Monday, February 26, 2007

The "Will effect"

It wasn't long ago that St. Andrews University boasted about record highs in applications. Back in Feb 2006 the University of St. Andrews recorded a 11.1% rise in applications, making them the highest in Scotland and one of the highest in the UK. However this is no longer the case as the university has experienced the "Will effect".

St. Andrews University hosted Prince William at the university for the past 4 years, since his graduation from the university applications to the school has fallen over 6%. Prince William was amongst several other famous graduates such as James II of Scotland, feminist writer Fay Weldon, and leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party, Alex Salmond. Other claims to fame of the University and the town of St. Andrews is the golf course, the castle, the abbey and of course the opening scene to Chariots of Fire.

Thanks to Prince William the school experienced an 44% increase in applications during his term there but recently the school has been hit with what many Brits call the "Will effect". I has been over a year now since Prince William graduated from the school and there has been a reported decrease of 6% in applications since his departure. This decrease in applications is actually the highest in comparison to other universities in Scotland.

Looks like St. Andrews is going to have to re-address their recruitment and application process!

Monday, February 19, 2007

A gagging clause

I was really surprised to come across an article in the Hearld on Sunday that was titled "University defends gagging clause in redundancy deals". The article goes into how the University is currently under investigation over spending £1 million on gagging orders for outgoing staff. As a former student of the university or even in the thinking of a current student hearing and seeing press coverage about this is not very settling. Makes you wonder if the university is shelling out public money to buy the silence of outgoing staff rather than putting this money back in towards the university and the services/facilities they offer.

The university and many other education systems across the UK is challenged to make efficiency savings, Glasgow's efficiency savings being £10million. After further investigation it has been revealed that over £1million was used to pay off staff, with a reported 230 reducdancy packages being handed out it is rumoured that gagging orders are coming in at £43,000 per person.

Given that Mordechai Vanunu, the famous peace campaigner is the Rector for the university does make this scandel a little ironic. I think this will be interesting to keep a close eye on what happens and the coverage in the media it attracts.

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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

the Music Department at Glasgow University

Had a recent comment on our e-mentoring blog asking about the Music Department at Glasgow University. I will do my best to answer the questions that came up but I myself did not study in the Music department so can only advise as an outsider based on what I know.

The Department of Music at the university takes an interesting approach to learning about music as they integrate practical and non-practical forms together. Depending on whether you are an undergraduate and postgraduate applying into the program they offer quiet a diverse range of courses, therefore there will likely be courses that are of interest to you whether its classical music – medieval and renaissance or romantics the university really offers everything any music lover would want.

One of the biggest features of the undergraduate program is the flexibility. The undergraduates programs offers degrees in Bachelor of Music , Master of Arts , or Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics with Music.

The postgraduate program really is the ethos of the Music Department. As a postgraduate you can purse degrees such as Mlitt in Popular Music Studies , a Master of Music (Mmus), or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Letters (MLitt).

One of the biggest perks being in the Music Department is the connection’s that they have to professional ensembles across the UK, such as the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Paragon Ensemble and many more!!!

For further information on the Music Department at Glasgow University have a read over their website – you can find loads more information on the department, courses and also contacts within the university.

Hope this helps answer some of your queries.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Where to eat

While most of you now find yourself drowning in school work from upcoming exams, assignments and endless amounts of reading don't forget to give yourself some good brain food and energy!

If you've not had the chance to check out the new catering facilities at One The Square be sure to pop in and have a wee cuppa and biscuit. The Brasserie and Cafe is now officially open for all, even the new decor makes it look appetizing!

With selections of cold and hot foods, vegan and vegetarian options, breakfast and lunches you will surely not be disappointed no matter what your taste preference may be.

To students that may already be familiar to the campus the The Cafe and Brasserie was formerly the College Club and you can find it in the Gilbert Scott building just opposite the main gates.

Friday, September 08, 2006

What to pack??

Right so school is about to begin, your frantically trying to pack up your life into a suitcase which hopefully will see you through the entire year. So to help you figure out what to pack and what to leave at home here are a few helpful tips:

1) invest in a good rain jacket
2) any special pictures of friends or family back at home
3) a set of dishes, cutlery and a pot

To be honest these are the essential things you should bring with you.
Forget investing in an expensive umberalla cause the rain here comes at you in every direction and the wind, will just turn your umbrella inside out.

If you are living in student accommodations you will likely find that people from previous years will just leave dishes and cultery behind, so you can easily adopt them. Also many people in the flats choose to share everything that way when people bring bits and pieces of things you will end up with a full kitchen of dishes and utensils. On the other hand you may prefer to just use your own stuff so if that is the case make sure you have at least one of everything (bowl, plate, knife, fork, spoon and a pot). You will find that you can become quiet creative when it comes to cooking!!

Happy packing!

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Open Day

Well the start of the school year is quickly upon us.
The wee ones are now all back at school and the shelves of WHSsmith, Woolworths and Borders have all been picked over getting the latest and greatest swag for taking those lecture notes with!

If you can't find any trendy pads and pens to doodle with during your lectures don't forget to check out the supplies that are available at the Queen Margaret Union or even the campus book store, suprisingly its affordable and fashionable!

Annually the school holds an Open Day where all academic departments, student accommodation and other facilities are open, and staff and students are available to answer questions. This years open day will be held on:
Wednesday, 6th September
9.30am-3.30pm

Being an e-Mentor, I have also opted to be a volunteer during the open day. Not sure where exactly I will be during this event but I am sure that I will be able to answer your questions whether via this e-Mentoring blog or if your lucky enough we might actually meet in person on this day!

Best of luck and enjoy the Open Day.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

MBA - best in the world!

To my delight I can proudly say and boast that the MBA staff at Glasgow University were just noted as the BEST, yes that's right, the BEST MBA teaching staff in the world!! If you ask me that is quiet an accomplishment and honor that they can and should boast about.

The results come from the Economist Intelligence Unit and based on some pretty diligent rankings, meeting a number of various thresholds, in addition to surveying the opinions of students (current and alumni).

In addition to having the BEST MBA academic staff in the world the Glasgow MBA program also jumped up in rankings moving over 18 places!!! ASTOUNDING!!!


This just goes to show how truly committed the school is to producing a high quality and caliber program. If you don't believe my post have a wee read over the article yourself.

Or to see where other schools rank in comparison you can also look the article on the Economist website