JCR's campaign for extended freshers’ week across University
Freshers' Week varies from a few days to a full week
Several college JCRs are preparing to extend Freshers’ Week in meetings planned for the beginning of term. Binyamin Even, JCR President of Corpus Christi College, who was mandated by the college JCR to campaign for Freshers’ week to begin on Sunday of 0th Week, will argue the matter before a 0th week Academic Committee. Even said, “The rationale was primarily to ensure students have enough time to settle into Oxford and prepare for academic and other commitments they will face.
“In addition, to ensure all students’ parents are able to drive them to Oxford, so that Freshers can have everything they need with them, which will again help them begin their time at Oxford successfully and comfortable.” Will Dorsey of Christ Church and Josh Sasto of University will argue before similar committees that an extension to Freshers’ Week is necessary, while Trinity JCR President Kushal Banerjee will propose a motion at the first JCR meeting of term.
Dorsey admits that “it might be a bit tricky” to have the motion accepted by college authorities but he argued, “It will make it a less stressful experience and will give them a good base to start the rest of term.” Merton and Lincoln Colleges have already agreed to extend Freshers’ Week, although not to the extent first argued for. Merton’s 2006 Freshers’ Week will begin on Monday of 0th Week for a two-year trial, due to a ‘Gaudy’, a formal dinner for alumni on Sunday.
Suzanne Bridson, a Merton first-year, said, “I think it’s a good idea. During Fresher’s Week everything seemed rushed, and we didn’t have time to get involved with the social side. It would have been much less hectic if we had had a full week.” An Oxford University spokeswoman said, “Students obviously need to be in residence by Monday of 1st Week, but aside from that it’s a matter for individual colleges.”
20th Apr 2006