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Home , University of Helsinki, Utrecht Network, Utrecht University

Autumn 2017

In this issue newsletter 1. 30 years of the Network 2. 2017 AGM UtrechtNetwork Erasmus+ Position Paper since 1987 UN Strategic Plan 2017–2020 3. Research Management Task Force 4. Staff Mobility Task Force Collaboration in Kraków 5. Careers Services Celebrating 30 years of the 6. Focus on MAUI 7. News in brief The Utrecht Network celebrated its 30th anniversary in Hull by inviting the Rectors of its member institutions to exchange views on the theme of global Welcome citizenship and employability in an interconnected world. This year has marked an The celebration started with a Prof. Francesco Ubertini ( of important milestone for the presentation of the Network activities Bologna) and facilitated by the President and a video highlighting the 30 years of the Network, Francesco Girotti. The Utrecht Network, namely of the Network. This was followed five Rectors/Vice Rectors presented their the celebration of its 30th by a group discussion on the theme views on how internationalisation, as anniversary. Rectors met in of internationalisation of curricula, the main focus of the Utrecht Network, Hull to celebrate and to discuss new forms of mobility and research is connected with the theme of global topics proposed by the Network, management. Suggestions for future citizenship and employability of learners sharing ideas and practices on activities for the Network arose from and teachers. Key words such as civic internationalisation and on new these high level working groups. engagement, intercultural competence, competencies for democratic Suggestions included the mandate to service learning and transversal skills and civic engagement. explore within the Network opportunities were at the centre of the debate, with for blended mobility for learners, the the shared aim to foster the social The Utrecht Network connection between research managers responsibility of and the celebrations have run parallel and international officers and the common efforts to promote innovation to the celebrations of the 30th synergies between the research and for the sustainability of our society rather anniversary of the Erasmus internationalisation programmes of the than for competitiveness. EU. Programme all over . The celebration ended with the The Utrecht Network has taken The afternoon was dedicated to the main presentation of the Utrecht Network the opportunity to reflect on theme of the conference and was opened Award to Patricia De Clopper from the its past and on the future of by the keynote speaker, Tim Macmillan for her active internationalisation, developing from Area4 Professional. This was participation and lively engagement in followed by a Rectors panel discussion Utrecht Network activities over the past a set of recommendations and session comprising Prof. Glenn Burgess 30 years. ideas for the next generation of (), Prof. Sari Lindblom Thanks are given to the University of Hull EU programmes for Education. (University of ), Prof. Christa for the wonderful organisation of the Neuper (), Prof. Beate It is my hope that the words event and for being a perfect host to our Schücking () and shared by the Rectors and the rectors and members. creativity shown by members in Patricia De Clopper receiving the Utrecht Network Award; The Rectors panel. shaping the position paper on Erasmus+, will form the basis for reflections on the future of the Utrecht Network, encouraging new forces and projects for the years to come.

Francesco Girotti President, Utrecht Network newsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletter

2017 Annual General Meeting Following on from the Rectors meeting, the 2017 Utrecht Network AGM was held at the University of Hull, UK on 27 April 2017.

The Utrecht Network was Topics for discussion during pleased to welcome Livia the meeting included a Reis and Angela Lopes change in focus for the Norte to the meeting from Researchers Mobility Task the Network’s newest Force (which is reflected partner network, the in the change of name of REARI-RJ Network in Brazil. the Task Force to the Staff The Network’s two other Mobility Task Force), the partner networks were approval of the 2017 – 2020 also represented – the AEN Strategic Plan and the Network (Australia) and MAUI establishment of a Research Network (USA) providing a Management Task Force. An valuable global outlook to the update on the Network’s business of the meeting. involvement in the IMPALA project was also given. The Steering Committee continues to refine the format The AGM was followed by of the AGM to ensure that a walking tour of Hull and members gain maximum a guided tour of the Deep benefit from their attendance. conservation aquarium by the As a result a ‘round table’ Chief Executive. discussion session was Members with a Cairns sculpture on included on the agenda the University of Hull campus to encourage members to International collaboration – AEN, discuss activities and issues. REARI-RJ, Utrecht Network and MAUI

Erasmus+ Position Paper Utrecht Network Strategic In July 2017 the Utrecht Network published its Position Plan 2017 – 2020 Paper on the ERASMUS+ Programme. The paper was the result of consultation across the Network. The 2017 Utrecht Network The themes of the The paper reflects the peculiarity of the Utrecht Network, a AGM approved the Strategic Plan reflect Network of experts and practitioners working daily on the Strategic Plan for the the Network’s position internationalisation of . The paper is therefore period 2017–2020. The as a European Network very structured and highly technical. Input on the existing Strategic Plan builds on with a global outlook. In Programme in terms of suggested improvements as well as the themes of the previous addition to maintaining ideas for the next generation Programme were provided. Strategic Plan (FORCES) – and developing traditional This included ideas for new actions such as blended mobility Foster internationalisation areas of Network activity, under KA1 and the re-adoption of smaller scale projects such of education, Open up members and Task Forces as intensive programmes and accompanying measures within to new forms of co- are encouraged to develop KA2. operation, Respond new activities in line with actively to European HE the themes of the Plan. The Higher Education Policy Unit of the European Commission policies, Collaborate This is facilitated through welcomed the paper and has requested discussions with effectively within the the call for new initiatives the President to receive further explanations of some of the Network, Enhance which takes place three proposed ideas. internationalisation times a year. processes in member The paper can be downloaded from the Utrecht Network institutions and For further information website www.utrecht-network.org Strengthen the profile about the Strategic Plan or the call for new initiatives Thanks are given to all members who contributed to the and global outlook of the Network. please contact Fiona realization of the paper. Miller, Utrecht Network Secretariat [email protected] newsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletter

From workshop to Task Force – the development of the Research Management Task Force Representatives from thirteen universities from across the Utrecht Network gathered in the 's second-largest city, Brno in June, for the third Research Managers Workshop. The workshop was hosted by .

Research Managers workshop participants

A group of 27 research managers from In addition there were two guest Thanks are given to the Utrecht , the Czech Republic, , speakers: Gill Wells from the Network for providing the funding , , , , , who led a very to enable this event to take place. It , , the , informative session on ‘Understanding was an extremely valuable learning , and the United the EU agenda for Research’ and opportunity and a great way to Kingdom worked together over the Chrisa Kasioni from the H2020 IPR build our professional network with three-day event, which was designed Helpdesk whose insights on the topic colleagues from across Europe. to address current issues challenging of Open Science were very valuable. The fourth Utrecht Network Research those working in academic research Delegates also celebrated the Managers workshop will be taking support. formation of the new Utrecht Network place at the on 8-10 The programme covered a wide Research Management Task Force and May 2018 – please save the date! If range of issues, from using social undertook some action planning which you would like information about this media to promote research to will feed into the Task Force strategy. or the Research Management Task capturing research impact and Further details on this will be shared in Force please contact pam.jackson@ management. The majority of sessions due course. hull.ac.uk were led by delegates who presented As well as the formal programme of their best practice and shared their work there was time in the evenings current challenges leading to some to relax together, and there was excellent discussions. a particularly enjoyable walking tour of the city. We all got a photo The workshop received excellent of the famous local landmark, the feedback from delegates with a suspiciously crocodilian but legendary score of 4.8 out of 5 on meeting Brno ‘dragon’! expectations and comments such as “great initiatives to implement at home”. newsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletter

Change of focus – Staff Mobility Task Force At the 2017 AGM the Researchers Mobility Task Force changed its name to the Staff Mobility Task Force. The suggestion to change the name was prompted by discussions around the activities and role of the Task Force. The Utrecht Network is an international network of universities that are all versatile but also similar in their activities. All members are international in Staff Mobility Task Force members their activities, both in respect to students, participating in JUst a Week researchers and other staff. Also, all members support many forms of mobility from student and staff exchange to long Collaboration in Kraków term research projects abroad. Mobile staff The in Kraków hosted a staff training week for its at members institutions also differ in their mobility plans and need for support. Some partners in June 2017. The Staff Mobility Task Force members were asked to might venture abroad for a few weeks, share their expertise on supporting researcher mobility. Three Task Force others for years. Some might do recurring member universities, Ruhr-University Bochum, the and trips and be used to travelling or working abroad, whilst for others going abroad the University of participated in the programme and shared information might be a very special opportunity. All on their services for both welcoming international researchers and supporting opportunities to gain more international researcher mobility abroad. experience are welcome and should be encouraged. I had the pleasure of speaking about reminder of how different learners and the services offered at the University staff members should be taken into The Task Force wants to serve all Network of Helsinki. I am always happy to share account in the daily activities of our members as best it can in the diversifying my experiences and to have a chance universities. The visit gave food for international world of higher education. By to promote my university and country thought for all of us working in HR or including all staff, researchers, teachers, to new potential collaborators. Our student services. administrators and others in its scope of Network offers a good opportunity for Often business trips to meetings are activities, the Task Force can better support this type of mutually beneficial activity. so short that we do not get a chance to the Network members and for instance Participating in a staff training week find out much about the host university answer any new needs more flexibly. is always very fruitful and interesting or city. This time the schedule also both because of the networking and In its current work plan, the Task Force allowed time for us to visit different the idea swapping opportunities. focuses on sharing best practice, areas in Kraków and learn more of its It is refreshing to be able to fully supporting Network members and creating rich as well. Now, in addition focus on the topic at hand and share more links between other fields with to having plenty of ideas for service experiences and ideas with colleagues regards to staff mobility. For instance, development, we also know a lot more from different countries. In this case the business sector has much experience about the participating Utrecht Network the participants came from all corners with global mobility, including diverse member universities, especially of the world, including Africa, Asia and mobility plans and well functioning support Jagiellonian University. This makes it Latin America. services. It might be interesting and easier for us to tell our mobile students useful to share experiences and do some During JUst a Week we heard many and staff about JU and Kraków, and benchmarking with select companies, interesting presentations from the to encourage others to spend time at NGOs or other organisations. participants and the host university, the Network universities too. So, in The Task Force is also thinking of ways to tried our skills in cross cultural addition to taking this opportunity to promote mobility and encourage further negotiation and visited different sites thank JU for its hospitality and great collaboration within Network members. at the Jagiellonian University. The organisation, I would like to encourage Suggestions on activities and comments programme had a clear focus and you all to check the iMotion website on how the Task Force might best support plenty of professional content while (http://staffmobility.eu/staff-week- Network members with staff mobility issues leaving time for other activities and search). There just might be a good are most welcome and can be sent to the discussion. Despite being a familiar training week coming up for you too. topic for me, the content also provided Task Force Chair, Kirsi Korhonen at the Kirsi Korhonen, Chair, Staff Mobility some new insight. For instance, our University of Helsinki Task Force (University of Helsinki) [email protected] visit to the University’s Disability Support Services gave us a good newsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletter

New ideas, 11 countries, 3 days, a lot of inspiring sessions and energy and inspiration discussions, tapas and other food, beer, and of course, a for our Career Services! climb of the Dom tower.

After another intense day, it was time to relax; climbing the Dom tower, enjoying the view and ending the day with a nice dinner and some drinks.

Careers Summit participants

These were the ingredients The summit took place in July 2017. services into programmes and much The event started with everyone more. This caused a lively discussion of a very successful Utrecht introducing themselves and sharing where everyone shared their experiences University/Utrecht Network their expectations of the Summit, whilst and best practices. After lunch, trainer Summer Summit organised by enjoying some coffee and a typical Rutger-Jan Scholtens illustrated the Dutch ‘stroopwafel’. The rest of the day customer journey that students and the Career Services at Utrecht was filled with practical presentations employers can make to facilitate the step University. All activities were and discussions. First a session from study to work. working with a student-entrepreneur on based on sharing knowledge optimising the combination of study and On the last day, Cap Gemini, employer on the relationship between entrepreneurship. This was followed by partner of presented their experiences of collaborating, both higher education and the the University of Helsinki sharing their methods for research on employability on a practical and a strategic level. One labour market and how to of their students after graduation. The of the conclusions was that development make that transition easier day ended with a presentation about the of skills is, at least, just as important as ‘UU Careers Day’, the biggest careers academic content. After that, it was time for students. The aim of the event of the year organised by the Career to wrap up and draw some conclusions. summit was to organise an Services in Utrecht. Everyone agreed that it was a fruitful event, where a lot of insights were interactive seminar where The second day focussed on strategic shared. These included how to reach career services from different matters. With the Utrecht Dean of out to students, ways to collaborate with Graduate Studies (Professor Marijk both external companies and internal countries could come together van de Wende), an expert on higher faculties and student organisations, at an easy accessible event to education, we discussed how to how to organise communication towards talk about their experiences influence and close the gap between our students, and keep connected to alumni graduates (of all programmes) and the at the same time. An international and learn from each other. demands of the labour market (Science, network of career services has been Tech, Engineering and Math). This was created, let’s hope for many more of followed by a session where KU Leuven these meetings! and Utrecht University discussed the position and organisation of their career For more information please contact services within their universities. Issues Arjen van Vliet, Head of Career Services were identified such as collaboration Utrecht University, [email protected]. with faculties and student organisations, centralisation, the integration of career newsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletternewsletter

Focus on MAUI Utrecht Network, through its links with the MAUI Network (Mid-America Universities International), offers its students the opportunity to apply for placements in the USA. The arrangement with the MAUI Network is a reciprocal one and in return Utrecht Network member institutions offer study placements to MAUI students. We continue our series, focusing on the members of the MAUI Network with a look at the two newest members: Columbia College Chicago and West Virginia University (Morgantown, West Virginia).

Columbia College Chicago is a private, West Virginia University, Woodburn Hall River non-profit college that educates students for the real world through hands-on training in the arts, media, and communications within the context of a liberal arts education. Course offerings in major subject areas combine conceptual study with practical application, resulting in realistic career preparation. Columbia College Chicago believes that those who are actively engaged in the subjects they teach are uniquely qualified to share their expertise in the classroom, and its comprises industry leaders who bring the most contemporary, innovative thinking to the structure and delivery of our curriculum.

At Columbia, you’ll find talented, Chicago’s comprehensive public WVU is located in Morgantown, diverse educators who share a transportation system, known as the West Virginia, a small college town passion for creative work that CTA, provides easy access all over the of around 30,000 nestled in the city, and full-time students receive a Appalachian Mountains. Morgantown reflects, supports and, most Ventra U-Pass that provides unlimited is consistently ranked among the importantly, shapes the culture rides on the CTA. best small towns in the US in a of our times. variety of publications: Forbes ranked West Virginia University is a public, Morgantown the fifth “Best Small land-grant institution founded in 1867 Metro” in the US, and Business and now has over 30,000 students. Insider called it the ninth best college Columbia’s campus sits at the heart WVU is classified as an R1 institution town in the US. Within easy traveling of Chicago, in the arts and education by the Carnegie Classification of distance of Washington, D.C., to the corridor known as the South Loop. Institutions of Higher Education, east, Pittsburgh, Pa., to the north, and Their front yard is Grant Park, which meaning its research output is among Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, to the rests on the shores of beautiful Lake the highest in the US. With 341 majors northwest, Morgantown also provides Michigan and is home to many of the available, students have a great easy access for those wishing to visit city’s music and art festivals. Just variety of courses to choose from, and these other great cities. The state steps away is Chicago’s Museum WVU is unique in that it also operates of West Virginia is also a wonderful Campus, featuring the Shedd 10 experimental farms and 4 forests playground for those interested Aquarium, the Field Museum and throughout the state, in addition to in outdoor sports and recreation the Adler Planetarium. To the west is WVU Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp. including hiking, whitewater sports, the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears A member of the Big 12 Conference, and skiing. Tower), and to the north is Millenium WVU competes in 17 intercollegiate Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Navy varsity sports, contributing the Pier. Though everything you need great atmosphere of school spirit on is just steps away from Columbia’s campus. residence halls and campus buildings, NEWSinbrief

2018 Annual General Meeting

The Network’s Annual General Meeting will be held on 12–13 April 2018 and will be hosted by in Bratislava.

Young Researchers Grant Scheme A call for the 2018/19 Young Researchers grant scheme will be circulated to all members in autumn 2017. The scheme actively encourages mobility at postgraduate level between the Network’s member institutions. The period covered by the call will be 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019. Full details will be available on the Network’s website http://www.utrecht-network.org/activities/young-researchers-grant/

Contact For further information about the Utrecht Network, please contact: Fiona Miller, Executive Secretariat Utrecht Network c/o The University of Hull Hull, HU6 7RX, UK [email protected] www.utrecht-network.org www.utrecht-network.org

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