This is an update of recent action taken by the University re the Gaza crisis.
Scholarships
On 23 March, the University Chaplaincy announced its target to raise £28K in the coming year for a scholarship to be offered through Bethlehem University. Bethlehem runs courses in a range of medical-related specialisms. The scholarship will be used to allow a student from Gaza to study at Bethlehem.
As reported two weeks ago, the University has shared details of its international scholarships programme with the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) and has invited it to encourage nominations of students who would come to Glasgow to study. The University has also contacted the Palestinian and Jordanian offices of the British Council, asking them to help publicise opportunities at Glasgow. As already reported, there will be a meeting with senior colleagues from Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian Universities on 28 April, at which possible future cooperation in the provision of scholarships for Palestinian students will be discussed.
Fundraising
The Chaplaincy's message on 23 March reported on its recent fundraising initiatives, including raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians and for the DEC Gaza Appeal. As discussed on 27 February, the University is willing to allow a second day of DEC fundraising to take place on campus, and, once a date has been agreed, will advise colleagues with responsibility for access to buildings that they should cooperate in making the day a success.
Ethical Investment
Robin Easton, who will chair the Court review of Ethical Investment, met with David Newall on 27 March to discuss how the review group will go about its business. Deborah Maddern will clerk the review committee and you are welcome to have an input to its discussions by contacting her (d.maddern@admin.gla.ac.uk). As reported last time, the review group will be required to report to the meeting of Court in early October 2009. The other members of the group will be Susan Dunsmore (lay member) Prof Eleanor Gordon (Senate Assessor), Susan Ashworth (Staff representative) and Gavin Lee (SRC President).
An analysis was recently provided of the University's investment holdings (reference date 30 November 2008). A further analysis, reported in quarters and going back to September 2007, has now been prepared by Finance Office. I will put that in the post to David Campbell tomorrow.
Eden Springs
On 17 March, the Senior Management Group discussed the representations that have recently been made regarding the contract, negotiated through APUC, with Eden Springs. The group decided that it would not be appropriate for the University to cease to receive supplies of Eden Springs. The group is aware that several universities and colleges are planning to terminate the use of bottled water. However it took the view that a decision to terminate Eden Springs at this time would be viewed as a response to political pressure, and it was not willing to take that decision.
Academic Resources
As reported on 15 March we advised Educational Aid for Palestinians (EAP) that we have a stock of library books ready for them to collect and transfer to Gaza. We are also willing to supply used IT equipment, so long as the material content is removed. EAP have advised us that they will be unable to make a collection in the near future. We are therefore looking for other charities who might be willing to collect educational resources and transfer them to Gaza. The VivaPalestina convoy, mentioned in recent correspondence, may be one. It left the UK in mid-February and, if a second convoy is planned, we would supply it with the educational aid. If you have knowledge of any other charities who might collect educational aid more promptly than EAP or VP, please advise us.
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Sunday, 15 March 2009
2nd Uni Update
This is an update of recent action taken by the University re the Gaza crisis, and of action intended in the days ahead.
David Newall, Susan Stewart, Sun 15 March 2009
DEC
As discussed on 27 February, the University is willing to allow a second day of DEC fundraising to take place on campus. This will not be promoted by the University, but colleagues with responsibility for access to buildings will be advised that they should cooperate in making the day a success. Students proposing to coordinate the fundraising day should let David Newall know in good time when they plan to hold it.
Scholarships
The University has shared details of its international scholarships programme with the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) and has invited it to encourage nominations of students who would come to Glasgow to study.
The University has also contacted the Palestinian and Jordanian offices of the British Council, asking them to help publicise opportunities at
Glasgow.
The University has a longstanding relationship with Bethlehem University, the main University contacts being based in the Faculty of Education and the Chaplaincy. The commitment to the Bethlehem
partnership has been seen in recent times with the Chaplaincy's leadership of fundraising for Medical Aid for Palestinians. The University will soon announce details of a new initiative through which GU will raise funds for a scholarship that will be offered by Bethlehem University and earmarked for students from Gaza.
David Newall has a meeting with his opposite numbers at Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian on 28 April, at which an agenda item will be possible future cooperation in the provision of scholarships for Palestinian students.
Academic Resources
As reported on 27 February we have advised Educational Aid for Palestinians that we have a stock of library books ready for them to collect and transfer to Gaza. The charity has been slow in responding to communications. If students who participated in the occupation have suggestions of other charities whom we might contact, that would be welcome.
DN has asked the Director of IT Services to explore whether the
University can make exceptions to its standard policy on IT equipment, and we will update on that next time we are in contact. Currently, all used IT equipment is disposed of by an approved contractor who is
responsible for removing the material content and disposing of the equipment in an environmentally acceptable way.
Eden Springs
DN stated on 27 February that he was opposed to withdrawing from Eden Springs, or to ceasing to place new orders with Eden Springs, because he believes this would be seen by the University community as an inappropriate, politically weighted decision. Since then, through David Campbell, a submission has been received on Eden Springs, and the matter will be discussed at a senior management group meeting on 17 March.
Ethical Investment
A five-member Court working group has been asked to review the University's Ethical Investment policy. The group will be required to report to the meeting of Court in early October 2009. The group will be
chaired by Robin Easton (lay member) and will include Susan Dunsmore (lay member) Prof Eleanor Gordon (Senate Assessor), Susan Ashworth (Staff Representative) and Gavin Lee (SRC President).
As agreed at the meeting on 27 February, an analysis has been provided of the University's investment holdings (reference date 30 November 2008).
David Newall, Susan Stewart, Sun 15 March 2009
DEC
As discussed on 27 February, the University is willing to allow a second day of DEC fundraising to take place on campus. This will not be promoted by the University, but colleagues with responsibility for access to buildings will be advised that they should cooperate in making the day a success. Students proposing to coordinate the fundraising day should let David Newall know in good time when they plan to hold it.
Scholarships
The University has shared details of its international scholarships programme with the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) and has invited it to encourage nominations of students who would come to Glasgow to study.
The University has also contacted the Palestinian and Jordanian offices of the British Council, asking them to help publicise opportunities at
Glasgow.
The University has a longstanding relationship with Bethlehem University, the main University contacts being based in the Faculty of Education and the Chaplaincy. The commitment to the Bethlehem
partnership has been seen in recent times with the Chaplaincy's leadership of fundraising for Medical Aid for Palestinians. The University will soon announce details of a new initiative through which GU will raise funds for a scholarship that will be offered by Bethlehem University and earmarked for students from Gaza.
David Newall has a meeting with his opposite numbers at Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian on 28 April, at which an agenda item will be possible future cooperation in the provision of scholarships for Palestinian students.
Academic Resources
As reported on 27 February we have advised Educational Aid for Palestinians that we have a stock of library books ready for them to collect and transfer to Gaza. The charity has been slow in responding to communications. If students who participated in the occupation have suggestions of other charities whom we might contact, that would be welcome.
DN has asked the Director of IT Services to explore whether the
University can make exceptions to its standard policy on IT equipment, and we will update on that next time we are in contact. Currently, all used IT equipment is disposed of by an approved contractor who is
responsible for removing the material content and disposing of the equipment in an environmentally acceptable way.
Eden Springs
DN stated on 27 February that he was opposed to withdrawing from Eden Springs, or to ceasing to place new orders with Eden Springs, because he believes this would be seen by the University community as an inappropriate, politically weighted decision. Since then, through David Campbell, a submission has been received on Eden Springs, and the matter will be discussed at a senior management group meeting on 17 March.
Ethical Investment
A five-member Court working group has been asked to review the University's Ethical Investment policy. The group will be required to report to the meeting of Court in early October 2009. The group will be
chaired by Robin Easton (lay member) and will include Susan Dunsmore (lay member) Prof Eleanor Gordon (Senate Assessor), Susan Ashworth (Staff Representative) and Gavin Lee (SRC President).
As agreed at the meeting on 27 February, an analysis has been provided of the University's investment holdings (reference date 30 November 2008).
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Progress of the University
This is an update of recent action taken by the University re the Gaza crisis, and of action intended in the days ahead.
DEC
Through the SRC, the University held a fundraising day on 20 February. This was arranged as early as was possible and on a day when the Rector could be present to launch the event. Participants in the occupation were disappointed with aspects of the fundraising, including the choice of a Friday, the dilution of DEC funds through the inclusion of a second charity, and the apparent low level of publicity by teaching staff.
Recognising these concerns, the University is willing to allow a second day of DEC fundraising to take place on campus. This will not be promoted by the University, but colleagues with responsibility for access to buildings will be advised that they should cooperate in making the day a success. Students proposing to coordinate the fundraising day should let David Newall know in good time when they plan to hold it.
Scholarships
The University has advised the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) that it would like to broadcast its international scholarships programme within Gaza. In the coming weeks it will explore other ways of publicising the scholarships.
The University is also exploring a possible fundraising initiative that would be focused on providing an additional scholarship opportunity for students from Gaza.
Discussions have not yet taken place with other partners in the City of Glasgow.
Academic Resources
A stock of Library books has been identified as surplus to requirements, and the University is in discussion with Educational Aid for Palestinians to agree which books would be of value to Gaza. It has also contacted King's College, LSE and IUG to ask for any advice on charitable or other vehicles that might be appropriate to ensure that aid gets to where it is needed. Advice from students who participated in the occupation would be welcome.
It has not been possible to date to identify a way of sharing old IT equipment, largely because of concerns about the University's legal liability for material that may be held within it. DN is going to explore this matter further with the University's IT Services.
Eden Springs
The University's position on Eden Springs is that it does not support withdrawing from the contract. The contract is national (Scotland-wide) as negotiated by APUC, and it is possible that APUC will itself revisit the arrangements. DN is opposed to withdrawing from Eden Springs, or to ceasing to place new orders with Eden Springs, because he believes this would be seen by the University community as an inappropriate, politically weighted decision. If the students would like to make a submission setting out their argument for withdrawing from Eden Springs, DN is willing to share it with senior management colleagues who will be asked whether the University should reconsider its decision.
Freedom of Information Enquiry
The University intends to provide an informative response to David Campbell's FoI enquiry relating to the financial accounts. Finance Office have found that they are unable to respond to the enquiry in the exact ternms it has been made without incurring significant clerical costs to pull together information. The University is discussing with DC how best it can meet the information request without going to excessive cost. Normally, a fee is levied where a large workload is required to meet an FoI request. DN has confirmed that the University intends to do its best to comply with the information request without levying a fee.
Ethical Investment
The University Court is going to instigate a review of the University's ethical investment policy. A review group, including student and trade union representation, will be established soon. It is likely to report to the meeting of Court in early October 2009. The University's investment managers prepare an analysis three months in arrear of their portfolio of holdings. The University is willing to share the most recent analysis.
DEC
Through the SRC, the University held a fundraising day on 20 February. This was arranged as early as was possible and on a day when the Rector could be present to launch the event. Participants in the occupation were disappointed with aspects of the fundraising, including the choice of a Friday, the dilution of DEC funds through the inclusion of a second charity, and the apparent low level of publicity by teaching staff.
Recognising these concerns, the University is willing to allow a second day of DEC fundraising to take place on campus. This will not be promoted by the University, but colleagues with responsibility for access to buildings will be advised that they should cooperate in making the day a success. Students proposing to coordinate the fundraising day should let David Newall know in good time when they plan to hold it.
Scholarships
The University has advised the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) that it would like to broadcast its international scholarships programme within Gaza. In the coming weeks it will explore other ways of publicising the scholarships.
The University is also exploring a possible fundraising initiative that would be focused on providing an additional scholarship opportunity for students from Gaza.
Discussions have not yet taken place with other partners in the City of Glasgow.
Academic Resources
A stock of Library books has been identified as surplus to requirements, and the University is in discussion with Educational Aid for Palestinians to agree which books would be of value to Gaza. It has also contacted King's College, LSE and IUG to ask for any advice on charitable or other vehicles that might be appropriate to ensure that aid gets to where it is needed. Advice from students who participated in the occupation would be welcome.
It has not been possible to date to identify a way of sharing old IT equipment, largely because of concerns about the University's legal liability for material that may be held within it. DN is going to explore this matter further with the University's IT Services.
Eden Springs
The University's position on Eden Springs is that it does not support withdrawing from the contract. The contract is national (Scotland-wide) as negotiated by APUC, and it is possible that APUC will itself revisit the arrangements. DN is opposed to withdrawing from Eden Springs, or to ceasing to place new orders with Eden Springs, because he believes this would be seen by the University community as an inappropriate, politically weighted decision. If the students would like to make a submission setting out their argument for withdrawing from Eden Springs, DN is willing to share it with senior management colleagues who will be asked whether the University should reconsider its decision.
Freedom of Information Enquiry
The University intends to provide an informative response to David Campbell's FoI enquiry relating to the financial accounts. Finance Office have found that they are unable to respond to the enquiry in the exact ternms it has been made without incurring significant clerical costs to pull together information. The University is discussing with DC how best it can meet the information request without going to excessive cost. Normally, a fee is levied where a large workload is required to meet an FoI request. DN has confirmed that the University intends to do its best to comply with the information request without levying a fee.
Ethical Investment
The University Court is going to instigate a review of the University's ethical investment policy. A review group, including student and trade union representation, will be established soon. It is likely to report to the meeting of Court in early October 2009. The University's investment managers prepare an analysis three months in arrear of their portfolio of holdings. The University is willing to share the most recent analysis.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Sixth Press Release
The student occupation of the
Here is a copy of the final signed agreement between students of the occupation and the University management:
Please review the following points, following today’s negotiations, and sign the bottom to confirm a mutual understanding.
DEC
1. Definitely by the end of February, desirably by next week, to have an official day of collection for the DEC.
2. The University is committed to this (hopefully in conjunction with SRC)
3. A web page will be devoted to the day, with a link to the advert
4. An E-mail is to be sent out to all students and staff (1 email a few days before, and another 24 hours before)
5. The University management will encourage all lecturers to show advert in lecture theatres – this is at the discretion of lecturers and it will be their choice whether or not they show the DEC appeal.
Scholarships
1. The University will work with appropriate parties to publicise its current international scholarships within
2. Alongside the DEC appeal, donations will be sought to support scholarships for students from
3. The University will consider part-funding this by using a similar fee waiving scheme as
4. The University would like to work to create a
Academic Resources
1. The University will make its best efforts to donate old resources
2. The University is currently speaking to other universities (such as LSE and King’s College) to work through the logistics. The University will get back to the students within 7 days.
3. The University wants the occupiers to contact the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) to work with them in organising a video conference and to put them in contact with David Newall (Secretary of Court) and vice versa, to work out what resources they need.
4. Currently surplus materials are recycled – the University will look at ways to modify existing contracts, or investigate how the companies involved could be included in the donation of said resources.
The delegates have noted that senior university management have committed to further meetings for serious, continuing discussions including the SRC. The University understands the specific and serious concerns students have regarding Eden Springs, and is willing to engage in further discussions over the suppliers of water to the University campus. These should take place no later than Friday 27th February.
Further to this we require a commitment to publish details (as transparent, full and up to date as possible) of all university investments made by the university, and all research funding received by the university, in compliance with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, in accordance with, and in the context of, the law. There will be a meeting between university management and the students of the occupation to discuss the progress that has been made after 20 working days.
With this understanding the students will bring the current occupation to an end.
Signed:
After collecting over 600 signatures, the student movement has the right to call for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Students’ Representatives’ Council, to debate how
It is crucial to recognise that occupation is an entirely legitimate tactic. By taking this action we have shown that serious direct action can achieve results. Our occupation has been an undoubted success. It has been a victory for all those showing solidarity with the people of
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Noam Chomsky sends his support
I've been following the student activities with great interest and appreciation. I've been asked so frequently for messages of support that I've been reduced to a from response. Will this work for you?
I am very pleased to learn about the courageous and honorable actions of the Glasgow University students. These are particularly significant because of the crucial British contribution to the savage onslaught on Gaza, and on the occupied territories generally, second only to the decisive role of the United States -- a disgrace for all of us. I hope you have the greatest success in arousing public opinion and bringing these crimes to an end.
Noam Chomsky
Edinburgh University students enter occupation
We have just received information that Edinburgh University students have occupied the George Square lecture theatre at Edinburgh University. They are creating an "informative creative space" inside. The Glasgow University Occupation sends its support and solidarity, and commends the action of Edinburgh University students.
Dear friends,
We're writing to you in solidarity for your current occupation of Glasgow University in solidarity with Gaza. We started to occupy the main lecture theatre here at Edinburgh University at 1pm today. That makes us the 24th University in the UK to join this mass movement! We have a blog set up at http://edinburghunioccupation.wordpress.com/ if you'd like to follow our progress. You can find the press release with our demands on there. We'd be really keen to have a webcam chat with you all sometime, if that's something you'd like to do!
Please do get in touch on edinburghunioccupation@googlemail.com .
In solidarity,
Edinburgh University student occupation.
Dear friends,
We're writing to you in solidarity for your current occupation of Glasgow University in solidarity with Gaza. We started to occupy the main lecture theatre here at Edinburgh University at 1pm today. That makes us the 24th University in the UK to join this mass movement! We have a blog set up at http://edinburghunioccupation.
Please do get in touch on edinburghunioccupation@
In solidarity,
Edinburgh University student occupation.
Fifth Press Release
Our offer to meet the Principal and members of the Glasgow University management at 12 noon today has been accepted. The location of the Fraser Building has been decided as a neutral location. We welcome this development and the opportunity to negotiate our political demands. We hope the University management will present us with an acceptable offer so that this situation can be resolved as quickly and successfully as possible.
The students of the Glasgow University Occupation
The students of the Glasgow University Occupation
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