Graduate College is the only college in Lancaster University

Lancaster University

Lancaster University, officially The University of Lancaster, is a leading research-intensive British university in Lancaster, Lancashire, England. The university was established by Royal Charter in 1964 and initially based in St Leonard's Gate until moving to a purpose-built 300 acre campus at...

 to take postgraduate students rather than undergraduates. Until its creation in 1992 each of the other eight colleges also took postgraduates. The university had a lot of success in postgraduate work, and it was felt postgraduates should have their own college for social, administrative and accommodation purposes. All incoming postgraduate students are members of the college, even including those Lancaster graduates who were members of other colleges when undergraduates.

Instead of having a JCR, there is a GSA (Graduate Students' Association). This is still the body of the students, and representatives are voted in. Graduate College students also still vote in the students union elections.

The college bar, The Herdwick, is known for its large beer festivals, its constant supply of real ale and a variety of whiskies. It is listed in the Good Beer Guide

Good Beer Guide

The Good Beer Guide is a book published annually by the Campaign for Real Ale listing what they consider to be the best cask ale outlets in the United Kingdom.-Details:...

, one of three student bars in the country to be included. It is also known for its weekly live music nights, usually every Thursday when a mix of student and non-student bands play in the bar.

Governance

According to the college constitution the aims of the college are:

"to stimulate and support graduate studies at the University, to enhance the University's national and international academic reputation, and to advance knowledge, wisdom and understanding".

College Officers

• Principal - Claire Povah
• Vice-Principal - Dr Paul Dolby
• Dean - Gareth Ellis
• Resident Assistant Deans - Aaron Hunsberger
• College Welfare Officer - Bev Abram
• College Administrator - Jane Hulland
• College Residence Officers - Lucyann Featherstone, Joy Payne & Heather Hobson
• College Porters - Kevin Forsythe, Geoff Todd, Nino Sebilla and Kevin Baird.
• Bar Licensee - Gareth Ellis

Past GSA Presidents

• 2010-2011: Sarah Taylor
• 2009-2010: Robin Hughes
• 2008-2009: Rachel Faulkner, then Eleanor Fitton
• 2007-2008: Dhrupad Jhaveri
• 2006-2007: Simon Connor
• 2005-2006: Anish Sahu
• 2004-2005: Ben Soffa
• 2003-2004: Chris Cotton, then Conall Kirley

Past Principals

• 2008-2011: Mr Jo Hardman
• 2002-2008: Professor Maurice Kirby
• 1992-2002: Professor Chris Park