St Andrews' Students know how to celebrate their successes and that is something that we don't want to spoil. Students cite "tradition" - but these are now taking a format that is far from traditional. Frankly, it's sometimes plain stupid, dangerous and abusive.
The good humoured enjoyment of years gone by has, over the past year in particular, taken a dark turn which is resulting in more accidents, upset to others and arrogantly displayed abuse to staff, townspeople and other students.
This kind of behaviour by a minority of students is not only something which we all want to discourage, it is something which we have to stop before it spoils the fun for everyone.
Exam celebrations are the most current concern, where there is the tradition of soaking a friend after their final exam. We tried to compromise last year and asked for students to use water only (even if it is sparkling!). While we have to say "thank you" to the vast majority of students who adhered to that and had great fun, we still were confronted with people trying to sneak in all sorts of sticky foodstuffs - and, on some occasions, dangerous implements. Passers-by have been covered. The mess left in public places has been brought to the attention of the Police. When asked, by the janitors and Estates staff, to hand over banned foodstuffs, abuse and confrontation has been the result.
I have to add that there is a major change to the way the University shall deal with offenders at both the exam celebrations and at Raisin weekend in 2006. The Police and the University discipline teams have reviewed procedures and announce that behaviour that is not acceptable will have a zero tolerance response from now on.
The Police and University disciplinary officers will be in attendance at examinations, checking up on random exam exits and will follow up all inappropriate behaviour. If the Police prosecute in this instance it would be wrong for the University to advocate on your behalf, and prosecution may lead to a permanent Police record. Other penalties include fines issued by the University and the Students' Association revoking Graduation Ball tickets.
We would ask that you please have fun, but have it on University property, stick to the cordoned off areas - they're the ones that belong to us and which we can clean up. Stick to water only! And above all keep safe.
Chris Lusk Alex Yabroff
Director of Student Support Services President, Students Association
Could someone please explain to me what actions that a number of students have taken over the past few years which would warrant a criminal record if caught and charged?
Throwing food stuffs about might get you done under littering laws but these bring about spot fines - not criminal records.
And these dangerous implements - okay so how many people turned up last year weilding knifes and machettes?
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Tired Freudian references aside - your mother played my mighty skin flute like a surf crowned sea nymph trying to rouse Poseidon from his watery slumber!