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INKYTEXT 335
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Issue No 335 Tuesday 22nd February 2000
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Editorial correspondence should be sent to InkyText@lancaster.ac.uk
Subscription requests to Inkytext-distribution-request@lists.lancs.ac.uk
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AGENDA
Minutes and Matters Arising
1. Editorial: Continuation Audit Continued
2. News: Ruskin Open Evening, VC in Brazil, Charter and Statutes, 25 Year
Dinner, Estates Appointments.
3. Visitors (Briefly) Revisited
4. Aquitaine Diary [Held Over]
5. Readers' Letters: Austrian Situation, SU & Night Clubs, Estates.
6. Small Ads: Knitting machine, Snooker table, Stretch Marks, Spotlight Club,
Concert, Computer, ENDS, DCE Courses, Sonic Art, Car, Room to let.
MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING
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1. EDITORIAL: CONTINUATION AUDIT CONTINUED
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Next week our continuation auditors arrive, having chosen whom they
want to see and having read our self-appraisal. Good luck to them and
all who are interviewed by them. And particular thanks to Alex Thorley
who is returning from Manchester specially for the occasion.
Their part-time, amateur, status and the need for equity and
'horizontal' comparability mean that such teams are necessarily hemmed
in by rigidly formalized procedures and have to give advance notice of
their visits.
The inspections conducted by Judge (later Sir) Stephen Tumin and Sir
David Ramsbotham are much better models. Some may argue that prisons
are simpler affairs to manage than universities, easier to investigate
and understand. Maybe so, but significant parallels exist. And the
trenchant reports of the chief inspectors of prisons are perhaps more
effective than diplomatic and wordy QAA analyses.
HM Chief Inspector has a staff of about 22 people to carry out
inspections and provide support services. The Inspectorate also employs
specialist inspectors and researchers on a consultancy basis.
The Prison Inspectorate undertakes about 20 full inspections each year
which are announced in the inspection programme. In addition, it
undertakes about the same number of unannounced inspections and
follow-up inspections. All Prison Service establishments are thus
inspected every two to three years.
This model would actually be more effective. Quite fancy the job
myself. Touring universities and making critical comparisons would be
educational....
Meanwhile if our auditors really want to know what to criticize, other
than the handling of the nurse-led unit of course, they should examine
closely the decision-making processes that led to a reduction from 9 to
8 units without any ostensible change to existing courses.
2. NEWS
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A RUSKIN OPEN EVENING takes place on Wed 1st March. Members of the
campus community, the city and the surrounding region are cordially
invited. The event takes place in the George Fox lecture theatre at
6.00 when Professor Hanley will give an introductory talk followed by a
showing of the video Ruskin's Journey. Refreshments. The Ruskin Library
will be open before and after the event. Families and friends welcome.
THE VC LEFT FOR BRAZIL ON FRIDAY as member of a high-powered HEFCE
delegation negotiating closer links. Mrs Ritchie is currently in
Australia where their newest grandchild was born a few weeks ago.
THE CHARTER AND STATUTES revision group met yesterday afternoon for a
two hour meeting which did not resolve all outstanding business. The
proposed changes still have to go to Senate again before that can be
approved by Council. Clive Barker was intransigeant on the membership
issue, and seems to have won round Deputy Pro-Chancellor David Martin
and the Deputy VC, who are anxious to be shot of it. Professor Rowe
remained unbending (and is absolutely right). Reports that Bath has
solved the problem. (Will investigate.) It was agreed that one alumni
representative be added to the new Council.
A DINNER FOR THOSE CELEBRATING 25 YEARS of employment in the
university was held in The Croft last night. It was hosted by
Professors Abercrombie and Davies with Val Walsh and Margaret Gardner.
The Deputy VC spoke appreciatively and Professor Dutton replied
entertainingly on behalf of the guests and their partners. Excellent
meal prepared by chef Chris Holmes, now fully recovered, whose brother,
head chef Tim Holmes, was one of the guests.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MR STEVE LUNN, who has been appointed as the new
Director of Estate Management to succeed Ernest Phillips upon his
retirement and will commence his role on 1st May 2000. The move must
represent quite a change from his former position as a Board member of
Thames Water with responsibility for 680 staff and capital budget
several times our total turnover of 420m p.a. Best wishes also to
Manchester graduate Dr Neil Firth, who has been appointed Project
Manager in Estates and will take up the job some time in March.
3. VISITORS (BRIEFLY) REVISITED
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Solving this one and responding to the scathing sarcasms of Mr
Bardsley requires a few cold compresses. The problem arises in
universities because, for academic staff, membership always attaches to
the same body that employs them. With other professionals that is not
normally so.
One can imagine a doctor being sacked by his hospital or practice but
not struck off the register. At the limit one might perhaps even
imagine the converse: a doctor being struck off the register but, for
compassionate reasons, continuing in employment at his old institution
as a drug counsellor or something similar.
In this context it might be worth suggesting that the fledgling
Institute for Teaching and Learning should be the chartered body,
membership of which confers the 'right' to teach in universities. But
that is very much a longer term and national solution, and not
immediately relevant to our Statutes alone. Nor would it solve the
students' potential 'need' for the Visitor.
It may well be, as some suggest, that European Employment Law and
human rights legislation which will shortly be introduced will outlaw
the concept of visitorial jurisdiction, seeing it as discriminatory in
the way claimed by UNISON. (But in that case of course some similar
protection will have to be put in place for students, otherwise likely
to be the big losers in this battle.)
What exactly are we proposing to ask the Privy Council to agree to?
That all employees of a chartered body ought to be members of that
chartered body and enjoy any privileges that attach to membership? Not
because it gives present non-members any tangible benefits but because
nominal exclusion from membership hurts their feelings?
That at first sight seens to be the proposition that everyone thinks
pretty much self-evident. Yet a moment's thought shows it to be clearly
clearly flawed. Not all General Medical Council employees are doctors,
not all Royal College of Nursing employees are nurses, not all RIBA
employees are architects.
These bodies all need accountants, secretaries, cleaners and
administrators, all categories of employee who clearly do not expect to
enjoy the professional entitlements of members, namely the right to
practice and call oneself doctor, nurse or architect. Nor indeed do all
employees of a golf club expect to have the same playing rights as
members. Membership and employment remain distinct.
Our proposition must therefore be modified and at least distinguish
two categories of 'membership', one relating to practice of the
chartered profession, the other only to employment.
But for the offensive term 'assistant staff' that is really what he
have at present.
4. AQUITAINE DIARY
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[HELD OVER]
5. READERS' LETTERS
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The new Austrian Government has placed a paid advertisement in the
International Herald Tribune aimed at giving international legitimacy
to the FP/OVP alliance. The signatories are the Chancellor W. Schussel
and one J. Haider - who of course is not officially a part of the
Government, though now no doubt the whole world will think he is. The
'Undergroundresistance' is responding with its own ad at the cost of
450,000 Austrian schillings. They are calling for financial
contributions, which should be paid to: Hans-Jorg Finsterer,
Verwendungszweck IHT, Kontonummer 00759094964, Bank Austria AG 20151 -
see also www.undergroundresistance.org for further details.
Norman Fairclough
--------------------------------
I'm fascinated by Jo Hardman's statement that Students' Union
Financial Regulations 'expressly forbid the acceptance of gifts,
money or blandishments'.
I say that I am fascinated by it because in the paragraph beforehand
he states that arrangements with the Carleton remain unchanged...
A puzzled Nick Bardsley
[NOTE: Sale of tickets I think. The question of whether we have a
'contract' with the Carleton seems to be disputed. I'm told the
question to ask is about 'the free list' whatever that is. (Ed)]
--------------------------
Many congratulations on Steve Lunn's appointment. But please, do
enlighten us, as to what correlation there is, between a previous
responsibility for 680 staff, and capital spend of 420m p.a. when we
at the continual 'pointy end of the stick' are so constantly reminded
that:
a) there is no staff
and
b) there is no money
to deal with such matters relating to the state of disrepair, that
surrounds us in our working, learning and socialising environment.
Dave Ingles
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6. SMALL ADS
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FOR SALE: KNITMASTER 360L KNITTING MACHINE AND RIBBER, LACE
CARRIAGE, INTARSIA CARRIAGE, KNIT RADAR, AND PUNCH CARDS, ALSO
INSTRUCTION BOOKS WELL WORN BUT READABLE, AND TOOLS. ALSO ZIPPY
MACHINE FOR KNITTING CHUNKY WOOL BOTH IN EXCELLENT CONDITION , MAY NEED
CLEANING. COMPLETE WITH COLLAPSIBLE TABLE. A3350. o.n.o CONTACT MRS
BRACEWELL ON 01524 4187833.
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SNOOKER TABLE FOR SALE: Due to the reduction of space provided by the
University, the Staff Association has no alternative but to offer for
sale a Full Sized Snooker Table.
Offers are to be received in writing by Noon on 21 March 2000 to;
Peter Scullion Treasurer Staff Association University House Lancaster
University LA1 4YW
The successful bidder shall cover all expenses for removal and
relocation Preference shall be given to University Colleges and
Departments. The Staff Association is not bound to accept the lowest or
any of the offers. For details of the Staff Association visit our Web
Page http://www.lancs.ac.uk/users/staffassoc/
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Sociology Seminar
Week 7: 22 February, 4.15 pm - 6.00 pm
Room B65, Cartmel College
Imogen Tyler
(Culture, Media and Communication, Lancaster)
STRETCH MARKS: CELEBRITY SKIN AND PREGNANT EMBODIMENT
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COMICS AND CHOIRS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Lancaster's prime spot for local writers and performers offers a
barrel of laughs on Friday 18th February. The Spotlight Club at the
city's Yorkshire House pub includes two comedians on the bill, as well
as a poetry and short stories.
One of the off-the-wall comics booked for the evening is Alan Alvarez
appearing as Mr Average. Expect anything but average in performance
terms... Alan's work is as bizarre as it comes. Equally startling will
be Terry Shirt... whose recent open mic spot left the audience bawling
for more.
New poetry will be performed by Richard King, a welcome return
following his well-received debut in January. Poet Michael Murphy will
also present new work and there will be a short story by George Green.
The musical element include two popular local outfits. Acapella
harmony group The Lost Chords perform a set of songs from around the
globe and across the ages. And the Jelly Bean Jug Band will be
providing their authentic old-time blues on tea chest bass, mandolin...
and jugs!
Find out more by phoning 01524 62166 or 847240. Or be there on the night.
Show starts at 9 pm with open mike spots. Admission =A33/=A31.50.
Free admission for open mic performers - if you're a local writer, why not
bring your work and try it out on an audience?
Line up may be subject to change at short notice.
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CONCERT
Thursday 24th February 7.30pm
The Rising Generation - II
MESSIAEN CLARINET QUARTET
Brahms Piano Trio in B Op 8 for violin, cello and piano
Bartok Contrasts for violin, clarinet and piano
Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time
Supported by North West Classical Music Tours
!!! TICKETS ONLY 5 POUNDS TO ALL INKYTEXT READERS!!!
Box Office 5-93729
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ENDS Daily - does anyone else want to subscribe to ENDS Daily, an
email bulletin that reports on European environmental issues and keeps
you up to date? ?20 per year if there are 25 subscribers. I am not on
commission, it's just much cheaper than an individual subscription.
Please contact me if you want to subscribe. Thanks.
j.hunt@lancaster.ac.uk
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FOR SALE: P200,1.7Gb hdd, 32Mb memory, 3DFX graphics, 32 Bit Sound
Blaster, 80Watt Speakers 16 x CD for 220 pounds. Will deliver and set
up. HP 560 Colour Inkjet Printer £60. 32Mb PC100 Dimm with 12 months
warranty 32 pounds. Contact Simon McMullon mobile 07957367386
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PLACES ARE AVAILABLE
on the following Continuing Education courses starting soon:
Presentation Skills using PowerPoint
Monday 21, Tuesday 22, Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 February 6.30 - 9pm
Tutor: Paul Scholefield
Fee: 50 pounds (no concessions)
Advanced Word for Windows 6/7
4 meetings Monday 6, Tuesday 7, Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 March 6.30 - 9pm
Tutor: Dave Bleasdale
Fee: 50 pounds (no concessions)
All courses take place on campus.
*A full fee and Lancaster University registered students and their
spouses, who are not from the EU
B retired people in receipt of a private or work pension
C people whose sole income is a DSS retirement pension, full-time
students from the EU, people who are registered unemployed, people in
receipt of state benefit (excluding child benefit).
Proof of entitlement to fee concessions may be requested when you
enrol.
If you are not from the EU please telephone the Departmental Office
for information about fees on (01524) 592624.
For further information or to enrol please call Department of
Continuing Education on ext. 92624 (01524 592624 off campus). You will
also find details on our website
http://www.lancs.ac.uk/users/conted/index.htm.
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COME, HEAR!
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A series of lunch-time listening opportunities, presented as an
adjunct to a 2nd year undergraduate course on Sonic Art and open to
all.
Venue: Jack Hylton Room (Great Hall Complex)
Fridays 1.10pm - 1.50pm, Weeks 6 - 11 (except week 10)
Week 7 (25 Feb) "SYNTHETICS"
A concert of works constructed from sonic first principles: complexity
grown from simplicity.
All welcome! Bring your ears; bring your lunch - preferably without
crisps or cellophane wrappers! Relax or concentrate as you wish. Forget
Bailrigg; explore exciting new realms!
[Come, Hear! is introduced and diffused by Lisa Whistlecroft and Steve
Benner]
FOR SALE:Renault 5 GTS Prima 1.4 G reg, White, MoT Jan, Tax July. Good
condition and reliable. Radio Cassette 1,150 ono. Please call
01524 840958 Evenings/weekend
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ROOM TO LET in pent house style flat. Spacious, centrally heated,
bathroom, kitchen, lounge/dining room area, to share with one other
female. Central Lancaster location, 2 mins walk from town (near Dalton
Square). Fully furnished & parking space. Would suit young
professional/postgrad. Rent 200 pounds per calendar month - water rates
included, other bills not included. Call Cassie or Sarah 01524 840958
evenings/weekends
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TOO BUSY FOR MORE