Downing JCR > The JCR > Minutes > Committee Meeting 29/4/2003

Minutes for JCR Committee Meeting, 29th April 2003

Present:

Apologies Received from:

Summary of Main Points of Meeting:

  1. Welcome
    • The minutes of the last meeting were approved
    • Matters arising:
      • Contact details sheet to be circulated by Ian
      • Service requirements for slops to be discussed at Buildings and Amenities meeting on 6th May
      • Rachel to follow up ethical investment with CUSU
  2. Disiplinary matters
    • Generally, JCR Committee shouldn't take sides. Remain neutral until the completion of any disciplinary hearing.
    • Ian has written to the Dean to complain about the very slow pace at which the case against Ben Wiles has been dealt with
  3. Treasury Matters
    • Mid-year budget available from James on request.
    • Charity charge nominations proceeding well (Jenny Warner organising)
    • Rugby club loan should be paid back by end of year
  4. University Council student members election
    • Nick explained procedures for election
    • General Council members elected unopposed, however two undergraduate University Council positions contested
    • Election next Tuesday, ballot box open 12-2pm, 6pm-8pm
    • Sign up for ballot-box-manning-duties by email
  5. Electrical testing
    • Much discontent about unexpected £15 charge, including this forum thread
    • No warning of cost in advance. Rather cheeky to make us pay for mandatory testing. Most other colleges get it for free!
    • The cost to students to be raised at Buildings and Amenities Committee
  6. JCR Marquee
    • Organised by Conference Offfice
    • Cancellation of Climax should not affect this
    • Ensure we are not overcharged
  7. College provisions
    • Malcolm asked whether students could be provided with washing-up liquid, cleaning items etc?
    • College make a lot of fuss about hygiene; other Colleges pay for routine cleaning equipment.
    • Misgivings over effectiveness of bedders... but College would never allow a "bedder opt-out". Complaints about individual bedders to the Housekeeper or Domestic Bursar.
    • Laundry service in College? Check interest in the Forum.
  8. Overflow revision rooms
    • Ross has been investigating use of overflow rooms; College are being quite helpful.
    • Wilkins Room available 10th May-18th May, and every evening from 7pm. Also Great Hall and Party Room.
    • Overflow rooms should be listed outside the library and on the website (of course)
  9. Alternative May Week entertainment
    • Ian suggested a SuperHall (themed Formal Hall, no gowns, nice food.) He had enjoyed one he went to at Trinity!
    • Could we 'beef up' the JCR Garden Party (on the Tuesday of May Week)?
      • Get people at Downing to perform for free! eg Jazz Band, musicians, guitarists, jugglers
      • Carry on entertainment into the evening. Perhaps the SuperHall, or a bop in the Hall
      • Nick sounded a cautionary note... will people stay for an all day event? Certainly shouldn't overburden Tony and Farzana with organising a large event... must get Ents Committee on board.
      • More suggestions welcome (Farzana to appeal for ideas via the forum)
  10. Communications Plan
    • Matt demonstrated his computer skills via a Powerpoint presentation, to everyone's amusement.
      • Emails are too long and unfocused. Cull items to 2 or 3 per email. Don't send everything via Ian. Include a call for action. Use interesting titles.
      • Posters are ineffective. Back up with other media and remove old posters.
      • Website: encourage people to set as homepage and to use the forums
      • SMS: new idea with novelty aspect. Very direct and quick. Need to collect numbers. Texts to be sent for important information. Exclusive offers in the bar to keep everyone happy! Bulk texts cost 7p each.
      • Press: Think before you talk to the press... consult with others. They may twist what you say.
    • Generally, talk to each other! Use email to keep in touch with what is going on.
    • Malcolm was very impressed by the MailWasher software to remove spam emails
  11. Any Other Business
    • James and Matt described the Oktoberfest, a Downing 'tradition' which was last seen in 1981. A revival was proposed, to general interest.
    • Disaffiliation from CUSU would be a major step and discussion was postponed to a later date.
    • Open Meeting: Tuesday 13th May. Next Committee Meeting: Wednesday 14th May at 7pm.

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