The new IBERS building has now been finished, and having visited it today I was really impressed with the newly furnished teaching rooms and facilities. If you weren't already aware, IBERS (the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences) is based over 3 campuses: Penglais, Llanbadarn and Goggerdan - all with their own separate catering facilities.

I was really disappointed to learn that the 'coffee club' over in Llanbadarn has been closed. This service provided tea, coffee and biscuits to staff and students alike for a mere 25p, through a ticketing system. Not only did this provide a focal point for students in the department to meet and work this space was also a social area where they weren't forced to buy. However, the main point here is the surplus made by the coffee club funded a number of important travel grants for IBERS students.

 

With the credit crunch biting at our heels once again, I and a number of others that use the facility are disappointed with the University for its short-sightedness here. Departments are right at the heart of the academic community and an important part of the lifestyle students lead. This has now removed the approachability of staff, the opportunity for travel grants funded by IBERS students and staff. The impression that is given is that the social heart has been dismantled and replaced by a commercial entity.

 

Please join me in the lobby to get this much needed facility returned to IBERS students and staff by contacting union.education@aber.ac.uk to register your support.