Campus News
Staff Engagement Survey — update and next steps
November 9th, 2017
In April this year, colleagues completed the Staff Engagement Survey. The survey results highlight that there is much work to be done to achieve the positive working environment that will ensure all our staff can thrive. While there are areas where we are doing well, the results clearly show that there are areas where we need to do better in supporting colleagues.
The results show that we feel our colleagues do work of a high quality, and that we have the opportunity to discuss progress with our managers, however much needs to be done to improve staff engagement at the institution.
Colleagues answered less positively on questions around understanding the institution’s mission and purpose; how their roles link to the strategy; whether staff felt they had the opportunity to do their best every day; and whether they fully understand what’s expected of them in their roles.
Currently, every department in the University is discussing the results within teams. The outcomes of these discussions are being used to create action plans which build on strengths and address weaknesses identified at a local level. Please contribute to these discussions with your department and share your thoughts and ideas.
A number of initiatives have already been introduced in response to the survey results in order to begin to address the concerns raised. These include:
- The creation of a network of engagement champions to support action planning and culture change at a departmental level
- New e-learning resources around change management. These resources are being developed by the Leadership and Management Academy
- A review, currently underway, of the University’s internal communications channels and processes
- A review, currently underway, of the PDPR process
- Planned focus groups to gain staff insight on the wellbeing results
For more details on the results, visit the HR workspace. To find out more about the changes following the survey, email peopleandculture@nottingham.ac.uk.
The University Executive Board is highly committed to addressing the concerns raised by staff and is sponsoring the action planning resulting from the survey. It will be reviewing central and local action plans as they are developed.
Tags: 2017 staff engagement survey, engagement champions, gallup, Global Strategy 2020, people and culture, people strategy, staff engagement survey
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UoN celebrates 70th anniversary of the discovery of hydrogen bonds in DNA
November 8th, 2017
The discovery of the hydrogen bonds in DNA was made by Nottingham postgraduate student, J Michael Creeth in 1947. On Friday 10 November we marked the 70th anniversary of the publication of Dr Creeth’s research with a one-day event attended by 16 members of the Creeth family.
Dr Creeth made the discovery in the Nucleic Acid Laboratory at what was then called University College Nottingham. His research was published in the Journal of the Chemical Society on 1 January 1947.
The discovery paved the way for the double helix model developed by Watson and Crick six years later.
The 70th anniversary event was staged with the support of the Biochemical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry and the British Biophysical Society.
It took place in the Trent Building on University Park — the site of the former laboratory where the discovery was made — from 8.30am until 5pm on Friday 10 November.
The event consisted of a series of talks from leading academics in the field and a commemoration led by Dr Creeth’s last post-doctoral research assistant and the University of Nottingham’s Professor Stephen Harding. It concluded with a plaque unveiling by Mrs Patricia Creeth, Dr Creeth’s wife, at the entrance to the Trent Building — the site of the former Nucleic Acid Laboratory where the discovery was made.
Tags: Biochemical society, british biophysical society, chemicals, DNA, Dr Creeth, J. Michael Creeth, Royal Society of Chemistry
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Winter graduation 2017 – can you help?
November 7th, 2017
The Graduation Team are looking for stewards for a variety of roles from Tuesday 12 December – Friday 15 December.
This is a fantastic opportunity to participate in celebrating the hard work and achievements of the university’s students.
Graduation is a very exciting, busy time and each year we gratefully rely on a huge team of University staff and volunteers joining us, as stewards, to assist in the running of this event.
Around 30 stewards are needed for each of the nine ceremonies. We are also in need of reserve stewards to cover any colleagues who may be absent on the day, so if you think you can help with either of these roles please complete the online form. Stewarding is a good opportunity for staff to not only see students celebrate the culmination of their studies but also to build upon their existing skills and responsibilities.
The type of activities you may be asked to help with include:
- welcoming guests and students
- guiding guests and students to their seats
- making arrangements for guests with individual requirements
- answering queries and helping deal with problems that may arise on the day
Refreshments will be available throughout the day and if you volunteer to support graduation for a full day, lunch will be provided. Your time is greatly appreciated by all those involved in graduation.
For more information on stewarding roles, briefing sessions, dates and times, and how to apply, please visit the workspace page.
Please don’t forget to seek approval from your line manager before volunteering.
Fill in the volunteer form online.
If you would like more details about the events or are unable to attend any of the briefing sessions, please contact the Graduation Team at graduation@nottingham.ac.uk.
Tags: graduation, staff volunteers, volunteering, winter graduation
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Help us find our next University Chancellor
November 7th, 2017
We’re inviting the University of Nottingham community to help us decide who should become our next Chancellor – and we want your nominations for people you think would excel in the role.
The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University. Our Chancellors play an important role as both an ambassador and an advocate for the University and are integral in advancing the University’s profile nationally and internationally.
Sir Andrew Witty, the current Chancellor, has held the position since 2013. He is set to retire, and we want as many members of our global University community as possible to help choose who will follow in his footsteps.
Nominations can be made by our staff members, students, council members or alumni. The deadline for nominations is Friday 8 December 2017.
Following consideration of submissions, the Nominations Committee will make a recommendation early next year to the University Council for appointment.
Please visit our webpage to find out more about the Chancellor’s duties and how to submit your nomination.
Tags: Chancellor, Sir Andrew Witty
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The Prince of Wales visits University of Nottingham Malaysia campus
November 6th, 2017
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) visited the University of Nottingham Malaysia campus last week during his first visit to Malaysia.
After officially launching the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Summit, HRH met with staff and students to learn about the University’s work on sustainability and environmental education. He also met with representatives of student societies aiming to making a difference in the local community.
The visit included a special trip to Crops for the Future (CFF) to see world-changing research into ‘forgotten foods’ and how maximising the potential of the world’s underutilised crops might address global food security issues. The Prince of Wales helped officially launch the Forgotten Foods Network, a new platform for sharing information on foods, recipes and traditions that are in danger of being lost.
University of Nottingham Malaysia CEO and Provost Professor Graham Kendall said he was delighted to host HRH.
He said: “Today is another milestone at the University as we host the Prince of Wales during his maiden visit to one of the first British campuses outside of the UK and we are very pleased to have an opportunity for our staff and students to have a royal encounter with the Prince of Wales.”
View a gallery of images from the event below.
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- Staff and students wait for a glimpse of HRH The Prince of Wales
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- HRH The Prince of Wales waving to UNMC staff and students
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- HRH The Prince of Wales visits CFF
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- HRH The Prince of Wales visits CFF
Tags: Crops for the Future, Malaysia Campus, prince charles, prince of wales, UNMC
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Campus Solutions — strategic partnership with Infosys to provide cross-campus technical development and support
November 6th, 2017
The University has entered into a strategic partnership with Infosys to provide managed services for its Oracle Campus Solutions student management system.
Campus Solutions will provide a single platform for student services across the University’s campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia ranging from admissions, to administration and financial management systems.
The strategic partnership will enable Infosys to deliver a managed service for the system for an initial period of five years, with an option to extend beyond the initial term.
Infosys will work closely with teams in IS to provide a seamless support and development service for Campus Solutions.
Welcoming the new partnership, the University’s Chief Finance Officer, Margaret Monckton said:
“Campus Solutions is a critical part of the University’s infrastructure, and will deliver enhanced and joined-up management systems for our students. In a competitive exercise, Infosys was able to present a high quality service offer provided through a cloud-based solution, with a centre of excellence based in Nottingham.
“We are excited by the prospect of entering into such a strategic partnership, which will provide the highest standards of quality and performance for Campus Solutions.”
Rajesh Krishnamurthy, President and Head of Infosys Europe, said:
“Education is facing many headwinds as regulatory and funding arrangements redefine the existing markets and students demand access to streamlined services. We are very proud to be partnering with the University of Nottingham and power its transformation journey, enabling the University to focus on the key priority: students.
“Infosys’ experience, capabilities and investments in digital technologies will help the University of Nottingham create a truly digital enterprise and achieve its vision for the future of Education.”
Tags: administration, Admissions, campus solutions, financial management, Information Services, infosys, management system, student services
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Tram stop-Lakeside pathway temporarily closed from Monday 6 November
November 3rd, 2017
The cherry tree pathway between the University Park tram stop and Lakeside Arts will be closed for four weeks from Monday 6 November.
The closure of the pathway relates to works that are being carried out on the lighting in the area and resurfacing of the path.
Diversion notices will be in place throughout the duration of the works.
A map showing the works area and diversion route can be seen below:
Tags: commute, cyclist, east drive, highfields, Lakeside, Lakeside Arts, pathway, tram stop, University Boulevard, walker
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Bioelectronics: £1m award towards a new era for healthcare
November 3rd, 2017
Dr Frankie Rawson of the School of Pharmacy has been awarded almost £1m from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to develop his research into bioelectronic technologies, which are set to transform healthcare.
Dr Rawson is investigating how bioelectronic devices will use electrochemical-based wireless technology to avoid invasive surgery, and also be applied to treat diseases such as cancer via the control of the body’s electrical signals.
He was awarded £950,798 to further his research by the EPSRC. Its Chief Executive Professor Philip Nelson said: “EPSRC’s Healthcare Technologies Challenge Awards are designed to equip the next generation of research leaders with the tools they need to tackle current and emerging health challenges facing society.”
Dr Rawson said: “We are on the brink of a new era of therapeutic intervention that relies on modulating the body’s cellular electrical signals by merging biology with electronics, termed bioelectronic therapeutics or electroceutics. With strong support from the University of Nottingham I am leading an international multidisciplinary team, consisting of engineers, physicists, biologists, chemists and clinicians, to develop a new class of technology that stands to make an impact on human health and well-being.”
Read more on the Research Blog.
Tags: Dr Frankie Rawson, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, EPSRC, School of Pharmacy
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University of Nottingham Chancellor set to retire
November 3rd, 2017
Sir Andrew Witty, Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, has announced his plans to retire.
A former Chief Executive Officer of GSK and a Nottingham alumnus, Sir Andrew became the seventh Chancellor of the University in 2013.
He said: “Representing the University of Nottingham has been a privilege, witnessing the University’s international growth, expansion of its Nottingham home campus and ceaseless commitment to both student teaching and research excellence, has been inspiring.”
He will step down from the role later this academic year.
University of Nottingham President of Council John Mills said the University was extremely grateful for Sir Andrew’s contribution.
He said: “In his time as Chancellor Andrew has responded to the challenge of supporting the development of our links with business and our international agenda but most importantly, as an alumnus, he has invested time in inspiring our students to achieve and be aspirational in their ambition.”
President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West echoed his comments. She said: “We are extremely grateful for the contribution Sir Andrew has made to the University. From his time here as an economics student to his tenure as Chancellor, he has been an extremely important ambassador and advocate for us. We wish him well for the future.”
The Chancellor has a number of key roles, including ceremonial duties – playing a formal part in graduation ceremonies – and acting as an ambassador and advocate of the University in the UK and around the world. He also acts as a key adviser on matters of major strategic importance to the development of the University. It is an unremunerated role.
This year, for the first time, staff, students and alumni will be invited to make their nominations. More details on the nominations process, which opens next week, will follow.
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Autumn Student Services roadshows — start time change for Monday 6 November roadshow
November 2nd, 2017
PLEASE NOTE – the start time for the event on Monday 6 November has moved to 3pm. Apologies for the late notice of this change.
The Student Services team will be running a new series of roadshows in October and November.
In this series, the team will be showcasing some of the Campus Solutions functionality, including the academic portal and the student portal. There will also be an update on the plans for the go-live of Campus Solutions for student records, expected to take place in early 2018, and progress in UK Admissions, China and Malaysia.
The events will be hosted by the Faculty Pro-Vice Chancellors, or a representative, and the Registrar. Colleagues from Student Services will present at the sessions and they will be on hand to answer any questions you have at the end of the presentation.
The list of available roadshows is shown below. Each session is expected to take around an hour, including time for questions.
You can go to any of the sessions and all staff are encouraged to attend. There is no need to book, just turn up on the day.
The available roadshows are:
- Monday 30 October, 2:30pm, Lecture Theatre (A2016), Derby Royal Hospital – hosted by Prof Phillip Atherton, Professor of Clinical, Metabolic & Molecular Physiology
- Friday 3 November, 11:30am, LT3 Exchange Building, Jubilee Campus – hosted by Prof Louise Crewe, Associate PVC (Education and Student Experience)
- Monday 6 November, 3pm, C16 Pope, University Park – hosted by Prof Andrew Long, Faculty PVC for Engineering
- Tuesday 7 November, 11:30am, A33 Food Sciences, Sutton Bonington – hosted by Prof Matt Dickinson, Professor of Plant Pathology
- Friday 10 November, 11:30am, B63 Law & Social Sciences, University Park – hosted by Prof Jeremy Gregory, Faculty PVC for Arts
- Monday 13 November, 2:30pm, AL3, Medical School – hosted by Prof John Atherton, Faculty PVC for Medicine and Health Sciences
- Tuesday 14 November, 2:30pm, Studio 7, King’s Meadow Campus – hosted by Dr Paul Greatrix, Registrar
If you have any questions about the events, please contact your Student Services Business Readiness Manager.
Tags: campus solutions, MyNottingham, November 2017, Project Transform, roadshows, staff event, student services
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