One World Week aims to improve for 2014
The exec aims to improve the event after complaints. Photo: OWW
As preparations for One World Week (OWW) 2014 continue, the Boar looks at the changes being made following last year’s criticism.
The ambitious overhaul has introduced a number of new policies, events and a complete reorganisation of the schedule.
OWW 2014 will feature new event Warwick’s Got Talent, as well as building upon past successes such as lively forum speakers and the fashion show.
The five day format has been rearranged to host two market days as well as new additions: an international careers day, a charity day and an outreach day that will engage the local community in the cultural celebration.
In light of the 2014 Brazilian World Cup, OWW are to develop the sport focus of the event with a football tournament based on the international competition.
Societies, halls and friendship groups are encouraged to participate.
Forum events will include a controversial speech on feminism ‘The F word’ and an insight into information leaking: ‘Breach of privacy in digital media today’.
To ensure financial success following on from last year’s issues with funding, the society has involved Jackie Anderson, deputy finance manager at the Warwick Students’ Union (SU), with the budget.
A last minute change on cupcake supplier left former student, Indra Balaratnam, over £100 out of pocket after her order was cancelled three days before the event.
The situation was later resolved when the society agreed to pay for the order.
The society hopes that the addition of a standard complaints procedure to their website will allow all complaints to be dealt with in the most efficient and effective manner.
A significant change in the recruitment policy was introduced in order to overcome rumors of recruitment-bias.
Applicants this year went through a formal and standardised interview.
The presence of independent members of the executive board and interview auditing ensured that friendship-biased recruitment was avoided.
Recruitment also placed emphasis on achieving an ethnically-diverse team with equal representation from males and females and concentrated on the importance of recruiting first and second-year students to ensure a better information flow for future executive teams.
OWW has launched an improved training scheme, including a compulsory general training session for all members as well as separate departmental preparation.
Sophie Potter, ex-president of World at Warwick, commented last year that recruits had “zero understanding of the basics of event organisation, SU processes, or appropriate communication with other members of the University community”.
The training this year promotes improved communications and transparency between all departments and organisers.
A new communications policy requires that all external correspondence and marketing be screened by the PR team to ensure professionalism and consistency. This content includes trailers, posters, the website, emails and social media.
The policy states: “Monitoring the overall image of OWW and ensuring that the messages we send are clear, consistent and in line with our aims, objectives and beliefs means that we need to approve all forms of media, not just the written word.”
A new press policy has also been introduced for the launch of the event, with a press reception to be held at the end of term one.
Miranda Thewlis, co-ordinator of OWW 2014, said that this year’s event was aiming for “quality, not quantity”.
Ms Thewlis added: “It is focused on experiencing the world within Warwick.”
Spencer Mintram, fourth-year Automotive Engineering student, commented: “I used to think OWW was cool.
“Last year had a few glitches but I’m sure that the team this year will make it one of the best yet.”
Commenting on the incidents of the previous year, Fen Greatley, deputy head of PR, said: “As crucial events neared, communications failed…
“It was more intense than expected.”
The “biggest student-run festival” was well received with many students last year however, with their nightclub event, Ignis, and the fashion show selling out.
Comments (4)
Omgeeeee. Last year was so fun. I <3 my team. Don't be mean! This team will make mistakes too will you turn against them suddenly!!
I honestly don’t understand why it has to be a comparison to last year seeing as there are mistakes made every year, it should be a learning experience rather than attempting to blame and criticize people who voluntarily dedicate their time and effort to these events.
This article presents a very biased view of the team so far, I can name several others who have been complaining that this year has been more disorganized than usual, especially with communicating deadlines and opportunities to societies.
I admire OWW and the work that the members are putting into it this year, but at the same time never ever discredit the work that members in previous years have done as it is just unnecessarily condescending.
That being said, thanks for acknowledging the success of some nights events last year. (Y) ;
I honestly don’t understand why it has to be a comparison to last year seeing as there are mistakes made every year, it should be a learning experience rather than attempting to blame and criticize people who voluntarily dedicate their time and effort to these events.
This article presents a very biased view of the team so far, I can name several others who have been complaining that this year has been more disorganized than usual, especially with communicating deadlines and opportunities to societies.
I admire OWW and the work that the members are putting into it this year, but at the same time never ever discredit the work that members in previous years have done as it is just unnecessarily condescending.
That being said, thanks for acknowledging the success of some nights events last year. (Y)
Lol love how they ‘casually’ forgot that we made them GBP 2000 extra last year from a single event….