OUSU refuses "silly" Code of Conduct
OUSU Council has voted to reject a proposed Code of Conduct detailing restrictions on post-exam celebrations.
The Student Union, which had previously worked with the City Council and the University to develop the set of regulations, elected not to ratify the measures. They will, however, publicise the code's existence, as they are unable to block its implementation.
OUSU President Helena Puig Larrauri told The OxStu that "we want people to know what they could be penalised for."
Concessions were won by OUSU over the code, which could change the face of future post-exam celebrations by allowing confetti and the blocking-off of Merton Street when large volumes of students are anticipated, particularly at the climax of exams in popular subjects.
Champagne, however, remains banned - not immediately outside Exam Schools, but in the no-alcohol zone only a few metres up the road. Here students could be penalised for simply carrying an open bottle of alcohol.
Puig Larrauri described this as "silly", while a first year St Peter's student told The OxStu that he thought it could "exacerbate drinking problems" as students might "down" their drinks in an attempt to avoid the penalty.
The University said that it is "disappointed" that OUSU decided not to "endorse the Code of Conduct after representatives helped to draw it up". Even so, they are "glad" that the code will still be publicised by the Student Union.
The code will be distributed via email to all students and staff by the end of Third Week (mid May), and will "specify what kind of behaviour is considered acceptable under the University Regulations."
Any breach of the code would be dealt with through the regular disciplinary procedures, which could stretch to a £500 fine.
6th May 2004