With current Vice-Chancellor Brian Cantor set to step down in September as he moves onto pastures new at Bradford, and incoming Vice-Chancellor Koen Lamberts not arriving until after Christmas, University of York favourite Jane Grenville, who has been Pro Vice-Chancellor for Students since 2007, will be standing in as acting Vice-Chancellor for the next term.
Now I’m sure that many of you will know very little about the role played by the Vice-Chancellor here at York, but to inform you Grenville told me: “The Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Executive of the University and ultimately the buck stops with me in terms of academic performance, reputation and financial health.”
As someone in such an integral role at the University, Grenville is in the perfect position to provide advice and a fountain of knowledge for students, and I asked her what advice she would have for freshers. She said: “Don’t imagine that you are alone if you are feeling nervous; few admit it but many are. Have a good look around to see what really interests you with extracurricular activities and don’t be afraid to try something new, if you don’t like it then there is always something else.”
Grenville insightfully added: “Think about how to split up your day – of the 24 hours you could sleep for 8, work for 8 and still have 8 in which to eat, drink, play sport, do your laundry, make friends…that’s a 40 hour work week which will get you through, and there’s still the weekend to enjoy in full.”
Indeed one of the most exciting aspects of starting at University is the joys of freshers’ week, a new and enthralling experience for many, free of the shackles from home and with the opportunity to discover their newfound freedom. During her time at the University Grenville had witnessed numerous batches of freshers, and regarding freshers’ week she advises: “Make the most of it by being yourself and please don’t feel co-erced to drink too much. A recent survey shows that around a third of Freshers don’t want to get pazzed – if you are one of them, find the others and have a good time sober.”
There are so many opportunities available to students at the University, whether they be academic, sporting, musical or much more. Grenville though particularly emphasises the importance of the social side of University, and noted: “Make enough friends that you could travel the world after graduation staying with friends, families of friends and friends of friends. York may seem small but it is a place to expand horizons.”
Speaking to Grenville, she clearly looks back fondly on her time at University, and cherishes certain moments and revels in the fact that she made the most of her student experience. She told me: “I cherish the memory of the sense of excitement and possibility that used to accompany the beginning of the academic year and I regret that no-one impressed the 8-8-8 division of 24 hours on me because I might have profited more from my work and my extra-curricular activities if I had been more focused. I still cherish the friends I made and my degree certainly opened doors for me.”
For me York is one of the most beautiful cities not only in England, but in Europe and even in the world; add in the fact that there’s an excellent institution here, and you have a perfect place to study. I asked Grenville what makes York so special, and she answered: “The University’s excellence is recognised nationally and internationally. It would be easy to become stuffy and pompous as an institution but York is characterised by a high level of democratic engagement; people talk a lot. The city? I could go on about for hours as I’m a medieval archaeologist – go and explore.”
With Koen Lamberts set to arrive at the University as the new Vice-Chancellor in December, Grenville will be only in the role for a matter of months, but as ever they promise to be exciting times. I inquired as to what students should look forward to over the coming year, and she replied: “Students should look forward to their contribution to an excellent year for themselves, friends and colleagues. The new VC, Koen Lamberts, starts in January and I’ll leave exciting announcements to him.”
Now it’s your turn to shape the progression of this University, and with three or more exciting years ahead of you, you have the opportunity to make your mark on the institution, whether it be through your academic success, generous volunteering or sporting brilliance. The opportunity is in your hands, make the most of it.