Freshers’ Week to be put to student vote

Students will be able to vote for or against a lecture-free Freshers’ Week in the first online Referendum of the year in week nine.

Most universities in England offer freshers a preliminary week free of classes in which to bond and make new friends, without any added pressure from their course. Warwick University has a Freshers’ fortnight but introductory lectures and seminars continue throughout.

The momentum of the movement for a lecture-free Freshers’ Week has been growing this year following the “protest” during the Vice-Chancellor’s address to the new students in week one. This momentum will now be put to the test, as students are asked to decide.

A motion on international student integration and the links between International Orientation and Freshers’ week will also be put to the vote. Last year, in the ‘Integration Question’ survey, conducted by former Union President Joe Kirby, 71 per cent of students stated their support for a joined up International Orientation and Freshers’ week.

Voting in referenda at Warwick University has traditionally been low, but the Union will be hoping to at least reach quorum in these autumn motions. Andy Glyde, Governance and Finance Officer said: “This will be a great chance for students to have their say. Referendum allows every student to have their voice heard and it will be a clear indicator as to whether students really want a proper Freshers’ Week and the international and home student communities integrated.”