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Welcome to our weekly in Focus update...... |
Past Issues << | Issue 97: Thursday 17 April 2008 |
This week's update on the National Student Survey response rates shows that 48% of eligible students have so far completed the National Student Survey 2008. This is a 2% increase on last week's 46% but to reach the required 50%, which means our results will published nationally, we need around 60 more students to complete the survey.
The nationally published data also feed into the Times and Guardian university league tables - potentially raising the profile of our degree programmes and institution.
The survey is open until the end of April.
We would like you to:
- Send emails to your final-year undergraduate students recommending they complete the survey. We have a 'ready-to-go' email, which details the ten prizes on offer, namely five European flights to the value of £120 and five Amazon vouchers.
- Discuss the National Student Survey with your final-year students, and encourage them to complete it if they have not already done so.
- Invite UELSU President Caston Matewu, to your third year classes to talk about the survey.
For a copy of the 'ready-to-go' email or to invite Caston to your class, contact Karen O'Connor on infocus@uel.ac.uk. Eligible students can complete the survey at any time at: www.thestudentsurvey.com
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New No Smoking signage is to be installed on our Docklands and Stratford campuses following on from the recommendations of our Health and Safety Committee. At Docklands the signs (Smoking is prohibited within7m of this entrance area) are to go initially around the main entrances to our Business School and Library Building, AVA Building, Knowledge Dock Building, West Building and East Building and at our Stratford campus around University House and the temporary lecture theatres.
We hope these signs will help the vast majority of our staff and students, who are non-smokers, to come and go without being exposed to tobacco smoke each time they enter a building. The measures are likely to be particularly welcomed by staff who work near the entrances to our buildings.
Alan Ingle, Chair of our Health and Safety Committee explains: “My committee is mindful of its responsibilities to our community and, working with staff and students and their representatives, we would like to see an early end to all smoking on campus. The new signage is a helpful next step."
As well as the obvious health problems and financial drawbacks, a staggering 114,000 people die each year due to smoking-related illnesses. Encouragingly, research shows banning smoking helps smokers to give up. In Scotland, an estimated 21% of the nation’s smokers gave up, following the introduction of their 2006 ban on smoking in public places.
If you would like to stop smoking the NHS Stop Smoking Service is widely available at GP surgeries and pharmacies. Staff and Students who would like help to give up smoking are welcome to book an appointment by calling 020 8223 7611 or email healthcentre@uel.ac.uk
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UEL is running a Transversal study visit in November, see page 280 of the catalogue for more information: http://www.transversal.org.uk/core/core_picker/download.asp?id=59
While we are not actually looking for UEL staff to come on our study visit (which is possibly not allowed under the rules), anyone who works at UEL would be eligible to attend one outside the UK.
The arrangement with Transversal is that once the EU has given approval to a proposed study visit, Transversal will pay a travel and subsistence grant to attend. For a media pack on Transversal visit the following link: http://www.transversal.org.uk/core/core_picker/download.asp?id=60&filetitle=Media+Pack+%28zip+file%29
The application deadline is 30 April.
Launched by Xcel magazine, nominations are open for Student of the Year Awards 2008 - Widening Access for Multi-Ethnic and Minority Groups.
Deadline for nominations end of May
For more information, visit: http://www.courses-careers.com/xcel/student-awards/xcel-sponsorship-options.htm
Carlando Francis (pictured left) has joined our Graduate School. Carlando says: " I am responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of effective support services and structures for research, scholarship, ethics and governance and our postgraduate research programmes. I also promote dialogue and collaboration within and between our academic schools to enhance our provision for research. In addition, I manage administrative staff within the Graduate School.
"I graduated from the University of the West Indies in 2000 with a BA in History and MSc in Government (Public Administration). I was Corporate Services Specialist for the National Youth Service in Jamaica, focusing on programme, recruitment and account management from 1999 – 2004. I then spent over three years at London Metropolitan University and Cass Business School where I had responsibility for programme management, as well as setting up systems and processes, for the effective delivery of 17 Specialist Masters Programmes. I am currently studying for an MBA."
Congratulations to Neil Simmonite who was elected Council Member to the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in April. Neil was elected by the members to stand on the national Council of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. This is the foremost professional podiatric body and leads policy discussions on national strategy and professional practice.
Pictured: Neil Simmonite at the launch of the Clinical Centre for Education in January.
Dr Susannah Radstone has been awarded a four-month Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Research Leave award, "match-funding" an earlier period of sabbatical leave, which together have allowed her to concentrate exclusively on finishing her research project, Getting Over Trauma: New Paradigms in Trauma Theory.
Susannah's project takes a fresh look at theories of trauma, as they have been influencing recent research in the social sciences and humanities. Beginning with a discussion of the politics and ethics of trauma theory, it concludes with a series of film analyses aimed at destabilising current thinking. In those chapters her work offers 'non-traumatic' analyses of canonical trauma films, while suggesting that genres not usually associated with historical turbulence and catastrophes -- the romantic comedy and the family drama for instance -- may be more intimately associated with the working-through of the past than current theories allow. The project is to be published as a book.
Dr Susannah Radstone is Reader in Cultural Theory in our School of Social Sciences, Media And Cultural Studies.
Wednesday 23 April, WB.2.03, 2 pm - 3.30 pm Docklands Campus
If you would like an opportunity to talk about your views on forced marriage then come and join us on the day. Any information you provide will be treated confidentially and names will not be used in the report on the focus groups.
Light refreshments will be available and as a thank you for your time you will receive a £5 Boots voucher at the end of the event.
To book a place NOW contact:
Jasbir Panesar at UEL on 0208 223 4356/email: j.k.panesar@uel.ac.uk or Neera, Rubina or Sabah on 020 8373 6220/18 Enfield Saheli, Community House, 311 Fore Street, Edmonton N9 0PZ
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Innovation in Assessment lunchtime seminar hosted by the School of Psychology.
Wednesday 23 April 2008 TL01 Stratford Campus 1pm - 1.45pm. Please contact Chris Pawson, c.pawson@uel.ac.uk if you wish to attend.
You are warmly invited to a number of lunchtime seminars, led by our Schools. The aim is to share and disseminate good practice which will support and enhance our student experience . The areas chosen by the Schools have been commended in this year's Validation and Review Sub-Committee (VRSC) Report.
Innovation in Assessment includes a discussion of a variety of methods,including: student designed assessment, debating, student research conferences and online assessment.
The lunchtime seminars offer an excellent opportunity for you to learn about areas of good practice and be involved in wider discussion on how this could be taken forward in your own areas/schools.
The Reverend L. Ken Davies Associate Chaplain UEL reflects on his ministry in war torn Sierra Leone
Thursday 24 April 2008, 1 p.m.Docklands Campus Room EB 101
Admission: Free
Issues raised will not only be a personal story, but those of power and powerlessness and the application of the Christian Gospel in situations of
tension and violent conflict.
Invitation is open to all who are interested - and especially those who may have been in a similar situation or those working with people in similar circumstances.
For further details phone: 020 8223 7078 / 020 8519 2774 / 0783 497 1467 or E-mail: kendavies90@hotmail.com
Wednesday 7 May 12pm - 8pm, our third annual free arts and cultural festival on the waterfront, Docklands campus.
The exciting programme features free performances and fresh artistic productions, which include: an art and sculpture fair, music, dance, poetry and theatrical performance, bringing together the work of professionals, students, as well as schools and community groups, in a seasonal celebration of creativity.
Highlights include performances from Samba and Calypso bands, Urban dance crews, Bollywood divas, Jazz bands, Gospel choirs, singer song-writers and poets, and a mystery headline act to be confirmed.
There will be innovative performance arts, unique guided walking trails, exhibitions of recycled sculpture, fashion and textiles, and an art fair. The 'Cine-fest' programme includes student work and a screening of Zina Saro-Wiwa's new film This is my Africa. Visitors can take part in music and dance workshops, and a climactic carnival parade along the waterfront of the Royal Docks.
Please be aware that there will be restricted parking and movement of cars on the day. We advise colleagues to avoid parklng in the AVA car park and roads around Knowledge Dock. Instead, please use the the main car park and car parks by the student residences. Please also remember that vehicles should travel at a maximum speed of 5mph on campus.
For full details, visit www.uel.ac.uk/mayfest
Pictured: Revellers at Mayfest 2007
One day conference: Friday, 9 May, Stratford Campus, (Duncan House, E15 2JB)
The two general themes are: the current terrorist threat and what implications this has for London 2012, and secondly, major (sporting) event security and lessons learned. Within this framework we're hoping to cover a number of issues (ie. countering suicide terrorism, transport security, vetting, the role of surveillance, technology, public/private sector responsibilities and so on).
We are hosting a number of leading experts in the field of terrorism studies, from the security sector and in major (sporting) event security (including Professor Paul Wilkinson, University of St Andrews, Professor Frank Gregory, University of Southampton, Professor Andrew Silke, University of East London, DAC Richard Bryan, Olympic Security Directorate and Keith Weston, former head of the Police International Counter-Terrorism Unit). The conference will conclude with a discussion panel to discuss some of the major issues (and perhaps raise new ones).
To register for the conference please visit the conference website at http://www.uel.ac.uk/olympicsecurity .
For more information contact: Dr Anthony Richards Senior Lecturer in Terrorism Studies a.richards@uel.ac.uk
Wednesday 14 May 2008, 5pm East Building, EB.G.06, Docklands Campus, University Way, London E16 2RD
by Professor Andrew Blake, author of The Irresistible Rise of Harry Potter
The Harry Potter phenomenon remains unquenchable. The last four books were each the top seller on internet book dealer Amazon well before their release. There have been translations into over 50 languages. In January 2001, translated Harry Potter books were the no.1 bestseller in all the countries of Latin America. The films have been so successful that Warner Brothers don’t want to stop making them – they are proposing to make two films of the last book.
So why all this interest (from kids and adults alike) in an apprentice wizard who doubles up as a not very articulate, but very angry, teenager? The lecture will propose four related answers. Firstly, the stories concern education at a time when classroom standards, even the very uses and purposes of education, are subject to massive anxiety. Secondly, the economy is now treated as magical; and the Potter books and films play with that fantasy. Thirdly, through Harry’s constant thoughts about his parents and his relation to Voldemort, the books and to a lesser extent the films deal with an identity in crisis, while twisting its snakelike way around this problem and everything else is the fourth answer: the stories’ exploration of good and evil in our time of global confrontation.
All welcome, admission FREE.
For further details visit: www.uel.ac.uk/lectureseries or, contact Franc Gooding on 020 8223 2884. To register please email events@uel.ac.uk.
For travel information to our Docklands campus see: www.uel.ac.uk/about_uel/why_uel/docklands.htm
Docklands Campus – Friday 27 June 2008.
Whilst the concept of celebrity has traditionally been perceived as a phenomenon of the twentieth century, this conference seeks to reconsider its production and consumption across a broader historical timeframe. Centuries of Celebrity is an interdisciplinary conference which opens up a dialogue between participants in relation to the meaning and value of fame across the centuries and in so doing re-examines what it means to be famous.
Places are limited to 100. For the programme email Janet Riddle at J.Riddle@uel.ac.uk To reserve a place please follow the link below and complete the on-line form.
http://www.uel.ac.uk/gradschool/fame-booking.asp
The European Cultural Foundation - Cultural Policy Research Award
Deadline: 23 May 2008
Open to young-35-or under academics, researchers and policy makers from all European countries, the award is designed to stimulate academic and applied cultural policy research and to explore, through comparative cross-national research, issues at stake in contemporary Europe. Issues covered so far vary between the raison d'etre of a European cultural policy, creative industries in South-East Europe, and the issues of diversity and the commodification of culture in the cultural industries. Please visit http://www.eurocult.org/news-events/?article_id=63
The Wiener Library - Fraenkel Prize
Deadline: 15 May 2008
The Fraenkel Prize, sponsored by Mr Ernst Fraenkel OBE, joint President of the Library and former Chairman, will be awarded for an outstanding work of twentieth-century history in one of the Wiener Library’s fields of interest, i.e. the political history of Central and Eastern Europe; Jewish history; the two world wars; antisemitism; and the ideologies and movements of political extremism and totalitarianism. Please visit http://www.wienerlibrary.co.uk/educationandoutreach/fraenkelprize.aspx
British Federation of Women Graduates - Charitable Foundation Grants
Deadline: 14 May 2008
These grants help women graduates with their living expenses while registered for study or research at an approved institution of higher education in Great Britain. Grants will not normally exceed £4,000 and will only be available for the final year of a PhD or DPhil. The criteria are the proven needs of the applicant and their academic calibre and all grants are offered on a needs basis. Not all grants therefore will be for £4,000. Please visit http://www.ffwg.org.uk/.
IMPORTANT REMINDER for RESEARCH BIDDING PROCEDURES at UEL
Our academics are kindly reminded that for applications of £ 1,000 or more, it is essential they follow the UEL Research Bidding Procedures (“RGA route”) as outlined at http://www.uel.ac.uk/gradschool/research/getfund.htm . If the bid is less than £ 1,000, you only need to follow the “RGM route”, which removes the institutional approval stages, but you still should inform the Graduate School to help us record UEL's bidding activity. All bidders are asked to inform the Graduate School as soon as they hear the result of their applications, whether successful or not. If you need help or advice with a research proposal, please contact Research Support Manager Dr. Tim Brooks t.brooks@uel.ac.uk or Research Support Officer Aygen Kurt a.s.kurt@uel.ac.uk.
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Academic Board: http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/committees/acaboard.htm
Board of Governors: http://www.uel.ac.uk/governors/board.htm
Good news from the CMT: http://www.uel.ac.uk/vcg/news/index.htm
School of Social Sciences Media and Cultural Studies conferences and research seminars:
http://www.uel.ac.uk/ssmcs/upcomingevents.htm
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Staff in External Strategic and Development Services (ESDS) and their close friends are taking part in the Race for Life on Wednesday 7 May 2008.
Would you be able to sponsor them? Cancer Research is a fantastic charity and has saved the lives of 1,000s and its our chance to give something back. This is the link to their sponsorship page website: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/esdsangelsandfriends with many thanks from Jackie Leach and the ESDS Angels and Friends
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On Saturday 1o May in Greenwich SE10, and Saturday 17 May in Eltham SE9, East London Chorus (ELC) is performing Fauré's Requiem, Cantique de Jean Racine and Pavane, along with Shakespeare-inspired songs by George Shearing and John Rutter.
We think you'll find the contrasting 19th and 20th century music delightful to hear.
For full details visit www.eastlondonchorus.org.uk/concerts.htm
You can book tickets by phone, reserve them by email, or buy online.
East London Chorus enjoys the support of UEL, and rehearses at UEL Docklands every Tuesday.
For full details visit www.eastlondonchorus.org.uk/concerts.htm
Sunday 18 May, 10am - 3pm
Would you like to help defend the UEL Dragons title? We won last year and you can read all about it at the link below:
http://www.uel.ac.uk/news/latest_news/stories/dragonboat.htm
As well as the opportunity to take part in the dragon boat race you'll also have a great day out with lots of fun activities and prizes. So come along even if you don't plan to paddle.
This is the Rotary Club of Canary Wharf's 11th annual Dragon Boat Race and takes place at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre, 235a Westferry Road. Over the past ten years over £250,000 has been raised for local charities such as Richard House, Little Havens, The Wheelchair Foundation, Mercy Ships and more.
Pictured: UEL Dragons pictured far left in the final race at last year's festival
To join the UEL team contact Kim Hastings - GTA Applied Sports Science AE.4.09 Tel: 020 8223 4515 Email: k.hastings@uel.ac.uk
25 - 27 April ExCel from 10am
Our winner for for 2 Free tickets to visit a Place in the sun live, the Channel 4 overseas property exhibition is: Bola Odunlami
For more information visit: http://www.aplaceinthesunlive.com/
First Aid at Work: 4 Days Tue– Fri 2008, 22 – 25 April, 10– 13 June, 9– 12 Sept, 18– 21 Nov. Fee: £185
Re-qualify course: 2 Days Thurs and Fri 2008, 22 and 23 May, 10 and 11 July, 16 and 17 Oct. Fee: £110.00
Venue: Docklands Campus
December dates can be added if required. For further information or to book a course: Please contact: Frances Bronzite, 020 8223 4368 or Email: f.s.bronzite@uel.ac.uk
To see which Staff Development Course and their dates are available, visit: http://www.uel.ac.uk/staff-development/index.htm
To book on a course contactl Nina Harding Email: n.harding@uel.ac.uk
To find out more about the wide range of E-Learning applications available to us in our everyday work, visit:
E-Learning Resources: http://www.uel.ac.uk/sdel/e_learning/resources.htm
SDEL staff development: http://www.uel.ac.uk/sdel/staff_development/index.htm
UEL Plus info: http://www.uel.ac.uk/uelplus/index.htm
Brush up your IT skills and get an internationally recognised qualification online. Contact Greg Price, Organisational Development Manager on ext 4361 or email g.price@uel.ac.uk
Year 8 pupils from Rokeby School in Stratford went plane and football crazy at a maths enterprise workshop held at our Docklands campus and West Ham United Football Club on in March.
Over 100 pupils took part in the two-day project, organised by our Education and Community Partnerships team to incorporate maths skills into a range of new learning experiences. The project was funded by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation.
The pupils spent one day touring the campus and taking part in a variety of activities, including a business challenge led by Knowledge Dock, taste tests of everyday foods, and an introduction to psychology based on people's perception of colour. In our SMARTlab Digital Media Institute they learnt about the aerodynamics of planes by making their own paper models.
On the following day the pupils visited West Ham United's Upton Park stadium with our staff and student ambassadors. As well as touring the ground and training on the pitch, they took part in a maths activity based around football statistics and a sports science activity.
Linsey Cole, our Extended Projects Officer, said: “By working in partnership with West Ham's Football in the Community team, we were able to offer the Rokeby pupils an innovative and exciting programme of activities which gave them an opportunity to develop their maths skills outside of the classroom and apply them to 'real world' situations. We hope that the pupils have started to think about their options after they leave school and have been inspired to consider university in the future."
Israel Jones, Head of Year 8 at Rokeby School, said: “It’s been a really good event, with lots of interesting and well-organised activities. There’s a very positive ethos here at UEL and it’s definitely made the pupils more enthusiastic about the idea of coming to university.”
Oliver Ibekwem (12), of Stratford, said: “I’ve had a lot of fun, especially making the aeroplanes. My plane flew so far it hit the wall! It’s been really good to come to an actual university and feel like you’re one of the students.”
Our Education and Community Partnerships team organises a range of summer schools, master-classes and projects with local schools, colleges and community groups throughout the year. For details, call 020 8223 4271.
.Pictured: Pupils from Rokeby School
Donald Ridley ran the London Marathon at the weekend and completed the arduous course in 5 h 03 min. Donald raised over £1000, and he would like to thank all colleagues that donated through the just.giving link.
To find out more and sponsor Donald please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/donaldridley
Pictured: Donald with his trombone.
Jan Bernet from our Duncan House cafeteria has let us know that she is sending off a cheque to the Royal Marsden Hospital for £80. This money has been raised from the assortment of coppers and 5p pieces customers have donated to the charity box Jan keeps next to the till.
If you would like items included in In Focus Update please send them to me by Wednesday of the preceding week at infocus@uel.ac.uk
Please print off a copy of In Focus Update for those of your colleagues who may not have easy access to email.
© 2007
