University Updates
22 February 2008
News
Transport Survey 2008
The University launched a survey this week to collect views and opinions about transport to and from the Bath campus. Members of staff should have received an email invitation to complete the survey from the Vice-Chancellor. Many thanks to the 858 staff who have responded so far (plus 1269 students). We are keen to hear from as many people as possible because the results will help us to understand the current travel preferences and longer term aspirations of staff and students, which will assist the University as it draws up its new Masterplan. The survey takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete. https://www.survey.bath.ac.uk/transport-survey
University is a sector leader in student retention
A report published by the Public Accounts Committee states that only 78 per cent of students are expected to complete university courses in England and Wales. However, the most recent data from Higher Education Statistics Agency show that projected completions are as high as 91 per cent at the University of Bath.
London-based alumni get-together for networking event
Earlier this month over 100 graduates attended a lively networking event organised for alumni based in the London area. This was the first of a programme of social and networking alumni events for London-based alumni.
Wellbeing is a key challenge for 21st century international development
A key challenge for international development in the 21st century is to promote the achievement of wellbeing for all, say University of Bath researchers speaking at a briefing seminar at the Palace of Westminster today.
Award winning student expands volunteering service into new continent
James Jardella, a third year engineering student is looking for volunteers for his next charitable project in Uganda.
Could you enthuse the next generation of researchers
Researchers in Residence is a scheme that allows researchers to develop a programme of activities that makes their subject and research relevant and exciting for school children, with advice from the teacher in their host secondary school.
Lectures can be good for your health
Recent developments in the key areas of pain management, tobacco control, and our understanding of how our cardiovascular system works, will be discussed in a public lecture on health at the University of Bath. The free public lecture will be held at 6.45pm on Thursday 28 February. Cells, citizens and communities: improving health and healthcare will incorporate three showcase presentations focusing on pain and suffering (Chris Eccleston), the next steps for tobacco control (Linda Bauld), and the way cells operate and interact when compromised by disease (Chris Garland).
Information
NHS vacancies at Uni Dental Centre
The Dental Centre has availability for members of staff and students to join the practice as NHS patients. Please call us for details on ext 6065.
Teaching Development Fund
As part of its Learning and Teaching Strategy the University has continued its commitment to a Teaching Development Fund. Bids are invited for the latest round of funding totalling approximately £60,000, which is due to be allocated for the academic year 2008/09 on 10 June 2008. In support of current developments at the University of Bath, the themes of this year's allocation will be: academic induction; assessment and feedback; employability, work-based and placement learning. Deadline: Friday 2 May.
Cancer Research event on campus
Relay for Life – an event to raise cancer awareness – will be held on campus later this year. There are lots of opportunities for staff and students to get involved – as teams and team captains, organisers or marshals on the day.
A36 to close at Winsley Road/Brassknocker and viaduct
Two sets of roadworks will take place from 31 March. The first will close the road junction from Winsley to Brassknocker Hill for three weeks, followed by seven weeks of single lane traffic. The second will close the viaduct section of the A36 for 12 weeks. Information for motor vehicles, bus users, cyclists & pedestrians is available.
Simulated fires in South Car Park: please don't call fire brigade
The Students’ Union Transport Office will be carrying out Minibus Emergency Evacuation Plan (MEEP) training until 29 February, every day from 2.15pm to 3.30pm. If you are at all concerned, please don't phone the Fire Brigade, contact Security on 666 (or 01225 383 999 if on a Mobile).
Wessex House - disconnection of electrical supply
Due to essential metering works the Department of Estates will be disconnecting the electrical supply to Wessex House from 8am until 2pm on Saturday 23 February. Estates apologises for any inconvenience caused, however the work is necessary.
Learn Spanish in Alicante free of charge
Under the Cooperation Agreement between the Universities of Bath and Alicante, there are opportunities for members of staff to acquire basic language skills, or to improve those that they already have, whilst learning about Spanish culture. The courses and accommodation are free of charge and run in July and August. For information and application forms, email S.Stanford@bath.ac.uk Closing date for applications is 21 March.
Funding opportunities
The latest grants, fellowships, travel bursaries and studentship opportunities have been published today.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs
Nominations
University teaching awards
Nominations are now open for the 2008 teaching awards, which encourage and recognise significant contributions by staff to the academic lives of students. Nominations are welcome from both staff and students. There are three awards which focus on different aspects of teaching. Deadline: Friday 7 March.
Chancellor's Prize
The nominated student should have demonstrated academic excellence, together with a contribution to the life, academic reputation and general work of the University.
Clerical staff rep wanted to serve on Equalities & Diversity Committee
Nominations are requested for the vacancy of a clerical staff representative to serve on the Equalities & Diversity Committee until 31 July 2009. Deadline: Thursday 28 February.
In the media
- Rajani Naidoo (School of Management) was quoted in an article in the Times Higher Education about the influx of managers from outside the HE sector into university roles.
- Andrew Graves and Glenn Parry (School of Management) discussed the 5-day car in Professional Engineering magazine.
- Matthew Davidson (Chemistry) had his research on initiating biodegradable polymers highlighted in the magazine Chemical Science.
Training & development opportunities
- Training for the occasional trainer - 29 February
- Investigating accidents & incidents - 5 March
- An introduction to the Mediation Service - 6 March
- Managing a diverse team - horses for courses - 12 March
- Handling difficult situations - 13 March
What's on next week
February is Celebrate Diversity Month
The University is celebrating diversity during February with many different events planned throughout the month. Next week's events are listed below:
Monday: Peace between Israel & Palestine
Free talk by Sari Nusseibeh in association with the Bath Literature Festival
Wednesday:
Embedding equality and diversity in a University: challenges and experiences
A seminar presented by Prof Teresa Rees CBE
‘Gardens of delight’: A simple introduction to Islam
Seminar presented by Idris Tawfiq
Monday-Thursday
Devon and the slave trade
Exhibition in the Chaplaincy with short talk at 3pm on Thursday
Friday
Finale Event - a musical extravaganza
Unfortunately this event is sold out
Monday 25
13:15 PM BICS Seminar
Tuesday 26
12:15 PM This foreign land
12:15 PM Mid week Eucharist
12:45 PM Oxfam Lunch
13:10 PM Holburne Lunchtime Concert
13:15 PM Women's Studies Seminar: I used to think women were weak
16:30 PM When it comes to carbon emissions, the built environment is just that - BUILT!
Wednesday 27
09:15 AM Talk on Fairtrade
13:00 PM Holburne exhibition lecture
16:15 PM Pharmacology departmental seminar
17:15 PM The successful reign of Mary Tudor
17:30 PM The role of the modern zoo in conservation
Thursday 28
19:30 PM Max Perutz & the secrets of life
Friday 29
12:15 PM Upstairs, downstairs: Life in the Victorian country house
Exhibitions
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 | Holburne 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.
In Peninsular, international artist Polly Gould explores mourning, melancholia, and the romantic theme of the artist’s lonely journey into awesome and sublime nature, through video, photography and drawing made during her trip to the Antarctic.
Arts
Concerts
- Recital Performance University Hall | Sunday 24 February, 7.30pm
Advanced music students perform a mixture of pieces in this intimate performance, celebrating music making on campus. Presented by the Choral and Orchestral Society. Open to all and free admission. - University Chamber Choir concert St Michael's Church, Broad Street, Bath | 7:30 PM
The University's renowned Chamber Choir sings music by German masters - Brahms, Bruckner, Mendelssohn and Rheinberger - and the contemporary Norwegian composer Knut Nystedt, in the beautifully-refurbished St Michael's Church in the heart of Bath (opposite Waitrose).
Performances
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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. - Artists’ Talk: Rachel Lichtenstein BRLSI | Saturday 23 February, 2.30-4.00pm
Author and visual artist Rachel Lichtenstein discusses her latest book On Brick Lane, a journey through the history of East London's most famous street, capturing living memories of the street prior to the rapid changes that are now taking place. - Bath University Student Theatre Spiders Web Mission Theatre, Bath | Thurs 28 Feb - Sat 1 March, 7.30pm
As terror descends and suspicion rises, Agatha Christie's classic whodunit keeps you on the edge of your seat, and guessing right to the end. - re:sounds - Ecosonic Ensemble Studio 1, ICIA Arts Complex | Friday 29 February, 7.30pm
re:sounds returns with the latest in a series of experimental music and sonic art nights. Ecosonic Ensemble explores new ways of using both electro-acoustic and traditional instruments to unleash the dynamic between sound, movement and emotion.
Sport
Ball boys and girls sought for international tennis event
Ball boys and girls are being sought to help out at the annual LTA International Futures tournament, which takes place at the state-of-the-art Sports Training Village over a week in March. Local children are required on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March.
Kat captures ladies’ tennis title
Kat Baker, a second year Sports Performance student, won the ladies’ singles title at the second annual Barclays BUSA Challenge at the Sports Training Village last weekend.
Buccs hit Bankers for six
TeamBath Buccaneers kept up the pressure at the top of Slazenger England Hockey League Division One with a 6-1 drubbing of Sheffield University Bankers.
Team Bath FC missed the opportunity to go three points clear at the top of the BGB Premier Division when they went down 2-1 away to Gloucester City on Wednesday.