reply
to their invitation to the private view (Wednesday 24th February at
7.30) are urged to do so. The VC will be present.
MENTAL HEALTH POLICY: Senate and Council are asked to discuss a
well-meant draft document badly in need of re-writing and stringent
sub-editing. Presumably the phrase in section (e) 'they may be a need
to sort help' should read 'there may be a need to seek help'. The
document describes itself as 'Student mental health: and policy
guidelines' [SIC] but is not really a 'policy', consisting mainly of
common-sense guidelines for students and tutors. It notes that the
Counselling Service has reported a marked increase since 1995 in the
numbers of people with serious psychological problems visiting them.
[NOTE: Policy in this area also needs beefing up. Painful decisions
have to be made about marginally independent adolescent paranoid
schizophrenics on medication.... The more painful because they are
often very clever. More on that some other time. The problem is that
amateurs cannot recognize their problem when they cease to take the
medication, and enormous time-consuming efforts and distress can be
involved on the part of many until the problem is identified. Increased
medical confidentiality hasn't helped in this area. (Ed.)]
OVERSEAS LINKS: Senate is asked to approve three memoranda of
agreement between ourselves and other institutions for the award of
degrees. The first is a revision of the fascinating and innovative
International Masters in Practicing [SIC] Management, which the dean of
management has already signed on behalf of the University, and which
should surely be called 'PractiSing' management. It involves INSEAD at
Fontainebleau, McGill, Bangalore and ourselves.
The second relates to the Chinese University of Hong Kong, whose MA in
teaching of English as a second language we will not only validate but
teach. The third involves an MA or diploma in Communications
Engineering taught at the Thessaloniki DEI. Tiny whispers that the QAA
is interested in some of these...
NEW HEADS OF BIOLOGY AND ES from the summer onwards are to be,
respectively, Prof Trevor Macmillan and Prof W Davison.
PERSONNEL SERVICES WEB PAGES: http:www.lancs.ac.uk/users/personnel
These have been updated. Any difficulties with the pages should be
directed to Mandy Jackson (formerly Wilson) on extension 92158 or
e-mail a.j.jackson@lancaster.ac.uk
2. PARIS DIARY
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[HELD OVER]
3. SMALL ADS
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An amateur production of
CINDERELLA
Written by John Cocker & Eric Gilder
By Ellel Players at the Galgate Institute
Dates Tues 23rd - Sat 27th 7.30pm
Sat 27th Matinee 2.30pm
Admission Adult 3.50 OAP 2.30 Child 2.00
Tickets available from the paper shop, Beech Avenue, Galgate
or Sue Gara (ext 92431)
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NEW HOME WANTED FOR FELINE PAL: 6 year old, gorgeous, chunky tabby cat
needs a new home in the Lancaster area. Has had his bits removed and
has regular Program injections - so totally flea-free! Is used to
owners being out all day but requires a warm lap to snuggle up on in
the evenings. Present owners possibly relocating to new area plus
2-legged creature on the way. Contact: s.waring@lancaster.ac.uk or ext:
93737.
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WANTED - house to buy, 2/3 bedrooms, garden essential, Freehold area,
price in region of 50,000. Contact Sue on ext 92690 or e.mail
s.smith3@lancaster.ac.uk
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F U N D -- R A I S I N G N I G H T
A C A R T M E L B A R E V E N T ! ! !
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2 6 t h o f F e b r u a r y
7 p m to 1 a m
Salsa Class 7pm to 8pm followed by Latin Disco
Cartmel Lecture Theatre & Bar
Entrance: 2.50pounds in advance or 3.00pounds on the door.
Buy your tickets from 22nd Feb in Cartmel Bar or from The Gregson Centre
All Proceeds Will Be Sent To Oxfam's Hurricane Mitch Campaign
A l l D o n a t i o n s W e l c o m e
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MANAGEMENT SCHOOL DOCTORAL OPEN DAY
1.30pm
Wednesday March 10th
George Fox Building
At this Open Day will be opportunities to find out about the School's
research training programme , career opportunities for PhD holders , to
meet current PhD's and to hear about studentship availability. The
Management School, ESRC and University will have studentships available
which will be allocated on a competitive basis.
Booking in advance with Susan Lucas, on e-mail S.Lucas@Lancaster.ac.uk
or tel 594059 is required, preferably indicating your area of research
interest.
---------------
ANYONE LOOKING FOR A DELIGHTFUL, TWO BEDROOMED, END TERRACE VICTORIAN
HOUSE situated in central Lancaster? My house at 22 Portland Street is
for sale and could be just what you are looking for at the reasonable
price of 54,950. It has two reception rooms, original, lovingly
restored fireplaces in most rooms, many original features including
front door, leaded stain glass vestibule window, cornices, picture
rails, pitch pine stair rails. Gas central heating on yearly
maintenance contract and classy wooden double glazed front bay window.
Pretty rear yard (in summer) with raised flower beds. For further
information contact s.burr@lancaster.ac.uk - but official details and
viewing are being handled by Aspden Gallagher, in town.
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MY HOUSE, 17 PORTLAND ST is up for sale. Large quiet garden with big
ash tree, blackcurrant bushes, cherry tree, and ponds with fish and
frogs. Four bedrooms, three reception rooms, good kitchen, large
bathroom, two cellars equipped for laundry room and workshop, CH,
windows facing the sun, open fire, 'original features', and friendly
neighbours. Contact me direct (Simon 32351), or the agents Irvine
Taylor (opp Waterstones) (60524).
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VARIOUS OTHER ITEMS FOR SALE, due to move:from 6-bed house to quaint
2-bed cottage. All one careful lady owner: 1920s BEDROOM SUITE: dark oak
twin beds with head/foot-boards; two-door wardrobe with central
bevelled full-length mirror, drawers with recessed brass handles; chest
of drawers; bedside cabinet, dressing table with triple bevelled
mirrors and matching stool. SMALL ANTIQUE ROCKING-CHAIR, some work
needed; 19-piece bone CHINA TEA-SERVICE, pretty cowslip pattern; PAIR
OF OAK DINING CHAIRS; Ikea TABLE LAMP; excellent Slumberland DOUBLE
BED, nearly new; VELVET CURTAINS, good quality, various colours and
sizes; COAT STAND with hooks; Ikea MUSIC CENTRE STAND; good framed
print of Bosch's GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS with 2 books on the
painting; good quality FOLDING BED (headboard makes useful flat top)
Contact Lynda Burke, tel. 841169, e-mail Castlecomm@compuserve.com
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TRANSLATION, INTERPRETING, TRANSCRIBING, PROOFREADING, WORDPROCESSING
(and CV design as well): full-time all-the-year-round professional
service.Contact Lynda Burke at CASTLE TRANSLATIONS, tel. 841169, e-mail
Castlecomm@compuserve.com
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ST DAVID'S DAY DINNER
The local Welsh Society has organised a dinner on Monday 1st March at
Whitewalls Restaurant, Hest Bank, 6.45 for 7.15. After dinner
entertainment will be provided by a Welsh harpist. Please contact Geoff
Poppleton on 01524-414916 for further details.
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FOR SALE: A COPY OF JAN GULLBERG'S Mathematics: From the Birth of
Numbers. A general and wide ranging treatise on many things
mathematical. Still in the wrapping. Inspection copy available TSP
paperback. Original TSP price 15 quid-ish. Yours for a tenner. Contact:
K.Buckley@lancaster.ac.uk
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E V E R Y W O M A N M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E
In 1922, women in Manitoba began celebrating International Women's Day.
In 1923, women in Japan organized the Party of the 8th of March
In 1923 and in 1936, 800,000 Spanish women gathered in Madrid to
demand progress and liberty.
In 1948, 100,000 women gathered in Australia on March 8, in support of
women's rights.
In 1955, 500,000 Asian women gathered in Indonesia to celebrate
International Women's Day.
In 1961, women commemorated the founding of the South Vietnamese
Liberation Women's Union.
in 1977, the United Nations formally declared March 8 as:
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
in 1999,
O n M a r c h 8 t h, C a r t m e l C o l l e g e w i l l b e
c e l e b r a t i n g I n t e r n a t i o n a l W o m e n ' s D a y
All women and men are invited to join together and celebrate in Cartmel Bar
throughout the day.
( ) ;
;)( ;
A variety of chocolate drinks :----:
will be available all day at the C|====|
special price of 50p | |
`----'
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FOR SALE: Teak coloured single wardrobe with mirror, suitable for
student house - 15 pound. Must provide own transport. Contact Shirley
ext 93906 or email s.holmes@lancaster.ac.uk.
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Next Thursday................
The Fourth of March.................
At the Graduate College........................
MONKEY BUCKET!
An evening of music and moments of totally unintentional humour.
Bring your possessed pets for exorcisms.
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HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTRE - HEDC
INNOVATIONS IN COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING
Tuesday, March 2nd - 1pm - 2pm
This is the first seminar in a series for Lancaster University
teachers designed to bring together academics from across the whole
University to share teaching ideas and experiences. One lunchtime
seminar will be held each term with sandwiches and coffee provided.
This is a Management School initiative organised by Caroline Elliott
(Economics) and Helen Woodruffe-Burton (Marketing), supported by the
HEDC.
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HEDC GUEST SEMINAR
THE INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING
Tuesday, March 16th - 2.00 - 4.00 pm
Dr Joanna de Groot
Vice-Chair of the ILT Planning Group
Joanna De Groot will talk about the thinking behind the establishment
of the ILT, how the system of accreditation of teachers is likely to
work and the implications for individual and institutions. This will be
followed by a discussion of the position at Lancaster and further
development that will be needed.
If you wish to attend either of the above courses please contact
Kerry Gibson in HEDC, k.gibson@lancaster.ac.uk
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FOR SALE: Two-bedroomed semi-detached modern town house. Double
glazing throughout, 35-foot garden with off-road parking. Gas CH
combi-boiler. Situated off Bridge Road in Greaves. 47,950. Contact
andy@comp.lancs.ac.uk
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LADOS PRESENTS LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
The Lancaster and District Dramatic and Operatic Society is bringing
back this musical at the GRAND THEATRE, Lancaster from 22nd to the 27th
March. Based on the play by Jean Poiret, with music and lyrics by Jerry
Herman, this lively, amusing and tasteful production is almost a
sell-out for the Monday performance already! Phone 01524-64695 for
tickets - Circle 7-50, Stalls 6-50 (other concessions). Act two will
contain strobe lighting for one scene.
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Furness College is organising a visit to the Royal Exchange Theatre in
Manchester on Saturday 13 March to see a production of Ibsen's 'Peer
Gynt' with David Threlfall in the title role, (excellent reviews in
both The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph).
The performance commences at 8pm. A minibus will leave campus at 6pm
and return to campus at approximately 11.30pm. The cost, including
transport, is pounds 23.80 for seats in Row E at stage level.
If you are interested, please contact Janet Clements on ext 94477 or
Email j.clements@lancaster.ac.uk Tickets are limited and will be
allocated on a 'first come first served' basis so book now to avoid
disappointment! Please note that once you have booked and paid for your
ticket(s) there is no refund.
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DEPARTMENT OF LAW
Special Lecture
THE PINOCHET CASE: AN INSIDE VIEW
Michael Byers
University of Oxford
Counsel for Amnesty International
Lonsdale Small Lecture Theatre
Friday 26th February 1999
5.00-6.30 p.m.
All Welcome
Further information from: Sol Picciotto Law Department Lancaster
University s.picciotto@lancaster.ac.uk
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PART II FOLLOWS AFTER COFFEE