On their marks...
With the death of Lord Jenkins on the 5th January, the coveted position of Chancellor of Oxford University has become vacant for only the fourth time in 70 years. As the search for a new figurehead begins, the time has never been better to investigate the mystical role of the Chancellor, and what it exists for, when it seems to be the Vice-Chancellor who does all the work.
The first Chancellor of Oxford was appointed in the 13th century, with the main function of controlling unruly students. This position was certainly a lucrative one, with the Chancellor entitled to the money from the sale of confiscated arms and to half of the tax imposed on all bread and ale consumed by students. Being Chancellor hasn't always been a barrel of laughs however, with six of the first eight to hold the position coming to an untimely headless end.
The power of the Chancellor has been declining since the mid-1600s, and they now act only as the public figure head of the University, presiding over Encaenia (the annual honorary degree ceremony), and acting as welcoming committee for the most eminent dignitaries; Jenkins paid host to luminaries such as Kofi Anan and Nelson Mandela.
The Chancellor also represents the university in the public sphere and, whilst there is no written obligation to do so, can liaise with potential donors as Jenkins did by way of establishing a Court of Benefactors. The post itself is non-paid, although the existence of an expenses budget is acknowledged.
These days, however, the Vice-Chancellor is the one with all the paper-work (but without the side income from a bit of arms dealing), with the post described as effectively the 'Chief Executive' of the university. The V-C (as the position is affectionately referred to in the education media) oversees the running of the university, deals with all external bodies and is supported by three Pro-Vice-Chance-llors, who are each allotted specific areas of responsibility. Sir Colin Lucas, Oxford's current V-C, is five years through his seven-year term.
So the question remains as to who will be next in a line that includes such greats as Oliver Cromwell, Cardinal Pole and Harold Macmillan.
The Chancellor is elected for life, a practice that has been in place since 1367, with all members of Convocation eligible to vote. That's Dutch to me, you may well be thinking, but Convocation is a body to which many of you reading this should one day belong. It comprises all those who have received a degree from Oxford, including also any members of Congregation who do not hold a degree. Another confusing C-word, Congregation is in effect the ultimate legislative body in the University, consisting of academics, senior researchers, librarians, museum curators and administrative staff. The one catch is that an eligible member must vote in person. With the number of members estimated at around 90,000, election day could be a busy one in Oxford.
Whilst there are no obligatory criteria a candidate must fulfil, one could be mistaken for thinking that to be a male Oxford graduate would be one of them. The last non-Oxford graduate to hold the post was the Duke of Wellington in the 19th century, and no woman has ever joined the coveted ranks.
The forthcoming election has been seized upon by the national press with an alarming fervour, and Shirley Williams is a name being banded around a great deal for a possible first female Chancellor, giving the Gang of Four a score of two. Also hotly-tipped, and even more hotly-debated, is Bill "I did not inhale" Clinton, whose sexploits are a cause of worry to some columnists, but whose financial pulling power would be welcome at this time of crisis in university funding.
Further possible nominations cast up by the enthusiastic speculation include Chris Patten (the EU's external affairs commissioner, who would give Balliol a Chancellor hat-trick), former deputy PM Michael Heseltine, and even Tony Blair (although he may be somewhat occupied in coming months). And one with an outside chance? Fluffy-haired editor of The Spectator, Boris Johnson, who put himself forward in a column in The Telegraph.
The election, which is likely to be held at the end of this term (or at the beginning of Trinity) could yield an interesting result. In view of last term's convincing no-conning of Jenkins by OUSU Council with regard to his alleged pro-top-up fees stance, (considered to be antithesis to the views of a large proportion of the student body) perhaps it is time, instead of consulting only those who are no longer at Oxford, we as the students should have a say in who will be representing us.
Bill Clinton FOR: Fame, charisma, and proven fund-raising ability AGAINST: Probably not interested
Michael Heseltine FOR: Brought down Thatcher AGAINST: Former Union Pres
Ian McKellen FOR: Picture the scene at Matriculation. As Freshers line up outside the Sheldonian, the doors leap open and Gandalf appears shouting 'You Shall Not Pass'. Performance also available before Finals. AGAINST: Gandalf himself cannot be nominated, due to a rule brought in in the 1980s prohibiting 'fictional characters'. Huh.
Dame Shirley Williams FOR: First female Chancellor AGAINST: More of the Gang of Four?
Chris Patten FOR: Fit daughters AGAINST: Balliol hat trick
9th Jan 2003