Campus News
Nottingham Reward Scheme – 2020/21 awards
October 5th, 2021
The Nottingham Reward Scheme (NRS) 2020/21 awards have been finalised. Successful nominations have been recognised locally over the past few weeks, with relevant managers or management groups directly notifying recipients of the type and value of their award.
HR have now sent all notifications to successful staff and cash awards were paid in September salary payments. Voucher awards are now available via the Employee Hub.
Congratulations to all our successful awards recipients – and thank you for your hard work and contributions over the past year.
Thanks also to everyone involved in this round of nominations for the hard work required to meet challenging timeframes. Application of the awards in September will close the NRS process for the 2020/21 year.
Look out for more information on the new Nottingham Reward Scheme system coming soon.
Tags: Employee Hub, Nottingham Reward Scheme, NRS, Staff rewards
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Kings Camps activity camps coming to campus this half-term
October 5th, 2021
Kings Camps will be returning to the university this October half-term to run their activity camps, getting children active, having fun and learning together.
For all staff at the university, Kings offer staff discount of 15% when you use the code “VSD33” – you can apply at the time of booking online or over the phone.
With Multi Active, Teen Active and Rookie Academy offering age appropriate games and activities for 5-17 year olds, Kings Camps offers the perfect place for your child to keep active this half-term and on-site at the university, located at David Ross Sports Village, on University Park.
With flexible cover between 8.15am-5.45pm, Monday 18 – Friday 22 October, it’s the perfect holiday cover.
For more details or to book, visit Kings Camps UoN website or call Kings Camps Membership Team on 0114 2632160.
Tags: activity camp, half term, kings camps, sports, UoN Sports
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Let’s be clear about EDI webinars: October 2021
October 5th, 2021
The Leadership and Management Academy continue to produce the “Let’s be clear about EDI” webinar series for 2021.
The “Let’s be clear about EDI” campaign was launched in October 2020, and aims to promote a university-wide conversation at a local level to help develop our understanding of what Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) means and how the university embeds this in everything that we do.
Upcoming webinars include:
Closing the attainment gap – moving away from a deficit model
Tuesday 12 October 2021, 3pm – 3.50pm
Culture deficit models suggest that the cause of underachievement lies within the individual rather than the individual’s environment. Join us as we discuss these theories, share experiences and consider together how we may be able to help bridge gaps in attainment and awarding within our own roles.
Embracing neurodiversity
Wednesday 13 October 2021, 3pm – 3.50pm
Neurodiversity refers to the infinite variation in human neurocognitive functioning and behaviour. Neurodivergent individuals experience atypical cognitive functioning and may be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Dyslexia or Dyspraxia. Find out how you can best support neurodivergent staff, hear their experiences through shared discussion, and find out how to access the resources that help us embrace neurodiversity.
Hosts:
- Danielle Ropar, Associate Professor of Psychology
- Lauren Marsh, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Tags: edi, EDI training, EDI webinars, Equality Diversity and Inclusion, Let's be clear about EDI, staff webinars
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Do you fancy learning a language?
October 5th, 2021
Did you know the university has a language centre offering evening classes which are open to staff and the wider community?
We offer twelve languages, including British Sign Language, and have a variety of levels from beginners to advanced.
Classes start next week (from Monday 11 October) and booking is open now.
Find out more on our Language Centre webpages.
Tags: British Sign Language, language, learn language
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Opportunities and events for technicians
October 5th, 2021
A number of unique opportunities, programmes and events have become available for technical staff to get involved with throughout the university.
They include:
Funding Technical Staff in Research – An explainer document for research teams
In a bid to strengthen the technical workforce to create future opportunities for technicians in higher education and research, a new resource has been published by TALENT, the Technician Commitment and URKI. Funding Technical Staff in Research provides clarification around the variety of funding routes and mechanisms within the research and innovation sector and insights that will support planning and funding for technical roles.
Download the document here.
Registrations Open For Technician Summit
Higher Education Technician Summit (HETS), which celebrates the success and achievements of technicians in higher education and research, returns in November 2021.
Date: 10 November 2021
Time: 09:00 – 16:30
Location: East Midlands Conference Centre at the University of Nottingham
Speakers:
• Fran Scott, Engineering Presenter and Pyrotechnician
• Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) (via video)
• Professor Andy Long Provost Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham
Several workshops will be delivered on a range of topics and the acclaimed Papin Prizes will be presented to technicians across nine categories. The full agenda will be published in due course. Technicians of all levels and disciplines are invited to register here.
New Autumn 2021 Technician Training Programme
New tailor-made training courses for Midlands Innovation technicians are available to book now. New courses include:
- Introduction to Valuing Diversity and Increasing Inclusivity
- Introduction to Project Management for Technicians
- Establishing a Technical Project – Scope, Vision, Charters
- Forming a Project Team and Defining Roles and Responsibilities
- Delegation and Different Types of Project Management Styles
View the full programme online and book.
Tags: HETS, Higher Education Technicians' Summit, technician, Technician Training, technicians
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USS pension: personal information sessions – your questions answered
October 4th, 2021
The university is arranging one-to-one information sessions for members of the USS pension scheme to answer any questions they may have on the series of changes to the scheme that have been approved by the USS Trustee.
These changes are being made to avoid significant increases in contribution rates for members and employers, whilst maintaining the scheme’s Defined Benefit /Defined Contribution hybrid model to provide members’ retirement incomes.
To support these changes, university employers are making commitments to underpin the scheme’s covenant worth some £1.3 billion. Other reforms include commitments to explore alternative scheme designs, including conditional indexation; a major review of how the USS pension is governed; and the development of a flexible, low-cost option for lower paid members of staff.
If you are a member of the USS pension scheme, and you have questions about the changes, you can book a 15-minute video-conference session with consultants from leading independent pensions management company Isio.
To book an appointment, please email ussqueries2021@nottingham.ac.uk
Appointments will be offered on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 October on a first-come, first-served basis and should the sessions prove popular, the University will look to arrange further rounds at a later date.
Isio will be able to answer your questions, help you understand the background to the changes, highlight resources and identify some areas that it may be helpful for you to explore further. To get the best from your sessions, do offer an indication of the topic(s) you want to discuss when you book.
Please note however that neither the university nor Isio are able to provide any personal financial, investment or tax advice during these sessions and attendance does not constitute independent financial advice. This will be confirmed in a standard compliance notice that will be issued.
Tags: contribution, contribution rates, pensions, Universities Superannuation Scheme, USS pension scheme, USS Pensions
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New ‘EDI in Practice’ SharePoint site launched
September 29th, 2021
We are committed to supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) for each and every one of our staff and students.
Creating an EDI-rich culture is a priority for the university and we are proud of the tremendous commitment that so many in our community demonstrate in creating an environment where we can all feel safe, happy and able to be ourselves.
While there is much work happening centrally, we would also like to share and acknowledge all the passion and dedication that is being put into championing and progressing EDI across the university.
The EDI Coordinators are pleased to launch a new EDI in Practice SharePoint, which aims to provide a place to share EDI activity and best practice at the university and signpost important EDI related information and resources including the new EDI Events Toolkit. This toolkit has been developed to support local teams with consistent and professional delivery and promotion of EDI events.
The SharePoint is designed to complement existing EDI resources available at the university and will be regularly updated.
We hope this resource will continue to evolve and grow, and we welcome suggestions for additions, including information about local projects that can be highlighted on the SharePoint to inspire others.
For more information, please contact the EDI Coordinators.
Tags: edi, EDI resources, Equality Diversity and Inclusion, resources, resources for staff
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Teacher training open day
September 29th, 2021
If you are you interested in becoming a teacher, visit our Teacher Training Open Day to find out how to take the next step towards your new career.
Location: Dearing Building, Jubilee Campus
Date: 10am-1pm, Saturday 16 October
Contact: Please register attendance
You’ll have the opportunity to hear from Stef Sullivan, Director of ITE, as well as other course leaders and subject tutors and find out more about our Ofsted-rated ‘outstanding’ Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses.
You will be able to:
- learn more about our primary and secondary PGCE and PGCE School Direct programmes
- receive advice on the application process, entry requirements and bursaries
- attend presentations and taster sessions
- ask any questions you might have around teacher training or the support we can offer as you start your journey to becoming a teacher
You can view a provisional programme (pdf) for the event. The final programme (with rooms) will be available when you arrive at the event.
This is a free event. Please register your attendance for quicker sign-in on the day, but you can register in person on arrival too.
Can’t attend? Don’t worry, we are holding a further open day and information sessions monthly throughout the year. Please check our ITE events webpage for updates.
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Introducing University of Nottingham Online
September 28th, 2021
From Professor Andy Long, Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Dear colleagues
As many of us are aware, the demand for online learning has grown significantly as a direct result of the pandemic. While the on-campus learning experience will continue to be a major focus for universities, courses that are delivered 100% online and support distance learning will become more important than before as business, industry and governments seek to upskill and reskill their workforce as they work in a more flexible way.
Many universities already offer programmes that are delivered completely online. This allows them to reach a new set of learners, in addition to the students they teach on campus. Expected further growth in this area will mean that universities will be able to grow their student base in other countries quickly, without the need to have a physical presence there.
Learners that seek online learning will have a much greater choice of online courses and they will have more flexibility in when and how they study, regardless of where they are in the world. They will also be able to take advantage of stackable credits (micro-credentials), where demand is also expected to increase.
At the University of Nottingham we already offer a small number of courses that are delivered in this way. To enable us to grow our offering in this space and take advantage of a new audience where we currently have very limited reach, I am delighted to introduce University of Nottingham Online (UoNO). This initiative will enable the university to offer a range of flexible courses that are completely delivered and assessed online. It will also play a key role in helping us achieve our vision of becoming ‘a university without borders’ and our long-term sustainability goals, as articulated in the university strategy.
Sarah O’Hara, University of Nottingham Online Chief Executive Officer, highlights: “University of Nottingham Online allows us to compete more effectively with other universities in this growing trend of offering online courses. It will harness the significant skills and capabilities we have across our three campuses to develop and deliver high quality, high demand and skills-focussed education that will reach out to new potential students across the world. We will attract those who wish to access online resources, continuing professional development and lifelong learning.”
The initial focus of University of Nottingham Online will be Continuing Professional Development (CPD), where flexibility is needed most so that learners can fit study around their work and other commitments. A pilot is currently underway in the School of Health Sciences which will see the school offering a small number of online CPD study blocks in this manner from January 2022.
The online study blocks are equivalent to more traditional CPD study days. Learners and employers will be able to choose from a range of study blocks, with the opportunity for learners to take appropriate assessments to gain university credits. When a learner has built sufficient credits over time they will be able to apply for a university award.
There will be no set start points for the study blocks and learners will be able to complete them within a flexible timeframe. Assessments will be competency-based and will offer some flexibility in when a learner can take the assessment.
In addition to developing a suite of stackable credits (micro-credentials), the University of Nottingham Online project team will work with schools currently offering programmes that are completely delivered online to provide better support in developing digital content, more robust systems and best practice processes to enhance existing courses.
We welcome your suggestions for courses where there is proven high demand, that meet the needs of learners and employers to develop skills and could be completely delivered online. Please email UoN-Online@nottingham.ac.uk if you have suggestions or would like any further information. Following the pilot, we will work with other schools to analyse demand and start offering online courses in other areas. The university’s online portfolio will continue to build from this point.
A set of frequently asked questions are given below for your reference. We would also like to invite you to a one-hour briefing session (using Teams) to find out more about this exciting new venture and ask any questions that you may have. Please follow these instructions to book your place:
- Open the booking link
- Click on the date, then the time that you wish to attend the briefing. Choose one date from the following: Wednesday 13 October 1pm to 2pm or Tuesday 19 October 3pm to 4pm
- Enter your details, then click ‘book’
- The briefing session will automatically be added into your Outlook calendar – please check to make sure it has been added. Email UoN-Online@nottingham.ac.uk if you cannot see the entry in your calendar.
Regards
Andy
Professor Andy Long, FREng
Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor
You can find the University of Nottingham Online FAQs here.
Tags: assessments, courses, University of Nottingham Online, UoN Online
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Covid-19 – Room Ventilation & Monitoring
September 28th, 2021
Guidance published by the Universities Safety and Health Association (USHA) states that teaching, studying, and research are considered to be low risk activities and that conventional levels of ventilation are sufficient to maintain healthy indoor environments where the maximum room occupancy is not exceeded.
The Estates team has produced a summary of how they ensure that rooms have a plentiful supply of fresh air, how we monitor air quality, and the simple steps that colleagues can take to ventilate rooms.
Across the university estate, almost half of our teaching rooms are monitored and mechanically ventilated by the university’s extensive Building Management System (BMS). This means that these spaces are remotely and continuously monitored by sensors that automatically adjust ventilation measures such as automated windows, skylights and air handling units to assure a constant level of fresh air. In these spaces, sensors have been set to run at high or maximum rates to provide a higher air change rate.
Where buildings or spaces are naturally ventilated, colleagues are encouraged to take responsibility for ensuring a regular supply of fresh air by opening windows and/or air vents, where present, to provide a fresh air supply; opening doors in combination with windows to encourage through-draughts wherever practical; and regularly ‘purging’ indoor areas by fully opening all windows, air vents and doors, particularly between sessions.
Mechanical ventilation systems are checked regularly to ensure they are working optimally, and if CO2 levels were to exceed recommended limits the Estates team is automatically alerted to take appropriate actions to increase ventilation levels. The university has procured additional portable CO2 sensors, which will be regularly moved around rooms that use natural ventilation measures, to confirm that CO2 levels are within the recommended limits.
In the unlikely event that CO2 levels exceed the recommended limits, Timetabling will be notified to take the room out of service and advise teaching staff accordingly. Alternate teaching locations will be provided until CO2 levels have been addressed.
Should colleagues wish to report an issue or concern with a specific room, they should contact the Estates Helpdesk or call 0115 951 6666 (or 16666 internally).
Tags: Covid advice, covid guidance, COVID-19, USHA, ventilation
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