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Welcome to in Focus Update… |
Past Issues << | Issue 245: 24 May 2011 |
UEL is providing five Olympic host boroughs with 40 sports wheelchairs to help local communities get fit and active in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The University has secured National Lottery funding of £40,000 from the Transformers grants programme to provide 40 sports wheelchairs and sports sessions to the boroughs of Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest and Tower Hamlets, as part of the Chairs in the Community project. The wheelchairs will be available for people to take part in wheelchair sports such as badminton, tennis and basketball at council-run sports centres and local community venues. For the full story see bit.ly/communitychairs
Last week researchers from UEL attended the Million Plus parliamentary reception ‘Research That Matters’ hosted by Paul Blomfield MP. Researchers displayed posters of their research and the event was addressed by Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science, and Gareth Thomas MP, Shadow Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills. The event highlighted the publication Research That Matters which details the impact of research from modern universities and makes the case for increased investment. To read the publication click here: millionplus.ac.uk/file_download/241 One example of UEL’s key research projects can be found on page 19 of the document.
Congratulations to UEL Financial Services for their hard work, which has lead to them being shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards 2011. The team is one of only five institutions to be listed in the ‘Outstanding Finance Team’ category. To find out more, and to see the list in full, visit bit.ly/the_awards
UEL’s Corporate Marketing department has also been shortlisted for a top award. The University’s personal prospectus, an online version of the prospectus which can be tailored to prospective students’ needs, is a finalist in the ‘Best use of Innovation and Creative Thinking’ category at the Heist Awards for Education Marketing 2011. The awards ceremony will take place this Thursday 26 May in Leeds.
Director of Corporate Marketing Catherine Downes recently met successful artist and UEL graduate Ivan Lam in Malaysia. Ivan attended UEL to obtain his MA in International Contemporary Art & Design Practice, graduating in 2007. Throughout his career Ivan has received critical acclaim for his work, winning the prestigious Grand Prize in the Philip Morris Award in 2003, and being listed as a finalist for the Sovereign Art Prize in 2006. Moreover, the current record for the highest price ever paid for one of his works at auction currently lies just short of £100,000. Despite his success Ivan still remains humble: “I think art has always been about a rollercoaster ride with your ego. It’s been very humbling, and for me it’s about the surrendering of the ego, more than anything else.” Ivan currently works at University College Sedaya International and hopes to visit the UK next year to talk to current students and alumni.
UEL’s MIDAS (Museum Integrated Digital Archiving System) project was officially launched last week with an international symposium and summer school, attracting some of the most influential names in the world of digital archiving. The ground-breaking project, the only one of its kind in Europe, creates an integrated mobile facility for the scanning and subsequent exhibiting of fragile museum artefacts, not only for archiving purposes but also to allow museums throughout the world to exchange digital displays of their priceless exhibits. The University has worked closely with Kyoto University in Japan on the project, using scanning technology developed and donated by the University, already successfully employed in Japan, South Korea and China. For the full story see bit.ly/midasproject
A conference entitled ‘Creative and Media Arts in the University and Beyond’, taking place on Thursday 2 June, 10am – 5pm at Docklands Campus, will bring together academics, students, policy makers and practitioners to consider the future for media and creative arts education. The creative arts and media have been one of higher education’s biggest success stories in recent years. Student numbers have increased and the range of degree programmes on offer has expanded while employment in the sector has grown at a faster rate than in the wider economy. As such, the creative industries have now come to occupy a central place across the economy and national policy-making and higher education agendas. For further details contact Stephen Maddison via s.maddison@uel.ac.uk
Over 150 students gathered at the University’s Docklands Campus last Thursday, 19 May, to attend the certificate presentation ceremony for this year’s recipients of the European Computer Driving Licence. UEL students and staff were awarded their certificates before the crowd by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Joughin (pictured). Since the programme began in 2005, hundreds of UEL students have been provided a globally recognised qualification in IT proficiency, which enhances their capacity for study and employability prospects worldwide. In total, 357 students and 6 staff members completed the course this semester. For further information contact Cedrick Nosa via c.nosa@uel.ac.uk
The Cass School of Education held a Book Festival recently to celebrate eight books published by members of staff in 2010. The full list of books and authors, in areas such as workplace learning, early childhood education, second language learning, inclusive education and teacher education, can be seen on the School’s website. The event, attended by Deputy Vice-Chancellor John Joughin and 50 others, also celebrated the award of a doctorate to Paul Matsvai, the first issue of an in-house research journal in secondary education and the adoption of a children’s book, Bravo Boris by Dr. Carrie Weston, for the official primary schools’ summer reading scheme.
The Graduate School has purchased a licence for The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding, which lists information from over 1,000 potential funders (e.g. charities and trusts). It can be accessed by all current postgraduate students, by undergraduates (who may be thinking of applying for a postgraduate programme) and staff. The Alternative Guide is aimed at students studying in most discipline areas and includes step-by-step guidance for putting a successful application together. To download a copy of the guide, and for other postgraduate research student funding advice, go to bit.ly/pgfunding
UEL is about to embark on an extensive refurbishment programme on the Ground Floor of University House, Stratford Campus, starting on Monday 6 June for two months. The areas affected are the main lobby outside the coffee shop, the male and female toilets, the entrance to the Students’ Union, the old John Smith’s bookshop, the rear corridor and the Crescent entrance to the Library. The works will provide social learning space for students, improve access and generally upgrade a substantial area of this magnificent old building. Thank you for your co-operation during these works. For any further information please contact Alan Barclay via a.barclay@uel.ac.uk or 07879 405303.
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 and 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 |
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.
Green Impact Awards Ceremony: Friday 27 May, 4.30pm (Oscar's Bar terrace, Docklands Campus)
To all our keen, green environmental champions, thank you for your enthusiasm and hard work this year in helping to make UEL green! To celebrate, the Environment Team will be holding a reception and Green Impact awards ceremony, with Pro Vice-Chancellor Nirmal Borkhataria presenting prizes to all participating Green Impact teams. For more information contact j.emmett@uel.ac.uk
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
Creative Futures? Exploring the Creative & Media Arts in the University and Beyond: Thursday 2 June, 9.30am – 5pm (Docklands Campus)
Creative arts and media have been one of higher education’s biggest success stories over the last decade. Student numbers have increased, and the range of programmes on offer has expanded, while employment in the sector has grown at a faster rate than in the wider economy. As we prepare for radical change in the funding environment, this conference brings together academics, students, policy makers and practitioners to critically consider the future for media and creative arts education. For further details contact Stephen Maddison via s.maddison@uel.ac.uk
The Artist in the Library: Friday 3 June, 1 – 5pm (WB.G.02, Docklands Campus)
A free half-day symposium organised by the Institute for Performing Arts Development (IPAD) and Library and Learning Services. The symposium reflects on the relationships between artists and libraries, and how their spaces, systems and structures provide inspirational possibilities. With speakers including artists, librarians and researchers, the afternoon will present a range of projects that intervene in, respond to, or collaborate with a range of libraries, both public and academic. Refreshments provided. The event is free but spaces are limited. Please contact Judith Preece via j.a.preece@uel.ac.uk or 020 8223 7400 if you wish to attend.
Applying to University – the facts (a workshop to demystify the application process): Tuesday 7 June, 12 noon – 1pm (Stratford Campus)
The pre-entry Information, Advice and Guidance team at UEL works with prospective students from the local and wider community who are mainly non-traditional students interested in gaining entry onto a UEL programme but are 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.
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 020 8223 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 sixth 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
Resilience for coaches and their clients: Thursday 14 July (Docklands Campus)
The challenges faced today by coaches and their clients demand new levels of strength and resilience. Coaches need to sustain their own health and wellbeing, both physically and physiologically, in order to continue to coach in a highly effective and appropriate way and to sustain their business. Appropriate supervision and CPD is an important part of this. For more information visit acukconference.com All UEL students and staff should register their interest through Leigh-Ann to receive discounted entry: please email l.murray@uel.ac.uk
See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm
Welcome to two new members of the UELSports team... Claire Smith (Project Manager – Try a Sport 365)
Hello! Try a Sport 365 is a new project funded by Sport England. My aim is to increase the number of UEL students taking part in 3 x 30 minutes of sport per week. I will do this by providing weekly sessions in six core sports (athletics, badminton, basketball, tennis, swimming and football) and taster sessions in other new and exciting sports. The project is year-round, so I will be working with the local FE colleges to ensure that sessions are held locally to where the students live/work during holiday time. I would be more than happy to hear from any staff members who have any sporting qualifications or links to sports club who want to get involved in this project. I am looking forward to the challenge of getting our students more active. To contact Claire email
c.e.smith@uel.ac.uk
Yassin Abidou (Physical Activity and Events Officer)
Hi! My name is Yas and I have just joined the UELSports team as Physical Activities and Events Officer. My aim is to increase student and staff participation in physical activities and sport events, and also linking in with the community. I will do this by constructing an exercise class programme, intra-mural sport sessions and events that staff and students can both take part in on and off campus. I’m really looking forward to working with both staff and students in creating a vibrant and sporting atmosphere throughout the University. I’m happy to hear from any staff members who have something to offer in terms of sports/exercise qualifications and any interests people might have in classes, sports and events. To contact Yas email y.abidou@uel.ac.uk
Last Wednesday, 18 May, UEL Sports Journalism student Andrew Bontiff reported on the Europa League Final between FC Porto and SC Braga. His match report reads as follows:
Porto have been crowned winners of the Europa League after a robust display against Portuguese neighbours Braga in Dublin.
Radamel Falcao’s solitary goal proved to be the difference, when he rose the highest from Fredy Guarin’s cross to head Porto into the lead on the stroke of half time. The Columbian notched his 17th goal of a record-breaking individual season in the competition to light up a final which undeniably failed to bring out the customary flair Portuguese football has to offer. Chances were limited throughout in what was a tense affair but nevertheless Porto illustrated their superior class over their opponents and held on to lift the trophy. Porto’s defeat over Braga ensured 33-year-old boss Andre Villas-Boas a place in the European folklore, becoming the youngest-ever coach to win a UEFA competition.
To read this report in full, as well as reports written by students Aitor Reveron, Zsanett Furka and James Kemble, visit uelsportsblog.wordpress.com/2011/05/23
Andrew Bontiff’s trip to the UEFA Europa League Final was funded by UEL’s Going Global Bursary
The third Royal Docks Five-a-side Football Tournament, which took place last Wednesday, 18 May, saw two UEL teams battle against local competitors from around Newham for the Royal Docks trophy. The Royal Docks Business School and Facilities received automatic entry into the tournament, after respectively securing first and second place in the UEL Staff Football Tournament in April. Both teams made their way through to the semi-finals, but were unfortunately pipped to the post by Newham Council and City Airport. The winners of the tournament were Newham Council (pictured), with City Airport taking second place. Well done to both Facilities and RDBS for their efforts.
The Newham Sports and Activities Team is looking to recruit new leaders to help deliver their regular walks programme. They currently run a number of weekly walks across the borough and are also about to launch a secondary schools walks project. To help increase the pool of walk leaders and assistants they will be running free one-day Walk Leaders training workshops on the following dates:
Dates: Saturday 18 June and Saturday 15 October
Time: 9.30am – 5pm
Venue: Newham Dockside, 1,000 Dockside Road, E16
This is a great opportunity for you to enhance your skills with the opportunity of paid employment at the end of it. There may also be the chance of leading walks for UEL staff and students from October. If you are interested in getting involved in this programme please contact Paula Peaty via paula.peaty@newham.gov.uk 020 3373 6588 or 07789 500 768.
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 via greenthing@uel.ac.uk We’d love to hear from you!
Environment Team, Facilities
Thanks to staff and students who decorated Fairtrade cotton bunting for a world record attempt recently held in Battersea. A 3,427.94 metre line of bunting was hung as part of a campaign calling for trade justice for West African cotton farmers. Cotton is the most used natural fibre in the world and should be the ‘white gold’ that propels ten million West African farmers out of poverty. But the West African cotton industry is being obstructed by a wall of subsidies dished out by the United States and European Union to their own farmers.
For more info on Fairtrade visit fairtrade.org.uk
A delicious range of Fairtrade products is available on campus, including hot drinks, juices, flapjacks and chocolate. Fairtrade tea and coffee are served at all University meetings and lots of staff are purchasing Fairtrade for their own kitchens and staff rooms; why not try it if you haven’t already? Fairtrade guarantees a fair price for disadvantaged producers in the developing world and promotes investment in social, environmental and business schemes in the wider community.
For more info on UEL and Fairtrade visit uel.ac.uk/greenthing/fairtrade/index.htm
…that £799 million worth of Fairtrade certified products were sold in the UK in 2009 compared with £21.8 million in 1999. The range of products has increased dramatically, including everything from food and flowers to footwear and footballs! For more information visit fairtrade.org.uk
The eagle-eyed inFocus team have spotted this in a far corner of the interweb, have you? Follow the link to find out more: amicusatuel.blogspot.com/2011/05/welcome-to-out-of-focus-update-issue-1.html
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.
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