A film screening at the Students’ Union had to be cancelled last Wednesday as the projector booked out for the event was in use else where in the building.
The screening of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly was planned as part of the disabled students campaign in conjunction with Diversity Week.
The organiser of the event, Welfare Officer Vicky Thompson, said: “I booked a projector well in advance of a film I was showing for Disabled Students’ Week. A week before the event, I confirmed that I definitely had a projector booked, since I had experienced problems with the booking system before.
“On the day, I came to General Office 30 minutes before the film showing to get the projector set up. I was informed that although there were two projectors in the Union, both were already in use, one by the Campaigns Officer and one by a commercial customer, OneVoice, who had booked after myself.”
Thompson added that she was “furious” and explained that “there was no way I could contact those who were attending the film showing to say don’t bother turning up; the only thing I would do was pin some notices of cancellation on the door.”
She also expressed her concern at how this would make the Union look. She said: “It’s reasonable to assume that some of the students coming to view the film were disabled students. I can only say that I am deeply upset and disappointed. This Union needs to reassess its priorities.”
This is not the first time problems have arisen with the booking system in the Students’ Union. Academic Affairs Officer Kate Little told Student Direct: Mancunion: “I booked the Council Chambers and a projector for course rep training on 12 evenings in October. The booking was placed in early September, and I was the first to book it. For about half the events I had no projector because groups that booked after me wanted it more.”
Little also voiced her frustration adding: “How hard can it be to operate a ‘first come, first served’ policy? It is embarrassing that a Union of our size and resources cannot operate a functional room and equipment booking service.”
It is understood that following the system break down last week, the Union are reviewing the room and equipment booking system as well as having ordered two more projectors to cope with demand.
