Campus News
Automatic restarts for Windows – Phase three
November 14th, 2023
As part of ongoing security remediation initiatives, Digital and Technology Services (DTS) are implementing a change that will automate monthly restarts for all university- managed Microsoft Windows devices moving forward.
Why are Automatic Restarts necessary?
If devices are not restarted regularly, they are more vulnerable to cyber threats. DTS are therefore introducing this new feature to mitigate against and minimise the risk of cyber threats, whilst maintaining good system health.
Have Automatic Restarts been piloted at the university?
Yes. Following a successful pilot whereby automatic restarts were rolled out within DTS, Libraries and IT Reps in September, and a second phase whereby the change was rolled out to all Windows devices within the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Social Sciences, we are now ready to extend automatic restarts to all Windows managed devices across the university.
When will Automatic Restarts begin?
From Monday 20 November 2023, the rollout will be extended to all Windows devices across the university. You should get the first notification in the week following the second Tuesday of each month.
Who and what devices does this apply to?
The monthly Automatic Restarts will only apply to Windows devices that are university-managed, i.e., Desktops, Laptops, Surface Pros.
Note: PCs in central computer rooms and known servers already have their own separate restart rules. Such devices are issued to staff, associates, and postgraduate researchers (PGRs).
Mac and Linux devices are not affected by this change.
What will happen each month?
In the week following the second Tuesday of each month, users will get a pop-up message (as shown below) prompting them to restart their device at a convenient time, to complete the installation of application and software updates.
A date and time two weeks in the future will be shown. At this point, users have the option to snooze the message (up until 24-hours before the deadline or restart the device).
24 hours before the Automatic Restart, a final warning pop-up will appear. This cannot be snoozed.
Please note, if a device has multiple pending updates, users may receive an additional restart notification.
What if a Windows device cannot be restarted?
We are aware that some devices will need to be excluded from the monthly Automatic Restart process.
If you believe your device needs to be excluded on functional or operational grounds, please complete this exemption form. The exemption is by device, not its user(s).
Should your device be made exempt, you are still expected to reboot your device at regular and convenient intervals.
To help, such devices will receive their own restart reminder messages (although these will look different to the example above).
Your feedback and FAQs
To help us assess how effective the initiative is, we are asking users to provide feedback on the experience and any issues by submitting this form.
For more details and FAQs about automatic restarts, visit this Workspace page. We welcome your feedback for any improvements.
Tags: Automatic restart, DTS, windows devices, windows restart
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Private healthcare enrolment window now open
November 13th, 2023
The university has renewed its offer for Private Healthcare through the Permanent Health Company (PHC) and the window for enrolment is now open.
PHC AXA Private Healthcare is a voluntary benefit which offers you and your family quick access to eligible health treatment depending on the level of cover you wish to purchase, such as:
- Consultations, diagnostics, and treatment
- Surgical Procedures
- Psychiatric services
- Physiotherapy
- CT, MR and PET scans
- Active treatment for cancer (including radiotherapy and chemotherapy)
- Therapist and acupuncturist treatments
Members and their partners/spouses will also receive up to 40% off a variety of health and wellbeing facilities via Hussle and Nuffield Health.
All levels of cover also include access to the Doctor@Hand – 24/7 GP remote consultation service, including a dedicated online platform (Your PHC) where you can access a range of health and wellbeing services and information.
Click here to watch a short video from PHC to find out more about the scheme.
The enrolment window is now open and you have until Friday 15 December 2023 to register yourself and your family members.
Applying for private healthcare is now quicker than ever before and you do not have to declare any previous medical history when applying.
To apply for the scheme, please visit the Employee Hub and visit the ‘Wellbeing Hub’ (login required) where you can also download a full brochure and list of FAQs.
*Please note that all policies will commence on 1 January 2024 and membership documents will be issued to members directly via The Permanent Health Company (PHC).
*Existing members will be contacted separately with further details.
Tags: Employee Hub, employee wellbeig, Permanent Health Company, PHC, private healthcare, wellbeing
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New artificial intelligence SharePoint and resources
November 13th, 2023
The university has launched a new Artificial Intelligence SharePoint site, offering guidance and resources for all staff, but especially those involved in teaching and research.
Earlier this year, we updated our Academic Misconduct Policy to include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools under the definition of false authorship. The new policy wording prohibits the use of AI in assessments unless the module convenor has explicitly stated otherwise.
Our new SharePoint resource, collated by the university’s AI Steering Group, has been established to offer staff further support and guidance around the use of AI.
It also brings together training and development opportunities and is a space for members of the community to share their own experiences using AI, as well as research and resources from across the sector.
Visit the Artificial Intelligence at the University SharePoint >
Professor Mark Bradley, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Curriculum Leadership) said: “This space is all about helping staff at the university navigate the complex and ever-changing world of AI.
From the latest changes in policy and process to guidance, training and use cases, you’ll find a wide range of support materials from within the university and across the higher education sector on this site.”
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Shearer West, said: “The proliferation of AI tools in the workplace and teaching spaces looks set to grow exponentially in the coming years, and this resource is about giving our staff the tools and professional resilience to adapt to those changes so that the University of Nottingham can remain at the forefront of teaching and research.”
The SharePoint site brings together short courses and guidance created by our Learning Development team, as well as case studies but it is very much a living space, and a place for you to share your own thoughts and findings.
All staff (those involved in teaching and resource, but also those in Professional Services functions) are strongly encouraged to take part in the new online training module.
This short (approximately one hour) Moodle training course offers an exploration into – and the mindset required – when considering how you might apply AI tools in the work you do.
AI is highly likely to impact on our work, regardless of job role, so this is an opportunity for you to learn and potentially shape what this might look like. You can access the course below.
Tags: academic misconduct, AI, Artificial Intelligence, generative ai, Sharepoint
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Moodle upgrade: date and roadshow drop-ins announced
November 10th, 2023
Moodle will be upgraded between 9.30am on Monday 18 December and midday on Tuesday 19 December 2023.
The rescheduled date for the Moodle upgrade will see Moodle upgraded to version 4.1, bringing improvements to the layout and look of your module.
Moodle will be completely unavailable during the time of the upgrade.
Version 4.1 will introduce a new look and a new layout for menus and buttons, improving usability. The updates will not have any impact on the content of Moodle, but you may wish to make some small, preferential changes to the way you structure your pages due to the new layouts.
Your new and existing Moodle webpages will automatically be upgraded – you do not need to take any manual action.
If you would like to learn more about the upgrade, please take a look at this blog post and the Learning Technology sharepoint site detailing some of the changes.
We also encourage you to join us at a roadshow about the upgrade, both in person or online – no need to sign up; just turn up.
Dates and locations can be seen below.
Moodle Roadshows
- Monday 27 November, 2pm – Sutton Bonington Campus, Plant Science Building, Room A17
- Tuesday 28 November UP Monica Partridge Room E06
- 12pm Faculty of Arts
- 1pm Faculty of Social Sciences
- Wednesday 29 November, 1pm – 2pm – Online via Teams
- Thursday 30 November, 11:15am – 12pm – Medical School Room E62
- Thursday 30 November, 11am – 12pm– Jubilee Campus, Business School South, Room A06
- Thursday 30 November, 10am – 11am UP Pope Building, Room A15
- Tuesday 5 December UP Monica Partridge, Room E06
- 12pm, Faculty of Social Sciences
- 1pm, Faculty of Arts
- Thursday 7 December, 11am – 12noon – Online via Teams
- Thursday 7th December, 10am – 11am UP Coates Building, Room A10
Please get in touch if you would like a school specific session.
If you have any questions, please email learning-technologies@nottingham.ac.uk and the team will get back to you.
Tags: moodle, moodle upgrade, Moodle upgrade roadshows
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Colleagues invited to take part in Workplace Stress and Wellbeing Audit
November 10th, 2023
As a result of the People and Culture Survey 2023 and to inform our wellbeing strategy for staff, we are undertaking a Workplace Stress and Wellbeing Audit.
The university has pledged to gather regular feedback to keep communication channels open and respond to valuable insights to enhance the workplace experience for all staff.
Many teams across the university are currently working on action plans in response to their People and Culture Survey 2023 results.
As a reminder the People and Culture 2023 Survey SharePoint site provides access to Action Planning tools and how you can ask for support with your plans to turn your insights into actions.
The Workplace Stress and Wellbeing Audit is closely connected to action planning and will provide an in-depth picture of the impact of work on mental health and wellbeing.
The audit, which has been developed in close collaboration with our trade unions, will also support with the university’s responsibilities under our Management of Work-Related Stress policy.
It will take place over the course of 18 months, with different faculties and schools taking part over three separate phases.
People Insight, who delivered our People and Culture survey, will launch the confidential audit on Tuesday 14 November with colleagues in the first phase receiving an email inviting them to take part.
You can find out more about the audit via our Workplace Stress and Wellbeing Audit SharePoint site
Although not compulsory, your participation is invaluable, as we aim to create a healthier, more supportive, and happier work atmosphere for everyone.
Tags: people and culture, People and Culture Survey, People Insight, staff wellbeing, Staff Wellbeing Strategic Plan, stress audit, stress survey, Workplace stress
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Professor Tom Rodden: welcome to my first research update
November 9th, 2023
I am delighted to share with you a research update, my first as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange.
I’m looking forward to building upon the work of my predecessors and the many colleagues across the university who support the delivery of our research strategy.
In my first few weeks in the job, I have been reminded how much fantastic research takes place at Nottingham. This is a place where we are ambitious and encourage our people to do high-risk, high-reward research.
So much good work has been done in this area, and I’m committed to work with you to drive further progress in creating an environment where all researchers can realise their potential and achieve their ambitions.
A highlight was attending the Nottingham Quantum Initiative Research Showcase, where colleagues from all five faculties and 27 schools, centres and institutes shared insights into our capabilities in quantum information science and technologies research, from how diamond quantum sensing is revolutionising how we sense the world, to the potential of high-resolution imaging in fields from medicine to manufacturing, and the implications for artificial intelligence, machine-learning and human-computer interaction in every aspect of our lives.
Representatives from funders including UKRI and Innovate UK and industry also attended and were highly impressed the interdisciplinary collaboration on show.
Another highlight demonstrating the quality of research at Nottingham is the landing two prestigious Synergy Grants from the European Research Council.
A team led by Professor Malcolm Bennett, of the School of Biosciences, and including Dr Leah Band (Biosciences and Mathematical Sciences), Dr Kevin Webb (Engineering), Dr Bipin Pandey and Dr Anthony Bishopp (both Biosciences) will receive £2.4m as part of a total €10M Synergy award.
With scientists from Norway, Germany and Israel, the team will help future-proof crops in the face of climate change by better understanding how they sense water stress and adapt to rising temperatures.
Professor Sacha Mooney and Dr Craig Sturrock of the School of Biosciences have been awarded a £325,000 Synergy grant for a project bringing together scientists from the fields of history, climatology and biology to investigate historic plague outbreaks, and what they reveal about the factors that can lead to disease spreading from animals to humans.
Thank you in anticipation of your support and goodwill. I look forward to working with you.
Best wishes
Professor Tom Rodden
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange
Read Professor Rodden’s full update
Tags: Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Professor Tom Rodden, research update
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Replacing traditional personal tutoring – project update
November 8th, 2023
The university has introduced a pilot project which sees the more traditional roles and responsibilities of Personal Tutors transformed.
The ‘Here for You Guides‘ pilot model, introduced by the School of Psychology, including the Malaysia campus, and the School of Law, is specifically tailored for first-year students.
This initiative marks a departure from the conventional personal tutoring system.
The model incorporates the assistance of Peer Guides, fellow students employed to nurture a sense of community within the cohort; Academic guides who facilitate group meetings, promoting collaborative learning and the exchange of knowledge among peers; Student Guides who triage first-year students and allow more focused support and signposting.
Dedicated spaces in both schools provide first-year students the opportunity to meet with their Academic Guides, Student Guides, and Peer Guides for effective support and community-building.
Participants in the pilot have received training covering university support services, including coaching techniques to offer high-quality assistance.
The ‘Here for You Guides‘ model aims to showcase the positive impact of a structured support system, benefiting first-year students in their educational journey within the modern university context.
The pilot also aims to ensure academic guides can prioritize supporting students with their studies, as students are effectively signposted towards appropriate services for other issues.
In close collaboration with the Getting in Shape Team and the UX team, we are actively collecting both qualitative and quantitative data to refine the ‘Here for You Guides‘ model throughout the 23/24 academic year.
The data collected will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of personal tutoring at the university. Future Campus News items will update on this data and on the project’s progress.
Dr Emma Whitt (Senior Tutor, Psychology) said: “We are excited to be a part of this pilot and to design a system that is flexible to meet the needs of our students but also allows equality of access to support when students need it.
“Peer Guides are the latest addition to the team and already have some fantastic ideas about how they will support students.”
Tags: Here for you guides, personal tutor, personal tutor project, Personal tutoring
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Researchfish 2024: get ready to report on the outcomes and impact of your funding
November 8th, 2023
Researchfish is an external, online platform that allows researchers to report to funders on the outcomes and impact of their research.
It’s an essential tool supporting the university’s research strategy and helps us demonstrate the value of more than £45bn of funding to universities from government, donors and stakeholders.
For most funders, the 2024 submission window will open on Monday 5 February 2023 and closes at 4pm on Thursday 14 March 2024.
Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said:
“In 2012, the University of Nottingham was the first research organisation to subscribe to Researchfish and demonstrating the range and depth of our partnerships with funders remains key to our vision for research at Nottingham.
“I would like to thank colleagues for their continuing support and recognition that Researchfish provides an essential platform to demonstrate how investment in our world-class research links to impact that changes lives.”
In 2023, the university increased its Researchfish compliance rate to 99.3%.You can create, edit, and attribute your outcome records in Researchfish at any time, and it’s good practice to keep them up-to-date so you are ready to submit the outcomes during the annual submission window.
For guidance please contact the Business Analysis and Reporting Team on researchoutcomes@nottingham.ac.uk or visit the RKE Business Analysis Hub Sharepoint - Researchfish for more information
Tags: Research and Knowledge Exchange, Researchfish, RKE
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EDI calendar 2023/24 published
November 7th, 2023
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team have published an updated EDI calendar for 2023/24.
We hope the EDI calendar can support everyone in our university community to plan for, participate in, celebrate, observe and remember key EDI-related events.
Creating an inclusive culture is a priority for us and we are proud of the tremendous support so many of us demonstrate in championing an environment where we can all feel safe, happy and free to be our authentic selves.
The EDI calendar can help create an inclusive work and study environment and supports the People and Culture Strategy 2023-26 aims.
Is there something missing from this page? Have you spotted something that isn’t correct? Please get in touch with us via br-edicoordinators@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.
Tags: edi, EDI Calendar
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Update to Campus Solutions and UniDocs
November 7th, 2023
The Education Administration Continuous Improvement Team (EACIT) are pleased to bring you two new updates to Campus Solutions and UniDocs.
Based on recent feedback, you told us that Campus Solutions felt a bit old fashioned and that the documents management system regularly crashed.
The new updates include:
Campus Solutions (NottinghamHub) Upgrade
Campus Solutions is getting a fresh look and feel. While you’ll notice some cosmetic changes, the core functionality you rely on remains untouched.
Your favourite features will remain where they are, ensuring a seamless transition to the updated version.
Introducing UniDocs
We’re pleased to introduce UniDocs, our new document management system replacing eDocs.
UniDocs brings improved performance, and supports mobile uploads, making document management more accessible and efficient.
When is the change happening?
These upcoming enhancements are set to launch on Monday 11 December 2023, so stay tuned and keep an eye on Campus News for more updates.
Tags: campus solutions, edocs, UniDocs
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