York St John University patrols combat bad behaviour

2:59pm Monday 1st February 2010 in News Photograph of the Author By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

Jason Wallis with his colleagues, from left, Matthew McDonald, Leigh Hankinson and Josh Parker, who are to patrol the streets around York St John University to cut down on disturbance Jason Wallis with his colleagues, from left, Matthew McDonald, Leigh Hankinson and Josh Parker, who are to patrol the streets around York St John University to cut down on disturbance

DOORMEN will be patrolling the streets around York St John University this week, in a new trial to prevent anti-social behaviour by revelling students.

Working with the university and North Yorkshire Police, the scheme will see teams of security staff from the student's union monitoring the area behind the union for unruly behaviour.

The students' union received a record number of complaints last year, from residents about anti-social behaviour around the university in the early hours of the morning, and unacceptable music levels from the union.

The installation of a new sound system in the union means the music level is no longer an issue, and it is hoped that regular patrols by security staff will help increase students' respect of their neighbours.

The scheme is run by Students' Union President and qualified door supervisor Jason Wallis, who believes the scheme will be a success.

“There's a level of respect when someone sees that the person asking them to keep it down is the same person who let them in the union bar earlier that night,” said Jason, “and we feel it's important that we let the residents know we're stepping up our long-running Silent Students Happy Homes campaign.”

The Security Industries Authority-qualified patrols travel in teams of two around the Eldon Street, Neville Street, Brownlow Street and Park Grove Street areas, between 10pm and 3am.

They wear high-visibility jackets, and carry radios and mobile phones- the numbers of which have been given to local residents who can report any unacceptable behaviour to them directly.

“We are very much right in the middle of a residential area,” said Jason, “the students may not be aware of just how much noise a group of them walking down a residential street can make.”

At the moment the trial scheme will only run through 'Refresher's Week'which is this week, but Jason is hoping that night marshals will soon be seen patrolling during all major university events.

“There are certain times of year when this scheme would be more useful,” said Jason, “mainly in September around Freshers week, but we have plans to expand the team and widen their route if this trial is successful.”

Comments(36)

AdmiralNN says...
11:52am Tue 2 Feb 10

I thought this was some sort of joke to start with. What happens if they start on a group of studenty looking young guys on their way home who dont want to be told to keep quiet by these jumped up doorman. Wouldnt the Uni be better off paying for an actual policeman rather than these vigilantes. Jeez PCSOs would even be better than this.

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busybee22 says...
4:27pm Tue 2 Feb 10

well at least they're doing something!!

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Get-a-grip says...
5:52pm Tue 2 Feb 10

The problem is that university students are not our brightest any more, they're Blair's barely literate job dodgers doing media studies and other such useless rubbish.

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Alice87 says...
9:56pm Tue 2 Feb 10

I don't understand the complaints to be perfectly honest, perhaps due to my useless degree, and, of course, being barely literate. I'm not entirely sure why an easier access to education for those who want it would be conducive to excessive noise, or why it is being brought up in regards to this story. It seems a rather redundant point. I think it is an excellent scheme, as it also improves the feeling of safety for those walking home from a night out having a familiar face (as they all attend the university and/or work on the door at the student's union) and all of the wardens are qualified, professional doormen. The contradiction in the first comment, that these men are vigilantes whilst also worrying for their safety should some 'studenty looking' young guys decide they don't want to be told to lower their noise levels is odd to say the least. I think both concerns are unfounded. I am also all for helping to reduce the work-load of York's police who, according to the article, appear to think this scheme is a good idea.

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thisistheheff says...
10:53pm Tue 2 Feb 10

Right ‘Get-a-grip’, I am by no means suggesting every single media student has a desire to be in the industry because we all know that’s just not true. However, if it wasn’t for people taking an interest in ‘media studies and other such useless rubbish’ you wouldn’t have the means to share your fairly insulting opinion – do you think this article was written by scientists? Yes, I am a former media student at York St John and I got a first, so I’m awfully sorry if this scuppers your horrendous perception of us ‘barely literate’ folk. Please, listen to yourself, and get a grip.

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Get-a-grip says...
11:29pm Tue 2 Feb 10

Yes, I am a former media student at York St John and I got a first, so I’m awfully sorry if this scuppers your horrendous perception of us ‘barely literate’ folk.

Pretty much confirms it!

By the way, it's because of mathematicians and physicists and the genius of Bill Gates I can share your fairly insulting opinion. Not the holders of pseudo 'degrees' a la Michael Mouse.

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katielou says...
12:16am Wed 3 Feb 10

I somehow doubt that the mathematicians, physicists or the genius of Bill Gates wrote the article that is allowing you to show your jealousy towards people who have achieved a higher level of education Get-a-grip!
I am a former student of York St John myself (and no to put your mind at rest I'm not a media student!) and I think this is an excellent idea. Not only will it be of benefit to the local residents, allowing them to contact someone willing to deal with the problem sensibly and quickly should students walking home become too noisy but it gives the students a sense of safety when walking home in the small hours of the morning, something that I would have appreciated as a student.
Get over your student bashing Get-a-grip and enjoy the fact they are trying to address the problem without overburdening the already stretched police force!

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thisistheheff says...
12:34am Wed 3 Feb 10

I'm not sure what you mean by 'pretty much confirms it!'? And I think it's only fair that you justify why you think University students are 'barely literate job dodgers'.

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shawaw01 says...
11:17am Wed 3 Feb 10

It is nice to see that those that perceive themselves to be educated, continue to make stereotypes!The statement that refers to the doormen beating up students, is ludicrous, as they are students themselves at the university. The statement that refers to students not being the same as they used to be, what have you done, read a national newspaper, and believed an opinionated article is fact; although it lacks empirical evidence. If an article was created based on empirical evidence, an article of its nature, could not gather enough information to make the statement valid. So any comments of students being stupid or lazy, can not be generalised to the student popuation (Shaw, 2010).

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Get-a-grip says...
12:34pm Wed 3 Feb 10

The dumbing down of university education has been commented upon by academics themselves
http://www.parliamen
t.the-stationery-off
ice.co.uk/pa/cm20080
9/cmselect/cmdius/17
0/170we23.htm

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amyjayne88 says...
1:22pm Wed 3 Feb 10

I would just like to inform the narrow minded judgemental people who have commented on this article that I am a member of the York St. John Univeristy door staff and patrol team. I am not a 'jumped up door man' nor am I illiterate; I am a third year English Language and Linguistics student going on to do a masters in Speech Therapy, so I am affraid your pre concieved perceptions are mistaken.
I find it quite rediculous that you are judging young adults who are trying to improve the relationship between students and residents; and as far as I am aware, the residents surrounding York St John University see this as a step in the right direction; would you rather we sat back and do nothing? or atleast attempt to combat the disturbances?

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shawaw01 says...
3:11pm Wed 3 Feb 10

Wow you have found a reference we have to find plenty of them in order to jusify a piece of work.

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shawaw01 says...
3:20pm Wed 3 Feb 10

justify*

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Get-a-grip says...
6:34pm Wed 3 Feb 10

pre concieved, affraid, rediculous, atleast,

Illiterate - QED

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craig6 says...
7:19pm Wed 3 Feb 10

It’s really disappointing that this scheme, which was attempting to improve relations between students and residents, has created such conflict. Clearly as the article outlines there have been some issues in recent years, but as busybee22 says, ‘at least they’re doing something’. It seems like the student body are making an effort to improve relations and show a greater level of respect, perhaps now it’s your turn?

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Get-a-grip says...
11:59pm Wed 3 Feb 10

Wow you have found a reference we have to find plenty of them in order to jusify a piece of work.

I've only quoted one but there are dozens along the same lines

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katielou says...
12:03am Thu 4 Feb 10

It would appear that the students of York St John are damned if they do and damned if they don't.
Here they are listening to the local residents, taking on board their views and trying to work out a way of addressing the issues of the locals and what happens? That's right yet again they get slated for their actions! However if they did nothing then they'd be slated for that too!
As the previous poster said, respect is supposed to be a two way street! The students have taken the residents concerns seriously and are trying to rectify the issue, perhaps people should give them some support in what they are trying to do.
I hope this scheme works to show the doubters the error of their judgemental ways.

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Jason Wallis says...
10:38am Thu 4 Feb 10

I feel that I should post a comment here to bring this debate to a close. As a former Film and Television production student and current President of YSJ Students Union I would like to echo the comments of ‘katielou’.

This is a scheme paid for and ran by students for the benefit of the local community as well as the student body. We have had a great response from many members of the local community saying how they have already noticed a difference. This therefore gives me hope that this scheme will continue after this week and prove those people, who choose to belittle students who are trying to further educate themselves, wrong.

I think it is important to note that the comments from both ‘Get-a-grip’ and ‘AdmiralNN’ are not representative of the majority of the community who believe that having two Universities in York makes it the hive of knowledge and creativity that it is.

It is clear ‘Get-a-grip’ that you have made your mind up about the value of our students with out clearly knowing all that they do, which disappoints me. I offer for you to come to the University and meet me so that we can discuss what you may think is a better way for students to get involved in the community. You can contact me on j.wallis@yorksj.ac.u
k or for the fourth night in a row I will be walking around the Groves area between 10pm and 3am if you want to catch up with me for a discussion.

I hope our future ventures are not so controversial and that we can continue to build a flourishing relationship with the community.

Regards

Jason Wallis

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Get-a-grip says...
12:20pm Thu 4 Feb 10

My comment was fair, and is shared by many, including academics themselves - "The problem is that university students are not our brightest any more, they're Blair's barely literate job dodgers doing media studies and other such useless rubbish."

Then amyjayne88 boasts of being "A third year English Language and Linguistics student going on to do a masters in Speech Therapy, so I am affraid your pre concieved perceptions are mistaken", and proves himself illiterate and me right by his spelling - "pre concieved, affraid, rediculous"

I rest my case.

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Rebeccaelizabeth says...
3:07pm Thu 4 Feb 10

As a former student of York st John University, I would firstly like to congratulate Jason and his team. During my time at the university disturbance of residents was an on going issue and one that needed to be combatted in any way possible. This is a fantastic idea and hopefully one that will create a stronger bond between students and residents. I would also like to say with regards to the comments on media students, that without the media you wouldn't have an article to comment on, nor would you know of any articles about students being 'iliterate', you obviously watch the news, read papers and use the internet...and all forms of medium, it is how you chose to use this information which is important, and media students are a big part in keeping that up to date, modern and easier to access.
'getagrip' I strongly hope that you do take Mr Wallis up on his offer, as i know that he will understand and take into consideration any opinions or matters that you may have, on how to make this up and coming university and the surrounding area's a better and more enjoyable place.

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Get-a-grip says...
5:55pm Thu 4 Feb 10

Combated

iliterate

area's

Another member of the York St John illiterati, Rebeccaelizabeth?

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Janice88 says...
8:10pm Thu 4 Feb 10

For someone who is so clearly highly educated, I find it worrying that you have such a pigeon holed view on life. Rather than focussing on the article, you are commenting on peoples spelling! Very mature of you and a good use of your education!

It is clear that you believe only certain people deserve access to a higher education and therefore a better life. Perhaps you believe that the rest of us should be subservient to the rest of your “highly literate elite” or maybe you would suggest the rest of us lowly beings should be marched into an oven and burnt so that you and the rest of your highly literate friends can enjoy the planet by yourselves.

Oh and by the way, Amy Jayne is a female name…Great observational skills on your part, oh “highly literate one!”

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Get-a-grip says...
8:54pm Thu 4 Feb 10

The quite appalling educational standards of today with dumbed down GCSEs and A Levels leading to easy degrees in pretty much worthless subjects are what I first posted about.

An alleged third year English Language and Linguistics student going on to do a Master's in Speech Therapy who can't spell, as in concieved, affraid, and rediculous, followed by another writing combated, iliterate and area's, rather proves my point don't you think?

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Janice88 says...
9:26pm Thu 4 Feb 10

Get-a-grip, I think you need to stop listening to whatever Daily Mail scare mongering you are listening to and take your own advice and get a grip! You need to break out of your “back in my day…” attitude and realise that your narrow minded and elitist views are dangerous and if followed would create a stagnant world.

Clearly you think those that study subjects at York St John are studying pointless degrees….What about those that are there studying Teaching or History, which is one of the top History Courses in the country as rated by students!
For as many articles and studies there are stating that the education system is “dumbing” down there are an equal number stating the exact opposite. How about a recent study showing that using “TxT” language actually improves spelling!

http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/education/846
8351.stm

Get-a-grip, I believe you owe all students not only those from York St John an apology, your narrow and ultimately discriminatory views are insulting and disrespectful to say the least!

I went to York St John many years ago and my daughter is currently applying to go and do a Sports Science degree at YSJ. I suppose in your view this makes me a bad parent for letting her choose to do one of your “pseudo 'degrees' a la Michael Mouse.”

God forbid your son or daughter might ever want to do something creative with their lives, I would pity anyone who had a parent with views such as yours!

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Get-a-grip says...
10:10pm Thu 4 Feb 10

So being literate is elitist? An interesting concept, it was the norm before New Labour screwed up the education system by lowering standards.

Don't have to quote the Mail -
http://www.telegraph
.co.uk/education/edu
cationnews/4942853/U
niversity-standards-
being-dumbed-down-cl
aim-academics.html

It's pretty much the consensus.

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thisistheheff says...
11:15pm Thu 4 Feb 10

There's a significant difference between screwing up the education system and giving talented people the resources and opportunities they deserve to pursue a career. These 'pseudo degrees' open doors for people who don't otherwise have the contacts or means to prove themselves. It's naive not to acknowledge how valuable these courses are.

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katielou says...
11:55pm Thu 4 Feb 10

Get-a-grip just because a few posters have made typing errors in the rush to get their feelings and opinions across to you does not mean that all the students currently attending YSJ (or previous graduates) are illiterate! It is easy to make typing errors when you are passionate about the point you are trying to make and are therefore rushing to type it.
I hope you don't reply to this because you have taken Mr Wallis up on his generous offer and are currently out seeing the good work these students are doing in the community around the campus. Hopefully he will be able to show you what students can achieve, however this is something I strongly doubt. People with such bigoted views as the ones you seen to hold rarely change those views even when they see contradictory evidence firsthand.

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katielou says...
12:06am Fri 5 Feb 10

*seem

See I've done it myself!

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emmajc88 says...
1:37pm Fri 5 Feb 10

As a current student of york st john, also studying English language & linguistics I would like to ask 'Get-a-grip' how do you expect the future generations to get a decent job without a degree, if the entire population worked part-time or 9-5 jobs in a shop or such places how would the next generation of children get an education if there where no students currently getting a degree to then go on an educate them, theirselves.
I would also like to ask, did you go to university and if so how did your degree help you?

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Get-a-grip says...
2:09pm Fri 5 Feb 10

degree to then go on an educate them, theirselves.

Another English student who writes pidgin English. With aspirations to be a teacher as well, that explains a lot. The blind leading the blind, no wonder the appalling literacy of school leavers!

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Jason Wallis says...
2:35pm Fri 5 Feb 10

By now “Get-a-grip” I would have thought you would have realised that pointing out someone has missed the “d” off of the word and or an “l” our of the word illiterate, is a pointless endeavour.

You are just proving yourself to be pretentious rather that literate. I would like to once again offer for you to come and speak to me as your views do concern me and I would like to have the opportunity to try and change your opinion on students, face to face, rather than hiding behind screen names.

Our students are of great value to the local and national community and I believe a great many literate people in the community would agree with me.

Regards

Jason Wallis

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katielou says...
12:43am Sat 6 Feb 10

Get-a-grip once again you are showing your ignorance by judging all of the students from YSJ by the spelling errors of a few.
As I have already said I am a previous graduate of YSJ, I graduated as a qualifed teacher and I resent the implication that I am not fit to do my job because I am "illiterate".
Jason please do not waste any more energy trying to explain the situation and the good work your doing in the community to Get-a-grip, this person is clearly not going to change their view, even if they are shown evidence to prove them wrong. It's not just locally and nationally that students of YSJ are valued. Many of our graduates have managed to secure themselves decent jobs abroad, in many different fields. Not bad for a bunch of "barely literate job dodgers".

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Troll_killer says...
3:07pm Mon 8 Feb 10

Get-a-grip is a troll attempting to provoke you into an angry response. Don't feed the troll.

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Get-a-grip says...
4:08pm Mon 8 Feb 10

I've really touched some nerves. I think literacy is very important, and so do employers.

http://www.scribbler
.org.uk/Blog/tabid/6
69/EntryID/935/Defau
lt.aspx

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katielou says...
1:02am Wed 10 Feb 10

Get-a-grip I think if you read back through the posts you'll find that at no point did anyone say literacy was unimportant.
Both as a qualified teacher and someone who has had to make decisions on employing people I understand the importance of both literacy and numeracy.
What we disagree with is your conclusion that all university leavers are literate job dodgers. I think I can safely say with the number of application forms I would have to wade through everytime I advertised a job that a large number of university graduates are neither job dodgers or literate!

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Get-a-grip says...
2:49pm Wed 10 Feb 10

What we disagree with is your conclusion that all university leavers are literate job dodgers. I think I can safely say with the number of application forms I would have to wade through everytime I advertised a job that a large number of university graduates are neither job dodgers or literate!

I'll correct that for you.

I think you will find I have concluded they are ILLITERATE job dodgers.

I am glad you have confirmed my opion that a large number of university graduates are NOT literate. I think you mean not illiterate, and to correct your English it should be "neither Job dodgers nor literate", except that you mean illiterate.

Everytime should be every time.

And you are a teacher, because if so you really prove some of my points.

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