Senior Common Room (SCR)

Welcome to the web pages of St Mary's College Senior Common Room. The purpose of the SCR is to enhance the student experience, provide a forum for academic interactions, promote the College, and foster good relationships with benefactors. We aim to achieve this through a wide range of activities organised by the SCR Committee and in collaboration with the College and the JCR/MCR.

Events include formal dining in college, inviting after dinner speakers, academic lectures, visits to places of interest in the region, engagement with the arts and attending whole college functions (dinners, balls, arts performances). Our vibrant SCR plays a full part in the college community and encourages both academic and non-academic colleagues to join us.

Membership

The SCR comprises a wide range of people, most of whom are current or former employees of the university, though can also include local residents. Specifically, College Officers and Senior Residents, Visiting Fellows, College Mentors, and a diverse group of elected members from within the University and also from the local community form our SCR, providing a stimulating mixture of people to share our various events with.

New members are encouraged and so if you are interested in becoming a member of the SCR please feel free to contact the Secretary in the first instance, or the President or the College Principal, along with sending a copy of your CV and your reasons for wanting to join.

Benefits of membership

Members can dine on high table both formally and informally. The SCR enjoys a formal meal typically once per week, usually on Tuesdays in term time. These range from full hall events to SCR only high table formals. Despite the tradition of wearing academic gowns, our formal meals are relaxed and cheerful and members enjoy the friendly, international atmosphere whilst meeting new people and greeting old friends.

Our termly programme of events includes lectures, art exhibitions, film evenings, gourmet evenings and meals for special occasions, outings to theatres, museums or other places of interest. We are always open to suggestions from the membership for new activities to enhance the range of activities available.

The SCR offers support to the JCR and MCR in various ways. We enjoy participating in their dances, dramatic and musical events, and invite members to many of the SCR activities. The SCR also sponsors a Research Award for undergraduates wishing to undertake a research internship at the University. The SCR is also committed to supporting the College in its Widening Participation activities and to enhancing the academic life of the College.

The facilities available for SCR members include the use of an elegant common room which provides a quiet space for relaxation at any time of day. Hot coffee and tea are available at any time during term. Members can also sign in for high table informal meals whenever they wish and attend any SCR events.

College hosted an Art Exhibition by Martin Kinnear, during October 2024, information can be found via the link below:

Martin Kinnear Art Launch 24 October 2023

Martin Kinnear Promo Info

The SCR committee

The committee, in collaboration with the college, run the SCR and are listed below: