The Rector's forum in the UDH yesterday evening saw a number of senior College staff arrive in the Union to take questions from students. Among topics discussed were entry standards, administrative issues, student facilities and the future of the University of London.

As always the meeting proved enlightening, with Sir Richard providing a number of potentially contentious opinions and important information coming through from the other managers present. These included an attack on the Department for Trade and Industry, a dismal prediction for the future of the University of London, a commitment to environmentally friendly technologies and the offer of a free gym for the next three years.

Research Funding

The most topical was on the subject of research funding, after research money was cut in part due to the collapse of Rover. Sir Richard said it sent a "bad message", particularly as the Government has been re-iterating how important science is to the country. Furthermore, he went on to blame the "bad management of the DTI (Department for Trade and Industry)", with the decision affecting everybody.

Imperial receives around 6% of the available funding from the research councils, leaving an estimated £2-3m shortfall to be made up from other funding sources.

The Future of the University of London

The Rector was once again quizzed on the future of the University of London, re-iterating that he believed it would ultimately "wither on the vine", but with Kings and UCL likely to stay in until the bitter end. He considered LSE likely to leave as they have less to gain by staying, but ruled out a possible merger with the school as academic co-operation can be achieved without it.

He accused UL of encouraging inefficiencies by providing a protective umbrella for any problems.

Free Gym

The Rector was queried about student services, including Ethos, and said he believed the gym should "always be free to students". This was backed up by other staff present, who stated that they were planning to keep it free for the next 3 years - but only if the Union agrees not to petition to make it pay-per-play during that time

Environmentally Friendly

The College has committed itself to environmentally friendly technologies, with all new buildings and refurbishments looking to save energy. Metering systems are being installed to identify which buildings use the most electricity, with a competition between halls of residence to be launched. The hall which reduces its energy consumption the most will win a prize of some form.

Postgraduate Medicine

RCSU Research Representative Daniel Sauder asked if the Rector believed the 60/40 split of undergraduates to postgraduates would change. He believed it would remain the same in most subjects, but that medicine would change to postgraduate teaching only, moving 1,000 medics into the "taught postgraduate" category and making the College-wide split 50/50.

College is moving towards the US model where medical students first take a science-based degree, then complete their medical training as a postgraduate. Studies have shown that 50% of people having completed their undergraduate degree decide not to choose medicine, so a postgraduate system weeds out those who may have underestimated the 6 or 7 year commitment to a medical degree.

Administration

One student asked what College was doing to streamline administration, with the assembled staff admitting that students often have to go to several different people in different places at present. This is due to change with the refurbishment of Sherfield Level 3, where a "one-stop shop" for student queries is to be created, allowing "80%" of queries to be answered in one place.

Claud's

Live! also had the opportunity to speak to the Director of Commercial Services, Paddy Jackman. On the subject of Claud's cafe he indicated that the decision to close it, if it is in fact closed, comes from the Faculty of Engineering and not Commercial Services. No firm decision has been taken to turn it over to College catering but it is being looked into. The area is set to become a more open multi-function space, available for use as a seminar room and breakout area: this is likely to change the style of cafe services possible.

Walkway Posters

Anyone running clubs should have been warned of the changes to poster rules by their group chair. College will begin issuing fines to clubs who place posters in unapproved places, however postering space on the walkway is to be increased. An artist from the Royal College of Art has been commissioned to produce an artwork which will incorporate poster boards.

The walkway changes coincide with refurbishment of the Upper Dalby Court area, intended to make the passage through the College a more agreeable experience.

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