WLV Insider March 2015
Welcome to the staff e-zine for the University of Wolverhampton. Each month, we’ll be bringing you the latest news, showcasing departments, celebrating staff successes and publicising events. There will also be competitions and giveaways.
We want to give you the chance to tell colleagues about your successes and projects and are keen to have your input and ideas. Please email your information before the last week of each month to [email protected].
We look forward to hearing from you.
Have your say on University building names
New names are being sought for key buildings around campus – and staff and the rest of the University community are being encouraged to get their thinking caps on.
The idea is to make finding the way around and giving directions easier.
The buildings will keep their two letter prefix (such as MA), as well as gaining their new names.
It is hoped that the whole University community – students, staff, governors and recent alumni – can get involved.
At each stage a new name will be proposed, alongside the opportunity for people to make their own suggestions.
Last year this exercise was carried out at the Walsall Campus and the suggestion scheme realised new names for:
WA Building The Jerome K Jerome Building
WN Building The Samuel Johnson Building
WD Building The William Penny Brookes Building
Now the University is looking for suggestions for names for some of the buildings at the City Campus and Telford Innovation Campus.
Building prefix Current name Suggested new name
CITY CAMPUS
MA Marble reception The Wulfruna Building
MX To be suggested by staff and students
MK The Charles Wheeler Building
TELFORD INNOVATION CAMPUS
SC To be suggested by staff and students
People can make suggestions using the form at: www.wlv.ac.uk/haveyoursay and there is also further guidance available on this webpage.
Suggestions for new names for the MX and SC Buildings are welcomed and your feedback on the proposed names for the MK and MA Buildings.
The suggestion scheme will remain open until 31March 2015.
Elections 2015 and Pro-Chancellors
Elections 2015
The University is electing two staff representatives on the Board of Governors (one teaching staff rep, one non-teaching staff rep) and five posts on Academic Board (one per faculty and one for teaching staff as a whole).
The call for nominations for these posts closes on Friday 20 March. Staff have been contacted directly by email regarding these elections but further information is available on this webpage:https://www.wlv.ac.uk/staff/services/ours/elections/
Pro-Chancellors
The Board of Governors is asking staff and students of the University to nominate individuals who they believe are suited to the honorary role of Pro-Chancellor.
Pro-Chancellors differ from honorary graduates as Pro-Chancellors are appointed by the Board of Governors for a five year term of office and act as “roving ambassadors” for the University at external events. They are also able to deputise for the Chancellor in his absence.
Pro-Chancellors will be highly regarded in their field of expertise and will have an existing close relationship with the University. The Board can appoint up to six Pro-Chancellors at any one time.
Nominations can be submitted between 16 March 2015 and 17 April 2015. Further information is available: www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/nominations-for-the-office-of-pro-chancellor/
University to improve Walsall Campus access following investment
The University plans to make Walsall Campus more accessible to the public following investment of more than £50 million in the site.
A major redevelopment of Walsall Campus recently has brought much needed investment into the town, creating local opportunities and becoming the home of the UK Olympic Judo squad, as well as outstanding sports and arts facilities.
The University is now seeking to further improve the campus, with proposals to enhance the public access and make create a new, more visible entrance.
Plans for a new access road and car park have been submitted to Walsall Council.
Vice Chancellor Geoff Layer said: "Universities are pivotal to the development of the local economy and building a better and more informed future. As the University of Opportunity we want to make sure that we are at the heart of our communities and economic growth. We are therefore seeking to significantly enhance physical access to our campus, further raising its profile in the town.”
The proposals would replace the existing Magdalene Road entrance to the campus with new access from Broadway. In addition, a new 248-space overflow car park would replace the existing temporary overspill one.
The Campus is home to the University’s Faculty of Health, Education & Wellbeing (which includes the Institute of Sport), and the Faculty of Arts (which includes Performing Arts).
Walsall is the University’s ‘Hub’ for Sport and has undergone significant development in recent years, with outstanding facilities used by the community and a Judo Centre of Excellence. It is also home to the flagship Performance Hub building, which houses world-class music and arts studios and equipment.
Potential impacts on amenity of residents of the new access have been carefully considered in the design of the car park and access. There is a sensitive lighting scheme and high quality landscaping, which will soften visual impact and help protect residential amenity.
It is anticipated that the plans will be considered by the Council at a meeting in late April/Early May 2015.
University blackout to save energy
Staff and students will be taking part in a big switch off event this month as part of the University’s commitment to energy efficiency.
The University will be taking steps towards its carbon savings targets by taking part in the Blackout Weekend Event with NUS UK.
On Friday, 20 March, teams of staff and student volunteers alongside security, will visit buildings after 6.30pm and physically turn off any office equipment that has unnecessarily been left switched on or on standby.
Anything from phone chargers, PCs, computer screens, printers and lights will go off and energy levels will be measured and compared to levels on a normal day where these electrics would usually be left on. The comparison will then enable the University to see differences that can be made simply by switching a minor piece of equipment off.
The event will take place at City Campus in MG, MN and MX building and at WA and WP Building in Walsall Campus on Friday, 20March. Participants will switch off all unnecessary equipment that gets left on throughout the weekend in both offices and lecture theatres in City and Walsall campus.
The purpose of the event is to:
- Demonstrate that by taking small actions we can all make a difference
- Prove that everyone can make a larger and greener impact on the environment
- Raise the environmental profile of the University amongst its staff and students
- Support the University’s carbon management programme - Raise awareness and engage students in the environmental agenda
- Help to change behaviour and attitudes towards environmental issues
Environment and Services Manager for NUS, Trish McGloin, said: “We believe this exercise will highlight the big impact that little collective actions can have on our campuses.”
Organisers are also hoping to raise strong awareness and gain student support and engagement in future events supporting the environment. NUS is keen to make this project more widespread given the importance of raising awareness, particularly amongst student communities which is why staff input is essential. The Blackout event has already been a huge success at Southampton University who implicated careful planning and team recruitment to gather accurate data and recognise the differences in energy used.
This is the first big event since the University announced the plans to deliver its carbon savings target and promises to be an engaging and exciting experience for all who take part. A team of volunteers and supporters of the project within the University departments, staff and students alike, will be appointed to assure the event runs smoothly.
For more information, visit: http://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/blackout/
Business Achievement Awards 2015
Do you know a graduate who deserves recognition for their amazing achievements?
The Business Achievement Awards are back and nominations are now open for our Alumni of the Year categories.
As a lecturer, personal tutor, or one of the many members of support staff who guide our students to their graduation day, you can nominate alumni who you think deserve to be recognised for their achievements since leaving us, whether in their career or personal life.
Award categories
Do these describe an alumnus you know?
1. 1. Alumnus of the Year: Enterprise and Leadership An alumnus of the University who has gone on to make an important contribution to a business, industry or community through innovative leadership.
This award recognises the significant achievements and talent for leadership of a University alumnus. Judges are looking for an outstanding leader who has made a positive impact within their business and/or industry, since graduating. The winner of this award will be able to demonstrate a rise to a position of leadership and how their professional skillset has enabled them to contribute as a leader to improvements within a business, industry or community. 1. 2. Nominations now open! of the Year: Contribution to Society An alumnus of the University who has made a notable contribution to society by overcoming personal adversity and/or improving the lives of others.
The search is on for a graduate who has shown to have enriched or transformed the lives of others. The winner of this award will demonstrate personal and professional qualities that have allowed them to make a considerable impact in society. The outstanding contribution can be either within their professional career or personal life, and will showcase the winner’s considerable skill, determination, hard work and a hunger to succeed.
Make your nomination
Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/businessawards to complete the online nomination form and to find out more.
University to sponsor Deaffest
The University will be the main sponsor of Deaffest 2015, the UK’s leading Deaf-led film and arts festival.
Deaffest will take place in Wolverhampton from 14 to 17 May 2015 and is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The University is a long-standing supporter of the event, which will take place at the Light House in the city.
Deaffest is organised by Zebra Access, the charitable arm of specialist Sign Language Interpreting services and Media company Zebra Uno that is based at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.
Vice-Chancellor Geoff Layer, said: “Deaffest is a dynamic and vibrant festival, which celebrates the talents and achievements of deaf filmmakers and artists from around the world. Our staff and students have supported and indeed contributed to the growing success of Deaffest for many years, so we are delighted to show our enthusiasm and support for this excellent event.”
Nikki Stratton and Marilyn Willrich, Directors from Zebra Access and Zebra Uno, said: “It is indeed an absolute privilege to have the continuing support from the University of Wolverhampton. The University have stood by us from day one and we cannot underestimate how sincerely grateful we are. Deaffest, the UK’s only Deaf-led Film and Arts Festival, has been a festival that has gone from strength to strength and we are incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve. The support from the University of Wolverhampton will ensure that our 10th year anniversary will certainly be a festival to remember. “
Deaffest, the Deaf Film and Television Festival, was launched in 2006 by Zebra Uno, Light House and the University of Wolverhampton. It was launched with a purpose to provide deaf filmmakers with an opportunity to be recognised for their talents, to show their work and be supported in achieving their aspirations.
This year’s Deaffest will feature a Film Awards Gala with live entertainment, a stalls fair, arts and films seminars for all ages and film screenings from across the globe.
As part of the University sponsorship, there will be opportunities for student volunteers to work as interpreters at the event.
The University has almost 60 deaf and hearing impaired students, who are supported in their studies by an expert team of trained interpreters from the Student Enabling Centre.
The University offers BA (Hons) degree courses in Interpreting (British Sign Language/English) and Deaf Studies, and is one of only three in the country to do this. There are currently around 160 students on the seven courses at Wolverhampton.
The BA (Hons) Interpreting: British Sign Language/English degree recently received the highest possible level of accreditation from theNational Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD). It is the first BA route in the UK to achieve this endorsement.
Graduates from the Interpreting and Deaf Studies courses go on to enjoy a range of employment opportunities, including working at the Foreign Office, teaching, speech therapy and counselling and have an employability rate of almost 100%.
The department also runs a unique annual seminar series for Sign Language interpreting students and alumni of the interpreting programme, the International Research Interpreting Seminars (IRIS).
Zebra Access celebrated winning the Outstanding Organisation Achievement award at the 2014 Signature Annual Awards. The charity scooped the award in recognition its work to ensure that deaf people enjoy equal participation and access to further education and employment without any communication barriers.
For more information about Deaffest, visit: www.deaffest.co.uk
Research: Academic’s research to form part of major new exhibition
Research conducted by a University academic into the Lord Baldwin Fund for Refugees will feature in a major national exhibition.
Dr Richard Hawkins, Reader in History, has conducted research into the fund, which financed the Kindertransport. The National Trust’s Upton House’s Banking For Victory: A Country House At War! exhibition will tell the story of the Warwickshire property during the Second World War and Lord Bearsted’s links with the Baldwin Fund for Refugees.
Viscount Bearsted, the owner of Upton House during the Second World War and a former Chairman of the Shell Transport and Trading Company, was one of the trustees of the Baldwin Fund which raised over half a million pounds from the British public to help fund the Kindertransport. Earlier in the 1930s Bearsted also helped raise £2 million in funds from the American Jewish community to help fund the emigration of Germany’s persecuted Jews.
The day after war was declared, Upton House became the new headquarters for the Bearsted family bank, M.Samuel and Co., and 22 members of staff moved in. The Bearsted’s wartime activities were concentrated in London. Lord Bearsted’s collection of Old Master paintings was shipped off to safety and stored in Welsh Slate Mines with the National Gallery’s Collection.
These three interwoven stories of Upton House during the Second World War will be featured in the exhibition: the Banking story, the Art story and the Family story. Lord Bearsted’s work in helping initiate the Kindertransport and working as a board member of Lord Baldwin’s Fund for Refugees is an important part of the family story.
Dr Hawkins said: “I am very pleased that my work will feature in the exhibition and that Lord Bearsted’s efforts to save the persecuted German Jewish community is being given recognition.”
The exhibition runs from 27 March 2015 until October 2016.
A day in the life of Alan Tuckett
Alan Tuckett is Professor of Education within the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing (FEHW). Alan joined the University in January 2015 on a job share basis with his colleague Peter Lavender.
Alan was Chief Executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) from 1988 to 2011 and launched the annual Adult Learners’ Week. He is currently President of the International Council for Adult Education (ICAE), and advises UNESCO on lifelong learning. He lives in Leicester.
10am: Arrive at Walsall Campus On the days I’m working at the University, I’ll usually arrive at the Walsall Campus at about 10am, but will have checked and responded to emails, and read related papers, early in the morning before leaving home. As President of the ICAE I receive emails overnight from colleagues in Asia and the Pacific. 10.30am: Meeting with a FEHW colleague I’m still fairly new to the University, so have been having meetings with colleagues in the Faculty to learn more about what they do and ways we can work together. I’m focusing on what people are writing about or intending to write about, and any encouragement or support I can provide, as the Faculty seeks to strengthen its research and publication output.
11.30am: Chair a Skype meeting The ICAE is holding its four yearly World Assembly in Montreal, Canada in June so I chair a Skype meeting around the arrangements and logistics with participants across the globe from Peru (7am or so) to Melbourne (midnight). We discuss the content, keynote speakers, workshop themes and inevitably fundraising. The theme of the assembly is ‘Global Agreements, Local Practices’. We also review our advocacy strategy for this year’s UN global development goals. My role within the University includes strengthening our international work and networking so my work with the ICAE feeds into that.
12.30pm: Skype meeting finishes, no lunch I’m on the 5:2 diet, so the days when I’m at the University are good ones for the two days when I just eat 600 calories, so I don’t eat lunch while I’m here. I spend time reading up and making notes on the business strategy of the Centre for Research and Development in Lifelong Learning (CRADLE) research group at the University. My role includes supporting the CRADLE research group, and strengthening its research on adult learning. I’m also keen to work collaboratively on the research-public policy interface, and have ideas for cross-Faculty working. I set up a meeting with a colleague to discuss some ways forward.
1.30pm Discussion with book editor I have a chapter on the role of civil society in a book entitled ‘Global Perspectives on Adult Education and Learning Policy’, to be published this summer by MacMillan. We discuss the dates for proofs.
2.30pm: Prepare for an interview panel for an Associate Dean role As part of my role as a Professor, I prepare for tomorrow’s interview panel for an Associate Dean post within the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing. The candidates are impressive on paper, and offer a healthy mix of internal and external experience. This is the first time I have been involved in appointments here, at least since Peter and I applied, and I look forward to it.
4.30pm Correspondence After the interview preparation, I respond to internal emails, write a reference for a former student. Then I write a letter to the Director General of UNESCO about the need to invest in strengthening data analysis skills as an education priority for the Sustainable Development Goals for 2015-2030 to be adopted later this year. Household surveys need to be large enough to be disaggregated to identify marginalised groups, and for policy makers and practitioners to design policy to address their needs. But the skills in survey analysis are not widespread in much of the global South. For effective adult learning and education policy you need to know who is not there and what we can do about it. If you expand provision by 10% that’s great, but if it’s from the same social group then you’re not making a huge difference. I lead ICAE’s advocacy work with the United Nations and UNESCO – we know lifelong learning will be included in the headline global education goal for 2015-2030: the trick is to ensure that the subsidiary targets include learning beyond formal education, and that the 750 million who don’t have literacy CAN exercise their right to learn. I finish the day by talking to a colleague, and sending an email to the Deputy Editor of the Times Education Supplement, for which I write a six weekly column.
6.15pm: Head home I usually head home to miss the rush hour. After eating a small and healthy dinner, I go out to the local art house cinema and arts centre, where I chair the trustees, to talk again about strategy fund- raising, and about film festivals. Home finally at 10pm.
Insider meets … Moss Garde
Moss Garde has been appointed as Registrar for the Mauritius branch campus and will lead a team of eight full-time staff. Before he left for Mauritius on February 27, Insider met him to find out what the challenges and priorities are for the campus.
Insider: Could you tell us a bit about your background?
Moss Garde: My role prior to joining the University of Wolverhampton was as Dean of Enrolment and Registrar at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, which is the new national research intensive University in Botswana.
I studied at, and conducted research at, the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Plymouth State University and University College Dublin and BIUST. In addition I was a Research Scholar with the Peabody Institute at Vanderbilt University in the USA conducting research in the area of University Administrative Systems.
I have worked on university administrative developments around the world, including leading or being part of the implementation of integrated student information systems in the US, UK, Africa and Ireland. I was also a project manager in the running of the Special Olympics World Games in 2003 and continue to be involved in volunteer projects in Africa and beyond.
I: Why did you apply for the Registrar role?
MG: I was really attracted to the flying faculty model, as not many universities do it. It sounded like a great challenge and opportunity for the University in the region – I think they have identified a niche and my job is to help the University realise that potential. I: What are the priorities for the campus?
MG: To align the branch campus with the rest of the University and to strengthen its links administratively. We also need to strategically place the Branch Campus in the higher education system in Mauritius and across the region. We will be working closely with the International Centre to realise the targets and the student numbers and also to promote it, not just in Africa, but around the world. I want to make sure the Branch Campus is an ambassador for the University across Africa.
I: What are the main challenges facing the campus?
MG: There are challenges, but none of them are insurmountable. The secondary school entry requirements are not on a par with gaining entry to the University here, it is more like GCSE level. We will be working in partnership with the International Academy and transnational education (TNE) to make sure we get the right calibre of students - they have to meet the academic standards here.
Another challenge is around building the brand. Wolverhampton has a very strong brand and we need to build the Branch Campus brand too.
They are the two biggest challenges, but they are opportunities as well.
I: Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
MG: I’m married and have a seven-month-old son, Aidan. His passport is rapidly filling up and he’s getting used to different time zones. My wife and I both love golf.
We’re looking forward to a new challenge. We’ve lived in the bush in Botswana for five years so being surrounded by water is going to be a new experience!
Idea of the month: Skills in context: working together to embed academic skills.
By Becki Gibbons, Jo Field, Lisa Thompson- Skills Development Team, LIS March 2015
The skills team within Learning and Information Services in the Directorate of Academic Support regularly deliver academic skills sessions in taught time, as well as generic academic skills workshops under the Skills for Learning banner (www.wlv.ac.uk/skills).
Recently, however we engaged in a unique opportunity to tailor and deliver one of our workshops with direct input and guidance from a lecturer of The School of Pharmacy. This opportunity enabled us to align the outcomes of the session from both a content and skills perspective.
As the literature on skills acquisition has consistently shown that embedded teaching of study skills is more effective, we had hoped to replicate this model and form closer links within the faculties. This gave us the opportunity to ensure that the session supported the delivery of the students’ assignment brief appropriately. Our aims were to pitch the session at the appropriate level for that group (level 7), at a time when students would see the relevancy of academic skills support, and with the authority, as well as subject knowledge of the lecturer. In order to achieve this, there were a number of steps that we followed.
Step 1- Liaise and plan
Prior to the session, we were given a copy of the assignment brief, samples of salient errors from the previous iteration of this module and short anonymised examples of the current cohort’s written work. We then combed the brief and samples, highlighting where clear disparities in requirements and work produced, lay.
During the initial meeting with the lecturer, decisions were made regarding which of these areas ought to be targeted and a running order for the session was established.
Subsequently, we were able to tailor a session by collating elements from a selection of our standard workshops and adapting the generic content so that it became more subject specific.
Therefore, each main section of the brief was addressed during the session. For example, students were given advice and guidance on how to apply critical thinking to literature searching, how to further apply these critical skills in the form of critical analysis and evaluation, how to structure their assignment and how to synthesis the literature.
Step 2- Joint delivery
It was decided that the best course of action was to have the lecturer present and involved with the sessions. The aim was to ensure that the students perceived the sessions to be an integral part of their course and were, therefore more likely to engage with the content. The lecturer’s input was invaluable; providing concrete examples of common mistakes where marks had previously been lost. This highlighted the importance of the content presented.
The collaborative teaching approach also appeared to improve the level of student engagement with tasks. The sessions followed a structure, but remained flexible throughout, whilst also meeting the learning outcomes.
Step 3- Feedback and follow-up
As with all of our workshops we requested written feedback (in questionnaire form) from the students and verbal or written feedback from the lecturer. The written feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of students saying that they would recommend this session. One student commented that the session was “Really helpful with useful information to take away to use during my academic studies. It has helped answer so many questions relating to my assignment and academic writing”.
In general, students seemed to appreciate the fact that the brief was unpacked in detail and with specific examples. Feedback from the lecturer was equally positive, with a request for involvement in assignment feedback sessions as well as a drop-in workshop for any students needing to retrieve this assessment. Step 4- Reflect and review
The next step is to take the experience of tailoring a Skills for Learning workshop to fit the requirements of a particular cohort at a specific time in their academic careers and consider the benefits, challenges and impact of this method of working. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that this is a positive experience for all involved and of considerable benefit to the student group.
Specific targeting of skills development opportunities should allow students to improve their academic skills at a point in time where it is most effective.
Key to this approach is the collaborative method of planning, delivering and reviewing the session, an approach we are keen to replicate in future sessions.
For more information on Skills for Learning, please contact the Skills team- [email protected], www.wlv.ac.uk/skills or the Liaison librarian team- [email protected]
By Becki Gibbons, Jo Field, Lisa Thompson- Skills Development Team, LIS March 2015
Computing and IT training eTraining and online resources to support staff in areas ranging from Microsoft Office software to getting the most out of your iPad. Face-to-face includes how to get the most out of using social media as well as training on creating and editing your own University webpages.
The most up-to-date IT Services online training resources and webpages are available via the following link: www.wlv.ac.uk/its/training Beginners' T4 Contributor Training and Writing for the Web
Facilitator Digital Team, Marketing & Communications
This course will cover:
How to use our web content management system "TerminalFour", to edit and create content for web pages on the public and/or staff websites
Course details How to publish web pages for approval
Quality standards
How Marketing and Communications can help you promote yourself online
How to write well for the web
New and existing members of staff who will have a responsibility to Target audience update content on the website.
17 Mar 15 City Campus
22 Apr 15 City Campus
Dates and times 11 May 15 City Campus
16 Jun 15 City Campus
All sessions 09:30 - 12:00 unless specified
Location See above
Via Agresso Self-Service Booking method
New bike loan scheme launched
Staff are being encouraged to get on their bikes as part of a new bike loan scheme.
The University is working in partnership with Network West Midlands and the Smart Network, Smarter Choices project to promote sustainable travel for staff and students.
In order to allow staff to experience the pleasures and benefits of cycling without the cost of buying equipment up front we are piloting a bicycle loan scheme, initially at Walsall campus.
Any member of staff will be able to borrow a bike to use at lunchtime or to ride home to try a cycling commute.
Further details are available: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/staff/services/estates-and-facilities/travel-and- transport/travel-plan/bicycle-loan/
Postgraduate students to benefit from bursary scheme
The University of Wolverhampton is participating in a National Postgraduate Support Scheme offering bursaries to support further study opportunities.
More than 100 bursaries are available to postgraduate-taught (Masters-Level) Students in the academic year 2015/16.
Each award is worth £10,000 and is intended to provide opportunities for postgraduate study to applicants who are otherwise under-represented in our postgraduate student community.
The University will be offering the bursaries to students with limited family incomes and is prioritising certain student groups including – Disabled Students; Care Leavers and Women applying to STEM subject areas.
Postgraduate Opportunity Bursaries are only available to students who commenced their undergraduate study in September 2012, have paid the “higher” level undergraduate tuition fees of £8,500+ throughout their course and are expecting to graduate in 2015. Applications are welcome from eligible undergraduate students who are completing their studies at any UK University and who wish to progress to postgraduate study at the University of Wolverhampton.
All of the detailed criteria will shortly be available at : www.wlv.ac.uk/postgrad.
Academic contributes to first ever Sikh Manifesto
A University of Wolverhampton academic has helped compile the first ever Sikh Manifesto.
Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, a Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies, was part of a small group of British Sikhs who worked on the 10-point manifesto for the General Election in May.
It is a political plan targeting 50 constituencies to achieve goals that are important to Sikhs, especially in the UK.
Dr Takhar said: “The Sikh Manifesto 2015-2020 is an attempt to engage the wider Sikh community with mainstream politics at all levels. We have done this by identifying real community issues that will resonate with voters.”
The Manifesto has been supported by a number of Politicians and was launched in Parliament on 26 February.
The compilation of the manifesto followed three consultation meetings with the British Sikh community in London, the Midlands and the North of England. The aim of the Sikh Manifesto is to empower and engage the British Sikh community with the UK political system and create partnerships with democratic institutions.
For more information see: http://www.sikhnet.com/news/sikh-manifesto
Conferencing Solutions Goes Down Under
A staff member will be swapping Telford for down under in April to take part in anexchange programme in Australia.
Louise Callaghan, the University’s Conference Sales & Marketing Manager, will be involved in a conference and University exchange programme in Brisbane and Melbourne this April.
The conferencing solutions department, based at Telford Innovation Campus, has previously been recognised for the hard work and excellent service it provides offering conference facilities for events. Receiving awards for high quality customer service, the team has now expanded its reputation globally reaching out to this fantastic opportunity in Australia.
Louise Callaghan has been offered one of two places to take part in a conference and University exchange programme in Australia. When asked about this opportunity, Louise said:“This is a fantastic opportunity to exchange best practice oversees and promote what Conferencing Solutions offer at the same time, with two all year round dedicated conference centres at the Telford Campus and Wolverhampton Science Park, I will be showcasing what we offer“.
Louise will be promoting the University Conferencing Solutions at the Australasian Association of College and University Housing Officers Conference (AACUHO) in April in Brisbane. This will then be followed by a 2-week placement at La Trobe University, Melbourne.
Applicants were invited from the UK, New Zealand and Australia to take part. This was a highly competitive opportunity to get involved with and it was Louise’s hard work and effort that were recognised for her to be accepted to onto the programme and represent the University this year.
The host institutions gain a temporary staff member who can provide a fresh outlook and insight into the programs and services they provide whilst Louise and the other participants in the programme will gain new skills, motivation, perspectives and an expanded network.
This is an exciting opportunity for Louise’s team to really expand and develop its international relations.
For information on Conferencing Solutions please contact: [email protected] Further information on the Australasian Association of College and University Housing Officers Conference (AACUHO) can be found at: http://www.aacuho.edu.au/
Share your Easter
Would you be willing to host one or two international students in your home for one day on Sunday, 5 April 2015?
Your best gift could be giving someone your time and company as they experience the holiday season away from home.
Contact Sonia Samuels from the Chaplaincy team on email [email protected] or drop in to the Chaplaincy to have a chat about what the scheme involves.
Designing a career in Games
A famed game designer shared his experiences, tips and expertise with students in a workshop for careers guidance that took place in February.
The Faculty of Arts hosted an event workshop expanding career support and guidance for students this month when a guest lecture by expert game designer, Philip Oliver, was hosted for creative game enthusiasts at City Campus.
As part of their activities, The Game society organised the guest talk at MK Building and welcomed Philip Oliver, famed game designer and the founder of Radiant Worlds game design company, on Tuesday, 17 February. The event was organised for Game design students and enthusiasts to gain advice, tips and guidance on developing a career in the game design industry.
The University’s Game Society was founded and is being run this year by Games Design students at the Faculty of Arts. Faculty of Arts Lecturer, Dr Faramarz Amiri, attended the event and told Insider,“The event was well attended and well received. Students appreciate the opportunity to meet and talk with professionals from the game industry. These kinds of visits allow the students to use the professionals’ inside knowledge and experience to further their career planning and development. Another visit by a professional game designer is planned for later this year.” Participants were able to join discussion and ask questions as well as look at work samples and develop detailed insight into the industry. Following the talk, Philip later met with a few of the students in the informal setting of their game design studio and answered their questions about employability, preparing for the first job and interview and selection processes amongst others things. The event was excellently received by the students who found it very useful and informative.
The Faculty of Arts is keen to promote further events with industry experts later on in the year having recognised a strong need to support future graduates in securing employment in their chosen field.
For further information on Philip Oliver’s work, please visit: http://www.olivertwins.com/ http://www.radiantworlds.com/ Report from latest IRIS seminar: Sign Language Interpreting within Mental Health
Another full house for IRIS (International Research Interpreting Seminars at the University of Wolverhampton) on 25 February 2015, with guest presenter Alban Welch who delivered an excellent talk on sign language interpreting within Mental Health settings.
A comprehensive introduction for undergraduate students which covered topic areas such as: definitions, law, deafness and mental health, mental health services for deaf people, related professionals, situations and boundaries, safe practice, terminology and much more.
A highly informative, interactive and enjoyable evening where students, alumni of the interpreting and deaf studies programmes, together with interpreting work placement supervisors, had an opportunity to come together, learn and contribute for the benefit and development of all.
For further information on the annual series of IRIS seminars, please contact Sarah Bown, [email protected], Seminar co-ordinator, Course Leader Interpreting: BSL/English
By Ms Sarah Bown, Course Leader & Senior Lecturer: BA (Hons) Interpreting: BSL/English
Minimalist music specialism leads Dean to chair festival event
Dr John Pymm, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, recently engaged in a major Music Event in London – Minimalism Unwrapped.
He chaired a Q&A session with the Carducci Quartet after they performed a concert. The event was well-received and around 350 people attended. A respected scholar in the music of Steve Reich, a minimal music pioneer, Dr Pymm is a founder member of the Society for Minimalist Music, and was, in October 2013, elected as its President at the Society’s Fourth International Conference in California.
Based on his doctoral (‘Narrative Trails in the Speech-Based Music of Steve Reich’) and post-doctoral research at the Paul Sacher Stifftung in Basle, Switzerland, he has delivered papers at a number of international conferences and is, most recently, a contributor to The Ashgate Research Companion to Minimalist and Post-Minimalist Music.
John is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.
The year-long festival of Minimalism Unwrapped is held at Kings Place.
The Pitch 2015
Entrepreneurs of tomorrow from schools across the Midlands will be pitching their bright ideas to business leaders at a University of Wolverhampton enterprise event.
The Pitch 2015 will be underway on Thursday, 19 March and Friday, 20 March at Telford Innovation Campus.
The two day residential business event will invite a number of 13-16 year olds from schools across the West Midlands to take part in the business event giving them the experience of working in real life business environments.
Throughout the two days, around 150 pupils will gain key skills in leadership, team building and problem solving whilst working on a solution to a real life business brief before making their final pitch to a panel of judges.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Ian Oakes, said: “The University is delighted to be hosting The Pitch 2015, which aims to help young people to develop the enterprise skills needed in their future careers. Employability is one of our top priorities – with proven results, as 94% of our graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduating. Many of those graduates are employed in our region and an increasing number are starting their own businesses and creating jobs for others.
“Our focus with an event such as The Pitch is to enable younger generations to gain work experience on a real project, enhancing their skills and making them more employable. Events such as this will enable young people to be confident, prosperous and excellently equipped for their future in employment and higher education, and in turn help to boost our regional economy.”
The event will get the students to do group work where they will be asked to come up with a creative solution to real-life business challenges with the support of a University graduate mentor. At the end of the two days, students 'pitch' their idea using creativity and presentation skills in a presentation to the businesses representatives.
Organisations involved last year included Lego Education, the Black Country Living Museum, Capital FM, Star City, Ultra Furniture, and the charity Promise Dreams. Six surprise businesses involved this year, which are well known, will be announced on the day to add a surprise element to the event which will be exciting and engaging to all who will be taking part.
New air power lecture series launched
Official squeamishness and the Bomber Offensive of the Second World War will be the focus of a prestigious lecture hosted by the University.
The Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies is a new programme of lectures organised by the Royal Air Force Museum in conjunction with the University and the Royal Aeronautical Society.
The first lecture at the University will be presented by Air Commodore (ret’d) Dr Peter Gray on Thursday, 19 March 2015 on the subject of ‘‘Official squeamishness’ and the Bomber Offensive of the Second World War.’
Dr Gray’s lecture will take place in MC001 at the University’s City Campus Wulfruna at 6pm.
Dr Peter Gray retired from the Royal Air Force in June 2008, having reached the rank of Air Commodore. He took up the position of Senior Research Fellow in Air Power Studies at the University of Birmingham on 1st September 2008. Dr Gray is also a member of the RAF Museum’s Research Board and his latest book, Leadership, Direction and Legitimacy of the RAF Bomber Offence from Inception to 1945, was published by Continuum in 2012.
Dr Gray’s lecture will examine the attitudes prevalent in the Air Ministry during the Second World War towards the Strategic Air offensive Against Germany. Using the Bomber Command Campaign Medal saga and the publicity the campaign received at the time as case studies, the talk will look at the thinking at all levels and seek to establish just how ‘squeamish’ they were.
Ross Mahoney, Aviation Historian from the RAF Museum, said: “This lecture series marks an important step in the development of the RAF Museum’s academic aspirations. The series seeks to explore historical and contemporary issues related to the employment of air power. The series also seeks to bridge the gap between academic and public history by providing a forum for recognised experts to share and disseminate their research to a wider audience. We are pleased to be holding the series in conjunction with the University of Wolverhampton which has a world renowned reputation in the field of War Studies.”
Dr Peter Preston-Hough, from the University’s Department of History, Politics and War Studies, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this prestigious series of lectures, which promise to provide an interesting insight into this fascinating area of history. The University has a strong relationship with the RAF Museum and we look forward to working closely with them on the lectures.”
Six lectures will be held as part of the Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies. The University of Wolverhampton’s Department of History, Politics and War Studies will host three, while the others will take place at the Headquarters of the Royal Aeronautical Society in London.
This lecture is free of charge but people do need to pre-book a free ticket, as seats are limited. For more information email:[email protected] or to book a ticket please visit the RAF Museum website www.rafmuseum.org.
Other dates for the Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Series are:
21 May 6pm-7.30pm: Tedder, Intelligence and Operation CRUSADER by Sebastian Cox (Head, Air Historical Branch. Location: No 4 Hamilton Place, Royal Aeronautical Society, London.
25 June 6pm-7.30pm: The Royal Air Force and Losing Air Superiority in the Far East, 1941-1942 by Dr Peter Preston-Hough (University of Wolverhampton). Location: University of Wolverhampton
22 October 6pm-7.30pm: The Trick Cyclists: Neuropsychiatry and the Management of Aerial Warfare, 1939-1945 by Lynsey Shaw (University of Oxford). Location: No 4 Hamilton Place, Royal Aeronautical Society, London.
19 November 6pm-7.30pm: Drone Wars: The Politics and Ethics of Remote Operations by Dr Peter Lee (Portsmouth Business School at RAF College, Cranwell). Location: University of Wolverhampton.
Spring graduation ceremonies 2015
It's celebration time as graduation ceremonies take place in April.
The annual ceremonies for health students and Postgraduate awards will take place on April 1 and 2.
The ceremonies will take place at the Grand Theatre where more than 700 students are expected to attend. Spring graduation ceremonies are held for those students who have completed Postgraduate and Health awards and will start at 5pm on Wednesday, 1 April followed by ceremonies at 10am and 1.30pm on Thursday, 2 April.
This year’s spring ceremonies will also include the award of Professorships. Wednesday, April 1 will see an award for Professors Weiguang Wang, Professor of Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, and Sylviane Cardey, Honorary Professor of Linguistics and Natural Language. Thursday, April 2 will award Lisa Bayliss-Pratt the title of Professor of Nursing and Interprofessional Education.
The ceremony itself will begin with an entrance of academic members of staff from the Schools and Faculties followed by the hand-out of awards to the students by the Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the School.
Students will have the opportunity to have professional photographs taken before and after the ceremony. The graduates and their invited guests can then attend the drinks reception at the Harrison Learning Centre.
Details of the celebrations are as follows:
Wednesday, April 1: 5pm - Postgraduate awards (All Schools) Thursday, April 2: 10am – followed by 1.30pm- School of Health and Wellbeing
For further information please see the Graduation ceremonies page: http://www.wlv.ac.uk/alumni/graduation-ceremonies/
Win tickets for the Ghost Train
The Ghost Train pulls into the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre stage next month and we have tickets to giveaway!
The show will be at the Grand from Tuesday 7to Saturday 11 April Starring Jeffrey Holland and Judy Buxton.
We have three pairs of tickets to giveaway for the opening night show on Tuesday 7April at 7.30pm. For your chance to win, [email protected] marking your entry ‘ghost’ in the subject line by Friday, 27 March 2015.
Don’t miss this new production of Arnold Ridley's classic comedy thriller about a group of travellers stranded at an isolated railway station. On a dark and stormy night a number of fellow passengers find themselves thrown together in the waiting room of a rural train station. A pair of newlyweds, an estranged couple, a self-indulgent young dandy and an elderly spinster (who also happens to be accompanied by a parrot) are treated to the stationmaster’s unique hospitality, which includes an eerie tale of a ghostly locomotive that supposedly haunts the line.
Can the story be true - and should they be alarmed by his grim warning of death to anyone who sets eyes on the infamous Ghost Train...?
Arnold Ridley was inspired to write THE GHOST TRAIN after becoming stranded overnight at Mangotsfield station near Bristol. He was perhaps best known for playing Private Godfrey in the classic BBC comedy Dad’s Army, and the cast for this new production of his best known play will also feature some familiar comedy faces from the stage and TV.
Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12.
Terms and conditions
. The winner will be picked at random and contacted by phone or email.
. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative or prize nights are available.
. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.
. Winners should collect their tickets from the Box Office on the day of the performance mentioned above.
Copy deadlines and publication dates 2015
WLVInsider is the Internal Communications E-Zine to ‘All Staff’.
Send your information to [email protected].
Copy Issue Published Content Deadline
Information relevant to January Week commencing Monday, Friday, 9 January and pre-event 2015 19 January 2015 January 2015 messages for February.
Friday, 6 February Week commencing Monday, Information relevant to February 2015 16 February 2015 February and pre-event 2015 messages for March.
Information relevant to March Week commencing Monday, Friday, 6 March and pre-event 2015 16 March 2015 March 2015 messages for April.