Bournemouth University to introduce fines for excessive sand in lecture theatres over damage concerns

Bournemouth University has introduced a fine for students who bring excessive sand in lecture halls due to the cost of cleaning it up.

In a leaked email sent to university staff, the institution explained it is taking measures to minimise the amount of sand travelling into the halls after “beach-residue” caused damage to property.

Staff will now monitor entrance to lectures and issue fines to any student who, after having been to the beach, is still visibly covered in sand. 

Those deemed “too sandy” will be asked to dust themselves done outside, and they will have £30 automatically added to their tuition bill. 

The email explained that, despite the beach being a wholesome place for students to spend their spare time, the new fine will prevent “further instances of property damage” and will “ensure comfort of all lecture attendees.”

Although they have been asked to remind students of the new policy, staff members are exempt from the fine.

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Mandy Waters, a first year biology student, told The Bournemouth Tab she is seriously considering missing lectures because of the fine.

She said: “Grains of sand are buried so deep into the crevices of my bags and pockets that it would be impossible for me to enter a lecture fully sand-free.”

However, Bournemouth University has stressed that students will only be fined for amounts of sand deemed to be “copious.”

Professor Beeche, who teaches English, said: “The university isn’t unreasonable. It’s not going to punish a student for a grain or two, but if they start bringing whole sand castles into lectures with them, that’s when the problems start.”

You should probably check the date, you April fools!

Featured image via Unsplash and Bournemouth University