CUSU is working to increase the accessibility of lectures in two main ways: accessibility of both lecture theatres and lecture notes, and to encourage students and
Accessibility:
Lecture Theatres:
Cambridge, with its eclectic mix of architecture, both ancient and modern, is not known for being particularly friendly to those with physical disabilities. However, since 1st October 2004, the university and colleges have been required to make reasonable "physical adjustments" to their buildings to overcome physical barriers to access.
This campaign to improve access has been run by the Students with Disability Officer and has a separate page.
Lecture Notes:
CUSU believes that lecture notes should be published in formats suitable to all students. In practice, this can be achieved most easily by making all lecture notes available online, before the lectures. This will also allow those who are ill or miss a lecture for any other reason to be able to collect the information distributed.
The University's Centre for Applied Research in Educational Techonologies (CARET) has made this possible by the promotion of CamTools. This program lets course information be distributed to those enrolled on a lecture course quickly and easily. The information is protected behind RAVEN passwords so that it is as secure as if it has been handed out in a lecture.
Faculties are yet to completely embrace the program, especially those which specialise in Arts Subjects. CUSU is working with the Faculty Board Reps. of these faculties to implement the program throughout the entire university.
Punctuality:
With Triposes becoming more complex, with many more inter-faculty combinations possible, it is important that lectures run punctually, in order to give students an opportunity to reach their lectures on time. University lectures start at 5 minutes past the hour and end a 5 minutes to the hour. However, all too often, lecturers are tempted to expand their lectures to fill these spaces at the start at the end.
CUSU is therefore working with Faculty Board Reps. to encourage lecturers to be punctual and is aiming to have notices placed in all lecture theatres to remind lecturers of timings.