Inside This Issue

The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Autumn 2014 FRESH START Inside this Issue

News in brief - pages 4-5

As thousands of students arrive in north east Wales and London to prepare for the year ahead, staff at Green Issues - page 7 Glyndŵr University are beginning life under a new academic and operational structure. Armed with a revitalised framework year the long-term interests of the made up of seven academic business university, its staff, students and the divisions, dynamic department heads community have always been at the and the institution’s first female forefront of all decisions. president, Glyndŵr is ready for the next chapter in its short history. “I believe we now have the nucleus of an institution that can move forward Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael and grow,” he said. Student President Penny Anderson and Vice President Marc Caldecott helping a student move Scott, said that despite obstacles s Full story – turn to page 3 into Wrexham Village and challenges in the past academic Campus round-up - page 7

www.glyndwr.ac.uk

When you have finished reading this publication - please recycle it Pan fyddwch wedi gorffen darllen y cyhoeddiad hwn - cofiwch ei ailgylchu @glyndwruni facebook.com/glyndwruni instagram.com/glyndwruni Designed and printed by NWN Media Ltd - www.nwnmedia.co.uk The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Autumn 2014

VC’s View – with Vice Funnyman Jimmy Carr will be bringing Chancellor Professor his unique brand of comedy to Wrexham Michael Scott The 8 Out Of 10 Cats host will perform on Friday staggering 1.5 million people, as well as impressively selling (September 26) at Glyndŵr University’s William Aston out shows from across the pond in the likes of Ireland, With a new structure Hall as part of his latest UK tour – ‘Funny Business’ Canada, Australia, South Africa and now,Wrexham. in place and students Jimmy’s latest set might be his most joke-packed yet. returning ahead of “On the new tour, I’ll try and tell 250 jokes over two Tickets for Jimmy’s 10pm show are on sale for £25. Call the 2014/15 academic hours. But in order to get 250 jokes that work, I’ve got to the box office on 01978 293293 or visit year, I’d like to take this write about a thousand,” he said. www.glyndwr.ticketsolve.com opportunity to thank “I test them out, and if a joke doesn’t get a laugh then I’ll the dedicated staff who never say it again. The audience is a genius – they know worked so hard to bring what’s funny and what isn’t. They ultimately decide the fate about a new beginning of a joke. here at Glyndŵr University. “If they don’t work properly, they’ll end up on Twitter. It’s my version of recycling.” We have experienced Having already taken North Wales by storm last October so many challenges with two consecutive sell out shows, the reluctantly dubbed and obstacles over past ‘hardest working man in comedy’ is back with more quick months, not least the suspension of the university’s wit, shocking one-liners and his ruthless deadpan delivery. international HTS licence and the implementation of Also, expect that signature laugh. academic business divisions. If you’re a heckler (which he implores you to be), beware of Carr’s brutally hilarious put-downs. For those concerned about the situation, the Renowned for his decade as the panel show’s host, university remains in constant dialogue with the Jimmy is also the frontman of Channel 4’s annual Big Fat UKVI and is working through the issues raised. Quiz of the Year, a regular guest on QI and regular on A League of Their Own. Let’s not forget, we were the victims of fraud, not His stand-up tours have seen him play to over a the perpetrators, but the Home Office is tackling widespread immigration problems across the country and we will continue to cooperate with them until a Dave Gorman Fron Male Voice Choir positive outcome is achieved. Gets Straight to Saturday November 8 EVENTS the Point* (*The l William Aston Hall l 7.30pm The university has been in an almost constant battle Powerpoint) Tickets £12 Buy online at Glyndwr.ac.uk with external and internal forces, and that in turn has Friday October 24 caused much discomfort and unease. Box office 01978 293293 l William Aston Hall Rhos Male Voice Choir l 8pm Saturday November 15 That is understandable, and again I am grateful to Chris Ramsey – The Most Tickets £20 l William Aston Hall l 7pm you all for the professionalism and diligence shown Dangerous Man on Saturday during this period. Tickets £20, U16s £10 Morning Television Al Murray - The Pub Landlord: Wednesday October 1 But there are many reasons to be positive, as the One Man, One Guvnor Levellers – Greatest Hits Tour l l following pages of this edition will reinforce. William Aston Hall 8pm Saturday November 1 Tuesday November 18 Tickets £16.50 l William Aston Hall l William Aston Hall l 8pm Across the university we have garnered so much l 7.30pm Tickets £22.50 success; students and staff have maintained their Paul Foot Hovercraft Tickets £25.50 incredibly high standards and reached new levels of Symphony in Gammon # Major Pws Mewn Bwts excellence. Thursday October 9 John Bramwell (I am Kloot) Wednesday November 26 l Catrin Finch Centre l 8pm Saturday November 1 l William Aston Hall Our 44-place rise up the Guardian university league Tickets £12.50 l Catrin Finch Centre l 8pm l 10am, 1pm tables has been a source of pride, as was securing prestigious accreditation for Psychology and Tickets £15 Adults £10, Child £9, Schools £8 Business. So what of the year ahead? One thing is for sure, Hiraeth 3 Daft Monkeys Glyndŵr University faces more challenges and Wednesday November 5 Saturday November 29 obstacles; we cannot rest on our laurels and must l Catrin Finch Centre l 7.30pm l Catrin Finch Centre l 7.30pm work tirelessly to attract more quality students, more Adults £10, concessions £8 Tickets £12 commercial partners and produce more first-class research of global significance. Vienna Festival Ballet – The Cinderella Nutcracker 6-27 December As I stated previously, we can look back on a bold Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita Thursday November 6 l William Aston Hall and demanding first five years in which brave Thursday October 16 l l l Various times decisions were made for the good of everyone in the William Aston Hall 7.30pm l Catrin Finch Centre l 7.30pm Glyndŵr family, not least the hundreds and hundreds Adults £8, concession £16, children Adult £16, Concession £14, U14 £10, of students descending on our campuses across Tickets £15 adults, £13 concessions under 14 £12.50 Family £42 the UK in preparation for the year ahead. They must remain top priority, as is ensuring current students return and enjoy their time here, academically, culturally and socially. COMPETITION Buzz has two tickets to give Times are tough, and it’s the same for every away to see Al Murray – The Pub university, for every family and business the length Landlord, and a family ticket to and breadth of the country. With new academic and watch Cinderella. Just answer the operational teams in place and fired-up ready to go, question below and specify which we must all remain focused and determined. performance you would like to see.

We have the right people in place. We have a strong Competition question identity and ethos. We can and will be successful. Which artist performing as part of This is just the start of the second chapter in the Glyndŵr University’s autumn 2014 events line-up has a venue named university’s short history, and it’s going to be an Email answers to [email protected] by Friday October 10, 5pm. enthralling read. after her at our Wrexham campus?

02 Autumn 2014 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper

Continued from page 1

Chris Jones EstelleThompson

Phil Storrow of HR, Peter Gibbs. International - Head of The university is also making strides International Business Relations, Suzanne creatively; Prof Estelle Thompson, Head The new academic business divisions the heads are: Market Led Division - Riley; Head of the Chinese Centre, of Media, Arts and Design, believes the and heads are as follows: Business, Prof Head of Marketing, Recruitment and Tong Ping. Registry – Registrar (under division’s diversity and focus on producing Chris Jones; Engineering and Computing, Admissions, Julie Cowley; Head of appointment). skilled professionals is vital going forward. Phil Storrow; Media, Arts and Design, Business Development and Funding, Mick Popular and innovative courses She also looks forward to many more Prof Estelle Thompson; Psychology, Sport Card. Student Centred - Head of Learning appearing for the first time include exhibitions like ‘End of Part Two’, a Science and Health, Pat Hibberd; Social Resources and Information Services, Rob Chemistry with Green Nanotechnology, selection of artwork by final year students Science and Education, Simon Stewart; Stockton; Head of Careers and Student Computer Game Development, Immersive which opened recently at the university’s Multidisciplinary and Work Based Learning, Services, Karen Lennox; university Technology, Marketing and Consumer Oriel Sycharch Gallery. Dr Richard Dover; Graduate School, Prof Librarian, Paul Jeorrett. university - Head Psychology, Telecommunications, and “As well as a raft of interesting new and Chris Lewis. of Welsh Language and Affairs, Andrew Intelligent Computing. existing courses, which have proven very For the operational business divisions, Parry; Head of Finance, Stuart Fern; Head Among the division heads aiming to popular over the years, the new Goldstein transform the university’s curriculum, Library, the Terry Hands Theatre and the enhance the student experience and create North Wales School of Art and Design are groundbreaking partnerships with both the also popular with students and prepare community and commercial partners, is Pat them for life after university. Hibberd. “That’s what we are about here at She said: “I am delighted to be leading Glyndŵr, we aim to inspire, instruct, enable our new division for Psychology, Sport and support our students to become the Science and Health. skilled, creative professionals able to build “This is a wonderful opportunity to a visual and verbal future from the 21st create further synergy in teaching, learning Century.” and research across our subject areas for Those points were echoed by Head of example, through our holistic perspective Computing and Engineering, Phil Storrow, on well-being. who wants to see Glyndŵr become “the “Our division has a wide range university of choice” in Wales. of interesting undergraduate and “This division will become a hub postgraduate programmes, and include of expertise, supporting industry and land-based courses at our Northop commerce in the wider economy of Wales,” campus.” said Phil. There is also a refreshing approach to “I believe that listening to the student learning and a market-led attitude towards voice is vital in improving standards. The commercial enterprise, as unveiled by feedback we give to students helps them Head of Business, Professor Chris Jones. to improve and so the converse is also He said: “I want our students to immerse true. I look forward to the division engaging themselves in the world of business; I more closely and more regularly with our want them to study the cutting edge tools students. and theories that can advance the British “This division covers a diversity of economy going forward so they enter the science and technology and I see this professional world equipped to make a as an opportunity to better react to the difference. demands of industry and, for example, “To do this, we have demolished the develop multi-discipline courses. old curriculum and re-built it from scratch, “We will expand our close engagement focusing purely on what is relevant today. with our industrial partners and they in “Our lecturers will combine real turn will help us to turn our students into business experience with an ability to valuable individuals that industry and communicate that knowledge and not commerce need today. We will be able to regurgitate textbooks. achieve this because we have a dedicated “How can you teach people about team of leading academics who are business if you’ve never stepped outside of prepared to listen, be innovative and who the classroom?” are already well connected to industry and Prof Jones added: “From this commerce.” September, we are offering 20 of our final Catherine Vines, head of Glyndwr year students the opportunity of a work University London, added: “We are placement. Those students selected will very keen to work closely with the new acquire vital experience to enhance their academic heads and look forward to further CVs and career prospects. This is all part integrating this campus with those in north of our vision to place Glyndŵr Business east Wales. It has been a challenging year students at the heart of the new economy, but great strides have been made and we both regionally and nationally.” look forward to the new academic year.”

03 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Autumn 2014

A leading psychology department and government sectors, to coach teams, went from strength to strength after motivate employees with engagement NEWS IN BRIEF... being given the seal of approval by a and teamwork, help with health and safety prestigious organisation. issues and identify marketing strategies. Glyndŵr University moved into the top three universities in Wales overall, Glyndŵr University has been There is also an increasing need for top three universities in Wales after only a few months after recording the reaccredited by the British Psychological them to train auditors or risk managers rising 44 places in a league table of highest student satisfaction in Wales in the Society (BPS) for another five years. who make decisions about money lending UK institutions. Complete University Guide. The endorsement sees the Wrexham- as, according to research, 70% UK adults The university was one of the biggest “Glyndŵr University is getting stronger based division remain among the best in have financial difficulties impacting risers in the Guardian University Guide and stronger and we look forward to the country, having submitted a 500-page economic growth. 2015, climbing from 108 to 64 in the building on this success in the next few document to secure the accolade for its “The programme is designed to meet rankings. years.” BSc (Hons) Psychology. the needs of the jobs market, particularly It was the institution’s highest ever Programme leader Phill de Prez said for coaching and leadership within the ranking in a UK university league table the accreditation was a major boost to world of business,” said Vicki. since it gained university status in 2008. Glyndŵr’s psychology department – one “It is aimed at those who have a good Professor Michael Scott, Vice- of the best in the country – and followed undergraduate degree (2:1 or 2:2) in Chancellor of Glyndŵr University, said: months of hard work, including a 500-page a related field such as Psychology or “I’m absolutely thrilled at this outstanding submission to the BPS. Business, and who are thinking about achievement. To achieve such a high “We are really pleased to have been professional or personal development ranking within six years of becoming a reaccredited by the BPS, it’s a trademark of of psychology within a business or university is testament to the hard work of quality and adds value for students when management environment. everyone connected with the institution. they leave and look for employment,” said “There is also an opportunity within the “We are delighted to move into the Phill. programme to specialise in fields where The department also launched a professional accreditation may be gained, postgraduate psychology degree to for example, Psychometrics levels one develop and motivate the next generation and two, or Institute of Leadership and A new degree to serve as marketing and finance of business managers. Management.” the food and drink to sector-specific elements The new MSc Business Psychology industry was created. including food labelling, is aimed at prospective students and Supported by Wales’ standards and exporting companies interested in training staff Minister for Natural and importing. to deal with conflict resolution, risk Resources and Food, Alun The chairman of management and other skills critical to Davies, and frozen food Deeside-based supermarket commercial growth. king Malcolm Walker, the chain Iceland, Mr Walker, Programme leader Vicki Woodward said part-time Food and Drink an Honorary Fellow of there is evidence of a growing demand Management course was the Wrexham University, for business psychologists in industry developed by Glyndŵr threw his weight behind the Business School. degree at a launch event at The degree will focus the university’s Plas Coch on the commercial aspect campus. Welsh football legend and of the sector and is aimed Addressing up to broadcaster Robbie Savage at up-skilling aspiring 50 guests, he said: accepted an honorary fellowship. managers and executives. “The industry is now a The former Leicester City, Derby It will also provide completely different ball County and Blackburn Rovers star, now a foundation and game from when we started a regular pundit on Match of the Day and understanding of the company. BBC Radio 5 Live, is to be honoured for management practice within the context “In this day and age we need graduates Services to Sport. of the food and drink arena, with modules to help drive growth in the business. That’s Born and raised in Wrexham, Robbie targeting traditional business topics such what this degree will do.” is a lifelong Dragons supporter and looks forward to visiting the institution to receive the fellowship during graduation season in October. The university joined forces with Glyndŵr University announced “I am very thankful to be offered an entertainment pioneer to bring plans to launch a revolutionary new this honorary fellowship from Glyndŵr the best in live music to a landmark degree in robotics. University and accept this accolade venue. The Wrexham University’s world- wholeheartedly. To be recognised for Glyndŵr University’s William Aston leading Computing department will unveil my Services to Sport is a wonderful Glyndŵr University has been Hall (WAH) has already played host to the postgraduate offering next year. surprise,” said Robbie. recognised by the Awarding some of the top names in UK comedy, Professor Vic Grout and his team hope “Football has always been my life, my Body at The Chartered Institute including Jimmy Carr, John Bishop and the Masters’ qualification will incorporate focus and inspiration. It continues to be of Marketing (CIM) for delivering Chris Addison. the innovative Baxter Research Robot, my passion. I am so grateful to have been first class academic standards at A new partnership with VMS – which which would allow them to focus on able to work in the sports arena and to postgraduate level. operates, promotes and manages specific application development goals, have such an engaging career. The CIM commended the Wrexham Manchester Academy, Brixton Electric including human-robot interactions, “I may be the ‘Mr Marmite’ of football University for the “excellent standard and Birmingham Ballroom, amongst collaborative robotics, planning, but I have remained determined, direct of results achieved” for assessments other arenas – promised to give the manipulation, control, and perception. and given blood, sweat and tears for the submitted in the summer. Wrexham institution a fresh platform to Active Robots’ managing director game I love.” Head of Business, Professor Chris bring UK and international bands and Antony Lovedale visited the Plas The graduation ceremony will coincide Jones, was thrilled with the honour and musicians to the Plas Coch venue, as Coch campus to give students and with Robbie’s 40th birthday celebrations. thanked his team for their efforts ahead well as attracting music fans from all over staff a demonstration of its research of the 2014/15 academic year. the country to north east Wales. applications, notably computer/ Prof Jones was one of seven new The deal coincides with the machine vision, corporate research and heads of divisions unveiled by Vice announcement that The Levellers will development, education and outreach, Chancellor, Prof Michael Scott, in recent play at the WAH on November 18, as part and mechatronics and grasping. weeks, and says the future looks bright of their Greatest Hits Tour 2014. Rich Picking, a Reader in Human- for Glyndŵr. Lynda Powell, director of campus Computer Interaction at Glyndŵr, “This is a huge achievement, a seal management and commercial services said: “We are really looking forward of approval from the most prestigious at Glyndŵr University, said: “We are to launching our new Masters’ degree, marketing institute in the UK,” he said. delighted to have entered into a long term which will give students practical hands- “It is a sign of quality and reflection on management agreement with VMS to on experience of developing applications the standard of students we attract from oversee our venues. for industry-standard robots. undergraduate to postgraduate level.” “We already have a talented set of “We’ll be concentrating very much Susan Thomas, Head of the CIM staff assisting with the delivery of events on the software engineering aspects of Awarding Body, added: “Thank you for into the William Aston Hall and Catrin robotics, such as artificial intelligence, your hard work and commitment. Please Finch Centre. computation, pass our congratulations to all your “Glyndŵr University remains at the and tutors, staff and students.” heart of the community in North Wales programming, Prof Jones has taken a new approach and the agreement with VMS will provide but we will to delivering business degrees this audiences with a wider range of live also be year, notably fresh courses including music. exploring the Accounting and Finance, Hospitality, “In VMS, we are confident that we future impact Tourism and Event Management, Global have found a partner which will take that this field Marketing, Marketing and Consumer our successful arts and entertainment will have on Psychology, Entrepreneurship, and programme to a new level.” society.” Sports Management.

04 Autumn 2014 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper

Glyndŵr University will play a major fleshed out when Team Lesotho were A wheelchair basketball player but I stuck with it and made it into the team, role in developing netball in Lesotho training in Wrexham ahead of their trained at Glyndŵr University before where I play at point guard.” and its students will have the appearance at the 2014 Commonwealth picking up a gold medal with Team AJ added: “I’ve also been playing opportunity to spend time at a high Games. GB at the inaugural Invictus Games – for Rhyl Raptors and trained at Glyndŵr altitude training centre under a new Professor Michael Scott, Vice- just months after taking up the sport. University in the lead-up to the event. agreement. Chancellor of Glyndŵr University, said: Alastair ‘AJ’ Pingram practised at Wrexham seemed the perfect place to be to The university has established an action “I’m absolutely delighted that we have Glyndŵr sports centre in Wrexham ahead get focused and ready for the games, so I’d plan for its memorandum of understanding put in place a detailed action plan to work of the Games, which took place in London. like to thank Glyndŵr for their support.” (MOU) with Lesotho, signed in 2013. towards. The 38-year-old from Llangollen is one As the return of the Lesotho team for the “It has some really exciting elements of the stars of Rhyl Raptors’ basketball Commonwealth games became a reality, to it, which will hopefully benefit our own squad. other elements of the MOU agreed in 2013 students and the development of sport in A teaching assistant at Ysgol Dinas will now move forward. Lesotho. Bran, AJ was a professional hockey player The plan is centred around the “Everyone here at Glyndŵr University with the Royal Navy before a freak accident development of a High Altitude Training and in the town of Wrexham has really saw him permanently damage both ankles Centre, sports science and netball in taken to the warmth and enthusiasm of in 2000. Lesotho. Lesotho as our partnership has grown over He now walks with a stick and is forced A scholarship, bursary and exchange a number of years. to use a wheelchair over longer distances, programme for Glyndŵr University and the “We hope that this action plan proves but has a new-found lust for life after taking university of Lesotho’s students will also mutually beneficial to the development up basketball five months ago. be established. of sport at Glyndŵr University and in AJ is also making waves in rowing and There are also plans to roll out a Lesotho.” is targeting the 2015 Rio Olympics, where Dragon Sport programme in Lesotho. The A 26-strong team of athletes competed he hopes to represent his country on court scheme, led by Sport Wales, is designed for Team Lesotho at Glasgow 2014 in or in the water. to introduce children aged 7-11 to sports boxing, swimming, athletics, table tennis, “Representing Great Britain at the first including athletics, cricket, tennis and road cycling and mountain biking. Invictus Games was a massive honour for football. The MOU action plan is due to be me,” he said. Details of the MOU action plan were completed by 2018. “I only took up wheelchair basketball earlier this year after being referred to a gym by my doctor and told to look at my fitness. “I was chosen for the GB squad within a matter of weeks after attending a few sessions with Cheshire Phoenix. “At the GB trials the work got harder and harder and people were dropping out

Hollywood beckons for a revolutionary such as Ang Lee, Martin Scorsese and hologram company. James Cameron, is the highest honour View Holographics, based at Glyndŵr bestowed by the membership of the University’s OpTIC Centre in St Asaph, were Society. nominated for a prize at the International 3D Winners will be chosen by a blue ribbon & Advanced Imaging Society’s fifth annual panel of technology and advanced imaging Technology & New Product Awards, held at experts. the end of this month. View Holographics’ CEO Geoff Andrews Hosted by Paramount Studios in Los cited Glyndŵr University as a major Angeles, the Denbighshire firm take on the supporter and partner in the growth of the might of Walt Disney Studios, Adobe, Dolby business, which is making huge strides at and Panasonic, amongst others. home and overseas. Past nominees have included “During the past six years the company DreamWorks Animation, IMAX, RealD, has met and exceeded every technology Sony and many other leading technology objective it has set itself,” said Geoff. developers in the entertainment industry. “We are now doing something no-one Outstanding technologies and new else in the world can do by producing products will be awarded the Lumiere full colour, double parallax, wide angle Award, and the New Product Award, bright holograms using digital or analogue respectively. techniques. The Lumiere award, which has been “The holograms can project, move and awarded to silver screen heavyweights morph. They are true 3D images.”

05 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Autumn 2014 Glyndŵr Wrexham Football Academy Former Liverpool striker Lee Jones says take the relationship they made the trip team and being involved with them gives the Glyndŵr Wrexham Football Academy a step further. It to Forest Green every Academy player something to aspire (GWFA) is one of the best things that couldn’t have started Rovers. That’s great to and a goal to work towards. ever happened to the Welsh club. any better. for us, and obviously “Every player progresses at a different A £300,000 revamp over the summer “We’ve brought great for them. rate and we’re confident that two or three saw the installation of a new playing surface, in 16 players from “Corey was Leeds more will follow in the footsteps of Corey changing rooms, medical facilities and professional clubs United captain from and Joe sooner rather than later. improved seating for disabled supporters at who wanted to study the age of eight to “The gaffer [Wrexham FC boss Kevin the Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium. for a degree and 18. Straight away we Wilkin] recognises that this not just a The university secured funding from the environment looked at him and university football team. The lads are the Football Association of Wales (FAW), and set-up here thought he would registered players with the PFA just like Rugby Football League (RFL), Wrexham has been perfect for Aaron and Lee be in the first team every first team player. The Academy is an FC, Wrexham FC Disabled Supporters them.” within 12 months. expansion of the pyramid at the club and Association and the Football Stadia Jones revealed that they built up the He’s progressed fantastically since he joined it’s given him some more options when it Improvement Fund (FSIF). first Academy intake from a shortlist of 80 us and really gone on to a higher level. comes to improving the squad and helping This followed the establishment of the players initially identified by himself and “All the lads have trained with the first to improve the club on the field.” Academy (GWFA) in March, a partnership Owen at the Exit Trials, an annual event for between the university and the club which professional footballers released by clubs. allows professional footballers to study 30 players made it through to interviews for a degree while training and playing for and a trial match at the Glyndŵr University Wrexham FC or a feeder club based in the Racecourse Stadium before the final squad Welsh football league. was assembled. During an interview with work experience A further 16 players are set to be added student Aaron Davies, from Ysgol Morgan to the GWFA for each of the next two Llwyd, the former Liverpool and Dragons seasons, taking the total to 48 Academy star, now heading up the Academy with players by the start of the 2016 football Adam Owen, says none of this would have season. happened before the university purchased Jones added: “We can provide a level the Racecourse. of football which the players have become “The club has never had massive accustomed to and the university provides amounts of money and it’s the first time in an education so it’s a perfect match. 60 or 70 years that we’ve had a new pitch at “Joe Whittington and Corey Roper were the stadium,” he said. the first two players from the Academy “Establishing the Academy has helped to to travel with the first team squad when Winter Wonderland Academic Study Skills A second annual fundraising ball will itself is a registered charity – any money aim to raise record levels of cash to it generates is invested back into new - with Andrew Edwards boost campus investment and improve buildings, services, research and the student life at Glyndŵr University. community. Exciting times lie ahead for the year, which will be announced via email The Wrexham institution is holding the As well as the inaugural fundraising Academic Study Skills team. We have and social media. In addition, staff can Winter Wonderland event at Llyndir Hall, ball, the university launched a fundraising now joined with colleagues in IT and still request workshops for their students Rossett, on Friday December 12. contest which saw the Yale Stand at the the Library to create a new Learning by phoning extension 4437 or emailing Its first ever summer ball raised almost Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium Resources unit. [email protected]. £8000 last year, and fundraising manager rebranded as the Utilities Connection We have also moved location to the Furthermore, we are working towards Suzanne Riley said they were aiming to Management Ltd (UCML) stand for the Library and Learning Resources Office, increasing our provision of online exceed the figure this time. 2014/5 football season. which is opposite our old desk on the resources, so there is much more to She said: “Fundraising is a hugely Businesses were given the chance to ground floor of the Library. come from us in the future. valuable income stream for the university, win the naming rights for an entry of £250 Students are still able discuss their helping to improve our offering for students into a random draw earlier this year. Every study skills needs and we will again Here is a reminder of what Study and develop a better campus for everyone entrant received an advert in a matchday be offering a range of study skills Skills covers: to enjoy. programme. workshops during the next academic “We were delighted with the response we had to the event last time and we’re For more information on the Winter confident this one will be equally, if not Wonderland Fundraising Ball or to book more, successful.” a table email [email protected] or The Winter Wonderland Fundraising call 01978 293007. Ball will be hosted by Professor Michael Scott, Vice-Chancellor of Glyndŵr University. Tables are priced at £650 + VAT and include Bucks Fizz and Canapes on arrival, a three course meal and unlimited drinks. All proceeds go towards supporting one of Glyndŵr University’s four fundraising priorities - student experience, academic excellence, community engagement and campus development. Dress code is black tie and long cocktail dresses. The event runs from 7pm to midnight. The second Study Skills Conference at Honorary Professor of Linguistics at Glyndŵr University launched its new Glyndŵr University took place on June Bangor University, gave a marvellous fundraising arm in 2013 to support and 18. Entitled ‘Evolution or Revolution? keynote speech entitled ‘Language and preserve higher education in north east Innovations in Study Skills and the Internet’, which was complemented Wales. E-Learning’, it focused on the diversity by a range of useful and thought Welsh Government funding is now of need with regard to Study Skills and provoking sessions. Feedback on the a very small percentage of Glyndŵr E-learning. Professor David Crystal, day was overwhelmingly positive. University’s income as there is a new noted Shakespearean Scholar and fee structure in place and the university

06 Autumn 2014 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Campus Round-Up The North East Wales ‘knowledge corridor’ encompasses Glyndŵr University’s campuses in Wrexham, Northop and St Asaph. The university is growing all of the time, and with GUL (Glyndŵr University London) going through a period of change the future looks bright for the institution. Here’s the latest from our other campuses.

Now in its 44th year, Four Oaks Trade Show is well-established as Northop the UK’s leading ornamental plant event, with this year’s sell-out Horticulture Wales flew the flag gathering attracting more than 430 for the nation’s plant growers – exhibitors and thousands of buyers, and Glyndŵr University – at the landscapers, retailers, and garden Dr Louise Jones largest trade event of its kind in centre representatives. A third of the UK. exhibitors, as well as a significant to congratulate Tony and his team for their hard The Northop campus-based supply number of attendees, came from chain efficiency project organised a work and innovation.” overseas horticultural strongholds such Since acquiring The OpTIC Centre in St shared exhibition stand at September’s as the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium, giving St Asaph Asaph in 2009, Glyndŵr University has made Four Oaks Trade Show in Cheshire, giving great international exposure to Horticulture Scientists polishing mirrors for a £900million huge strides with a number of projects, including Welsh growers the chance to showcase their Wales, Glyndŵr University, and the telescope achieved another world-first. the world-leading ESO team’s ground. plants and flowers to thousands of potential participating Welsh growers. Led by Project Manager Tony Fox-Leonard, Glyndŵr Innovations, the commercial arm customers. The appearance at Four Oaks Trade Show the team at Glyndŵr University St Asaph of the university, was named fastest growing Decked out with striking Welsh flags, rounded off a busy summer for the Horticulture polished the 1.5 metre optic down to just 7.5 company in Wales in 2012 and fourth-fastest bunting, and other patriotic branding, the Wales team. July’s Royal Welsh Agricultural nanometres – which equates to around the size last year, as well as topping the Creative and Horticulture Wales stand hosted plants from Show saw the project launch its new online of a haemoglobin molecule. two nurseries, Quinky Young Plants from Crop Calculator tool aimed at helping fruit and It is the best measurement ever managed in Knowledge Industries category for the second Cilgerran, which produces a range of alpine vegetable growers accurately evaluate the the UK and was produced for ESO’s (European time in a row. plants and herbs, and Pottles Premier Plants commercial potential of their crops, while it Southern Observatory) European-Extremely And in 2013/14 alone, The OpTIC Centre from Holywell, Flintshire, which specialises has also hosted successful study tours to the Large Telescope. won contracts with external partners totalling in hardy nursery stock such as shrubs and Netherlands for ornamental plant growers, and It is the first time such a feat has ever been more than £500,000, having won over £2m in climbers. to Worcestershire to learn about hops growing. achieved using computer-operated machinery, research grants. coupled with the university’s unique polishing Glyndŵr’s own technology groups have process and metrology system. also gone from strength to strength, according The news arrived just six months after the to Centre for Solar Energy Research (CSER) Glyndŵr team, with the support of collaborators, Director, Professor Stuart Irvine. met the ESO compliance figure of < 15nm over “Since 2008, CSER has grown from a the full optical aperture. small team of six to over 15, carrying out world Once completed, the giant eye on the class research in photovoltaic solar energy sky will gather light from distant stars and and working with industry to develop new galaxies, be 39 metres in diameter, made of opportunities,” he said. 798 segments and located on Mount Cerro “We’ve already attracted over £5m of new Armazones in Chile, where it is set to gather investment and worked with over 40 companies; 15 times more light than the largest telescopes this could not have been achieved without the around today. unique facilities at OpTIC.” Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Scott said VIP visitors have included Prime Minister the team at St Asaph deserved huge credit for David Cameron, First Ministers Rhodri Morgan achieving the ESO specification and said they and Carwyn Jones, Labour Party leader Ed will now look to build on that and contribute to Miliband and Karren Brady, vice-chair of West procuring the eventual manufacturing contract Ham FC and a star of BBC’s The Apprentice. for all of the mirrors required for the telescope, Among the businesses housed on-site in cutting-edge incubation units at OpTIC are (L-R) Mark Pottle, securing high technology jobs in Denbighshire. View Holographics, Kent Periscopes, MC Pottles Premier “The team in St Asaph have once again Plants, Karen proved they are at the cutting edge of Diagnostics, and Zeeko, innovative and high- Rodenburg, technology with another world-first,” said Vice technology firms all reporting strong growth and Horticulture Chancellor Professor Michael Scott. clearly benefiting from the facilities on offer. Wales, Charles “Their efforts have helped to put Glyndŵr The next GEM business breakfast takes Warner, Quinky University on the map and garnered the place in St Asaph on October 15. Outperform’s Young Plants respect of the global optics industry. We are all Dawn Roberts, from Abergele, will present extremely proud of them and would again like ‘Serve to Sell’ from 8.30am. The event is free.

message – do what you say you are going to. research had indicated the surprisingly high students a realistic pricing structure and return Business summer school was, again, a sell- percentage of privately owned businesses that for the company has been devised. With out and the students looked younger than ever. still operate without the support of a website leads coming in from across the region, this GREEN This year there was a noticeable reduction in – Shopwalk3D aims to focus on this sector, is a demonstration of what can be achieved the number of students from Spain and this providing them with a web presence. with a very low budget and access to a pool of may be a reflection of the economic situation For a smaller business confidence can be creative people. We’re in business! in that part of Europe. The focus of summer an issue and with the help of our business school is on creating customer value and talent ISSUES management, both core issues for successful with Dr Jan Green, senior businesses of all sizes and judging by the lecturer and change strategist lively atmosphere in the classrooms and on the in Business Management corridors the party element of summer school remains high on the agenda. What’s in a strap line and should it be A new start-up, Shopwalk3D.com changed? Not for this issue of Buzz as approached the business department to green was to the forefront of a recent help with a launch campaign and the early business module – Social Responsibility results, using Twitter, have been promising. Advantage – delivered on the Executive This project used the SIP programme to link MBA programme. business activity with modular content. The The modular content included a widely- timing enabled the fast-track entrepreneurship cited term ‘green washing’ which has origins students to use the launch as a case study; in the hotel sector. How many times have this was particularly useful in Entrepreneurial you carefully followed the ‘we care about Marketing and The Art of Selling. the environment’ notice and put once- There was a good turnout at the launch used towels back onto the rail in your hotel when the co-founder Nick Allen, pictured right bathroom? Outcome – you return to your with Jan Green presented the benefits of a room and find all the towels have been smaller business becoming involved in this replaced. There is a message behind the new addition to the shopping portfolio. Student Jan Green with Nick Allen

07 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Autumn 2014

What’s happening in the world of social media... INST “I’m a GU Fresher!” selfie thought we would get in on the act and feature the best in an online gallery for all to see. encourage our new students to post an Although Freshers hadn’t started when we went Everyone seems to be taking ‘selfies’ “I’m a GU Fresher!” selfie on social media to print, we’ve already had a few snapping selfies – and posting them on social media these by using our polaroid-style frames. including our Students’ Guild officers (pictured). days. For those of you who have been It’s a bit of fun for our newbies, But it’s not just for our first years, anyone can living under a rock for the past couple encouraging them to send us a ‘selfie’ of get involved – including staff! So if you see one of months, a ‘selfie’ is a photograph themselves having a good time out and of the frames around campus, take a selfie and taken of oneself – usually within arm’s about during Freshers’ Fortnight, and tag us in on Twitter - @glyndwruni, on Facebook length. then ‘tag’ us in on their photos on Twitter, – glyndwruni or on Instagram – glyndwrunioffical. So with them being so popular, we Facebook and Instagram. We will then Looking forward to seeing your selfies! Oriel Sycharch Gallery The Money Doctor - Jenny Jones Publishing and Censorship White Lies A major change that has happened during capability. 24 November 2014 – 15 January 2015 the summer, which will impact on students Often the 30 September – 17 November 2014 Private View 24 November all over Wales, is the removal of the Discretionary Fund Private View 30 September 5 – 7pm Discretionary Financial Contingency Fund. is accessed for Estelle Thompson paintings and works on Introduced in 1991, it was designed reasons that could A collection of works selected by Rory paper curated by Charles Danby. to support people experiencing financial not have been McCartney difficulties who might leave their courses if they foreseen. Those Censorship raises complex cultural, did not have additional help. testing times that philosophical, political and ethical questions This fund accounted for £120,000 of life likes to throw at regarding authorship. The works in this show The Methodist Modern Art additional support that was offered to Glyndŵr us, which students highlight how the limitations of censorship Collection students in the academic year 2013/2014, are not immune can be explored and dissected with creative and so has become a very important tool to, but a lack of budgeting skills and financial outcomes. This exhibition comprises a Heaven & Earth for the Student Funding and Welfare team understanding makes up the majority of selection of published works, within those to assist those in genuine financial distress. applications that Funding and Welfare see. 19 January – 26 March 2015 debates, that vary in format, period, and So important is this fund that it has been re- If this fund is to be withdrawn, students geographic origin. Comparisons can be drawn Opening Event 19 January instated by the Welsh Government, only a will leave education because that emergency between contemporary and historical material; month after its withdrawal, due to the outcry support is not available and so learning how high and low culture in printed form; recorded The Methodist Modern Art Collection will be from universities all across Wales, but only for to budget, before coming to university is even sound and moving image. on display at Wrexham Methodist Church one year. more essential. The exhibition is comprised of a selection and the Oriel Sycharth Gallery. This is a There is a misconception that people The Student Funding and Welfare team of artefacts dating from 1585 through to unique compilation of 20th Century Christian intelligent enough to attend university must know their stuff and have identified thousands contemporary items. The books, posters, art including more than 40 works by Graham be equally as capable in other aspects of their of pounds of additional funding that is available prints, photographs and sound recordings Sutherland, Elisabeth Frink, Ceri Richards lives, and money is one of them. But this is not for students to apply for, that they were not shape a discussion around the suppression and many other renowned artists. During the the case at all. There is no average student any aware of. With this in mind the Freshers’ of public communication, and the cultural and exhibition there will be a series of related more. campaign for this year is asking students to political effects of a censored press. events, tours, talks and workshops which are Many students come to university with find out if that have the correct funding for their The exhibition includes work by Caravaggio, free to attend and open to all members of the heavy personal and financial responsibilities course and whether there is any additional Francisco Goya, Alexander Rodchenko, public. which are not resolved simply by pursuing a cash that they can apply for. Kourosh Yaghmaei and Patrick Cariou vs. The exhibition will be open from Monday to course of study. The discretionary fund is an With the proposed Financial Literacy Richard Prince. Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm at both locations. essential element to the range of help that can (Wales) Bill hopefully becoming a reality, being be offered to students and highlights the need good with money will become a crucial element for them to think about budgeting and financial in constructing a successful life. Burst, cram and squeeze it all in? By Andrea Hilditch, Careers Adviser Picture the scene: the engine is switched on, Glydwr Temps jobs or students have filled their cars to bursting jobs advertised on the with all the paraphernalia needed for living Jobshop. away from home, they then throw in one l Reflect often – last kitchen utensil and say a quick prayer thinking back to what before hopefully hearing the comforting you have done at the click of a fully closed boot. It’s followed end of each term or by being herded into lecture theatres and each year is so much seminar rooms - first year students trying easier than having to to capture all the new information needed; cast your memory back all the way to the final year students trying to keep their first year as you’re leaving and the help of a head above water with the pressure of Careers Adviser can make it even easier. dissertations, portfolios, more assignments l Attend our Career Development Learning and presentations. sessions and inductions…. but if you don’t Burst, cram, squeeze and… panic? The take it all in, at least make a note of how to start of a new academic year signals a lot of get hold of us. trying to ‘fit everything in’, in some form or l Ask for help – it’s ok to ask for extra other. And then along we come, the Careers help and that’s what we’re here for. Some Centre team, telling students that they also students and graduates prefer to come need to fit in things like work experience and and see us on their own for advice and making new contacts - don’t we realise there is guidance, work experience support, help already so much to do by learning how to write with completing application forms or CVs assignments and understanding this Harvard and doing some interview preparation. Referencing properly to pass an assignment? l Chat to us at the monthly Roadshows Well, yes, we do know, however we also – an informal chat with us could make a Glyndŵr University Sport know that it would be worse for students if they difference and we have events around found out too late that their degree was only campus at various venues. See Moodle and Until one part of the puzzle of student and graduate our social media pages for details. Fitness Suite Offer 19th life. It’s not that we want to overload them with December ‘stuff’ to do, but if students treat their career So, we want our students to avoid the pain of in the same way as that full-to-bursting car, that bursting-cramming-squeezing-careers-last- Offer 1 - Year long Membership £150 2014 trying to cram everything in at last minute and minute-panic at all costs. However, we would Terms and then hoping that a good graduate job will turn always recommend trying to fit in an extra can Conditions up at the end, it could end in disaster. For that opener into the glove box, just there, right in Offer 2 - Membership £45 Apply reason, we encourage students to follow some between the bottle of washing up liquid and simple steps: tube of toothpaste… and maybe another can of l Break your career goals into manageable hairspray. Please ask at sports centre reception for steps – working with us from an early stage allows students to gather a steady pace Contact the Careers Centre on 01978 293240 and momentum, especially by building up or www.glyndwr.ac.uk/careers for more details or call 01978 293275 work experience and contacts, perhaps via information about any of our services.