The beginning of the 1980s was not propitious for the University. It was to see the start of cuts across higher education and a fire in the Chemistry Department.
Staff were exhorted to make economies including turning their room thermostats down to save on heating bills, recycling, and making telephone calls as short as possible. Student bathrooms were locked on one occasion to help save water.
The University was already beginning to have a more pro-active approach to the student market, witnessed in the commencement of Open Days.
The close of the decade with the introduction of the mixed grant and loan scheme was to lend more importance to the 'marketing' of the University.
A 'new blood' initiative was introduced by the Government. This was based on the realisation that most lecturers - being of a similar age - would all retire simultaneously, so money was made available for universities to bid for new staff. Some of York's outstanding academics were appointed during this period.
This was also the new age of information technology, and saw the growth in size and reputation of the Department of Computer Science.
New buildings began to appear with 'Derwith' - an amalgamation of Derwent and Langwith accommodation near Heslington Church, Computer Science (now Environment) in the centre of campus, and the IRISS buildings near Music.
The University celebrated its silver Jubilee with a programme of events including two concerts by Dame Janet Baker, natural history walks, games of boules and a firework display.
The Boomtown Rats were the last band to play in Central Hall - making yet another contribution to the University folklore. Bob Geldof told everyone who could not see to come to the front of the auditorium and nearly 300 people surged to the front and danced on the orchestra pit cover, causing over £1,000-worth of damage. The Students' Union took Bob Geldof to court. The incident raised the whole issue of the suitability of using Central Hall for concerts.
In 1982, the Javanese Gamelan was purchased and has been enjoyed by music students and audiences ever since.
Staff from various quarters helped in setting up the now famous Jorvik Viking Museum. As well as research contributions from the Environmental Archaeology Unit, sounds for the Museum were recorded in the new Electronic Music Studio.
Finally, the 1980s was the decade when some of the University's memorable sculptures were acquired. many a 'Yorkie' has fond memories of the Buddha - a gift from Mrs Elizabeth Cooper from the collection of her father, the late J B Morrell - sitting serenely outside the Language Teaching Centre, and the Dryad - by local sculptor Austin Wright - reclining alongside the yew tree topiary.
Photographs of the University in the 1980s
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