One-To-One Supervisions Under Threat from Cuts
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The Independent Cambridge Student Newspaper 21st January 2011 Issue No. 732 ESTD 1947 Sparing no expense: Varsity investigates the Union’s nances (cont. page 3) MATILDA HAY OPINION Unveiling French religious tensions p6 CULTURE Why cupcakes are barely One-to-one supervisions worth the case they’re in p9 under threat from cuts VC responds to leaked report that recommends cuts to supervisions and MPhils JESSIE WALDMAN It shows that currently around 13% of Varsity raised the issue of the His- “not all Master’s courses are designed deputy news editor supervisions in Cambridge take place tory department, which prides itself on to be income generators”. When on a 1:1 basis. By increasing the student- o ering one-to-one tuition to all under- questioned as to whether any course A report from the University’s Planning sta ratio to 2:1, the Groups estimate graduates. Could it continue to do so? should be considered an ‘income gen- and Resource Committee obtained by that the niversity could save £600,000 “If it decides that... that is an important erator’, the Vice-Chancellor said that, Varsity proposes drastic changes to the per year in payments to supervisors. area, it is right for it to continue.” while he could not “defend the lan- way in which students at Cambridge When asked in an interview with Varsity The Vice Chancellor however main- guage” in which the issue was phrased, are taught. whether this was an appropriate area in taned that he “absolutely” believed that some courses are “career-based”, and The leaked document, which Varsity which to attempt cost-saving measures, a reduction in the number of one-on- students who “immediate benefit” received on Tuesday, was prepared by the Vice-Chancellor replied: one supervisions would not necessarily fi nancially from them should “ensure the Working Groups on Organisational “Any place within the university is an mean a fall in the quality of education. that the university also benefi ts appro- and Financial Efficiency in an effort appropriate place to be looking for e - “It’s not a matter of attacking the quality priately”. He categorically denied that SPORT to “identify e ciencies” in the univer- ciencies, because every pound that you that is likely to be delivered”, he argued, courses are ‘designed’ to make money, sity, including in undergraduate and save is a pound back to the university’s but rather a question of whether the insisting that the sole criterion is “aca- Nervous postgraduate education. Economizing mission, nobody is actually appropriat- university is delivering teaching “in the demic achievement and quality”. When measures being considered include a ing the resource.” optimum way to maintain that quality.” Varsity asked Professor John Rallison, Light Blues reduction of one-to-one supervisions, He emphasized that these discussions He added that when he taught at Cam- chair of the report committee, to clarify defeated at and culling some smaller MPhils cur- are taking place with the cooperation bridge, “I preferred to do supervisions this statement he said: rently running at a loss. of academic departments. “Nobody’s six-to-one, because I happen to like the “Some courses operate at a signifi - Twickenham The Groups were set up to form a coercing anyone, what the senior group dynamic”. cant financial loss, but the university contingency plan, following what The tutors are doing is looking at what the In another section which explored runs them because they are considered Reporter describes as the “bleak outlook” norms are to see if that’s the best way the possibility of closing MPhil courses particularly important, or have a partic- p16 of the 2010 budget report. The content in which they can deliver their mission. which attract small numbers of stu- ular e ect on our research e ort. Other of the leaked report was discussed at So in supervisions, sometimes one-to- dents – a move that could save the courses must generate income … At a the Planning and Resources committee one is the best, and therefore it should university £100,000 per year for each time when economies are needed, the 03 > meeting on the 24th November 2010 continue.” course closed – the report noted that balance must be reassessed.” 9 771758 444002 Comments to make? [email protected] 21st January 2011 2 Old Examination Hall, Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3RF Telephone 01223 337575 ESTD 1947 Fax 01223 760949 Issue No. 732 EDITORIAL DIGITAL DIGEST LYOn’S DEn - pRESEnTER AUDITIONS www.varsitv.co.uk s the evolution of Varsity implies, with its combin- With Charlie Lyons headed into the ing of a real-time sweet retirement of finals, the search is website and new on for VarsiTV’s next big name. The Alook newspaper, there is more choice is yours. Check out the talent than one side to the word ‘cut’. at VarsiTV and text to vote for your Twenty days into the New Year, favourite before 4pm on Sunday. ‘cuts’ has established itself as the buzzword of 2011. Doom and gloom, it seems, is the EMAILS, LETTERS & TWEETS THE V3 order of the day, and not with- www.varsity.co.uk/opinion out reason. University funding is being slashed, fees are going NO CONFIDENCE IN NUS PEEPING TOO SOON up, and now a report has rec- With a juicy taster of what’s to come ommended the cutting of one Dear Editors, on page 6, head online to check out to one supervisions – the very Dear Editors Varsity’s new Online Columnists. building blocks that distinguish Following your coverage of the Aaron Porter From masterbation and philosophy, an Oxbridge education. interview, I am writing to suggest that it On reading Laurie Tuffrey’s article on the to George Alagiah on crack, there’s A ‘cut’ might imply damage, is time for Cambridge students to join their demise of Peep Show’s comic genius, I could enough here to meet even the most but it can also be a time to cut SOAS companions in expressing their dis- not help but feel a mixture of outrage and insatiable needs. away dead wood, to sharpen satisfaction with Aaron Porter, in the form of nostalgia, and thus have opted to regurgitate a and polish what we have. The a vote of no confidence. healthy dose of both. VERIFIED expectation of those making The NUS, much like CUSU, acts as a Outrage: This series, though admittedly The Thistlewood Reports cuts is one of responsibility. breeding ground for would-be politicians, somewhat lacking in its first episode, has been The University needs to be with no real interest in the people they claim to bang on the money. The Christmas episode Beleaguered MP, the Rt. Hon. Arthur aware of the impact of what represent. Porter’s manner and rhetoric exudes reached unforeseen levels of communal embar- Thistlewood, on the view from the it cuts. Likewise, the Union those institutions he should be challenging: his rassment (abhorred by most of civilized society backbench.Trialled by expenses needs to consider where it can “principled opposition” to the cuts smacks of but adored by avid Peep Show fans such as scandals, whipped in all directions and be more austere, but always Clegg’s fatuous explanations. myself, contorted in repulsion yet unable to worried by the Alternative Vote, here is with its fee-paying membership Porter clearly lacks any mandate to change the channel/turn off the DVD); the the inside loop on the daily Westmin- in mind. The larger question represent a student body that so ostensibly New Year’s Eve episode, an uncomfortably apt ster grind. is, when every penny is at a disregards his power. Politicians are used to series finale, concludes with Mark FINALLY premium, what do you value being unaccountable: it is our duty as students getting what he wants, Dobby about to move most? to make sure Porter doesn’t enjoy this luxury in with him, and a newly-homeless Jez being VARSITY BLUES This University is a until he reaches the safety of Westminster. repeatedly whacked with a crowbar by Super The Top 5: Sporting Mascot Re- renowned centre of learning. I hope Varsity will support my campaign of Hans. lated Videos To enlarge supervision groups no confidence. Nostalgia: Whatever your thoughts on would be to reduce teaching the latest series, it’s been a good run. From quality and so the reputation Rory Horsman, Darwin College David Mitchell’s oddly sexual unsexiness Some classy sporting moments from of the University. In the case via letter and obsessive interest in the two world wars, some bizarre, bendy and cheerleader of the Cambridge Union, no to Johnson’s…well, every word, this series eating mascots. Inspiration for a new one would think less of it if the NOISING OFF shows no obvious demise. Varsity mascot? extravagance were toned down Mr Tuffrey, I can only hope that you have for a while. In the midst of fru- Dear Editors, seen the rest of the series and reprised your ini- gality, what does an indoor ice I am writing to express my displeasure with tial judgment. Why toast when you can roast? rink really symbolize? After all, the ongoing building works around the city- YOU THE COMMENTATOR its first commitment should be especially those in the name of “maintenance” Digby Carey to improve its role as a platform for our fine colleges, faculty and administra- via email A pick of the week’s comments from the website for open debate, rather than tive buildings. Chaotic noises, crude jeering present itself as a fairground. from the workmen and repulsive aesthetics PISTOLS AT DAWN Cuts are not only a measure are in no way conductive to an environment of “Go wave your silly banners for frugal times – when looking academic excellence.