College Tribune | September 16 2008
Comment
Please reply to:
Letters Merville Fire Woes Dear Sir and Madam, I am writing to express my concern for the safety of myself and my flatmates in the UCD campus residences. I personally reside in the Merville residences, and would describe myself at the end of my tether with the never-ending series of alarms set off at all times of the day and night and on an hourly basis. This is directly affecting my own and my flatmates academic performances, as sleepless nights now translate to late mornings. Despite the academic woes that arise over these overly sensitive fire alarms, my fundamental concern is for the safety of the students residing. After a dependable sequence of by now familiar soundings of alarms, the majority of students have accepted the hypersensitive nature of the fire system and no longer bother to leave, instead merely muttering their displeasure and continuing as they were. This is a blatant danger to students, who will not know if the
very building they are in is ablaze until is becomes a major hazard to their lives. It is unacceptable, bothersome and dangerous. The college must put a stop to this before it is too late. Yours Sincerely, John Cosgrave, Final Year Arts.
Alarming security presence Sir and Madam, UCD has seen significant changes since my first year here last year. More cutbacks are in place, more demonstrations are occurring but most worryingly, an increase in the new security looms large over the students. It appears to me that these security guards hunt in packs. These services operate together, and leave more than a vestige of intimidation on the average student. Furthermore, as a female stu-
dent, I must concede that they fail miserably in doing what they are paid to do. Walking through campus at night, I often feel more nervous and uneasy the nearer I draw to these men than I do your usual random male passer-by. Asides from this, I am left with the distinct impression that the security in place are well connected amongst themselves, as if a good time is being had by our security team which roves in droves on a fully-charged power trip. I have heard countless anecdotes from those in the college about the security, and I would suggest either the college, duty managers and students move now to remedy the situation in its early stages, or replace them with another firm. Elizabeth Buckley, Second Year Commerce.
DIVE IN
YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO
WRITE FOR THE
v
College Tribune ucd.ie/tribune
nt
The Difference is We’re Independe
9
College Tribune LG 18, Newman Building (Arts Block) or Box 74, Student Centre, UCD Email: collegetribune@gmail.com Tel: 01 716 8501 The College Tribune reserves the right to edit letters
College Tribune Security In one of the countries’ biggest educational institutions, it comes as a disappointment and a shock to discover a wealth of student anger and unrest towards the very people styled as our security. The news that the discontent between student and security has reached the levels of Gardaí investigation is sure to be of detriment to the University as a whole, but meanwhile, other reports continue to arise. Although the incidents in questioned are alleged, it would be nonsensical to dismiss the plain fact that the UCD Students’ Union has seen a veritable influx of students all with a gripe against Pulse Security. Two incidents are under investigation, but dozens of others continue to surface. All appear to be focused on students, who may or may not be carrying alcohol, all bear the marks of a disingenuous, discourteous and unprofessional service. If it is the case that each of the students who have voiced concerns over the issue acted unreasonably, it does not nullify the fact our security service can not handle the task at hand, and incidents end up as investigations. This newspaper awaits the conclusion of the investigations and advocates whatever course of action ends the intimidation so clearly impressed upon those in UCD.
League Tables UCD coming second place in the much-hyped league tables is, of course, a welcome and long-awaited piece of good news for the University. However, the issues within the college itself threaten to overshadow the rise in rankings. Amidst never ceasing talk of economic gloom, it is clear that cuts are needed and savings must be made. What is disturbing about the cost-saving measures are the areas in which they are taking place. Proposed cutting of library hours and building hours are measures that will directly affect the learning experience of the student. The League tables are partly based on the of the exam performance of the students with little regard to the marking scheme of the college itself, and thus are often an unfair representation of the educational institutes as a whole. A low drop-out rate, a high percentage of students achieving a 2:1 and over, and a graduate unemployment under 2% are indisputably satisfactory results for the efforts of the college. However at a time when third level fees sway their way back on the agenda, we need to take a close scrutiny of the drop in those coming from disadvantaged backgrounds and the rise in entry points before, as the General Secretary of the Irish Federation of University Teachers points out, we get too complacent.