18 March 2011
Important updates
Industrial Action: Tuesday 22 & Thursday 24 March 2011
University & College Union (UCU) has announced that its 432 members at the University of Bath will be taking strike action on Tuesday 22 & Thursday 24 March 2011 about pay and pension issues. Members of staff who decide to take strike action will be considered to be in breach of their contract of employment and the University will withhold 1/260th of their annual salary for each day of strike action.
Staff Survey now live!
All staff should now have received an email (or hard copy) of the Staff Survey 2011. We are pleased to say that so far we have received 678 responses, which is almost 25% of staff. In case you have lost your unique password, Capita will be sending reminder emails to people who haven't yet completed the survey. Q & As
New People Strategy
VC Glynis Breakwell addressed a group of leaders, managers and staff from across the University on 9 March when she launched the University’s new People Strategy. She emphasised the importance of the new People Strategy for all staff and how it is focused on developing and retaining the staff that the University needs.
Revision of University’s Intellectual Property Policy
The University’s Intellectual Property Policy has been revised following consultation with the trade unions and Students’ Union. The revised policy (which comprises Ordinance 22) was approved by Council, on the recommendation of Senate, on 3 March and takes effect immediately. Staff should note that the revised policy replaces that contained within their contracts of employment.
Check out our new external homepage
Web Services is pleased to announce the launch of the new external homepage this week. The new design is the result of months of research, benchmarking, focus group and user testing.
Report of University Council meeting 3 March 2011
A number of items were discussed at the recent meeting of University Council including a change of name for the Department of European Studies & Modern Languages and the University’s Carbon Management Plan.
Students keep busy!
TOPCAT invention to be sent into space
PhD student Talini Pinto Jayawardena (Electronic & Electrical Engineering) has won a UK space agency competition; her TOPCAT invention, which measures the areas of space just beyond the earth’s atmosphere called the plasmasphere, will now be sent into space as part of the UK’s first CubeSat mission.
ACE researcher to take part in earthquake mission to New Zealand
Sara Paganoni (PhD student Architecture & Civil Engineering), is to take part in an Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team (EEFIT) mission to Christchurch, New Zealand. EEFIT is a group of British earthquake engineers, architects and academics who work with colleagues in earthquake-prone countries to improve the seismic resistance of traditional and engineered structures.
Fundraising events for earthquake/tsunami in Japan
Students are organising various fundraising events in aid of survivors of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
(Reminder: If you know of an international student that is struggling because of the recent earthquake in Japan (or the current political protests in the Middle East), please be aware of the support they can access. Support is also available for staff.)
Student organises hip hop festival for Bath
A celebration of Bath’s hip hop scene will take place in the city centre this weekend, thanks to dance artist Arun ‘Ryuazuki’ Nadarasa (Pharmacy & Pharmacology), who has organised South West Got Rhythm 2011.
Fashion at Bath
Bath students took to the catwalk this week to raise money for the charity, Sue Ryder.
Wanted!
Student Services Easter Egg collection by Tuesday 19 April
Student Services are collecting Easter eggs for children's charity Barnardos. Please take donations of chocolate eggs to the Student Services Centre in 4 West (between 10am & 4pm).
Step up for Red Nose Day
Fitness and fundraising will combine in perfect harmony at a Red Nose Day step-a-thon at the University of Bath Sports Training Village on Saturday (19 March).
Research volunteers: Earn £10 for one hour of your time
David Moore (Health) is currently investigating relationships between attention and pain experience. David is offering £10 to all staff and students who volunteer to participate in an experiment which takes no more than two hours and involves some questionnaires, computerised reaction time tasks, and a mildly painful heat sensation.
Bathwick Hill Fun Run Sunday 27 March
Still desperate to stick to your New Year's Resolution to get fit, or get more involved in University activities? Then Bathwick Hill Fun Run is for you! Not only is it a chance to have fun and keep fit, but you will also be doing your bit to raise vital funds for the Romania Action Project.
Volunteers wanted! Global Future 2011
Will you help to organise and run the events happening throughout the week 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. Please contact Mark Colling or Sally Lampkin.
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.
Other news & info
Vice-Chancellor appointed to the Student Loans Company Board
David Willetts MP announced last Friday (11 March) that Glynis Breakwell has been appointed as a new non-executive director of the Student Loans Company Limited.
Welcome to new staff who started in February
The new starters update gives the name, job title and department of all new members of staff at the University who started in the previous month.
REF 2014
HEFCE have announced a timetable for the implementation of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), with the panel due to assess submissions in 2014.
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. With this in mind, there will be a change to the care-4 scheme for new joiners with effect from 6 April 2011.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs/
In the media
Would you like to receive a daily email of news stories that mention the University? Please email press@bath.ac.uk and include the word 'Headlines' in the subject box. A selection of HE stories in the national media is also included.
- Philippe Blondel's (Physics) expert opinion was sought by BBC News 24, BBC Points West, ITV West Country Tonight and across local radio networks including BBC Radio Scotland [listen again at 1:36:20], BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Somerset about last Friday's Tsunami in Japan. He was also quoted in the Financial Times about the severity of the risk from the damaged Fukushima power plant. Read more.
- Ian Tonks (Management) was quoted in an FT Adviser article titled 'Removing compulsion will not affect annuity sales'.
- Gwen van der Velden (LTEO) was quoted in the Guardian's blog about the The Future of Higher Education summit. A different tweet by Gwen at the summit was also noted in Cribsheet, the Guardian's daily education roundup circulated to subscribers by email.
- Paul Stallard (Psychology) was announced as a grant award winner in Times Higher Education; the £1,164,314 funding from the National Institute of Health Research will investigate whether cognitive behaviour therapy programmes can reduce anxiety and improve mood in children.
- Yukteshwar Kumar (ESML) wrote an article for Eurasia review about the potential for revolution in China.
- John Troyer (Social & Policy Sciences) was interviewed on BBC Radio Wiltshire about obituaries.
- Peter Wyman (the University Treasurer) questioned whether the IFRS was fit for purpose in an article in Accountancy Age.
- View full list of Bath mentions in the media.
Alumni in the media
- Kathy Clugston (PG Diploma ESML French & Russian, 1992) who is a BBC Radio 4 presenter and writer was interviewed about a variety of issues for the 'meet the media' section of Agenda NI Magazine.
- Nigel Hampson (Executive MBA, 2007) has been appointed Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Europe's sales & marketing director - Tyre Press
- Steve Canadine's (BSc Hons Architecture & Building Engineering, 1992) appointment as a chief executive officer at Gifford was mentioned in The Engineer's 2009-10 people & skills tracker. Also featured in the article was Imran Idrees (BSc Hons in Mechanical Engineering, 2006) who has also joined Gifford as a marketing executive.
Work perks
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Royal Wedding and a 'Bit of a Do' quiz - Thursday 31 March Swot up on your Royalty, Relations and Rule Britannia's and join us for our fun-filled quiz with our resident quiz master, Paul Maggs. 12.30pm - £5 per table of four. To enter a team please email Paul by Tuesday 29 March latest. Omnibus members only (Want to join?) There will be themed prizes including for the best topical team name so plenty to play for!!
- Thorpe Park - Saturday 25 June Enjoy a fun day at the UK's premier theme park, with over 30 extreme rides & attractions including SAW–The Ride, the world's most terrifying rollercoaster, with 'thrill seeker' rides for younger children. £40 per adult, £28 per child (under 12). Interested? Contact Simon Fenne on ext 5037 - open to all.
Tribe Easter Holiday Camps 2011
Bookings are now being taken for TeamBath Tribe Easter holiday camps in the STV. University staff pay the discounted members rate.
Learn Spanish in Alicante – free of charge Deadline 1 April 2011
Under the Cooperation Agreement between the Universities of Bath & Alicante, members of staff can attend intensive Spanish language courses free of charge, with free bed & breakfast accommodation.
Spring into Fitness with STV's March offer
Throughout March the STV are offering a three-month membership with no joining fee. There are additional concessions if you are a member of staff.
Nominations, bids & consultations
Chancellor's Prize by 21 April
If you are teaching an outstanding final year undergraduate student, you may want to nominate them for the Chancellor's Prize.
2011 Staff Recognition Award by 29 April
Do you know someone working at the University whose achievements deserve recognition? The Staff Recognition Award credits members of support staff who have shown excellence in the way in which they have undertaken their duties, and who have contributed to the broader life of the University.
Teaching Development Fund: by 20 May
The University Learning & Teaching Quality Committee (ULTQC) invites bids for the latest round of teaching development funding totalling approximately £60,000, which is due to be allocated for the academic year 2011/12 on 13 July 2011. Bids to Shaun McGall
Comments invited:
- 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. - QA16 marking, moderation & 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).
Dates for your diary
Equality Forum 2011 - The inclusive university 30 March
A joint Equality Forum, co-sponsored by the Universities of Bath and Bath Spa, is to take place at Claverton campus, .
The morning panel session will be an informative, lively debate on the inclusive university. The afternoon will consist of facilitated workshops on aspects of the inclusive environment.
Matlab Academic tour 2011 being hosted on campus 7 April
Mathworks will be hosting their MATLAB Academic Tour 2011 in the South West at the University on Thursday 7 April 2011. This event is free and open to anyone with an interest or current knowledge of Matlab, who would like to learn how to use it to enhance their research and curricula. A complimentary lunch and refreshments will also be provided on the day.
2011 Hydrogen Research Showcase 13-15 April
The high profile, three-day symposium, directed by Dr Tim Mays (Chemical Engineering), will take place at the University of Birmingham.
Researchers’ Conference: Let’s talk about research 19 April
Details are now available for this year’s Researchers’ Conference. Topics will include communicating effectively with the public, industry, your peers, the media and each other.
Innovations Day 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
Nobel Laureate gives inaugural Inspirational Lecture Monday 21 March
The Postgraduate Society of the Department of Biology & Biochemistry (PG Bio) has instigated an annual Inspirational Lecture and Professor Venki Ramakrishnan, from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, is to give the inaugural lecture. All welcome.
Brunel - a man of vision Wednesday 23 March
Hear about the exceptional career of Isambard Kingdom Brunel whose work had a lasting impact across the world, but particularly in the South West.
Seamus Heaney - Human Chain | Wednesday 23 March | BRLSI
David Skidmore (Education) will lead a discussion at the BRLSI about Seamus Heaney's latest collection of poetry, which has received critical acclaim from many prominent reviewers.
The crossroads of capitalist globalisation | Wednesday 13 April | Graduate Schools Open Lecture Series
Humanity stands at a crossroads. The era of ‘wild capitalist globalisation’ has drawn to a close, hastened by the global financial crisis. The contradictions of capitalism in the early twenty-first century are, for the first time, global in nature. For tickets Jose DiBella
Training & development
- Academic staff development workshop Thursday 24 Mar
- Chairing Recruitment Panels - Monday 28 March
- KTA seminar: Practical networking Tuesday 29 March
- Matlab Academic tour 2011 - Thursday 7 April
- Mental health first aid - Two-day course - Friday 13 & 20 May
- IT skills
- Staff development
- e-Learning courses
- Training opportunities for researchers
What's on
www.bath.ac.uk/whats-on
Monday 21 March
19:30 PM Racism in Western EuropeTuesday 22 March
12:15 PM Eucharist/Holy communion
12:45 PM Oxfam lunch
16:30 PM CO2 market design & operation
19:30 PM Claire McCardell - American sportswear
19:30 PM Exploring the architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Wednesday 23 March
Economics undergraduate placement conference 2011
13:15 PM Academic assembly
15:30 PM Charity careers networking eventThursday 24 March
12:30 PM Lunchtime workshop - How we can improve our teaching using student-led learning?
19:30 PM Adelard of Bath - Translations from the Arabic
Friday 25 March
09:00 AM i-Med: How medical electronics will deliver patient power
Saturday 26 March
10:00 AM Workshop: Comic book art
20:00 PM Alash ensemble - Tuvan throat singing
Sunday 27 March
10:00 AM Workshop: Painting - methods & materials
Arts
www.bath.ac.uk/icia
Winners of Uni photo competition announced
ICIA and Photosoc, organisers of the University Photography Competition, announced the winners and runners-up of this year’s competition at the opening of the exhibition in Arts Space 3 (University Hall Foyer). The three student winners were: Pete Dowell ( Mechanical Engineering); Dale Koerner, (International Management & Modern Languages (German)); Anran Sun, ( Marketing). The overall staff Winner was Jens Roesner (Mechanical Engineering). The exhibition will run till Thursday 21 April.
Concerts & performances:
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Chinese Student Society | ICIA Arts Theatre | Saturday 19 March
Members of the University’s large Chinese population present a showcase of song, dance, music and more. Tickets bookable via the Society: su2kch@bath.ac.uk -
Choral & Orchestral Society A Night of British Music | St Matthew’s Church, Widcombe, Bath | Saturday 19 March
An opportunity to see gifted musicians in a mid-term concert to celebrate British composers. -
Bath University Student Theatre Blue Heart by Caryl Churchill | Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath | Until 26 March
Blue Heart is a play of two unconnected parts, challenging preconceived ideas of theatre. First shown in 1997 it explores perceived connections between family members before slowly descending into the bizarre.
Exhibitions:
- Artist-in-Residence - Tom Marshman | ICIA Art Space 2 | Until Thursday 21 April
This multi-media exhibition marks the conclusion of Tom’s residency. Inhabiting the gallery space, Tom creates a domestic dwelling; combining real furniture from students’ rooms with simple life-size wall drawings of interiors, interwoven with video and photography from interactions on campus.
Workshops:
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Knitting Jewellery | Studio 2 ICIA Arts Barn | Sunday 20 March
Knit various wires and filaments to produce body adornments. Covers basic knitting and experimentation with decoration and shaping. Previous knitting experience useful, but not essential.
Sport
Bath student named vice-captain in England Netball squad
Pamela Cookey, (Business Administration student) and captain of TeamBath’s Fiat Superleague netball team, has been named England’s vice-captain ahead of their game against Jamaica. Five University of Bath graduates (Sara Bayman, Sasha Corbin, Rachel Dunn, Tamsin Greenway and Lindsay Keable) have also been named in the 14-strong squad.
London 2012 – 500 days to go
There are now just 500 days to go until the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games and University of Bath-based athletes are continuing their preparations across a range of sports, including athletics, judo, modern pentathlon and swimming, to compete on the world’s greatest sporting stage. .
Swimmers return to Bath with haul of medals and titles
University of Bath-based swimmers including Michael Jamieson (Sports Performance), Stacey Tadd (Sports Development & Recreation) and Andrew Willis (Chemical Engineering) produced some impressive results at the British Championships, returning to Bath with a string of medals and titles.