Campus News
University mental health day 2024 events
February 27th, 2024
University Mental Health Day (UMHD) takes place on Thursday 14 March and this year our team has chosen the theme of sleep and its importance on our wellbeing. Our UMHD campaign will run for 2 weeks from Monday 4th March to Friday 15th March 2024 with events building up to University Mental Health Day throughout the fortnight.
Getting enough sleep is important to our wellbeing, most adults need between 7-9 hours sleep a night. Insufficient sleep can lead to challenges in decision making and problem solving. Over the course of these two weeks we’ll be talking about the importance of good sleep, how to build good sleep habits and establish a good sleeping space as well as the general support for students mental and physical wellbeing at the university.
Join us at local and central events as we inspire conversations, take action and create change to get us all talking about good sleep and university mental health. Find out more about university mental health day on our central page.
Tags: mental health, umhd, University Mental Health Day, wellbeing
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Microsoft Teams application update
February 27th, 2024
As you may be aware, Microsoft have been promoting their next significant update to Teams which is Teams version 2.0.
Earlier this year, we made Microsoft Teams 2.0 available as an update to you. On Monday 4 March 2024, we will be changing our IT policy to make Teams 2.0 the default.
You will be able to switch back to Classic Teams, up until Sunday 31 March 2024. Please note that from 31 March 2024, Microsoft will start to upgrade all Teams installations to Teams 2.0 and you will not be able to switch to Classic Teams after that date.
This update will affect all computers, smartphones, and web browsers that use the Teams app.
You can read further information about Teams 2.0 on our SharePoint news post.
If you have any questions, or to request support, please contact our Smart Bars or IT Service Desk.
Tags: DTS, Microsoft Teams, MS teams, Teams
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Celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 at UoN
February 26th, 2024
Every March the university celebrates the social, economic and cultural, and political achievements of women.
International Women’s Day falls on the 8 March each year, which also marks a call to action to accelerating women’s equality.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about discrimination and to drive gender parity. IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid. At the University of Nottingham, we celebrate IWD throughout March, marking it International Women’s Month.
This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion – to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
Share a photo and caption on Friday 8 March 2024 using #InspireInclusion, #WeAreUoN, #IWD_UoN.
This year, we have a variety of events and celebrations – everything from panel discussions, to talks and workshops. We are inviting the entire university to be part of this conversation and show how you are breaking gender stereotypes.
Have a look at the highlights below and get involved.
Women’s Only Wheelchair Basketball Session for International Women’s Day
Monday 4 March, from 4.30pm – 6pm
In celebration of International Women’s Day, UoN Sport are organising a special women’s only wheelchair basketball session. This session is open to all women staff and students at the university, and we would be honoured to have your presence. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage in a fun and inclusive sporting activity, promoting teamwork, camaraderie, and celebrating the strength and diversity of women. No prior experience in wheelchair basketball is required, and all equipment will be provided. We encourage you to join us for an empowering and enjoyable experience. If you have any questions, please email Dayo Dada.
IWD Celebration at KMC
Tuesday 5 March, from 10am – 12noon
Following on from the success of last year’s IWD event hosted by DTS at KMC, we will celebrating IWD again this year. Join us in the Wellbeing Room at KMC where we are having a display from Manuscripts (feminist activists at Lakeside), badges from the 70s and 80s, a speaker from UoN’s Women’s Network, banners/padlets, cupcakes and tea/coffee.
Empowering Women in STEM: University of Nottingham Women in Chemistry Conference
Friday 8 March, from 9am – 5pm
This event celebrates the research and careers of women, whilst also connecting women across STEM fields to foster a supportive and inclusive environment. This one-day event will consist of talks from academics and industrial speakers, covering a wide range of backgrounds/experiences. There will also be a variety of industrial stands, run by speakers as well as additional local industries, to promote further discussion and to open conversations about future career opportunities. Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day and following the event.
Find a full list of events to get involved with for this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations.
Tags: International Women's Day, International Women's Day 2024, IWD, IWD 24
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Improving the researcher experience
February 22nd, 2024
Work is underway on an ambitious new project aimed at enhancing the researcher experience across the university. In a collective effort, colleagues are collaborating to streamline processes, enhance communication, and provide comprehensive guidance throughout the complex research project lifecycle.
To gain valuable insights, workshops have been held with stakeholders, unveiling key pain points experienced by academics during the bidding process for research grants and throughout the intricate research project journey. Stakeholders have not only identified challenges but have also offered constructive suggestions, forming the foundation for the development of actionable plans.
Project lead Rachel Brereton, Director of Research and Innovation Operations said “The focus of this project is all about making life easier for our whole research community at each stage of the research project lifecycle. That is why our starting point had to be listening to their experiences of the current process and how they feel it could be improved.”
The ‘improving the researcher experience’ project is a key priority for the university, as sponsor Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Tom Rodden explained “This exciting initiative has the potential to transform how we approach grant-funded research projects, by putting the researcher at the centre we aim to bring greater simplicity to the process of fund bidding and for managing the grant.
“The complexity of the research lifecycle process involves multiple teams across faculties, schools, and Professional Services, the project aims to reduce friction by clarifying roles and providing clearer signposting at each stage. The ultimate goal is to create a more streamlined, efficient, and satisfying work environment for everyone involved.
“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this project so far. It has been a fantastic joint effort, with all participants dedicated to achieving the same goal. We are committed to keeping you informed of our progress and look forward to sharing the implemented outcomes and their positive impact soon.”
If you would like to get involved or if know of other related workstreams which the project team may not be aware of, please contact joanna.green@nottingham.ac.uk to ensure any further opportunities for joined-up working are captured at this stage.
Tags: research, researcher experience
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University welcomes Professor Richard Graham as Interim Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Researcher Academy and Researcher Career Development
February 21st, 2024
Professor Richard Graham has taken up a new position as Interim Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (APVC) for the Researcher Academy and Researcher Career Development.
This strategic role is integral to steering the academic direction for the Researcher Academy, developing and delivering of strategic initiatives in relation to researchers and researcher career development, and in providing institutional leadership in the PGR space.
Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange said: “Richard has been a participant on the Researcher Academy’s Nottingham Researcher Leadership Programme so it’s fantastic to see he is now part of the programme he was on and is now strategically leading! It’s a great testament to the value of the Researcher Academy.
Richard brings not only a great energy but also an excellent skill set and invaluable insight and experience thanks to his previous roles – I know he believes deeply in the importance of the experience of our research students and staff receive whilst at Nottingham.”
Richard joined the School of Mathematical Sciences at the university in 2007, having previously worked at the Universities of Leeds and Michigan. Promoted to professor in 2018, his research interests are centred around understanding how molecular motion leads to fluid properties in both simple and complex fluids.
As the new Interim APVC, Richard brings a wealth of experience, having served as a Researcher Academy Faculty Lead (RAFL) for the Faculty of Science since 2018.
As RAFL, Richard collaborated closely with staff in the Researcher Academy and in academic departments to support development and training of researchers and help them to reach their full potential.
Now, as the Interim APVC, Richard extends his leadership across the university, through his work on pivotal projects, including the Research Super-Vision Project and the REC-HURDLES project that addresses precarious employment in research, particularly its impact on under-represented groups.
Richard’s leadership also includes the upcoming Research Culture Conference and Researcher Leadership Programmes, underscoring his commitment to shaping a thriving research ecosystem.
His vision aligns seamlessly with the Researcher Academy’s mission to empower researchers, unlock their potential, and foster a dynamic an inclusive researcher community.
Professor Graham commented: “Ensuring the voices of researchers and academics across the university are heard is something I am passionate about, and my new role provides many opportunities to grow my understanding and to find solutions.
Through the Researcher Academy, I’m involved in institutional and national projects that are important for both PGRs and research-focussed staff. I’m excited about the opportunities these will provide.”
Tags: Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (APVC) for the Researcher Academy and Researcher Career Development, Professor Richard Graham
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New Digital Accessibility training courses now available
February 20th, 2024
Sign up for our four new courses that offer support with creating accessible materials for teaching and learning.
All members of staff involved in creating teaching and learning materials are encouraged to attend the new Digital Accessibility training courses provided by Learning Technologies, within University of Nottingham Libraries.
There are four courses available starting from Thursday 29 February 2024.
Each session is an hour long and covers a different element of creating accessible teaching and learning materials:
- Core Accessibility: The Nottingham Accessible Practices
- Accessible Moodle content – Brickfield Accessibility+ Toolkit
- Accessible learning materials – Word and PowerPoint
- Accessible learning materials – Multimedia
After attending the courses, you will have the knowledge and resources you need to start creating more accessible teaching and learning materials.
Why is Digital Accessibility important?
Digital Accessibility is the principle and process of creating digital materials that are accessible and inclusive to as many people as possible.
Making materials and systems accessible benefits everyone but it’s also an important university priority and legal requirement.
The good news is that a handful of simple habits can make a big difference to the student experience. Find out how to get started by registering your place on the new courses today.
More guidance and resources can be found on the Nottingham Accessibility Practices SharePoint site.
Tags: accessibility, Digital Accessibility, EDI resources, staff resources, Staff training, training
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Data Protection: how secure are your spreadsheets?
February 19th, 2024
Spreadsheets might not be the first to mind when you think about cybersecurity, but with many of us using them for critical information and key processes, proper consideration should be put into how they’re shared and accessed to ensure data protection compliance.
Putting personal information into a spreadsheet and sharing with colleagues, uploading to systems, or sharing with external partners can present a data security risk.
If you send a spreadsheet by email, you have no control over who it may get forwarded on to, and how the data might be used. Spreadsheets can show more information than you intend, and users may hide fields which can be unhidden.
A common error reported to the Information Compliance Team is sending a spreadsheet containing personal data to the wrong person or email address (including sending to students and externals).
Things to consider before putting personal data into a spreadsheet
What is hidden can be unhidden
Remember that hidden information in a spreadsheet can be ‘unhidden’. Once you send information, it’s out of your control and it may get passed on again.
Be wary of pivot tables
A pivot table can be used to summarise a large set of data which then creates an automatic summary of the underlying data. As with hidden data fields, despite the fact that the underlying data is not immediately visible on the screen it can still be accessed.
What about charts
Charts can also contain an embedded copy of the source data. A copy of the underlying data may be copied across into the spreadsheet or into an embedded document.
Spreadsheets for information purposes
Would you send a spreadsheet for information purposes? They’re generally designed to be updated or manipulated to help with other activities. This means that you need to grant at least some degree of permission over the contents – and with permission comes the ability to copy and save!
Updating spreadsheets between colleagues
When personal data is shared between colleagues on spreadsheets, it’s almost impossible to know who has the most up-to-date version, thus leading to potential inaccuracies within the personal data.
What else can I do to protect personal data?
- Think about what information you need to share with colleagues and why you need to do so. Colleagues should ensure at all times that data are not shared inappropriately even within UoN
- Can you share information another way? Consider OneDrive or SharePoint where you can send a link and limit access to the information. Multiple users can work on the spreadsheet and version history is controlled and you can return to previous versions. This way you don’t need to send emails containing spreadsheets and data is accurate and up to date when working collaboratively
- If a spreadsheet is the best or most appropriate option, ensure you’re sharing only what’s required.
- Check how you are sending the information, even when pasting into another document it is easy to embed data which you don’t need or want to share
- Have to send by email – password protect, even if sharing internally – especially where there’s a lot of personal data on the spreadsheet or send a link to OneDrive or SharePoint
- Where you’re sharing data outside UoN, always password protect or consider sharing via SharePoint. Never send unprotected spreadsheets!
Reporting an incident
Even taking the above into consideration, we’re all human, and errors can occur despite our best efforts. Making a mistake can be worrying and stressful to any of us, but please don’t be put off from reporting an incident – the Data Protection Officer, Tracy Landon, and her team will help and support you in mitigating the effects of the error.
Even if you’re unsure, get in contact at DPO@nottingham.ac.uk.
Further Information
You can find more information about data protection on our SharePoint Site. If you have any queries, please email DPO@nottingham.ac.uk.
Tracy Landon, Data Protection Officer
Tags: data, data security, Digital security, personal data
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Campus Solutions: a year of progress
February 19th, 2024
Campus Solutions is used by Professional Services, academics and students as the primary source of student information on all our campuses.
The Education Administration Continuous Improvement Team (EACIT) focus on reducing the complexity of university systems and processes where Campus Solutions is at the heart of the student journey, making them as simple and as streamlined as possible.
We have developed a report to tell the story of our first fully funded year – from August 2022 to July 2023.
Some of the highlights are shown in the infographic below [click to enlarge] .
To read our full annual report and find out more, visit nott.ac/EACIT.
If you haven’t used Campus Solutions for a long time, it now includes many new features – which we continue to build on. We encourage you to log in and take a look.
We have achieved a lot in our first full year, but we recognise that there are many more pain points to remove and improvements to make for our students and staff.
Get in touch
Any colleague in the university can suggest an improvement to student administration systems and processes.
If you have a suggestion for an improvement, please fill in our form and we will get back to you.
Tags: campus solutions, EACIT
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Changes introduced to delivered catering
February 19th, 2024
As part of the university’s cost saving initiatives and to help colleagues and visitors continue to enjoy the use of delivered catering, the university has reviewed its menu offering.
The offer has been streamlined for internal events with key changes outlined below.
Buffets and refreshments for meetings
Lower-cost buffets have been introduced to help schools and departments order buffets as they normally would while reducing internal spend.
For staff conferences requiring full-day attendance and multiple breaks, lunch can still be provided, but ordering of hot beverages will be limited to one booking or break per day.
For example, you may place an order for hot beverages as delegates arrive for the first morning break, or alternatively choose the afternoon break, and then offer juice and water with lunch.
To further reduce costs across the university, biscuits have been removed from the tea and coffee provision.
Office hospitality
The provision of tea and coffee, etc. (office bulk supplies) is still available to order on the delivered catering website for schools, faculties, and departments to assist in minimising departmental costs.
Third parties and external caterers
To keep expenditure within the university and in line with the University Food Safety Policy, the use of external catering and third parties will be restricted and will only be approved if catering is unable to provide this internally.
The changes outlined above are all about making sure everyone gets the most out of our catering services while being mindful of costs – thank you for your understanding.
Tags: catering, Cost saving, delivered catering, University finances
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Annual Leave Purchase Scheme to return
February 19th, 2024
The Annual Leave Purchase Scheme is returning for a second enrolment window, giving you an opportunity to purchase additional annual leave.
Throughout the recent Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer Roadshows, we’ve had brilliant suggestions from colleagues across the university.
Based on feedback from staff on the programme and its effectiveness, the Annual Leave Purchase Scheme will be returning.
The Annual Leave Purchase Scheme is a salary sacrifice scheme where staff can exchange salary in return for additional annual leave, currently up to one week, pro-rated for part-time staff.
The scheme will reopen from Monday 4 March 2024 until Thursday 28 March 2024. During this period, eligible employees can purchase additional annual leave (pro-rated for part-time staff).
Stay tuned and keep an eye on Campus News for more – further details on the scheme, how you can enrol and FAQs will be shared in the coming weeks.
Tags: ALPS, annual leave, Annual Leave Purchase Scheme, staff benefits, staff leave
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