James College, York

James College, York

James College is a college at the University of York in the United Kingdom.

History and geography

James College is named after Lord James of Rusholme, the University of York's first Vice-Chancellor, and was built in several stages during the 1990s. Originally a graduate-only college, it admitted its first undergraduate residents in October 1993. As of 2007, it consists of twelve accommodation blocks lettered from "A" to "M" (missing out "I") located across a cable-stayed bridge from Wentworth College and close to Goodricke College and the University's sports centre.

Accommodation

James College has some of the best accommodation on campus although the older blocks (ABC) do not reach the highest levels of luxury. There are three types of accommodation; standard houses, ensuite houses and ensuite flats. Blocks ABC are arranged into houses with a small kitchen on the ground floor. There are 3 houses per block which house 16 people (14 standard single rooms and one double room).

Blocks DEF are the older-style ensuite blocks which are also arranged into houses with a kitchen on the ground floor.

Blocks GHJKLM are the newest blocks and all have ensuite rooms, consisting of a 'pod' or wet room containing a shower, toilet and sink. Each block is (generally) divided into 6 flats which a kitchen per flat. The kitchens are of a good size and are only shared between 6-8 people.

The College Dean and College Tutor also live in one of the blocks. Currently, the College Dean lives in C Block and the Tutor in A Block. The College Administrator's Office is located in G Block.

The Junior Common Room Committee Chairs

• 2007 Alex Clark
• 2006 Anne-Marie Canning
• 2005 Nush Widdess
• 2004 Alice Gamm
• 2003 Naomi Brown
• 2002 Andrew Henton

College events

The quads have lent themselves to the most famous James College tradition, "Quad Dash", held in Week 7 of Summer Term. Quad Dash models itself on the film Chariots of Fire. It was the brainchild of James College Chair, Fergus Drake. College residents turn out in their hundreds to enjoy a day of sunshine, free beer, quad races, ice cream, bouncy castles and fun.

James College is also responsible for the annual Full Stop event. It is held each year in conjunction with a wide variety of societies and raises over £1000 for AIDS charities.

Wildlife

In addition to one of the largest populations of students anywhere on campus, James College is also home to several hundred ducks, geese and other assorted wildfowl. In the summer term, particularly, it is not unusual to find whole flocks of birds patrolling the quads and pecking at kitchen windows. There have been occasions where ducks have been, accidentally, allowed to enter the houses and flats of James College.

Provosts

James College Provosts are listed below:

• Mr Ken Todd, 1990-2007

Ken Todd has been head of James College since it opened. After many rumours suggesting this would be his last year, it has been confirmed that Ken Todd will be retiring on the 30 September 2007.

External links

• JCRC website
• University website page on James College