A group of York students has won the opportunity to have their very own I-phone application developed after winning The App Challenge final, held at the Ron Cooke Hub on Wednesday, January 18.
YUSU Welfare officer Bob Hughes has warned students to be vigilant after a student loans phishing scam has been revealed.
Her Majesty the Queen will be visiting York on Maundy Thursday, 5th April, as part of the 800th anniversary of York’s Charter for the traditional “Royal Maundy” ceremony.
A flood caused by a heating system “failure” forced the university IT services to shut down many essential systems on Sunday night, causing problems for many students on the eve of their exams and assignment due-dates.
Societies at the University of York have condemned the institution’s decision not to hold a two-minute silence at 11am on Remembrance Day.
A two-minute silence to mark Armistice Day and remember those who died in the two World Wars and later conflicts is held across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth each year on November 11.
The University of York however, unlike other public institutions, chose not to observe the commemoration in seminars, lectures and other buildings. Concerns were raised by students that they would be unable to show their respects if they had a timetabled lecture or seminar at 11am.
This decision was criticised by the University of York Tories, who said: “We are appalled by the university's refusal to acknowledge the sacrifice of those who lay down their lives for their country. If hospitals and railways can remember the fallen there is no reason for the university not to do so.”
Christopher Twells, Chair of the University of York Liberal Democrats added: “I’d be very concerned if students have had to choose between attending lectures or seminars and taking a minute to remember the fallen of two world wars.”
A University of York spokesperson said: “The University does not have a formal policy on marking Remembrance Day. This year, as in previous years, individuals and groups will be free to mark Remembrance Day in the usual way if they wish to do so.
“The University, represented by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Cantor, will also take part in the formal commemoration in York on Sunday.”
Chris Cunningham, York County Manager at The Royal British Legion, told The Yorker: “The two-minute silence is an opportunity for the nation to come together to reflect on those members of our Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice on active duty since the First World War and in every conflict since. But it is more than that – it is a pledge to continue to preserve the honour of our war dead.”
He added that the Royal British Legion “finds it most unfortunate when others are prevented from observing the sacrifices made on behalf of the nation”.
“However this is not a matter between the University of York and the Royal British Legion. It is an issue between the university and its students, and the wider community of the city of York,” he said.
Gemma Egan-Perkins, Chair of the University of York Labour Club added: "It seems strange that the university will not recognise the huge sacrifices made by people in war; not only our own servicemen without whom the university would probably not be as it is now, but also all of those who were forced to sacrifice their lives, livelihoods and family due to conflict all over the world"
Despite student complaints of a lack of poppies on sale on campus, a spokesperson for the university said: “We are not aware of any reduction in the number of poppy selling locations on campus and most staff are wearing poppies.”
I do think that it is a bit of a shame that two minutes silence wasn't obsverved on campus today, but I also would say that there are no lectures on Sunday so anybody who wants to observe their silence can do so then. We need to remember those who have fallen fighting for our country as each and every soldier who has fought, is fighting or will fight should be considered a hero. Last year I went to Belguim and stood for the last post at the Menin Gate in Ypres, possibly one of the most moving things I have ever witnessed as it was so understated. Hopefully those who weren't able to observe their silence today will be able to do so on Sunday in their own understated, yet no less important way.
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