The Gist Issue 6, March 2010

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_Issue 06

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Read it in the Gist first!

INSIDE:

Headliners Revealed!

2 The Gist www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist The Gist 3 www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist

5 Rate your UnionFind out the results

6-8 Summer BallThe line-up and how to get a ticket

9 Leeds Year ofVolunteering

10 ReferendumThe motions are announced

12 NeighbourhoodWatch and UCRs

14 Changing how wecreate ChangeThe democratic review

22 Ask MaddieLooking at University Cuts and how they affect you

4 & 23 News‘I Love My Personal Tutor’ Award, St Patrick’s Day and more

10-11 Fairtrade FortnightJoin in the Big Swap

_Issue 06 _Vol 5

Designed & produced by Leeds University Union. To contribute to the Gist

please email: [email protected].

15-22 The ListThe ultimate guide to what’s on in your union; this month’s list covers events throughout March.

What’s On Listings:

_Issue 06_Vol 5

So the countdown to the Summer Ball has officially begun and we’ve only gone and got Florence and the Machine for all you lucky revellers! The Leeds Summer Ball is officially the biggest (and best!) in the country, so make sure you get your tickets in early!

This March, we’re all about spreading some goodness at LUU - why not nominate your personal tutor for an ‘I Love My Personal Tutor’ award, buy some goodies during Fairtrade Fortnight or volunteer in your local area?

Madeleine Harris SmithWelfare Officer

ONLINEGet extended news stories and the latest news online. Visit www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist.

Features: Every Month:


News.Get up to date: www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist

ONLINEGet extended news stories and the latest news online. Visit www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist.

Disagree?

If there’s something you think we’re doing badly, or an area you want to see improvement in, let us know.

Your Comments is a really easy way to send us your feedback. Use the comment cards in the Info Point or send us your feedback online at www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/yourcomments.

We guarantee a response to all feedback received.

The Results Are In

91% rate the Union either good

or excellent

84% feel that the Union is

contributing positively to their university experience

85% feel that it is easy to join a

club or society

69% feel that they are kept

sufficiently informed about what the Union is doing

Every December we carry out the Rate Your Union survey. The results of the survey are really important to us, telling us what we’re doing well and where we need to improve.

This year you told us that:

If your tutor goes the extra mile to give you help and support, here’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve.

The ‘I love my personal tutor’ awards honour the impact personal tutors have on your time at university. The awards recognise and reward individual contributions as well as celebrating the success ofschools that are consistent in their dedication to students.

Nominations are open from 1st March and will

close on 21st April. Submit your nomination at www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/ilvemypersonaltutor.

26% of students have a paid term-time job

49% of students have a paid out of term-time job

33% are concerned about current debt

42% are concerned about future debt

46% say that the Union

contributed to their decision to study at Leeds

Personalised Hoodies from GearGear can now personalise any hoodie, t-shirt, jumper or other item from the in-store range. They’ll design and personalise items especially for your society, department, sporting event or any special occasion. Delivery times are just two weeks, with a minimum order quantity of 12 pieces per design and colour.

Speak to a member of staff in store to get a quote today!

It’s St Patrick’s Day on March 17th; join us to celebrate it! Throughout the day there’ll be Irish themed fun on the Terrace and in the Old Bar, but the partying won’t end

there. Head down to our St. Patricks Day party in Stylus and Pulse – there’s free entry from 10pm and £1.50 drinks offers running all night.


On Friday 4th June, thousands of party-goers will gather in the grounds of the Lotherton Hall Estate, on the outskirts of Leeds.

The Ball takes place over four massive arenas, each with state-of-the-art production and lighting, along with the headline acts you’d expect at the biggest event of its kind. There’s a real summer festival atmosphere, making it the perfect end to your year, or even your time at university.

There’s also a free funfair, bars and food stalls to keep you entertained as you party through the night, plus plenty of seating and hard flooring walkways between all arenas to keep you comfortable.

The Leeds Summer Ball is the biggest student ball event in the UK

Winner of best album at this year’s Brit Awards, Florence and the Machine take the coveted top spot, looking set to deliver a first class performance just perfect for a warm summer evening.

With four arenas and over 9,000 ball goers, the Summer Ball isn’t about just one headline act though...

That’s why we’ve also gotLeeds indie quartet The Sunshine Underground who are on form following the release of their second album.

Erol Alkan take the top spot in the Wax:On arena, guaranteeing to keep things loud and dirty.

Every arena has a full line-up to keep you going through the night.

To find out who else will be keeping you dancing until 6am, see the line-up poster on page 23. A complete list is available at www.leedssummerball.com.

Line-Up Revealed Here!

The Leeds Summer Ball line-up never disappoints, but this year

it’s better than ever

FRIDAY 4TH JUNE 2010_ LOTHERTON HALLOfficially the UK’s Biggest Student Ball


For the first time ever, the faces of the Summer Ball 2010 are some of Leeds’ very own students. Three lovely ladies and four handsome chaps volunteered their time on a chilly overcast day in October to produce, what we think are the best Summer Ball images to date. After patiently waiting for a day with some decent weather, the models, along with an entourage of LUU staff and the photographer, made their way over to the chosen location. The shoot took place just outside of Leeds in the wild and overgrown Adel Woods - perfect for an afternoon ramble, but not so much for those in suits and ball gowns! As the hours passed, the sky grew darker and cloudier, and hopes of getting those killer shots we were after started to fade. But then something amazing happened! Through the clouds came the rays of the setting sun, providing the perfect setting we’d started

to think we’d never see!

This year’s material displays a more real and honest image of the Summer Ball than the stock images used in previous years, representing friends, fun, celebration, end of year (and for some the end of an era), which is what the Summer Ball is all about. Thanks go to the models who took part in the shoot, both for volunteering their time and for braving the October weather while dressed for summer!

See all the Behind the Scenes imagesVisit the Summer Ball 2010 Facebook group for all the behind-the-scenes photos. Be part of Summer Ball 2011!If you fancy yourself as a model for next year’s Summer Ball promotions, we will be advertising on the Union’s website: www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk and in the fortnightly emails in Term 3.

No stock photos this time!

2010 is Leeds Year of Volunteering, have you thought about getting involved?

With a different theme each month, the campaign is working to celebrate the excellent volunteering work that goes on in Leeds, as well as encouraging more people to get started.

The theme during March is ‘Volunteering in every neighbourhood’, highlighting the range of opportunities for involvement on your own doorstep. See the box on the right to read about some of the local projects you could support.

Leeds Year of VolunteeringHave you started yet?

Behind the scenes of the Summer Ball 2010 photo shoot

Get your TicketsThe Summer Ball launch event takes place in the Terrace from 9pm on Tuesday 16th March.

At midnight we’ll be starting the ticket sales, with 500 Golden Tickets going on sale. At the priority price of £37, a Golden Ticket will secure you access to any car-riage without queuing – no need to decide your carriage time in advance!

Tickets go on general sale from Wednesday 17th March at the priority price of £37. Get yours from www.leedssummerball.com, the Info Point in the Leeds University Union Building or the Met Bar in Leeds Met Student’s’ Union.

From 20th March, you can buy tickets at the standard price of £42 from www.leedssummerball.com, the Info Point (midday-3pm only), CATS, or the Met Bar.

The most popular carriage times sell out fast, so book your ticket early to guarantee arriving at the Ball at the time of your choice.

Gardeners for Bardon GrangeBardon Grange allotment project is a volunteer-led community project at the Bardon Grange allotments near Oxley Halls. Volunteers can come down and get stuck in with some gardening to grow their own fruit and vegetables! No experience necessary, just some free time on a Wednesday afternoon.

English Teaching AssistantsSTAR is a national network campaigning for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers while offering practical support like English classes. If you’ve got good Englishlanguage skills, you can help teach classes. Electrical Equipment Testers for Green Streets Green Streets is a volunteer-led project that works in the community to encourage students and the local communityto reduce, reuse and recycle. The Green Streets team are looking for two people to join the team as PAT testers.

You’ll get trained and tested as a PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) tester and volunteer over June and July, the busy student changeover period.

To get involved with any of these projects, email [email protected].


The closing date for motions has nowpassed, and the issues you’ll be voting on in the next referendum have been revealed.

The Referendum takes place twice each year and the forthcoming vote gives you your second chance of the year to voice your opinions on the issues your fellow students feel should be up for debate.

The online ballot boxes will be open for one week beginning 21st April, so there’s plenty of time to read up on the issues you’ll be voting on - go to www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/referenda to read the motions in full. 1. Should LUU adopt Jack Straw as its first honorary president?

2. Should LUU commit to reducing the edible waste from its shops and restaurants by not throwing it in the bin but by donating it, or not over ordering it in the first place?

3. Should LUU close down the ‘Peanut Gallery’ and replace it with a service which benefits all its members?

4. Should we improve the democratic system at LUU?

5. Should LUU oppose both spending cuts and industrial action that harms the education of students?

6. Should LUU expand the current facilities of the Peanut Gallery?

7. Should the LUU Advertising Policy be amended to better support student activity groups?

8. Should LUU support university staff and their trade unions in legitimate strategies they employ to defend our education and oppose cuts?

9. Should LUU confirm the change the name of the show that broadcast on Monday 12-1 (LSRFM.com) from ‘Loose Men’ to ‘Loose Men 2.0’?

10. Should the LUU reverse the ban on bottled water and give students the choice?

11. Should LUU disaffiliate from NUS?

Motions correct at time of writing but are subject to approval.

The Bottled Water BanWe no longer sell bottled water in Union shops

You might have noticed that something’s changed in the drinks refrigerators in Essentials and Extras recently: still bottled water is no longer being sold.

That’s because you voted in support of a motion to make the change and reduce the environmental impact of LUU.

By replacing bottled water with water fountains (and selling a wide range of refillable drinks bottles) we’re set to save over half a million litres of water each year as well as 20,000 tonnes of oil. We’ll also be saving you money too.

This is a great example of the kind of change that can be brought about through the Referendum.

REFERENDUM

Don’t forget Mother’s Day!Sunday 14th March is Mother’s Day, so don’t forget to pop a card in the post. We’ve got a great selection of cards and gifts available in CATs that are perfect for the occasion. Spring Craft AfternoonPop in to the Emmanuel Centre on Thursday 18th March from midday to 5.00pm for an afternoon of spring crafts. There are Easter goodies to make and all are welcome. Email [email protected] for more information. LUU Dance ShowBringing together performers from many of Leeds University Union’s dance societies, the LUU Dance Show is a must-see event. The show runs from 17th -20th March in the Riley Smith Hall, email [email protected] for more information.

Union Community Representatives are recruited every year, each covering their own dedicated residential area around Leeds. UCRs act as a contact point for both students and local residents wanting to give feedback, ask questions or report problems. As a UCR you will work to improve communication and understanding between LUU members and more settled Leeds residents and

community groups, supporting members in the community with issues such as safety and security, housing and the environment. By consulting with residents you’ll be able to affect positive change, and guide LUU’s volunteering projects to target community needs. We’ll be recruiting UCRs for next year in May. Go to www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/

Twelve Neighbourhood Watch Student Coordinators (NWSCs) are now in place across the community, helping prevent students from becoming a victim of crime. They are also there to offer support and guidance if you do become a victim of crime.

The NWSCs act as a link between students, police and permanent residents living in Leeds. This is the first scheme of this sort in the country, so a lot of the NWSCs’ actions are based on your feedback, whether you’re a Leeds student or resident.

We are now recruiting for the next academic year, so if you’re interested, email [email protected] with the subject “Get me involved in Neighbourhood Watch!”

Neighbourhood Watch

UCR RecruitmentWant to make your community a better place? Want the support to help you do it?

Next Issue:Celebrate Special Celebrating LUU’s Student Activity Groups & more. Out 16.04.10!

_Issue 07_Vol 5


For this year during Fairtrade Fortnight we’re askingeveryone to join us in The Big Swap.

For two whole weeks we want you to switch to Fairtrade when shopping in the Union. Essentials and Extras have introduced over 60 new Fairtrade products and are now stocking 70% more Fairtrade products than in 2008, so it’s easier

than ever to choose Fairtrade. Union Books also stock a great selection of Fairtrade gifts.

Switch your usual bananas for Fairtrade bananas, your usual chocolate for Fairtrade chocolate, and your usual cuppa for a Fairtrade cuppa. Whenever you pop to Leeds University Union, whether you’re buying wine in the Terrace

or a drink from Essentials, you can use your wallet to start making a difference.

The Fairtrade Foundation want as many swaps as possible made, one million and one in fact. Producers in the developing world deserve a fairer deal for their work and produce, so swap today.

Fairtrade Ubuntu Cola

70p

FairtradeBen & Jerry’s£3.50 Fairtrade Organic

Beer

NEW!

Fairtrade

Bananas

20p

FairtradeDivine Chocolateup to20% off

FairtradeCookies50p

Fairtrade

Wine

up to all

20% off

FairtradeCoffee£1.50

45g 65p

100g £1.20

Fairtrade Ubuntu Cola50p

22ND FEB TO 7TH MARCH


What’s On Listings:Your monthly rundown to what’s on in your union. Listings split by categories below!

Bars & Nightlife

Music, Film & Performance

General InterestSociety & Club ListingsGive it a GoListings

Information & Support

Democracy &Campaigns

Priority price tickets will be available from Wednesday 17th March, 9.30am, to final year students only. From Thursday 18th to Friday 19th March, 9.30am, priority price tickets will then be on sale to all students from all years of study.

Normal price tickets go on sale from Saturday 20th March at midnight while stocks last.Information Point, Union Building, and online at www.leedssummerball.com.£37 Priority Price/ £42 Normal Price

_Issue 06_Vol 5

Summer Ball 2010: Tickets on SALE 17.03.10

Stay up to date with What’s On...

Please note that all listings published are subject to change, please check www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/whatson for latest updates.

Listing CategoriesUse the categories below to find out What’s On.

Wednesday 17th MarchSt Patrick’s Day in the Union BuildingCelebrate St. Patrick’s Day all day in the Old Bar and Terrace with some great offers and Irish themed fun! Carry on the party to Stylus for the St. Paddy’s Day Party!

Why is change being considered?We’ve gathered feedback from thousands of you on our democratic process, through the stategic review, democratic workshops, student surveys and a study by the Institute of Communications studies.

The responses received suggested a number of problems with the current democratic model, ranging from a lack of engagement with the issues students had most concern about, to a perception of the system benefitting personal ambitions, not members.

How would a new system address these problems?

Our research asked you how you felt the system could be improved, and allowed us to generate a proposal for a new, better model.

The proposed system would replace the single Union Council with three separate forums, each dealing with a specific area (Better Union, Better University and Better Leeds).

We hope that giving each group its own area of responsibility will result in a more focused agenda with more achievable aims. When forums meet, a demographically representative sample of the student body will befinancially incentivised to participate.The reps on each panel are there to stimulate, inform and support this discussion. Following such deliberation, the student participants will be asked to express their views and, when necessary, take part in a vote.

How would decisions be made?In order to pass a proposal, a three-quarters majority would be necessary. If either the panel or the reps fail to attain a three-quarters majority (yes or no), then the proposal would be referred to referendum.

Once a proposal is passed, either by the forum or at referendum, it will become policy and the Student Executive will work on its implementation, reporting their progress at future councils as with the current system.

We’re your union, which means you make the big decisions – whether that be through voting in referenda or electing representatives to act on your behalf.

It’s important that the democratic process we have in place works, and that it’s trusted. Student feedback has raised a number of concerns with the current model, so we’ve undertaken the democratic review, resulting in a new model being proposed.

The new model is currently only a proposal, you’ll be able to have your say on it by voting in the Referendum after Easter. If it gets voted in, the new model will be implemented at the start of the next academic year.

Learn more about the Democratic Review on the Have Your Say page of the LUU website.

Read the referendum motion online at: www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/referenda.

Changehow we create

Changing


Wednesday 3rd March

Society WednesdaysBook a space in the Terrace for your society.9.00pm to 12.30amTerrace,Union Building

Thursday 4th March

Shoop!Funky soul and motown.10.30pm to 3.00amMine, Union BuildingFree

Friday 5th March

Freshly SqueezedWarm-up to the biggest student night in the country. 9.00pm to 1.30amTerrace, Union Building, Free

Fruity Safari Party10.30pm to 3.30amStylus, Pulse and Mine, Union Building£4.50 adv. / £5 on the door

Saturday 6th March

Metropolis with Subfocus, DJ Hype & more10.30pm to 5.00amStylus, Pulse, Mine and Terrace, Union Building£16.25 adv.

Pent:HouseHouse and electro night.10.00pm to 1.30amTerrace, Union BuildingFree

Sunday 7th March

ChillaxChill out in the Terrace with half

price pool and free poker tables.12.00 noon to 11.30pmTerrace, Union Building

Tuesday 9th March

Fresh Jive presents Gift of Gab7.00pm to 11.00pmMine, Union Building£9.25

Wednesday 10th March

Society WednesdaysBook a space in the Terrace for your society.9.00pm to 12.30amTerrace, Union Building

Thursday 11th March

Pop-A-RazziThe best pop hits

from the ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s.10.30pm to 3.00amMine, Union BuildingFree

Friday 12th March

Freshly SqueezedWarm-up to the biggest student night in the country. 9.00pm to 1.30amTerrace, Union BuildingFree

Fruity Skins Party with Lily Loveless & Megan Prescott (Naomi & Katie)10.30pm to 3.30amStylus, Pulse and Mine, Union Building£4.50 adv. / £5 on the door

Saturday 13th March


Central BeatzDrum n bass and dubstep.10.00pm to 4.00amMine, Union BuildingFree

Brighton Beach‘60s mod and soul.11.00pm to 3.00amStylus and Pulse, Union Building£5.75 adv.

Tuesday 16th March

The Summer Ball Launch: Exclusive! Grab your Golden Ticket for the Summer Ball

At midnight on Tuesday 16th March, we will be releasing 500 ‘Golden Tickets’ for this year’s Summer Ball. These ‘Golden Tickets’ are available to anyone who wants to come to the ball and are priced at the priority price of £37. Golden tickets will allow you to queue jump and hop on any coach you desire on the night of the Summer Ball.From 9.30pm, Tickets on sale from 12.00pm midnight to 2.00am,Terrace & Information Point, Union Building

Wednesday 17th to Saturday 20th March

Summer Ball tickets go on sale!From 9.30amInformation Point, Union Building, and www.leedssummerball.com

Magic and Impossibility Presented by the School of Performance and Cultural Industries7.30pm to 11.00pmStage One, Stage@Leeds, £9.00 adv. / £7 concession


Society WednesdaysBook a space in the Terrace for your society.9.00pm to 12.30amTerrace, Union Building

St Patrick’s Day across Leeds University UnionCelebrate St Patrick’s Day at Leeds University Union. Find a selection of Free Guinness Hats in the Terrace and Old Bar as well as many Irish drink offers. All DayTerrace & Old Bar,Union Building,Free

St Patrick’s Day Party!Continue the St Paddy’s Day celebrations in this special one-off free party in Stylus. Dance like a Leprecharn and enjoy special drinks offers available.From 10.00pm,

Stylus, Union Building, Free

Thursday 18th March

Top GunPower ballads, soft rock, ‘80s & ‘90s pop.10.00pm to 3.00am Mine, Union BuildingFree

Friday 19th March

Freshly SqueezedWarm-up to the biggest student night in the country. 9.00pm to 1.30amTerrace, Union BuildingFree

Fruity: Easter Egg Hunt10.30pm to 3.30amStylus, Pulse and Mine, Union Building£4 adv. / £5 on the door

Saturday 20th March

Summer Ball normal-priced tickets on saleOfficially the best way to start your summer!www.leedssummerball.com £42 including Travel

The Wendy HouseLeeds’ friendliest party.9.00pm to 2.30am, Stylus and Pulse, Union Building£5.25 adv.


Sunday 21st March

ChillaxHalf price pool and free poker tables.12.00 noon to 11.30pmTerrace, Union Building


Society WednesdaysBook a space in the Terrace for your society.9.00pm to 12.30amTerrace,

Union Building

Friday 26th MarchFreshly Squeezed9.00pm to 1.30amTerrace, Union BuildingFree

Fruity10.30pm to 3.30amStylus, Pulse and Mine, Union Building£4 adv. / £5 on the door

Saturday 27th March

Pent:HouseHouse and electro night10.00pm to 1.30amTerrace, Union BuildingFree

Bars & Nightlife

www.leedstickets.comBuy tickets for all gigs and events from www.leedstickets.com. Sign up to the newsletter for latest news and confirmed gigs.

Music, Film & PerformanceThursday 4th March

Finley Quaye plus support7.00pm to 11.00pmStylus, Union Building, £13.50 adv.

Monday 8th March

The XXAtmospheric English indie pop

quartet The XX formed in London in 2008. See them in Stylus.7.00pm to 11.00pmStylus, Union Building, £12.50

Monday 19th April

AlphabeatStylus, Union Building7.00am to 11.00pm£13.50 adv,

www.unit1421.

co.uk

Summer Ball Ticket Launch: Golden Tickets On SALETuesday 16th MarchThis year we are releasing 500 golden tickets exclusively at our launch event in the Terrace from 9.00pm on Tuesday 16th March. Golden Ticket holders are allowed access to any carriage at any time and may waltz onto any carriage without having to queue. Golden tickets are priced £37 and will only be on sale at this event.10.00pm to 2.00am, Terrace, Union Building, Free

Finley Quaye plus SupportThursday 4th MarchMaverick, now there’s an overused word. Restless Finley Quaye fits the bill perfectly with a multifaceted, multi-ethnic catalogue of music that somehow mashes pure pop to the underground. He reached the UK Top 20 twice with “Sunday Shining”, and “Even After All”. Quaye is readying several albums and individually prepared for release in 2010. Don’t miss this opportunity to see him in Stylus!7.00pm to 11.00pm, Stylus, Union Building, £13.50 adv


General Interest

Monday 1st March

Action AGMThis is your chance to get involved in the running of action! Food is provided.6.00pm to 9.00pmConference Room, ARC

St David’s Day (Patron Saint of Wales)Celebrated in Wales in honour of Dewi Sant or St David, the patron saint of Wales. Many Welsh people wear a daffodil which is a national emblem of Wales.

Holi (Festival of Colours)Hindu spring festival.

Wednesday 3rd March

3D scanning of cultural heritage: ‘experiences at National Museums’Talk by Martin Cooper, followed by public discussion and reception.6.00pm to 8.00pmStanley & Audrey

Burton Gallery, University of Leeds

Tuesday 9th March

Commonwealth DayPeople use the day to promote understanding about global issues, international co-operation and the work of the modern Commonwealth. Each year there is a different theme. The Queen will attend a special service in Westminster Abbey.

Friday 12th March

Contemporary Artists’ Book Fair13th annual international artists’ book fair.11.00am to 6.00pmParkinson Court

Saturday 13th March

Contemporary Artists’ Book Fair13th annual international artists’ book fair.10.00am to 5.00pmParkinson Court

Sunday 14th March

Mother’s Day Don’t forget your mum this Mother’s Day – pop into Cats for great cards and gifts.

Simnel SundayThe fourth Sunday in Lent when Simnel cakes are eaten.

Tuesday 16th March

Alan Davie Art Exhibition Opening NightA snapshot of the artistic career of Alan Davie, former Gregory Fellow in Painting at the University of Leeds, 1957-59. This exhibition runs until 5th June.6.00pm to 8.00pmStanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, University of Leeds


St Patrick’s Day (Patron Saint of Ireland)The church festival of St. Patrick is regarded as

national day in Northern Ireland.

Friday 19th March

Term 2 Ends

Saturday 20th March

Spring begins ‘Vernal (or spring) equinox’. Around March 20th or 21st, the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night are nearly equal in all parts of the world.

Sunday 21st March

‘I love My Personal Tutor’ awards – Nominations CloseNominate a personal tutor who you feel has been exceptionally supportive or offered significant assistance during your time at university. www.leedsuniversity union.org.uk/ilove my personaltutor

Sunday 28th March

Palm Sunday (Christian Festival)Christian celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The day begins Holy Week. It is observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches.

British Summer Time Begins (clocks go forward 1 hour)

Tuesday 30th March

First Day of Passover Passover marks the Israelites’ liberation from slavery and their exodus from Egypt around 3,000 years ago. Passover lasts for eight days in the UK.

Monday 19th April

Term 3 Begins Don’t forget to pick up the next issue of the Gist!

Clubs & Societies

Monday 1st March

Action AGMThis is your chance to get involved in the running of action! Food is provided.6.00pm to 9.00pmConference Room, ARC

Tajweed Classes for SistersOpen to anyone interested in seeking knowledge with the goal to

recite the holy Quran in the correct manner. 6.30pm to 8.00pmBaines Wing SR 2.16, University of Leeds

Tuesday 2nd March

CMF Cake Give-a-wayAsk a Christian a question and get a free cake.1.00pm to 2.00pmWorsley Building, Level 7, University of Leeds

Persian ClassesGet to know more about Iran and learn the Persian language, all levels of ability are welcome! 6.30pm to 9.00pmBaines Wing SR 1.14, University of Leeds£15 (For 5 sessions) adv. Refundable should you wish to quit at any point.

Wednesday 3rd March

‘Isn’t Christianity just for killjoys?’Short talk with a free lunch12.00 noon to 1.00pmLocation TBC

Thursday 4th March

Milad Al-Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet)Celebrate the birthday of the Prophet of Islam6.30pm to 10.00pm

Saturday 6th March

Buddhist Meditation Day retreatA joint day retreat between LUU Buddhist Meditation society and a beginners’ course at FWBO Leeds Buddhist Centre10.00am to 4.00pmFWBO Leeds Buddhist Centre, Leeds City Centre£30 suggested donation (waged) /£15 (low/unwaged)

LUU Sports Ball 20107.00pm to 1.00amThe Queens Hotel, Leeds City Centre£30 adv.

Monday 8th February

Tajweed Classes for SistersOpen to anyone interested in seeking knowledge with the goal to recite the holy Quran in the correct manner. 6.30pm to 8.00pmBaines Wing SR 2.16, University of Leeds

Tuesday 9th March

Persian ClassesGet to know more about Iran and learn the Persian language, all levels of ability are welcome! 6.30pm to 9.00pmBaines Wing SR 1.14, University of Leeds£15 (For 5 sessions) adv. Refundable should you wish to quit at any point.

Monday 15th March

Tajweed Classes for Sisters6.30pm to 8.00pmBaines Wing SR 2.16, University of Leeds

Tuesday 16th March

Persian Classes6.30pm to 9.00pmBaines Wing SR 1.14, University of Leeds£15 (For 5 sessions) adv. Refundable should you wish to quit at any point.

Monday 22nd March

Tajweed Classes for Sisters6.30pm to 8.00pmBaines Wing SR 2.16, University of Leeds

Tuesday 23rd March

Persian Classes6.30pm to 9.00pmBaines Wing SR 1.14, University of Leeds£15 (For 5 sessions) adv. Refundable should you wish to quit at any point.

Fairtrade FortnightMonday 22nd February to Sunday 7th March

A good opportunity to encourage you to think about where your food comes from and how you can help people in poorer countries. This years big theme is the ‘BIG SWAP’ trying you to try fair trade as a replacement for your regular goods, why not give it a go? Essentials will be having up to 10% off selected Fair Trade products during these two weeks.Throughout the Bars and Retail outlets in the Union Building.

WHAT’S YOUR FAIRTRADE

SWAP?

LUU Sports Ball 2010Saturday 6th MarchSport gets glam! Ticket includes: three-course meal, complimentary drinks, entry into prize raffle, and music and entertainment. Get your ticket now from the LUU Helpdesk.7.00pm to 1.00am, The Queens Hotel, Leeds City Centre£30 adv.

Advertise your events here.Want to advertise your events in the Gist? Content deadlines for the Gist are 3 weeks before each issue comes out at the end of the month, so be sure to email your development co-ordinator your events before then.


Give it a Go Listings

Monday 1st March

Learn to Knit with Baa Ram Ewe: Tea CosyNo experience necessary! All materials provided.4.00pm to 6.00pmMeeting Room 8, Union Building£10

Cabling Project with Baa Ram Ewe: 2 of 3

6.00pm to 8.00pmMeeting Room 8, Union Building£30 for three sessions (must book all sessions)

Jewellery MakingMaterials purchased at session.6.30pm to 8.00pmResource Lounge, ARC£1 Earrings, £1.50 Bracelets, £2.50 Necklaces

Tuesday 2nd March

Tai Chi5.00pm to 6.00pmMeeting Room 3, ARC£3

Wilderness MedicalAnyone with an interest in Altitude Medicine or who wants to know how to stay safe whilst skiing/mountaineering come along! 7.00pm to 9.00pmMeeting Room 2, ARC£1 non-members

Wednesday 3rd March

VolleyballLearn the basics!12.00 noon to 2.00pmGryphon Sports Centre, University of Leeds£1

Friday 5th March

Indian Head Massage5.00pm to 6.00pmMeeting Room 2, ARC£2

Saturday 6th March

Trip to Blackpool8.30am to 8.30pmMeet at the Parkinson Building steps£15

Trip to the Lake District9.00am to 7.30pmMeet at the Parkinson Building steps£17

Sunday 7th March

Men and Ladies Tennis12.00 noon to 2.00pmWeetwood Tennis CourtsFree

Monday 8th February

Learn to Knit with Baa Ram Ewe: Hat4.00pm to 6.00pmMeeting Room 8, Union Building£10

Cabling Project with Baa Ram Ewe: 3 of 36.00pm to 8.00pmMeeting Room 8, Union Building£30 for three sessions (must book all sessions)

Meditation Evening6.00pm to 7.30pmMeeting Room 3, ARC£3

Tuesday 9th March

Tai Chi5.00pm to 6.00pmConference Room, ARC£3

Soc Soc do Body Boggle

Come and have some fun!8.00pm to 10.30pmTerrace, Union BuildingFree


Suturing with Cutting Edge4.00pm to 6.00pmMeeting Room 3, ARCFree

Thursday 11th March

CV WorkshopHow extra-curricular activities make you the complete candidate.1.00pm to 2.00pmMeeting Room 5, ARCFree

Back and Head Massage Training5.00pm to 7.00pmResource Lounge, ARC£3

Friday 12th to Sunday 14th March

Weekend Trip to StonehengeSee ‘Our Pick’6.00pm to 5.00pm

Meet at the Parkinson Building steps£50 (Transport and accommodation included)

Saturday 13th March

Trip to York10.00am to 5.00pmMeet outside WH Smiths, Leeds Train Station£13.30 (with railcard)

Sunday 14th March

Picture Frame Decorating2.00pm to 4.00pmMeeting Room 5, ARC£2.50 per frame

Tuesday 16th March

Tai Chi5.00pm to 6.00pmConference Room, ARC£3

Interfaith PanelSee ‘One to Watch’7.00pm to 9.00pmMeeting Room 3, ARCFree


Women’s Hockey10.00am to 4.00pmWeetwood Pitches£5

Friday 19th to Sunday 20th March

Weekend Trip to Edinburgh8.30pm to 5.00pmMeet at the Parkinson Building steps£60 (includes transport and accommodation)

Information & Support

Alcoholics Anonymous MeetingsEvery Thursday in March12.30pm to 1.30pmMeeting Room 8, Union Building

Democracy & CampaignsTuesday 2nd March

Referendum 2 - amendments deadlineThe deadline to submit your amendments to the motions going to referendum.12.00 noonwww.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/referendum

VC Q&AWhat do you want to ask the Vice Chancellor? Now is your chance.6.00pm to 7.00pmConference Hall, ARC

Monday 15th March

Union Council Meeting6.00pm to 9.00pmConference Hall, ARC

Monday 19th April

Union Council Meeting6.00pm to 9.00pmConference Hall, ARC

Wednesday 21st April

Debate MeetingCome and debate the motions up for Referendum.Time TBCLocation TBC

Referendum 2:Voting StartsVote in the 2nd Referendum this academic year. Visit www.leeds universityunion.org.

uk/referendum to read the motions. From 4.00pm, Vote online, www.leed-suniversityunion.org.uk/referendum

Wednesday 28th April

Referendum 2: Voting CLOSES

The Count6.00pm to late,Terrace

Trip to StonehengeFriday 12th to Sunday 14th MarchJoin Pentagram Society on a trip to Stonehenge, where you will have access to the circle (usually restricted) and will be performing a small ritual at a sacred site nearby. All are welcome. Meet at the Parkinson Building steps, £50 (Transport and accommodation included)

Interfaith PanelTuesday 16th MarchThe Atheist Society are holding an interfaith debate over the nature of ethics and morality. Come along to see whether all atheists are evil and whether religious ethics actually mean anything! Bring all those challenging questions and hopefully learn something new.7.00pm to 9.00pm, Meeting Room 3, ARC, Union Building, Free

Buy & Book Sessions at the LUU HelpdeskInterested in attending a GIAG session? Book your place at the LUU Helpdesk (ground floor, Union building). Don’t forget to pick up a GIAG programme for full details on all these events!

VOTE on the Motions from Wednesday 21st April

WARNINGCHANGE IS IN PROGRESS


Ask Maddie...Please send your problems to [email protected]. All our questions are kept anonymous unless you state otherwise. Not all questions can be printed I’m afraid but we will try to answer as many as we can.

Your Welfare OfficerMaddie Harris-Smith

Leeds University Union is committed to defending the interests of students. We have been in close contact with the University from the beginning, and sought reassurance that the education of students will not be negatively impacted. We also raised concerns with the UCU about the impact of strikes on students.We have recently surveyed 975 students to identify student concerns and opinions, and allow us to continue to represent you. See the results of the survey, and the list of demands we have made of the University, at www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/educationfirst/.

How will I be affected?

Stay up to date with the situation by going to the Education First page on our website.

If you are concerned about cuts and want to take action, join the ‘Leeds University against cuts’ group on Facebook.

How can I get involved?

The University of Leeds is conducting

an ‘economies exercise’, gathering

information from departments so that

it will be able to identify areas where

savings can be made. This is being

done in response to funding cuts to

Higher Education announced by the

government. These cuts are likely to

impact upon all higher education

institutions and are not specific to

Leeds.

The University and College Union

(UCU), a union of university staff, has

entered into a dispute with the

University, arguing that the University

has not conducted the economies

exercise in a proper manner, and that

compulsory redundancies are

unacceptable.

It’s impossible to fully explain the details

of this ongoing situation in such a

limited space. For a full understanding

of the positions and actions of all

involved parties, we recommend

reading up on the economies exercise

on the University website, the

Education First page on the LUU

website, the UCU (and other staff

union) blogs, and looking at the

national press coverage on

government cuts to Higher

Education.

What’s happening?

This month we’re focusing on the proposed cuts to education, telling you what’s happening and how we’re working to represent you.

FRIDAY 4TH JUNE_ LOTHERTON HALLOfficially the UK’s BIGGEST Student Ball! For Tickets and Info visit:

www.leedssummerball.com

Tickets: On Sale Wednesday 17th March£37 Priority Price, £42 Normal Price including travel. Available from CATS, www.leedssummerball.

com, LMUSU Met Bar and Leeds University Union building.

Facebook Search: The Official Leeds Universities’ Summer Ball 2010 & Summer Ball Fan Page

Florence & The MachineThe Sunshine Underground

Full Line-Up Across all Four ArenasAnnounced Soon

Visit us online to see the full line-up

We are using proceeds of this event to create a better Union*Please note that line up is subject to change

EDUCATION

FIRST

24 The Gist www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist

The Gist Issue 6, March 2010

Documents

Transcript of The Gist Issue 6, March 2010