Two Oxford University professors have been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for higher and further education.

Vice-Chancellor Andrew Hamilton and David MacDonald CBE, founder of Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, received the prize in recognition of Oxford University’s conservation research. WildCRU attempt to achieve practical solutions to conservation issues, describing their approach as “empirical, interdisciplinary and collaborative.”

The prize was awarded on 24th February by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in a Buckingham Palace ceremony. Each recipient received a silver gilt medal and certificate signed by the Queen.

Other winners included the universities of Nottingham, St Andrews, Plymouth and Surrey. Oxford University was awarded the prize for the eighth time, more than any other university.

The Royal Anniversary Trust chairman said, “At a time when the higher and further education sectors are under so much pressure, the winners highlight the fantastic depth and breadth of research being undertaken at institutions right across the UK.

University plans to build hundreds of postgraduate student flats and bed­sits on a former rail site have been approved.

Planning permission was granted to the University last Wednesday, which allows 312 flats and bedsits over four and five storeys to be built at unused former railway land near the station.

The new buildings will be an ex­tension to student accommodation at Castle Mill in Roger Dudman Way, which provides graduate housing for couples and families, and will include 208 study rooms, 90 one-bedroom flats, 14 two-bedroom flats, 360 cycle bays and three car parking spaces. It is phase two of a scheme that will provide a total of 436 gradu­ate student units.

However, concerns over the build have been raised, particularly as Wal­ton Well Road is expected to be closed during construction, meaning ac­cess only be available through Roger Dudman. Members of the public, in a report to Oxford City’s west area planning committee, have refereed to existing access along Roger Dud­man way as “poor and dangerous” for both pedestrians and cyclists, as well as calling the project “over ambitious in scale”, and expressing worries over noise levels and working hours during construction.

The Cripley Road Allotment As­sosiation, representing holders of allotments neighbouring the site, also noted potential flooding to al­lotments.

But the report also acknowledged that the land was well-suited to the university’s graduate students be­cause of its good footpath and cy­cle links to the city centre, Walton Street and North Oxford.

As part of the development, a new footbridge will be built to Fid­dler’s Island and paths and light­ing in Roger Dudman Way will be improved. The university has also agreed to re-fence Cripley Road Al­lotments.

Tom Arnold, a Balliol DPhil stu­dent currently living in adjacent Venneit Close accommodation, said “So far, the construction hasn’t been too intrusive or disruptive. It’s a good move from the university in that it’s a good location to develop; but I do feel bad for the holders of the neighbouring allotments, as the finished building will overshadow them and construction may well af­fect them.

“The really annoying thing is the closure of the cycle path to Jericho – it was a major advantage of Castle Mill which is now significantly less ‘central’.”

OUSU Graduate Officer Jim O’Connell commented, “It’s great the University is building affordable quality accommodation for its grad­uate students. There will be some dis­ruption during the building process, but we are working to minimise this. However, it’s absolutely crucial the University shows it appreciates the pressures on graduate students right now as well by making sure it does not raise rents by more than inflation this year, especially after last year’s dramatic increases and the freezing of research stipends.”

A spokesperson for the University of Oxford said, “The University has received planning permission to con­struct 312 units of accommodation for graduate students on its existing site at Castle Mill which is located to the north-west of the railway station off the Roger Dudman way.

“This development is significant because it demonstrates the Univer­sity’s commitment to attracting the most talented graduate students to Oxford and to relieving the burden on Oxford’s rental market by provid­ing accommodation to hundreds of additional students.

“127 units were built by the Uni­versity in 2001 so this development will expand the amount of accom­modation provided on that site. The new units will be provided within 8 blocks which will be a mix of 4 and 5 storeys.”

In response to allegations that de­velopment of the site began before permission was granted, the spokes­person continued, “Building on the site did not start until planning per­mission was received – there is other non-University construction work happening in the area.”

Alistair Overy benefited from a library clear out last week, picking up a 4th edition of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species.

When the Lincoln student looked up his find on the internet he was shocked to find similar editions being sold for between £2500 and £4500. 

Overy told Cherwell, “The book itself doesn’t mean a lot to me, it’s pretty cool to have but I can’t say it’s one of my most treasured possessions. I will probably keep it for a few years then sell it when I really need money. Who knows, I might even find time to read it at some point.”

He offered advice to fellow bargain-seekers, “If someone is handing out free stuff then you might as well take a look.”The clear out was advertised to students through a college email. Overy commented, “Don’t take the attitude that you’re too late to get something.”

One LMH student commented, ‘Hats off to you, sir.’

Oxford University is to receive a philanthropic donation of £26 million from the widow of the founder of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun.

The ‘Ertegun Scholarship’ programme will be the single largest donation for humanities students in Oxford’s 900 year history. The money will initially provide full funding for 15 humanities postgraduates every year but will be endowed in perpetuity in the future, allowing up to 35 postgraduates to attend for free every year.

The money has been bequeathed by Mica Ertegun, widow of Ahmet Ertegun, founder of the Atlantic Records label. Ertegun was responsible for some of the success of the Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin amongst others.

Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones gave a speech about Ertegun’s vision and generosity at the press conference at the British Academy in London, where the Scholarship was announced.
Also at the conference was the University’s Chancellor, Lord Patten, who said that, “Through the generosity of Mica Ertegun, the best humanities graduate students in the world will have the opportunity, in perpetuity, to undertake high-quality research, to interact with other fine minds, and to increase the sum of human knowledge and understanding.”

Funding for the humanities has had to bear the brunt of recent government cuts to higher education. Oxford, like other universities, has been affected. The University recently announced that £90 million is required to keep 75 of its humanities teaching posts funded in perpetuity, and that it will rely on philanthropic donations for much of this.

Thanking the Erteguns for their generosity, Lord Patten noted that, “Oxford was not created by the State, Oxford was created by a million and one acts of philanthropy.”

Mica Ertegun, who currently works as an interior designer in New York, said, “For Ahmet and for me, one of the great joys of life has been the study of history, music, languages, literature, art and archaeology.”

Stressing the importance of academic study, she added that the funding will be awarded “regardless of race, colour or creed … to students from around the world.

“My dream is that, one day, Ertegun scholars will be leaders in every field – as historians and philosophers, as archaeologists and literary scholars, as writers and composers, as statesmen and theologians.”

Oxford’s vice-chancellor Andrew Hamilton said that the gift is “important in its timing,” coming at a period when “in the UK, government support for the humanities is under intense pressure.” He said, “Vision and generosity like this is going to be what saves the field for future generations.”

The University said that, under the scholarship, “The world’s top graduate students in the humanities [will be] brought together with Oxford’s exceptional community of scholars in a unique setting that fosters dialogue across academic disciplines, across cultures and across generations.”

Oxford University’s plans to construct a new energy centre to help heat water for flats in Summertown House, Banbury Road, has been criticised by several local residents.

Locals have expressed anxiety based on speculation about the new Combined Heat and Power unit, writing to the City Council with concerns ranging from worries that the construction would block light to it being “unsightly.”

This type of heat and power installation is not yet widely used in the UK,  leading some to express fears of excessive noise levels.

However an Oxford spokesperson stated that on-site tests had shown that the design “meets or exceeds statutory requirements.”

The University claim the design aims to reduce carbon emissions by 75%.Summertown House provides accommodation for Oxford graduate students.

A candidate for the position of Ox­ford Union Librarian sparked controversy with a ‘joke’ draft manifesto. Madeline Grant wrote in her mani­festo, “I don’t hack, I just have a great rack.”

She added that she is “committed to helping members pull”, “got a hug’n’kiss from Johnny Depp”, and that she dated “a shady Japanese businessman for Union ball spon­sorship.”

Grant responded to the controversy by altering the manifesto before the election. The amended manifesto for Librarian, which was sent out to all Union members, instead read, ‘I’m no hack; I’m just here for the craic.’ The draft manifesto had originally been posted on the Union noticeboard along with all other candidates’ manifestos.

Madeleine Grant commented, “I hope no-one is offended by my mani­festo – it was only meant to be a light­hearted satire on an organisation which is often seen very seriously.”

The manifesto is certainly not unique in employing humour in a bid to attract support. Alexander Trafford’s manifesto for standing committee reads, “someone GREAT: vote for THE ALEXANDER,” while Helen Elmer promises that “you’ll be overwh-Elmer-ed.”

However, Grant’s simple rhyme has been attacked as inappropri­ate by some students. One Union member commented, “Whilst this manifesto is clearly meant to be humorous, it shows a distinct lack of judgement. It is disappointing to see female members of committee campaigning on the back of gender at all, let alone in a way which pro­motes the use of sexuality.

“The suggestion that anyone should be voted in on such a basis is deeply offensive to both male and fe­male voters and is also very damag­ing to the perception of the women associated with the Union.”

She continued, “This year’s three successive female presidents are tes­timony to the fact that the Union has moved far beyond outdated sexual stereotypes and it is deeply sadden­ing to see women objectifying them­selves in manifestos.”

Hertford student Tom Fleming agreed, arguing that the manifesto “objectifies women”.

Grant pledged to “make the Union less rubbish” if chosen to be Librar­ian-Elect.

The Ashmolean Museum has launched a campaign to raise nearly £8 million to save a painting by French impressionist Edouard Manet from being sold to a foreign buyer.

The painting has been sold by the artist’s family to an unnamed foreign buyer for £28.35 million. However with tax remission it can instead be purchased by an approved UK public collection at a greatly reduced price of £7.83 million.

On the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, the Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has extended the temporary export bar on the painting until August to give the Ashmolean time to raise the necessary funds. The Committee has recommended that the export decision be deferred on the grounds that the portrait was of outstanding aesthetic importance and of great significance for the study of French painters of the period.

Director of the Ashmolean Dr Christopher Brown CBE, said, “This is one of the most important pictures of the 19th century which has been in this country since its sale following the artist’s death.

“The £7.83 million, though a substantial sum to be found, is a mere fraction of the picture’s actual worth and it would therefore be an enormous disappointment if it could not be saved for the nation.” He added, “Its purchase would, at a stroke, transform the Ashmolean’s representation of Impressionist painting.”

Student responses to the Ashmolean campaign have been mixed. One Worcester student commented, “It seems like a lot of money when the economy’s going down the pan in so many other areas.”

However another said, “I think it’s a really good thing, we need the arts and I think it’s great they’re trying to stop it going into a private collection somewhere.”

The Ashmolean is currently approaching public funding bodies, trusts, and private individuals, as well as launching a public campaign to try and raise the required funds.

The portrait’s subject is Fanny Claus (1846–77), the closest friend of Manet’s wife Suzanne Leenhoff. A concert violinist and member of the first all-women string quartet, Claus was one of Manet’s favourite sitters and a member of a close-knit group of friends who also provided the artist with models.

Claus reveals fascinating new information about the working methods of Edouard Manet, arguably one of the great masters of modern art.

The painting has only been exhibited once since it was painted. If acquired by the Ashmolean it would tour a number of UK museums in a special exhibition.

Balliol College offers a travel grant worth up to £4,000 available only for students who have previously attended Eton College, Cherwell has learnt.

Conditions for the award further stipulates that the Old-Etonians must spend the money travelling to a foreign university and engaging in “a study of the social conditions of the common people.”

The Vaughan Memorial Travelling Scholarship, established by the will of the late Mrs D.J. Vaughan, requires that candidates must be current undergraduates of limited means who have spent at least part of their previous education at Eton College. Although preference is given to Balliol students, all former Eton students are eligible to apply.

Balliol student Henry Edwards responded that few students were aware of the scholarship, commenting, “I haven’t heard people talk about this grant at all here. I’m guessing it’s quite old and that it was offered to the college at a time when they did accept unfair or exclusive stipulations like that.”

Another student added, “There hasn’t been much of a reaction from Balliol students to this as it hasn’t been promoted, at least not to my knowledge. Perhaps it has been promoted only amongst old Etonians.” She said, “It seems extremely unusual that Balliol would limit a grant based on schooling and especially in such an elitist way.

“It doesn’t fit with how much effort the college and the JCR put into access schemes and equality of opportunity amongst college members. Balliol has exceptional bursary provision and provision of travel and other grants open to all students, so I’m not sure why this type of discrimination based on schooling would be allowed.”

A former Eton student currently at Balliol said, “Perhaps it is unfair,” adding, “Unfortunately we don’t get to choose who should and shouldn’t be able to apply to any grants. That’s the choice of the generous person who sets up the grant. In an ideal world all the money would go in a big pot and be distributed equally.”

An Oxford University spokesperson said, ‘This legacy was made to Balliol College back in the 1950s, and by modern standards it does seem absurd – in fact, if a gift were offered today with those terms, an Oxford college would simply not accept it. However, the college can’t change the terms of the will retrospectively.’

The spokesperson added, ‘Importantly, Balliol College regulations allow any unspent funds to be transferred to the general college funds – and the college, alongside the university, makes extremely generous financial provision for all students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds. From this year, Oxford University will offer the most generous, no-strings-attached financial support to the poorest students of any university in the country, worth up to £22,000 over three years.’

St Anne’s Classicist Jasmine Krishnamurthy-Spencer commented, “I just think it’s weird above anything else. If you want to give your money away, why make the conditions so limited? I mean, I know over twenty percent of students are on some form of financial support but there can’t be that many of them at Balliol.”

Edwards agreed, commenting, “I’m guessing it’s rarely claimed, as there are currently only about two former Eton students I know of in the entire student body.”

Balliol JCR President Ben Marshall released a statement on behalf of the student body, explaining, “The Vaughan Memorial Travelling Scholarship is awarded to undergraduates of limited means to help fund a postgraduate year at a foreign university. It was established in the will of the late Mrs Vaughan, and at that bequest there are a number of stipulations, including the type of study undergone and the attainment of a 2:1 or above.

“The fact that applicants must have spent at least some of their time in education at Eton is another condition of the will of Mrs Vaughn, and not one imposed by Balliol College. Since the establishment of the Vaughn Scholarship, the Development Office have altered their donation acceptance requirements so that this type of grant is no longer introduced, a change welcomed by the JCR.”

Dr Nicola Trott, senior tutor at Balliol College, declined to comment.

OUSU Council passed a motion on Wednesday declaring that the regulations for subfusc should be made gender neutral.

Proposed by LGBTQ Executive Officer, Jess Pumphrey, the move highlights the issue that current transgender or gender confused students face when it comes to subfusc regulations. It is currently stated in University regulations that students must dress in a way “appropriate to their sex.”

Pumphrey told Cherwell, “It’s a small change that will make a number of students’ exam experience significantly less stressful by eliminating the need for trans students to cross-dress to avoid being confronted by invigilators or disciplined during their exam.”

She added, “It shouldn’t affect anyone else. I am hopeful that the university will adopt the proposal, especially since it has now been supported by OUSU.’

The motion passed without opposition at this week’s OUSU Council Meeting and will now be taken to the University for consideration.

Gail Bartlett, transgender rep for the Oxford LGBTQ Society called the proposals “much more inclusive” and commented, “Gender-specific policies by design are often an issue for trangender people, firstly because they entirely exclude people who do not identify as any gender (or more than one), and secondly because their enforcement relies upon a judgement call by an authority on the subject’s gender, presumably based upon their appearance. This is highly worrying for transgender students, who do not need the additional stress of whether they will be ‘challenged’ on their gender during exams.”

Former LGBTQ Executive Officer Katie Colliver, of University College, also supports the move, stating that discussions have been going on for some time about this topic. She told Cherwell, “Subfusc rules were being discussed by the LGBTQ Campaign whilst I was LGBTQ Officer last Michaelmas and I have heard first-hand from students who have experienced difficulties with the current policy. I am glad that Jess has been pursuing the matter and fully support the proposed changes.”

Student opinion seems divided. Benson Egwuonwu, JCR President at St Catz, agrees, commenting, “I think it’s a really positive step forwards in helping transgender people in the student community – they should be allowed to wear what they want.”

However some students feel the motion has ‘taken political correctness too far.’

One third year Law student commented, “This seems a bit unnecessary – it only applies to a tiny percentage of the student population and it seems unlikely that the a trans student would really be confronted by the Proctors about what they are wearing. This seems to be a further example of the politically correct society we now live in.”

Andrew Pickett, a 2nd year from St Catz added, “Although I wholeheartedly agree with the principle of the motion, I am not certain how this will be regarded by the University, when more pressing matters such as tuition fees require revision by the Governing Body. Surely this could be something of a distraction from more important issues.”

The proposal will be put to the University authorities and a decision will be made over the coming months.

After a turbulent LGBT History Month in Oxford, Lady Margaret Hall hosted a discussion on “corrective therapy” this Wednesday.

The event, entitled “Pray the Gay Away?” encouraged students to “Hear from two men who’ve tried and failed” the controversial practice, which seeks to rid homosexuals of homoerotic desires.

The discussion focused on the experiences of two individuals described by organisers as having a “fascinating personal connection with the issue.”

The first, Patrick Strudwick, was a “multi-award-winning journalist and columnist,” who famously authored an exposé of corrective therapy in the Independent. His reporting led to a high-profile case in which his “therapist” was found guilty of professional malpractice.

The second speaker was an administrative worker in the University who had “experienced corrective therapy for 2 years in his late twenties.” Both he and Strudwick discussed their personal experiences with the practice, and focused in particular on the “impact” it had on their lives.

A representative of the LMH event noted that both speakers offered “a unique perspective on the topic,” adding, “Patrick Strudwick approached the practice with the view of exposing how this ‘therapy’ is offered in the UK. His ground-breaking reporting led to a greater awareness of the practice and its prevalence despite the fact that it’s been banned by the main accreditation agencies.”

He continued, “Our second speaker turned to his Church pastor when he was in his twenties and in need of reassurance and support towards his sexuality. Instead he was subjected to two years of ‘corrective therapy’ which left a profound effect on his life.”

The issue of corrective therapy has been the cause of much controversy this term, after it emerged that Exeter College was to host an event run by Christian Concern, a group which advocates such therapy.

Owen Alun John, an LMH undergraduate behind the event, was confident that the discussion would “give a voice to some who haven’t spoken yet – ordinary gay people who’ve been through this, first-hand.” He added that he hoped the event had exposed “what this practice really involves – the exploitation of vulnerable people by reinforcing negative feelings towards their sexuality.”

Alun John explained the “aim” behind the event as a desire to “debunk the corrective therapy myth by offering a unique opportunity to hear directly from two men who’ve been through it.” He also noted that it had the full support of all members of the college, stating, “The event had unanimous support in college, from the Principal herself through to ordinary JCR and MCR members.”

He continued, “We’ve heard a lot in the University and national media recently from those who promote and practice this discredited ‘therapy;’ they’ve shared their pseudoscience and outright lies about how this practice is a great thing, has no harmful effects, and is just what many lonely and closeted gay Christians need.”

He concluded, “This ‘therapy’ doesn’t make you happy or healthy, and as the Royal College of Psychiatrists has held, it is a “deeply damaging” experience with “no evidence of success””.
Caspar Bullock, a first year student at LMH, described the event as a “fascinating” and “much needed discussion,” adding, “It’s great that LMH have been able to host such an event and have welcomed two speakers who both shared very personal experiences.”

The event was funded by LMH JCR and SCR following a unanimous decision in favour of the motion during last week’s JCR meeting.