Question 1

What is the "MCR"?

Accepted Answer

It might be a bit tricky at first but MCR stands for Middle Common Room, which refers to both the physical space and the student body of the graduate community at each Oxford college.

In our case, we are the community of students at Hertford College, enrolled in DPhils, Masters degrees, Post-Docs etc. of which there are around 250 members . The MCR community is represented by an elected committee in College and University meetings.

In term of our physical space, we are quite lucky. Located right at the heart of Oxford, with absolutely magical views, we are located in New Buildings Quad, staircase 7 (abbreviated to NB7). We have our freshly renovated Tea room and the Octagon Events room on the first floor and our Graduate Reading room on the second floor of the tower. We are well equipped with coffee/tea/hot drink-making facilities, and MCR bar which we open for events, sofas and tables, games, etc.

Question 2

What kind of dress is typical at College/MCR events?

Accepted Answer

Different events will require different dress codes and, unless specified, there is no dress code. For example, games nights, film nights, welfare teas, etc. do not have a dress code.
 
However, some social events do. As a general rule of thumb please follow the below dress codes:
 
Boat Parties: Party/Smart, jacket and tie or equivalent for women
Wine and Cheese/Cocktail Nights: Cocktail/Smart dress, unless it is a themed event, in which case the Social Sec will let you know.
MCR Balls and MCR-only Dinners: Formal dress, suit or evening dress equivalent
College Formal Dinners: dress code can range from Smart dress (jacket and tie or equivalent for women) to Formal dress (suit or evening dress equivalent). Hertford’s formal dinners are not informal, but also not overly formal so you will be good anywhere on that spectrum, but it’s better to check with friends if going to other colleges as it varies a bit.
College Balls and Black-Tie Formal Dinners: Black-Tie (sometimes, White-Tie in case of the former). Please note that these events are not organised by the MCR.

Question 3

Can my partner be an MCR member? Can I be a member as an alumnus, post-doc or JRF?

Accepted Answer

Our Constitution and Standing Orders outline the process through which one can become an Associate Member of the MCR.

The following may apply for Associate Membership: 
Any former Full Member;
The spouse or partner of a Full Member;
Any postdoctoral researcher;
Any applicant who demonstrates a desire for a connection with the MCR, who would benefit from a connection with Hertford College, and who can demonstrate sponsorship from two or more members of the MCR;
Any mature undergraduate Junior Member of the College.

​​Associate Members can make use of MCR spaces and attend MCR events upon approval of their nomination at a General Meeting and payment of a small fee.

Question 4

Who is responsible for cleaning the Tea room?

Accepted Answer

It is the duty of all MCR members to wash-up their own dishes and cups after usage. If the Tea room is left in disarray we might have to close it, so please help keep it tidy.

The dishwasher is only to be used for events (to help make everything run smoother) so please do not load it.

Question 5

What do I do when the coffee runs out?

Accepted Answer

Shout for help! Or, alternatively, if something in the MCR Tea room has run out, please let the MCR Food and Housing Officer know by e-mail, and it will be replenished. Likewise, if you notice damage to, or a maintenance issue with something in the MCR, send a message to the MCR President.

Please be patient as committee officers, just like you, have studies and research to attend to – we will try to make more coffee beans available and ask maintenance to fix any issues ASAP.

Question 6

What is an "Exchange Dinner"?

Accepted Answer

Exchange Dinners, organised by the MCR Social Secretary and Steward, are dinners with other Oxford Colleges, featuring both an “away” and “return” leg.

During the “away” dinner, a group of us travels to another College, where we have pre-dinner drinks, formal dinner in their Hall, and either drinks afterwards in their bar or second desserts in the MCR. The “return” dinner, usually about a week later, consists of us inviting them back to Hertford, where we treat them to a similar evening.

Tickets for both legs of the Exchange go out at the same time and are very limited (and so, sell out really quickly), so please make sure you only buy a ticket if you intend to attend both legs of the exchange (check your diary beforehand!)

Question 7

What is a BOP?

Accepted Answer

BOP stands for 'Big Open Party'. BOPs are hosted by MCRs and JCRs and sometimes involve many colleges together. Often a BOP will have a theme and a dress code will be announced ahead of time. Past Hertford BOP themes have ranged from 'Wild West' to 'Under the Sea'.

Question 8

Where can I get more information?

Accepted Answer

More information on things that are organised by College can be found on the College’s Intranet and/or the College’s Handbook.
 
If your question concerns the MCR and what it can do for you please email the MCR President (mcr-president@hertford.ox.ac.uk) who will try to help you or redirect you to someone who can!

FAQs