MCR Committee

The MCR has a particularly active Committee, drawn from the members of the MCR. The Committee runs most of the aspects of student life and deals with everything from social events to ensuring that MCR operates an environmentally friendly recycling system. The committee members are elected in accordance with the MCR Constitution and it holds regular meetings which all MCR members are invited to attend. Public minutes are recorded at all of the MCR Committee meetings.

The current MCR Committee members are:

President

andrew [dot] whitbyballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Andrew Whitby)

I'm your President for 2009-10. That means I represent your interests to College and the University, chair Committee and General meetings, and make sure other committee members can get on with their jobs (which are really much more important and involve things like making sure the newspapers keep coming and the beer doesn't run out). A big part of my job is supposed to be knowing everything about everything. I don't, but I'm getting quite good at pretending, so send me an email and I'll return a convincing fabrication with an air of authority. And hopefully a pointer to someone who can help you.
I've just finished the MPhil in Economics and am beginning the DPhil. I am usually to be found somewhere between Holywell Manor, College main site and the Manor Road Social Science building, so never far away.

Treasurer/VP

jacobus [dot] cilliersballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Jacobus Cilliers)

I go by the name Jacobus (Yuck – ooh- bis). Do not worry: it is much easier to approach me than it is to pronounce my name. Balliol MCR has (unwisely some might say) bestowed unto me the responsibility of MCR finances. In other words: if you do not hear anything about me I am probably doing an OK job. I also have the dual role of vice president. So, whenever Andrew is too busy with important presidenty stuff, I am the person to contact.
I am in my second year of the MPhil in Economics. I am an enthusiastic member of the college rugby, croquet and water polo teams, and have been described as an ‘intense’ singer in the Balliol choir.
Balliol MCR is known for its inclusive and friendly community and I want to build on that. However, finding your feet in Oxford can sometimes be a daunting prospect. So please: do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or problems; or if you are merely looking for a friendly person to talk to.

Secretary

michael [dot] urbanballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Michael Urban)

Hi everyone! I’m this year’s MCR Committee Secretary. As such, I perform a number of important/boring duties such as keeping minutes at meetings, ensuring that minutes from meetings are available to the general MCR, and providing notice of MCR committee meetings and general meetings of the MCR. I am also the keeper of the constitution and an adept of the arcane lore of MCR standing orders and internal organizational procedure. If you need to know anything about how the MCR works, it’s my job to know the answer to your questions or, at least, find out for you.

When I am not immersed in the esoteric rites of Robert’s rules of order, I am a first year D.Phil student in International Relations and one of the Wardens of Jowett Walk, as well as being the Admiral of the Balliol MCR croquet team. This year will be my third at Balliol having just completed the M.Phil in International Relations.

Bar Managers

edward [dot] grefenstetteballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Edward Grefenstette)

I'm (allegedly) French and (some say) American, but if one thing is certain, I'm 100% a citizen of the glorious Holywell Manor institution that is the Megaron. Along with John, I'll be co-managing the Manor bar for the upcoming year. Fine single malts and other liquors we shall have, and there's anything missing, drop us a line. Better yet, talk to us in person. I'm reading for a DPhil in Computer Science, and resultantly you'll probably find me propping up the bar under the excuse that "my code is compiling". Remember, bar managers make handy friends. See you in the Megaron!

John [dot] Walmsleyballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (John Walmsley)

I'm John, the other half of your dynamic duo of bar managers. If you've got any requests or recommendations for the bar don't hesitate to be in touch, as we can't stock it if we don't know you want it. I'm currently studying a DPhil in Systems Biology and will be captaining the MCR Football Team this year. I'm not sure what more needs to be said, so I'll see you in the Megaron!

Social Secretaries

alex [dot] shabalaballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Alex Shabala)

I’m in my first year at Balliol, reading a DPhil in Mathematical Biology. When I’m not working extremely hard, I am either playing rugby, watching trashy TV shows, or occasionally enjoying a quiet beverage. Together with my fellow ex-Colonial social secretary colleagues, I am hoping to make this year a fun one at Balliol. There are lots of fun bops and exchanges already planned, but if you have any other suggestions, we don’t bite.

Julia [dot] Mathesonballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Julia Matheson)

I’m in my second year at Balliol, reading for a DPhil in Medical Oncology. This year Chris, Kelsey and I are looking forward to bringing back the big Balliol social fixtures and also incorporating some new initiatives starting with a revamped Fresher’s week. If you have the perfect bop theme, new event idea or are just keen to be more involved in MCR social events we’d love to hear from you -just find me around the Manor or drop me a line.

christopher [dot] oatesballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Chris Oates)

This is my third year at Balliol and first of my DPhil in International Relations (just like Admiral Urban above). I'm in charge of Sunday movie selection, so if you have any requests, just let me know. I live out in Jericho, but can be usually be found in the Megaron, Cockpit, and, on Sundays in the fall, at the University Club clinging onto the scraps of American football coverage that make it over here.

Domestic Rep.

john [dot] jordanballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (John Jordan)

I'm your Domestic Representative which means I'm in charge of handling the newspaper subscriptions for the MCR, keeping an eye on the kitchens in Manor to make sure everything is in order (including ensuring sufficient supply of green dots), stocking the cockpit with coffee, tea and biscuits, and other general domestic duties. Plus, you can send any queries about the new kitchen in Dellal my way.
When not repping domesticity, you can find me drinking away in the Megaron or trying to cook up large dinner parties (such as pizza nights, Thanksgiving or perhaps a traditional Sunday Roast - new people are always welcome!). Oh...and I'm reading for a DPhil. in History. Which essentially means I tell stories about sex, violence and magic (or as I like to think of it, sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, 17th-Century-style).

Welfare Rep.

elizabeth [dot] lakeballio [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Liz Lake)

To the untrained eye, it might look like my role is basically feeding you after big MCR nights and stocking the Welfare cupboards with a delightful array of goodies. OK, so that's partly true, but my main job is to help you with stuff. Any kind of stuff. Whether you're after information about the College or University or whether you just need someone to rant at, I'm happy to oblige you. I can promise you tea, biscuits and probably at least one lame joke. I'm going into my second year of a DPhil in Medieval French Literature (unfortunately not a joke), which means I don't have to be in labs like those sciencey types and so I tend to be around more often. E-mail me, or drop by my room (South Wing 45) if you fancy a chat. I've got loads of conversation on cakes and condoms.

Sports Rep.

gavin [dot] sourgenballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Gavin Sourgen)

Due to the poor judgement and general unathletic constitution of the current manor residents I have been elected Sports Rep for the year ahead. My chief employment is to keep manorites in peak physical condition and to offer dazzling sporting statistics during moments of pronounced dreariness in Megaron conversation. When I’m not working on the wolfish instincts of Lord Byron you can find me on the Master’s Field playing elegant cover-drives or controlling the mid-field like Steven Gerrard. If you want to get hot and sweaty I’m the man you need to see.

Environment Rep.

Grace [dot] Liballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Grace Li)

My role as enviro rep is to try and promote environmentally friendly living in the MCR - from tending to the MCR vegpatch to providing fairtrade stuff in the bar. I will also, of course, nag you to recycle at every available opportunity! Our previous enviro rep did a great job of making the MCR an environmentally-aware one which I hope I can continue - if you have any suggestions, feel free to drop me an e-mail. When not going round the Manor turning off the lights, I can be found at the JR hospital (as a 5th year medical student).

Women's Officer

Charlotte [dot] Wrightballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Charlotte Wright)

As Women’s Officer it’s my job to ensure that the interests of women are fairly represented within the MCR. My door is always open for Balliol women to come and discuss any aspect of Oxford life -- no issue too big or too small. I also hope to help facilitate discussion about gender and equality more widely within the MCR. Watch out for talks showcasing the work of distinguished female academics in the new year. Finally, keep an eye on the walls of Balliol’s dining hall as Lady Devorguilla (the woman whose money founded Balliol) should be making her debut picture appearance there in October 2009! When not arguing for fairness and justice, or throwing stones at glass ceilings, I can be found reading Philosophy as a second year BPhil student.

Web/Email Officer

vit [dot] sipalballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Vit Sipal)

Hello, I am Vitek and I am your Web/Email Officer. I mainly take care of the webpage and do maintenance of the mailinglists. I also represent the MCR on regular meetings with the College IT Committee. So if you want to print from your room or more wireless, let me know! I will try my best!
I am in my first year doing DPhil. in electrical engineering. I am proud of my Czech origin. Thus, you can usually find me in the Megaron campaigning for some more "Budweisser Budvars" in the fridge.

For specific computing problems, contact the mcr [dot] computer [dot] officerballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (MCR Computing Officer).

Arts&Research Rep.

Dhananjay [dot] Jagannathanballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Dhananjay Jagannathan)

I'm your Arts & Research Rep. That means I'll try to keep you apprised of artsy happenings around the university and around town, and to run a regular academic seminar for and by MCR members, which will hopefully catch the eye of some SCR members as well. If you want to shape these activities or if you have any other ideas for things that might plausibly be in my purview (which has yet to be fully fixed), do drop me a line.
I'm currently reading for an MSt in Ancient Philosophy, and enjoy singing tenor in the chapel choir and occasionally dabbling in culinary experimentation.

OUSU/JCR Rep.

Christopher [dot] Hinchcliffeballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Chris Hinchcliffe)

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Chris and I have the distinct pleasure of serving as the MCR's JCR/OUSU representative this year. As members of both the JCR and OUSU you will no doubt want to know what's going on in each organization and what exactly it has to do with you. My job is to provide you with the answers in clear and straightforward terms and to make sure that graduate interests, so far as they are involved, are being well considered. At another level, I'll be responsible for fostering relations between the common rooms, so if you have ideas on how this can be done I'm all ears.
I'm reading for a DPhil in Law, but don't call me a lawyer. I'm a philosopher with kingly aspirations. Hopscotch is my drug of choice and sing-alongs my favourite vice. You can find me in the Cockpit early most mornings, sweating, laughing, crying and enjoying really.... good.... coffee.

Living Out Rep.

richard [dot] walkerballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Rich Walker)

As my title may suggest, I live out, and as such many of you may not have met me. So, hi, I'm Rich. I'm currently in the third year of my DPhil, and my seventh year in Oxford. My job is two fold; I represent the (large) proportion of our community who don't live in the Manor complex, and I am here to provide information and advice about living out. If you have any questions, feel free to email me, or, should you be lucky enough to spot me in the Manor, stop me, buy me a drink, then ask me.

General Committee

benjamin [dot] fulcherballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Ben Fulcher)

I'm currently in my second year of a DPhil in Physics. Although my 'general' title doesn't suggest that I'm particularly good at anything, I am very happy to hear your concerns about everything (even outside reason), and will act with the vigour of a pit bull on a poodle in helping to solve them. Try me.

Valentina [dot] Gosettiballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Valentina Gosetti)

Hi everybody! I am your local friendly Italian, studying French, in England (!) I am a third year this year (first year DPhil) and am very happy to help out with general matters, whether it be social events, working groups, or just random matters where extra hands are needed. Please do not hesitate to contact me. See you around the Manor!

ross [dot] beatonballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Ross Beaton)

I’m in my second year of the MPhil in International Relations. I’m something of an architecture aficionado, so looking for me in the Social Science Building is likely to be fruitless. Better try our fine Manor, or main site depending on the hour. This is actually my fifth year at Balliol, so I’ve become a pretty good source of information on the arcane workings of this fine university. I will aim to complement Ben’s pitbull vigour by resolving your problems with the slyness of a cat.

edward [dot] latterballiol [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Ed Latter)

Hi, I'm currently in the 3rd year of my chemistry DPhil (and my 7th year at Balliol!). Any distractions from lab work are welcome so please get in touch if you have any questions which are non-specific to other committee members and I'll do what I can to help.