School of Social and Political Science

Introduction

Information for new undergraduate students in Politics and International Relations

What is the Chrystal Macmillan Dinner?

The Chrystal Macmillan Dinner celebrates and welcomes our new undergraduate students in Politics and International Relations. It is named after one of our most distinguished graduates, Chrystal Macmillan.

Our first-year class has a large number of students so we will run the dinner over two nights (Wednesday 21 September and Monday 26 September). Please choose which evening you would like to attend. The arrangements for both dinners are identical. You can only attend one dinner.

The idea is to introduce you to fellow students on your course, members of the Edinburgh Political Union (our student society for Politics and International Relations) and academic staff. There will be around 20 tables of 10 guests. There will be a mixture of academic staff and students at each table.

What is the format of the evening?

The evening begins at 7.30pm with a drinks reception in the Old College Quadrangle. If it is raining, students should proceed directly inside to the Playfair Library Hall from 7.30pm.

Students should be seated at their table by 8pm. There will be a notice board at the entrance to the Playfair Library Hall with the table plan. A card with your name on it will be at your seat. Seating arrangements will be carefully planned with the caterer and you may not move seats.

The Head of Politics and International Relations will deliver a short word of welcome. There will then be a three-course meal followed by tea and coffee.

After dinner is finished (around 10.15pm), members of the academic staff will depart. Students are then invited to the After Party, organised by the Edinburgh Political Union (EPU).  This event features a live band and a bar. It will take place in Teviot Underground in Teviot Row House (the main Edinburgh University Students’ Association Building on Bristo Square), a five-minute walk from Old College. This event is free to attend. Students who cannot make the dinner are still most welcome to attend the After Party (on one night only). The President of the EPU will email you separately to invite you to this event.

What is the cost and how do I register?

What is the cost?
This dinner is sponsored by the School of Social and Political Science but there is a cost of £10 per student. This is payable on registration.

Do I need to register to attend?
Yes. Prior registration is essential.

Register for the dinner on Monday 26 September.

The deadline for registering for both dinners is 11.59pm on Sunday, 11th of September 2022. This  deadline is essential because we need to give final numbers to the caterer in good time before the event. You cannot attend the dinner unless you have registered and paid before the deadline.

What if I have registered and then find that I can no longer attend the dinner?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you are no longer able to attend the dinner (ssps.student-development@ed.ac.uk). The £10 registration fee is not refundable.

Arrangements for food, drinks and dietary requirements

Dinner will consist of a three-course meal with tea and coffee. There are two menus to choose from, one of which is vegetarian/vegan. 

What about dietary requirements?
The online registration form will prompt you to input your requirements. You can choose between two menus.

What are the arrangements for drinks?
Orange juice will be served at the drinks reception in the Old College Quadrangle. There will be water, cloudy lemonade and ginger beer on each table. There will also be red and white wine for those who want a glass of wine with dinner. The online registration form will prompt you to state your preference. Students who are under 18 years old are not allowed to take wine with dinner and will automatically be provided with a soft drink.

What is the exact location?

This dinner will take place in the Playfair Library Hall, a spectacular room at the heart of the University. Students should enter Old College from South Bridge. If the weather permits, there will be a drinks reception outside. If it is raining, students should proceed through the door on the south-east corner of the Quadrangle (indicated below). Members of the Edinburgh Political Union will be on hand inside and outside to guide students to the venue. The address is: Old College, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL.

Accessibility:  If you require step-free access to the venue, please contact the Student Development Office (ssps.student-development@ed.ac.uk) and we can arrange this. There is a separate door and a lift. Please also let us know if you have any other accessibility requirements.

Contacts and other relevant information

What happens after the dinner?
Students can go home or join fellow students at the EPU After Party in Teviot Underground.

Is attendance mandatory?
No. You should only attend if you want to. This is an early opportunity to meet other students on your course but there will be other opportunities to meet students and staff throughout the year.

What is the dress code for the evening?
There is no dress code and you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Smart casual might be used as a rough guide; this is not a black-tie/heels event.

What if I have other questions?
Contact the Student Development Office (ssps.student-development@ed.ac.uk).