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Welcome to in Focus Update… |
Past Issues << | Issue 253: 19 July 2011 |
The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) has approved UEL’s decision to charge fees of £9,000 from September 2012 to undergraduate students.
Speaking in response to OFFA’s announcement early last week, UEL Pro Vice-Chancellor, Selena Bolingbroke, said: “We are charging the amount needed to provide the courses, facilities and opportunities our students want and deserve. Given the massive cuts in government funding for universities, this is the only way we can continue investing in our students’ education as we have been doing with our new library, performing arts centre, and state of the art sports centre, which will be used by Team USA during the London 2012 Games.
“We’re also investing in other projects to provide our students with a solid stepping stone to their career after university, such as paid graduate internships and free business incubation support for our many student entrepreneurs, who are choosing to set up their own businesses.”
“At the same time, UEL will double its spending on bursaries, scholarships and outreach work with hard to reach communities over the next four years. We are giving our students bursaries rather than fee waivers because they put cash in their pockets while they study – the time when they need it the most. The level of fees makes no difference while studying and doesn’t even affect the amount graduates repay each month once they leave, since that is based solely on their income.”
Last Thursday evening at the BUCS Annual Awards Ceremony, UEL staff and students were rewarded for all their hard work over the past year by winning BUCS Most Improved University in Sport. The ceremony, which took place at the University of Leeds, saw UEL win the award for gaining
190.5
more points on the previous year, with a total of
238.5 points,
and by jumping up the overall league table by a massive 43 places finishing a respectable 81st. This is another big step forward towards UEL’s goal of becoming the number one university for sport in London by 2015. To find out more about UELSports see www.uel.ac.uk/sports or email uelsports@uel.ac.uk Pictured are the UEL basketball team at a recent BUCS Conference Cup final against UCL.
Saralyn Mark, a world renowned leader in women’s health and the first Senior Medical Advisor appointed to the Office on Women’s Health at NASA, will be visiting UEL to give an exclusive book reading from her recent publication Stellar Medicine: A Journey Through the Universe of Women’s Health. Part memoir and part guide, the book explores the political and psychosocial environments which shape our decisions, and incorporates Saralyn’s many adventures at NASA and from around the world. This takes place on Wednesday 27 July, 12 noon – 4pm, in the Knowledge Dock Showcase Room at Docklands Campus. Refreshments will be provided. For more information and to book your place email J.P.Oneill@uel.ac.uk This event is being organised by the Centre of Excellence for Women's Entrepreneurship, a place for enterprise development, based at UEL: www.uel.ac.uk/cewe
UEL is staging a special photographic exhibition in Stratford. The exhibition, which is free of charge, is one of the many events taking place across the capital as part of London 2012 Open Weekend – a celebration of art, dance, film and sports events, to mark one year until the 2012 Games. As part of the exhibition, people will see images that capture the ingrained culture of sporting success at UEL and the vital role sports students are playing in helping the university become the number one university for sports in London by 2015. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm at East Thames Group, 29 – 35 West Ham Lane. It will run until the end of July.
Dr. Tim Brooks (pictured) is the Research Policy & Planning Manager who heads the Research Excellence Framework (REF) project, part of the Academic Core Programme Board. The project is working towards preparing UEL for the 2014 REF submission. So Tim…
What was your challenge?
REF is a process by which the University submits information about its research activity. It is important to us for two main reasons – it drives the total research grant allocated by HEFCE and helps builds our reputation, for example, by contributing to league table rankings. My job was to gather data for UEL’s 2014 REF submission, which has meant navigating through thousands of pieces of information and checking its accuracy without adding to the burden of the academics who submitted it.
What did you achieve?
There’s lots of information to collect. This includes details of publications, and data about doctoral degree completions and research income generated. We now have thousands of pieces of accurate data stored in the REF database. It’s got to be accurate because, if we send information about a nonexistent publication, the REF can’t find it to assess its quality and we automatically score zero. Now, we are in a much further advanced stage than we were in preparation for the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise submission.
What does everyone need to know?
Don’t panic, keep calm and carry on.
What’s next?
The release of the rules and regulations for REF 2014 is promised by HEFCE this July.
The LGBT Student Society and Staff Network made UEL history last month by participating for the very first time at London Pride 2011. The march, which took place on Saturday 2 June, saw the group proudly display their new UEL LGBT banner (pictured). Olivia Corcoran, Chair of the LGBT Staff Network, said, “At our first London Pride march, UEL staff and students proudly walked together under the LGBT banner, so thanks to the LGBT Student Society for working on this with our colleagues in Corporate Marketing. The support from so many colleagues and students throughout the day was a real celebration of UEL’s inclusive philosophy. I hope to see you all at next year’s Pride!” To find out more about the LGBT Staff Network email lgbtnet@uel.ac.uk or see www.uel.ac.uk/LGBT For the Student Society email uel.lgbt@gmail.com
Bunmi Olaye and Francis Udom, co-directors of Knowledge Dock-based fashion brand Bunmi Koko, will be in attendance at a prestigious reception at St James’s Palace this week to celebrate West African Culture with members of Britain’s West African-origin community. The reception, which is due to take place on Wednesday, will be hosted by HRH the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles. A personal invitation to the event is yet another triumph for the emerging luxury fashion and lifestyle brand. Recently Bunmi was a finalist for the Scottish Retailer of the Year Award 2011 and offered expert commentary on the ITV Royal Wedding coverage of the newly wedded Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. To find out more about Bunmi Koko see on.fb.me/bunmikoko
Students from the McNair 2011 Scholars’ Programme were guests of honour at a special event last week organised by the Continuum International Summer Institute which was attended by staff from across UEL as well as representatives from the US Embassy in London. The McNair Scholars’ Programme at Continuum ISI, is a three year pilot scheme, which aims to widen participation to postgraduate study through developing a bespoke summer programme for visiting students and staff. As part of this year’s programme, a total of six students from the University of Central Florida, University of Kansas and Rochester Institute of Technology, took part in a series of seminars and workshop sessions led by Continuum. At last week’s event, the McNair students spoke in glowing terms about the programme and how it has benefited them on both an academic and personal level.
The New London Graduate School (NLGS) is a consortium of the universities of East London, Greenwich, London South Bank, London Metropolitan and Middlesex. The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has awarded the NLGS 28 fully-funded masters and PhD studentships over the period 2011-13 in the areas of Creative Writing; Cultural Studies; Dance, Drama and Performing Arts; Design; Film, Digital and Media Production; Fine Art; History; Journalism and Publishing Studies; Music. The Chair of the NLGS Management Group is Dr Alan White, Director of the UEL Graduate School. This recognition of the research strengths across the consortium represents a half-million pound investment by the AHRC in the NLGS consortium over three years. Two notable successes in this package of studentships are that the NLGS consortium secured two of the possible three PhD awards and both of the available Research Preparation Masters awards in Cultural Studies across the period 2011-13. For further details of the 2011-12 awards see bit.ly/new_london
The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding 2011-12 is full of useful information regarding potential and often over-looked sources of funding, especially charities and trusts. It can be accessed by all prospective and current postgraduate students (taught and research) and staff. The Alternative Guide is applicable to students in all subject areas and includes step-by-step guidance, and templates, for gaining funding. You can download the PDF version from the UEL secure site, for which you will need your UEL network username and password. Login here: bit.ly/alternativeguide
Last year new procedures for dealing with students who received this decision were introduced. Following the September resit boards a number of students will receive an assessment decision of NFN.This means that they cannot continue on their current programme or work towards the degree title for which they originally enrolled. However, if they satisfy the entry requirements they can transfer to Combined Studies and still complete an honours degree and obtain a full honours classification. In previous years all NFN students were directed to the School of Combined Honours. Students should now be directed to their existing Programme Leader (or Combined Honours Leaders for Combined Honours students). Programme/Combined Honours Leaders have been briefed on the new procedures, including the new entry requirements. Details of the procedures are available from either Programme Leaders or School Registrars.
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 20 August |
Clearing application drop-in day |
12 – 4pm |
9 – 5pm |
Docklands |
Book reading by Saralyn Mark: Wednesday 27 July, 12 noon – 4pm (Knowledge Dock Showcase Room, Docklands Campus)
Saralyn Mark, a world renowned leader in women’s health and the first Senior Medical Advisor appointed to the Office on Women’s Health at NASA, will be visiting UEL to give an exclusive book reading from her recent publication ‘Stellar Medicine: A Journey Through the Universe of Women’s Health’. For more information or to RSVP email J.P.Oneill@uel.ac.uk
Bike Portraits: Saturday 30 July – end of August (Hackney, east London)
Seeking to present some of the rich and diverse cycling cultures of Hackney, this exhibition showcases 25 photographic portraits of the area taken during the past 12 months. They will be displayed up for a short time across cycle stores and cafés in Hackney, while people looking to attend are encouraged to cycle from venue to venue. To find out more about the exhibition see bit.ly/bike_portraits To attend the launch ride and private view on 30 July, contact Kat Jungnickel on K.E.Jungnickel@uel.ac.uk
Leading Success: an induction programme for new Programme Leaders: Tuesday 6 September, 9.30am – 4pm (Stratford Campus)
This is an essential one-day induction programme for all new Programme Leaders, which is ‘hands-on’ and practical. The course is designed to support you in managing your role effectively and confidently by enabling you to understand fully your leadership role, its remit and how it fits in with our infrastructure. To book your place email n.harding@uel.ac.uk by 31 August.
Sixth Learning, Teaching and Assessment Conference: Wednesday 7 September (Docklands Campus)
This one-day conference is free and open to all UEL staff and collaborative partners. This annual event offers opportunities for active debate, discussion and reflection regarding current issues in learning, teaching and assessment. To reserve your place complete the online booking form by clicking here
See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm
Try a Sport 365 gets underway
Last week saw the start of one of UELSports’ new projects, Try a Sport 365. Students from across east London were given the opportunity to take part in a three day basketball camp held at Newham 6th Form College. With help from Newham Allstar Sports Academy and their coach ‘Coach Chris’, thirty students experienced skills, drills, match play and the opportunity to socialise with students from other colleges and universities. The programme continues this week, with a cricket camp at NewVIc and table tennis, football and badminton coming soon. For more information please see http://bit.ly/nogy7H
Come and take part in free rounders sessions every week at West Ham Park* (Ham Park Road, Linden gate access, E15 4AD). All UEL staff and students welcome!
The rounders sessions will now take place every Thursday, 5.30 – 7pm. Click here for a map of the park.
*Venue likely to change in September 2011.
Yoga Flex is a gentle, therapeutic and natural way to exercise. It will help you to relax, de-stress and energise, giving the body a complete workout ‘inside-out’. Yoga Flex focuses on breath control to promote calm, relax the body with yoga based flexibility stretches, improve postural alignment and muscular tone, and helps clear the mind with simple and natural meditation techniques. Yoga Flex is delivered by Vicente Faba Calderon, who has delivered Yoga in Cuba, Mexico, Thailand and UK for over 20 years.
When: Every Wednesday, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Where: The Dome, Students’ Union at Stratford Campus (Next to Health and Bioscience helpdesk in University House)
Cost: Staff – £5, students – £3
Free use of yoga mats available.
To register your interest and for more information please contact Yassin from UELSports on 020 8223 6399 or email y.abidou@uel.ac.uk
Come and take part in Bootcamp circuit session that works your entire body with cardio, lower body, upper body and core exercises. Don’t be scared by the name, Bootcamp circuit is a fun way to lose weight, tone the body, strengthen your core while working at your own pace! The sessions will be delivered by Stephen Aish a member of UEL’s strength and conditioning team. He is currently British Weightlifting Champion for his age and weight, a 3rd Dan Taekwondo instructor and one of the first users of Kettlebells in the UK and is internationally ranked.
Mondays – Stratford Campus, M-Block gym, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Wednesdays – Docklands Campus, New Outdoor gym, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Staff – £5, students – £3
For further details please contact Yassin from UELSports on 020 8223 6399 or email y.abidou@uel.ac.uk
Every Tuesday you can come and take part in UEL’s ‘No Strings’ badminton sessions. It’s a fun way to keep fit, learn new techniques and just have some fun with friends. A badminton coach/co-ordinator will be on hand to help and assist you, and just getting you playing and enjoying yourself!
Every Tuesday
5.30 – 7pm
Sarah Bonnell School, Deanery Road (entrance), Stratford, E15 4LP (opposite Stratford Campus)
Staff – £4, students – £3
For more information and to book your place contact Frank Foo on 07963 580 385 or Yas from UELSports via y.abidou@uel.ac.uk
The more complete lists of opportunities are available from a secure page on the ReDS website – please login with your UEL username and password: www.uel.ac.uk/secure/reds/current-opportunities/index.htm
Highlights
– RCUK Global Uncertainties Leadership Fellows – The programme helps governments, businesses and societies to better predict, detect, prevent and mitigate threats to security. Six key themes: Ideologies and beliefs; Terrorism; Transnational organised crime; Cyber security; Threats to infrastructure; Countering the proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CERN) weapons and technologies. Overall limit of £500,000 fEC per project, with RCUK contributing up to £400,000 (80%). Deadline for Expressions Of Interest is 28 September 2011.
– ESRC Future Research Leaders (outline proposals) – The scheme is open to high-quality candidates from anywhere in the world who have a maximum of 4 years' post-doc experience. Particularly seeking research proposals involving secondary analysis of existing datasets and the application of innovative research methods. Applications are welcome in any topic under the ESRC's remit. Grant value up to £215,000 for 3 years. Deadline is 15 September 2011.
– Arts Council England, AHRC & NESTA: The Digital R&D Fund for Arts and Culture – Test digital propositions around audience reach/engagement & new business models that are of interest to the arts & cultural sector. Produce research/data that other arts & cultural organisations value highly & possibly, new products/services that can be used by other organisations. Collaboration & wider impact. Themes; User generated content & social media; Distribution; Mobile, location & games; Data & archives; Resources; Education & learning. Grant of up to £100,000 for 2 years. Deadline is 2 September 2011.
– National Institute for Health Research (NIHR): Programme Development Grants – To increase the rate & number of successful applications for a full Programme Grant, supporting the completion of the necessary preparatory work to suitably position the research team to submit a competitive Stage 2 Programme Grant application. Grant of up to £100,000 for 6-8 months. Deadline is 10 October 2011.
– Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC): Research Grants; Route for Early Career Researchers – To support well-defined research projects. Highlight Notice for Digital Transformations in Arts & Humanities; Care for the Future; Translating Cultures; Science in Culture; Connected Communities. Grants of £20,000 to £200,000 for up to 5 years. No deadlines, apply anytime.
– JISC Grant Funding 07/11: JISC Managing Research Data Programme (02) 2011-13: Call for Proposals – JISC invites institutions to submit proposals for projects under three separate strands of the Managing Research Data Programme (02) 2011-13.
- Strand A(1): Institutional Research Data Management Infrastructure: Projects to help universities that are at an early stage of developing a research data infrastructure.
- Strand A(2): Institutional Research Data Management Infrastructure: Projects to help universities to embed and extend an existing pilot research data management infrastructure.
- Strand B: Research Data Management Planning for Projects or Departments.
- Strand C: Integrated Research Data Management Planning Tools for Institutions.
Total funding of up to £3million is available under Strand A. Funding of up to £100,000 is available per project in Strands B and C. The deadline is 28 July 2011.
A range of new EU FP7 Calls are expected to be announced over the coming weeks which will be featured in updates from the first week of August.
The ReDS team provide administrative and development support to all research and knowledge exchange projects across UEL. Please contact ReDS on 020 8223 7776 or email reds@uel.ac.uk if you would like to discuss any opportunities.
Please send comments or contributions for in Focus Update to: infocus@uel.ac.uk
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© 2011
