Campus News

Toolkit for supporting disabled staff launched

November 2nd, 2020

The 2019 review of support for disabled staff recommended that the University develop tools and training for managers and staff to remove barriers and build a more inclusive workplace for disabled colleagues.

In response to the review, a new toolkit for supporting disabled staff has been launched to help staff and managers understand more about disability and make reasonable adjustments to benefit disabled staff.

The toolkit contains a short video to provide a great introduction to disability and share stories from disabled staff.

It also offers mandatory training on staff equality designed to help us all comply with the Equality Act, case studies for reasonable adjustments and guidance and support to implement these.

We encourage staff to tell their manager about their disability so they can get the support they need. We also ask staff to confirm their disability using My View, which gives staff online access to view and update some of the data that we hold about them.

Later in 2020, webinars will be offered to help managers learn more about disability, the toolkit and to facilitate discussions around their experiences of supporting disabled staff.

Any questions? Please contact Victoria Waring.

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Winter class of 2020: graduating, but not graduation

November 2nd, 2020

In place of on-campus winter graduation the University will be holding a day of online celebration across our social media channels.

In line with government advice, the University of Nottingham will not be holding physical graduation ceremonies this winter. Graduation for the winter class of 2020 is on track, with students graduating in absentia and certificates being sent in the post. As in summer, there is no option for students to defer graduation this year.

Students will be invited to a special graduation ceremony at a time when it is safe to host such an event on campus again. Graduation is an important event for students to share their success with family and friends, and the University will ensure that they are given the opportunity to enjoy the experience they deserve.

While we are unable to welcome students onto campus this winter, the University would like to take the opportunity to celebrate their achievements as our graduating Class of 2020. Therefore, the class of 2020 have been asked to save the date of Friday 11 December for a day of celebration across social media. We are liaising with nominated points of contact within schools to coordinate efforts which will bring students together virtually; with each other, with their Schools and teachers, as well as with their new global community of alumni – for a graduation without borders.

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT+) History Month ’21 planning committee – join now

October 30th, 2020

The University is preparing for LGBT+ History Month celebrations in February 2021.

We are looking to put together an effective programme of events that celebrates LGBT+ history and provides education and insights into LGBT+ rights.

There is an opportunity for up to 6 members to join the planning committee and contribute to how the University recognises and celebrates LGBT+ History Month.

This opportunity is open to all job roles and staff at any level.

If you are interested in joining the planning committee and shaping the University’s delivery of LGBT+ History Month events, please fill out this form by 12pm on Thursday 12 November.

The first meeting of the planning board will take place on Wednesday 18 November, from 1.30pm-2.30pm. Meetings after this will reoccur every Thursday, from 1.30pm-2.30pm.

The committee members will provide a steer on the themes and content of the recognition month celebrations, as well as have responsibility for the planning and delivery of institutional events. They will also be expected to review and decide on funding applications for local events.

As part of the planning process, we welcome ideas for themes or events. Please share these using this short form.

All contributions, input, and feedback are highly valued. Please get in touch soon so that your views can be considered in the organisation of this celebration.

Co-chair of the Sphere Programme Board, Amal Treacher Kabesh said:

“LGBT+ History Month is an important time to provide knowledge that has previously been rendered absent. The in-depth discussions that will take place will provide a vital focus for reflection and celebration. The various events will create spaces to explore the diverse opportunities, alliances, and joys of the LGBT+ communities.”

For queries please contact Catherine Abe and Eli Todorova. Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted.

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Black History Month 2020 recap and highlights

October 30th, 2020

Throughout October, the University held several events as part of our celebrations for Black History Month 2020.

Unlike previous years, our events this year moved to online spaces but this did not diminish the quality or appetite for recognising this special month.

In case you couldn’t join in, below are highlights of some of our featured celebrations and events:

Fireside Chat between Chancellor Baroness Lola Young and Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West.
‘To be truly anti-racist will take time, courage, difficult conversations, and a shared vision with collective action’. Baroness Lola Young, Chancellor, and Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor reflect on Black History Month, Black Joy, and Leadership during the pandemic.

What is Black Joy?
‘You are my wildest dream’. Maria Arruda leads a conversation about Black Joy and what it means for our panellists.

Why We Need Black Radicalism?
‘Black radicalism plays a role in creating and maintaining Black Joy’.  Dr. Hannah Marie Robbins and our panel of speakers will look at Black radicalism that centres freedom, possibility, and imagination.

Is the University Colonial?: Critical Conversations on Its Past
Chaired by Maria Arruda (Chair of the BAME Staff Network) leading scholars from Nottingham and Connecticut discuss the role that universities have had in cultivating racist narratives and inequality in society.

Black, Other: Underappreciated Narratives on Race and Science
Presented by the UoN BAME staff network, this session explores underappreciated narratives of racism and colonialism through the eyes of two UK-based Brazilian Academics.

Ubuntu: A decolonial epistemic shift for education
Presented by Dr Sobantu Sibanda, the School of Education celebrates Black History Month by exploring contributions to educational thought from Black thinkers and scholars.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this a memorable month. We are always looking for staff and students to support our planning for our recognition months.

Please email BR-EDICoordinators@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk for upcoming opportunities to join our programme boards.

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Works to upgrade electrical cabling begins

October 29th, 2020

Trenching works to upgrade the electrical cabling around campus in the roads and adjacent verges will begin on Monday 2 November and continue until mid March 2021.

This is part of the project to increase the agreed supply capacity to Sutton Bonington improving certainty of supply to meet current needs and also future proofing the campus.

We apologise in advance for any minor disruption this may cause to traffic routes around campus. All work areas will be safely enclosed and excavated areas appropriately secured overnight etc.

It is not anticipated that electrical supplies to buildings will be impacted. Thanks in anticipation for your support and cooperation whilst we undertake these essential works to improve the campus.

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New COVID-19 restrictions – Message from Professor Andy Long

October 28th, 2020

Dear colleagues,

I am writing to inform you that, as of Friday 30 October, Nottinghamshire will move into the COVID Very High Alert (Tier 3) level. I realise that increased restrictions will be concerning for members of our University community, and want to explain briefly what this means for you.

Within our University the number of active cases of COVID-19 has been on a steady decrease and remains low. While this may show that our COVID-19 security measures are working, there is no room for complacency, and these restrictions have been put in place by the Government in response to the number of cases across the region.

This means that all of the University campuses will be covered by Tier 3 restrictions. These restrictions will be kept under review and are expected to be in place for at least 28 days.

Schools and universities will remain open, and the University will continue as planned with current research activities and our blended approach to teaching-in-person where it is safe to do so, and otherwise online. Travel remains permitted for work and education purposes.

While the new restrictions will not impact our teaching and research activities, they will mean we will all have to abide by tighter rules, particularly around socialising and keeping to households.

Details about the Very High Alert category of restrictions can be found on the Government website here. In addition there are some more specific measures which apply in Nottinghamshire – such as indoor fitness classes being restricted (although gyms, sports centres and other university facilities will remain open). Details of how the restrictions apply to different groups at the University are on our restrictions pages.

Students can still socialise with people that they live with, either in private accommodation or campus residences, and participate in the social activities provided on campus, so long as they remain in their household. The University has increased the number of events and activities to entertain students at home, in halls or on campus as part of our Stay In to Save Lives campaign.

While travel in and out of the area remains permitted for work and education purposes, travel is not advised for other purposes and the government strongly encourages students to remain in their current accommodation and not return to their family home in term time. The University is putting plans in place for the safe movement of students at Christmas and for the start of the Spring term. We are also extending the use of the Hopper buses for students, including introducing new routes, to help ease the burden on local services.

I would remind us all that the three key steps we can take as individuals – wearing a face covering, regularly washing our hands, and maintaining a safe distance – make an enormous difference.

Please always follow this advice and adhere to the new restrictions which in time will help the city and University return to a greater sense of normality.

Thank you as always for your hard work, patience and willingness to support each other in these challenging times.

Best wishes, Andy

Professor Andy Long, FREng
Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor

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Tier three restrictions for Nottingham

October 28th, 2020

It has been confirmed that, as of 00:01am Friday 30 October, Nottinghamshire will move into the Very High Alert (Tier 3) level.

This means that all of the University campuses will be covered by tier three restrictions. This will not, however, impact our teaching and research activities and the University will remain open.

The general rules for tier three, along with some FAQs, are available on the government website.

Visit the University’s coronavirus restrictions page for up-to-date information.

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Continued awareness of phishing emails

October 28th, 2020

Cyber criminals continue to exploit the uncertainty and anxieties of remote working across the world, and over the past week, staff and students have reported multiple phishing emails. Each one has now been dealt with by our IT security team.

Malicious emails including spam, viruses, malware and phishing attacks can potentially cause significant damage to University data and could also have significant personal impact, including financial consequences. They might appear to come from the University so please be careful.

It is very important that you do not click any links, open suspicious attachments or respond to these types of emails, and never supply personal or bank details to people you do not know.

How to report a phishing email
If you think you have received a phishing email or are unsure, please contact the IT Service Desk immediately. If you are concerned (e.g. you responded to a suspected phishing email) or you need to report this outside normal service hours (08:00 until 18:00 Monday to Friday), please telephone 0115 95 16677, which is available 24/7.

If you have clicked on a link or downloaded a suspicious file, please change your University password, security questions on IT Accounts and then contact the IT Service Desk.

Please be vigilant – what to look out for
You should:

  • Never reply to emails asking for your personal details
  • Only open links, apps and attachments from trustworthy sources
  • Avoid sharing too much information on social media

You can view further information about phishing and scam emails, along with some top tips, in this Campus News article.

For more information on how to spot a phishing attempt, please read our phishing advice and Digital Network blog.

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Get help setting up an impact-driven start-up with Ingenuity East Midlands

October 28th, 2020

Ingenuity is a national programme looking to invest in the next generation of impact driven start-ups that will transform society and the environment.

Ingenuity is a partnership of the UK’s most innovative academic, commercial, public and third sector organisations. The goal is to discover future founders who will create impact-focused start-ups and lead the change towards a better and more inclusive future.

The programme is partnering with universities in the region to establish Ingenuity East Midlands and find great start-up ideas that could help drive the region’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Future Founders programme is open to students, alumni and researchers wanting to set up their own impact-driven start-up.

The sign-up period is open now and closes on Thursday 12 November.

For more information, and to take part, visit the Ingenuity website.

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Spokes and EMCC offer free school lunches

October 28th, 2020

As part of the national campaign started by Marcus Rashford, Spokes and the East Midlands Conferencing Centre (EMCC) are working with the University to make sure no child goes hungry this half term.

For this week only, Spokes will temporarily re-open to support this great cause and offer free lunches this week from 11am – 2pm, Wednesday 28 – Friday 30 October, in a Covid-safe environment.

Bring a responsible adult (over 19) to claim a free meal (adult will also get a free hot drink). Please socially distance, wear masks and sit in households at all times.

Head to the Spokes Lakeside entrance and the team will point you in the right direction.

Free parking available onsite at at Jubilee Hall Car Park and Orchard Car Park.

Find out more on the All of us together website.

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