Annual Review 2008 CONTENTS FOREWORDS . 3. MISSION . 4. VISION . 4. CORE VALUES . 5. ACKNOWLEDGING EXCELLENCE . 6. EMINENT VISITORS . 10 EXCHANGING IDEAS . 12 KNOWLEDGE SHARED . 14 SENSE OF PLACE . 17 INNOVATING AND INSPIRING . 20 PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS . 24 A SHARPER FOCUS . 26 IN PRINT . 28 STRENGTHENING LINKS . 30 THE BIGGER PICTURE . 32 THINKING GLOBALLY . 34 PUTTING SOMETHING BACK . 38 STUDENT AND GRADUATE LEADING LIGHTS . 40 STAFF MOVERS AND SHAKERS . 44 STIMULATING ENVIRONMENTS . 48 SENIOR STAFF . 50 FINANCIAL RESULts FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST JULY 2008 . 51 2 | University of Chester FOREWORDS Professor TJ Wheeler DL The Right Reverend Dr Peter Forster Vice-Chancellor and Principal Lord Bishop of Chester The Academic Year 2007-2008 has seen a massive growth in the President of the University Council and activities of the University, with developments in Research and Pro-Chancellor Knowledge Transfer being at the forefront of the University’s We continue to develop a range of activities and support concerns. The University has hosted a number of significant for business and our communities in Cheshire, Warrington, international conferences and has seen an impressive range of Chester and the North West. However, the international inaugural lectures, visiting speakers, together with its significant activities of the University continue to grow, as the participation in the Chester Literarature Festival. Staff of the University embraces fully the challenges and opportunities University continue to publish extensively and they have of globalisation. obtained a number of prestigious and competitive research contracts. As the University’s interests expand, it has put a The University’s history as an Anglican foundation is particular emphasis on partnership and on strengthening links demonstrated in many ways, the most obvious of which with its sister colleges in Cheshire. The University continues to are some dozen degree ceremonies that were held in the develop new courses, particularly at postgraduate level, and has Cathedral. They allowed tribute to be paid to distinguished seen the number of doctoral students enrolled nearly double. figures, who have made significant contributions to the work of the University, the region and nationally. The work of the All of these activities occur within the context of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies has seen University’s mission, vision and core values. The University an increased level of partnership between the University acknowledges its responsibilities to the community it serves and the Diocese. The development of a joint diocesan and and has worked hard to pursue its agenda for sustainability University Academy has been under discussion over the last and through initiatives, such as support of ‘One Water’ and its year and should come to fruition in the next few months. partnerships in Uganda, Sierra Leone, Japan, India and Dubai. The University puts particular emphasis on encouraging social There is much to be done to help the University of Chester responsibility for its students and this was demonstrated in to continue to discharge its mission of service and enhance the University’s commitment to volunteering, where more still further the contribution it makes to its stakeholders. than 200 students put in 14,000 hours of community work. The staff and students, together with the members of the Council, look forward to yet another successful year. The University had a record surplus of over £5 million and this money will be reinvested in the coming years to enhance the quality facilities that support students’ learning experience. All of this is only possible through the efforts of able, energetic and committed staff and students. Annual Review 2008 | 3 MISSION The University was established by the Church of England in 1839 and, within an open and inclusive environment guided by Christian values, we seek to provide our students and staff with the education, training, skills and motivation to enable them to develop as individuals and serve and improve the communities within which they live and work . This mission, which has helped shape our development and diversification, continues to inform our future planning and strengthening as a University institution . VISION At the heart of the University’s vision is our commitment to: ensuring a rewarding student learning experience; developing the expertise of our staff; teaching excellence; and our growing research and scholarly profile . Fundamental to these ideals and aspirations is the positive impact that the University has on the lives of our students, our staff, and our community, all of which underpin the institution’s significant and developing contribution to the region and beyond . In valuing and celebrating our long history and traditions, the University is modern, dynamic and enterprising in its approach to developing new opportunities . In particular, we are committed to engendering a sense of pride and shared ownership in all those associated with us and with what we do . 4 | University of Chester CORE vaLUES In continuing expression of the University’s Christian foundation and the discussion of moral and spiritual values, the institution’s various activities are underpinned by a series of core values that help to define our identity: The pursuit of excellence and innovation Inclusiveness and responsibility We seek continuous innovation and improvement and We actively espouse the principles of equality of opportunity constantly aim to secure the highest standards and and diversity, and continually apply them in the conduct quality in our learning and teaching and the creation and of our relationships and business. We are, in particular, application of new knowledge. committed to widening access to higher education. Within an ethically aware and professional environment, we A distinctive student experience acknowledge our responsibilities to promote freedom of We are committed to providing all our students with a high inquiry and scholarly expression. quality, caring and supportive learning experience, including work-related learning, that equips them with the necessary A supportive culture and environment personal and academic skills to engage confidently with the Based on team work and appropriately devolved authority wider World. and responsibility, we seek to promote a dynamic and cost- effective organisational culture within which all our staff and Partnership and community students feel empowered and actively supported to respond Through our staff, students and alumni, we seek to play a creatively and efficiently to the challenges of a changing leading role in the intellectual, cultural, social, spiritual and environment. economic life of the local, regional and wider communities we serve and with which we interact. A caring foundation Valuing openness and inclusiveness, we seek to promote an environment within which all our students and staff are provided with opportunities to reflect on moral and spiritual issues affecting individuals and society. To obtain this information in an alternative format – large print, on audio tape or in translation – call 01244 511450 or email [email protected] Annual Review 2008 | 5 ACKNOWLEDGING EXCELLENCE The ‘family’ of Honorary Graduates continues to grow and flourish, as the University welcomes individuals who have achieved distinction in their field to be recognised for their merits at each Graduation Ceremony and to begin a closer association with the institution . Ian Dunn – Master of Letters, honoris causa College London, he returned to his native Cheshire as The definitive history of the University of Chester, The Deputy County Archivist, then County Archivist. In the University of Chester 1839-2005: The Bright Star in the Present mid-1990s, he became successively Cheshire’s Senior Policy Prospect, was compiled by Ian Dunn, to coincide with the Advisor, County Secretary, and Head of Libraries, Archives, granting of University Status in 2005. After gaining an Arts and Museums. In 2002, he became Director for Regional English degree from Queen Mary College, London and Affairs and Local Government Review and he is a former qualifying in archive administration through University President of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire. 6 | University of Chester Sue Birtwistle – Doctor of Letters, honoris causa Celebrated television adaptations of Emma, Wives and Daughters, and, most recently, Cranford, owe much of their success to their producer, Sue Birtwistle, who has set new standards for screening classic literature. Her acclaimed 1996 production of Pride and Prejudice was voted the BBC’s Best Programme of the Year and television’s Best Drama Series. Originally from Northwich, she studied Drama and English at Coventry College of Education, then worked in Theatre in Education in Coventry, Edinburgh and Nottingham. As her reputation grew, she was approached by Thames Television to commission and produce Theatre Box, a series of six plays for children. Loyd Grossman, OBE, FSA – Doctor of Letters, honoris causa Perhaps best-known for his culinary interests, Loyd Grossman also has a lifelong interest in history, heritage and the arts and has served on numerous committees and public bodies. Born in Massachusetts, where he read History at Boston University, he continued his studies at the London School of Economics, before entering journalism and developing a notable career as a television presenter. He was a member of the Royal Commission on the Historical