The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Summer 2014 A new chapter Inside this Issue Glyndŵr University is ready to start the next chapter in its evolution following a “tough but successful” year. Those were the words of Glyndŵr’s Chancellor, Sir Jon Shortridge, who addressed up to a hundred guests at the University’s Annual Review event.
It has been a year in which the University was News in brief - pages 4-5 under “intense external scrutiny” but Sir Jon is confident the future looks bright, particularly as its undergraduate intake increased by up to by 40%.
By September, the Wrexham-based institution – which is six years old this summer - will have completed a major restructuring exercise and received the results of the review of Higher Education in North East Wales, conducted by Sir Adrian Webb.
Speaking at the £5million Centre for the Creative Sir Jon Shortridge addressing guests Industries, he said: “The last year was a tough one Go Wales - page 5
for the University, but I am delighted to tell you we s are putting those problems behind us.” Full story - turn to page 2
Connections Management signage over the summer. UCML managing director Arwel Lloyd said: “A few of our staff are Wrexham FC season ticket holders and we wanted to do more to support the local community so the opportunity to have a named stand at Campus Round-Up - page 1 the stadium was ideal. “This also builds on our already strong relationship with Glyndŵr University – we were involved with work at the Wrexham Village student accommodation and most of our staff have some connection to the university as current students or graduates.” Money raised from the competition, Part of the Glyndŵr University launched by the University. which cost £250 per entry, will www.glyndwr.ac.uk Racecourse Stadium will be Naming rights for the new football support campus development, rebranded as the Utilities Connections season, which begins in August, were improved facilities, academic Management Ltd stand for the 2014-15 offered as part of a competition to excellence and community football season. support the university’s fundraising engagement. The utilities consultancy business, arm, Glyndŵr Giving. All companies who entered will based at Wrexham Industrial Estate, The Yale section of the stadium feature in a match-day football was the lucky winner of a competition will be rebranded with Utilities programme, seen by up to 3,000 fans. 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 Summer 2014
Continued from page 1 VC’s View – with Vice “This year our undergraduate intake increased by nearly “It made a number of recommendations to ensure the 40% on the year before, and by the beginning of the smooth transition of students from school through further Chancellor Professor new academic year we will have completed a major and higher education and stressed there is a need for restructuring exercise which will modernise the way in further investment in higher education here in north east Michael Scott which we operate, and, most importantly, substantially Wales.” enhance the quality of the student educational experience.” As we near the conclusion of Sir Jon added: “We now await the Minister’s response to an academic year filled with Sir Jon added: “I prefer to remember last year not as a the Review, but what I can say is that Glyndŵr, with its incredible challenges and tough year, but as a very successful year. commitment to the local community, stands ready to play outstanding achievements, its part in strengthening the ties between higher and further I’d like to take this “It was a year in which we were under intense external education – though we recognise that such a strengthening opportunity to reflect on scrutiny. Through a coincidence we faced four major can only be achieved with the consent of all of those the first chapter of Glyndŵr reviews within a couple of months of each other but we institutions that would be involved. University’s enthralling story. passed them all with flying colours, with some of the best results in the UK.” “With our world-leading research – including the ESO Since becoming a university in telescope project at St Asaph – and our work with 2008 we’ve taken huge strides Sir Jon went on to explain how the reviews, including Airbus and in pursuing an application for research together, overcoming adversity, examination of the University’s Journalism and Engineering degree awarding powers, Glyndŵr University looks producing world-class research programmes, coincided with the Webb Review. forward to moving ahead as a centre of local, national and creating partnerships the and international significance, both academically and world over. He said: “The great thing about the Review is that it commercially.” recognised unambiguously that north east Wales needs a There have been obstacles along the way. We’ve been Welsh university based in this region. The event also included interactive sessions in the under intense external scrutiny – as our Chancellor University’s immersive learning environment with Nathan Sir Jon Shortridge alludes to on the front page of this “It also recognised the important contribution Glyndŵr is Roberts and Computing students, a demonstration of edition of Buzz – and faced internal unease as we making to the economic development of this area and Oculus Rift technology – a virtual reality headset for 3D navigate a period of restructure. the exemplary role it plays as a widening participation gaming - and talks on Welsh medium education and university. consumer psychology, with Dr Gareth Harvey. Throughout all of this, the Board of Governors and I have only ever had the long-term interests of this university and its dedicated, staff, students and clients at heart and in mind.
It has been a difficult period for all of us. Several colleagues have said goodbye and others will follow, but I truly believe we now have the nucleus of an institution that can move forward and grow.
A university fit for purpose, built on solid foundations - rock, not sand.
Past weeks have brought triumph and pride. The Complete University Guide revealed we are number one in Wales for student satisfaction, and our overall position improved by five places. We were also ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction in Nursing, and Agriculture and Forestry.
Architecture, Sports Science and Computer Science all scored highly, with the latter jumping an incredible 29 places up the table – the largest increase in the UK – to show we really are “world-leading” in that department.
This all came just days after we were ranked number one in Wales and seventh in the UK in the proposed Social Mobility Graduate Index, for getting students from poorer backgrounds into jobs.
That result is a tribute to our widening participation team, reinforcing our desire to be ‘open to all’ and giving students a level playing field on which to achieve their goals. Mayor of Wrexham, Council David Bithell, enjoys the Oculus Rift technology
Glyndŵr seamlessly produces top-level, world class research while ensuring the caring, social justice side of our operation remains at the heart of everything we Buy online at Glyndwr.ac.uk do. EVENTS Box office 01978 293293 We can be so proud of these achievements, and proud of everyone involved, but we have a long way Jason Manford – First World Problems Tom Stade to go before Glyndŵr University is a well-established Saturday June 28 Thursday September 18 institution achieving all of the elements that our mission William Aston Hall Catrin Finch Centre statement strives for. 8pm 8pm Tickets £22.50 Adults £16, That will come with time, and diligence and the SOLD Concessions £14 aforementioned dedication I mentioned earlier, but John Bishop it will come, and when it does we can look back OUT Wednesday July 2 Jimmy Carr on a bold and demanding first five years, in which brave decisions were made, decisions that ultimately William Aston Hall Friday September 26 propelled this University into a period of evolution and William Aston Hall accomplishment, for students, staff and every member Glyndŵr University Open Day 7pm, 10pm of the Glyndŵr family. Saturday August 16 10am – 2pm Tickets £25 adults
02 Summer 2014 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Glyndŵr University is number one in Wales for student satisfaction The University achieved the 14th Media Studies. highest score for student satisfaction in The news came just days after Glyndŵr the UK, and the highest score in Wales was ranked number one in Wales and according, to the Complete University seventh in the UK in the proposed Social Guide. Mobility Graduate Index, for getting The Wrexham institution moved five students from poorer backgrounds into places up the league table overall, to jobs. number 110, and was ranked first in the Responding to the Complete University UK for student satisfaction in Nursing, Guide findings, Vice-Chancellor, Professor and Agriculture and Forestry, including its Michael Scott, praised staff for improving degrees in Equine Science and Welfare, on last year’s figures. and Animal Studies. “An improvement in the Complete Computer Science, Architecture and University Guide’s league table and our Sports Science all scored highly. position as number one in Wales for Vic Grout In particular, Architecture and Sport student satisfaction are testament to the Science were lauded for graduate hard work and dedication of the staff here employment prospects, whilst Architecture, at Glyndŵr University,” said Prof Scott. further and evolve as a university. absolutely delighted with the results Computer Science, History, Social Work, “To see such an improvement is very “This good news, particularly the strong in Computer Science. This places us and Sport Science were placed highly for satisfying, but the hard work is only just showing for student satisfaction, shows we amongst the top Welsh universities in student satisfaction. beginning and we want to build on these are moving in the right direction – I’d like computing, where we deserve to be.” Subject areas gaining the most places outcomes over the coming year.” to thank everyone for their hard work and Head of Nursing Pam Hope added she since last year were: Computer Science, He added: “We are in a period of contribution to these results.” was “delighted” with the department’s Drama, Dance and Cinematics , Business transition and from September will be in Professor Vic Grout, Head of Computing showing in the tables. and Management, and Communication and a much stronger position, ready to grow at Glyndŵr University, said: “We’re
Academic Study Skills Grant Funded By - with Andrew Edwards
Go Glyndwr New to 2014 Bicycle to Borrow scheme Staff and Students are welcome to use a bike to get round Wrexham.
It’s been a busy few months here in The second Study Skills Conference For more information on this scheme visit … Academic Study Skills, with more at Glyndŵr University will take place email [email protected] students accessing support across on June 18, entitled ‘Evolution or a non-subject related range of Revolution? Innovations in Study Skills We request a £2 donation for a week’s hire or 50p for a days hire workshops and one-to-one sessions. and E-Learning’. Employees have been directing The event will focus on the diversity students to us, and more students have of need with regard to study skills and sought us out independently, reflecting e-learning, which has become a more the appropriateness of the service. prominent subject in the forefront of We have received a tremendous delivery regarding virtual support as part amount of positive feedback from staff of the service. How to address this need and students, so we should like to take is the subject basis of this conference. this opportunity to thank everyone who There will be a range of speakers has used and continues to use our attending, including Professor David service. Crystal, noted Shakespearean Scholar We are now gearing up for the and Honorary Professor of Linguistics at summer as we provide year-round the University of Wales, Bangor. support for students, so please feel free Sonia Rocke and I will be delivering to alert others to the support we can the inaugural Celia Butters memorial offer: it should help them with resits and lecture, dedicated to our much-missed resubmissions. colleague. The focus this year will be on We are situated on the ground floor e-books and social media. of the library and our phone number is For the concession rate price of 01978 293981. We can also be emailed £25, which includes a networking on [email protected] . buffet lunch, Glyndŵr employees can The service is also available for students contact Sarah-Lou Gaffney via email who are off campus for the summer [email protected]. Please who can arrange a phone or Skype speak to your line manager to see if appointment with us. your place can be funded.
03 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Summer 2014
Thousands of sci fi and movie university’s Wrexham campus in April. NEWS IN BRIEF... fans visited Glyndŵr University X-Files and Walking Dead actor as it hosted one of North Wales’ Charlie Adlard, Game of Thrones’ Mark Addy, Willow star Warwick Davis and TV Student engineers have been designing a racing car from scratch biggest annual events. The organisers of Wales Comic presenter Jonathan Ross were among as they bid to win a national university competition at the iconic Con chose to stage the event at the the stellar names to appear. Silverstone racing circuit. The 14-strong team from Glyndŵr University built a racing car prototype for Formula Student, which takes place in July. Run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the competition gives students the chance to demonstrate their technical, engineering design and manufacturing skills. The group are building the high performance car using knowledge gained on their Performance Car Technology degree to gauge materials and design for optimum acceleration, braking and handling.
Dylan Thomas was brought not criticise eccentric behaviour but back to life as a ghost who celebrated it,” he said. revisits modern-day New York Elen Mai Nefydd, senior lecturer in in a new 20 minute stage play Theatre, TV and Performance at Glyndŵr, commissioned by the Secretary added: “The students loved working with Peter and it was fantastic to be able to tap of State for Wales to mark the into his insight and in-depth knowledge centenary of the Welsh poet’s of Dylan Thomas. This showed through in birth. their version of Under Milk Wood.” Time Passes received its debut at Glyndŵr University Glyndŵr University in April, ahead of a Racecourse Stadium is to production of Under Milk Wood by the undergo a £300,000 revamp University’s Theatre, TV and Performance this summer after funding was students. secured for improvements. Actor and writer Peter Read, who The major overhaul, it was was asked by David Jones MP to create announced, included a new pitch the work, spent time with students and changing rooms for players and developing their production. officials. “I think that performing Under Milk The medical and treatment facilities Wood will show them how Dylan did will also be upgraded, together with improved seating for disabled supporters, better floodlighting and removal of cambers at the ‘Kop’ end of University experts working to CS4HS aims to prepare schools the ground. raise the standard of computer for radical changes to teaching The results will see the Racecourse science education in Welsh of computing in schools, and the reclassified to Category 3 level, high schools received a cash introduction of a new GCSE Computer meaning it will be able to host Science offering. boost from Google to support The money will pay for a international football matches. the project. The Glyndŵr University Racecourse synchronised summer school The award of £15,000 to Glyndŵr Stadium is the home of Wrexham FC programme in July 2014 which will run at University’s Computer Science team and North Wales Crusaders. Funding Glyndŵr University, Bangor University, for the renovation project came from was made as part of the internet giant’s Cardiff Metropolitan University and Computer Science for High School the Football Association of Wales Michael Owen and Aaron Swansea Metropolitan University (CS4HS) initiative. (University of Wales Trinity St David). (FAW), Rugby Football League (RFL), Ramsay were announced as Wrexham FC, Wrexham FC Disabled ambassadors for the new Supporters Association and the Football Stadia Improvement Fund Glyndŵr Wrexham Football (FSIF). Academy. Glyndŵr’s Sports Manager Anna Retired superstar Owen and current Marie Brown said: “We have worked Arsenal and Wales midfielder Ramsay hard over the past year to secure this lent their support to the scheme which funding and are thrilled to announce will allow professional footballers to these major improvements will go study for a degree at the University ahead this summer.” while training and playing for Wrexham FC or a feeder club based in the Welsh football league. Owen said: “I think footballers in general are quite a lazy breed and they see only as far as their next year or next contract. “What was always important to me was thinking about what I was going to do beyond football. “This opportunity is fabulous, it’s the first of its kind and means you can play football to a good level and go to university.”
04 Summer 2014 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper
Glyndŵr University will again Glyndŵr University is among play host to some of Africa’s the top 10 in the UK for top athletes ahead of this helping students from poorer year’s Commonwealth Games. families into professional jobs. Team Lesotho will live and train in The Wrexham University was Wrexham before the competition, held joint seventh in the proposed Social in Glasgow this summer. Mobility Graduate Index, and number Up to 30 sportsmen and women will one in Wales. descend on North Wales, representing The index followed a report by its athletics, boxing, mountain biking, creator Professor Michael Brown, swimming, squash and table tennis. entitled Higher Education as a Tool of Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Social Mobility. Scott, said he was “thrilled” to Only two Russell Group members welcome back Team Lesotho after featured in the top half of the table their successful stay in the town two - Cardiff University at joint 59th and years ago, when they were based at Newcastle University at joint 74th. the University in preparation for the In the report for the CentreForum London Olympics. think tank, Prof Brown said universities should be assessed on how many students from less well-off families they send into professional jobs, rather than how many they admit. The study was welcomed by Glyndŵr’s Widening Access Coordinator, Sarah-Lou Gaffney, who said the Welsh institution prides itself on being “open to all” and giving people who might not have previously considered entering higher education An 82-year-old glass artist making equipment. an opportunity to prosper and gain a no longer able to follow his The tools, which included a glass degree. The Glyndŵr University “At Glyndŵr, achievement is not passion donated his tools to a grinder, badger and other brushes, Racecourse Stadium hosted classed solely as getting a solid new generation of artists at the will be used extensively by students an annual charity football studying on the BA (Hons) Applied Arts qualification but on the entire student match between ex-Wrexham place where he first trained. degree course. experience and, more importantly, the employment status, and level of that FC and Wales players and Emyr Prys Jones called time on Stuart Cunningham, Head of Creative employment status our graduates his career due to increasing physical Industries at Glyndŵr University, soap stars. achieve within six months of leaving difficulty holding a glass cutter and said: “We’re delighted and extremely Soapstar Soccerstar raised funds us,” she said. brushes. grateful to Emyr for making such a for Once Upon a Smile, which supports “It is for this reason we have been And 25 years after training at the significant donation to the university. families who have suffered the loss ranked joint seventh in the UK in the same venue, he provided students These will prove invaluable for students of a parent or child from a terminal Social Mobility Graduate Index.” at Glyndŵr University’s North Wales during their studies and we hope for illness, and Nightingale House Glyndŵr’s Head of Careers, Karen Hospice. School of Art and Design with glass- generations of students to come.” Lennox, added: “Building on the The Wrexham FC legends side were recruitment work of our Widening victorious, winning 8-6. Access department, the University Former Dragons players Mickey A piano teacher and part-time Borneo, where he lived with the Orang provides a supportive environment in Thomas, Andy Morrell and Karl student swapped the sound of Sungai, an indigenous population who developing confidence in students so Connolly were among the legends side, live along the Kinabatangan River. that they can go on and achieve their with Emmerdale actor Danny Miller and music for those of orang-utans and pygmy elephants in South- Sean, who flew to South-East Asia on chosen career,” said Karen. Waterloo Road stars Dean Smith and February 4, organised the placement as “Students are encouraged to take East Asia. Cel Spellman appearing for the soap part of his degree at Glyndŵr University. up unique opportunities to develop stars team. Sean Kinsella, 20, of Llangollen, He has been teaching piano and cello personally and professionally through followed his passion for working for two years and now fits this around relevant work experience, industry- with animals after securing a 28-day his studies. based projects, and voluntary and voluntary placement in Malaysia and “I still really want to be a music community work, which builds up Borneo. teacher but I’ve always loved animals so relevant skills and experience to meet Working through an environmental I joined the course for personal interest the needs of employers.” education charity called Ape Malaysia, as well as a back-up plan,” he said. She added: “A lot of effort goes Sean spent two weeks in a Malaysian “I lived in Portugal and Italy when into student support here at Glyndŵr zoo, Zoo Negara, located in its capital I was younger but I still want to gain University; it’s something we pride Kuala Lumpur. more life experience and learn about ourselves on, which is why we’re He then moved on to a 16-day different cultures around the world, so pleased to see that effort has been experience on the Malaysian island of the placement is Asia is perfect.” recognised.”
bring new, fresh ideas to the work place, as well as increasing diversity and productivity due to their motivation and GO Wales enthusiasm.” with Shereen Massingham, Employer There are many benefits for Welsh employers using the GO Wales Placement Engagement Placement Officer programme. Not only does it give them a subsidy GO Wales at Glyndŵr University is working with some towards recruiting a student or graduate of the region’s finest businesses. for a set project but it also brings in new Among them is Mold-based P&A Group of Companies, skills too. which is on its sixth graduate through our placement strand. If you would like more information on the Kasia Kondrat, who works in the firm’s HR department, GO Wales placement strand, contact me on paid tribute to the partnership. 01978 293245. She said: “Graduates who completed GO Wales You can also visit us at www.gowales.co.uk placements have secured their roles at P&A within various or view current vacancies. departments, including marketing, sales, administration and HR. Pictured left to right are Joanna “A few of them have also been promoted or appointed Wasylkiewicz, Hannah Griffin, Kasia to do other roles. Kondrat and Sorin Tudorut from P&A Group “Some of the benefits for P&A are that the graduates
05 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Summer 2014
Glyndŵr University - Universities Week Universities Week 2014 programme Tuesday June 10 Graduate Support Day with Glyndŵr University Careers team – Creative Industries Building, Wrexham from 10am- 3pm. Book your ticket online at www.glyndwrgradsupportday.eventbrite. co.uk or call 01978 293240. Interactive session on tree and plant health, and tour hosted by Horticulture Wales and Glyndŵr’s Dr David Skydmore – Northop campus from 2pm-4pm. Email [email protected] or call Michael Lebby Louise Dolan on 01978 293967.
solar farms. Wednesday June 11 One of the highlights of the week-long Coaching for Hope open day hosted Work experience officer Lucy Jones programme is a seminar at the University’s by Glyndŵr University (Sports) and Northop campus on Tuesday June 10, giving Skillshare International – Glyndŵr A series of free events aimed at students, improving their career prospects.” gardeners green-fingered tips on how to University Racecourse Stadium, graduates and businesses will take place Following his department’s 29 place keep plant pests at bay. Wrexham from 10am-4pm. Contact at Glyndŵr University in June. rise in the Complete University Guide, This will be led by Horticulture Wales Kirsty Percival on 01978 293590 or email Campuses in Wrexham, St Asaph and Prof Grout, Head of Computer Sciences Project Director, Dr David Skydmore - k.percival@glyndwr Northop organised the activities to celebrate at Glyndŵr, is preparing for his lecture on Glyndŵr University’s Academic Head of Lecture by Glyndŵr’s Professor of Universities Week, from Monday June 9. Wednesday June 11. Biology and Environment - and includes Computing Futures, Vic Grout: ‘Life’s a These include an interactive session on “It’s good to be part of Universities Week,” a brief presentation plus practical RIoT with Spy vs Spy: Looking forward to demonstrations. tree and plant health, a lecture by Professor he said. the ‘Real’ Internet of Things, the ‘Internet Visitors will be made familiar with how of Computing Futures Vic Grout, and an “We have a world-leading group of of Everything’, ‘Big Data’ and ‘Big to identify some of the most common plant open day to celebrate the new partnership computer scientists here in Wrexham and Connectivity’ – Nick Whitehead lecture problems, and be directed to where they can between the Welsh university and Skillshare I look forward to sharing more about the theatre, Wrexham from 1pm. Call the box learn more. There will also be an optional International, which aims to recruit work I do, and some of our research into the office on 01978 293293 tour of the Flintshire campus, including volunteers who will travel to Africa and use internet, data and connectivity.” an area of sustainable woodland which is sport to make a difference to the lives of Thursday June 12 Glyndŵr’s Professor of Optoelectronics, currently being restored to its deciduous disadvantaged young people. GEM business breakfast and talk with Michael Lebby, will also appear during the state. There will also be a graduate support day Peoplemad founder Phil Merrick: ‘Be the week. Vice Chancellor Prof Michael Scott on Tuesday June 10, at the £6million Centre best… you, your team, your business’ He will present a talk on photonics at the welcomed the onset of Universities Week, for the Creative Industries. – Glyndŵr University OpTIC Centre, St University’s Catrin Finch Centre on Thursday which was launched in 2010 with the aim of Work experience officer Lucy Jones Asaph from 8am. To register your place, June 12. increasing public awareness of the wide and says a number of employability support call 01745 535100 or visit the website: Prof Lebby is to explore how compound varied role of the UK’s universities. organisations are being lined up to offer http://bit.ly/1kikQTp semiconductors have evolved to become a “Universities Week 2014 is an excellent advice and guidance at the event. Conference and seminars with mature technology for advanced products opportunity to highlight how the work going There will also be a ‘Brand You’ Glyndŵr’s Dr Phil Bassett and Professors today, ranging from DVD and Blu-ray on in our universities has an impact on personal promotion seminar, talks on work Patrick Costello and Richard Morehouse: experience, career coaching, postgraduate consumer goods to high performing solar people’s everyday lives. It is also a chance cell systems that power satellites and remote for academics to engage with the public, ‘Understanding, Preparing for and study and attendees can sign up for a jobs Surviving Doctoral Vivas ‘- Crispin Lane fair in Manchester the following day. bringing their research to life and hopefully building, room K217, Wrexham from “We will be holding careers education inspiring people to go away and find out 12pm onwards. Call the box office on sessions and providing introductory guidance more about a topic,” he said. 01978 293293 or visit http://glyndwr. workshops during the day,” she said. “We want more and more people to be ticketsolve.com “The Jobs Shop and GO Wales teams aware of the great work we do at Glyndŵr Lecture by Glyndŵr’s Professor will also be making graduates aware of University, including the strides we’ve made of Optoelectronics, Michael Lebby: employers who currently have employment in the fields of graduate employability and Universities Week 2014 will be launched on ‘Compound semiconductors driving vacancies. Whilst the Glyndŵr Careers team research, and hope people will visit our Monday 9 June at the Natural History Museum photonics technologies to become the will be on hand at this event and throughout in London where a week-long public event will campuses to witness it for themselves.” future for high-speed communications the summer to support graduates as they showcase some of the best of UK university Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive through integration, performance, and make their applications. research. The event will feature 47 universities, of Universities UK, added: “The aim of sustainability’ - Catrin Finch Centre, “We hope to see plenty of people in including research stations, pop-up performances, Universities Week is to inspire the public debates and live research demonstrations, all Wrexham, from 6.30pm. Call the box attendance; the graduate open day will help about the world-leading research taking covering a range of research themes. office on 01978 293293 increase their chances of finding a job and place in our universities.”
programme and it provides a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain real- life experience which will help them in their career.” Focus Wales Festival coordinator Andy Jones, co- Radio One DJ Huw Stephens, Creation Earlier this year, Glyndŵr and Focus founder of Focus Wales, said: “Glyndŵr Records founder Alan McGee and Wales formally linked up in a deal that will University has become a lead partner in performance poet John Cooper Clarke see students receive opportunities to gain the festival which has helped us to grow. were among the headline acts at the valuable experience in sound, lighting, “I studied sound studio technology here four-day Focus Wales music festival. marketing and event support. and when I left and wanted to get into the Former Gorky’s Zygotic Mynki frontman Lynda Powell, director of campus industry this sort of event wasn’t around, Euros Childs and Cian Ciaran, keyboard management and commercial services, so hopefully students can benefit from player for the Super Furry Animals for 20 said: “Our facilities have been used as having us here. years, also appeared on the bill. venues for Focus Wales since it started “The university has grown massively The event welcomed 150 bands across four years ago but this agreement takes in recent years and now specialises in 14 venues from April 23-26, including the everything a stage further. the creative industries, so the partnership Catrin Finch Centre and William Aston “It’s a win-win situation. The festival is was a no-brainer as far as we were Hall. now a key part of our annual live events concerned.”
06 Summer 2014 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Campus Round-Up The North East Wales ‘knowledge corridor’ encompasses Glyndŵr University’s campuses in Wrexham, Northop GREEN and St Asaph. The University is growing all of the time, and with GUL (Glyndŵr University London) enjoying another busy the year the future looks very bright for the institution. Here’s the latest from our other campuses. ISSUES international optics industry. And it comes after the Glyndŵr University team with Dr Jan Green, senior Northop St Asaph polishing mirrors for the £900m European- lecturer and change strategist Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) won the race in Business Management BBC Radio to meet challenging ESO (European Southern Wales paid Observatory) specifications, putting them in pole Two inspirational women a visit to position to help produce all of the segments Northop required for its primary mirror. catalysed me into campus Chief Scientific Advisor for Wales, Julie Williams, hosting an event to mark just before said: “I’m delighted this funding will enable International Women’s Easter to Glyndŵr University to continue its research and Day in March. record a development in this highly specialised field and Televised presentations special open opportunities for international collaboration. by Mary Beard and interview Dr David Skydmore Karren Brady “Their work on the European-Extremely Large Christine Lagarde had with Telescope has already helped put Wales firmly on echoed the message about Horticulture the map as an area of technical expertise in the the importance of the Wales Project Director, Dr David Businesswoman and The Apprentice star optics industry and I wish them every success with contribution women make Skydmore. Karren Brady visited Glyndŵr University’s this latest phase of work.” to the global economy and the externally Dr Skydmore, Glyndŵr OpTIC Centre in St Asaph in March. Glyndŵr Innovations’ commercial manager Mick imposed limitations that many women strive University’s Academic Head of The vice chairwoman of West Ham United and Card was delighted with the award and looks Biology and Environment, featured ambassador for small business launched a new to overcome. forward to working with a wide range of industrial To demonstrate gender balance Jan’s on a horticulture-focused edition of business forum for Dr James Davies, Denbighshire and academic partners to create national and the popular weekly rural affairs show councillor and Conservative Parliamentary presentation also referred to Nelson international R&D collaborations and training Mandela, who said: “Education is the most Country Focus, which is hosted by candidate in the Vale of Clwyd. programmes vital to the 21st century optics powerful weapon which you can use to Rachel Garside and broadcast every Dr Davies said: “This first visit by a leading industry. Sunday morning. entrepreneur raises the profile of our local area He said: “This is a big win for us after a lot of hard change the world”. Following a tour of the campus and gave local entrepreneurs the opportunity to work by the team here in St Asaph – we’re thrilled The relevance of this statement to a and its adjoining woodland, learn from a ground breaking businesswoman. and look forward to taking Glyndŵr to the next University should not be lost on staff as interviewer Huw Jenkins chatted with “My aim at each Forum event is to highlight an level in terms of R&D.” we encourage our students to aspire and Dr Skydmore about the increasing important economic element of the Vale of Clwyd. succeed in all they do. threat posed by plant pests and tree As the Prime Minister’s Ambassador for small When the BBC contacts Business and diseases like Chalara (ash dieback) business, Karren Brady is able both to understand Management it is often to comment on job and Phytophthora ramorum, as the issues small firms face and relay this to the UK losses in the area. It was pleasing when well as the need for the horticulture Government.” we were invited to record a piece about the sector to train and recruit additional Meanwhile, scientists were celebrating a £600,000 professional plant scientists. Dr grant win from the Welsh Government’s A4B growth of jobs in North Wales to the end of Skydmore also took time out to share scheme. March 2014, reported as being up by 2.2%. a few simple tips with listeners to A4B is a six year £70million programme of support Media moves at a rapid pace and often help them nurture a healthy garden. funded by the Welsh Government and European there isn’t even time to apply lipstick before The broadcast also included Structural Funds which provides a portfolio of cash facing the camera. a brief section with first year BSc support for knowledge transfer from academia to On this occasion it was helpful to have an Wildlife and Plant Biology student business. hour to read and digest the figures before Max Adam, who explained what he The money will allow the University’s National the TV cameras turned up and great to be had learned during his studies at Facility for Ultra Precision Services to respond recognised in Wrexham a week after the clip Glyndŵr to date. even quicker to the needs of the UK and Mick Card was shown on the news with a shout across the street – I saw you on telly!” Fame at last! As we seek to incorporate practitioner activity into our research an interesting perspective was provided from a strategic The Money Doctor marketing director who had become - Jenny Jones increasingly concerned about the view that 140-digit messages are the solution to Since the last issue of Buzz we have experienced National Student meeting sales targets. Money week, only this year they decided to have a National Student Team Binsardi and Green undertook Money Month and by ‘they’ I mean NASMA , and by NASMA I mean the empirical research into the different National Association of Student Money Advisors. perspectives of sales teams and the Who knew? A whole association concerned with student money, and we marketing department within the region. are concerned with and about student money because there are a lot of Their findings will be presented in a paper students out there and each one has their own money concerns. entitled Merchanting with Momentum at The NASMA month was a way of engaging students in conversation the Academy of Marketing conference at about their money and highlighting issues which might affect them. Bournemouth in July. Examples included how to save money in student accommodation, how To close, consider Stephen Hawking, who to avoid illegal lending and loan sharks and how to eat healthily and on a has lived a life in very difficult circumstances budget. and continues to inspire. Yet again Morrisons in Wrexham rose to the challenge and donated bars loan sharks are illegal, worrying at best and He said: “I have noticed even people who of chocolate and pancake mix for us to distribute to students. frightening and dangerous at worst. Students claim everything is predestined, and we can The Money Doctor also visited Northop campus for the first time, to who are lacking in financial experience and have do nothing to change it, look before they talk finances and let the students know where and how to access advice. families to look after are very vulnerable to the cross the road! Keep looking!” Getting the message out there is important because as a recent Guardian appeal of seemingly easy money. article illustrated, Welsh students have more money available to apply for, The job of the Funding and Welfare than students in the rest of the country and as a result have less debt when department, with the Money Doctor, is to get leaving university. the message out there that students should Money management is a life skill and like all skills it takes a lot of visit us first and see what is possible before practice to perfect but is worth it in the end. doing anything else. There’s a fabulous and One of the most disturbing aspects during Money Week was the amount experienced team of advisors who know their of students who would consider borrowing from an illegal door step lender stuff about money and many more services from or loan shark, in one case, even before a payday loan. More and more debt advice, to legal surgeries, that are on offer loan sharks nowadays are women, who befriend vulnerable women and for students, for free. University isn’t just about then offer a small amount of money at first. Initially they say there’s no time the qualification you can earn. Hopefully students frame for the repayment and then may suddenly ask for it back, saying that who have used the services of the Student it was never their money in the first place but belonged to a husband or Funding and Welfare team leave with a better partner who will be cross if it’s not replaced. This is all very plausible and sense of what is essential and non-essential results in interest being charged and a cycle of debt has begun. spending and can carry that knowledge with them Payday loan companies are now being more heavily regulated but alongside their degree.
07 The Glyndŵr University Staff Newspaper Summer 2014 What’s happening in the Admissions - with Andy Phillips The summer is an odd period for been as good as we’d have hoped have world of social media... university Admissions departments. an alternative choice with us. We’ll also Students are off, staff are on holiday, be working hard to make sure those the sun is (sometimes) out and who call us in a panic on August 14 and Our favourite picture on social media this month was tweeted to @glyndwruni by everything can seem very sedate. That beyond are given a positive decision as Richard Thorogood of Future Studios based in Llanarmon yn Ial, Denbighshire. is unless, of course, you have any soon as possible and therefore decide to This picture was taken with the web involvement in the Clearing process. come and study with us in September. design company’s new camera drone. Clearing is popularly thought of as Every year we get a tremendous Camera drones are increasingly being ‘exam results’ day in mid-August amount of help from other departments popular among sports and photography and the few days after it, but it’s much within the university. Indeed, we rely on enthusiasts for their ability to capture more than that. it. Academic availability is vital. Help stunning images from above. The actual ‘Clearing’ period begins at from Student Recruitment to man the We were lucky enough to have Richard the start of July and carries on through phone lines is indispensable. Work in visit our Wrexham and Northop campuses September up to and beyond enrolment. securing press coverage and media with his camera drone so look out for the Results day itself (August 14 this attention is appreciated (not so much by ‘bird’s eye view’ footage at www.glyndwr. year) just marks the point where we’ve those who would rather unplug the man ac.uk – coming soon! confirmed most of our applicants’ results - from BBC Wales’ camera than appear on what is called ‘Confirmation’. a TV broadcast, but I shouldn’t complain!). It’s also where the bulk of initial contact With much more still to achieve in comes into the university from those order for us to reach our target intake this How do I get more followers who have not got what they wanted in year, we really need this support again. their exams and are therefore looking for Even if you’ve never had any experience alternative course choices with us. of the admissions process but feel like or likes? By Antonia Jones By results day, Admissions will have you’d like to help out over the clearing been working since the previous Sunday period, let us know. You never know, you People always ask me how to increase course/ what’s going on at Glyndŵr. to confirm our applicants’ results and may end up being Glyndŵr University’s their followers on Twitter or ‘likes’ on Posting a nice picture, asking people make sure those whose results haven’t next Clearing TV star! their Facebook business profile pages. what they are up to and general chit I’m afraid there is no quick way in doing chat engages audiences and creates so….unless you ‘buy’ them from a conversation. growing number of businesses that are 5. Keep your posts short and sweet (which offering fake followers and likes to help is ok on Twitter as you have limited boost your profile on social media. characters). Long status updates on Geek or unique? For me, buying popularity on the Facebook just get ignored – I mean how business social media accounts I have run many times do you click ‘read more’, Careers - with Andrea Hilditch in the past and now Glyndŵr University’s especially on your phone? The wigs and crazy spectacles we Summer Work For branded accounts, is a no go. It might 6. Be careful what you share. Is it donned for Freshers’ Week may be a You’ who have visited seem like a good strategy to kick off your something you really want your long and distant memory as we reach Deloitte in Liverpool, business profile with a few thousand fake audience on your business social media the end of another packed academic one of the UK’s top followers but you have to keep in mind accounts to see or is it something you year and begin planning for another, Financial Services that that decision will very likely come back would only share with your friends on but beneath them the team had a organisations? to bite you and that hard work to grow your your personal profile? serious message. Charlotte Winderam, online community the ‘natural’ way is the 7. The old phrase ‘quality rather than Our aim was to meet as many new Deloitte Student best way forward. quantity’ is very true for social media. Glyndŵr Careers Centre students as Recruitment Adviser, impressed upon the “But why get hung up about the Don’t fall into the all too tempting trap possible and to show them how many students how they were looking for people amount of followers or likes?” I often say. of engaging in every form of social things they can get involved with to make who had a ‘desire to make an impact and I am certainly not trying to downplay the media out there. It will likely cost you their career a reality. change within their organisation’ and how importance of follower and ‘like’ counts. because you will likely find that you Part of our job has also been to work to evaluate and evidence appropriate More followers equals more popularity cannot devote the time to maintaining within a range of subjects in our Career real life examples and describe their and, theoretically, higher influence but this and engaging effectively on them all. Development Learning sessions and you motivations. isn’t going to happen overnight. It takes a Choose the right social media channel might be surprised to hear we have sat The students heard more about what lot of commitment and patience – as well and devote time to it. cross-legged on the floor in the drama employers were looking for in terms of as good content to share. You also need 8. Set yourself goals. If you see your studio doing role play with Theatre competencies and graduate attributes to remember it’s not a one way street and audience isn’t growing this can get students, listened to tales of horse injuries and will be designing their own poster listening and engaging with your audience disheartening. Set small goals to start (Equestrian) as well as human injuries presentations as a culmination of the on social media is the key. with and aim to increase your followers (Adult Nursing). course. Not what we’d call geeky: or likes by 10 each week (doing all the We have been astounded by some of perhaps the words we use is ‘proactive’, My top 10 tips for running social media above should make this happen). the answers when we ask students about ‘determined’, ‘getting ahead’, ‘enthusiastic’ accounts for business purposes: 9. Don’t be afraid to post things, just be what makes them unique. or ‘interested’. 1. Post interesting content (especially yourself and be honest. Swimming with dolphins, riding on Some students are just not ready to pictures) regularly – posting once every 10. Follow us @glyndwruni on Twitter or camels, appearing on a West End stage deal with finding graduate work until the few weeks is just not enough. You need Glyndŵr University on Facebook for and doing charity parachute jumps were dissertation is bound and reluctantly to engage often to build your online starters! just a few of the answers. handed over, maybe even due to community. Posting at least once a Maybe not so relevant to Careers work, an element of peer pressure, so our day is crucial if you want to grow your If you want to chat to me about social you think, but it all helped our students Graduate Support Day on June 10 will audience. media, get in touch to delve beyond the surface of their also help those needing our support. 2. Think before you share. Remember [email protected] experiences and engage with some of the The Careers Centre will be open what goes online stays online so don’t deep reflection that is essential in helping throughout the summer for the GO post anything you wouldn’t say to our students to become successful Wales Work Experience programme and employees. someone in the street. Spread the word! If you’re not the usual CV and application support, However, according to students interview preparation, one-to-one 3. Always respond to people when doing so already, follow us on overheard at another university recently, guidance and information. If any of this they ask a question on your social Twitter at @glyndwruni and on it is apparently ‘geeky’ to use a Careers is even a little bit geeky, then so be it. media accounts and always respond Facebook at www.facebook. Centre. It made us wonder if we should Here in the Careers Centre we don’t label to feedback – especially negative com/glyndwruni and be the first recoil in horror at the thought of being people, but we will accept with open arms feedback, addressing this as soon as to hear about the latest news, affiliated with the label ‘geek’. those who are in touch with their inner possible as it’s visible for all to see. developments and events. Or, should we welcome this as the term geek, those who may be teetering on the Don’t delete complaints from your ‘geeky’ has now positive connotations? edges of geekdom…..and those who don’t audience, address them. INST Maybe we should ask those students even know what geeky is. 4. Listen. It’s not just all about posting currently on the two-week programme (in what you want your audience to know collaboration with Glyndŵr Zone) ‘Make Find us at www.glyndwr.ac.uk/careers about your business or in our case your
08