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Welcome to in Focus Update…

Past Issues << | Issue 293: 15 May 2012

| What’s Happening | UELSports Roundup |

News in brief

Opening of new reception building

Reception buildingFacilities Services is proud to announce the launch of a new Customer Services Reception building at Docklands Campus which will open to students, staff and visitors at 8am on Tuesday 22 May. The new Reception will be staffed 24 hours a day by a dedicated Customer Services team with support from Security. This will greatly improve the visitor experience to UEL by providing a central point for enquiries and requests such as campus directions.

The newly recruited Customer Services team will take over the provision of staff access cards and car parking permits, as well as meet, greet and announce visitors to the campus. Staff from the Customer Services team will also be in place at Stratford Campus, located in the Conference and Computer Centre Reception. Click here for more information about the new Customer Services team and the services they will provide.


No network services at Duncan House on Sunday 20 May

Please be advised that due to an important network update there will be no network services available at Duncan House between 9am and 5pm on Sunday 20 May. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause, and wish to let you know that these works are part of the changes required in order to improve our network resilience and performance to support our activities over the coming months.


UEL launches new International Development Scholarship

International Students House logoLaunched in partnership with International Students’ House (ISH), a social, cultural and welfare centre for British and international students, this fantastic new scholarship will be awarded to a student from a developing country who would otherwise not have had the opportunity to study here due to financial restraints. The successful scholar will be given the chance to make a positive contribution to the development of their home country as a result of completing an MSc NGO and Development Management Programme at UEL. ISH and UEL will be providing tuition fees, flights, accommodation, food and living costs. Read more.


UEL wins six medals at universities’ regatta

UEL Boat Club with their medalsUEL provided compelling evidence that it has one of the most improved and respected rowing teams in the country, following an impressive haul of six medals at the recent British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Regatta. Read more.


Final opportunity to become a Fellow of the HEA this year

There are only two remaining panel dates for applications for colleagues to become Associate Fellows/Fellows of the Higher Education Academy:

Thursday 31 May 2012
Monday 11 June 2012

Staff in teaching and/or supporting learning are encouraged to apply to these panels and use UEL’s CPD route to gain the nationally recognised award of Associate or Fellow of the HEA, evidencing high standards and professionalism in teaching and supporting learning within HE. Read more. For further details and to apply to a panel date contact Dallas Davis. Documentation is required two weeks prior to the panel date. 


Student Services Helpdesk email change

The email address for the Student Services Helpdesk is changing from studentserviceshd@uel.ac.uk to studentservicesHD@uel.ac.uk This change will take place on 28 May. Please ensure that any correspondence sent to the Student Services Helpdesk after this date is sent to the new email address. Click here for more information about the helpdesk.


May welcome programme for international students

On 21 May a new group of international students will join UEL as part of the pre-sessional English course, International Foundation Programme and pre-master's courses. The International Student Advice Team has coordinated a range of different activities to welcome this new group of students with the support of UELSU, Royal Docks Business School and the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering. Read more.


CEWE launches Patron Scheme

CEWEThe Centre of Excellence for Women's Entreprenurship is launching its Patron Scheme. The scheme will offer mentoring relationships between aspiring and established female entrepreneurs, and a fantastic opportunity for mentors to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, and for mentees to be inspired by those who have experienced their own entrepreneurial journeys. If you would like to be a mentor, apply here If you would like to be a mentee, apply here. The deadline for applications is 4 June. For further details contact Danielle Sheerin on cewe@uel.ac.uk


UEL graduate’s art sells for more than 200 times its original value

Jake Chapman's pieceRecently appearing on hit Channel 4 art dealer show Four Rooms, the work of one of UEL’s most accomplished graduates, Jake Chapman, has fetched £10,000, more than 200 times its original value. Read more.


UEL fine art academic ‘leaves his mark’ in Olympic Park

Grenville Davey's pieceTurner Prize-winning artist and MA Fine Art programme leader at UEL Grenville Davey has once again left his distinctive mark upon the art world, with an eye-catching work at the Olympic Park. Read more.


Stephen Ball latest guest writer in Cass periodical

Stephen BallStephen Ball, Karl Mannheim Professor of the Sociology of Education, at the Institute of Education, University of London, is the latest guest writer to contribute to the April edition of the Cass School of Education and Communities’ new periodical Research in Secondary Teacher Education. Editor Gerry Czerniawski comments: “It’s really exciting to see the innovative work of Cass staff published alongside these internationally acclaimed writers”. Launched in 2011 this bi-annual open access publication is rapidly expanding its readership in this, its third, edition, promoting the research and creative talent of the School’s teacher education team.


World Book Night

The recipients of The RoadAs part of the distribution of millions of books to celebrate World Book Day, Dr Carrie Weston in the Cass School of Education and Communities applied to give away The Road by Cormac McCarthy. 26 copies of this compelling novel were given to students and staff in the Cass Building last Thursday evening. Once read, the recipients of the book are encouraged to pass it on to others.


UEL student co-chairs at Mayoral Assembly

Ngalazu Phiri (centre)BA International Politics student Ngalazu Phiri was part of the co-chairs team at the recent Mayoral Assembly organised by London Citizens (pictured centre). Ngalazu was involved in the voter registration campaign around the Mayoral election mounted by London Citizens.


London Pleasure Gardens has arrived!

London Pleasure GardensWinners of the Mayor of London and Newham’s Meanwhile Competition, London Pleasure Gardens is a new cultural entertainment destination being built at Pontoon Dock, Newham (opposite the ExCeL Centre). The site will be transformed into a riverside social destination, a place that showcases high culture and sub-culture together to create an immersive world of delight. Opening at the end of June 2012, the site will see a range of festivals and concerts performed, as well as bringing east London culture to the Olympic Last Mile. There are a wide range of opportunities to engage in the project; email Jess or find out more here.


Participants wanted for study of everyday activities – paid £50!

ResearchCalling households with at least two adults (aged 18+) to take part in research investigating some everyday activities. The study takes place over four months, but requires very little of your time. If there are at least two people in your household who are interested, you can all complete this five-minute questionnaire. You will then be sent more details about the study, and be told whether you are eligible. Completing the questionnaire gives no obligation to take part. This is a joint study between UEL and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Email Dr Usman Naeem for further details.


For the latest on our activities visit the news releases section of our website www.uel.ac.uk/news

What’s Happening

Discussion forums, seminars and conferences

Multilingual learners in higher education: re-thinking institutional and individual responses
Thursday 17 May, 1 – 2pm, ED.2.01, Stratford Campus
• This seminar will begin to examine HE institutional processes, from the perspectives of multilingual learners, as well as academics working within that process.
• Presented by Ratha Perumal.
• Please RSVP to Veronica Burton.

Developing the early years curriculum for 0 – 4 in South Africa
Tuesday 22 May, 12 noon – 1pm, ED.2.02, Stratford Campus
• Presented by Professor Hasina Ebrahim, University of the Free State.
• Please RSVP to Veronica Burton.

Vice-Chancellor’s Lecture Series
Tuesday 22 May, 6.15pm, WB.G.02, Docklands Campus
Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee will host a new lecture series, addressing issues of community, economy and human rights in east London and worldwide in light of the Olympic Games.
Complimentary drinks reception at 6.15pm, followed by the lecture at 7pm.
Please RSVP to Richard Pyle.

How do you like your diversity? Unravelling multiculturalism, interculturalism and cosmopolitanism.
Tuesday 22 May, 6.30 – 8.30pm, Rivington Place, London EC2A 3BA
Handel Wright will analyse developments and limitations in the theories and politics of multiculturalism and diversity. He will be joined by Mica Nava, Roshini Kempadoo and Ashwani Sharma.
Buy your ticket and read more information.

Olympic Ideals? Institute of Philosophy one-day conference in association with UEL
Wednesday 23 May, 9am (for 9.30am start) – 5.45pm, Stratford Campus
Speakers include Jim Parry (Charles University in Prague), Jonathan Wolff (UCL), Andy Miah (University of the West of Scotland), Janie Hampton (author).
Free to attend for UEL staff.
Click here for rmore information. If you are interested in attending email philosophy@sas.ac.uk

Sonic Radicalism
Wednesday 23 May, 1 – 5pm, EB.1.03, Docklands Campus
Centre for Cultural Studies Research presents the third Music, Politics and Agency seminar.
Speakers include Adam Harper, Matthew Pritchard, Dhanveer Singh Brar, Jason Toynbee and UEL’s chair Jeremy Gilbert.
Booking not necessary.
For further details contact Jeremy Gilbert.

HR conference: Developing attitudes and behaviours of world-class performers
Thursday 24 May, 10am – 4.30pm, Computer and Conference Centre, Stratford Campus
HR conference with opportunities for networking and improving your CV.
Motivational speakers Roger Black MBE and Danny Crates will explore the relationship between high performance in sport and business.
• For more information and to book click here or email eastlondon@cipdbranch.co.uk

Improving health in Newham – research seminar series
Tuesday 29 May, 4.15 – 5.30pm, Classroom 3, Education Centre, NUHT
• Presented by Dr Lorna Sweeney, the seminars will explore the topic of young male perspectives on peer suicide and depression.
• To book your attendance email Sadna Ullah or call 020 7055 5628
Click here for more information.

Teacher professionalism in a post-traditional age: some critical reflections on problems and possibilities
Thursday 31 May, 5 – 6pm, ED.2.02, Stratford Campus
• Research seminar hosted by the Cass School of Education and Communities
• Presented by Sharon Gewirtz, Professor of Education and co-director of the Centre for Public Policy Research at King's College London.
• Please RSVP to Veronica Burton.

Royal Docks Business School postgraduate research students’ conference
Friday 8 June, 9.30am – 5pm, Docklands Campus
Seminar led by Professor Derek Pugh on ‘The Contents of a Good PhD’, followed by research papers from RDBS postgraduate research students.
Non-RDBS PGR students and staff welcome, but places are limited. To book a place please contact John Chandler.

Navigating our culture’s body anxiety
Thursday 14 June, 5.30pm, CC.1.01, Stratford Campus
• Lecture and Q&A session with renowned psychoanalyst, writer and holder of UEL Honorary Doctorate Susie Orbach.
• RSVP to Sharon Cahill.


General interest

Bloomberg Assessment Tests
Thursday 17 May,
10am or 2pm, ITC.10 and ITC.11, Docklands Campus
Wednesday 30 May, 10am or 2pm, CC.1.08, Stratford Campus
Bloomberg Institute is partnering with UEL to offer the Bloomberg Assessment Test (BAT) free of charge to all UEL students and recent graduates. The test highlights students' strengths and weaknesses in finance, and puts them in touch with financial employers.
Please encourage students to take the test and register at takethebat.com

Visual Arts Degree Show and Creative Futures 2
Thursday 17 May, 5.30pm, AVA Building, Docklands Campus
Join our graduating students to celebrate their work and achievements at the annual Visual Arts Degree Show, featuring work from across the visual arts subjects.
• Private view begins at 5.30pm
• For futher information email ADI Events or call Sian Harris on 020 8223 3405.

CompEx2012: Computing final-year project showcase
Monday 21 May, 11am – 6.30pm, Docklands Campus
• A celebration of the achievements of Computing final-year degree students.
• Students will exhibit their work, followed by a prize-giving ceremony and opportunity to network.
Click here for further details. Register here by Thursday 17 May.

Wake up! It’s time to get that job!
Until Wednesday 23 May, UEL and Canary Wharf
The Employability and Enterprise Team is running a ten-week programme of events to get final-year students into the world of work.
Students can view the full schedule and register here.

Careers Fair for students: 'fUEL Your Future 2012'
Wednesday 23 May, 11am – 3pm, East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf
The Employabilty and Enterprise team is asking staff to get involved with this year’s Careers Fair by offering CV checks and mock interview practice for our students. If you would like to support this event email Fouzia Chowdhury.
Students can register for the event here.

Entrepreneur event – Funding, freelance and social enterprise panel
Thursday 31 May, 3 – 6pm, KD.1.16, Knowledge Dock, Docklands Campus
CEWE is holding a ‘funding, freelance and social enterprise’ panel for staff and students interested in enterprise.
Three experts will share their advice and insight and will take questions from the audience, followed by a networking session.
Register your attendance for the event and email CEWE for further details.

 

Belly dance classes
Mondays, 6.15 – 7.15pm, The Dome, Students' Union, Stratford Campus
£3 for staff and students or £5 for external guests. Pay on the day.
To book a place please email Shahida Aslam or call 07880 736273.
Please note the classes are for women only.


Researcher Development Programme (RDP)

Forthcoming workshops for researchers include:

Thursday 24 May: Developing your professional reputation (Docklands)

For workshop synopses, plus times and venues, see the RDP webpage. To book a place email Dr Caroline Dunmore, Researcher Development Manager.


See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm

UELSports Roundup

UEL SportsSportsDock car parking

SportsDock exteriorIf you are organising a meeting or conference at SportsDock please be aware that there is limited car parking available. Visitors to SportsDock will need to pay the £3 pay and display charge, which will be refunded at SportsDock. Alternatively, UEL staff may book a parking space in the main car park through the Security Office as usual. SportsDock encourages all of its members and visitors to use public transport where possible.


FREE exercise classes

SportsDock is hosting a range of FREE, funky and unusual classes throughout one week at the end of the month. Classes will last for 40 minutes and are open to everyone; all ages and fitness levels are welcome.

Monday 28 May at 7.30pm: Skiptrix
Tuesday 29 May at 7.30pm: Zumba
Wednesday 30 May at 7.30pm: Dance Fitness Class/Bollywood Workshop
Thursday 31 May at 7pm: Bellydance
Friday 1 June at 7.30pm: Booiaka

For more information on any of the above classes email Qian Ding.


UELSports are looking for University Sports Ambassadors

These ten voluntary roles will begin in September 2012 and last for one academic year. They can be fulfilled alongside study timetables as the minimum voluntary commitment is three hours per week. Successful applicants will work closely with UELSports to increase the number of people playing a particular sport. Benefits students will receive include sports development experience, access to free training, annual award dinner tickets and valuable work skills to add to their CV.

If you think you know of any students who may be interested, please direct them here. Completed application forms must be received by 12 midnight on 5 June. Successful applications will be contacted by 8 June and invited to attend an informal interview. Direct any queries to UELSports.


Please send comments or contributions for in Focus Update to: infocus@uel.ac.uk

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