Universities defend self-regulation

Universities have defended the effectiveness of self-regulation and rejected further external scrutiny. Universities in the UK currently operate on a self-regulatory basis, which means having control over degree grades and overall public image including satisfaction surveys and plagiarism.

The chief executive of Universities UK, Baroness Warwick, stated that self-regulation did not mean a “free for all” policy. Universities UK say that the sector already has “robust arrangements for assuring quality.” But despite this assurance, MPs are to begin a comprehensive inquiry into university standards.
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Student receives £1500 from Thames Valley Police

Jonathan Leighton has received a £1500 out of court settlement and a formal apology from Thames Valley Police after being arrested on the 13th of January this year on the suspicion of littering.
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Sergeant’s a major disappointment

The biggest financial crisis since 1929, a humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the beginning of a transition period that will culminate in the USA’s first African-American president. All these things might seem important at first glance but it appears that our guardians-of-moral-virtue, the media, have other ideas. On the 19th November, a BBC journalist felt forced to hold a press conference. In most cases this would mean that a weapons inspector had committed suicide or a camera man had been shot dead in Helmand Province, but not this time. Read more

SUDS preview: madness, poverty, science and… peas?

Every autumn term, SUDS puts on a play with a cast comprised entirely of Freshers. This year, that play is ‘Woyzeck’ by George Buchner. It is a play about madness, poverty, science and peas. Read more

Sussex withstand late fight back to claim first win

In a largely scrappy encounter, Sussex University tenaciously edged out a resolute Royal Veterinary College to secure their first win of the season.

With both teams without wins in their respective leagues, a victory in this cup tie would serve as an opportunity to revitalise fortunes. Largely courtesy of Robbie Dowling’s impeccable form with the boot, it was Sussex who were able to hold out for a 19-10 win.
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Number of drug related deaths increased in Sussex

Recent studies suggest that the number of cases of drug poisoning in Sussex is on the rise. Reports state that the number of hospital admissions for drug poisoning has nearly doubled in the past five years.
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Existence is resistance

The student Palestine delegation interview

During the second week of autumn term, most of us were probably just getting used to writing essays again. But five of our students were preparing to embark on a journey that would change their lives forever.

The group included second year Spanish and I.R student Sofia Altisent, second year Development Studies student Simon Tucker, third year I.R student Rosa Bellamy, second year I.R student Jesse Taylor and second year I.R student Louise Trenchard. They are all part of the ‘Brighton Tubas Region Friendship and Solidarity Group’. On Saturday 20th October they went out to Palestine for two weeks along with three other Brighton members as part of an international solidarity presence to support the Palestinian resistance against the Israeli occupation. Here Sofia and Simon tell not only of their own personal experiences but also of those endured by the Palestinians themselves.
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What it means to be a graduate

I often question what is better: to psychologically convince myself that a Media and Anthropology degree will get me my dream job as a journalist or admit to the fact that ever reaching the sports pages of The Guardian is progressively becoming more and more unlikely. Read more

The AGM, the NUS & the way forward

Sussex’s Annual General Meeting is always good fun, despite the boring initial procedures, the confusion, and the long hours of sitting on a wooden floor (perhaps an idea to get a better venue next year, as this would also improve attendance. How about a marquee with 600 chairs and a bar?). I certainly enjoyed that Thursday, not in the least because one of the motions that I co-submitted was passed, albeit indicatively. Read more

NUS approves new constitution

Student Unions overwhelmingly voted in favour for the new National Union of Student’s (NUS) constitutional changes at an Extraordinary Conference held last week in Wolverhampton, sparking off the disaffiliation debate at AGM. With over 800 delegates representing Student Unions from all over the country, 85% voted to approve the constitution put forward by the NUS leadership. This marks another step forward in reforming the NUS, now only needing to be ratified at either Annual Conference, or another Extraordinary.
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