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Welcome to in Focus Update… |
Past Issues << | Issue 295: 30 May 2012 |
Please note that all catering units, with the exception of The Green at Stratford Campus which will remain open until 3.30pm, will close at 1pm today (Wednesday 30 May) and will not reopen for the rest of the day. This is to enable all catering staff to attend a joint staff/management meeting. Apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your consideration.
Due to the very busy and exciting 2012 sporting summer, there are changes to the usual UEL parking guidelines over the Olympic and Paralympic period starting 1 July. It is expected that there will be disruption to usual travel during Games-time and in accordance with 2012 staffing policy UEL staff are advised to plan to use public transport. If you have been identified as essential staff during Games-time and you need to park on Campus, you will need to submit a parking application by Wednesday 6 June. Non essential staff may also apply and will need to submit extra information. Please note, parking permits are not guaranteed. Further details are available here or email 2012parking@uel.ac.uk
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve campus security and safety for students, staff and visitors, we are installing security fences and gates on Docklands Campus.
A permanent locked gate will be located by the flight of steps adjacent to the Underground Bar, from 7pm on Friday 1 July; ensuring access to campus is via the ramp next to the new reception building. Security fencing will be installed along the riverside next to the halls of residence from mid-June.
If you have any queries regarding this please email Mike Crook / extension 7891.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee invites you to attend a lecture by Trevor Phillips OBE, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, on London's enduring success as a home for people from all over the globe. Why does London thrive on its diversity while other cities see it as a cause of tension?
This event forms part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Lecture Series addressing issues of community, economy, and human rights in east London and around the world against the backdrop of the Olympics.
Date: Wednesday 13 June
Reception: 6.15pm
Lecture: 7 – 8pm
Location: CC.1.01, Stratford Campus
Please RSVP to Richard Pyle.
Chair of the Board of Governors at
UEL, human rights lawyer and high profile media commentator, Mark Stephens CBE, has called upon Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender athletes, who don’t feel safe in their respective countries, to apply for asylum during the London 2012 Games. Read more.
As part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, the School of Psychlology is hosting a special free lecture and Q&A session with renowned psychoanalyst, writer and holder of Honorary Doctorate Susie Orbach. Susie, who is co-founder of The Women’s Therapy Centre and has written books including Fat is a Feminist Issue and Hunger Strike, will present her lecture ‘Navigating our culture’s body anxiety’ on Thursday 14 June at 5.30pm in CC.1.01, Stratford Campus. Please RSVP to Sharon Cahill.
The Students’ Union invited UEL students, staff and special guests to the SU Volunteer Awards ceremony earlier this month, to celebrate the numerous recent successes of student representatives, the Riverside media team and community volunteers. The event, which took place on 18 May, additionally saw representatives from a broad spectrum of student-led societies – including Psychology, UELTV Network, Urban Dance and International Society – receive awards for their volunteering commitments. For the second year running, the Law and Criminology Society were named best society of the year. Also in attendance was Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Joughin, who can be seen presenting an award to members of the Psychology Society.
Fourteen UEL students won the opportunity to showcase their talents at a print exhibition organised in partnership by UEL and the Financial Services Authority. The UEL 2012 print exhibition was formally opened on Sunday at the FSA by Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee, with students and staff from the University as well as guests from Canary Wharf companies. Read more.
UELSU is looking for staff and students who can help with a major new exhibition at the ExCeL Centre, JUMP, which aims to set a new world record for the longest photo ever produced. Since 2010, UEL staff and students have been helping artist Clare Newton jump into the record books by posing mid-air for countless photos, so help out and come along to see if you can spot a familiar face! Volunteers will:
• set up on 30 and 31 May, 9am – 5pm
• invigilate from 1 – 9 June, 10am – 5pm
• pack away in the evening of 9 June, and on 10 June.
To register for this opportunity please email shahida@uel.ac.uk and for enquiries call 07880 736 273.
Selena Bolingbroke presented 40 UEL students with awards during the Student Achievement Awards Ceremony held on 16 May, in partnership with Birkbeck University. Over 100 people attended the annual event, which featured bhanga drums, entertainment and dancing. It also provided a chance to celebrate the successes of some of our mature students who have overcome personal difficulties to achieve while studying at UEL. For further information or to join the planning group for next year’s ceremony contact Julie Walker on extension 4354 or j.c.walker@uel.ac.uk
Over 100 delegates from academia, law enforcement agencies and industry participated in the second International Conference on Cybercrime, Security, and Digital Forensics, Cyfor – 2012, at UEL earlier this month. Dr Ameer Al-Nemrat, organiser and programme chair, said: “Delegates discussed the threat caused by cyber crime, an issue of global importance as new technologies provide a world of opportunity for criminals. Reducing the opportunities for cyber crime is not a simple task but requires cooperation between many players – computer security specialists, legal professionals, academia, public citizens, and law enforcement agencies – and fundamental changes in common attitudes and practices.”
Creative Writing students and staff enjoyed a very lively open mic session as part of the Creative Futures 2 ADI Showcase event on 17 May, when around 15 students performed their work in an overflowing Oscar’s Cafe, with others displaying poetry and fiction around the walls. Invited guests Pete Ayrton (Serpent's Tail), Alex Russell (Peters Fraser and Dunlop), Paul Munden (NAWE) and David Wingrove (author) commented warmly on the energy, variety and talent evident in the students’ work, and commended the enthusiasm and support from all those who were involved.
Monday saw Docklands Campus play host to over 300 primary school children who were taking part in the Debate Mate primary cup final. The children take part in tournaments throughout the year that led up to the final which was held for the first time this year at UEL. The youngsters debated in three rounds before the leading two teams from Ravenscroft Primary and Elmhurst Primary (both Newham-based schools) competed in the grand final, which was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee. The final motion was a fitting ‘This house believes the Olympics will be good for London’, a closely fought battle which saw Ravenscroft scoop the trophy this year.
For the latest on our activities visit the news releases section of our website www.uel.ac.uk/news
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.
Cycling Cultures: launch of final report
Tuesday 19 June, 5.30 – 7pm,
AE.1.01, Stratford Campus
•
UEL’s Cycling Cultures project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, looked at experiences of cycling in Bristol, Cambridge, Hackney, and Hull.
• The final report is now available and is being launched during Bike Week with an event discussing the project’s findings.
• RSVP to
Rachel Aldred.
UEL Alumni Network and School of Psychology present: How Psychology can help you become an entrepreneur
Thursday 21 June, 6 – 9pm, CC.1.01, Stratford Campus
• Staff, students and graduates are invited to an alumni evening of presentations and workshops about entrepreneurship, and how Psychology can help you become an entrepreneur!
• Free buffet and networking session to follow the event.
• To RSVP or for more information contact alumni@uel.ac.uk
Dr Bike Workshop
Wednesday 30 May, 8am – 2pm, Stratford Campus
• Drop your bike off for a maintenance check from the London Cycling Campaign.
• Includes lunchtime maintenance workshops and cycle safety training sessions.
• Look out for the big gazebo in the main square of Stratford Campus.
• For more information or to RSVP contact Emily Hamilton.
Bloomberg Assessment Tests
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
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.
Education and training fair for Asian women
Thursday 7 June, 10am – 2.30pm, Ilford Town Hall,
• A fair to enable local women to access education, local services, and employability opportunities.
• Includes a vegetarian buffet and workshop demonstrating how to become an Ayurvedic Massage Therapist.
• All communities are welcome.
• For more information email Jasbir Kaur Panesar.
CEWE networking lunch
Wednesday 20 June, 12.30 – 2pm, BS.3.04, Docklands Campus
Friday 22 June, 12.30 – 2pm, CC.G.04, CC.G.04, Stratford Campus
•
CEWE is hosting two lunches for you to find out more about the project from the people involved, as well as providing opportunities to contribute your own ideas and network.
• RSVP to cewe@uel.ac.uk to book your place – please specify which date you wish to attend.
• Click here for more information and follow @UEL_CEWE on twitter.
UEL Alumni Network and School of Health, Sport & Bioscience present: UEL, the 2012 Games and the future
Tuesday 26 June, 6 – 8.30pm, SportsDock
• A chance for staff, students and graduates to see how UEL is playing its part in the 2012 Games, meet students who are future Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls at SportsDock.
• Free buffet included, with the opportunity to network and socialise with old friends and new.
• To RSVP or for more information contact alumni@uel.ac.uk
UEL Alumni Network and Cass School of Education & Communities present: Annual Summer BBQ
Friday 6 July, 6 – 8.30pm, The Green, Stratford
• This event gives you the chance to catch up with old university pals and tutors in a relaxed environment and enjoy a yummy BBQ!
• To RSVP or for more information contact alumni@uel.ac.uk
Stratford Allotment Club
Every Thursday, 12.30 – 1.30pm, Stratford Campus
• Grow your own fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables at the Grow Your Own Club.
• All gardening tools provided.
• For more information contact Emily Hamilton
See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm
It’s not too late to get in shape for the summer. Beginners’ boxing is still going on at Stratford Campus, in The Dome, the Students' Union in University House, on Thursdays from 5.15 – 6.15pm. Coach Ade will go through the basics of boxing, teaching you skills and drills to improve your strength and fitness. Equipment is provided, so you just need to turn up in your sports kit. If you have any questions please contact Claire Smith.
SportsDock's offer of free exercise classes continues this week. Open to everyone, of all ages and levels of fitness, classes will last 40 minutes and take participants through funky and unusual exercise routines.
• 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 email Qian Ding.
SportsDock is offering a reduced booking rate for the five/seven a-side outdoor pitches between now and 10 July. Staff will receive a 20% discount on the booking fee when they book a pitch for more than three consecutive weeks. This saving of 20% will benefit anyone that books before 10 June. So if you’re not heading to the Euros this summer then grab your friends and come to SportsDock! For more information or to book email events@sportsdock.co.uk
UELSports won the annual UEL staff five-a-side football tournament hosted at SportsDock last month, beating previous champions Royal Docks Business School in the final 3 – 2. Well done to all Schools and Services that took part.
Welcome to the Green Thing, a regular section full of information on environmental projects, tips and ideas for staff at UEL. Visit our website, follow us on twitter or get in touch at Green Thing. We’d love to hear from you!
Environment Team, Facilities
We all know that UEL has been slowly but surely raising its game on the environmental front, and now it’s been confirmed. People and Planet has awarded UEL a first in the 2012 Green League. We’ve climbed an astonishing 25 places compared to 2011 and are now 16th in the country and second in London. The Green League comprises 145 universities and is led by the student campaign group People and Planet, who rank each university according to their environmental and ethical performance. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported environmental activity at UEL over the last year, from integrating sustainability into courses to promoting recycling, it all helps!
As the Green League results show, we are all truly embedding sustainability into the institution. It’s not just about making the University a greener and more ethical place to study and work, it’s also about improving students employability through programmes such as Green Impact and our Green Skills Workshop. The Green League distinguishes between sustainability policy and our sustainability performance. UEL scored 27 in policy and 20 in performance, giving us a total of 47 out of 70. This means we have reduced our CO2 emissions, increased our re-use and recycling rates and demonstrates that our policies are being put into practice which is accelerating our performance. Sustainability is about embedding real behaviour change and we’re definitely on the way.
Green Move Out has started! From 28 May to 10 June you will see a few more bins outside the Halls of Residence on Docklands Campus. Working with recycling and reuse charity CRISP, we are collecting unwanted items such as clothes, bedding and electrical equipment left by vacating students. CRISP will redistribute these items to homeless charities through the London Re-use Network, promoting sustainable resource use. Last year we saved the equivalent of 32.7 tonnes of CO2, diverting 2.7 tonnes of waste from landfill. If you notice signage missing from any of these collection points please email Greenthing.
...Aquatina bottles are available from all retail outlets at Docklands and Stratford Campuses? Scrunch them down in your bag, and at £3 they’re a bargain and perfect for this hot weather!
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)
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