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Friday 18.01.13 Volume 64
Issue
Reading leaves 1994 group What’s
inside? Games 36 We welcome the return of the Crossword to Fun & Games!
Photograph of University of Reading, courtesy of university.which.co.uk Anthony Gargan
The University of Reading has left the 1994 Group of researchintensive universities following the end of the Autumn Term. The university had been a part of the group since its inception in 1994 and the decision to leave was taken by Vice-Chancellor of the university, Sir David Bell. The 1994 group is a group of small research-intensive universities involving institutions such as the University of Sussex, Loughborough University and Lancaster University – it has worked together to influence government policy-making and implement these policies to improve the university experience for students.
The Vice-Chancellor said of the decision: “While the 1994 Group has served us well in the past, it is important that we have the flexibility to forge our own alliances. We will now concentrate on how we make the best use of our newly acquired non-aligned status. “There are certainly opportunities to establish different kinds of partnerships with a much broader group of universities. Equally, enhancing our public profile and influence is something that we will continue to do vigorously and energetically in the months ahead.” In the wider perspective, these are uncertain times regarding universities and this decision can be one that will give the University of Reading more freedom
over its own direction and as a result, a better chance to show off Readings individual character. The University of Reading has not been the only university to exit the 1994 Group. In recent times, as in August 2012, four universities left: Durham, Exeter, York and Queen Mary, University of London, and in Autumn 2012, a further three universities left: Bath, St Andrews and Surrey. As an organisation, the 1994 Group had represented these research-intensive universities on a national scale and given them a voice in policy-making, but the groups main rival - The Russell Group – has offered a similar role to the universities it represents.
2012 Olympics. All those who received the award were former students at the University of Reading. Amongst the recipients were Gold medallist rower Anna Watkins, Bronze medallist rower Ric Egington, Gold medallist rower Alex Gregory and Bronze medallist rower Alex Partridge. Other Olympians who received recognition for their extraordinary efforts in the summer were rowers Bill Lucas, Charles Cousins, Natasha Townsend, Debbie Flood, Adam Freeman-Pask and hockey player, Jonty Clarke. Anna Watkins, currently studying for a PhD in Mathematics at Reading, said: “It’s a really, really lovely thing. When you first set out as a rower you don’t expect it
She adds: “I knew Reading was the best choice for me as it has the right combination of academic excellence and passion for rowing. I’ve been able to take time out of my PhD to focus on the Olympics and the University has been positive and helpful throughout.”
Events over the past year have perhaps made The Russell Group the more influential of the two. Of the eight universities that left the 1994 Group in 2012, four of them have joined The Russell Group since. Maybe David Bell’s comments are true and the university is seeking its own independent direction. However, this is perhaps too simple an answer as the University of Reading has grown massively over the past few years. Overall Guardian university rankings: 2011 = 45th, 2012 = 32nd, 2013 = 25th. Perhaps in the future, the University of Reading may be the same as Durham, Exeter, York and Queen Mary, University of London’s: in The Russell Group.
Olympians become Distinguished Fellows Ania Wronski
University of Reading graduates were joined by University of Reading Olympians at their graduation ceremony last December. Eleven Olympians, along with David Watkins, the Designer of London 2012 medals, received the honour of becoming Distinguished Fellows of the University of Reading, at the Great Hall on London Road Campus.
All those who received the award were former students at UoR Watkins and the Olympians received the award in recognition of their extraordinary performances and contributions in the London
to lead to a day like this.’
“When you set out as a rower you don’t expect a day like this” Reading has the right combination of academic excellence and passion for rowingDavid Watkins, who studied Fine Art at Reading, and graduated in 1963, said: “It’s fantastic to receive the award at the same time as some of the medal winners.’
Bill Lucas reflects on his time at Reading: “I had a sports scholarship at University and that gave me access to the gym and facilities so I could train between my lectures. My tutors were very understanding of what I was aiming for too. I had an awful lot of support. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am.’
Professor Gordon Marshall, was made an honorary graduate In recognition of his contribution to the University of Reading, former Vice-Chancellor Professor Gordon Marshall, was also made an honorary graduate.
Beauty 26 Pimp your lips
Travel 34 Fiji
Spotlight 38 Capoeira