Student Union responds to Greyfriars Closure

On Tuesday evening, Greyfriars Hall announced to students and staff that the Hall would relinquish its status as a Permanent Private Hall of the University from the end of the 2007-2008 academic year. The remaining 34 students at Greyfriars will be transferred to Regent’s Park College from 2008-2009.

OUSU will be working with the University and the Common Rooms involved to ensure that students are supported and kept well informed throughout the transition.

Louise Randall, Vice President (Welfare and Equal Opportunities) said: “The Student Union’s Advice Service will be available to any student who wishes to talk about the transition. Any period of change may be difficult, but we’ll be working to support students to ensure that they settle into their new home at Regent’s Park as smoothly as possible.”

The decision comes after an extensive review by the Capuchin Fransiscan order of their activities and missions in Oxford and beyond. Greyfriars has been working with the University to ensure that their students can continue their academic career at Oxford with minimum disruption.

Martin McCluskey, OUSU President, said: “Given the circumstances, we’re pleased with how the central University are handling the situation and we’re confident that the move to Regent’s Park is the best solution for Greyfriars students and their academic experience at the University.”

OUSU’s Vice President (Access and Academic Affairs), James Lamming, said: “We want to make sure student’s have the best experience as possible at Oxford and we hope this move to Regent’s Park will provide a level of learning provision that will help all the students achieve their full potential."