Glasgow University Guardian

A preservation of favoured ideas

2008-04-30T17:05:00.001Z

EDITORIAL

It would be worrying for 10% of any group of people to believe an anonymously written, two thousand year old book over the evidence provided by modern science, but the news that one tenth of first year medics reject evolutionary theory is utterly astounding.
It may be true that current scientific understanding doesn’t offer a fully comprehensive explanation for the diversity and origin of species, but micro-evolution has been clearly demonstrated and can easily be applied on a macro scale.
Those individuals pointing to gaps in the fossil record as evidence of the literal truth of the Bible are clutching at straws to preserve an outdated world view, and might like to follow the advice given to the unions and band together with another organisation for survival. May we suggest the Flat Earth movement?

GUU, you may now kiss the bride

2008-04-30T17:02:00.000Z

EDITORIAL

The financial crisis at the Glasgow University Union (GUU) is a worrying development, but hardly surprising.
Student unions across the country – at Glasgow Caledonian, Aberdeen, Napier and, most recently, Stirling – have been beset by problems in recent years as they lose out to increasing competition from local bars and clubs and, so they complain, cut-price supermarket drinks deals. It might be tempting to think of Glasgow as being immune to the troubles that are crippling Scotland’s other student unions, but the current situation is proof that age and tradition are no protection against market forces.
The full reasons behind the financial collapse of the GUU will be revealed when accounts are completed later this month, and business students may be particularly interested to discover how it is that an organisation which neither has to pay for a building to house it nor pay the board members that ostensibly run the place can find itself in such a dire situation.
The plight of the GUU should be particularly illuminating when compared to the Queen Margaret Union (QMU), which has stated that it has no financial troubles to report. As the University decides whether or not to provide an emergency bail-out to see the beleaguered GUU through its present troubles, management may well choose to reconsider the unique situation that sees Glasgow boasting two student unions rather than the customary one. Though many university unions have a number of premises around their campuses – Edinburgh, for instance, has four – most only have one board of management to pay for, with all the free food, alcohol and clothing allowances that that entails.
It is entirely possible that those in charge of allocating University funds to the unions – which, though financially distinct from the University, depend on Court to provide a generous allowance each year – may decide that students could get by with just one board of management running the show.
The separation of the two unions was initially ensured by the male/female split between them, but this has long since disappeared. It may well be that in order to fend off the onslaught of professionally run catering and drinking establishments, the two Glasgow unions have to set aside their friendly rivalry and join forces. Everyone at the GUU knows that the QM-ers are a bunch of sweaty goths, while most in the QMU will happily warn you off the drunken rugby-playing chauvinists at the GUU – but, as controversial as it would inevitably be, it may soon prove necessary for the unions to set aside their differences and join hands in holy matrimony. It might be a marriage of convenience, but their very survival could depend on it.

The face of moderate Islam?

2008-04-29T15:32:00.001Z

A natural instinct when first meeting someone is to offer your hand in greeting. But as I introduce myself to Imam Zaid Shakir, even this simple exchange highlights our cultural differences. My hand is left empty as Shakir shakes his head at me, though I notice he has no qualms about shaking my male colleague’s hand. I am able to look past this snub but it leaves me feeling very aware of the fact that my gender could affect the way I am considered.
Shakir was not born a Muslim; he was raised in Berkley, California as a Baptist. Having seen the effects of drugs, alcohol and domestic violence within his neighbourhood, Shakir turned to religion for advice on how to address these issues. It wasn’t until he began to study Islam that he found satisfying answers.
Shakir’s study of the religion did not cease with his conversion and he eventually became an imam, a teacher of Islam. He currently teaches at the Zaytuna Institute in California and is an internationally respected lecturer.
In Glasgow to deliver a talk to fellow Muslims about their rights and responsibilities, Shakir is aware of recent media emphasis on radical Islam. He is keen to emphasise that such Muslims are in the minority: “It’s very important to put a more balanced message out there, and for the good to really come to the fore; not only through words but through actions, and having a positive attitude toward others.”
Asked his opinion on the actions of groups such as al-Qaeda, Shakir tells me he does not believe that the motives of such people are purely religious.
“Most Muslims understand that in no way, shape or form are we to constitute a threat to the public order and security of anyone in this society. I think that those groups are more political than Islamic and are probably more interested in advancing a particular political agenda, as opposed to Islam itself. A lot of what they do in some quarters actually sets back the cause of Islam.
“Anyone who murders innocent civilians, no matter what their religion or justifications, is committing a crime against humanity and I don’t think such crimes would be viewed favourably by God.”
Halfway through the interview, I realise that I still have my coat on, due to the fact that I’m unsure of how my clothes will be viewed by the Imam. I’m no stranger to a short skirt and, in the light of his refusal to shake my hand, I’m uncomfortable with the idea that I might be judged for what I’m wearing. With this in mind, I decide to find out what a moderate Muslim thinks about women.
I query the Zaytuna Institute’s current lack of female scholars, and Shakir admits that, whilst there are some female staff who work part-time, none of them teach men. He claims there is nothing to prevent women from teaching male students, but that at the moment, “there’s no need”.
“We could do better in that regard,” he says, “Circumstances haven’t led to that outcome currently, but there’s nothing inherent to our understanding of Islam to stop us from doing that.”
Imam Shakir is noticeably more uncomfortable with this line of questioning, but I continue, wanting to understand why I was feeling such pressure to keep my coat on.
The issue of whether or not a woman covering her head or face is indicative of oppression has been long-debated. Imam Shakir tells me he feels women are free to make that choice, and that a bigger problem is found when someone is prevented from wearing a headscarf.
“In France, if a girl wears a scarf she can’t go to a public school. I think this is an expression of repression so we say a woman’s free to do as she chooses.”
Although keen to stress that women have an absolutely free choice, the Imam admits that he would prefer that the scarf be worn as he thinks it an “obligatory” part of dressing modestly. Shakir tells me he accepts that some women might feel forced to cover their heads or faces, but that this is extremely rare.
“There might be come young girls whose fathers force them to wear a scarf, but that’s not very common at all. If anything, you have more women complaining that their husbands are trying to force them not to wear a scarf because they don’t want to draw attention.”
The Imam also counters that if a Muslim woman did feel pressure to cover up then that was no different to pressures faced by non-Muslim women.
“In the summertime all the girls are running around with their bellybuttons and midriffs exposed, not necessarily because they have the figure for that style but because there’s a cultural climate. Have they made a free choice?
“I think there’s more pressure on the people who follow Vogue; I don’t think you will find any Muslim girl who feels tortured because she really doesn’t want to wear the hijab. In comparison, how many women out there feel they’ve been reduced to such an inhumane level by following a style or tattooing this, or piercing that? In the end they just give up and end up either suffering from anorexia or committing suicide or something.”
The Imam concedes that countries like Saudi Arabia may have gone too far in their treatment of women but is quick to point out that other Islamic countries are much better.
“There can be abuses anywhere people don’t understand the religion properly. Some policies that some governments engage in are not enlightened and might be viewed as being oppressive to women but if you go to somewhere like Malaysia, you will find extremely enlightened approaches.” Imam Shakir then tells me that he would like to hear his colleague delivering a lecture and so the interview is over.
While it’s clear that the Imam represents a much more moderate interpretation of Islam than is sometimes depicted in the media, I feel confused by his claim that Muslim woman have a free choice over whether or not to cover their heads. Throughout the interview I had a free choice as to whether or not I take my coat off, and yet I didn’t; not because I preferred to keep it on, but because I was uncomfortably aware that my choice to wear a short skirt could be thought of as immoral. Perhaps if Shakir had explained his reasons for not taking my hand, rather than simply shaking his head at me, I would have felt more at ease. As it was, I completely understood why some women ‘chose’ to cover their heads or faces, in order to not be judged immodest.

by Sarah Smith

Cairn Properties named worst student letting agents

2008-04-29T15:16:00.004Z

Cairn Properties has been named as the worst letting agent of the year by the SRC. The company is the recipient of this year’s Student Letting Agents Prize. The annual awards were set up to identify problem landlords in the west end.

Struan Campbell, Students' Representative Council Vice President, said Cairn Properties had developed an awful reputation over the course of the year.
He explained: “Cairn repeatedly failed to take responsibility over repairs and had an aggressive attitude to students who sought help from advice agencies or the HMO Unit.”

The main aims of the SLAPs are to provide students with reliable information about landlords’ services and to make sure the latter improve their practice in dealing with students’ accommodation. Countrywide Letting, Guardian Property, Kohli Properties, Scottaslands and Thistle Property Services also received nominations for a SLAP. Last year’s winner, Grant Management, was not nominated this year due to huge improvements that lead to a decrease in the number of complaints by students.

GUU in 'serious financial trouble'

2008-04-24T19:00:00.004Z

Executive forced to ask for bail-out
Bar closures discussed in crisis talks

The future of the Glasgow University Union (GUU) is under threat as the Board of Management looks set to declare bankruptcy at the end of this month.
GUU President Chris Birrell has admitted that bar closures have become an option as the Board struggles to deal with financial troubles that have escalated out of control in recent years.
Board members will not know the full extent of the Union's financial troubles until accounts are finalised on April 30th, but Guardian has learned that student leaders are in crisis talks with the University to request an emergency cash injection as a last ditch attempt to secure the Union's survival for the immediate future. The GUU has completely exhausted its financial reserves after several consecutive years of losses..
A source close to the Board of Management predicted that the current crisis could be the beginning of the end for Glasgow’s oldest union.

She said: “They’re really ruined, worse than ever. They’re struggling to pay the staff, and if their cash situation doesn’t improve pretty quickly I think they’ll have to shut down.”

The GUU reported a loss of £148,000 in the last year for which accounts are available, and Union sources have predicted that the losses announced this month will dwarf the problems in recent years.

Science fiction... or science fact?

2008-04-24T18:41:00.002Z

Writers like HG Wells, Phillip K. Dick and Douglas Adams may not feature in most English Literature classes – but they could find their way onto the science syllabus, if a visiting lecturer has his way.

Kenneth MacLeod, renowned Scottish science-fiction writer and Glasgow University alumnus, will this week deliver a lecture asking ‘Does science fiction contribute to the public understanding of science?’

Mr MacLeod, who has degrees in Zoology and Biomechanics, will argue that science fiction provides an open and lucid forum in which to discuss the implications of new technology.

10% of medics don't believe in evolution

2008-04-24T18:38:00.003Z

One in ten first year medics at the University of Glasgow rejects evolutionary theory in favour of creationism, a new survey has found.

The poll of first year students, conducted by Professor Roger Downie, also found that 7.5% of Biology students disbelieve current scientific thinking on the origin of species. The Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences teaches that Darwin’s theory of evolution is the best explanation for life on Earth, and does not hold biblical or other creationist theories as a credible alternative.

Professor Neil Metcalfe, Head of the Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, was worried by the findings.

He said: “There are students out there who are hearing lectures on evolution, but clearly don’t believe them. Of course they’re entitled to do that, but the idea that people reject hard evidence because of their own intrinsic beliefs or because they believe false propaganda is a bit depressing.

“Evolution is fact,” he added, “And creationism is absolutely not something we’d teach as an alternative. We might mention it in passing, saying that some people do believe it, but we certainly wouldn’t give it any air time other than that.”

Kennedy : work begins now

2008-04-24T00:15:00.002Z

April 10th saw glorious sunshine as Charles Kennedy was installed as Rector. Following a multi-faith service, Mr. Kennedy was officially welcomed as Rector in the Bute Hall, with addresses delivered by the SRC President, the Chancellor and the new Rector himself.

Following his installation, the Liberal Democrat MP told Guardian that he was pleased with the day. He said : "For me, the day went well and I hope everyone enjoyed it - I certainly did. "I am very much looking forward to the next three years but I'm aware that the hard work begins now."

Mr Kennedy will now begin his job representing the student body on University Court, a role which the previous holder of the post, Mordechai Vanunu, was unable to fulfill due to his imprisonment in Israel. The new Rector will be holding his first surgery on Friday 25th May, giving students a chance to talk to him about their ideas for the next three years.

Sarah Smith

so we had a bit of downtime

2007-05-26T18:51:00.000Z

It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to see that this Guardian blog has been more than a bit neglected over the last year.

But now we're back in action we've got a few announcements:

* For 2007/2008, the new editors of the paper will be Lucy Smith and Chris Watt

* Guardian is looking to fill its editorial team with enthusiastic young journalists. The posts up for grabs are - news editor, web editor, reporters, photographers, features editor and writers, film editor, music editor, lifestyle editor, arts editor and sports editor.

If you fancy your chances and want a bit more information, please contact Lucy and Chris at glasgowguardianjobs@yahoo.co.uk

xx

Your patience has been rewarded...

2006-07-11T12:30:00.000Z

Issue 10 is now available. Read it and see what all the fuss is about.

Click here for news and sport. Click here for Insight.

Digital issue

2006-06-29T19:46:00.000Z

Sorry to those of you who wanted to get the latest issue. I can understand why: it's surely the most explosive we've ever done. But unfortunately our IT types insist on taking holidays. The issue will be up soon.

Lecturer boycott comes to an end

2006-06-07T15:56:00.000Z

Following national negoiations the industrial action by members of the Universities andColleges Union has ended with immediate effect.

This will mean that the marking of exam papers will now begin in all departments.

Sir Muir Russell, Principal of Glasgow University, told students that he regretted the last few months but everything should return to normal.

He said: "I hope this will allow all students to receive their marks in good time and final year students to graduate as planned. I deeply regret the worry this recent industrial dispute may have causedyou, on top of the normal anxiety associated with the exam period."

23 hours of talk and the strike continues

2006-05-27T11:47:00.000Z

After 23 hours of talk between the AUT (Association of University Teachers) and UCEA (University and College Employers Association), no resolution has been reached and talks are to resume on Tuesday 30th May.

Guardian wins two media awards

2006-05-26T14:17:00.000Z

Budding journalists from across the country descended upon Oran Mor in Glasgow on Wednesday night for this year’s Scottish Student Press Awards.
Students from the city dominated at the ceremony, ably hosted by Daryl Broadfoot of The Herald, with two Glasgow University Guardian writers picking up awards, and three prizes going to the Glasgow University Magazine, including Student Journalist of the Year for its fashion editor, Jenny Munro.
She wins a prize of £500 plus a paid work placement at The Herald, which the MC cheekily suggested made a total prize fund of £600.

The full list of winners and those nominated:

Best News Writer: Winner: Robert Mackie – Guardian, Glasgow University; Nominated: Andy Milne – Student, Edinburgh University; Paul Traynor – Student, Edinburgh University;

Best Features Writer: Winner: Graeme Allister – Guardian, Glasgow University; Nominated: Liam Arnold – Guardian, Glasgow University; Natalie Boddy – Guardian, Glasgow University; Jo Kerr – The Saint, St Andrews University;

Best Sports Writer: Winner: Alex Kay – Student, Edinburgh University; Nominated: Ian Massie – Student, Edinburgh University; Laurence Tonkin – The Saint, St Andrews University;

Best Photographer: Winner: Alastair Macpherson, Stevenson College; Nominated: John Fluharty, St Andrews University; James Robertson, Edinburgh University;

Best Production: Winner: Glasgow University Magazine, Glasgow University; Nominated: Guardian, Glasgow University; The Saint, St Andrews University; Student, Edinburgh University;

Best College Publication: Cardonald Courier, Cardonald College; Nominated: Sorted, Adam Smith College;

Best Magazine: Winner: Glasgow University Magazine, Glasgow University; Nominated: Qmunicate, Glasgow University;

Best Newspaper: Winner: Student, Edinburgh University; Nominated: Guardian, Glasgow University; The Saint, St Andrews University;

Student Journalist of the Year: Winner: Jenny Munro, Glasgow University Magazine, Glasgow; Nominated: Robert Mackie – Guardian, Glasgow University; Graeme Allister – Guardian, Glasgow University.

700 students say 'Get it sorted'

2006-05-25T18:03:00.000Z

The SRC's campaign to sort out the deadlock between lecturers and uni bosses began at 7.30 am today. 100 early risers blockaded three spots on campus with banners reading 'Get it sorted'. The protest ran until lunchtime and a further 600 students came out to protest.

SRC tackles strike

2006-05-23T14:37:00.000Z

As the lecturer's strike continues, the SRC has been contacting staff and university bosses in hope of resolving the issue before students become further disadvantaged by it.

On Thursday 25th May, the SRC are holding a meeting outside the library at 7.30am for students to vent their frustration over the apparent deadlock. Matthew "Spoonie" Davies, the VP Education promised a surprise as to the exact nature of the morning's action but said bacon rolls would be provided as a further incentive.

In an e-mail to the student body, Davies explained, "This is an issue which affects every single one of you. Make no mistake about it, this may well be the most serious issue which will affect you in your time at this institution and if you are not willing to take a stand now, when will you be?"

Books to Bragg about

2006-05-23T13:14:00.000Z

Bookshops and television screens are currently plagued by Melvyn Bragg’s vanity project ’12 Books That Changed The Wolrd’. There are only so many ways in which Bragg could fail on this project; not being able to count to twelve would be one of them, not understanding what a book is the other. It is the latter which has proved a stumbling block for Bragg who has chosen speeches and declarations. There’s not a novel in sight, nor anything non-British. Read the whole sorry mess here.

So in the hope of providing a more thoughtful list, I contacted any vaguely intellectual type I could think of. Out of 93 pleas to actors, playwrights, journalists etc I got 12 positive replies. Looking in my inbox became a new source of rejection; Internet daters have it hard.
“Ms Fielding thanks you for your interest but is declining”, came the reply from Helen Fielding’s agent. Funny that, considering the debt Bridget Jones owes to Jane Austen I thought ripping off a successful book would be of great interest to her.

I even contacted Richard and Judy, overcoming my heart-stopping hatred of Richard Madeley. It seemed impossible to contact just Judy; like her vodkas, they only come as a double.

So here are the kind souls who replied, along with those that we didn't have room for. Any glaring omissions? Leave your own comments.

DVD giveaway

2006-05-18T13:09:00.000Z

To celebrate the travesty that is Poseidon, the original (and vastly superior) The Poseidon Adventure is being released on DVD and we have a copy to give away. Considered the first ever blockbuster, you can experience Gene Hackman and Shelley Winters upside down in a boat for two hours. To be in with a chance click here and leave a comment on our blog about any of our news stories.

Glasgow University Guardian - Be part of it

2006-05-16T16:32:00.000Z

The Glasgow University Guardian is looking for enthusiastic and talented student writers with and interest in media to fill the following positions next year:

- News Editor
- News Reporter
- Sports Editor
- Sports Reporter
- Features Editor
- Arts Editor
- Music Editor
- Lifestyle Editor
- Film Editor
- Web Editor/ Technician

For further information and full job descriptions email:
glasgowguardianrecruit@yahoo.co.uk

Have your say...

2006-05-16T11:41:00.000Z

Here's the stories from our new issue. The best comments will be published in the next issue.

Summer of discontent
As the pay dispute trundles on, the AUT say final year students won't be able to graduate unless a solution is reached immediately. Students could even sue the uni if they can prove they've suffered a loss of earnings

Medicines unaffordable for 23%
Almost a quarter of Glasgow Uni students can't afford their prescriptions while half of students have trouble completing the HC1 form to exempt them from charges

First term exams to take place before Xmas
Changes to the university calendar could bring the September term forward by two weeks, with exams the two weeks before Christmas

Vet Rodeo turns over £15k
6,000 people turned up to the annual Vet Rodeo, raising £15,000 for local charities

Defrauded students face jail
Glasgow has seen a rise in criminals offering students cash for their bank details - anyone taking part could be charged with money laundering

English Invasion
The number of non-Scottish UK students applying to Scottish universities has risen by a fifth over the last two years

A Hub of Inactivity
The Hub Building is three years behind schedule and has cost the uni £1 million in lost revenue

Download Guardian

2006-05-15T15:30:00.000Z

If you can't wait until tomorrow to get the new issue download it here.
Click here for news, features, comment and sport
Click here for the Insight magazine (arts, music, film and books)

Out on Tuesday

2006-05-14T18:36:00.000Z

We're just putting the final touches to the next issue. For everything you need to know about the AUT strike and how it affects you make sure you pick up a copy when they hit the streets on Tuesday. For those that can't wait we'll put it on the web tomorrow.

Guardian nominated for six media awards

2006-05-11T12:05:00.000Z

Guardian has been nominated for six awards at this year's Scottish Student Press Awards in association with The Herald.
News editor Robert Mackie was nominated for best news writer whilst Deputy Editor Graeme Allister was shorlisted for features writer, along with his colleagues Liam Arnold and Natalie Boddy.
The paper was also nominated for best newspaper and best production.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Oran Mor on May 24th.
To see the list of all the finalists click here.

Bank Charges Feedback

2006-05-08T10:01:00.000Z

As you may have seen, Guardian has been covering the SRC's bank charges campaign and we would like to know what feedback people have been getting from the banks.

If you've used the advice in our Beat the Banker article or been helped by the Advice Centre to get your charges refunded we would like to hear from you. If you would like to share your experiences with other students at the uni just drop us an email at guardiannews@src.gla.ac.uk

Thanks

Guardian discussed at Senate

2006-05-05T16:33:00.000Z

Guardian's investigation into the chronic lack of resources and poor standards in the University's Music Department was discussed at the highest level last night: Senate.

To find out what students think about this story, and any others, click here to have your say.

New Print Media Heads Announced

2006-05-04T18:54:00.000Z

Robert Mackie and Ryan Vance are to take over the editorship of Guardian from September 2006 whilst Guardian's incumbent Deputy Editor Graeme Allister is moving to the University's magazine: GUM.

Guardian online

2006-05-02T17:11:00.000Z

We've never had so much demand for an issue before. All 5000 copies were gone within a few days. After we received the seventh email complaining there were none left we decided, at last, to put the issue online. Sorry for making you wait.

The files are big so we've put each section up separately.
News, comment, sport
Outline: Features
Insight: Music, Film and Arts reviews

If you've any comments be sure to leave them on the blog at have your say

Have your say...

2006-04-26T17:19:00.000Z

Here's the stories from our new issue. The best comments will be published in the next issue.

Exams ban for mobile cheats

University bosses have warned that students caught using their mobile phone in exams will be refused credit and banned from future assessments.

America’s Ivy League: Yale, Harvard, Princeton and… Glasgow

Students in the USA are choosing Glasgow University over the more prestigious American institutions, according to new figures.

Watchdog says unfair bank charges are illegal

Credit card charges above £12 are unfair, according to the Office of Fair Trading.

We Need Your Help

Glasgow police chiefs believe students, as well as other communities in the city, need to help them in their drive to eradicate the culture of violence which exists in the city.

Music dept in resource crisis

Students studying music at Glasgow University have said the department is under-resourced and that the teaching is too simplistic.

New students’ representative council elected

Glasgow students last month elected a new Student Representative Council

New issue out now

2006-04-26T17:14:00.000Z

The latest issue of Guardian is out now. Get your copy at the unions, library, dining rooms and in the John Mac building and it'll soon be online. Enjoy.

Contributor meeting

2006-04-23T18:34:00.000Z

We're having a contributor meeting Monday 24th April (and every Monday) at 5.00pm in the Williams Room.

Hope to see you there.

Guardian goes bumper

2006-04-23T16:02:00.000Z

We're putting the finishing touches to the biggest Guardian ever. As well as news, comment, sport and insight we've introduced a new features pullout.

Don't miss interviews with David Icke, Shirley Henderson and Uri Geller. Also features from Guardian's shortlisted columnist Natalie Boddy of Sex and the Semester fame.

In insight we have an exclusive triptych special. An online issue will be up tomorrow afternoon and hard copies will flood campus on Tuesday.

If you have any comments on the issue be sure to leave them on the blog

Editor wanted

2006-04-21T14:35:00.000Z

We're looking for a new editor. Anyone interested in applying should contact Shona Morrison (vp-comms@src.gla.ac.uk) for a full job description.

Guardian recommends...

2006-04-13T11:01:00.000Z

Blasted at the Tron Theatre

Anything described by the Daily Mail as a “a disgusting feast of filth” must be worth a look. And if you know the work of Sarah Kane you'll know exactly what they mean. A playwright who fought her demons by putting them on stage, only to be ultimately fatally consumed by them off-stage, this play looks into the dark recesses of love, examining cruelty and abuse. It's presented by the award-winning disabled theatre group GRAEAE.

Click here for details.

Have your say

2006-04-03T16:00:00.000Z

Here's a summary of the news stories in the last issue. To read the entire articles click here. You can have your say on these stories, or anything else, by commenting on this blog. The best opinions will be printed in the new blogspot feature and one winner will bag a prize.

Fatally attacked student mourned

Friends of a student, fatally attacked on Sauchiehall Street last week paid tribute to his passion for life

Unfair bank charges costing students over £1.2 million a year

Students at Glasgow University are paying over £1.2 million in bank charges every year, a new survey has found

Lecturers call on students to support them as they begin strikes and assessment bans

Glasgow University is one of many higher education institutions that are boycotting all assessment to force employers into a fairer pay deal

Fear and fire at Murano St

Residents at Glasgow University’s largest students village have sad they have no faith in the site’s security according to a recent survey

National Student Survey unsuitable

An official at one of the country’s leading universities has said the National Student Survey is unsuitable for Scotland

Fare’s not fair

Glasgow students could face massive price increases if a local bus operator manages to overturn fare ‘capping’ legislation

Hunterian Denies Negligence

Staff at the Hunterian art gallery are divided over revelations in the last issue of Guardian that valuable art work may be in danger

Student leaders chosen

Both of Glasgow University’s student unions chose their new boards in their annual general elections last week

Guardian recommends...

2006-04-03T11:57:00.000Z

Jane Eyre at the Citz

Forget the staid productions you were dragged along to see with your English class, this is a production by the Shared Experience theatre company, a group determined to revitalise classics with drama and excitement. Purists beware.

Click here for more info.

Glasgow celebrity spots

2006-04-02T16:49:00.000Z

Because why should Heat readers and stalkers have all the fun? Recent spottings on Byres Rd have included the queens of daytime TV, Kaye Adams (the only likable one on ITV's daily hen party Loose Women) and Miss Hooley, the school teacher with one outfit from Balamory (allegedly married to Greg Hemphill). Elsewhere Ashton Lane attracted Ken "Rebus" Stott and Sam "forget-the-Sam-bit-I-just-go-by-my-surname" Preston (Chantelle was not in attendance. No doubt too busy living the dream).

Can anyone top this galaxy of stars?

Scottish Student Press Awards

2006-04-01T15:14:00.000Z

The Herald have launched their annual student press awards. For more information click here.

Disclaimer

2006-04-01T14:13:00.000Z

Articles in the Glasgow University Guardian and on its blog are copyright of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC). The Glasgow University Guardian and its blog are editorially independent of the SRC and University. Views expressed within the Glasgow University Guardian or on its blog are those of the contributor and not necessarily those of the editor. Serious complaints against the Glasgow University Guardian or its blog should be emailed to the editor d.crow@src.gla.ac.uk

Guardian in San Francisco

2006-03-30T17:01:00.000Z

One of our reporters has travelled to San Francisco to report on the growing trend of Americans choosing Scottish universities over the Ivy Leagues. Be sure to see his special report in the next issue of Guardian, out April 24th.

Guardian on Taggart

2006-03-30T14:54:00.000Z

Your very own student newspaper starred in last night's episode of Taggart. The Glasgow Uni Messenger was based on Guardian (the name had to be changed for copyright). Our deputy editor met the producers to tell them what it was like working in student media and showed them around our offices.

Read our latest issue here

2006-03-30T12:23:00.000Z

Click here to see a full pdf of our latest issue.

It's a big file so best to tackle it with broadband. Worth the wait, we assure you.

Once you're in your pdf viewer go to the view menu and choose facing pages so you can see the centre spread art work.

Because sometimes 5,000 copies isn't enough

2006-03-30T12:08:00.000Z

Welcome to the brand new Glasgow Guardian blog. With even David Cameron talking about the digital age we thought it was time we moved into the 21st century and here is the result. Unimpressive to say the least but that will change. The idea is to turn this into a between issue port of call for all your campus news needs and going out recommendations, truly a much-needed new outlet for online time-wasting now that exams are weighing upon us. So come back soon and prepare to be amazed.