College Tribune | March 3rd 2009
News
Mr. UCD Proposed, Miss UCD Doubtful by Katie Godwin Miss UCD will not take place this month, as proposed, but will now take place at a later date or not at all due to ongoing negotiations with the organisers. The controversial contest had been proposed to go ahead on Wednesday 4th of March which was advertised in the University Observer on 10th February, but Ents Officer Gary Redmond claimed the date had not been finalised as “issues” are being discussed by the organisers. Redmond specified these issues as “contractual” but would not elaborate. The prospect of the competition sparked controversy in the Students’ Union last semester, leading the SU council to take a vote to de-
cide whether the competition should go ahead. The council endorsed the running of the event, under the agreement that the competition would be held if the Ents Officer felt it was necessary to do so. Redmond was eager for the event to take place as he feels that “there was a good response last year”. In response to opposition received by SU officers and UCD organisation Students and Staff Against Sexism, organisers have already proposed to run the event as a charity organisation in conjunction with a Mr UCD but the contract is still undergoing changes. Redmond expects the competition to take place in one of the 5 weeks after the mid semester break, however this is “subject to the conclusions
Rise in Campus Residence Fees A hike in residential fees is due to come before a Governing Authority meeting, according to SU Entertainments Officer Gary Redmond. This is set to cause controversy amidst students already struggling to pay the fees in place. It is further contentious given recent drop in rent prices across the country, with popular listings site Daft.ie claiming costs have dropped by over 12% in 2008 alone. The charges for the campus accommodation were raised for this academic year already, and it is understood further increases will be contested by the Students’ Union. “Given the falling rent prices and the high cost of living, it is not right that students should be subjected to yet another inflation in price. A freeze needs to be put in place so this cannot happen”, says Redmond.
Currently the cost of living on campus stands at between €4,000 and €5,000 on the five main campus spots: Belgrove, Merville, Roebuck, Glenomena and Proby. It has been suggested the proposed spike in fees is due in part to the costs incurred in the construction of new security gates around all residences. These gates have been met with uproar from students. Last semester saw a showdown between security officers and Students’ Union officials as attempts to force the new measures upon students without consultation failed. All proposals have been put on hold at present in order for a more fair and open consultation on the matter. Meanwhile, the College Tribune survey 2009 has revealed that 75% of students are opposed to the gates.
on the contractual negotiations”. Meanwhile SSAS have stepped up their campaign opposing the event and others like it. The slogan on their campaign is “Beauty is not a contest”. According to Elisa O Donovan, SSAS auditor, SSAS have been holding meetings, distributing leaflets and stickers trying to Last years finalists awaiting winning announcement Photo: Courtesy Jennifer Bray promote a more positive view of tions such as Miss Ireland is women across UCD. a very narrow, exclusive view “This is a practical step in of beauty that has harmtrying to make students ful effects on both men and realise that the ‘beauty’ that women.” O’Donovan said. is represented in competi-
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