Code falls at finals hurdle
The implementation of the examination celebrations Code of Conduct recently has not prevented finalists from receiving severe trashings after finishing their exams.
Whilst some parties are waiting until their return to various colleges, a number of which allow the ritual inside their grounds, others are outwardly breaking the code on the streets of Oxford as friends emerge from the Examination Schools.
The Code explicitly says that students must not "throw or spray any foods or fluids," but The Oxford Student has witnessed several soakings at every finishing celebration on Monday and Tuesday. It is also made clear within the regulations that champagne bottles must be sealed whilst on Merton Street, despite its falling outside the city's alcohol-free zone.
Nonetheless, the majority of students are gulping down the contents of their bottles by the time they have reached Magpie Lane.
Several revellers described breaking the code as "very easy," whilst others said that they "don't care at all." One code-breaker even promised that if fined he would: "probably tell the Proctor to f**k off; I would give him my name."
More brutal trashings, however, are occurring somewhat covertly, with students hurling flour, eggs, milk and whipped cream at relieved finalists in Magpie Lane, Oriel Square and even by the Bridge of Sighs in New College Lane; spreading the messy after-effects further than ever before.
Richard Lofthouse, Dean of Corpus Christi, told The OxStu: "By the standards of the code, the problem is clearly not solved. It is evident that the throwing of food by Corpus has been technically planned." He described the results as a "war zone outside College." Dr Brian Gasser, Clerk to the Proctors, said they are aware of this problem: "It is a common effect of targeting a particular spot."
However, the prevalence of the behaviour is not necessarily the failing on the part of the University services. Proctors and security staff on Merton Street appear to be deliberately standing back from confrontation in moderate cases of defiance, such as slight spraying of champagne and drinking - with "only a small number of people receiving fines" according to the University press office.
One member of the security staff told The OxStu: "Both sides have entered into the spirit of things. Generally everyone's happy, but there are a few who take it too far."
Senior Proctor, John Wheater, expressed some pleasure at events so far: "I think everyone is being very well behaved. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is not to ruin the fun." Gasser continued: "the role of the Proctors is mainly to maintain safety and control, and so they have other concerns at the time than clamping own on people drinking out of a bottle."
It might also appear that the Code's wording is deliberately harsh, in order that violations will not stretch to the proportions of previous years. City Councillor Paul Sargent told The OxStu: "This has worked in defusing the situation. It's absolutely fabulous considering what has happened in the past." Gasser said: "I don't think the Code has been written harshly - it's only an interpretation of the previous regulations."
Whilst "civilised behaviour" on Merton Street may suggest the reluctance of some to break the code, the desire for trashings and verbal opposition to the code remains strong. One soggy finalist told The OxStu: "I really think the Code of Conduct is the worst thing possible. It completely destroys everything the end of finals embodies." His damp friend added: "I'd like to stick the Code of Conduct up me arse."
10th Jun 2004