I've been lurking for a while since moving from Nottingham to Penzance. I've not yet joined the "local" LUG - they probably meet in Exeter (110miles away!).
A few comments of interest to me as an ex-teacher and ex-research assistant at LUT for which I had to help in the lab classes. I think a lot of what has been said about lectures, lab classes, etc. has been about right. I think that there is a problem also that many students aren't really certain of the learning system and their relation to it. Primarily, the problem is that uni's like to be prestigious research establishments and those staff interested in the learning process - especially the conveyor belt of undergrads - are at risk of being sidelined. Lecturers are under pressure to secure funds for research projects and write papers. Students are for bringing money into the place! As my old boss said as I talked to him before he went to take a lecture: "Let's shine a little darkness where once there was light".
I seem to recall a legal case where a student claimed to have been encouraged by his coursework marks that he should have got a higher grade than he was expecting. This did have an effect on unis at the time but I'd be surprised. I remember marking work and giving feedback - it's to be expected.
As for not allowing drinks into computer labs - I'm afraid I'm on the side of the staff as I've seen too many inconsiderate idiots. It's just a pity that they spoil it for others. Can't comment on some of the other rules, though.
Peter Butterfield
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