University of Stirling’s student newspaper | Freshers’ Edition | Vol. 50 No. 1
Chaotic study abroad in heart of Hong Kong • Student’s analysis from inside the action
Interview: Stirling author on conquering Freshers’ fears • "Everyone puts on a brave
face but I just got the 54 hame"
Brig
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University faces twenty million in flood damage
Est 1969
Credit: Brig Newspaper
Harry Williamson News Editor
Overwhelmed Union Pres suspends studies at Stirling Abigail Taylor Editor-In-Chief UNION President Nelson Acquah shocked supporters and students when he resigned from his post as at the beginning of August, just eight weeks into his twelve-month term. Acquah, who was selected at March’s union elections with just a majority of 29 votes, began his term on June 1. The 32-year old cited “personal reasons” in his resignation statement but remarked that his election “made history”
as the first black and first post-grad student to hold the post. His exit now has the additional distinction of having served as one of the shortest sabbatical officers in recent union history. The now former president has admitted to Brig that he had become “overwhelmed” by his role as further responsibilities made his job impossible to perform. “Looking at the things that I took on at the time, continuing on with the position
came along with many responsibilities,” he said. While Acquah would not share details of what was preventing him from committing to his sabb position, which came “after [he] took on the role,” he did express that this would have distracted from his ability to implement his mandate. “I think if you’re pushing the student agenda, you shouldn’t also be taking on other responsibilities where it wouldn’t affect the students.”
DAMAGE caused by June’s flash flooding could cost the University of Stirling between £15-£20 million. At an event held in the aftermath of the university flooding Principal Gerry McCormac revealed the estimated cost of the damage, and that a combined area the size of Pathfoot needed repairs. The university has confirmed that sections of the Pathfoot building will take longer to repair, due to the building’s A-listed status, and that they will be working closely with Historical Environment Scotland on this issue. Heavy damage to both the Pathfoot and Cottrell buildings has been reported, with areas cordoned off. Construction workers have been working on repairs over the summer. Minor damage to some university accommodation was reported but this has been resolved and won’t affect any accommodation placements. McCormac reportedly stated that the university’s aim is to have all classrooms repaired and fit for purpose for the start of the autumn semester. However, there are concerns that repairs of water damage won’t be ready in time for the new semester, which starts on Monday September 9, and will add further disruption to students and staff alongside ongoing Campus Central redevelopments. The cause of these concerns was industrial drying equipment being spotted on campus as well as desks and other furniture being removed from lecture theatres. A university spokesperson previously said that they are confident that the “majority of rooms” will be ready by the time teaching starts and that priority teaching spaces in Cottrell will be ready by the start of the autumn semester. The university’s insurance arrangements will cover the cost of the damage and staff have been praised for their work in the immediate aftermath of the flood damage.