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16/03/2011
QUB Teacher Training Merger Proposed
Students are very much in the news this week as the Minister for Employment and Learning is launching two consultation papers on university issues - and uni students are being warned to behave on St Patrick's Day.
Ulster Unionist Minister, Danny Kennedy, has been making it clear that he will "make no decision" on the future of university tuition fees in the lifetime of this Assembly - although that is only a life of mere weeks.
Minister Kennedy's consultation paper sets out five different options - from scrapping the fees to imposing the £9,000 a year charge agreed in England.
But as Sinn Fein has already said it would block any increase in fees over the current £3,000 a year, there may be problems in store at Stormont - given the need for cross-community support for legislation.
A second consultation paper has been revealed on the proposed merger of Stranmillis College and Queen's University Belfast.
Queen's has said it has set aside £5m to refurbish the buildings and it intends to move its own teacher training courses to the site.
However, opponents are concerned about the loss of the particular ethos of Stranmillis and the possibility of the grounds being used for housing development.
Enjoy Responsibly
Elsewhere, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ulster and the President of the University of Ulster Students' Union have urged students to enjoy St Patrick's Day responsibly.
Their message comes as Northern Ireland gears up for this week's annual Irish celebrations on Thursday.
In a joint letter to all University of Ulster students on all the university's four campuses at Belfast, Jordanstown, Coleraine and Magee Professor Richard Barnett and Adrian Kelly told students: "You should be aware that you are a representative of the University both on and off campus and carry with you the good name and reputation of the University."
Referring to near full-scale rioting in Belfast's 'Holylands' they said: "In the past, anti-social behaviour by some students has tarnished the good name of the University and its student body, and resulted in criminal convictions for some students as well as disciplinary penalties for others."
And they warned that the University was determined to invoke its disciplinary procedures where necessary to protect its good name.
"Be assured that the University will act swiftly against any of our students identified as bringing the University into disrepute through their behaviour on St Patrick's Day.
"Accordingly, we ask that you be respectful and considerate of local residents and the communities that you live in, in order to protect the reputation of your University and to foster good community relations."
After previous St Patrick's Day celebrations - which descended into a near riot in the Holyland area of south Belfast in 2009 - a CCTV pilot scheme has since been installed into the south Belfast area, where many students live.
But, while much of the focus on St Patrick's Day will inevitably be on Belfast, Professor Barnett and Mr Kelly stressed the wider context for the University of Ulster: "We also trust our students at Magee and Coleraine will enjoy St Patrick's Day in ways that bring credit to themselves and their university."
See: Holyland Gets CCTV For St Pat's Day
(BMcC/KMcA)
Ulster Unionist Minister, Danny Kennedy, has been making it clear that he will "make no decision" on the future of university tuition fees in the lifetime of this Assembly - although that is only a life of mere weeks.
Minister Kennedy's consultation paper sets out five different options - from scrapping the fees to imposing the £9,000 a year charge agreed in England.
But as Sinn Fein has already said it would block any increase in fees over the current £3,000 a year, there may be problems in store at Stormont - given the need for cross-community support for legislation.
A second consultation paper has been revealed on the proposed merger of Stranmillis College and Queen's University Belfast.
Queen's has said it has set aside £5m to refurbish the buildings and it intends to move its own teacher training courses to the site.
However, opponents are concerned about the loss of the particular ethos of Stranmillis and the possibility of the grounds being used for housing development.
Enjoy Responsibly
Elsewhere, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ulster and the President of the University of Ulster Students' Union have urged students to enjoy St Patrick's Day responsibly.
Their message comes as Northern Ireland gears up for this week's annual Irish celebrations on Thursday.
In a joint letter to all University of Ulster students on all the university's four campuses at Belfast, Jordanstown, Coleraine and Magee Professor Richard Barnett and Adrian Kelly told students: "You should be aware that you are a representative of the University both on and off campus and carry with you the good name and reputation of the University."
Referring to near full-scale rioting in Belfast's 'Holylands' they said: "In the past, anti-social behaviour by some students has tarnished the good name of the University and its student body, and resulted in criminal convictions for some students as well as disciplinary penalties for others."
And they warned that the University was determined to invoke its disciplinary procedures where necessary to protect its good name.
"Be assured that the University will act swiftly against any of our students identified as bringing the University into disrepute through their behaviour on St Patrick's Day.
"Accordingly, we ask that you be respectful and considerate of local residents and the communities that you live in, in order to protect the reputation of your University and to foster good community relations."
After previous St Patrick's Day celebrations - which descended into a near riot in the Holyland area of south Belfast in 2009 - a CCTV pilot scheme has since been installed into the south Belfast area, where many students live.
But, while much of the focus on St Patrick's Day will inevitably be on Belfast, Professor Barnett and Mr Kelly stressed the wider context for the University of Ulster: "We also trust our students at Magee and Coleraine will enjoy St Patrick's Day in ways that bring credit to themselves and their university."
See: Holyland Gets CCTV For St Pat's Day
(BMcC/KMcA)
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16 August 2019
Step Forward For Multi-Million QUB Union
The development of a new multi-million pound Students' Union at Queen's University Belfast has taken a major step forward with the appointment of a Newry-based building contractor. Felix O'Hare will build the new centre on the site of the original facility, due to be completed in the 2021/2022 academic year.
Step Forward For Multi-Million QUB Union
The development of a new multi-million pound Students' Union at Queen's University Belfast has taken a major step forward with the appointment of a Newry-based building contractor. Felix O'Hare will build the new centre on the site of the original facility, due to be completed in the 2021/2022 academic year.
28 November 2002
Microsoft donates software to Queen's University
Microsoft Ireland has donated £180,000 worth of software to Queen's University Belfast. The donation is a continuation of Microsoft’s longstanding relationship with the university, which has seen its involvement in student placements and sponsorship increase in recent years.
Microsoft donates software to Queen's University
Microsoft Ireland has donated £180,000 worth of software to Queen's University Belfast. The donation is a continuation of Microsoft’s longstanding relationship with the university, which has seen its involvement in student placements and sponsorship increase in recent years.
21 June 2011
New Diagnosis System Wins At Enterprise Awards
Dr Fiona Lyng of the Dublin Institute of Technology has been named as this year’s winner of the Enterprise Ireland ‘One to Watch’ award.
New Diagnosis System Wins At Enterprise Awards
Dr Fiona Lyng of the Dublin Institute of Technology has been named as this year’s winner of the Enterprise Ireland ‘One to Watch’ award.
11 February 2011
North South Transport 'On The One Road'
Cross border transport links were very much in focus after yesterday's tragic plane crash in Cork, with the Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson speaking today to the Republic of Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen regarding the Manx2 plane that crashed after leaving from Belfast.
North South Transport 'On The One Road'
Cross border transport links were very much in focus after yesterday's tragic plane crash in Cork, with the Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson speaking today to the Republic of Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen regarding the Manx2 plane that crashed after leaving from Belfast.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
