College crack down on bad behaviour (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

College crack down on bad behaviour

by Liz Richmond and Nione Meakin

STUDENTS caught vandalising the new refectory at Cirencester College will face drastic action, it was revealed last week.

In a newsletter to parents, vice principal Desna McCall explained that a "zero tolerance" policy was being introduced in a crack down on disrespectful behaviour, litter and vandalism.

Persistent offenders will receive a day's suspension or an unfavourable review of their behaviour if requested, she added.

But student Richard Medcalf said the new system was too harsh: "The litter and vandalism is a problem but suspending people for a day in the middle of an exam period isn't really fair. There have already been about 30 people suspended and one was just for leaning on a radiator."

The new refectory was completed last summer after half a million pounds was spent on building and refurbishing the premises.

But since it has been in use, staff have found "a coin superglued to a table, scorch marks where a student had burnt a table with a lighter, upholstery damaged by chewing gum" and minor vandalism.

The letter also said students who have been asked to bin rubbish by staff would not respond or were rude and abusive.

College principal Nigel Robbins told the Standard he was appalled by the events in the refectory, but the letter to parents was exaggerated.

"The vandalism is really only a small part of the problem. It's more of a campaign against mess and litter to drive out sloppiness.

"Most parents are behind the campaign because they are experiencing the same problems at home."

"We want to make life better and want the kitchen staff to feel in control."

The sad part, he explained, is that the college worked in collaboration with students to enable this college to benefit everyone.

"I should imagine the Student's Union must be quite embarrassed," he added.

But Alice Robson, former Student Union President, said: "I think it is a minority of students who are actually causing the vandalism and it is a shame we are all suffering for their actions.

"The new system, which has three refectory security guards, seems to be helping the problem, but it has really changed the atmosphere in there. It used to be quite relaxed but now you are aware that they are watching you."

Older students go elsewhere to eat because the refectory is too messy and not a place to relax, said Karen Clark, a mature access student.

And even though the students do not like the new rules, said lecturer Lisa Fleming, they do seem to be working.

"They should not need to be told where the boundaries lie, they are old enough to know that they ought to respect the college and behave appropriately," she added.