JCR Chair: Denis Antor (He/Him)
Hi, I’m Denis and I’m the JCR Chair for 2021/22. I’m a 3rd year Politics and Philosophy student. I’m a keen badminton and squash player in my spare time, as well as being involved in the Students’ Union, so please contact me about those if you have any questions!
The JCR (or Junior Common Room) is the name for the community of undergraduates in Castle. It is run by students, for students. We are a completely self-governing community, headed up by the executive committee (or “exec”) who help to ensure the JCR runs smoothly and holds great events.
The JCR provides a unique, welcoming community that gives Castle so much of its famous college spirit. Encompassing a diverse range of clubs, societies, events and welfare support, the JCR is a big part of what will make your time at Castle so special. We meet formally once a term at a JCR meeting, but there are things to get involved with almost every day.
Along with two Vice Chairs, it’s my job to ensure that the JCR runs in a fair, accountable and transparent way. I work closely with the exec, whilst maintaining an independent position to provide scrutiny to their work and check that it confirms to the Standing Orders (essentially our constitution and rulebook). You’ll see me helping to run JCR meetings, making sure that everyone gets the chance to voice opinions, asking the exec questions, see what’s going on in our community and vote on important issues. If you apply for one of the many roles that first years can take on within the college, the Vice Chairs or I will be sitting in on your interview to make sure the process is fair.
I’m also an impartial contact if you are unable to approach any of the other JCR officers. I hope to use this role to widen participation and make the college a more inclusive community. Feel free to get in touch with me at any time.
Contact me at castle.jcrchair@durham.ac.uk
