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Council

The University Council met again last week, this time for a normal monthly meeting. Perhaps that's not quite the right expression, because one would expect at least one contentious issue to come up (Movick? Who's Movick?). But no, the public session took less than three quarters, of an hour and the private parts were even shorter.

Nevertheless, all loyal students will be pleased to learn that "God Save the Queen" has been chosen as the official anthem of the university. Apparently the Music dept. and the Council's Ceremonial Committee don't think the other one has sufficient musical or literary merit and Chancellor O'Brien cast some nasturtiums on the propriety of some of its verses. Then there is the question of how many words people can actually recognise well enough to sing along with. So much for nasty nationalist independence.

Culture was obviously prominent in the hearts and minds of Council members, for to mark the official opening of all our lovely new buildings next year a work of art will be especially commissioned.

Of course there are more pressing matters. The Crown Law Office has still not seen fit to allow women info Weir House (there are complications with old William Weir's instructions) so an investigation into reaching some temporary arrangement is being made. With 35 odd vacancies there is some urgency, quite over and above any beneficial effect women would undoubtedly have on the present inmates.

The setting up of a Day Care Centre for staff kiddies is running into a few problems. Phrases like "Certain proposals" and a "Lot more work and information" were si slipped into the discussion.

Degree conferrment has now been size streamlined. You can now get your ticket in only one of two ways: parade in front of the photographers and great aunts as per usual, or have your name adorn a list o on bits of paper lying on the Council tables. Previously you could choose to pretend to opt for the latter while the paperwork said you had done the former, that is have your degree conferred in absentia at the graduation ceremony. Now you've got to stand up and be counted, or leave it entirely to those who think such things matter. A jolly good thing to do.

Simon Wilson