The latest Students’ Union clubs and societies’ quiz scheduled for earlier this month was cancelled at the last minute to an apparent “lack of student interest”. This cancellation means that the funded quiz has yet to be held this year despite being a weekly fixture in previous years. After already having been delayed this year the quiz had been postponed until the 24th November but on that morning an e-mail was circulated stating its cancellation, with no plans for further rescheduling. Historically the quiz had been a weekly event held in one of the SU bars with substantial financial prizes but now there are serious doubts as to whether it will be undertaken by the Union at all in the next semester.
BY CIAN DOHERTY
At the start of this academic year it was decided by the Union management that the quiz would undergo a change in format. This overhaul included making it a monthly event with more prize money. It would be held in The Space, therefore accommodating more people. Many steps were undertaken towards implementing this new format including the purchase of a mobile beer tap unit that could be moved to the Space to provide drinks, but the quiz itself was delayed and now has been cancelled until after Christmas at least.
Rod Martin, Events Coordinator for the Union, cited “a lack of student interest” as the reason for the cancellation of the most recent quiz, and also mentioned problems encountered last year which had necessitated the change in format. These problems included cheating on mobile phones, the perception that the same teams always won and competition from club specific quizzes organised in the Union. Mr Martin does not rule out the possibility of a quiz next semester, however suggested alternative clubs and societies events might be more attractive for students, and attract more funding for the clubs that participated. These could take the form of a more traditional society night out where money is paid at the door and split between the Union and the clubs in attendance. VP clubs and societies Paul Courtney raised the issue that clubs and societies may not be taking advantage of the Union’s facilities and targeted events, stating it was “up to the societies” to get involved in their Union as the means and facilities were available.
From a general student perspective however the cancellation of the quiz represents a further reduction in funding for clubs and societies. Previously the weekly quiz had offered £100 for the 1st placed team, £50 for 2nd and £20 for 3rd.Whilst it was generally understood that the monthly quiz would offer the same amount of funding in larger bundles, its cancellation effectively results in the cancellation of £2040 in funding for clubs and societies throughout the entire semester.
It is not just the matter of funding which has annoyed the clubs however. Queen’s Radio station manager Dave Verner expressed disappointment with the cancellation and particularly the poor way in which it was communicated to clubs.
“Myself, committee members and presenters had planned to enter the event and as such had booked time off work, rescheduled meetings and got shows covered. Finding out it was cancelled that morning was poor form and could have been handled better,” he said.
Although the principal reason given for the cancellation of the quiz was a lack of student interest, many clubs and societies felt it was better viewed as a lack of student awareness and poor communication.
It has also been claimed that no advertisement or publicity was done by the Union management for the event. This is particularly jarring for clubs and societies as much advertisement had been done by management for events which were not even taking place in the Union, such as the recent Richard Hawley concert in the Ulster Hall. Mr Verner voiced his hope that the quiz would be held next semester despite these setbacks.
“It’s a great way for people to meet and for the clubs & socs to network with each other. I would urge the management to advertise it properly and ensure everyone involved is kept in the loop,” he said.
At the time of print Union President Shane Brogan said he was investigating the matter and would act when all the facts had been uncovered.