University Updates
1 February 2008
News
The University of Bath Staff Survey 2007 - summary of results
In the recent Staff Survey, 89 per cent of staff agreed that “The University is a good place to work”. An initial summary of findings has been published and more detailed information and an action plan will appear soon.
Recent enhancements to the student experience
The University and Students' Union are constantly striving to improve what we provide for our students based on their feedback. A list of recent improvements has been published.
Biodiversity in Madagascar
Tamás Székely and Peter Long (Biology & Biochemistry) have been awarded more than £300,000 for a new project with Cardiff University that will investigate the genetic landscape of birds living in the wetlands of Madagascar.
Number of Russian women smokers has doubled since Soviet collapse
The number of Russian women who smoke has more than doubled since the collapse of the Soviet Union, according to new research by Anna Gilmore (School for Health).
Biologists inspire young scientists
Members of staff from the Department of Biology & Biochemistry are talking to local sixth form pupils today (Friday 1 February 2008) to help inspire them to study science at university. Will Wood, John Beeching and Andrew Chalmers are each talking about their areas of research to around 200 pupils. The open day at Millfield School in Somerset has been organised by Bath graduate Dr Zac Watkins who works in the school’s Biology Department.
This week Bath-based charity RICE (The Research Institute for the Care of Older People) has been hosting its third annual conference for over 70 medical professionals about improving health care for older people, particularly for those with memory problems, dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Roy Jones (School for Health) chaired the conference.
Bath MBA continues to move up FT global ranking
The Bath MBA has once again moved up the Financial Times’ exclusive list of the world’s top full-time MBA programmes, gaining four places on its previous position. It is now ranked 69th in the world.
New programme of free public lectures is launched
The new programme of free, evening lectures will start next week. Topics include the reign of ‘Bloody Mary’, the potential of stem cells, and the history of sexual violence. All lectures are held on Wednesdays, from 5.15pm until 6.15pm in 8 West. Next Wednesday's lecture will be given by Professor Joanna Bourke from Birkbeck College who will talk about the history of sexual violence.
Fresh store wins major Fairtrade award
The Fresh grocery store on campus has been recognised with a special award at the prestigious Robert Wiseman Dairies ‘Neighbourhood Shop of the Year’ Awards which recognises excellence across the convenience retail sector.
Information
February is Celebrate Diversity Month
The University will be celebrating diversity during February with many different events planned throughout the month - seminars, a book club, a comedy night, live music. The launch event entitled Freedom of Speech takes place on Wednesday afternoon from 2pm.
Date for your diary!
This year’s Innovations in Learning & Teaching event will take place 14 - 21 February. All University staff, staff engaged in HE provision in partner colleges, and graduate teaching assistants, are welcome to participate.
Funding opportunities for the New Year
The first set of new grants, fellowships, travel bursaries and studentship opportunities for 2008 have been published.
Research staff representative on Equalities & Diversity Committee
Araxi Urrutia has been elected unopposed for the period ending 31 July 2010. There is now a vacancy for a member of clerical staff, and this will be advertised in the near future.
News from Hospitality & Catering
The February newsletter focuses on Fairtrade. There will be a Fairtrade fortnight on campus from 25 February.
Annual fire alarm testing
On-campus alarm testing began on 28 January and should take one week; however, this may overrun. The off-campus alarm testing will begin on 4 February .
February Half Term Playscheme
Book places now on the Playscheme which runs Monday 18 - Friday 22 February.
A plan of activities and application forms can be found on the nursery website.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs
Nominations
University of Bath teaching awards
Nominations are now open for the 2008 University of Bath teaching awards, which encourage and recognise significant contributions by staff to the academic lives of students. Nominations are welcome from both staff and students. The deadline for nominations is Friday 7 March. There are three awards which focus on different aspects of teaching.
Chancellor's Prize – your chance to nominate a final year student
The nominated student should have demonstrated academic excellence, together with a contribution to the life, academic reputation and general work of the University.
Election of research staff to serve on Equalities & Diversity Committee
Nominations are requested for a research staff representative to serve on the Equalities & Diversity Committee until 31 July 2010.
In the media
- Colin Bovell, head athletics coach at the University, put a presenter from Sportsround through her paces at the Sports Training Village in last Saturday's (26 January) edition of the BBC 2 programme. Colin showed presenter Helen some techniques to improve her performance at the high jump and 60m sprint.
Training & development opportunities
Last chance to sign up to learn a language
There are still some places left
on the lunchtime languages programme. These courses start next week.
Staff who work 0.5 FTE are entitled to a 75 per cent discount on all language courses.
Part-time courses in the Division for Lifelong Learning
Courses start within the next couple of weeks. Discounts of 25-75 per cent are available for staff. Please contact Staff Development for further details.
Time management - A quick tour - Staff Development is running this course on 13 February.
What's on next week
Monday 4
13:15 PM BICS seminar
18:15 PM Messiah open rehearsal - all welcome
Tuesday 5
12:15 PM Mid week Eucharist
12:45 PM Oxfam Lunch
13:10 PM Lunchtime concert at the Holburne
13:15 PM CNM Seminar
16:30 PM What happens when ICE melts?
17:15 PM Beginners crochet workshop
19:30 PM The philosophy of humour
Wednesday 6
12:15 PM Pain without injury: Myth, madness or miscommunication?
13:00 PM Holburne lunchtime lecture: Dining in the 18th century
14:00 PM Freedom of speech - Celebrating Diversity
17:15 PM Reflections on the history of sexual violence
17:30 PM GULP lecture: War and truth
18:15 PM Inaugural lecture by Professor Ania Zalewska
19:30 PM Cedric Chivers (1853-1929): Local businessman and Lord Mayor of Bath
Thursday 7
12:00 Noon SF Reading Group is celebrating diversity
12:15 PM New Year money blues?
17:15 PM Should I fear my death? Epicurus vs Heidegger
18:30 PM On Englishing the Bible-translating the Scriptures: tribute to Mgr Ronald Knox
19:30 PM The art of fencing
20:00 PM Charity sleep out 2008
Exhibitions
Photography Exhibition | ICIA Art Space 1, until 16 February
A showcase of selected works from this year’s
University of Bath Photography Competition.
Lines of Enquiry 4 | ICIA Art Space 2, until 4 April
A showcase of work by graduates of BA Fine Art Drawing School of Art & Design, Swindon College, investigating drawing and its role in contemporary art.
Seventy Years of Penguin Design | Hoburne Museum, until 24 March
This fascinating exhibition from the Penguin archives examines the history of the Penguin book cover, tracing its design from the iconic triple-banded and colour-coded early covers to the multifarious covers of today. Free entrance to University staff.
Arts
Workshops
- Drop-in Clay Sessions Studio 2, ICIA Arts Complex | Saturday 2 February, 11am-1pm or 1.30pm-3.30pm
Learn some basic techniques, such as hand building and how to throw clay on the wheel to make pots.
Concerts & performances
-
I Am The Mighty Jungulator Elements | Saturday 9 February, 8.30pm
Glistening electronic textures, rich soundscapes and live visuals are synced, created and mixed into a complete live performance. -
Artists’ Talk: Curious BRLSI | Saturday 2 February, 2.30-4.30pm
Performance artists show their three short films entitled Lost & Found, filmed on location at Lost Property, Baker Street; the Black Country, West Midlands; and Shanghai, China. - Carol Brown Dances Dancing Aloud ICIA Arts Theatre | Saturday 16 February, 7.30pm
Internationally regarded choreographer Carol Brown moves through memories, re-drawing a map of choreographies from Philadelphia to Finland, and from Cork to Calcutta. -
Joanna MacGregor University Hall | Saturday 23 February, 7.30pm
Internationally renowned classical, jazz and contemporary pianist, Joanna MacGregor is one of the world’s most wide-ranging and innovative musicians. Renowned for defying categorisation, she links classical masterpieces with 20th century cultural icons.
Sport
British karate legend comes to Bath
Wayne Otto OBE, nine time world karate champion, England karate coach and who is regarded as one of the best exponents of modern karate, is giving a kumite seminar on Sunday 3 February as part of the University Karate Club's preparations to defend their BUSA title in March. For more information, contact Tom Crick
Team Bath FC close gap at top of table
Team Bath FC closed the gap at the top of the BGB Premier Division to just two points courtesy of a 2-0 win at Mangotsfield on Tuesday.
Netballers stunning last quarter display blows away Hurricanes
TeamBath’s netballers put in a spirited last-quarter performance to beat Brunel Hurricanes 52-34 on Monday.
Pickering sprints to Glasgow victory
Student Craig Pickering got his indoor season off to a flying start by clinching top spot for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team at the Norwich Union International Match in Glasgow.
Burns in the medals at Commonwealth Judo Championships
Andy Burns, a Sports Performance student, struck gold in the open weight category and bronze in the under-100kg division, at the Commonwealth Judo Championships in Mauritius.