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Welcome to in Focus Update… |
Past Issues << | Issue 242: 05 May 2011 |
Next year will be an exciting year for east London and the University of East London with the summer 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. The schedule and location of the games will affect the timing of assessment and reassessment for UEL in the summer of 2012. A calendar for 2011/12 which reflects this was approved by Academic Board in June 2010. This has been on the UEL website since then, but I would like to draw your attention to some of the salient features:
– The calendar starts one week earlier: Induction starts on 12 September 2011 and teaching starts on 19 September 2011.
– Exams are before Christmas beginning on 12 December 2011: This will imply a focussed teaching effort in the first semester and, as students will not have the Christmas period for revision, it will be possible to use the last teaching week (the twelfth week of teaching) for revision if this best serves the educational interests of the students. Coursework submission dates should be set ensuring enough time for student completion and for marking. The second semester teaching starts on 23 January 2012
– Main exams start on 7 May 2012
– Resit exams start on 2 July 2012
A campaign to remind all students of the calendar will start shortly and this will be reinforced at the start of next academic year. The complete calendar can be found at Academic Calendar 2011/2012
Further information will follow regarding specific arrangements for staff and students during the summer of 2012.
UEL graduate, Bunmi Olaye, had the prestigious honour of appearing as a live guest on ITN News’ royal wedding coverage, where she cast her expert eye over the fabulous array of fashions on show. The fashion graduate, who runs luxury fashion label Bunmi Koko with her partner Francis Udom, appeared as part of a special guest panel on ITN News outside Buckingham Palace. During her television appearance, Bumni and her fellow panellists offered expert commentary on the various fashion collections on display, including those worn by David and Victoria Beckham – arguably two of the World’s leading fashion icons. Speaking after last Friday’s Royal Wedding, Bunmi said, “It was a privilege to play a part in what was an incredible day. The dress worn by the new princess was absolutely stunning and I think we all agreed that she looked amazing. In terms of the other guests, some of the collections on show were exquisite and really befit the occasion in terms of style and elegance. This is certainly a day that will live with me for many years to come.”
UEL’s International Office has received shining praise in a recent article published in the national newspaper the Guardian. The broadsheet’s journalist Frederika Whitehead spoke to Director of International Office, Adrienne Clarke, about the initiatives that have been put in place to help ease international students into a new life in London. Whitehead writes, ‘The five-day welcome programme run for the international students elides seamlessly with a three-day programme for the home students so by the end of the five days the two groups are well mixed.’ On the article Adrienne commented, “I am pleased that the work of colleagues in the International Office, in particular David Kimber, has received such positive and well deserved coverage.” To read the full article see bit.ly/int_office To view the International Office webpage see uel.ac.uk/international
This January, Emeritus Professor John Radford was nominated for the inaugural BPS Psychology Education Board Lifetime Achievement Award. Professor Radford was one of two nominees chosen earlier this month by the British Psychological Society panel to be honoured with this award, ‘in light of the outstanding quality of the nominations in 2011’. Professor Radford has made an outstanding contribution, over many years, to the development of the teaching of psychology. As one eminent supporter of the nomination wrote, ‘Psychology is his passion, and his curiosity, creativity and commitment are unbounded’. John has been invited to formally accept the award at the Annual Conference in London in 2012.
Celebrate and enjoy a range of performance work from our Dance, Theatre, Community Arts Practice, Music and Writing students. See their work, enjoy live performances, film, music and readings, meet students and staff and find out more about our ground breaking performing arts programmes. Mayfest runs until Saturday 14 May. For more information and to download a full programme of events visit bit.ly/mayfest2011 Come and also see a fantastic range of performance work from our MA Acting, MA Dance, MA Theatre Directing and MA Writing students. A Postgraduate open evening is being held on Wednesday 11 May from 6pm onwards, at Stratford Circus. For further information on the event or any of the programmes please visit uel.ac.uk/ipad or email Dr Dominic Hingorani on d.hingorani@uel.ac.uk
The New London Graduate School consortium (comprising the universities of East London, Greenwich, London Metropolitan, London South Bank and Middlesex) have been awarded a total of 28 postgraduate studentships by the Arts and Humanities Research Council for tenure over the academic years 2011-12 to 2013-14. The NLGS consortium secured 67% of the available awards in the area of Cultural Studies, 22% of those for Dance, Drama and the Performing Arts and just under 20% of those for Creative Writing. The NLGS Management Group is chaired by the Director of the UEL Graduate School, Dr Alan White.
Projects are sought that demonstrate innovative approaches to learning and teaching, and address the following themes:
– Assessment and Feedback
– The Student Voice and the Student Experience (including international, part-time and Postgraduate research students)
– Student Support and Engagement
Selection will be made on a competitive basis; projects must be completed by 31 July 2012. Funding is available for small (up to £3,000) and medium (up to £5,000) projects; funding is for projects that are beyond the scope of usual practice. Details and forms can be found at: uel.ac.uk/apse/funding/leo.htm Proposals should be sent to Dallas Davis via d.j.davis@uel.ac.uk The closing date is Tuesday 31 May 2011.
There are only a couple of Professional Standards Framework Panels remaining this academic year:
– Thursday 26 May 2011 (Completed paperwork due Thursday 12 May)
– Tuesday 7 June 2011(Completed paperwork due Tuesday 24 May)
Why not write that PSF application for HEA fellowship that you’ve been putting off all year? If you need any help, please contact Jules Cassidy (jules@uel.ac.uk), Dallas Davis (d.j.davis@uel.ac.uk) or your LILT. We are happy to support by email, phone, face to face, in small or large groups, or via one to one sessions. Check our website for documentation, FAQs and advice: uel.ac.uk/apse/professional/framework.htm
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 |
The 7 Laws of Luxury Brands: Tuesday 10 May, 12 noon – 1pm (WB.G.02, Docklands Campus)
Jim Prior, CEO of The Partners Brand Consultancy, will be delivering a guest talk to staff and students entitled ‘The 7 Laws of Luxury Brands’, plus company cases followed by a Q & A session.
Whilst this has been organised with fashion management students in mind, it is open to all to attend, so please do come along for what will be an inspiring talk. For more information contact b.alexander@uel.ac.uk
Applying to University – the facts (a workshop to demystify the application process): Tuesday 10 May, 12 noon – 1pm; Tuesday 7 June, 12 noon – 1pm (Stratford Campus)
The pre-entry Information, Advice & Guidance team at UEL work with prospective students from the local and wider community who are mainly non-traditional students interested in gaining entry onto a UEL programme but not sure about the application process. A workshop has been designed and offered by Leila Baker (Advisor based at Stratford Campus) for anyone considering making an application to university this year Call 020 8223 4354 or email advisors@uel.ac.uk for further details.
Cass School of Education Books and PhD Celebration: Wednesday 11 May, 5pm (Atrium, Cass School of Education, Stratford Campus)
All are welcome to attend a celebration of the award of a PhD to Dr Paul Matsvai and the publication of a number of books by members of staff at the Cass School of Education. Please RSVP to s.roberts@uel.ac.uk
The Writing Centre at UEL presents: a conversation with Martina Cole: Wednesday 11 May (Docklands Campus)
CANCELLED.
MIDAS Public Launch: Monday 16 May, 9.30am – 5pm (MIDAS Lab: EB.1.37, Docklands Campus)
The Matrix East Research Lab at UEL invites all to the public launch of ‘The MIDAS Project: Creating the Museum Integrated Digital Archiving System’. The project creates an integrated Mobile facility for the scanning of artefacts, and the programming and exhibition of digital content. Refreshments will be served at a post event reception at 5.30pm. Please RSVP by clicking here
Digitisation Summer School: Tuesday 17 May, 9.30am – 5pm; Wednesday 18 May, 10am – 5pm (MIDAS Lab: EB.1.37, Docklands Campus)
In connection with the public launch of MIDAS, the Matrix East Research Lab are offering a unique summer school over two days with a variety of topics specially prepared for the museum and archive professional with interest and involvement in the process of digitalisation and scanning in the Cultural Heritage context. Participation is free but places are limited. Please RSVP by clicking here
MERL Annual Lecture – A Boatload of Wild Irishmen: The Cinema of Robert Flaherty: Thursday 19 May, 5.30pm (EB.1.37, Docklands Campus)
All are welcome to the annual public lecture organised by Matrix East Research Lab. The lecture and film screening will be presented by Professor Brian Winston. For further details contact Haim via h.bresheeth@uel.ac.uk Please RSVP to this event by clicking here
Where next for teacher education: Wednesday 25 May, 5pm (ED.2.01, Cass School of Education, Stratford Campus)
The Secondary Research Group is delighted to invite you to a seminar given by Professor Meg Maguire from King’s College London. In this seminar Meg raises some questions and engages in some musings based on a consideration of the current proposals for reforming teacher education as outlined in the School’s White Paper (2010) entitled, ‘The Importance of Teaching’. All are welcome. Please RSVP to Gerry Czerniawski via g.czerniawski@uel.ac.uk
Creaturely Lives: A Symposium in Animal Studies: Wednesday 25 May, 6 – 8pm (The University of Notre Dame’s London Centre)
To mark the publication of Anat Pick’s Creaturely Poetics: Animality and Vulnerability in Literature and Film, the Centre for Cultural Studies Research (CCSR) at UEL and the University of Notre Dame in London are holding a symposium to discuss new developments within the field of animal studies. Contact j.hakim@uel.ac.uk or see bit.ly/mGrKHS for further details.
CCSR 2011 Annual Lecture: Total Belief Delirium in the West: Wednesday 1 June, 5.30pm (WB.G.02, Docklands Campus)
In this lecture, Jacqueline Rose will return to Hannah Arendt’s analysis of totalitarianism as mental control and ask ‘what form of belief and passion does such subjection entail?’ All welcome, admission free. For more information email j.hakim@uel.ac.uk
Volunteering: Not just good for the soul, good for your career too: Wednesday 8 June, 6 – 9.30pm (Conference and Computing Centre, Stratford Campus)
UEL Alumni Network and the School of Psychology have pleasure in inviting our students, staff and graduates to an alumni evening of presentations and workshops about volunteering in the UK and overseas, and how it can improve your career and enhance your soul. This event is free. Please RSVP to alumni@uel.ac.uk or call 0208 223 2222 by Friday 27 May.
CCSR presents: Mica Nava – Feminism, Consumption, Cosmopolitanism: Wednesday 22 June, 3.30pm – 7pm (EB.G.18, Docklands Campus)
Staff are invited to a retirement event for Mica Nava. A seminar with former and current colleagues, as well as former PhD students, will be held between 3.30 and 5.30pm. Drinks and live music will take place from 5.30pm – 7pm. Please contact Maggie Humm (m.humm@uel.ac.uk) if you would like to join the party for dinner at Yi-Ban Docklands restaurant after the event, or for any other queries.
UEL’s 6th Learning, Teaching and Assessment Conference 2011: Thursday 30 June (Stratford Campus)
This one day conference, entitled ‘Research Informed Teaching & Teaching Informed Research’, is free and open to all UEL staff and collaborative partners. The Conference has now become established as an annual event, offering opportunities for active debate, discussion and reflection regarding current issues in learning, teaching and assessment. For further details – or to reserve your place – see bit.ly/6thconference For further information contact Conference Organiser Dinaz Trudeau via d.trudeau@uel.ac.uk
See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm
Four students from UEL – and rowers for Great Britain – achieved tremendous success at the BUCS Rowing regatta last weekend in Nottingham. The team comprises of John Collins (HSS), Alan Sinclair (Psychology), and John Preston and Ed Whiteley (RDBS). The individual medals won by the team were:
Champ
Heavyweight Scull Silver – A Sinclair
Champ
Lightweight Scull Gold – J Preston
Champ
Double Scull Gold– A Sinclair, J Collins
Champ
Quad Scull Gold – J Collins, A Sinclair, E Whiteley, J Preston
Director of Sport, David Cosford, said, “They have represented UEL extremely professionally and having competed in so many events, shows great determination and effort. They achieved the most successful performance in sculling events by any university - outperforming the usual dominance of Durham, Newcastle, Imperial, Reading, Oxford Brookes and more recently Queens Belfast.” The team will potentially now represent UEL in Moscow this summer at the European Universities Regatta 2011.
Take advantage of the sunny weather and make sure you get outside at lunchtime! The Docklands Campus lunchtime jogging group is looking for new members – students and staff – from beginners who have never run before to marathon pros, we cater for all abilities.
We jog twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday from 12.30 – 1.30pm. There are showers and lockers available too, so no need to worry about sweaty afternoon meetings! For more information contact Kirstie via jogging@uel.ac.uk
We are also looking for a staff or student volunteer to lead 1 of our jogging sessions. UELSports will pay for the Jog Leader qualification for their volunteer commitment each week. Email jogging@uel.ac.uk if you are interested in getting involved.
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’
Welcome to Do the Green Thing, a regular section full of info on environmental projects, tips and ideas for staff at UEL. Visit our website uel.ac.uk/greenthing or get in touch greenthing@uel.ac.uk We’d love to hear from you!
Environment Team, Facilities
Summer’s nearly here and it’s the perfect time to start cycling! UEL is part of the Cycle to Work scheme which allows staff access to a brand new, tax-free bike and accessories. It is essentially a ‘salary sacrifice scheme’ where staff enter into a hire agreement with UEL over an 18 month period without having to pay tax or National Insurance on payments.
Over 100 members of staff have taken advantage of the scheme already, to find out more visit uel.ac.uk/greenthing/incentives.htm
The Greenway is a level, almost continuous and straight traffic-free route that carves through East London at high level and is an ideal route to cycle between Docklands and Stratford campuses.
TfL says, “Near the east end is the 'Mountain Ski Village' known as Beckton Alps. Though a mere pimple in comparison to the Swiss version, this volcano-like former refuse tip (now grassed over) is high enough to provide a superb 360-degree panorama over most of east and southeast London into Essex and Kent. The small diversion is well worth the effort, and you can watch brave souls tackling the dry-ski slope”.
For a map see uel.ac.uk/greenthing/getting.htm
Did you know that you can claim 20p per mile cycled for UEL-related business? So if you’re cycling between campuses or going to meetings elsewhere, make sure you claim mileage!
See uel.ac.uk/finance/mileagerates.htm
Please send comments or contributions for in Focus Update to: infocus@uel.ac.uk
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© 2011
