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News & Politics
UWESU appoint new General Manager
WesternEye 07.02.2011
Cause of student death “inconclusive”
> Inquest verdict still pending after tragic death of popular student Nick Ota
Newsdesk
Sam Butler
newsandpolitics@ westerneye.net
newsandpolitics@westerneye.net
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he Students’ Union has appointed a new General Manager after an eight month hiatus. Hugh Boyes, previously Acting General Manager, has taken over the role effective immediately. Mr. Boyes started at UWESU way back in November of 1997 as Finance Admin Manager, and has shuffled around through various roles and offices throughout his 13 years with the Students’ Union, including Deputy General Manager under the previous incumbent, Sarah Jane Williams nee Smith. My Boyes said: “My goal for the year is to make the SU financially solvent given the inevitable cuts we will be facing and the recent downturn in turnover. One of my primary goals for the next five years is to create a cohesive area for SU services somewhere in the centre of the University, somewhere very visible to students to facilitate easier access.” 95 people originally applied for the GM post when it was advertised, who where then shortlisted down to six candidates for interview. However, the panel decided none had the leadership qualities required to run a Students’ Union with approximately 30,000 members. Nadia Harding, Sports President, who was a member of the interview panel, said: “Mr. Boyes has the right experience, the right knowledge and most importantly the right attitude for the job in these hard financial times.”
he body of a first year UWE student was found in his Frenchay accommodation on December 12th last year. Security staff discovered the body of Nick Ota, 18, a psychology and sociology student, in his Brecon Court halls of residence and according to a statement by UWE “It is understood that no-one else was involved.”
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Nick Ota was a very special boy who touched many hearts throughout his life
“Devoted Liverpool FC fan” Nick Ota
Bristol coroner’s office told WesternEye that: “Prior to an official ruling, the cause of death is currently inconclusive, but the deceased was found hanging.” Theresa McGoldrick, Director of Student Services, said: “We are shocked to hear of this tragic loss of a popular and promising student. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. We are talking to them about how they would like him to be remembered.”
The statement by UWE says that Nick’s funeral was attended by family and friends, as well as UWE staff members. The University has created a memorial book which is kept in The Living Centre, on Frenchay Campus. UWE Vice-Chancellor, Steve West, told WesternEye: “Nick was a very popular and promising student. Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends” A Facebook group ‘In Memory of Nick Ota’ has also been set up for people to share memories and thoughts of Nick. A moving epitaph on the memorial group includes: “Nick Ota was a very special boy who touched many hearts throughout his life. He remained witty and funny up until the end, and will never be forgotten. Please ‘like’ this page and share memories and love for Nick.” Nick’s flatmates, friends and others affected by his passing have been offered counselling by UWE. An inquest is due to take place later in the year. Those wishing to pay their respects to Nick and his family via the ‘In Memory of Nick Ota’ Facebook group, can find it at: www.facebook.com/ pages/In-Memory-of-NickOta/168731889832574?v=info
A ‘tender’ moment for U-Link
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> Six new management positions created, duplicated services to meet demand and alleged changes based on student feedback. With the U-Link contract up for grabs, will Wessex Connect’s changes enough to secure their renewal? newsandpolitics@westerneye.net
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-link buses are aiming to improve the several problems seen as affecting the service throughout 2011. The transport service is used throughout UWE, with stops at every campus. Changes are being put into place after senior management from the UWE facilities team travelled on a number of the services and personally identified the problems. Colin Offler, President of the Student Representative Council said “Changes have been made in the interest of improving the experience for students, staff and the local community who use the U-link service”. Colin, who sits on the TravelSmart project board where decisions are made on how to improve the service, went on to add. “There is a still a long way to go, however the ongoing changes to the service, including being out to tender with several service providers, have had my input in every step of the way and I believe we’re heading in the right direction”. Managerial positions have seen a
wholesale change within the Wessex Connect owned company, including the creation of six new managerial positions, with more expected. Bus performances will be monitored against the current timetable, by a new dedicated U-link Liaison Officer, along with three more inspectors to ensure that vehicles adhere to all timetables to the best of their ability with awareness of congestion issues within its routes. Further problems, such as higher than predicted demand, have resulted in duplicate services running on the U2, U4, and U5 services; which run from UWE Frenchay Campus into Bristol City Centre. The new position of Regional Director is currently planned, as well as the addition of a new Operations Director and associated management team. Positions have also been filled to ensure that buses leave the depot on time during morning services. All drivers are to be trained in improved customer care and defensive driving. Students have welcomed the
I’m happy to hear that vital changes are finally being made to the service
changes. UWE student Emily Moore, 21, said “I live in the centre of Bristol and study in Fishponds, so using the U-link buses is an important part of my day to day studying. I’m happy to hear that vital changes are finally being made to the services”. History student Andrew Bridgman, 28, added “I don’t own a car, and so the bus is a very useful way of getting around from day to day. I frequently use U-link transport and will continue
Photo: George Rowe
John Howell
to knowing that they are striving to improve and taking its customer feedback on board”. According to Colin Offler, SRC President: “The University are currently out to tender to identify which operator will offer the best deal for U-link users in the new Academic year and beyond. The tender process asks operators how they will deal with current issues
which have been identified via student feedback such as punctuality, extra buses, passenger safety and additional mechanisms for rapid corrective action where needed.” U-link has so far declined to comment to WesternEye.