HELP SAVE INTERVARSITY

On August 28, 2009 “Senate endorsed the Vice Chancellor’s proposal that Rhodes’ hosting of the Intervarsity event be suspended with immediate effect and that Rhodes’ participation in future fixtures be carefully interrogated�. We have been given ONE opportunity to “SAVE INTERVARSITY�.

This initiative will be planned, run and participated in by the Rhodes students themselves – the ones who will really be affected by the cancellation of this sporting event.

Notable issues that were aired at the Intervarsity debrief include: an influx of external supporters, abuse of alcohol, mismanagement of situations, security and general behaviour of Rhodes students. Whilst the Student Sports Council does not, in any way, condone such behaviour, we feel more strongly about the victimisation of Rhodes sport in this respect. At a recent Intervarsity Task Team Meeting; a committee comprising of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dean of Students, other prominent Rhodes staff members, Deputy Head of Rhodes Sport, Student Sports Council chairperson, and an SRC representative; it was agreed that the cancellation of the event was not an option and that a plan needed to be put into action.

The plan works on the premise that the students themselves, who in their majority did not put the university in disrepute over the Intervarsity period, have a vested interest in “saving Intervarsity�. In addition, the university has communicated that more could have been done from a management perspective, in order to prevent some of the problems experienced.
It is now YOUR turn to make a difference; this is how: a call for submissions from Rhodes students is underway in which students are free to comment and provide constructive criticism, as to how the event could be better facilitated, to avoid the issues mentioned above. Students are to please e-mail their suggestions to saveintervarsity@gmail.com by no later than 12 March 2010.

On 23 March, an interactive and open forum will be held, to which all Rhodes students, selected members of Rhodes staff and the Intervarsity Task Team will be invited. Comments and suggestions received via e-mail will be summarised and a game plan will be put into action, following the open forum.

It is up to YOU to save Intervarsity! YOU can make the difference!

Regards,
Jess Goble
Student Sports Council chairperson