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Welcome to in Focus Update… |
Past Issues << | Issue 229: 01 February 2011 |
The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has released figures for university applications today which show a national increase of 5% on last year. However, the University of East London has shown a rise of nearly three times the national average, at 13%. Significant increases in applications were shown for the University in Management Studies and many of the key creative industries. Design studies, combinations with Creative Arts and Design, and Journalism all showed significant increases on last year. Applications to Sports Science were also up by 25%, reflecting the University of East London’s ambition to become the number one university for sport in London. For the full story visit http://bit.ly/e338As
UEL Students’ Union will be holding an Annual General Meeting later this month to vote on the proposed constitution and bye-laws of the SU. UELSU needs a quorum (minimum number) of 200 students to be able to pass the proposals. Please encourage students to attend the AGM on Wednesday 16 February at 3pm in WB.G.02 (Docklands Campus). For more information please visit the UELSU webpage, http://bit.ly/gRmuqQ
Honorary graduates of UEL last night gathered at the House of Lords in central London for the 9th Annual Honorary Awards Dinner (31 January). The event, which was hosted by University Chancellor Lord Rix, was attended by over 120 UEL honorary graduates, guests and current members of University staff. Attendees included the GB rower Mark Hunter, who was conferred with an Honorary Masters of Science in 2009, and the 2010 honorary graduate and MOBO-winning saxophonist Yolanda Brown. The theme of the evening addressed the University’s aim to positively transform opportunities for students. Pictured with Yolanda (right to left) is BBC political correspondent Reeta Chakrabarti and fashionista Bunmi Olaye.
A unique event staged by UEL will give people with an interest in sport and next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games the chance to meet London 2012 hopefuls and learn more about cutting-edge sports science. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view UEL’s state-of-the-art fitness and health, sport and exercise science, sports development and sports coaching facilities. The event will take place at Stratford Campus on Thursday 3 February, 4 – 6pm. It is a free event, and welcome to all. Please RSVP to partnerships@uel.ac.uk with your name and contact details. For the full article see http://bit.ly/i2FyeZ or visit podium.ac.uk/events for more information.
Two documentaries distributed exclusively in the UK through a company set up by a former UEL student have been nominated for Oscars. Among the nominees are two films in the Best Documentary Feature category, both of which are distributed by Dogwoof Films, a company set up by Anna Godas, who graduated with a distinction in Media Studies and French from UEL. Restrepo follows the US Marines Second Platoon in one of Afghanistan’s most strategically crucial valleys, whilst Gasland looks at the phenomenon of rural landowners in America waking up to find a lucrative offer from an energy company wanting to lease their property. Anna said of her time at UEL, “Studying at UEL helped me so much. All the bits I learned about editing, design and production gave me an incredible knowledge that allows me now to make educated judgements on other people's work.” For the full story visit http://bit.ly/fCj4re
Go Green Week: 7 – 11 FebruaryGet involved in our week of environmental events! The aim is to have fun, provoke debate and find out about alternatives for a more sustainable future for everyone. Plant some vegetables in our new allotment, try your hand at knitting and paper making, and come to lectures by UEL academics on environmental justice, transport, ecology, food and water. You will also get the chance to win a bike in our free prize draw. Check out the timetable at uel.ac.uk/greenthing/events.htm What events will you come to? For more information contact Jon Emmett via j.emmett@uel.ac.uk
Grenville Davey, UEL Senior Fine Art Lecturer, has contributed a work to the much-lauded Modern British Sculpture exhibition, currently showing at the Royal Academy in central London. The show is the first in three decades to examine
20th
century British sculpture in such detail. It is considered to be one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of its kind, spanning the entire 100-year period. Grenville Davey’s piece, entitled Right 3rd and 6th, comprising two rotund geometric shapes, made of steel and hardboard and suspended on a wall, was first exhibited in 1989. Grenville, who won the Turner Prize in 1992, said of the exhibition, “It’s a huge honour to have my work on display at such a well-received exhibition and at such a prestigious venue. Nothing like this exhibition has been done in years, in terms of both historical completeness and breadth of work. I would urge anyone with an interest in 20th century British sculpture to go.” The exhibition runs until 7 April and admission is £12. For more information visit the Royal Academy website, royalacademy.org.uk
Eva Lloyd, Reader in Early Childhood and Co-director of the International Centre for the Study of the Mixed Economy of Childcare (ICMEC), has been invited by the Minister of State for Children and Families, Sarah Teather, to join a small early-years policy steering group. The group is meant to take a leading role in a collaborative approach between Government and the early-years sector to develop a new policy statement for publication in the spring and to formulate solutions to the challenges faced by the sector. Eva is keen to hear UEL colleagues’ views on current early-years policy. Email Eva via e.lloyd@uel.ac.uk and to find out more about ICMEC see uel.ac.uk/icmec
UEL’s Senior Lecturer in CITE, Dr Chris Imafidon, has won a prestigious IT award for his work with school children in inner-city areas. The award, dubbed the “Innovative use of computer technology to boost academic achievement and learning”, was bestowed upon Chris for his work with primary and secondary schoolchildren which aims to enhance the classroom experience and to increase the pace at which pupils learn through the use of IT. The citation for the award stated that the research was particularly deserving of recognition as it addressed the most rigorous school subjects. Dr Imafidon attended the annual Diamond Awards at the Albert Hall last night (31 January) as a keynote speaker, during which the award was officially conferred. He was joined by children from Key Stages Two to Five who were themselves also conferred with awards for their participation in the research. Chris commented, "The research demonstrates that there is a measure of genius in every person". For more information, contact Chris via C.O.Imafidon@uel.ac.uk
LLS has taken a lead in staging events for Black History Month within the University for five years now. When the work of the LLS was noticed in the sector last year, they were invited to take part in a major black and minority ethnic conference held at Coventry University in July 2010. Last Friday (28 January), Michelle Marie Clarke-Campbell and Judith Preece presented a retrospective showcase of photographs, as well as footage of lectures, performances, debates and children’s workshops, from previous BHM events to a large group of Coventry University staff. Judith commented, "This is a wonderful opportunity to share with staff from another university our library’s rich collections, and our involvement with our community". For more information email Judith via j.a.preece@uel.ac.uk
Sarah Frame, Director of UELconnect, has contributed a case study to the findings of a report, Collaborate to compete – seizing the opportunity of online learning for UK higher education, published this month. In producing the report, the Online Learning Task Force (OLTF) drew on the experience of several key UK providers of distance learning, including UEL.
Sarah said, “I am delighted to have been able to share our experience of delivering distance learning at UEL in such a prestigious report. In this challenging climate, it is more critical than ever for the HE sector in the UK to respond imaginatively to the demand for more flexible opportunities to study.'' For the full story visit http://bit.ly/feuysG To find out more about UELconnect see uel.ac.uk/uelconnect
For the latest on our activities visit the news releases section of our website www.uel.ac.uk/news
Open Day dates in 2011
If you are planning any School recruitment events over the coming year please contact your account manager in the Student Recruitment & Marketing Team who will be able to provide you with advice and support. You can find details of all account managers by visiting uel.ac.uk/marketing/srm/accountmanagers.htm
| Date | Event | Time of event | Times staff required to work | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Saturday 25 June |
General (UG & PG) open day | 12 – 4pm |
9 – 5pm | Docklands and Stratford |
Saturday 20 August |
Clearing application drop-in day |
12 – 4pm |
9 – 5pm |
Docklands |
UEL – Oxford seminars: Wednesday 2 February, 5pm (EBG.08 Docklands Campus)
UEL has joined with Oxford University to jointly run a seminar series on pressing issues in refugee studies. UEL’s Centre for Research on Migration, Refugees & Belonging and Oxford’s Refugee Studies Centre (RSC) will host discussions on the theme 'Conceptual Problems in Forced Migration'. The next seminar at UEL will be held on 2 February. For full details of speakers and venues see uel.ac.uk/cmrb/seminars.htm If you wish to join UEL colleagues for sessions in Oxford contact Philip Marfleet via p.marfleet@uel.ac.uk
Catholic Mass on Stratford Campus: Thursday 3 February, 1pm (RB.1.09, Stratford Campus)
All students and staff are welcome to participate in the first Catholic Mass to take place on Stratford Campus on Thursday 3 February. Catholic Mass also takes place twice a week in NB1.01 on Docklands Campus, on Sunday at 10am and Wednesday at 1pm. For further information, or to be put on the Catholic Society emailing list, please contact the Catholic Chaplain, Father Thomas, via Br.Thomas@uel.ac.uk
Knowing Sport: Thursday 3 February, 4 – 6pm (Stratford Campus)
If you are interested in sports and the 2012 Games, come along to the Knowing Sport event and meet Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls. You will get the opportunity to take part in interactive workshops, providing the latest information on fitness assessment, sports nutrition and strength & conditioning, and be given the chance to find out more about UEL’s facilities and sports related programmes. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to partnerships@uel.ac.uk with your name and contact details. For further information visit podium.ac.uk/events
Go Green Week: Monday 7 – Friday 11 February (Docklands and Stratford Campuses)
Get involved in our week of environmental events! The aim is to have fun, provoke debate and find out about alternatives for a more sustainable future for everyone. Plant some vegetables in our new allotment, try your hand at knitting and paper making, and come to lectures by UEL academics on environmental justice, transport, ecology, food and water. You will also get the chance to win a bike in our free prize draw. Check out the timetable at uel.ac.uk/greenthing/events.htm For more information contact Jon Emmett via j.emmett@uel.ac.uk
Managing Your Career Workshop, ‘From Application to Interview’: Thursday 10 February,
12.30 – 5pm
(KD.2.13, Docklands Campus)
This workshop, originally due to take place in December, has been rescheduled for 10 February. This workshop will provide participants with an insight into how recruitment and selection processes are conducted within the public and private sectors and how to ensure that applications have a unique selling point. To attend contact either Farhat Sadeeq (farhat@uel.ac.uk) or Sonia Harding (s.harding@uel.ac.uk) within the Mentor and Equalities Unit by 9 February.
Towards Sustainable Transport?:
Thursday 10 February, 5pm (EBG.16, Docklands Campus)
A talk as part of UEL Go Green Week with Rachel Aldred (UEL Sustainable Mobilities Group),
Richard George (Campaign for Better Transport) and Justin Spinney (UEL Sustainable Mobilities Group). For full details or to confirm your attendance please email R.E.Aldred@uel.ac.uk
Creative Arts Industries Event: Made in East London: Tuesday 16 February, 6 – 11pm (Islington, Metal Works
EC1V 1NQ)
A showcase and networking event for our creative students, alumni and industry partners. Please join the Alumni Office for an enjoyable and stimulating evening showcasing the latest creative talent from UEL. Meet fellow students, staff, alumni and industry partners for networking and refreshments.
This event is free. Please RSVP to alumni@uel.ac.uk or call 020 8223 2222 by Wednesday 9 February.
Write Now: Thursday 17 February, 7pm (Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford E15 1BX)
The Writing Centre at UEL presents an evening of readings and performances by staff and students in creative writing. Admission is free. Please contact Tessa McWatt via t.a.mcwatt@uel.ac.uk for further information.
The life of Brian (the Brain!): Wednesday 16 March, 6 – 9pm (CC.1.01, Stratford Campus)
As part of International Brain Awareness Week, Dr Ashok Jansari will be hosting a Brain Awareness Day at the School of Psychology. The event will include a public lecture entitled ‘The Life of Brian (the Brain)’ giving a tour of the history of our understanding of the brain. This is a free event, and all are welcome. For more information please contact Dr Jansari via
a.jansari@uel.ac.uk
See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm
UELSports Clubs have had some great success in the BUCS championships.
The UEL Men’s first Basketball team recently thrashed the University of Surrey by 97 hoops to 69. They will now face the University of Westminster at the away arena in the quarter-finals on 16 February. On a similar note,
the Men’s Football first team beat the University of Reading's first team 2 goals to 1, and will now face St Mary’s University College Twickenham London, also in the quarter finals stage on 16 February.
For updates on UELSports Clubs at the BUCS championships, see uelsportsblog.wordpress.com
Learn the game, have fun and keep fit for free every Monday. Sessions start on Monday 7 February and run until Monday 4 April, and will be held at Newham Sixth Form College, Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow E13 8SG.
For more information please contact 020 3733 0664 or email paul.farthing@newham.gov.uk
The Preliminary umpire course is the first award within the Rounders England Umpiring Pathway. The course will provide you with an introduction to umpiring and the skills to enable you to start to officiate at matches and events.
Date: Wednesday 23 February
Time: 6 – 9pm
Venue: Newham Sixth Form College, Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow
E13 8SG
Cost: £15 per person
Closing date for applications is Friday 11 February. For further details, and an application form, please email Paul Barwick at CoachEducation@roundersengland.co.uk or visit the Coaching & Umpiring section of the Rounders England website here http://bit.ly/h24msR
The Sport where you are the target! New dodgeball sessions will take place every Monday between 7 February and 4 April. These free sessions will be held at Newham Sixth Form College, Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow E13 8SG, and is open to players of all abilities aged 16 years and over.
For more information please contact 020 3733 0664 or email paul.farthing@newham.gov.uk
For more information on any of the above please contact uelsports@uel.ac.uk
To view the UELSports webpages visit uel.ac.uk/sports
To view the UELSports blog visit
uelsportsblog.wordpress.com and to contribute your own sports stories to the blog see
uelsportsblog.wordpress.com/contribute-to-the-uelsports-blog
UEL Sports – ‘Get involved, Join, Learn, Participate, Train, Motivate, Compete, Enjoy’
Please send comments or contributions for in Focus Update to: infocus@uel.ac.uk
To contribute a UEL news item please supply a headline (c. 10 words), short paragraph (c. 50-100 words) with a call to action (email / web link or phone) together with a photo.
To contribute a UEL event please supply a headline (c. 10 words), date, time, location, short description, with call to action (email / web link or phone)
© 2011
