Campus News
Simply Cups recycling scheme launches at Sutton Bonington campus
February 6th, 2019
From Thursday 7 February, you’ll be able to hand in disposable hot drink cups at Sutton Bonington’s Mulberry Tree Café to be recycled.
The launch of the Simply Cups recycling scheme at the café follows a the recent launch of the same scheme at the Club House at University Park’s David Ross Sports Village (DRSV).
The process of recycling single-use hot drink cups is typically hard to achieve in part due to difficulties separating the paper outer and plastic lining of the cup. (Find out more on our WasteNott FAQs.) However, the launch of the Simply Cups scheme at Mulberry Tree Café and DRSV’s Club House will enable the recycling of single-use cups disposed of at these dedicated collection points – even if they were purchased elsewhere around the University.
The Simply Cups scheme at Sutton Bonington is being launched at an event on 11.30-1.30pm, Thursday 7 February 2019. Attendees to the event will be able to find out more about the Simply Cups Recycling Scheme, meet Enva (our waste contractor) and the UoN Sustainability team behind the WasteNott campaign. There will also be some great giveaways of sustainable products — so don’t miss out!
Tags: recycling, Simply Cups, sustainability, waste, WasteNott
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Ingenuity19 registration closing soon
February 6th, 2019
Are you an entrepreneur or innovator? There’s limited time left to register for Ingenuity19 — the University of Nottingham’s annual innovation event designed to discover and develop enterprising ideas to transform our future.
The Ingenuity partnership provides a platform for staff, students and alumni to create change and opportunity across the Midlands.
The event is a brilliant opportunity for disruptors, entrepreneurs and community innovators to come together, and explore key challenges facing society. It’s designed to discover and support a generation of social and commercial innovators in the UK and beyond.
Split into three stages, Inspire, Develop and Compete, Ingenuity19 will see the University of Nottingham collaborate with our city, establish its civic agenda, and invest in its ability to work with Nottingham’s businesses and communities to transform the future of our city.
We are delighted to announce that Loughborough University, the University of Warwick, the University of Derby and Nottingham Trent University have all signed up to be part of Ingenuity19. The partnership has been created to enable impact and legacy far beyond the University of Nottingham, with exciting commercial and social entrepreneurship adding value to the Midlands Engine.
The ambition of Ingenuity19, from a social perspective, is that ideas will be created, regional partnerships will be established, enterprises founded, and solutions to social issues can be tackled in Loughborough, Derby, Coventry, Nottingham and beyond. Equally, by having the best of future leaders and innovators in one room, a high-bar will be set, creating world-class, technology-based businesses across the region.
If you’re interested in attending, visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/ingenuity19 to find out more. Registrations close Thursday 7 February 2019.
Tags: Ingenuity, Ingenuity Lab, ingenuity19
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USS Pension: Joint Expert Panel — Phase 2
February 6th, 2019
The Joint Expert Panel convened by UCU and UUK to resolve the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) 2017 valuation dispute has published a call for submissions to the second phase of its work.
This phase will review the governance arrangements of USS and the process of valuation, before moving on to consider the long-term sustainability of the scheme.
Submissions are invited until Friday 15 March 2019 for the first part of this work to examine the valuation process, governance, the roles of UCU and UUK, and the potential for the involvement of Scheme members in the valuation process.
The second part of the Panel’s work, to start later in the year, will consider how the long-term sustainability of the Scheme can be secured through the development of a shared set of principles and will revisit the valuation of technical provisions and other aspects of the valuation methodology, including Test 1.
Tags: Joint Expert Panel, pensions, UCU, Universities Superannuation Scheme, USS, UUK
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Information Services news — early 2019
February 5th, 2019
Information Services are excited to share the following technology updates and news taking place in early 2019:
Office 365 guides now in SharePoint
We have moved our Office 365 guides from Workspace to a new SharePoint site within Office 365. This site is a collection of ‘how to’ articles to help you get started with Microsoft Office 365. There are also some news posts which feature improvements or suggestions on how you can make the most of Office 365. We hope you enjoy the new guides. Find them here: https://uniofnottm.sharepoint.com/sites/Office365.
FindTime — arranging meetings made easy
Finding it difficult arranging meetings? Microsoft FindTime might help — it’s a tool you can add to Outlook that sends a meeting poll to colleagues. It’s a lot more democratic than your regular Outlook appointment and works for people inside and outside of the University. You don’t need Office 365 — just an email address.
Find out more on our Office 365 guide.
Microphone upgrade in teaching and learning spaces
Starting January 2019, Information Services are working with GV Multimedia on a collaborative project to upgrade microphones in more than 360 centrally timetabled rooms. This project is a Digital Futures investment of over £380,000 and is expected to last until Easter to complete all rooms. GV multimedia will be working four nights a week between 6pm and 10pm to install the new equipment across campuses.
We hope students, academics and all staff will benefit from the improvements to sound recordings in teaching and learning spaces.
IT Freshers survey result
This year IS ran our fourth annual Freshers survey with a record 1,000+ number of responses. The feedback on our core services was positive with most services being easy to use. The prize winner and early results from the survey can be viewed on our Digital Network blog. Students have provided constructive feedback and we will publish further articles with quantitative results.
Finance System upgrade
IS are working with Finance to deliver an upgrade to our ‘Agresso’ Finance System. The project, sponsored by Sally Blackamore, commenced September 2018 and falls under the ‘Digital Futures’ programme of work.
The newer version comes with a change of name and is now known as ‘Business World’. The upgrade project will deliver some much needed improvements to usability and process; a cleaner and more modern look and feel, and; much improved web based functionality through a single sign on.
The upgrade is on track to go-live in May 2019, during which there will be a period of enforced ‘Agresso’ downtime. For more information, see the Digital Network blog.
Echo360 lecture recordings migration
Thank you for your support and use of Engage, our new ‘Active Learning Platform’. We know that it has been challenging moving to Engage at the start of term, but we are pleased to report that there have been over 16,000 recordings since 23 September 2018, and 235,000 hours of viewings and downloads.
Now that Engage is live we will soon decommission the old service. This is the final call for requests to migrate recordings from the old system to the new. Find out more on the Digital Network blog.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) — coming soon
As part of the overarching Security Remediation project, we will soon be introducing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
MFA is used to mitigate against password guessing and theft, including brute force attacks. MFA can also be called 2-step verification or 2-factor authentication (2FA). It requires users to approve access requests via the Microsoft Authenticator app.
This year IS will be introducing MFA to a number of remote working services. Find out more on the Digital Network blog.
Tags: Agresso, Digital Futures, FindTime, Information Services, Office 365
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Bertie the Hallward cat
February 5th, 2019
We have donated to RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre to help feed and home stray cats.
This initiative was created following the interest shown by staff and students in the whereabouts of Bertie, the cat who frequented Hallward Library for cuddles and treats.
Last month a family in Beeston saved Bertie’s life, getting him the urgent medical attention he needed and offering him a permanent home and we are very grateful to them.
We learned that Bertie was not adjusting well to his new home and sought advice from the feline experts in our Vet School. Given Bertie’s age, rehoming him was suggested as the best solution – ideally in a home free from other animals and where one person can be responsible for his health and wellbeing.
We partnered with RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre to help find him a suitable home. Our Vet School students undertake placements there and have been looking after Bertie’s welfare.
If you are interested in adopting Bertie, please enquire at RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre and be sure to note the advice on adopting animals.
UoN Library staff have already donated £200, and if you’re a Bertie fan and have been touched by his story you too can donate.
Tags: Bertie, Bertie the Hallward cat, RSPCA
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Final phase of Highfields Park restoration commences
February 4th, 2019
Nottingham City Council has this week commenced the final phase of the Highfields Park Restoration scheme. Funded by a £4.8 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the scheme is restoring the park to its original design, commissioned by the University’s founder Sir Jesse Boot from architect Richard Percy Morley Horder, which dates back almost a century to 1923.
The scheme has already desilted Highfields Lake and restored its surroundings including the boathouse, ticket office, historic bridges and railings. It has also enhanced the entrance from University Boulevard into the park, refurbishing the entrance gates and historic gas streetlamps, repairing footpaths, and enhancing the public croquet and golfing facilities.
The final phase of the scheme will restore the park’s historic views across Highfields Lake, including those of the lake from the north shore and of the Trent Building from the DH Lawrence pavilion.
Works to restore the views will entail the removal of a number of self-seeded sycamore trees on the north bank of Highfields Lake, mainly where they are damaging the historic Bulwell stone banking, earth retaining walls and fencing, or present a safety hazard to staff, students and members of the public.
The removal of these trees is being conducted by specialist arborists, who have performed full environmental checks for animals such as bats, timed the work to take place outside of the bird-nesting season, and will ensure any felled trees are disposed of in an environmentally sustainable manner.
New species of trees will be planted in keeping with Highfields Park’s original 1920’s design, and the Council will plant a large number of trees in other public parkland this winter including more than 4,000 at Southglade Park.
City Council Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Localities, Cllr Dave Trimble, said:
“It’s always a shame to see trees being felled and we understand people may be sad to see them go. However, many of the trees were not planted as part of the original park design – they have self-seeded and blocked out some of the views across the lake. Some are causing damage or will begin to cause damage to walls around the lake or may pose other safety concerns. Removing these means we can restore these views so people can enjoy the park as it was originally intended, and it won’t be long before the remaining trees re-establish the lovely greenery around the lake.
“Some new trees will be planted at Highfields but there is not much space at the park for this if we want to keep the original 1920s layout. However, we will plant new trees elsewhere – for example, over 4,000 trees are being planted at Southglade Park this winter.”
Andy Nolan, Director of Estates Sustainability at the University of Nottingham, said:
“We are very pleased with the improvements being made under the Highfields Restoration scheme. This means that staff, students and members of the public can enjoy the original vistas envisaged by our founder Sir Jesse Boot. It will also ensure a healthy tree population can be sustained around Highfield Lake for the next century, and complements our wider commitment to the University’s arboretum where more than 100 new trees over the last two years.”
Tags: highfields, Highfields Park, sustainability, trees
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£45m for the next generation of researcher leaders
February 4th, 2019
The University has won new funding for five Centres of Doctoral Training (CDTs) that will train the brightest postgraduate researchers to tackle pressing global challenges, and keep the UK at the cutting edge of scientific research.
The centres are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), with partners in industry adding to the overall investment. Two of the CDTs have received funding from Science Foundation Ireland.
The University is also involved in a further three new centres led by other institutions, enabling Nottingham’s expertise to be shared with more than 450 students who will have access to an outstanding research environment and unrivalled opportunities.
Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “This is an outstanding result for Nottingham and once again testament to the quality of our research. The CDTs announced today will be at the forefront of helping the UK secure a skills-rich, low-carbon economy.”
The newest CDT is in Sustainable Hydrogen, led by Professor Gavin Walker of the Faculty of Engineering.
The others are:
Sustainable Chemistry: Atoms-2-Products, led by Professor Pete Licence, School of Chemistry
Transformative Pharmaceutical Technologies, led by Dr Snow Stolnik, School of Pharmacy
Creating Our Lives in Data, led by Professor Steve Benford, School of Computer Science.
Resilient Decarbonised Fuel Energy Systems, led by Professor Robin Irons, Faculty of Engineering.
Professor Gavin Walker: delivering the next generation of hydrogen research leaders.
Tags: CDT, Centre of Doctoral Training, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Research and Knowledge Exchange, Science Foundation Ireland
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The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus — Name Change
February 1st, 2019
The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) is changing its official name to become shorter, easier to use and more in line with the names of our UK and China operations.
It will now be known simply as ‘University of Nottingham Malaysia’ (UNM).
Schools and departments are invited to reflect the change on digital materials at the earliest convenience.
In the interests of sustainability, printed stocks should only be updated when existing stocks need replacing.
Until May 2019, for legal reasons at the request of the Malaysian Ministry of Education, official agreements should refer to “University of Nottingham Malaysia (formerly known as The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus).
For any enquiries, please contact our colleagues in Malaysia at brand@nottingham.edu.my.
Tags: brand, Malaysia, University of Nottingham Malaysia, UNM
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Launch of Campus Solutions for staff and students
January 31st, 2019
From Professor Sarah O’Hara, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Student Experience
Dear Colleague
I can confirm that Campus Solutions was rolled out for staff and students to start using from Thursday 24 January. This means that we are now using a single, integrated student records system across all of our campuses.
Colleagues that will be using Campus Solutions have been sent emails highlighting they can now access the system. Details of a range of supporting help guides, videos, webinars, drop-in sessions and Support Coordinators/Expert Users were provided to help them as they start using the new system.
Campus Solutions requires that there is a connection made between an Academic and a student before the student record can be seen. These associations have been built using the information that you have provided to us. If you are an Academic and you cannot see a student association that you should have in the Academic Work Centre part of Campus Solutions, please use the form on Workspace to advise us of this. Also, it is important to note that a student can view any information you add to their student record in the Academic Work Centre and this information cannot be removed once it is entered.
Students can now start using the MyNottingham website (the student-facing part of Campus Solutions) to update their personal details and submit Support Requests to request help from the University. This week we also commenced the change-of-mind process using the MyNottingham website for the Schools of Computer Science, Geography (years one and two only) and Physics and Astronomy. All other students will complete their change-of-mind preferences using paper forms during this period.
I want to remind you that exam boards and marks processing for January/February will be carried out in the usual way in Saturn. Exam results for the Autumn Semester will be released on Thursday 14 February through Blue Castle. Students who do not usually receive their results through Blue Castle will continue to receive their results in the same way as they have previously done. You can view the Exam Boards and Marks Processing frequently asked questions for further information.
We are continuing to work through a number of data issues that have been identified during the implementation of Campus Solutions. These issues are the result of us historically having numerous sources and multiple versions of data. If you use Campus Solutions and you think there is something wrong with the information you are looking at, please inform your Support Coordinator who will raise this with the relevant team.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and commitment as we work to embed the new student records system into the University and start using it as the central source of student information.
Best wishes
Sarah
Professor Sarah O’Hara
Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Student Experience
Tags: campus solutions, exam boards, IT systems, MyNottingham
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University of Nottingham to end unconditional offers
January 31st, 2019
The University of Nottingham will cease making unconditional offers to all applicants from this September, unless they already hold their qualifications.
The University took the decision in December to end its High Achievers scheme, introduced in 2014 to secure and support the most talented students. The scheme’s use of unconditional offers initially proved useful in attracting applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds and delivered modest gains in student recruitment and conversion in targeted subjects.
However, with many applicants now receiving three or more unconditional offers from different universities, Nottingham’s use of unconditional offers to demonstrate the University’s faith in particularly talented applicants is no longer relevant.
The University is also concerned at the reported variation between predicted and actual A-level results for some students who hold unconditional offers from universities, indicating that some pupils may lose motivation at a critical period in their studies.
The University believes that all students should maintain their independent study skills right through their schooling to ready them for the challenge of studying at Nottingham.
University of Nottingham Registrar, Dr Paul Greatrix said: “Selective universities like Nottingham will always compete legitimately for talented applicants. However, we want everyone to be fully confident that they are admitted purely on their merits and potential. That is why we are ending the use of unconditional offers.
“While it is right that autonomous institutions should set and regulate their own admissions policies, we hope that colleagues across the sector will consider joining the growing number of institutions who are ending this particular practice.
“Of course, the most accurate way of securing applications lies in the sector adopting a post-qualification admissions system – a concept that Nottingham has supported for more than a decade.”
The University will honour unconditional offers made in the current recruitment cycle, and will continue to make unconditional offers where applicants have completed their qualifications and hold their results. The University is also exploring greater use of contextual offers as a more effective means of supporting its focus on attracting applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Tags: A levels, student recruitment, unconditional offers, undergraduate recruitment, undergraduates
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