We are very aware that the behaviour of the minority is deeply damaging and for the offence caused I apologise.

Immediately following its publication, the article in The Sheffield Telegraph was brought to the attention of all of our 20,000 students through a joint letter from the Vice-Chancellor and the Union of Students reminding them that misconduct in the community is a disciplinary offence under the Student Charter.

The cover photograph and letter have also been combined to produce a poster for use with students, landlords and residents, to again reinforce the crucial importance of good behaviour in the local community.

Further, we have reviewed our policy with regard to houses in multiple occupation. It has for some time been our intent to move to much greater use of managed student accommodation, which is why since 2005 and the development of the student village we sold off some 130 houses which have reverted to family houses.

However, we have also written to all private landlords registered with the university (a standard substantially beyond council registration with more regular inspections and requirements regarding tenant behaviour) to notify them that any landlords not fully complying with and responsive to the university requirements will be deregistered. We have also written to members and officers of Sheffield City Council urging greater enforcement of existing legislation with landlords who are in breach of the law.

This year our ongoing working relationship with South Yorkshire Police includes jointly funding an additional police presence until 4am at the start of term. We have enhanced our university security team by 11 staff and an additional patrol vehicle. While responsibility for policing clearly remains firmly with the police, our security team provide a first response and 24-hour contact for local residents. All of this represents a significant commitment to positive community relations.

However, we also wish to keep a sense of context and avoid any stigmatisation of students overall. Our students are a great benefit to our city. Over 1,200 student volunteers support 140 community organisations, charities and schools in the city each year.

Rag, the union's student-led charitable fundraising initiative, last year raised over £60,000 for local, national and international charities and the Union of Students' annual Give As You Rent appeal raised over £21,000 for Sheffield organisations working to support the homeless.

I trust that we can continue to work together with all our students, other agencies and local residents to resolve the problems of misconduct by the few and continue the vibrant role we play in the success of our city.



What do you think? Add your comments below

More:

Letters
Forum
Local News
Local Sport
Arts Guide