The JCR is run by students, for students.
JCR stands for Junior Common Room, but we always refer to it as the JCR. The JCR is the undergrad student body and is essentially a Students’ Union for the students of Trevs – we’re registered with the Charity Commission as a Students’ Union, so coming to Durham you get two students’ unions with the DSU (Durham Students Union) and the JCR. Within Trevs there is also an MCR (Middle Common Room – for masters and postgrad students) and an SCR (Senior Common Room – for members of college staff and tutors).
The JCR is made up of approximately 650 undergraduates. Whether you live in college or are living out, you are part of the JCR. The JCR is a registered charity and as such is bound by the objects of its Constitution. The day-to-day running of the JCR is done by the Executive Committee but there is also a board of trustees made up partly of current students and alumni.
Whatever you’re interested in, the JCR wants to hear about it. It’s here to facilitate you and help you make the most of your time in Durham!
The JCR runs a whole load of events in college like formals, the Summer Ball and Trevs Day. It also runs the Buttery, maintains college equipment, provides welfare support, and represents the views of Trevs students to the University. In fact, there are almost endless opportunities to get involved in Trevs because of the work that the JCR does. Coming along to JCR meetings means that you can directly have a say in what goes on in college. You can also sit on one of the committees and help plan the social events, organise welfare campaigns or even read constitutions! On top of that there are all the JCR clubs and societies. From football, rugby and rowing to orchestra, choir and croquet, Trevs really does have it all. See the ‘How do I get involved?’ section for more information.
You pay a ‘JCR Due’ at the start of your first year which covers you for your three years in Durham. For 2011/12 this was £99.50 – roughly £33 a year. For this you get access to all the services the JCR provides and can join any club, society or committee. The money is spent on welfare supplies, newspapers, supporting clubs and societies, other services like a photocopier and much much more. You can opt out of the JCR and this charge if you like though.