What is the JCR?
The JCR is the Junior Common Room. It technically has a double meaning; firstly it is the governing body made up of all the undergraduates at Van Mildert. Secondly, it is also a room in college (opposite the bar) which is available for use by any member of college and is where the regular JCR meetings are held, as well as bops, open mic nights and other events.
Each JCR is essentially a mini-Student's Union; it allows the students to make decisions about the running of college. For example, the JCR turnover is £220,000 a year; and through the JCR, we get to decide how all this money is spent!
Mildert attempts to give everyone the opportunity to get as involved as they want in the running of college and presents many valuable opportunities that will really contribute to your experience at Durham University.
Whilst, the JCR and college aren't the be-all and end-all of student life, it really is the core of Durham student life.
How is that different to any other University?
Whilst most universities have halls of residence, with the majority of decisions being made at the central Student's Union, our collegiate system brings the two together. College is both a residence and a governing body. This smaller scale allows everyone to get involved in the running of college! Each student voice can be heard.
Who are the JCR Exec?
The Exec are students (led by the President, a sabbatical student) who lead the running of college on a day to day basis. They each have their individual roles as well as contributing to the central matters of college life.
They have regular meetings to discuss any matters arising and hold JCR meetings throughout the year where the Exec and the rest of college meet to discuss and propose new ideas and issues for the JCR. JCR decisions are subject to vote; depending on the seriousness of the situation, this can range from a show of hands in a meeting, to full-scale electoral votes and referenda.
Committees, Societies and Sports Teams
Committees essentially run the college. Each committee runs a section of college life, from the Executive Committee, who manage the running of College, to Team Bar and Bar Comm, managing the highly successful Mildert Bar, with everything from Environment Committee to Mildert DUCK (Durham University Charities Kommittee) in between. Being part of a committee means you have a hand in running and maintaining college – which always looks great on your CV!
Societies manage the bits of student life we all enjoy. These can be infinitely diverse, and are always changing and growing to suit our needs. And remember, if there isn’t a society that reflects your interest: Anyone can form a society!
Sports Teams. Whilst Durham University Sport is great, it can be incredibly time consuming and exhausting, so in order to have a well rounded university experience many people opt to do college sport. This can be as serious or casual as you like; from Van Mildert Boat Club (VMBC), who compete at races across the North-East and all the way down to London, to Mildert Ultimate Frisbee (MUF).
Each committee, society or team has the same structure as the JCR as a whole. It will have an executive who run and are responsible for the group. Their tasks vary; but will often be responsible for financial and external business which involved degrees of responsibility and duty – again, this will always look good to future employers!
