4 March 2011
Research & Knowledge Transfer
Eating regular carbohydrates helps athletes to recover quicker
All those running the Bath Half may be interested that a review by James Betts (Health) from the Human Physiology Research Group has found that eating carbohydrates regularly is the best way to recover after exercise.
Weighting of research impact confirmed for REF 2014
The four UK higher education funding bodies have today announced how they will recognise and reward excellent research that has led to wider social and economic benefits. The publication, 'Decisions on assessing research impact', confirms how much weighting the assessment of research impacts will have in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
CPD Support Office represented at HR Directors’ Business Summit
Staff from the CPD Support & Development Office (CPDSDO) spent two days at the International Conference Centre in Birmingham to promote the University’s provision. The event has helped the CPD Office to refine its marketing approach and has generated a number of new contacts which it is hoped will lead to future collaborations.
Email problems
Just added the latest update & the explanation regards this or could be combined into one
Email recovery - current status - Wed 4.30pm
We still have in place the emergency email server for the purpose of sending and receiving emails - there is still currently no access to emails stored prior to the downtime.
University email problems
The University experienced problems with its email system last Thursday/Friday, and as a result emails sent to University addresses between Sunday 20 February and Friday 25 February might not have been received.
What do you think?
Staff Survey 2011: ‘Your survey – Your say’
The University will be carrying out a survey from 14 March 2011 for four weeks to provide an opportunity for members of staff in all areas of the University to have their say on the issues that affect them in the workplace.
Learning & Teaching
Launch of new course for probationary lecturers launched Wednesday 2 March 2011
The new course for probationary lecturers and teaching fellows is being launched for new starters. Tailored specifically to meet the needs of new staff at the University of Bath, it covers both teaching and research management aspects of academic practice.
Consultation: Revision of QA53 examination & assessment offences by 7 April 2011
Comments are now invited on the draft revision of QA53 examination and assessment offences intended to apply from 1 October 2011.
Consultation: QA16 marking, moderation and feedback to students by 14 April 2011
Comments are also now invited on the draft revision of QA16 marking, moderation and feedback to students (proposed for implementation in 2011/12).
FLC organises language training for B&NES primary school teachers
Bath & North East Somerset Council are keen to introduce languages to the region's primary schools as a result the Foreign Languages Centre is running a 6-week up-skilling course in French allowing primary school teachers to brush up on their knowledge of the language.
Information
Top 3 probably may warrant their own section
Upgrading the University’s HR & payroll systems
The University is in the process of upgrading its HR and payroll systems. The Trent-6 system currently used is coming to the end of its life – the new upgrade will provide better functionality for managers and staff. Professor Jane Millar is chairing the project board.
USS Joint Negotiating Committee to decide on revised pension proposals
A meeting of the University Superannuation Scheme (USS) Joint Negotiating Committee is to take place on 2 March 2011 to decide upon proposed changes to the USS pension scheme. The changes, once agreed, are due to be implemented on 1 April 2011.
Fees & Access Working Group – update on progress
As reported in the last update from the Fees & Access Working Group (FAWG) a number of principles for fee setting and access have been drafted. These have already been considered by Executive Committee and Senate, and will be considered by the University Council on 3 March 2011.
Managed print service: Project update
During 2011, we will continue to roll out our new managed print service to improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of our printing. It is anticipated that this will save the University around £250,000 per year in printing costs.
Closure of the 25m pool
The University has reluctantly decided to close the 25m swimming pool permanently following a report that found it was unsafe for use.
Support for those affected by global events
Lecturers: If you have an international student that is strugglling because of the current political protests in the Middle East or the recent earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, please be aware of the support they can access. Support is also available for international staff.
Vouchers wanted
Please collect Sainsbury's Active Kids and Tesco for Schools and Clubs vouchers, and send them to the Westwood Nursery. Thank you very much.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs/
In the media
www.bath.ac.uk/news/bathinpapers/
- Yukteshwar Kumar (Course director of Chinese Stream) wrote an article about "fighting corruption through the internet" for the Indian News Express Group.
- In the Guardian this week Stephen Leather (Biology & Biochemistry graduate) was featured due to his best selling ebooks.
- BBC Radio Somerset interviewed James Copestake (Social & Policy Sciences) about proposed government changes to the distribution of UK aid in developing countries [listen again 00:04:28]
- Alistair Hunt (Economics) has been quoted on many French websites including Le Figaro.
- Physics World visited the Careers Advisory Centre to find out what careers offices can and can not do for physics graduates.
Alums -In the media - I'LL SORT THIS SECTION MIKE - pls don't delete
www.bath.ac.uk/news/bathinpapers/
- Bath EdD alumnus lands prestigious post at Cambridge International Exams
- HiWave Technologies plc appoints Caroline O’Brien as Chief Commercial Officer
- http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6071185 - Tristian graduated in July 2006
Work perks
New sports membership: Concession options
Prices for new sport memberships.
Eastwood Woodland Nature Trail now open!
The Landscape section (Estates) has worked extremely hard over the past five weeks to create a wonderful new nature trail behind the Eastwood residences. As the warmer weather approaches, it is an ideal time to venture up and take a look on your lunch break! See location here.
Childcare vouchers - important changes for higher rate tax payers
As you may be aware, last year, the Government confirmed that instead of withdrawing Employer Supported Childcare, they would retain the tax relief at the basic rate of tax from April 2011. This change is being introduced to ensure that the tax savings available to you are similar regardless of the rate at which you pay tax.
Learn Spanish in Alicante – free of charge Deadline 1 April 2011
Under the Cooperation Agreement between the Universities of Bath and the University of Alicante, members of staff can attend intensive Spanish language courses free of charge, with free bed & breakfast accommodation.
Omnibus Staff Society (Blurb unchanged ???)
- There's still time to sign up for the trip to France visiting important sites of the First World War.
- All the fun of the Fair! Check out the exciting Omnibus Thorpe Park outing on Saturday 25 June.
- The University of Bath Gardening Society's next talk is from Dan Hinkley, American gardener and plant explorer. Thursday 17 March 2011 at 7.30pm in 8W 2.1.
Organic fruit & veg box scheme on campus
Small (£7.50) and large (£10) boxes of organic produce can be ordered from the SU shop. Order by Monday night and your box will be delivered to the Chaplaincy on Thursday for you to collect.
Nominations & bids
Learning & Teaching Awards Deadline - 11 March
Nominations are now open for the University of Bath Teaching Awards, which encourage and recognise significant contributions by staff to the academic lives of students.
Chancellor's Prize Deadline - 21 April
If you are teaching an outstanding final year undergraduate student, you may want to nominate them for the Chancellor's Prize.
Training & development
- Mentoring workshop for women in SET - Thursday 10 March
- Training for the occasional trainer - Thursday 10 March
- Performance Review - Conducting an effective review (support staff) - Fri 11 March
- Mental health first aid - Two-day course - Friday 11 & Friday 18 March | Friday 13 & 20 May
- Advanced video conferencing (AGN) demo - Saturday 26 March
- KTA seminar: Practical networking Tuesday 29 March
- IT skills
- Staff development
- e-Learning courses
- Training opportunities for researchers
Dates for your diary
No Smoking Day - Wednesday 9 March
Are you trying to give up smoking? Let us help you. On Wednesday, the Uni is running a 'No Smoking Day'. Stop Smoking advisers will be on hand to offer encouragement with leaflets and freebies. An exhibition will be mounted in the Library foyer and, weather permitting, there'll be a marquee on the Parade. See you there from 11am till 2.30pm. For more details: A.Chapman@bath.ac.uk.
Equality Forum 2011 - The inclusive university Wednesday 30 March
A joint Equality Forum taking place at Claverton campus, co-sponsored by the Universities of Bath and Bath Spa.
The morning panel session will consist of an informative, lively debate on the inclusive university. The afternoon will consist of facilitated workshops on aspects of the inclusive environment.
Global Future 2011 4-8 April
Global Future 2011 is a series of events to be held week commencing Monday 4 April 2011, run by University of Bath students and staff to encourage people to act to protect our future. The aim is to provide people with a glimpse of how lives are going to be affected by sustainability issues and to inspire people to embrace these changes. Will you help to organise and run the events happening throughout the week? Please contact Mark Colling or Sally Lampkin.
Innovations Day Thursday 12 May
Dai Hounsell, Vice Principal for Academic Enhancement at the University of Edinburgh, will be this year’s keynote speaker at the Annual Learning & Teaching Seminar.
Lectures & seminars
The tale of the tulip Wednesday 9 March
In 1593, a beautiful and exotic visitor from the Middle East landed on the shores of Europe. Feted in art and literature, she quickly became the Queen of the Garden, yet her reign lasted only a quarter of a century before her reputation was dragged through the mire in one of the continent’s most serious financial crashes. “The Tale of The Tulip” is a blockbuster of garden history and brings the story of the mysterious flower to life – power, passion and petals!
Green Science Talk | Wednesday 16 March
Saiful Islam (Chemistry) will be giving a free talk (with 3D specs!) entitled: 'Watts new with clean energy materials?
- batteries included' at the
Bath Royal Literary & Science Institution (BRLSI),
16-18 Queen Sq. (Joint RSC / IoP / IoM event)
Seamus Heaney's latest collection of poetry on display at the BRLSI | Wednesday 23 March
David Skidmore (Education) will lead a discussion of Human Chain the latest collection of poetry by Seamus Heaney which has received critical acclaim from many prominent reviewers.
What's on
www.bath.ac.uk/whats-on
Monday 7 March
19:30 PM Buddha, brain, book
19:30 PM Tying & tatting
Tuesday 8 March
12:45 PM Oxfam Lunch
16:30 PM Zero-carbon Britain 2030: A comprehensive decarbonisation scenario
19:30 PM Elliot Carter - Eurocentric composer or American modernist?
Wednesday 9 March
12:15 PM Ash Wednesday service
19:30 PM The protection of Palestinian children
Thursday 10 March
12:15 PM Mentoring workshop
12:30 PM Lunchtime workshop - Refreshing course design for learning enhancement
19:30 PM Domuztepe - Neolithic site in southern Turkey
Friday 11 March
12:15 PM Mindfulness meditation
Saturday 12 March
10:00 AM Workshop: Comic book art
14:00 PM How can I turn my passion into a business that changes the world?
19:00 PM Exploring the dynamic universe
19:30 PM Bryony Kimmings - Sex idiot
Sunday 13 March
10:00 AM Workshop: The life of a digital image
Arts
www.bath.ac.uk/icia
Concerts & performances:
-
National Theatre Connections at ICIA Those Legs by Noel Clarke | ICIA Arts Theatre | Saturday 5 March 3pm & 7.30pm and Sunday 6 March, 5pm
Those Legs is an intense, psychological drama that presents the precarious nature of friendship and young love in startling close-up. Presented by ICIA as part of National Theatre Connections, a nationwide celebration of young theatre talent.
Exhibitions:
- Swindon College Lines of Enquiry 7 | ICIA Art Space 1 | Until Friday 18 March
The seventh in a series showing work by graduates of the BA Fine Art Drawing at Swindon College’s School of Art & Design. - University of Bath & Photosoc Photography Exhibition | ICIA Art Space 3, University Hall Foyer | Wednesday 9 March - Thursday 21 April, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
A chance to see the winning entries and runners-up from the University’s competition. Categories include landscape, documentary and portraiture, plus an overall staff winner. Winners announced at the reception on Wednesday 9 March at 6.30pm.
Sport
Student's rugby try helps England Students secure victory
Last weekend Sam Miller (French & International Politics) helped England Students rugby union team to a narrow 25-23 victory over a France Universities. The winger rounded his man to touch down in the corner following a seventh minute line-out.
Bath graduate Mhairi Spence wins silver at World Cup
Mhairi Spence (Coach Education & Sport Development graduate) made a stunning start to the modern pentathlon season by winning silver at the opening World Cup of the year in Palm Springs, the USA last Saturday. She captured the second World Cup medal of her career in a performance that was only bettered by Amelie Caze, France’s three-times world champion.
Amy Williams talks to Sportsvibe (put here to bulk out sports section but I know it's more media)
The University of Bath's golden girl Amy Williams (Sports Performance graduate) gave an indepth interview to Sportsvibe last weekend, where she talked about comibining her studies as well as baking cakes and her articistic talents.
Bath Half Marathon
Are you running the Bath Half for charity this year?
Let us know your name, department and the charity you are raising money for (with www.justgiving link) and we'll add you to our Bath Half webpage . Email comms@bath.ac.uk with 'Bath Half' in the subject line. Good luck with your preparations!
Will create the page tomorrow first thing tomorrow if that's ok didn't get chance with that extra load coming in. Mike