132 Shaping my future buzz

Student Experience Edition November 2011 8 10 20

Student Alumni Campus entrepreneur mentoring developments 2 VICE-CHANCELLOR'S VIEW INTRODUCTION 3

Vice-Chancellor’s View : Seizing opportunities

Few people outside universities really When you read this, term will be starting, Birmingham: understand them. Some still think we’re students will have returned, and the Class ivory towers, some that we are overblown of 2011 will have arrived. The rhythm of schools, and some that we are places the University will be changing. Students that only teach. will reap the benefits of much that’s Shaping their future Never is this clearer than during the happened over the summer, from work on summer, when well-meaning people the campus, though lectures and teaching Kate Pritchard introduces a special ‘student experience’ issue of Buzz ask me whether or not I am enjoying my programmes being reworked and revised, holiday. They assume that universities to a completely rethought programme are closed for long periods, with nothing for Welcome Week. There should be happening except, perhaps, a bit of excitement across the campus. Over the past year reductions in funding, University provides quality services such YOUR BUZZ repainting in a faded corner of the campus. Much will be the same: committed increased tuition fees and the largest as student administration, accommodation, Edited by Kate Pritchard If I am feeling defensive, I explain that I and inspiring teaching, a new team of student demonstration in generations welfare and advice. On graduation, as will take some leave during the summer, Guild Officers, and a warm welcome has seen the public spotlight fall firmly alumni, they remain an integral part of the Contact the editor but otherwise I am still hard at it. from professional staff who strive to offer on higher education. It is likely that, in time, Birmingham community and can play an [email protected] If I am feeling energetic, I explain that best-in-class student services. we will look back to this point and see active role in helping current students much happens over the summer. Research Some things will be changing. We that for some institutions the landscape realise their ambition. Your details students are as busy as ever, as are their slipped in the National Student Survey. changed forever. During their journey at Birmingham Please let us know if you want extra supervisors. Academics are researching, We shouldn’t have done. Some Schools As the dust settles prospective students students are supported and encouraged copies of Buzz or if you think we need in their labs, in the field, and in libraries; will already have taken actions to address and their families have been counting the by staff across the University. Academic to amend your distribution details. papers and books are being written; and this, and there will be university-wide cost, and value, of a university education. staff impart knowledge, guide and inspire research is continuing that will shape initiatives to respond to areas where we Many institutions have sought to articulate independent study. Professional staff enable Views expressed in the magazine are and reshape our futures. Meanwhile the have not performed as well as we should. and demonstrate their value but, in what a smooth journey by providing efficient not necessarily those of the University campus is alive with summer schools, REF preparation will be well under way, some see as a crowded market, it can services, enabling access and offering Contents or a statement of University policy. The conferences, visitors, and the routine aimed at ensuring that we improve both be challenging to stand out. advice. No aspect of the student journey publication of advertisements does not business of keeping the University going. our performance in the REF and our grant Birmingham is different. It places ‘a could be delivered without collaboration Making news 4 imply any endorsement by the University Maintenance and contractors have a capture in the interim. Never has competition distinctive, high quality experience’ at the between staff in academic Colleges and Welcome Week 5 of the goods or services advertised. time when they can work without some between universities been more fierce, heart of its strategic ambition. One of the central administrative services. Employability: Careers 6 All submissions may be subject to of the constraints of term time, grounds never have the stakes been as high, and five strategic goals in Shaping Our Future: There are so many aspects to the Employability: Skills Development editing. The Editor’s decision is final. maintenance staff continue to ensure never has it been more important that we Birmingham 2015 this ‘experience’ is individual ‘student experience’ that it is and Entrepreneurship 8 our beautiful campus remains at its best, sustain what we do so well and attend recognised as individual and co-created impossible to describe them all here. Employability: Work Experience and thousands are at work each day. to what we do less well. between the University, the student, This special edition introduces key and Internships 10 As I write this in late August, I look out That work done over the summer, when the community and beyond. aspects across four themes; employability, Study Support: CLAD 12 Buzz online on a Chancellor’s Court full of cars and people were so surprised we were so hard As a scholar the student will be part of study support, wellbeing and community. Study Support: Peer Support 14 www.buzz.bham.ac.uk visitors, alive not just with University at it, will pay off. And then there will be an academic community that encourages Each theme will include links to further Study Support: Learning Spaces 15 members but with visitors and visibly- more still to do. The future, and our own independent enquiry and thought. As a information and key contacts, enabling Study Support: Library 16 Follow us on Twitter excited young people. success, is in our own hands. But more future graduate they can access excellent you to share this with students who wish Wellbeing: Wellbeing 17 www.twitter.com/ Yes the pace may ease a bit over the than that, we have a responsibility to our careers and employability services that to access the services. Wellbeing: Equality and Diversity 18 summer but, we remain a year-round students to provide the very best; a will equip and prepare them for a global The ‘Birmingham experience’ will Community: Volunteering buzzunibham organisation. responsibility to our society to undertake employment market. Being part of the encourage and equip our students for and The Guild 19 So if you’ve been bemused from time-to- research of the highest quality; and a Birmingham community they have the the possibilities of life as a graduate and Community: Campus Developments 20 Find us on Facebook time over the summer by people asking responsibility to those who have built and opportunity to participate in a wealth of a citizen and it is an experience in which Perspectives: Brigid Jones 22 www.facebook.com/ what you and the University are doing, you sustained this university to secure our sporting, cultural, social and community we all play a part. In this issue, recent A to Z of services 23 have my thanks for doing what you have place amongst the world’s top universities. activities at the University, in the local area graduate, former Guild VP, current staff buzzunibham been doing, keeping the University running, These are challenges that should and the city. They are represented by the member and local Councillor, Brigid Jones gathering in an unprecedentedly large and not daunt us, and opportunities we Guild of Students who are committed to describes her ‘Birmingham experience’. Front cover image: Brigid Jones, Browse Buzz images well-qualified field of students through the must seize. widening and improving their opportunities If you’re not sure how this ‘Birmingham College of Engineering and Physical www.flickr.com/ admissions process, and ensuring that the and encourage participation through experience’ helps our students it’s worth Sciences, Birmingham alumna, former University can continue to improve its Vice-Chancellor, volunteering, outreach and social activities. a read. Per Arda Ad Alta ‘through efforts Guild of Students Vice President photos/buzzunibham research performance. Professor Throughout their time at Birmingham the to high things’. (Education and Access) 4 NEWS WELCOME WEEK 5

Birmingham: Making news Birmingham:

BUAFTAs 2012 Welcoming the Student Experience award In this challenging time for higher to celebrate those individuals or teams 2011 intake education, the University is proud to who leave alumni with a lasting impression

be making significant new investments of Birmingham for years to come. Photos by UoB Photosoc to enhance the student experience. All staff and students are eligible to Claire Hawkins sums up what has been an These include the estate, employability nominate for this and the other BUAFTA incredibly warm welcome for the 2011 intake. services and learning facilities to ensure awards. Nominations are open between our students receive an inspirational 3 and 31 October and everyone who The first week at university is undeniably one of the most The best 15 entries were selected to work with us experience during their time with us. nominates will be entered into a prize- exciting, and nerve-wracking, times in a student’s life. They throughout the academic year, with students submitting This would not be possible without the draw to win an iPad. Shortlisted are about to embark on their university career, often away regular diary entries about student life and their development outstanding achievements of our candidates will be invited to the BUAFTA from the support of family and school friends, or even in from day one. administrative, technical and support staff gala dinner on Friday 3 February 2012 another country. Part of our role at Birmingham is to provide From preparation for Welcome Week and moving into who strive to create a distinctive, high where the winners will be announced. If new experiences to help them make friends, find interests accommodation to the first few weeks immersed in university quality student experience at Birmingham. you think someone has done a great job win an and opportunities and most importantly, settle into life to life and study, we asked for our students’ feelings and Now in their fifth year, the Birmingham let them know! Learn more www.intranet. enable them to pursue their academic career. experiences throughout the journey. Alongside this, a simple University Awards For Tremendous bham.ac.uk/buafta and nominate online iPad With increasing emphasis upon the student experience blog has been created to allow students and their families to Achievement (BUAFTAs) include a or with a nomination form from your line and delivering the best across the whole student lifecycle, feedback on their experience to further improve our support. dedicated Student Experience Award manager or Aston Webb reception. teams across the University have created a schedule of Another new addition to the Welcome 2011 calendar events, communications and competitions to ease them is the formal welcome from the Vice-Chancellor. Students into student life. Welcome 2011 has increased in scope to have been formally welcomed in the Great Hall by the Vice- help UK, EU and International students settle at Birmingham Chancellor and the Head of each College, a memorable and find out all that is on offer, whether in accommodation, beginning to their University career, which will hopefully Students lead Small living at home or studying internationally. end in graduation within the same Great Hall. Acts of Kindness UoB students mobile app Colleagues across the University have developed fresh Some of the most prominent but unsung heroes of ideas about how to engage with, and involve as many, Welcome Week are our Student Ambassadors, who Did you spot the bright pink hoodies The University launched its first mobile application for current new students as possible. From improving channels of work on campus and within accommodation to help settle around campus during Welcome students during Welcome 2011. The app gives them free mobile communication to aid the induction process to brainstorming students into their new lives. Their own experience of student 2011? These Student Ambassadors, access to important tools and information, enabling them to new activity to elevate Birmingham above its competitors, we life and enthusiasm for the University helps to alleviate some nicknamed ‘the pink team’, took part contact others, check for library books, find available PCs across SCAN ME have ensured this was the best Welcome yet. The Welcome of the anxiety of new students and help them embrace the in the student-led project, Small Acts campus and more. The app works on iPhones, Android and iPads team within Academic Services delivered an excellent variety of events and activities available to them. of Kindness. They have been hard at with plans to launch on Blackberry within the next few months. Welcome 2011 website, with information, timetables and Across campus, our current students welcome the new work locating new students who have UoB Student has a variety of features to help students both on and advice for students; from registration to what events were into societies, groups and sports clubs. Their knowledge contacted us via Twitter or Facebook, off campus, including a friend finder, campus map and a pocket guide on throughout the week. and understanding has been put to good use in the form to reward them with Amazon vouchers providing useful information about campus facilities, student services This year we launched the Great Read at Birmingham of a welcome video. Students impart their experience on or University branded hoodies. and contacts. Students can choose to receive tailored news and events (GRAB), whereby all new undergraduates receive The the next generation, with advice on university life and how to The pink team scoured the campus streams to ensure they receive information that is relevant to them. Rough Guide to Evolution in their welcome packs. Written make the most of it. ‘Passing the baton’ to the new cohort, and filmed their mission as they surprised For the first time, the directory search is also available for all to use as by one of our academics, Professor Mark Pallen, the book the students remember their fondest moments whilst students at fairs, accommodation and well as access to library accounts to further develop library resources. considers the impact of evolutionary thinking on modern highlighting the great opportunities available at Birmingham. during lectures. The videos have Users, both students and staff, can access the app by downloading times; from politics and linguistics to TV shows and music. Beginning a tradition of handing over, our new students are created a buzz on social media and from the iTunes or Android store. You must set up a username and The book provides a common theme for all undergraduates, encouraged to explore and challenge themselves personally across campus as students found that password on first use to access the directory and other features, allowing students from different locations, backgrounds and academically to create the best memories of their ‘good things come to those who tweet’. and this can be your University username and password. and perspectives to share this experience and debate university life. and challenge the book’s themes. Our Welcome 2011 has been a huge collaborative effort Watch them online Learn more Crucial to improving the student experience is the with much behind the scenes work ensuring each student’s www.youtube.com/unibirmingham www.bham.ac.uk/mobile-app feedback we receive, much of which is informally submitted. induction into Birmingham life is as smooth and enjoyable This year the ‘First Impressions’ competition gave new as possible. Already, plans are in place to improve Welcome students the chance to engage with us prior to coming 2012 and deliver an outstanding student experience from to Birmingham in the form of a diary of their experiences. the moment they have earned their place at Birmingham. 6 EMPLOYABILITY CAREERS 7 ‘We are continually enhancing our range and quality of employability provision in order to help our students identify and achieve their individual career aspirations, source great work experience Birmingham: and jobs, enhance their skills and Did you know…? take an enterprising approach to The Careers and Employability Centre provide developing their careers.’ a number of specialist services, including: o A CV advice service run by members of a Eluned Jones, Director of the Careers Investing in unique Student Paraprofessional Team and Employability Centre o Careers workshops and events for International students Students and staff their future o A ‘Careers in Business’ team providing specialist support for our postgraduate in partnership Business School students The Careers and Employability Centre also Carla Amos describes how students can prepare provides opportunities for students to work within for their career at the start of their student journey their Student Employability Team (SET). Students can gain valuable experience through paid work, as a member of a Media and Communications team and a College Marketing team, to name but two. The Careers and Employability Centre Feedback from current students indicates o Presentations from individual employers has been providing advice, support and that many lack confidence in interview o A skills series programme that runs twice guidance for students for the last 100 years, and writing applications for jobs. College a year, giving students the opportunity to seeing thousands of students through its Careers teams provide dedicated help enhance their employability skills through Meet the team College of Life and doors each year. With the introduction in practice interviews, CV clinics and workshops and business games with Environmental Sciences of a tailored College-based service, preparation support to ensure that students key employers a first for any UK university, even more are able to confidently present themselves o Help and support in practice interviews, Meet the team students will have access to specialist, and their achievements in every situation. CV clinics and preparation support College of Arts and Law Careers Consultant: Julie Wainwright College of College professional guidance in the pursuit The College teams will also be (in addition to the services available and Sarah Robinson of Social Sciences of their chosen career. supported by a new International Students’ in Colleges). Meet the team Careers Adviser: Lindsay Southall The College teams comprise careers Careers Adviser who will be developing Careers Consultant: Chris Packham and Amy Horne Meet the team advisers, job application support staff, and delivering specialist resources and The team work across a range of Careers Adviser: Clare Dawson Applications Support Adviser: Carl Jukes Careers Consultant: Margaret Flynn internship officers, and information support for our international student networks to ensure that professional and Applications Support Adviser: Joanne Rouse College Internship Officer: Jim Reali Careers Adviser: Paul Charman assistants who offer specialist support community. skilled roles are advertised to our students College Internship Officer: Andy Newnham and Claire O’Neill Applications Support Adviser: Yasmin Ansari within each College. Located across and graduates. Regionally, they maintain and Claire O’Neill Information Assistant: Steph Thorpe College Internship Officer: Matt Edwards campus, they provide an easily accessible Maintaining the core service and enhance several partnerships and Find out more Find out more and Claire O’Neill service for students and offer a range currently promote over 3,500 vacancies www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/cal www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/les Information Assistant: Natalie Taylor of services which include: In addition to dedicated College teams, the a year to our students through a vacancy Find out more o Careers consultancy and careers central Careers and Employability Centre service. www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/coss guidance tailored to specific academic (based in University Centre) offers a range For international students, the Careers subject areas of cross-university general careers support. team works closely with a number of College of Engineering College of Medical o Assistance with finding internship The Employer Relations team works networks to customise their job searches to and Physical Sciences and Dental Sciences opportunities and work experience with the world’s top graduate recruiters their home countries. They keep up to date Learn more o Individual advice about applications to support students and graduates with with a range of international resources, and Meet the team Meet the team Email: [email protected] and CVs their career choice and that all-important provide access to virtual recruitment fairs Careers Consultant: Careers Consultant: Jenny Mullins-White Visit: www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers o Strong links to professional bodies selection process. In partnership with to ensure that students are able to access Sophie Miller and Richard Newman Careers Adviser: Sarah Warburton o College specific, tailored events that employer and alumni partners they host suitable job roles in their home country. Careers Adviser: Caroline Egan Applications Support Adviser: Yasmin Ansari involve subject related employers and well over 200 major events each year. In addition to our work with major Applications Support Adviser: Carl Jukes College Internship Officer: Claire O’Neill alumni in conjunction with organisations They include: companies, the team also works closely College Internship Officer: Brendan Bacon Information Assistants: Seb Fox and such as Deloitte, the NHS, KPMG, o Graduate recruitment and industry with the public sector, charities and not for Senior Information Assistant: Amy Swanson Kay Bevan Ernst & Young and many more. specific careers fairs throughout the profit agencies as well as having very close Find out more Find out more year that attract around 60 employers ties with the region and its rich community www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/eps www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/mds to each event of smaller employers. 8 EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP 9

‘As a leading employer of graduates, we are interested in talented students applying to us with strong academic and employability skills – including impact, drive, flexibility, curiosity, Birmingham: integrity and commercial awareness. The Personal Skills Award [produces] high-calibre, motivated individuals who are ready to enter the world Did you know…? Standing out of professional services.’ Our Personal Skills Award recently PriceWaterhouseCoopers won the Association of Graduate Recruiter’s (AGR) award for Best from the crowd Graduate Development Preparation in Higher Education in 2010. Carla Amos learns how our students can do just that.

Developing Personal Skills the opportunity to apply for the PSA (Advanced), The nature of funding for entrepreneurial projects We encourage students to learn and develop their and undergo an employer-led panel interview. is notoriously uncertain, and programmes on offer are skills far beyond their academic studies. The Personal The PSA is sponsored by a range of private and likely to change on a regular basis. However, outlined Skills Award recognises extra-curricular activities and public sector organisations, giving students access below are a flavour of the support schemes that our provides well prepared evidence of their achievements to network with key graduate recruiters. No matter current students have been able to access: to future employers. which pathway a student embarks upon the PSA o SPEED WM Programme The graduate jobs market is an increasingly helps them to stand out in a crowded market place, A nine-month placement for budding entrepreneurs, competitive area; almost 300,000 students graduate demonstrating their hard work and commitment, SPEED is designed to help students with a sound every year. As a result, employers are looking for teaching them to articulate the skills they have business idea take the first steps towards running students who graduate with more than just a degree; gained and preparing them for a successful future. a real business. They will have access to professional they want to see explicit evidence that they have made networks, mentoring and coaching, access to the most of their time at University, and taken the time Learn more meeting and office space, a financial package to Case study to develop the skills that they are looking for. Endorsed www.as.bham.ac.uk/psa help kick-start their business, as well as continuing and supported by employers, the award-winning expert support. Daniel, BSc Business Management with Personal Skills Award (PSA) enables our students o Plan B Competition Nurturing our original thinkers Communications graduate and winner of to develop those much sought-after skills. Plan B aims to uncover the best talent, the best the 2010 UK Global Student Entrepreneur With several hundred places available for high Birmingham is a university of original thinkers; nurturing ideas and a new generation of entrepreneurs. of the Year performing students each year, individuals can and stimulating inquisitive minds to produce graduates Students’ ideas will address one of the University’s ‘I wanted a university experience which complete the PSA by following one of two pathways: with innovative ideas, perspectives and approaches. key research themes: saving lives, influencing society would offer me more than just a top-class o The Activity Pathway recognises students who All students have access to the Enterprise and and creating sustainability. Shortlisted candidates education; I wanted to be challenged with are involved in activities on and off campus, from Innovation (EI) team who encourage and promote pitch their ideas to a panel of business experts with opportunities that would set me up for the rest membership of a society, being part of a sports enterprise, innovation and entrepreneurship, offering the chance to win financial support and one-to-one of my life. While at University I wrote for the team, acting as a student representative or a range of programmes and services designed to coaching sessions. newspaper, presented a radio show and undertaking work experience. support them in their entrepreneurial ambitions. o Enterprise Skills Series opened my own business. The University gave o The Modular Pathway offers a range of modules The EI team provides specialist advice, support and A series of eight seminars provides an overview me more than just a degree; it gave me the that have been created for students to develop guidance to give students the confidence to develop of what a student needs to know to start their own skills to be an all-round successful new skills and enhance their employability whilst their own ideas and set up their own successful business. Topics range from the attitudes and entrepreneur.’ supporting their career ambitions. These modules business or social enterprise. essential qualities of an entrepreneur, to the specifics will appear on the student’s official academic Students can access dedicated training, mentoring that will ensure they stay ahead of the game. transcript. and start-up grants to help them shape their plans, o In addition, students that demonstrate a significant with dedicated schemes to support them from idea Learn more commitment to developing their employability have to launch. www.as.bham.ac.uk/ei 10 EMPLOYABILITY WORK EXPERIENCE AND INTERNSHIPS 11

'My internship will set me apart when applying for work or graduate Birmingham: positions as I have gained hands-on practical experience with exotic animals for a very prestigious organisation that has already been successful towards attaining its goal of reproducing panda cubs. Building a competitive My experience in such a diverse country with different cultural values will benefit me when applying for work as it shows that I can adapt to various situations and be flexible in multicultural environments' advantage Bryany Whitten, 2nd year BSc Biological Sciences (Zoology) Assistant at the Panda Breeding Research Centre in Sichuan, China

Carla Amos learns how careers at In recognition of the success of this scheme, it is Alumni Leadership Mentoring to cover the cost of flights, accommodation and living Birmingham is anything but traditional. being extended with 188 places available in summer Programme costs for a six to eight week placement during the 2012. By 2016, over 300 students, every year, will summer vacation. Negotiations are underway with major The traditional view of a University Careers service be able to apply for financial support for summer Our Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme will see global recruiters worldwide, with SThree (a recruitment is likely to be of a place where students go as they placements. Students can apply for funding through a number of high profile Birmingham alumni providing company based in 14 countries), the Murugappa Group come towards the end of their studies, with the idea one of four schemes: one-to-one mentoring to selected students throughout (one of India’s leading conglomerates) and museums of lining up interviews for graduate jobs. Our Careers o International work experience – support for their final year. and art galleries in Chicago and New South Wales. Service goes far beyond the traditional expectations, undergraduate students looking to undertake work Aimed at students in their final year of study, it really is equipping those students with skills for life from their experience overseas in the summer vacation of a once in a lifetime opportunity to gain first hand career Externships first year, not least through our extensive programme their first or second year of undergraduate study. insight and guidance from some of the University’s most of internships and funded work experience placements Previous recipients have worked in conservation successful and high profile alumni. Externships provide an opportunity for students to that provide them with practical real-world skills in Kenya and South Africa, at a Panda Breeding Alumni Leadership mentors will offer practical advice receive advice and support from alumni and employers and experiences. Centre in China, and taken part in a dinosaur dig on a range of areas including career paths, making an on their career choice, making applications and their This investment in funded work experience in the US, to name only a few. impact in applications and interviews and support as future development plans. Our Careers team will match placements will see more of our talented students o Birmingham Gateway – a new strand of activity students prepare to enter the workplace. Top leadership providers to appropriate students with an interest in being able to experience commercial environments, for summer 2012, this scheme provides bursaries mentors signed up so far include Sir Liam Donaldson their sector. The externships programme also allows develop professional and transferable work skills for widening participation students to undertake (former Chief Medical Officer), Tamsin Greig (Green students to work shadow providers, exploring a as well as building a competitive advantage in their a variety of work experience with major companies, Wing and Black Books actress), Mike Coupe (Group potential career and experiencing a ‘day in the life’ graduate job search and career planning. SMEs, public sector or not for profit organisations. Commercial Director of J Sainsbury’s), Baroness of the professional concerned. o UK Professional – for those students who have Patience Wheatcroft (former Editor of the Wall Street Building on our success secured a placement at a business in the UK. Journal Europe) and Phyllida Lloyd CBE (Director Learn more Previous recipients of this award have undertaken of Mamma Mia!). www.birmingham.ac.uk/internships At Birmingham we have been running a funded work a mini-pupilage in Law chambers and worked All mentors are offering their time for free to provide experience scheme for undergraduate students for as a press intern at Liberty in London. the students with invaluable advice and support. the past six years. Students who have access to a o Undergraduate Research Experience – targeted Cultural Intern Scheme suitable placement but need financial assistance to at those looking to undertake research experience, Global Challenge Internships support these activities have been able to apply for with a view to progressing to research study In October 2011 the University launched a pilot project to offer five up to £800 from the University (generously funded by beyond graduation. With ten places available to students in summer intern placements at leading cultural organisations, including the City alumni), and so far 200 students have benefited. To Whilst financial support is available, students need 2012, the Global Challenge Internships programme of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), Birmingham Royal Ballet date the scheme (previously known as Honey Pot) to take responsibility for finding their own placements will provide student placements with major graduate and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The scheme is open to recent has supported student activities on every continent and will need to demonstrate how it will support their recruiters worldwide. graduates and provides an opportunity to develop essential knowledge barring Antarctica! future development. Bursaries of up to £9,000 are available to students and skills for those looking to develop a career in the cultural sector. Alumni Leadership mentors 12 STUDY SUPPORT CLAD 13

Birmingham:

CLAD: Their expertise Enhancing Professional team of staff offering expertise in e-learning, teaching in higher education, academic skills development, the learning and learning enhancement.

experience CLAD: Their goal To encourage and facilitate the development of a distinctive ‘Birmingham’ approach to the academic curriculum and Kate Pritchard learns how Birmingham is meeting experience, appropriately nuanced for different disciplines the needs of a contemporary higher education. and student groups.

As higher education is changing so too is the learning landscape. Learning gets effective and interactive Policy developments, a changing higher education sector, technological developments, and arguably a more demanding student-consumer are Over the past year CLAD has revamped the University's study skills all impacting the way we interpret the teaching and learning experience. resources. The Guide to Effective Learning (GEL) website collates More than a year ago the University established the Centre for Learning study information from across the University. As well as the best from and Academic Development (CLAD): a new unit within Academic Services inside Birmingham the website also links to external resources and with the aim to improve the student learning experience. The Department acts as a ‘one-stop shop’ for information such as: works in partnership with the University community to develop all aspects o Writing skills of educational enhancement. For CLAD this hasn’t been about unnecessary o Effective study skills duplication of work but harnessing the already excellent resources and o Support for students with disabilities expertise within the University community, providing strategic direction and o Assistance for international studies coordination, and helping provide a robust platform for further developments. Learn more www.gel.bham.ac.uk Developing ICT skills In addition to GEL and WebCT materials, CLAD are piloting a new One area in which the CLAD team is already having o MS Excel, SPSS and interactive study skills resource. Skills4studycampus is an interactive an impact is in developing tailored ICT skills for the NVivo skills inclusion in the e-learning resource covering a range of core skills such as writing better Colleges. Recent examples include: Public Policy Methods module essays, critical analysis, group work and presentations, and facing exams. o Integration of IT Skills into the School of for MSc students in the Institute Students are encouraged to keep personal notes, tags and a learning journal, Psychology in Life and Environmental Sciences. of Local Government and Society therefore the learning experience is highly personalised on their individual needs. This includes the provision of a Computer Use within Social Sciences and MSc Module covering MS Word, Excel, Access students in Intellectual (Learning) Disability Learn more www.gel.bham.ac.uk/s4sc.shtml and Powerpoint for Masters students in order to Studies, Clinical Neuropsychiatry and assess their skill levels and areas for development. Forensic Mental Health studies in Medical In addition to this module the team also delivers and Dental Sciences. tailored sessions on using IT for Project A learning partnership Management and Poster Design. o Integration of IT Skills within the Business School What is the learning landscape? At Birmingham students are encouraged to be This approach to learning will not only improve in Social Sciences. This includes an 11 week independent, challenging and creative learners. student’s performance during their degree IT and Research Skills Module which introduces The learning landscape can refer to: Studying at Birmingham is about much more than programme but will equip them with a proactive, Business and Economics Research students o The physical space in which simply being lectured to. The relationship between independent, enquiry-based approach to work to a series of tools to enhance their research. learning takes place the tutor and the student is one of partnership and and life: qualities that, in a competitive graduate o NVivo workshops for MSc Marketing students o The process of teaching and learning the Birmingham learning experience where a ‘balanced market, employers will be looking for. Through the within the Business School in Social Sciences o Technology and other resources diet’ of learning settings, inclusive curricula, and Birmingham approach to learning we are also to enable them to analyse quantitative and o Teaching and learning assessment methods and tools relevant to subject area, enable helping to secure their future. qualitative data. o Formal and informal relationships students to form their own opinions and ideas. 14 PEER SUPPORT STUDY SUPPORT STUDY SUPPORT LEARNING SPACES 15

Birmingham: Birmingham: Encouraging Providing space a helping hand and time to learn

One of the most impactful ways for students to improve PASS is so successful because it is discipline The space in which you learn is crucially important. What makes a successful their learning experience is by learning from those who owned and student-led. The informal, relaxed A classroom should be a place that inspires intellectual learning space? have been where they were. Schemes that are centred and active student-led sessions are a comfortable thought, and we should challenge what we perceive around students supporting other students can help to environment where challenging problems and a classroom to be. The built environment and the The Learning Spaces team have created enhance young people’s transition to higher education concepts can be discussed. PASS also provides tools used to teach should not be disconnected the Learning Environments Initiative (LEI) learning, skills development, social and academic an excellent opportunity for student volunteers from the activity of teaching and learning. which asks the University community that integration, and improving progression and retention. to develop leadership and facilitation skills which very question. The answers help inform The Centre for Learning and Academic add value to a graduate CV. The Learning Spaces strategy the design of teaching rooms and use Development (CLAD) has introduced a peer learning Over the first two years of the scheme PASS pilots of technology, and meet the evolving needs of students support scheme that aims to enhance student’s have taken place in a number of Schools. All PASS At Birmingham the Learning Spaces strategy acts as a and academic staff. The initiative has three strands: academic engagement and skills development through pilots are supported by CLAD and colleagues within driver for creating appropriate and sustainable learning o Engagement and understanding weekly study sessions. the Colleges through training of PASS Leaders, environments. The strategy, which underpins all Learning Ensuring services are directly informed by users and weekly briefing sessions and evaluation. Spaces activity, is divided into four key areas: the team can respond to changing requirements. The Peer Assisted Study Sessions o Appropriate – the space must support and enhance LEI Consultation Group is made up of staff from across (PASS) academic activities. Design and use of technologies the University and enables a strong link between the reflects user requirements. team and the academic staff they support. PASS is a peer support scheme where higher year Can it help benefit my programme? o Supported – staff and students have access o Support and enablement students volunteer to facilitate study sessions for to resources, training and support to enable Ensuring users have the resources and support lower year students. Volunteers are trained and will Yes, PASS Leaders can act as a first point of contact for first year them to fully utilise space and technology. to fully utilise teaching spaces and technologies. have already passed the year or module that the PASS students and can help to reduce initial queries. It can also help students o Sustainable – assets are used efficiently and The team have provided online tools such as scheme supports. The sessions allow attendees to: be better prepared for classes and managed their workload. effectively to improve environmental and financial quick-start guides and tutorials. o Adjust quickly to university life As Leaders give feedback to their programme contact it can be a useful sustainability. o Assessment and evaluation o Improve study habits way to evaluate how first year students are receiving course content. o Innovative – in order to support the Strategic Continually evaluating teaching space and technology o Enhance understanding of the subject matter Framework goal to ‘provide our students with a to ensure its relevance and efficacy. The Innovations o Enhance awareness of the course direction Learn more www.as.bham.ac.uk/pass distinctive, high quality experience’ there will be Lab is a unique space dedicated to testing innovative and expectations the opportunity to explore innovative approaches new technologies and space design in a controlled to space, technology and service provision. environment. The Lab can be booked for events or teaching sessions.

The Learning Spaces team experience it again.

The Learning Spaces team consist of four key areas: The team also manage associated services: o Timetabling and Room Booking – responsible o dejaview – lecture capture for lectures and events for space allocation which enables desktop, Powerpoint, audio and video o Learning Resources Accommodation Team (LRAT) – to be viewed live or post event manage audio-visual equipment within teaching rooms o Video conferencing – high quality video conferencing o Teaching Accommodation Management Unit (TAMU) – facility based in Aston Webb helpline and one-stop-shop for space-related issues o Learning Space Development – coordination of design Learn more and refurbishment of learning spaces www.as.bham.ac.uk/learningspaces

Affiliated to UK Centre 16 STUDY SUPPORT LIBRARY WELLBEING WELLBEING 17 The Cadbury Research Library

The Cadbury Research Library is the home of Special Collections at the University and its collections can inspire staff and students from a wide range of disciplines. Read about the library in Buzz edition 131 or learn more Birmingham: online www.special-coll.bham.ac.uk. You can view a video of the Cadbury Research Library on the University’s YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/unibirmingham. Thinking Birmingham: outside the book Keeping students Kate Pritchard learns how Library Services are working hard to improve access and resources for staff and students. safe and well Assessing impact

Director of Library Services, Diane Job recently took Need help? Just Ask! How do you know you’re doing me on a tour of the University’s Main Library. We Starting university will be an exciting time. tasks and activities such as workshops, a good job?’ For all of us, being started on the top floor and worked our way down. One of the ways Library Services staff help staff Learning new things and meeting new self-help, involvement with Guild societies able to answer this question with Past rows of books, journals and quiet areas of and students is through the clever Just Ask! virtual people, it is an opportunity to develop as an and UB Sport. Students are assessed confidence is an important point thoughtful contemplation, to busier study and meeting enquiry desk. Questions are answered by experienced individual and be part of vibrant community. midway through the programme and to consider. Some jobs have areas, and finally to the storage, preservation and staff librarians in real time. You can access the service from For most students it will be the first time at the end. easily defined ‘key performance areas on the lower ground: areas that most visitors the my.bham portal, the library website or Facebook they have moved away from home and for indicators’ whilst others may be don’t get the opportunity to see. page and it is also mobile friendly if you’re using an some it may be a time when they need a Online help for students less easily measured in terms of I was already aware that Birmingham holds one iPhone, Android or Palm. The service is open 9.00am little help to settle in and flourish. and staff outcomes. How would you measure of the largest academic libraries in the UK. Over 2.7 to 7.00pm, Monday to Friday and 10.00am to 6.00pm Birmingham has a strong advice and the effectiveness of a counselling million items, 50,000 journals and 275,000 e-books at weekends. Outside of these times an email is sent support network in place to ensure that Building on the success of CalmYou; service? Is it possible to say ‘We are housed in the Main Library and the subject specific to library staff and is answered the following day. when it comes to a student’s wellbeing the online stress management resource helped 500 students stay at site libraries. However, I don’t think I fully appreciated we are looking out for them. the service will be launching a new online university’ in any credible way? the amount of work involved in maintaining and A library for the future resource, in collaboration with Human There are ongoing debates about developing these resources for the benefit of our The Wellbeing Service Resources and UB Sport, aimed at the what constitutes the best way to student and staff community. There are proposals to build a new library as part of the whole University community. ‘GetFit’ measure effectiveness within Whether you are studying, teaching or researching University’s £175m campus development (please see All students can now access a new will offer advice and self-help on mental counselling, and there is no one, at Birmingham, Library Services help to support you page 20). As I was shown around the existing library Wellbeing Service based at Student wellbeing, nutrition, physical exercise, perfect answer. Here at Birmingham, by providing a vast range of information resources, I came to understand how the building has grown since Support, 3 Elms Road. Rather than using goal-setting and more. Learn more where over 1,300 students a year along with services, including expert advice in your the late 1950s. New parts have been added which ‘wellbeing’ to brand a range of student- www.as.bham.ac.uk/counselling register for counselling or support, subject area, to enable you to access the information makes navigating difficult and sequencing of books a facing services the new service has a we use the CORE (Clinical Outcomes you need effectively. complex task. The proposals to develop a new Library distinctly different philosophy and strategy. in Routine Evaluation) system – widely and Cultural gateway will reflect the ways in which Its core mission is to develop resilience Student mentors used in the NHS and across Higher Support in your subject people study and learn in the digital age and offer a and independence in students to enable Education – for measuring outcomes space for people to engage with the University’s cultural them to benefit fully from the wide range If in University accommodation all students of therapeutic interventions. All Subject Advisors (SAs) are a key support for staff collections. A new flagship library that can adapt to of opportunities Birmingham has to offer. are allocated a trained student mentor who students using our service are given and students providing help, training and support in emerging learning, teaching and research needs will be For those students who are experiencing visits every week or two to offer support a questionnaire at each session their subject area. Advisors provide information skills an integral element of providing ‘a distinctive student acute emotional and behavioural difficulties, and welfare information. Mentors are also measuring their wellbeing, exposure training to help staff and students access the full experience’ and provide an inspirational and rewarding formal counselling remains effective, available on-call from 6.00pm to 8.00am to risk, problems and difficult emotions. range of information resources. Typical training with home for its friendly and professional staff. however the new assessment procedures during term-time. By tracking weekly responses, we are undergraduates includes how to find books, journals provides proactive advice and support able to judge whether counselling is and quality internet material, and how to cite it in their In response to student survey feedback… for all regardless of the nature of their Support from the Guild helping – not when the therapy is over, work. Training for researchers includes using e-theses difficulties. of Students but whilst it is happening. Research and other tools to keep up-to-date with emerging Library Services worked closely with the Guild of Students to establish shows that if, by the third session of themes. All new academics and postgraduates are new opening hours for the University’s Main Library. How does it work? The Guild’s Advice and Representation counselling, no improvement is contacted on their arrival at Birmingham and offered The Library is now open: Monday to Friday, 8.00am–12.00 midnight Centre (ARC) is a professional, student registered then the therapist needs to tailored information and bespoke support. Advisors and Saturday and Sunday, 8.00am–8.00pm All students who register are offered an advice service that can help with common discuss what should happen to make also keep abreast of new developments by identifying There may be different arrangements for University closed days and bank holidays. appointment with the most appropriate problems such as financial, academic, the therapy more helpful to the client new resources and services as they become available service; Counselling, Mental Health or housing and immigration issues. – maybe a different type of therapy, from publishers and developers. Learn more Wellbeing. Students referred to the Students can drop in or contact or even perhaps a different therapist. The Library Services video (http://www.library.bham.ac.uk/video.shtml) Wellbeing programme will have an the online service. Learn more provides a short and dynamic introduction to the services on offer. You can assessment with a qualified advisor who www.guildofstudents.com/thearc Dr David Mair, also learn more at www.library.bham.ac.uk. Access the online catalogue will arrange a structured programme of Head of Counselling www.libcat.bham.ac.uk or the e-library www.elibrary.bham.ac.uk 18 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY WELLBEING COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING AND THE GUILD 19

Birmingham: Birmingham: Celebrating So much going on… our differences A student’s university experience extends helping to reduce crime in the local area. far outside the classroom and at Intervol (International Volunteering) send Students end of term Birmingham our students have a wealth around 100 students each year to global clear out raises £13,500 of opportunities to develop skills, meet new projects such as Aids Awareness in Guild of Students people and enjoy university life. Whether Cambodia and Kenya. Last term the University teamed up All students at Birmingham can expect to be Support for disabled students There are Guild groups supporting and it is community, social, cultural, sporting The Guild of Students also supports with the British Heart Foundation respected for their individuality, treated fairly celebrating difference such as students or leisure, it is what makes a university 22 projects set up and run by students (BHF), Birmingham City Council and and listened to, not suffer discrimination or The Disability and Learning Support Service who are parents, with disabilities, experience at Birmingham ‘distinctive’. themselves. They range from Conservation the Birmingham Food Cycle during harassment, and experience an inclusive (DLSS) can help disabled students get lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, black and Embracing these opportunities can Volunteers to Kids Adventure, who raise the end of term clear out. The campaign and positive culture that celebrates the maximum benefit from university life. minority ethnic, mature and part-time, complement a student’s academic study over £20,000 each year to run holidays ‘In Waste Deep’ involved the student difference. In return Birmingham expects They are a team of experienced staff with with religious affiliations or from different by adding value to their academic for underprivileged children. There are also villages, and Selly Oak and Bournbrook its students to be involved in celebrating specialist knowledge in physical and cultures and countries, male or female. achievements, developing their skills and opportunities to work with international area, and over £13,500 worth of diversity, commit to good campus relations sensory disabilities, and specific learning making them more attractive to graduate charities such as Oxfam and the British donations were used to stock a and let the University know if they are difficulties such as dyslexia. recruiters. It can also help general wellbeing Red Cross. brand new BHF store in Birmingham experiencing difficulties. DLSS advisors balance the specific and provide an opportunity to make lifelong city centre. Good campus relations adjustments required to support student friends and feel a sense of community. Student groups Equality; your right, learning, with the University’s statutory With a diverse student community, your responsibility duties under law, whilst ensuring academic and located in one of Britain’s most The Guild of Students There are over 190 active student quality and standards are maintained. multi-cultural cities, the University is groups and societies covering interests A cultural campus The Equality Act has expanded the groups Learn more www.as.bham.ac.uk/disability committed to ensuring mutual respect, Studying at Birmingham means that in art and astronomy to walking or wine There are few universities who can boast who are now protected from discrimination, tolerance and understanding at the students are represented by one of the appreciation. There is something for a wealth of culture on campus. Not only harassment and victimisation to include age, Support for International heart of the student experience. A oldest student unions in the UK, and part everyone and it is a great opportunity do we have one of the finest small art disability, gender reassignment, marriage Good Campus Relations Group meets of a community of over 28,000 students. to meet like-minded people. galleries in Europe; the Barber Institute and civil partnership, pregnancy and students regularly, with members drawn from the The Guild exists to enhance the student of Fine Arts but we are building the new maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and The International Student Advisory University, the multi-faith Chaplaincy, experience by campaigning to create Student representation Bramall Music Auditorium. Our students sexual orientation. All public bodies must Service (ISAS) provides specialist support West Midlands Police, and the Guild change, helping students’ embrace lead a vibrant cultural scene and enjoy set out how they will meet the requirements and advice for prospective and current of Students. Brendan Casey, Director university life, providing advice and support The Student Representation System learning from the Special Collections on of the Act. The Single Equality Scheme, international students at the University of Academic Services and Chair of the and helping to find accommodation and involves hundreds of students who work campus. To learn more about culture on which is in its consultation phase, is part on immigration issues, registration and Group, explains: ‘We all want to ensure work. Each year the Sabbatical Officer alongside University staff to improve and campus read the special culture edition of the University’s response to the public welfare legislation, as well as advice on, we have a safe and secure community Team are democratically elected to develop every degree course on offer. It of Buzz (issue 131). sector duty. and develop initiatives to improve, the that respects freedom of speech within represent the student community and provides a direct link between the students International student experience. ISAS the law, and the Good Campus students are put at the heart of Guild and the Course Director and helps deliver During July there was a series of also organise an orientation programme Relations Group meets termly to discuss decision making. positive change so that students and their A sporting campus consultations on the draft Single Equality 'Welcome International' to help new the range of exciting initiatives that peers can make the most of their degree. Scheme and issues identified as crucial International students settle into life in foster good relations between different Student volunteering As one of the UK’s leading sporting to its success included: Birmingham. Learn more groups, identities and faiths on campus. Making news universities Birmingham is internationally o Improved Equality and Diversity practice www.as.bham.ac.uk/international In its first full year it has significantly Birmingham students have a proud recognised for its academic excellence in o A visible commitment by Senior Managers improved risk assessment procedures history of volunteering, from being a BURN FM; the student radio station and sports science, coaching and psychology. o Training Respecting faith around external speakers, welcomed the local Community Warden or Student ; the student newspaper bring the Our Sports Centre has numerous activities o Promotion of an Equality and Diversity work of Guild and the creation of their Ambassador to volunteering overseas as a news that students want direct to them. for students to keep fit and active and we’re advice telephone and email service The University Chaplaincy, St Francis Hall student Interfaith Association, member of the University’s global network. They also offer media skills development proud to be inspiring sportsmen and for staff and students. offers a place where students of all faiths commissioned specialised training, and In 2009–2010 students gave almost and training to students who have an women of the future. We’ll be looking can meet for worship, an informal chat actively engaged with local authorities 15,000 hours of their time to volunteering. interest in the media. forward to 2012 with a sports packed It’s not too late to make your views known. or to see a Chaplain for spiritual or religious in managing sensitive, but important Student Community Wardens help to Learn more www.burnfm.com edition of Buzz, coming soon. If you want to make a contribution, please advice and pastoral counselling. There issues that impact upon individual promote good community relations in Selly and www.redbrickpaper.co.uk Learn more www.sport.bham.ac.uk contact the team [email protected]. are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and students and the wider community.’ Oak and Bournbrook to increase the sense ac.uk. Follow up consultations will take Buddhist Chaplains and many student-led The Group welcomes input from of pride that student and non-student place during October and November. faith groups and societies. Learn more colleagues across the University. Learn residents feel for their neighbourhood. Buzz will be featuring the Guild of Students in a future edition. Learn more www.equality.bham.ac.uk www.chapaincy.bham.ac.uk more from Chris Twine, Director of The Wardens work with West Midlands In the meantime learn more www.guildofstudents.com Student Services [email protected]. Police who believe that they are actively 20 COMMUNITY CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS 21

The University recently announced a five year, £175m investment in facilities Birmingham: that will transform its Edgbaston campus, reinterpreting founder Joseph Chamberlain’s vision for the estate for the 21st century and helping improve services for students, staff and the local community. The key developments Building for the future include a new sports centre, library, student residences and student hub to join the new Bramall Music building currently nearing completion.

Services facility. Dr Chris Twine, Director of Student Services and Julie Scarratt, Director of Estates Ian Barker commented Director of Learning Spaces and Centre ‘Although we are very proud of the Edgbaston campus these are for Learning and Academic Development significant and exciting projects that will benefit students, staff and the stated that ‘This is a clear demonstration local area. The University was founded to be an inspirational place of of the University’s commitment to learning as well as an asset for the city and the proposed investment will help improving the student experience and to deliver the high quality environment and facilities that are essential to meeting their higher expectations of great attracting and retaining the best staff and students. The plans will also make facilities and excellent service. We are a significant contribution to improving energy efficiency and reducing the building a state-of-the-art learning space, University’s environmental impact and carbon footprint. We hope that staff and with a new student-focused advice the local community will feedback their views and comments in the coming Artist’s impression of the new state-of-the-art sport facilities centre, in an iconic building at the heart weeks to shape and develop the proposals.’ of campus – students will be placed Sports centre The Student Hub literally at the centre of what we do!’ It is envisaged that the new redevelopment The plans for the sports centre include A £10m capital investment to renovate will be open in time for the start of the a 50m swimming pool which will be and refurbish Aston Webb C Block will 2014/15 academic session. the only one in Birmingham as well as see the development of a new 400 seat sports halls and training needs designed lecture theatre and associated learning to meet the needs of students and staff facilities, and a new 'Student Hub'. The as well as the many regional amateur Hub will bring together all student-facing sports clubs that currently use the services for the first time. The specialised University’s facilities. Director of Sport, student welfare teams – such as the Zena Wooldridge commented Student Funding Office, International ‘Birmingham is a city with a proud sporting Student Advisory Service, and Student heritage and sport plays a huge part in Support – will be co-located together, the life of our campus. In less than a year driven by a new service model delivered the city will be hosting the Jamaican and both online and through a new Enquiry US Olympic teams for their pre London 2012 training campus and athletes from Birmingham will be starring at the London games. Although the new centre will not be open for 2012 we believe it will provide fitting facilities for the UK’s second ranked sporting university and a perfect base to train and develop future Olympians.’

The proposed new Library Please see page 16 for details Artist’s impression of the proposed new library development 22 PERSPECTIVES FURTHER INFORMATION 23

Birmingham: Birmingham: A to Z of services

Shaping my future Service Contact BUAFTA www.intranet.bham.ac.uk/buafta Recent alumna, current staff member and local Councillor, BURN FM www.burnfm.com Brigid Jones recounts her Birmingham experience. BUZZ www.buzz.bham.ac.uk Careers and Employability Centre www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers Centre for Learning and Academic When I accepted a place at the University of As for me, at the end of my fourth year I decided www.as.bham.ac.uk/clad Birmingham I expected little more than the MSci in to stand for one of the full time officer positions at Development (CLAD) Physics I had applied for. What I never suspected the Guild, and after a gruelling election campaign with Chaplaincy www.chaplaincy.bham.ac.uk was that six years later I’d also have met two Prime the help of an incredible campaign team was elected College employability teams: Ministers, sat on three governing bodies, helped to as Vice President for Education and Access. The o Arts and Law www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/cal run a society, led student protests, stood in election job was more 24/7 than 9 to 5! It meant representing o Engineering and Physical Sciences www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/eps campaigns, made such incredible friends, and that this students on University Senate, Council and other o Life and Environmental Sciences www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/les would have led me down an unexpected path, where educational committees, leading and being a trustee o Medical and Dental Sciences www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/mds I’d spend a year as a Vice President at the Guild of of the Guild, helping students through appeal hearings, o Social Sciences www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/coss Students, go on to work at the University, and, this tackling issues such as course closures, and so much May, be elected as a Birmingham City Councillor more in between. It was an extraordinary year, and Counselling www.as.bham.ac.uk/counselling for Selly Oak Ward. when I finished, I wasn’t sure whether to go back into Disabled student support www.as.bham.ac.uk/disability No two 'student experiences' are the same, science or stay in the university sector and use the Entrepreneurship and Innovation www.as.bham.ac.uk/ei and they are very much what you choose to make of experience I had gained. them. After a very happy first year here in a whirl of I ended up with a combination of both worlds Equality and Diversity www.equality.bham.ac.uk pubs, lectures, mates and clubs, I felt that I should try and I now work here, developing Energy Research Great Read at Birmingham (GRAB) www.intranet.bham.ac.uk/staff/events/great-read.shtml#1 something new in my second. Some friends seemed opportunities; a job I first heard about through my to have enjoyed joining societies, so I thought I might School Careers Officer. I got involved in local issues Guide to Effective Learning (GEL) www.gel.bham.ac.uk try one myself. too, and become a school governor. In May 2011 Guild’s Advice and Representation Centre (ARC) www.guildofstudents.com/thearc The Guild of Students is home to more than 150, I stood for the second time to represent Selly Oak and at its heart is representation to the University Ward on Birmingham City Council, and won. As Guild of Students www.guildofstudents.com and action for the rights and welfare of students. a former student activist it is a unique opportunity International students www.as.bham.ac.uk/international After trying out a couple of campaigning societies and privilege to represent one of the most densely KPMG school leavers’ programme www.kpmg.co.uk/slp I found my feet with Birmingham University Labour populated student areas in the country. Students, and thought I’d have a go at standing for This means I have had a rather varied relationship Learning Spaces www.as.bham.ac.uk/learningspaces Guild Council, the Guild’s decision making body, with the University, at times a student, union Library Services www.library.bham.ac.uk too. By Christmas, my university experience had been representative, governor and now staff, and transformed. I found myself on the society committee, a councillor for the area that borders it! Library Services e-library www.elibrary.bham.ac.uk running events with MPs, travelling and meeting other My great worry is that with fees going up, students Library Services online catalogue www.libcat.bham.ac.uk student activists from across the country in new cities, will become more concerned than ever about saving Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) www.as.bham.ac.uk/pass and even, through Guild Council, getting over my long money, working and getting academic grades, and let held fear of public speaking. the other opportunities fall by the wayside. There is Personal Skills Award (PSA) www.as.bham.ac.uk/psa Anyone who has been involved in a student society, so much more to university than lectures and essays, Redbrick www.redbrickpaper.co.uk sports club, residents association or representation will and to miss out on it is a tragedy. Innocently turning tell you just how much they have gained from it. I know up to a society curry night five years ago led me down Skills4studycampus online resource www.gel.bham.ac.uk/s4sc.shtml people who have gone on to be government speech a path I never imagined. I would urge every student Skills Development (technology) team www.skills.bham.ac.uk writers, run think tanks, get head hunted and build their to try something new and look for something more careers as a result of the things they got involved with than just their degree – they can never know where Special Collections www.special-coll.bham.ac.uk at Birmingham. Other friends of mine were inspired it may lead. University You Tube channel www.youtube.com/unibirmingham by particular modules and lecturers on their courses UoB Student mobile application www.bham.ac.uk/mobile-app to look for extra curricula opportunities and to pursue certain careers paths or embark on PhDs, support UBSport www.sport.bham.ac.uk in schools and departments can be invaluable.

Perspectives Welcome 2011 website www.birmingham.ac.uk/welcome 24 NEWS

Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom

www.birmingham.ac.uk 6055 © 2011. Printed on a recycled grade paper containing 100% post-consumer waste.