www.thegryphon.co.uk @_TheGryphon Issue 1 29/09/17 www.thegryphon.co.uk The official newspaper of Leeds University Getting Kitty With It Leeds to open its first ‘cat cafe’ this December Page 5 March of The Pint Brigade We spoke to the Real Ale society, whose new pint ‘two:one’ is available in Old Bar now Page 12 University Secures Uber and Out Business take a closer look at the ban Top Ten Spot on the taxi company Page 16 The tenth placed finish is Leeds’ highest ever ranking Jonny Chard News Editor The University of Leeds has secured satisfaction and for teaching in the “These reflect our broad strengths and a place in the top 10 universities in National Student Survey. the range of opportunities we offer the UK, in The Times and The Sunday It has also achieved a Gold rating students. Times Good University Guide 2018. in the new Teaching Excellence “As a Russell Group university, we The overall 2018 rankings are based Framework after an independent panel excel in research and innovation, but Varsity Preview on a range of metrics and, after being judged that Leeds consistently delivers we have always put the needs and We speak to the Rugby Union First named University of the Year by the “outstanding teaching, learning and aspirations of students at the heart of Team Captain in the run up to Varsity guide last year, Leeds has risen to its outcomes for its students, of the highest everything we do,” he added. Page 21 highest-ever position at number 10 in quality found in the UK.” Elsewhere in Yorkshire, Leeds Trinity the United Kingdom. Sir Alan Langlands, Vice-Chancellor, was ranked as the sixth best university The ranking is the latest in a positive stated that moving into the top 10 in the country for teaching quality and few years for Leeds, having been signified further progress in delivering the Universities of York, Sheffield and recognised for its student experience outstanding research-led education for Huddersfield all saw improved rankings and its strong research base. students. in the national table. In 2017, Leeds was voted in the top “Our success is a testament to five universities in the Times Higher the commitment and creativity of Education Student Experience Survey the diverse community of staff and and it also secured joint first for overall students at Leeds,” said Langlands. 2 | News thegryphon.co.uk Editor’s Letter: As we round off our second print week of the term, I’m “ massively regretting the decision to schedule in writing this Quote of the Week Editor’s Letter the day after our first Gryphon Editor’s social. The social itself was great, but one meal at Akmals became two I’m a massive pints at The Library which became a night out at Wire, which then culminated in me in Crispys at 4am scraping together change to fan of the buy curry sauce and chips. Needless to say, my head should be a “dictionary little sore, but unfortunately I’ve reached an age where hangovers have changed from mild inconveniences to existential crises, and Gemma Collins I’m struggling to read these words as I type them on the page. Despite my fragile sense of self, I can appreciate that this has been a very good period for The Gryphon. There are only a few Editor of the Week last copies of the freshers guide currently sitting on stacks across campus, meaning we successfully got around 5000 into Lara Groves the hands of students. Similarly our online profile has recieved a massive boost, a year long struggle to 5000 likes finally Lara is currently performing the Reece Parker reaching culmination after I blackmailed the entire editorial team role of both online into inviting every last person on their friends list. Finally, we and print editor Editor-in-Chief received 250 sign ups for potential contributors at freshers fair. for Society. On top of this, she even Those that did sign up have been invited to an introductory meeting found time to write [email protected] an aticle for views. on Friday 27th September. If you want to come along, even if you Good job. didn’t sign up at the fair, you’re more than welcome. I look forward to meeting you all. Contents Credits Editor-In-Chief ~ Reece Parker 4-6 News Associate Editors ~ Nancy Gillen Robbie Cairns Digital Associate ~ 8-10 Features Juliette Rowsell News ~ Rabeeah Moeen, Ian White, Jonny Chard Society ~ Lara Groves 11-12 Society Features ~ Esther Marshall, Somya Mehta, Stephanie Uwalaka 13-15 Views Views ~Lauren Walker, Helen Brealey, Kane Emerson Science ~ Sam 16-17 Business McMaster, Leo Kindred, Louise Muller Business ~ Charlie Harrocks, Chloe Pryce 18-19 Science Sport ~Ryan Wan, Elliot Van Barthold Satire ~ Chris Tobin 20-24 Sports Design ~ Alissa Lad, Jenny Thomas, Carys Norfor thegryphon.co.uk News | 3 Exec Columns Zaki Kaf Jack Palmer- Al-Ghazal- George Bissett- Union Affairs Officer Education Officer Community Officer After a long Summer with an empty building, it’s Even though I’ve been involved in a fair few Fresh- This was my fourth Freshers Week: my first as so good to have you lovely people back on campus er’s Weeks this one was by far the best! I had a re- a staff member rather than a student. It differed and in the Union! This is my fifth (I know) and final ally unique insight looking at Fresher’s in terms of this year in many ways. For one I was working 9 Freshers. It went by in a haze of Fruity, Domino’s preparation and getting ready and actively meeting to 5 (usually later) every day. Quite a difference pizza and welcome talks, but I wouldn’t have had it students. From delivering induction talks on vari- from sleeping through my induction talks. And any other way.The main work of the Union Upgrade ous programmes to visiting different Halls, speaking this year I was delivering some of said talks rath- is (thankfully) over, but we’ll still be doing lots more to Fresher’s about how Leeds University Union can er than half-listening to them. I’m sure anyone ourselves to improve the building, so keep an eye hopefully be a huge part of students’ time here re- fortunate enough to witness one of my welcome out for exciting new developments like a new video minded me why I got elected. My role is student fac- talks would agree they were seminal pieces of gaming area and more. ing so meeting so many new students was a brilliant spoken prose. I also got the chance to chat with opportunity. Also, we had the School Rep induction loads more society committees than in previous I’m also excited to announce we’ve opened a new which gave me the chance to meet the new Reps and years. Coffee shop called Loft! It’s based above Blackwells deliver training too. The cohort this year is particu- Bookshop opposite Laidlaw Library; it’s student-led larly strong so I have high hopes! My biggest priority at the moment is recruiting and all the profits go back into your Union, so go Community Reps who will help represent student study there this week or book it for your society ac- I have a few pressing matters at the moment. So in interests at our Better Leeds Forums, as well as tivities. early October I have the chance to present to the Pro contribute their own ideas to how LUU can work Deans of Student Education across the university my to make sure every student loves their time living I’ve been working on a big training day for our Stu- aims and objectives and what I seek to achieve this in Leeds. If you’ve read this far, you probably dent Reps called ‘Change Summit’ which is will fo- coming year. My work on improving assessment wouldn’t mind working with me for the rest of cus on the students who represent your views at the methods is gathering pace and I will be included the year. It’s only take a few hours a week and is ‘Better Forums’. Forums are how we decide as a Un- in various working groups. Chloe and I have been a great way to have a direct impact on what we do ion what to campaign on. You simply submit your making progress in improving the personal tutor in the city for students. I’ll even throw in an LUU idea of how to improve life in the Union, University system and the university are on board in looking to lanyard (which gets you staff discount) to sweet- or Leeds on our website and you could be shaping change things. The first education assembly is com- en the deal. Contact me for the full info pack and the Exec’s work this year! Get in touch with me or ing up soon and with more School Rep training on application form. Applications close October 6 at look online for how you can lead LUU. the horizon there’s lots to look forward to! noon, so make like Shia LaBeouf and do it. Natasha Mutch-Vidal- Jess Bassett- Equality and Chloe Sparks- Activities Officer Diversity Officer Welfare Officer Wow. Fresher’s was unreal. It was just so great to Freshers week was very hectic, giving welcome Seeing different Welfare societies and campaigns see the buzz around campus with so many students talks in lectures, running around to talk in halls, was the absolute highlight of my Fresher’s week.