First published on Thu 11 Feb 2021 10.53 EST
Students at Manchester University have launched a revolt against their vice-chancellor over the university’s mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic and have demanded she step down over her “complete failure of management”.
The Manchester students’ union will hold a vote of no-confidence in the vice-chancellor, Nancy Rothwell, the first time in its nearly 200-year history such a motion has been triggered. If the vote in March is successful, it will be reported to the university’s board of governors, which will decide whether to take further action.
Ben McGowan, one of the student organisers of the Nancy Out campaign, said: “The frequency and volume of mistakes and complete disregard for students make clear it’s not a one-off thing, it’s a complete failure of management.”
Student charged after party attended by dozens at halls of residence
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A 19-year-old student at St Andrews University has been charged after allegedly hosting a party “of up to 40 people” in halls of residence.
The gathering took place at the David Russell Apartments in the Fife town on Sunday, and was broken up by staff members.
University principal Professor Sally Mapstone has called on students to behave responsibly during lockdown, saying: “Everyone knows that since the turn of the year, the law in Scotland prohibits parties which mix households.
St Andrews University students slammed after throwing lockdown party with over 40 people
Students at the top uni, where Prince William and wife Kate Middleton met each other, were told their actions put lives at risk, as well as their academic futures.
Updated (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
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St Andrews students will be facing “disciplinary action” after throwing a 40-person party and then jumping out of the windows to run away when staff arrived.
During the break up of the party, a member of staff was injured by a person trying to run away and was admitted to hospital.
An email sent to all students by Principal Mapstone said: “It is estimated there were up to 40 people present, many of whom ran away or jumped from windows when our staff arrived.”
The university principal highlighted the fact this was an “illegal gathering”, adding: “It was attended by people who clearly knew they were breaking the law, and who showed no respect or responsibility for the health of others, including our staff, their fellow students, and the local community.”