There's been quite a lot of interest in the TV leaders' debates in the run-up to the UK general election, with a fair few residents watching the debates in the common rooms.
On election night (Thursday 6th May), we will move the large TV from the third-floor common room to the Bell Room and put some comfy sofas in there so you can watch the results as they come in.
Eight hours of live coverage starts on BBC 1 at 21.55, hosted by David Dimbleby. I hope to join you from about 00.30 when I get home from work!
Friday, 30 April 2010
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Residents' Survey - Bursar's Office
Responses to Residents' Survey 10: Bursar's Office
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
A couple of survey respondents said they thought the Bursar's Office staff were difficult to approach. Harriet, Hafsi, and David are a great team and very friendly so we could only assume this difficulty arises from residents not knowing how, when, or where to appoach them.
I met with the Deputy Bursar and we agreed it would be helpful to post office hours outside the door to the Bursar's Office and an invitation to go right in and discuss any problems. Office hours are liited at the moment due to staff sickness but as soon as the rota is sorted out again, ths measure will be implemented.
Please do feel free to approach anyone in the Bursar's Office during working hours about anything that's bothering you in Hall. They will deal with most facilities / services / accommodation matters there and then, or they might refer you to speak to me if your concerns are related to a socal, wefare, or health matter. Out of hours, there is a Duty Senior Member whom you can contact via reception.
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
A couple of survey respondents said they thought the Bursar's Office staff were difficult to approach. Harriet, Hafsi, and David are a great team and very friendly so we could only assume this difficulty arises from residents not knowing how, when, or where to appoach them.
I met with the Deputy Bursar and we agreed it would be helpful to post office hours outside the door to the Bursar's Office and an invitation to go right in and discuss any problems. Office hours are liited at the moment due to staff sickness but as soon as the rota is sorted out again, ths measure will be implemented.
Please do feel free to approach anyone in the Bursar's Office during working hours about anything that's bothering you in Hall. They will deal with most facilities / services / accommodation matters there and then, or they might refer you to speak to me if your concerns are related to a socal, wefare, or health matter. Out of hours, there is a Duty Senior Member whom you can contact via reception.
Residents' Survey - Senior Members
Responses to Residents' Survey 9: Senior Members
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
Two or three survey respondents expressed a desire for the Senior Members to be more visible in the Hall, saying they thought this might make them more approachable.
Relevant guidance in the post description for Senior Members includes:
I think the Senior Members by and large achieve most of these goals but at a recent staff meeting we agreed to provide a more visible presence in the dining hall at meal times and to visit the Hall bar every couple of weeks.
In previous years, the Senior Members and I have hosted afternoon tea every Sunday in the reception lobby - but this did not fulfil our objective of encouraging residents to approach us to discuss difficulties and was often quite poorly attended; so I replaced this event with my regular open office sessions (openoffice.connaught-hall.org.uk).
At our meeting we decided to bring back afternoon tea on select weekends throughout the year. Look out for posters advertising the first event later this term.
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
Two or three survey respondents expressed a desire for the Senior Members to be more visible in the Hall, saying they thought this might make them more approachable.
Relevant guidance in the post description for Senior Members includes:
Senior Members are required to interest themselves in the welfare of students and to assist the Warden with the pastoral, disciplinary and social duties within the Hall to promote a supportive and harmonious living environment for students. Senior Members should participate in – and help to organise – the social life of the Hall. One of their most important roles is mixing with students and keeping in touch with what is happening in the resident community; they are expected to eat in the Hall restaurant regularly as this is one of the best ways to meet other residents. Senior Members must always present a professional but approachable manner and it is essential they set a good example to other students at all times.
Specific duties include:
[...]
- participation in welcome receptions to ensure all new students are greeted;
- attendance at social events throughout the year;
[...]
I think the Senior Members by and large achieve most of these goals but at a recent staff meeting we agreed to provide a more visible presence in the dining hall at meal times and to visit the Hall bar every couple of weeks.
In previous years, the Senior Members and I have hosted afternoon tea every Sunday in the reception lobby - but this did not fulfil our objective of encouraging residents to approach us to discuss difficulties and was often quite poorly attended; so I replaced this event with my regular open office sessions (openoffice.connaught-hall.org.uk).
At our meeting we decided to bring back afternoon tea on select weekends throughout the year. Look out for posters advertising the first event later this term.
Residents' Survey - the dining hall
Responses to Residents' Survey 8: heating in the dining hall
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
Several survey responses mentioned that the dining hall can be cold, especially in the mornings.
The radiators in the dining hall have all been checked and are working properly. A major contributing factor to the cold is the very poorly insulated roof with north-facing skylights, some of which are very difficult to close. The Bursars have secured fundig for the roof of the dining hall to be completely replaced during the summer this year, which should make it much easier to control the temperature in that part of the building.
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
Several survey responses mentioned that the dining hall can be cold, especially in the mornings.
The radiators in the dining hall have all been checked and are working properly. A major contributing factor to the cold is the very poorly insulated roof with north-facing skylights, some of which are very difficult to close. The Bursars have secured fundig for the roof of the dining hall to be completely replaced during the summer this year, which should make it much easier to control the temperature in that part of the building.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Residents' Club Annual General Meeting
Thank you to those residents who were interested enough to attend the Residents' Club AGM tonight. I hope you found it a useful forum to express your views and put questions to Committee members.
At tonight's meeting, on the Motion "The Club accepts the five reports of the elected Officers", voting was as follows:
As Clerk to the Club I therefore held the casting vote. My opinion is that if an Officer were removed from his/her post at this stage in the academic year, any replacement would not have an opportunity properly to tackle the role, and on balance the disruption caused would have a negative impact on the work of the Committee and the social life of the Hall. With this in mind I followed the convention of using the casting vote in favour of "no change" - that is to say, FOR the Motion. The Officers' reports were therefore accepted with a majority of one vote.
Any situation in which a group is divided almost exactly 50:50 has the potential for controversy. But I hope that on balance the decision we reached tonight will serve the best interests of the Hall community as a whole.
This was the first Annual General Meeting ever held in this format at Connaught Hall and the first time there has ever been an open meeting where all residents have the opportunity to ask Committee members questions and to vote on their record so far. I wrote the "Accountability" appendix to the Club Constitution in October 2009; it is this appendix that lays the foundations for the AGM in the form we used tonight. It is a practice that I and future Committees will need to adapt over the next few years to ensure it best serves the purposes for which it is intended:
(1) to remind Committee members right from the outset that they are accountable to the residents of Connaught Hall, and
(2) to provide a structured, scheduled event for residents to wield their right of holding the Committee to account.
If you were present at tonight's meeting and have any comments or suggestions about how next year's AGM might better fulfil these objectives, I would be happy to hear from you. [EDIT: residents have been using the "comment" feature on this blog post (below) to submit feedback, so please continue doing this - you can submit comments anonymously if you want; I will reply in the same comment thread.]
The reports submitted to the AGM by the elected Committee members remain available to read online here. I will publish some brief minutes from the meeting later in the week.
At tonight's meeting, on the Motion "The Club accepts the five reports of the elected Officers", voting was as follows:
FOR - 14
AGAINST - 14
ABSTENSIONS - 5
As Clerk to the Club I therefore held the casting vote. My opinion is that if an Officer were removed from his/her post at this stage in the academic year, any replacement would not have an opportunity properly to tackle the role, and on balance the disruption caused would have a negative impact on the work of the Committee and the social life of the Hall. With this in mind I followed the convention of using the casting vote in favour of "no change" - that is to say, FOR the Motion. The Officers' reports were therefore accepted with a majority of one vote.
Any situation in which a group is divided almost exactly 50:50 has the potential for controversy. But I hope that on balance the decision we reached tonight will serve the best interests of the Hall community as a whole.
This was the first Annual General Meeting ever held in this format at Connaught Hall and the first time there has ever been an open meeting where all residents have the opportunity to ask Committee members questions and to vote on their record so far. I wrote the "Accountability" appendix to the Club Constitution in October 2009; it is this appendix that lays the foundations for the AGM in the form we used tonight. It is a practice that I and future Committees will need to adapt over the next few years to ensure it best serves the purposes for which it is intended:
(1) to remind Committee members right from the outset that they are accountable to the residents of Connaught Hall, and
(2) to provide a structured, scheduled event for residents to wield their right of holding the Committee to account.
If you were present at tonight's meeting and have any comments or suggestions about how next year's AGM might better fulfil these objectives, I would be happy to hear from you. [EDIT: residents have been using the "comment" feature on this blog post (below) to submit feedback, so please continue doing this - you can submit comments anonymously if you want; I will reply in the same comment thread.]
The reports submitted to the AGM by the elected Committee members remain available to read online here. I will publish some brief minutes from the meeting later in the week.
Defacement of posters
The following letter was sent to all residents by email today.
Dear resident
Defacement of posters
I have received a complaint about the defacement of a number of posters between November last year and the most recent case yesterday with very unpleasant comments about some members of the Residents' Club Committee.
Any defacement of displayed material is prohibited by University of London Ordinance 17. More importantly, the offensive nature of this particular vandalism constitutes personal harassment, which is grounds for immediate expulsion under the Licence Agreement and Supplementary Regulations. Actions like this are damaging to the generally very positive community atmosphere at Connaught Hall, undermine the democratic processes of election and scrutiny of the Residents' Club Committee, and make it more difficult for your elected representatives to fulfil their roles and organise a varied and exciting social programme in Hall.
This letter is an appeal for information about who might be responsible for this vandalism; I know most residents will be horrified to think that some members of our Hall community consider this behaviour to be acceptable, and I hope you will be willing to help me make sure it does not happen again. Please get in touch - anonymously if you prefer - with any information about this matter. Or if you are one of those handful of people responsible, please consider the negative impact your behaviour has on the whole Hall community and cease this immediately.
Yours faithfully
ADRIAN CLARK
Warden
Dear resident
Defacement of posters
I have received a complaint about the defacement of a number of posters between November last year and the most recent case yesterday with very unpleasant comments about some members of the Residents' Club Committee.
Any defacement of displayed material is prohibited by University of London Ordinance 17. More importantly, the offensive nature of this particular vandalism constitutes personal harassment, which is grounds for immediate expulsion under the Licence Agreement and Supplementary Regulations. Actions like this are damaging to the generally very positive community atmosphere at Connaught Hall, undermine the democratic processes of election and scrutiny of the Residents' Club Committee, and make it more difficult for your elected representatives to fulfil their roles and organise a varied and exciting social programme in Hall.
This letter is an appeal for information about who might be responsible for this vandalism; I know most residents will be horrified to think that some members of our Hall community consider this behaviour to be acceptable, and I hope you will be willing to help me make sure it does not happen again. Please get in touch - anonymously if you prefer - with any information about this matter. Or if you are one of those handful of people responsible, please consider the negative impact your behaviour has on the whole Hall community and cease this immediately.
Yours faithfully
ADRIAN CLARK
Warden
Spring bulletin
The Connaught Hall spring bulletin is now available to read online here. Please take a few moments to read it as it contains important news, announcements, and dates for your diary.
Residents' Survey - the lift
Responses to Residents' Survey 7: the lift
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
Obviously the lift is a problem we are all aware of. I live on the third floor so I know exactly how often it breaks down! An engineer is always called to attend to the lift promptly but each time it seems that it needs more and more new parts to put it right until the next things breaks down...
Fitting a new lift is an extraordinarily expensive operation. It's also something that needs to be done outside of term time as it is likely to involve a lot of noise and mess. Connaught has needed a new lift for several years but the money simply hasn't been available. Finally, however, we think we do have funding for a new lift to be intalled later in 2010. It's not going to benefit most current residents (unfortunately) but we have heard what you said and it is going to be fixed!
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
Lift needs to be sorted properly at some point
You REALLY need to sort the lift out!
Everything was working fine and the maintenance team were great but I think the lift has broken down a few too many times in the past few months.
Obviously the lift is a problem we are all aware of. I live on the third floor so I know exactly how often it breaks down! An engineer is always called to attend to the lift promptly but each time it seems that it needs more and more new parts to put it right until the next things breaks down...
Fitting a new lift is an extraordinarily expensive operation. It's also something that needs to be done outside of term time as it is likely to involve a lot of noise and mess. Connaught has needed a new lift for several years but the money simply hasn't been available. Finally, however, we think we do have funding for a new lift to be intalled later in 2010. It's not going to benefit most current residents (unfortunately) but we have heard what you said and it is going to be fixed!
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Football team
Well done to the Connaught Hall football team who came runners-up in the intercollegiate halls football tournament at the weekend - especially since they managed to put a team together in 48 hours!
So - Will, Tom, Mick, Dave, George, Damini, and Ilk - congratulations!
So - Will, Tom, Mick, Dave, George, Damini, and Ilk - congratulations!
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Residents' Survey - social events
Responses to Residents' Survey 6: social events
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
There was only very weak agreement with the statement "Social events are varied enough to appeal to everyone", in contrast to all the other questions about social and community life, which all scored very highly at Connaught Hall. Relevant comments included:
The Residents' Club Committee considered these comments at their most recent meeting and plan to organise some more regular, non-alcohol based events in the next few weeks. Subscribe to this blog and look out for posters and minutes of committee meetings on the noticeboards in Hall for details.
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
There was only very weak agreement with the statement "Social events are varied enough to appeal to everyone", in contrast to all the other questions about social and community life, which all scored very highly at Connaught Hall. Relevant comments included:
More non-alcohol based things, please.
Social side of Connaught is good although a regular weekly event, e.g. quiz night would be good.
A bigger variety of events i.e. museums, events in London, exhibitions, mini festivals, not even paid for but just organised by entertainment would be a good idea.
Too many 'party' events, maybe some variety, like movie nights?
Too many parties. All of them noisy, appealing to a certain segment of people.
The Residents' Club Committee considered these comments at their most recent meeting and plan to organise some more regular, non-alcohol based events in the next few weeks. Subscribe to this blog and look out for posters and minutes of committee meetings on the noticeboards in Hall for details.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Residents' Survey - heating
Responses to Residents' Survey 5: heating
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
The University of London applies the same heating times across all eight intercollegiate halls of residence. This survey is the first time the same questions have been asked of students in all eight halls, so it is a good opportunity to compare how standardised/centralised policies work in different halls. I hope it will demonstrate that there are often good reasons for local variation in policies - which helps keep services responsive to the particular needs of students in that hall.
As you can see, quite a few residents commented on the cold in their free text responses (more than in other halls) and the multiple choice answers also suggested that Connaught Hall is colder than the seven other halls. I hope this will be sufficient evidence that in this case Connaught Hall is different (maybe because it is an old building with poor insulation) and that we need slightly longer heating times during the winter. I will keep you updated on progress with this.
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
It is very cold in the afternoons because the heater is not on till the evening, which makes it very hard to study. It'd be good if the heater could be on for 1 or 2 hours in mid-afternoon just to heat up the room so that it'll be more conducive for studying (for those who are in, at least).
Poorly insulated, the curtains need to be kept closed throughout the winter to stop the room from being too cold when the heating isn't on.
When the heating is turned off in winter, during the day and at night, it gets too cold. Sitting at the desk next to the window is not possible during the day when it is colder than 5°C. At night, the duvet provided is by far not enough. Double glazing should be a standard that I would expect. Not only for matter of temperature but for environmental reasons as well.
On cold winter days, my room is freezing because of the single glazed window. Only if the radiator runs the entire night, the temperature is alright. But if, as so often, this is not the case I wake up in a freezer. Or at least a fridge.
My room is very cold during the day
It is often very cold.
The radiator does not come on sometimes and this is not good during the winter months. I think it happens in all the 4th floor rooms.
The heating turns off during the day making the room very cold.
Could you usually open the heated system?
Continuous draft from an unpragmatic window.
The room is usually very cold during the period that the heater is switched off
It's so cold most of the time. I have to get up early in the morning and the heating is never on early enough. It's horrible taking a shower when it is so cold!
The University of London applies the same heating times across all eight intercollegiate halls of residence. This survey is the first time the same questions have been asked of students in all eight halls, so it is a good opportunity to compare how standardised/centralised policies work in different halls. I hope it will demonstrate that there are often good reasons for local variation in policies - which helps keep services responsive to the particular needs of students in that hall.
As you can see, quite a few residents commented on the cold in their free text responses (more than in other halls) and the multiple choice answers also suggested that Connaught Hall is colder than the seven other halls. I hope this will be sufficient evidence that in this case Connaught Hall is different (maybe because it is an old building with poor insulation) and that we need slightly longer heating times during the winter. I will keep you updated on progress with this.
Friday, 5 March 2010
Residents' Survey - emergencies & fire safety
Responses to Residents' Survey 4: emergencies & fire safety
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
I'm sure this is the case for quite a few residents. We do ask you in your welcome pack to ensure you identify at least one alternative escape route in case the main exit route is ever blocked or unavailable for some reason. Just follow the green "running man" signs to any of the other 8 exits that can take you to a place of safety.
We do have to have one planned fire drill each term, although we can dispense with this if there is an evacuation in that term due to a real or false alarm. Some false alarms are unavoidable in a building with so many inhabitants but we actually have fewer false alarms than most halls of residence.
We have banned most of the items that tend to cause false alarms (and real fires) such as toasters, cooking equipment, candles, incense, etc.; and preventing fire alarms is one reason why we don't have more than a microwave in the pantry on each floor.
Anyone who accidentally causes a false alarm has to attend an interview with me and anyone who is caught deliberately causing a false alarm would normally be required to leave - so we do already take what steps we can to reduce the number of false alarms. If you have any suggestions for how we could reduce these even further, please get in touch.
Yes, call reception on extension 8200 and they will put in contact with the Bursar's Office during the working day or with the Duty Senior Member at night and at the weekend.
Headcounts don't really help since we have no way of knowing which residents are in the Hall at the time the alarm sounds; and it isn't safe for staff to check every room since this takes at least 15 minutes. The fire alarm is very loud (or at least it should be); so I would advise asking maintenance to check your sounder if it doesn't wake you up, to make sure it is working OK. If you are worried that you still would not be woken up by the fire alarm, contact me and I will arrange for a member of staff to always check your room when there is a full evacuation. I will make sure this advice is included in next year's Residents' Handbook.
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
I only know the main entrance to escape from in a fire.
I'm sure this is the case for quite a few residents. We do ask you in your welcome pack to ensure you identify at least one alternative escape route in case the main exit route is ever blocked or unavailable for some reason. Just follow the green "running man" signs to any of the other 8 exits that can take you to a place of safety.
Too many false fire alarms!
With the number of false alarms we get, I certainly know more than one escape route. Oh yes, and my readiness to respond to fire alarm was tested and proven even at 3am in the morning (including braving the cold on the streets). All is good.
I'd propose rather less than more health and safety. I reckon it's regulations that we need a fire drill every term.
We do have to have one planned fire drill each term, although we can dispense with this if there is an evacuation in that term due to a real or false alarm. Some false alarms are unavoidable in a building with so many inhabitants but we actually have fewer false alarms than most halls of residence.
We have banned most of the items that tend to cause false alarms (and real fires) such as toasters, cooking equipment, candles, incense, etc.; and preventing fire alarms is one reason why we don't have more than a microwave in the pantry on each floor.
Anyone who accidentally causes a false alarm has to attend an interview with me and anyone who is caught deliberately causing a false alarm would normally be required to leave - so we do already take what steps we can to reduce the number of false alarms. If you have any suggestions for how we could reduce these even further, please get in touch.
Just call reception in emergency? Not really sure
Yes, call reception on extension 8200 and they will put in contact with the Bursar's Office during the working day or with the Duty Senior Member at night and at the weekend.
I actually slept through the last fire alarm (the one which was activated by someone in hall) and only found out that it had taken place when I woke up in the morning and talked to my friends. I hope there is a proper procedure for doing a headcount in case of a real emergency so that heavy sleepers like me will be looked out for too.
Headcounts don't really help since we have no way of knowing which residents are in the Hall at the time the alarm sounds; and it isn't safe for staff to check every room since this takes at least 15 minutes. The fire alarm is very loud (or at least it should be); so I would advise asking maintenance to check your sounder if it doesn't wake you up, to make sure it is working OK. If you are worried that you still would not be woken up by the fire alarm, contact me and I will arrange for a member of staff to always check your room when there is a full evacuation. I will make sure this advice is included in next year's Residents' Handbook.
Residents' Survey - juice at dinner
Responses to Residents' Survey 3: juice at dinner time
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
Juice is now available at dinner time.
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
Juice could be served at dinner as well as at breakfast.
Someone told me juice costs 23p per cup and that's why we can't have it at dinner time... this is rubbish (or else you need to get a new supplier)! Let's have juice at dinner time.
Why can't we have juice in the evenings?
Juice is now available at dinner time.
Residents' Survey - library lighting
Responses to Residents' Survey 2: lighting in the library
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
New desk lamps have been installed in the library. I hope this will make it a better environment in which to study.
Continuing my series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the February 2010 intercollegiate halls residents' survey. A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
The lighting in the library comes from behind such that one's body throws a shadow over the desk. It would be nice if there were lights at the desks.
The library is too dark. But I believe this is presently being looked into.
The library is far too dark to work in.
Library is very dark and not very useful.
Library: needs individual lights as discussed since ages.
New desk lamps have been installed in the library. I hope this will make it a better environment in which to study.
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Residents' Survey - breakfast variety
Responses to Residents' Survey 1: breakfast variety
This is the first in a series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the survey conducted across all eight intercollegiate halls in February 2010.
Residents thought there was not enough variety at breakfast time -
From this week, a whole new set of breakfast items will be served on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, inluding oat & banana smoothies, kedgeree, bean burritos, fruit wraps, and lots more.
Keep watching this blog for more responses to your comments in the survey. When we put all the "free text" answers together, they came to 11,545 words just for those surveys completed by Connaught Hall residents; so it will take us a while to get through them all and make what changes we can!
A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
This is the first in a series of blog posts to repond to residents' comments in the survey conducted across all eight intercollegiate halls in February 2010.
Residents thought there was not enough variety at breakfast time -
The quality and variety of brunch (and perhaps breakfast as well) could be improved, as it's always the same tasteless pasta every brunch and the same few items everyday for breakfast and brunch.
Breakfast during the week was generally completely unsatisfactory. Those who don't like the typical English breakfast have only cornflakes and sandwich toast. This is not healthy at all.
Breakfast: - a fruit salad would be really nice and healthy. - As for variety, there isn't much else apart from cooked breakfast, which obviously isn't the healthy option (if it weren't the only proper option).
From this week, a whole new set of breakfast items will be served on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, inluding oat & banana smoothies, kedgeree, bean burritos, fruit wraps, and lots more.
Keep watching this blog for more responses to your comments in the survey. When we put all the "free text" answers together, they came to 11,545 words just for those surveys completed by Connaught Hall residents; so it will take us a while to get through them all and make what changes we can!
A summary of responses to the multiple choice questions on the survey can be seen here: Residents' Survey results. And you can filter this blog so just the survey-related posts show by clicking on "survey" in the list of labels on the right hand side.
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Intercollegiate halls residents' survey
Last week, you should have received an invitation to take a survey about your experience of life at Connaught Hall. The same invitation has been sent to residents in all eight intercollegiate halls – so for the first time we will be able to compare the experiences of students in different halls (we’ve conducted surveys just like this one for several years at Connaught Hall, but this is the first time it’s been sent to residents in other halls).
Your views are important to us and I will read each and every survey that is returned by Connaught Hall residents. You can see from the minutes of Facilities Committee meetings (available online – http://facilities.connaught-hall.org.uk) that we do try to change things in light of the responses to this survey.
So please take the online survey at http://survey.connaught-hall.org.uk.
It is important that you tell us what we are doing well as well as what you think we could do better, so please do write your comments in the free text sections. Knowing what students like about the Hall helps me to argue the case for continuing those things next year (like keeping the bar open, allowing late parties, Christmas dinner, welcome events, not charging for overnight guests, allowing guests to sign in at any time of day or night, our “mediation” rather than “disciplinary” approach to many neighbour disputes, the hall website...).
If you like these things, tell us! If you don’t, then tell us how we could improve!
As I said, I will read every single one, so I will really appreciate it if you can spare five minutes to give us your feedback.
http://survey.connaught-hall.org.uk.
The closing date is 28 February.
Your views are important to us and I will read each and every survey that is returned by Connaught Hall residents. You can see from the minutes of Facilities Committee meetings (available online – http://facilities.connaught-hall.org.uk) that we do try to change things in light of the responses to this survey.
So please take the online survey at http://survey.connaught-hall.org.uk.
It is important that you tell us what we are doing well as well as what you think we could do better, so please do write your comments in the free text sections. Knowing what students like about the Hall helps me to argue the case for continuing those things next year (like keeping the bar open, allowing late parties, Christmas dinner, welcome events, not charging for overnight guests, allowing guests to sign in at any time of day or night, our “mediation” rather than “disciplinary” approach to many neighbour disputes, the hall website...).
If you like these things, tell us! If you don’t, then tell us how we could improve!
As I said, I will read every single one, so I will really appreciate it if you can spare five minutes to give us your feedback.
http://survey.connaught-hall.org.uk.
The closing date is 28 February.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Thank you
I was delighted to come home from work on Saturday night to be greeted by a surprise party for my birthday. Thank you to all the residents who were there and waited for me to arrive home - and to everyone who signed my birthday card. All your good wishes mean a lot to me. Thank you!
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Fire alarm & evacuation 09/02/10
The evacuation in the early hours of Tuesday morning was caused by someone activating the "break glass" call point outside the common room on the third floor.
I need to be sure this will not happen again. Evacuating in the middle of the night is obviously a huge inconvenience to the entire Hall community; but frequent false alarms can also engender a "boy who cried wolf" mentality, making this a serious safety issue.
Ideally, I want the person responsible to contact me and tell me what happened; we should be able to come to an arrangement.
It is in everyone's interests that we find out what happened as quickly as possible. If you know something about what happened contact me in confidence with any information.
I need to be sure this will not happen again. Evacuating in the middle of the night is obviously a huge inconvenience to the entire Hall community; but frequent false alarms can also engender a "boy who cried wolf" mentality, making this a serious safety issue.
Ideally, I want the person responsible to contact me and tell me what happened; we should be able to come to an arrangement.
It is in everyone's interests that we find out what happened as quickly as possible. If you know something about what happened contact me in confidence with any information.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Applications for readmission
Remember the deadline for applying to come back to Connaught Hall next year is 9am on 8th February.
If you don't have an application form (it should have been emailed to you), contact the Intercollegiate Halls Accommodation Bureau at info.halls@london.ac.uk.
Places are strictly limited and must be allocated according to quotas set by the colleges of the University. It is very unusual for anyone to be offered a third year in Hall. Places will not be offered to residents who have not fully paid their Hall fees for term 1; nor will places usually be offered to residents with disciplinary warnings on file.
I can support applications from residents with significant medical or social reasons for wishing to stay for a second year, and those who have made a major positive contribution to the social and community life of the Hall. Please contact me well in advance if you would like to be considered for any of these categories, or if you intend to apply but you fall into one of the excluded groups in the paragraph above: you can email me at warden@connaught-hall.org.uk or attend one of my open office sessions.
If you don't have an application form (it should have been emailed to you), contact the Intercollegiate Halls Accommodation Bureau at info.halls@london.ac.uk.
Places are strictly limited and must be allocated according to quotas set by the colleges of the University. It is very unusual for anyone to be offered a third year in Hall. Places will not be offered to residents who have not fully paid their Hall fees for term 1; nor will places usually be offered to residents with disciplinary warnings on file.
I can support applications from residents with significant medical or social reasons for wishing to stay for a second year, and those who have made a major positive contribution to the social and community life of the Hall. Please contact me well in advance if you would like to be considered for any of these categories, or if you intend to apply but you fall into one of the excluded groups in the paragraph above: you can email me at warden@connaught-hall.org.uk or attend one of my open office sessions.
Mediation-Arbitration meetings
Sometimes I receive complaints about other residents' behaviour (usually related to noise) that, whilst irritating or disturbing to the complainant, does not fall under the code of discipline. Because there is no disciplinary fix to some of these issues, they can sometimes become chronic and both sides of the dispute end up feeling frustrated.
During the last few years I have experimented with a means of dispute resolution in these cases called mediation-arbitration. In most cases we have managed to come to a satisfactory conclusion for both parties to the dispute. I just published an information sheet about this process (click here to view). Contact me or one of the Senior Members if you think a meeting like this would be useful in solving any disputes between you and other Hall residents.
During the last few years I have experimented with a means of dispute resolution in these cases called mediation-arbitration. In most cases we have managed to come to a satisfactory conclusion for both parties to the dispute. I just published an information sheet about this process (click here to view). Contact me or one of the Senior Members if you think a meeting like this would be useful in solving any disputes between you and other Hall residents.
Bulletin
Keep up to date with Hall news and events with the latest edition of the Bulletin: click here.
Open office sessions in February
Monday 1 February: 22.15 – 22.45
Tuesday 2 February: 13.00 – 13.45
Saturday 6 February: 17.30 – 18.15
Thursday 18 February: 21.00 – 22.00
These are open sessions in the Warden’s Office on the ground floor. You can drop in without an appointment to discuss anything that is concerning you. If the office door is closed, please wait in reception until the door is opened.
You can make an appointment to see me at a different time by email (warden@connaught-hall.org.uk) or at http://warden.connaught-hall.org.uk.
Tuesday 2 February: 13.00 – 13.45
Saturday 6 February: 17.30 – 18.15
Thursday 18 February: 21.00 – 22.00
These are open sessions in the Warden’s Office on the ground floor. You can drop in without an appointment to discuss anything that is concerning you. If the office door is closed, please wait in reception until the door is opened.
You can make an appointment to see me at a different time by email (warden@connaught-hall.org.uk) or at http://warden.connaught-hall.org.uk.
Parties at Connaught Hall
I need your help to ensure that the Resident's Club can continue to organise parties in the bar whilst taking care to safeguard the wellbeing and security of residents, and protect the Hall from damage and unnecessary mess.
The last two parties have left rather more mess and caused more disruption in the rest of the Hall than I would expect. The next party will be on 12 February (for Valentine's Day). The bar will close at 1.30 instead of 2.00, and I should like everyone to bear in mind:
I have published new guidance for bar staff and DJs for the Valentine's party:
The last two parties have left rather more mess and caused more disruption in the rest of the Hall than I would expect. The next party will be on 12 February (for Valentine's Day). The bar will close at 1.30 instead of 2.00, and I should like everyone to bear in mind:
- Parties are held in the bar only; residents in the rest of the building who do not wish to attend the party should be able to study or sleep if they want to.
- Only alcoholic drinks purchased at the bar may be consumed in the bar, Bell room, and garden.
- All guests must be met at reception and signed in by a resident. Residents may be held responsible for their guests' behaviour.
- The party ends at closing time (usually 2.00). Those who want to continue partying after that need to go out to another venue. Student rooms, the common rooms, and the steps outside the front of the building may not be used for after-parties. The Hall should be as quiet as any other night by 2.20.
I have published new guidance for bar staff and DJs for the Valentine's party:
- The Licensing Act 2003 - a guide for bar staff
- Instructions for bar staff at late parties
- Instructions for DJs at late parties
I will review how parties are organised, the hours at which they are allowed, and how frequently parties may be held, after the Valentines' party. Please help keep mess and noise to a minimum so that I do not have to place restrictions on future parties.
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Christmas dinner
Thank you to everyone who helped out at Christmas dinner last week.
I was delighted that we could continue our Connaught Hall tradition of having our own residents play live music throughout dinner and for members of my team to serve residents their dinner at the table. And of course, the kitchen staff did a wonderful job of decorating the dining hall and preparing a really super meal for us all. As well as all this planned work, a number of students generously - and without being asked - gave their time to help with organisation on the day. Thank you again to everyone.
Photographs of our Christmas dinner are now online: http://www.flickr.com/photos/connaughthall/sets/72157603501357815/?page=3.
I wish everyone at Connaught Hall a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
I was delighted that we could continue our Connaught Hall tradition of having our own residents play live music throughout dinner and for members of my team to serve residents their dinner at the table. And of course, the kitchen staff did a wonderful job of decorating the dining hall and preparing a really super meal for us all. As well as all this planned work, a number of students generously - and without being asked - gave their time to help with organisation on the day. Thank you again to everyone.
Photographs of our Christmas dinner are now online: http://www.flickr.com/photos/connaughthall/sets/72157603501357815/?page=3.
I wish everyone at Connaught Hall a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Christmas address
Technical difficulties have prevented the podcast of my Christmas dinner speech being uploaded. This was the text of my speech:
I said in my speech to the welcome buffet this year that I hoped you would all quickly settle into the Hall and make it your home; and I see evidence every day that you are doing just that: there is a real sense of community at Connaught Hall this year, and I know many of you have made friendships here already that will endure long beyond your time at University.
And I hope events like Christmas dinner and party, the Christmas tree dressing last Thursday, and our night out on Foundation Day, when 20 students from Connaught Hall had a chance to meet Princess Anne, help you to meet people you otherwise would never get to know.
I also said in my welcome speech that I wanted discipline to be a very minor part of my role this year - and I'm happy to say this wish has also come true. So thanks are due to all of you for that.
The Residents' Club Committee has been very active this term. As well as numerous Christmas-themed events in these last two weeks, they've organised three parties and a talent show; they've taken residents on trips to the theatre and the cinema; a group of residents went to Cambridge for a day; and several sports tournaments have either already taken place or are planned in the near future.
The Officers of the Club have also been active in helping to represent your views to Hall staff and to contractors like the catering department. The Club's financial situation is healthy and I hope they will continue to organise activities for you all to get involved in next year.
Now, the Residents' Club Committee are your representatives in Hall; if you think they should be doing things differently, or if you have suggestions for events they could organise or causes to support, I know they will be glad to receive your constructive feedback by email or in person. They are also currently considering ways in which they can engage more residents in the decision-making process in Hall.
If we all work together we can contribute to an even more dynamic and outward-looking, more representative, Residents' Club.
We have had a few problems with the lift and with one or two catering issues; but I hope you will agree that we've all engaged in constructive dialogue about these things and largely resolved them.
There will be some refurbishment work taking place over the Christmas vacation, and those of you who regularly use the bar in particular should notice some improvements when it reopens in January.
Most of you will be leaving Connaught Hall for a few weeks over Christmas.
If you are going away, make sure you have claimed your meal rebate and that you leave your key and swipe card at reception when you sign out.
If you're staying here during the vacation, remember that some of our meals will be provided at International Hall and Hughes Parry Hall but Connaught will otherwise be open as usual; the Senior Members and I will be here throughout if you need any help.
As always, get in touch if you have any suggestions; we can only make things better with your help.
If you are travelling during the holidays, I wish you a safe journey and look forward to seeing you back relaxed and refreshed next year.
And I wish you all a wonderful, happy Christmas, and a successful new year.
I said in my speech to the welcome buffet this year that I hoped you would all quickly settle into the Hall and make it your home; and I see evidence every day that you are doing just that: there is a real sense of community at Connaught Hall this year, and I know many of you have made friendships here already that will endure long beyond your time at University.
And I hope events like Christmas dinner and party, the Christmas tree dressing last Thursday, and our night out on Foundation Day, when 20 students from Connaught Hall had a chance to meet Princess Anne, help you to meet people you otherwise would never get to know.
I also said in my welcome speech that I wanted discipline to be a very minor part of my role this year - and I'm happy to say this wish has also come true. So thanks are due to all of you for that.
The Residents' Club Committee has been very active this term. As well as numerous Christmas-themed events in these last two weeks, they've organised three parties and a talent show; they've taken residents on trips to the theatre and the cinema; a group of residents went to Cambridge for a day; and several sports tournaments have either already taken place or are planned in the near future.
The Officers of the Club have also been active in helping to represent your views to Hall staff and to contractors like the catering department. The Club's financial situation is healthy and I hope they will continue to organise activities for you all to get involved in next year.
Now, the Residents' Club Committee are your representatives in Hall; if you think they should be doing things differently, or if you have suggestions for events they could organise or causes to support, I know they will be glad to receive your constructive feedback by email or in person. They are also currently considering ways in which they can engage more residents in the decision-making process in Hall.
If we all work together we can contribute to an even more dynamic and outward-looking, more representative, Residents' Club.
We have had a few problems with the lift and with one or two catering issues; but I hope you will agree that we've all engaged in constructive dialogue about these things and largely resolved them.
There will be some refurbishment work taking place over the Christmas vacation, and those of you who regularly use the bar in particular should notice some improvements when it reopens in January.
Most of you will be leaving Connaught Hall for a few weeks over Christmas.
If you are going away, make sure you have claimed your meal rebate and that you leave your key and swipe card at reception when you sign out.
If you're staying here during the vacation, remember that some of our meals will be provided at International Hall and Hughes Parry Hall but Connaught will otherwise be open as usual; the Senior Members and I will be here throughout if you need any help.
As always, get in touch if you have any suggestions; we can only make things better with your help.
If you are travelling during the holidays, I wish you a safe journey and look forward to seeing you back relaxed and refreshed next year.
And I wish you all a wonderful, happy Christmas, and a successful new year.
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