Headlines

The civilian population of Utrecht is not going to be able toexperience real-life studenthood in a student house. The UniversityBoard has dumped the 'Glasshouse' plan submitted as part of theuniversity's 365th anniversary celebrations. The idea was for theresidents of a student house to live in a transparent dwelling onthe Domplein for a few weeks and reveal to a fascinated Utrechtwhat time students get up and go to bed, what they eat, which TVprograms they watch and when they study and go to class. Only thebedrooms, toilet and shower were to remain behind opaque doors. Theboard refused to finance the Glasshouse after gathering, from aswift sample of staff, that too few people would be interested.Disappointed student members Tuesday asked the board to reconsiderits decision.

Colleges

The University College Utrecht is in for some competition. TheUtrecht institution's success in attracting three times as manyapplicants as it has places, has inspired other universities tofill a gap in the market. The universities of Maastricht and Twentenow have plans to set up Colleges. In 2002 it should be possiblefor "curious high school graduates interested in multi-disciplinaryissues" to choose from among three Colleges.

Gowns

Utrecht University's most traditional garment will also soonface competitors. Twenty fashion students at the Utrecht School ofFine Arts have started designing gowns, which will be paraded at afashion show on 26th March, the universitys 365th birthday. Thetask of designing a new gown should be conducted within strictparameters, thinks fashion lecturer Van Kooten. "The garment shouldcontinue to exude dignity and authority. The difference between thegown and other types of clothing is that it doesn't accentuateindividuality but rather creates anonymity. We have measured up anexisting gown for the students and made a pattern. After thattheyll be able to alter elements of the gown according to their owntaste."