Ruth Padel has won the election for the Oxford Professor of Poetry post. 

The poet won the election by 297 votes against Arvind Krishna Mehrotra. The Indian writer obtained 129 votes. 51 ballots were spoiled.

The result was announced today at 5.30pm in the Divinity Schools in the Bodleian. 

This marks the end of a controversial race which has seen Nobel-prize winner Derek Walcott withdraw from the running.

Keble college plans for a new campus on Banbury road were stalled this week after planning officers recommended that the proposal be rejected.

Officers concluded that the planned development would result in the “unacceptable loss” of a listed building, and would have a “detrimental impact” on the character of the area.

The report was withdrawn from the north area planning committee meeting last Thursday to allow further discussions with Keble about the application.

Keble’s original proposal suggested that the buildings currently occupying the land be demolished and the site completely cleared to make way for the new £45m campus.

The college bursar, Roger Boden, said he remained optimistic.

“The Acland Site is a very important and sensitive one. We have to balance the needs of the future with the claims of the past, and that is a huge challenge. The College is engaged in a constructive dialogue with the planning officers and we are confident that it will result in an outcome of which we can all be very proud.”

The plans would require the demolition of the Grade II listed Acland Nursing Home, founded in 1878. The hospital was designed by Victorian architect Sir Thomas Graham Jackson, whose other work included the Examination Schools and the Bridge of Sighs over New College Lane.

C. S. Lewis and John Betjeman are among those who have been treated at the private hospital.

English Heritage society opposed the plans, describing the Acland hospital as a building of “considerable significance”. The Victorian Society, who were also consulted in the planning permission process, accused Keble college of lacking “adequate justification for demolition”.

Conservationists have further accused the college of deliberately overlooking the historic value of the buildings. The Oxford Architectural and Historical society has said that “the presence of a number of buildings of historical significance has been ignored”.

Many local residents have also complained. They included concerns about increases in traffic pollution and worries about the over-development of the site. Objections were also made about the choice of pale sandstone bricks for the new five-storey campus buildings and about their “bulky” design.

Officers have suggested a number of changes to the initial proposal, designed to preserve the character of the site and prevent the demolition of the listed hospital buildings. They suggested that new designs should retain parts of the original building and be built in-keeping with the character of neighbouring buildings on the Banbury Road.

Officers have also expressed concerns about the loss of existing trees on the site.

The new campus was intended to provide living space for a further 250 students, a library, teaching rooms and a multi-disciplinary research facility.

Keble has called the plans an ‘extraordinary opportunity’ for the college to improve its appeal and to attract greater numbers of high-quality students.

Seventy per cent of Oxford students do not believe OUSU is important in their university experience, according to a Cherwell survey this week.

Students have also stated that they would award the student union a grade of 4.8 out of 10 for its current performance.

The findings come at the time of re-examination of OUSU’s funding structure and its purpose.

Although many admitted the possibility of OUSU doing a lot of work behind the scenes, the findings raise questions about the validity of the Student Union.

One St Peter’s second year commented, “Well, the JCR is important. I’ve never had any contact with central OUSU, so I suppose it’s not massively important.”

Despite a large-scale poster campaign across common rooms since the beginning of 2009, 63% of students still do not know about any of OUSU’s achievements from the last year. However, as many as 93% recognise the picture of Lewis Iwu, OUSU’s current president.

Those surveyed thought that OUSU’s role is to represent students on a number of issues (35%), supply welfare (25%) and negotiate with the university (14.3%). Those more sceptical thought that OUSU exists in its current form to “provide CV points for future labour politicians”.

Yet many are convinced that OUSU should focus harder on the creation of a central venue for university-wide societies and councils to meet (20%). Students also gave the students’ union a mark out of 10 for its current performance, with 4.8 being given as an average score.

However, many added that they felt they did not have enough information to make a fair judgement, relying instead on popular perceptions of the institution.

The survey also found that more students recognize the photo of Corey Dixon, the current Union president (60.5% could correctly name the picture) than that of Oxford’s vice-Chancellor John Hood (45%).

Lewis Iwu commented on the survey, “OUSU does a lot of work behind the scenes and at the front as well. It will always be difficult to publicise our work because of the decentralised nature of the University but we are making inroads.

“What we are seeing compared to last year is an increase in students taking part in OUSU campaigns and using our offices.”

Oxford has for the fifth time topped The Guardian’s University League Tables, which were published last Tuesday. The university scored highly on the quality of teaching, career prospects and student satisfaction.

Cambridge University retained its second-place ranking, but it overtook Oxford in several subjects including Biology and Law.

However, in both The Guardian and The Independent’s university guides, St Andrews topped student satisfaction tables.

The Guardian’s guide is designed for first-time students, concentrating on teaching and the experience of students at each institution, not research ratings.

It was also reported that Oxford spends the highest amount per student. This information comes in the wake of the vice-chancellor’s warnings that Oxford has been suffering ‘unsustainable losses’, primarily due to the cost of teaching.

St Catherine’s college has been plagued with security concerns following the attempts to break into students’ rooms by an unknown man and thefts in public spaces.

College authorities were alerted last week after an unidentified man entered one of the St Catz’s staircases. He then attempted to force through several doors. One of the rooms belonged to Max Grandison, a second year geography student, who happened to be in his room at the time.

The student commented, “The guy actually tried to come into my room when I was in it.” Grandison alerted the porters shortly afterwards and the individual disappeared off campus.

Last Friday a laptop, an ipod, a mobile phone and items of toiletry totalling £290 in value were stolen from an unlocked office at the college. On Monday, a laptop was stolen from the college’s senior common room.

James Bennett, the home bursar of St Catz, stressed the importance to protect laptops with passwords saying, “A note to this effect [about password-protected laptops] should be very clearly visible as it might just discourage the casual thief.”

Bennett was less concerned about the monetary value of the stolen laptop than by the loss of the “months of work stored on it”.

Police say they are continuing to investigate both incidents. They refused to comment as to whether the two might be linked.

Bennett said the attempted room intrusions had probably been done by somebody who had been let into the accommodation block, which was protected by a key card system.

In response to last week’s events, St Catz sent out advisory notes on security to all of its students. They read, “Please resist the natural temptation to give priority to politeness over security. Let the person know that if they wish to gain entry they should seek assistance from the lodge.”

JCR President Paul Fisher said, “Both students and staff will remain increasingly vigilant so that the college’s position of vulnerability on the outskirts of the city centre is countered by an awareness of the threat posed”.

Max Grandison has reacted similarly to last week’s incident saying, “I am definitely more aware of making sure that I keep my door locked.”

Animal rights protest group SPEAK staged the first of a series of protests against animal testing this week. The demonstrations are to coincide with the Degree Day ceremonies being held at the Sheldonian theatre this month.

Vice-Chancellor John Hood, who normally ignores the group’s disruption, responded to the demonstration.
Ben Maling, a graduate present said, “John Hood made a very diplomatic speech defending the right to a legal protest (such as Saturday’s), but feeling that it was a shame to target an event that holds such importance for so many people.”

Another graduate, Laurent Guillemain added that John Hood’s speech, apologizing for the noise, lightened the mood in the Sheldonian, and “seemed to make the parents much happier.”

The group claimed their protests intended to draw attention to the alleged ‘abuse and fear’ experienced by animals involved in medical experiments through at the University.

An estimated 25 protestors gave out leaflets and shouted slogans for the length of the ceremony, which took place on Saturday. Police were in attendance, surveying the demonstrators.

Many graduates felt that the timing of the protests was highly unsuitable.

Guillemain commented, “We could hear the protestors inside the Sheldonian, and I think it was especially disruptive for the parents, as it’s a day they were very proud of. It’s a ridiculous attempt by the protestors to try and get one back on the university, as it’s the students and parents that ultimately get targeted.”

Maling felt the chanting was unacceptable. He said, “I attended the ceremony on Saturday, and as a result I was subjected to all the protestors’ chants on the way in. During the ceremony they became louder but the ceremony carried on as it should have.”

SPEAK’s website justified the protests. It said, “Whilst for some people the degree ceremonies are about celebrating their academic achievements, for the animals imprisoned inside Oxford University’s labs it is just another day of abuse and fear, waiting to die in painful and pointless experiments.”

However, many students questioned the choice of date and occasion for the protest. Rebecca Tibbs, first year biochemist said, “How many people graduating were actually involved in the sciences which make use of animal testing? It doesn’t seem that productive to disrupt a whole group of graduates celebrating their time at Oxford, most of who are probably indifferent, or even supportive, of the protest group’s cause.”

Earlier this year, SPEAK handed a 65,000-signature petition to the University. This condemned all animal testing, in particular the new Oxford University Biomedical Sciences Centre.

Further protests are planned for the next two Degree Days, as well as an honorary degree ceremony in June.

Balreick Srai, the founder of clubbing promotion company Rock Entz, has called Oxford students “tame” in an exclusive interview with Cherwell newspaper.

It is the first time Balreick has agreed to speak to the press. He explained about his tense beginnings with Pulse Nation, his difficulties with OUSU and his doubts about the return of Filth nightclub.

Balreick founded Rock Student, which is now known as Rock Entz, in 2001. It claims to host “the biggest, best and most established Oxford University Student Nights.” Its nights include Wednesdays at Park End and Fridays at Kukui.

Experiencing the clubbing scene in Oxford for ten years, he labelled current student behaviour as “tame”.

He said, “It has got less outrageous over the years…However, lots of Oxford students act differently and clever after a few drinks. They think they can negotiate on the door especially in a competitive market.”

Balreick emphasised his dislike of sycophantic students.
“I don’t like to get played – and if people pretend to my face that they support my events but actually go elsewhere, I have to make a point with them and make them go to the back of the line. One thing I value more than anything else is loyalty. We will sort out and look after our regular customers.”

Last year, Rock Entz saw the emergence of a new competitor on the clubbing scene, Pulse Nation. It was founded by ex-reps from Balreick’s company.

“They could have done it in a more gentlemanly way but that’s life and that’s how this industry works sometimes. Sometimes everybody wants a chance to prove themselves and I guess they thought they wouldn’t have had the same opportunities or rewards working within our structure.”

However, he hinted at the superiority of Rock Entz, saying, “We have got our ideal portfolio of nights and are fortunate enough to pick and choose which venues we want to work with because of our market share and track record. To be honest in that way we are in the strongest position we have ever been in and is difficult for other competitors to come in as has been proven by this year…Pulse have done a good job, they have that history of working with us and they are young, hungry and ambitious.”

Pulse, however, have been quicker than Rock Entz to organise a partnership with OUSU. Balreick admitted, “We have always been willing to work with OUSU but every year there is a new president a new committee and a new agenda. Last summer we were planning to have talks but that is when Pulse stepped in.”

He added that he has attempted to work with OUSU in the past.

“We have offered to work with them on several occasions. They haven’t always got back to us and have not really been up for talking in the recent years but I guess is difficult sometimes to negotiate with someone you might see as a competitor, especially one that is running more successful nights.”

Balreick expressed disbelief about the rumours of Filth nightclub reopening.

“Ah, Filth. Everyone seems to miss it. There is some chat about it re-opening but I am very skeptical. It won’t ever be what it was and has missed a whole year of students who have been there. When we left Filth, it was a shell. We had to leave it because the Westgate Centre is supposed to be undergo redevelopment, and we were served notice.”

However, he recounted his happy memories at the nightclub.

“It will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first place I went out in Oxford and Worcester’s favourite club – we used to go there religiously in term time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It was going through a bit of downturn when me and a business partner took it over a few years ago.”

Nowadays Balreick’s favourite night out is at Kukui. He prefers Oxford University nights to Brookes ones, and Fridays because “everyone tends to be in a good mood, and there’s a great crowd”.

Balreick also talked about his experience with negative press.

“I feel Kukui in particular this year has been unfairly represented by some of the stories written in Cherwell. Also, OUSU controls the Oxford Student and in the past the same person who has been running their clubbing events has also been the commercial manager of the paper so it has probably resulted in some unfair press.”

He added, “I think it is difficult for the clubs and venues to deal with the scrutiny of two weekly student papers-they have it a lot tougher than venues in other places.”

“Kukui has come under fire but it is one of the safest clubs in Oxford with one of the least number of incidents. The list of crimes that get reported tends to be mobile thefts: if I was to recommend going out in Oxford on a non-student night, I’d say Kukui…”

He also denied his notorious position as Oxford’s clubbing king.

“I get on pretty well with anyone who knows me and people who don’t know me don’t have much of an opinion. There are some dangers from having too high a profile, and I want to keep that separate from Rock Entz. I am Balreick, I am my own person.”

—–

Balreick’s path to Rock Entz:

As a student, Balreick helped out promoting club nights, especially Wednesdays at Park End.

He graduated from Worcester College in E&M in 2001.

During the following summers, he ran events for interns in London at a venue called Rock, which was owned by the partner of Mahiki and Whisky Mist nightclubs.

Looking to venture into student clubbing, Balreick started Rock Student in Oxford in 2001.

In order to expand the company into other student cities, it was renamed Rock Oxford in 2006.

The company was forced to rebrand again in 2008 to Rock Entz after their website was hacked.

The election for the post of Oxford’s Professor of Poetry has started today amid calls from students and academics for candidates to withdraw.

Eloise Stonborough, the secretary of the Oxford University Poetry Society, wrote a letter to The Times asking Ruth Padel and Arvind Krishna Mehrotra to withdraw. The letter was signed by twelve Oxford academics.

“We believe the election for the new professor of poetry should not continue,” it stated, “and that the current candidates should withdraw from the race and allow nominations to be re-opened.”

The letter went on to say that if other candidates continue to run for the post, the reputation of the position will be damaged.

Stonborough explained, “The candidates will be acting more honourably if they withdraw. Then the race will be on fair, honourable grounds.

“Derek Walcott dropped out too close to the date of the race to allow for the re-evaluation of the position.”

She decided to write the letter after Thursday’s poetry society event, where people evaluated the candidates. “It ended up being a question of why people are still running in the light of one candidate dropping out in light of the smear campaign”, she said.

A C Grayling, an Oxford academic who nominated Padel for the post, has also urged her to withdraw.

He wrote in The Guardian, “In my view, the fact that Walcott was forced to withdraw, and the manner in which his withdrawal was forced, makes the election void. It is no longer a real contest. As a result I wrote to the candidate I nominated, Ruth Padel, and suggested that she and Arvind Mehrotra also withdraw in protest against those who had disrupted the election by discrediting Walcott on grounds other than his stature as a poet.”

He added, “My concern is with what should be the central fact here: that the election for professor of poetry at Oxford is about poetry, not morals.”

Pedro Ferreira, the campaigner manager of Ruth Padel, said the poet will not withdraw from the race. “No I don’t think she will withdraw. She had received countless letters, e-mails and phone calls asking her to stay in the race.”

An Oxford University spokesman confirmed that the election will be going ahead as planned, with results expected after 5.30pm. “Last time, 500 people voted so we’re expecting more than that,” he said.

The voting will take place between 10am and 4pm in the Examination Schools. All who graduated from Oxford University are eligible to vote.

A group of Christ Church boys were outraged at the behaviour of the Balliol porters and the Domestic Bursar who refused to readmit them to the ball, after they accidentally wandered out of the college.

Skomantas Pocius, Tom Morris, Tobi Neumann and another student decided to explore Balliol college grounds. They went through an open door and up a staircase leading onto a balcony. However, they failed to make sure the door didn’t shut behind them and were stuck on the balcony.

As no one could hear their calls for help, two of the boys climbed down the pipe, only to realise they landed on the grounds of Trinity college. Having explained the situation to Balliol porters, the students were reassured that once the porters had released the other boys, they would all be able to enter the ball. However, the porter refused to keep his promise later on.

Skomantas Pocius commented, “Not only did they break their word when saying that they would let us all back in, but also gave no explanation whatsoever why they threw out my two friends who were still inside college.”

He explained that the porters had shouted at them and refused to let them explain the situation.

He said, “Firstly, the porters slammed the door in our faces a few times, before I managed to speak to one of them. Secondly, the head porter who threw my friends out was extremely unpleasant and rude – he kept on shouting and yelling at us. Also, none of them even attempted to levelheadedly explain the situation or talk to us. Thus, their behaviour, and especially that of the head porter, was in my mind quite unacceptable especially seeing that we were paid guests of the ball.”

Tom Morris added, “the fact that the porters lied was utterly disgraceful. If porters expect respect, they should behave in a manner that deserves it, not act like angry school-children.”

Pocius, who has received the backing of Christ Church’s college junior censor, explained that he wanted to make sure that students have some channel through which to voice their complaints about mistreatment.

He said, “Ultimately, I want to make sure that the college staff will realise that they can’t get away easily with whatever they do, and that they apologise if that is deemed appropriate , which it in my mind is.”

Pocius was also ‘disappointed’ by OUSU, who failed to reply after he contacted them regarding his mistreatment.

He said, “You can often hear people complaining that OUSU doesn’t have much of a role in the lives of Oxford students, and I would imagine that especially in a case like this OUSU could try to make an effort.”

The matter is being looked into by Balliol’s JCR President, who declined to comment as the affair is still under investigation.

Balliol porters refused to comment on the matter.