Campus News

UoN win the Nottingham Varsity Series for a sixth year running

May 18th, 2017

Article written by Joe Tanner, Impact Magazine’s Sports Editor originally published on Impact.

The University of Nottingham have won this year’s Nottingham Varsity Series, defeating Nottingham Trent University 12-9. The victory, sealed at Sunday’s Women’s rugby union with a 21-7 win, sees the Green and Gold triumph in the Series for a sixth consecutive year.

30 sports were played across two weeks of action before and after the University’s Easter break, in the largest Series there has ever been. The University of Nottingham were victorious at men’s and women’s volleyball, women’s futsal, women’s lacrosse, Super Wednesday (UoN), netball, water polo, mens and women’s hockey, women’s basketball,  Super Wednesday (NTU) and women’s rugby union, over the course of  14 days of sporting action in locations across Nottingham.

While there were narrow defeats in some of the high octane encounters like ice hockey and mens basketball, the Green and Gold won the majority of events across the series for the sixth year running. The achievement is a testament to the sheer depth and extent of sport on offer at the University of Nottingham, the number and quality of the sporting participants, the continual progression in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) leagues (where UoN currently stand in third) and the common goal of retaining glory for the Green and Gold against our cross-city counterparts.

The increasingly closer scoreline is a credit to Nottingham Trent’s progression in sport over the last few campaigns. NTU have climbed up to 13th in the BUCS rankings this year, a new high for the university, accumulating a 51% win rate. They are also implementing the sports scholar scheme adopted now by so many institutions across the UK. Only on Sunday, nine of their men’s rugby union players were selected to play for next season’s Nottingham Rugby squad.

2017/18 SU Sports Officer Adam Pratchett was delighted with this year’s Varsity and expects it to be even better next year. “What an incredible series! From the spectators to the staff and competitors, this has been an amazing series with UoN yet again coming out on top.”

“It was great to see David Ross Sports Village being used to its full potential on Super Wednesday with so many sports in such close proximity. This year we’ve seen the addition of new sports and continued to grow the Varsity offer. In particular I want to highlight Wheelchair Basketball which was part of Trent’s Super Wednesday this year and is our first fully inclusive Varsity sport.”

“I am incredibly excited about Varsity 2018 and I can’t wait to start work on it. From my involvement with Varsity Basketball it is clear how much time and effort goes into organising the events and I hope to carry on their amazing work. I want to thank Lauren Heria and Matt Nich0lson, along with all the staff at UoN and NTU for all their efforts. I hope Izzy and I can carry on their great work. I’m going to do my best to make Varsity 2018 bigger and better than ever.”

 The path to victory

The series took a different format this year with the sporting contest split across two separate weeks instead of the typical single block of fixtures that we have been previously used to. It all kicked off on Saturday 25th March when Trent took an early lead through a narrow 18-22 victory over the Green and Gold in rugby league.

Two wins for UoN in volleyball at Clifton Campus saw Nottingham gain a 2-1 lead the day after. The David Ross Sports Village then played host to its first ever varsity fixtures, two enthralling futsal matches at the new facility.

Kayla Kret heroically brought home the victory for UoN after her penalty to make it 2-1 in the shootout after a 0-0 draw. While in the men’s match, everybody in the crowd thought that Sam McGrath’s strike had done enough to take the game to extra time at 5-5; but a left-footed thunderbold with twenty seconds left from Trent’s Sichone made it an agonising 5-6 defeat for UoN Futsal.

3-2 it stood going into the fourth day, and a win and a defeat for UoN’s Lacrosse teams continued the Green and Gold’s slender lead at 4-3. Super Wednesday then saw the David Ross Sports Village utilised to it’s full capacity, with nine different sports taking place on one day, including handball, canoe polo, and archery. UoN brought home the point, winning 10-0 on the day to bring it up to 5-3.

Then came the big one on 30th March: Ice hockey at the Motorpoint Arena. 7,000 fans packed into the venue to witness an enthralling win for Trent as UoN’s captain Luke Watson starred in a gallant defeat for the Green and Gold. 5-4 it ended in that match and 5-4 was the score overall as we entered the Easter break.

Such a close scoreline was to be short lived, however, as action resumed on the 7th May with convincing 55-27 and 23-4 victories in netball and water polo.

Two narrow victories for hockey the day after were also followed by a massive 62-56 win for UoN team of the year Women’s Basketball 1s, as sportswoman of the year Ellie Bishop starred in a fantastic victory capping off their dominant season.

The score stood at 10-4 going into the men’s basketball match, and despite wonderful performances from James Wilson and Patricio Zapata, the Trent army came back to win 70-80.

NTU’s Super Wednesday then saw us retain the Varsity series at 11-5 with an 8-2 victory on the day in sports such as wheelchair basketball, tennis and horseball. Just one more point was needed to clinch and officially win the series, but this proved elusive with two defeats at tMeadow Lane for UoN’s women’s and men’s football teams, losing 1-0 and 2-0 after so much endeavour from both sides.

Cricket was then abandoned on May 12th due to poor weather conditions, (we will bring you immediate updates on any news of the fixture’s rearrangement). The score remained 11-7 though as UoNAF embarked on the new battleground at Harvey Hadden to face the NTU Renegades. A close game finished 12-25, with Trent increasing their lead only late in the last quarter.

The green and gold(en) moment came as the UoN Women’s Rugby Union team clinched the Varsity Series yesterday getting the University’s total up to the 12 point mark with a 21-7 victory at Lady Bay. Scenes of jubilation rang all around the Nottingham Rugby club after the double-winning victory. The men’s team were unfortunately defeated by a ruthless NTU side 34-13 to leave the overall score at 12-9.

The 12-9 victory represents another dominant year for the University of Nottingham. It has also been a fantastic one for a series which saw more university sports on show and higher attendances than ever before. With UoN and NTU continually progressing in the BUCS leagues, the standard of student sport on show is higher than ever as is the number of competitors.

The venues with matches played across Nottingham and the respective university campuses have been as impressive as ever. From Meadow Lane to Harvey Hadden, The Nottingham Varsity Series has become a massive Series of events for not just the universities or Nottingham but for the East Midlands and beyond. People were listening to University Radio Nottingham’s broadcast of the Varsity Ice Hockey from as far away as Russia!

A massive congratulations must go to the respective UoN and NTU Students Unions for the organisation of the series and to everyone who took part in it. It was a two week period to be proud of for organisers behind the scenes as well as competitors on the pitches, courts and ice, spectators in the arenas and stands and those following from afar.

Images courtesy of Impact Images.

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Study Anywhere

May 17th, 2017

Libraries, Research and Learning Resources are once again running their Study Anywhere campaign, allocating alternative study spaces to students when the libraries are full.

Throughout the exam period there will be additional designated study spaces reserved for students across our University Park, Jubilee and Sutton Bonington campuses. Rooms will be reserved every day including weekends from 9am-6pm (unless otherwise specified). The campaign will run until Saturday 10 June – the date of the final exam.

Visit the Study Anywhere webpage for more information on study spaces and please do share this with students.

During this period the libraries are also operating a 24/7 service.

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Wonder 2017: Join the fun-filled community day on 17 June

May 17th, 2017

The University of Nottingham is throwing open its doors to curious minds for a day of hands-on fun.

The Wonder event is a free family fun day that will see University Park Campus transformed into a land of discovery and adventure. The day’s packed schedule includes free activities for all ages — from incredible displays and talks to interactive experiments.

Visitors will have the chance to try out a range of activities, all designed by staff and students at the University: as a visitor this this event, you can:

  • step back 1,000 years in time to watch the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons clash in a thrilling battle
  • discover the real science behind Doctor Who
  • be put through your paces in a University’s Futsal Academy skills coaching session
  • watch fantastic footage and a live demonstration of our electric superbike
  • take part in our nature trail challenges, solving puzzles and riddles around Highfields Park
  • use a stethoscope to listen to a dog’s heart while learning about what makes dogs ‘man’s best friend’.

Debbie Henthorn, Deputy Director of Campaign and Alumni Relations, and a team from across the University are organising Wonder.

She says: “We are delighted to be welcoming the community back into the University of Nottingham this June, for our incredible brand new event.

“We care deeply about the University’s connection to the community and appreciate how many local people, businesses and partners in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire are involved in making what we do at the University possible.

“What better way to showcase the contributions that the University makes to education, research and business than opening up the campus to our community who are such an important part of our success.”

You can share the event on Facebook or tweet using the hashtag #WonderNotts. If you’re a member of a local community group or have a connection to a local school and wish to promote Wonder on websites and in newsletters,  you’ll find more information to help in our digital promotion pack.

Wonder will take place at University Park on Saturday 17 June (11am – 5pm).

 

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2017 Staff Engagement Survey nears deadline

May 17th, 2017

The University’s 2017 Staff Engagement Survey comes to a close on Friday 19 May. If you have not yet responded to the survey,  don’t miss your chance to get involved: please look out for reminder emails from Gallup with your unique survey link contained.

The survey gives you the opportunity to provide specific feedback on how you feel about working for the University of Nottingham and as of Wednesday 17 May we have achieved a 51% response rate.

Thank you to everyone who has already participated. Your responses will help make the University a better place to work. The results will provide insights into where our key strengths lie and where there is room for improvement.

Want to see how well your Faculty or Department is responding to the survey? See below for our response rates…

Arts 56%
Campaign and Alumni Relations Office 76%
Deputy Vice Chancellor’s Office 69%
Engineering 44%
Estates 13%*
Financial & Business Services 71%
Global Engagement Office 80%
Information Services 60%
Medicine and Health Sciences 57%
Nottingham Hospitality 9%*
Registrars 69%
Science 53%
Social Sciences 54%
Student Services 78%
Vice-Chancellor’s Office 78%

*Please note that Operations and Facilities staff have received paper surveys and therefore these response rates are not included within the above statistics.

For more information, please visit the Staff Engagement Survey webpage.

 

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Roads affected on University Park – BRC University Grand Prix road race

May 16th, 2017

On Sunday 21 May University Park will again be hosting the Beeston Road Club University Grand Prix road race.

The cycling event involves three 40 lap races: the first race starts on campus at 9am and the final one is expected to be completed by 3pm.

Please note that during the event there will be a clockwise one-way system in place for traffic and junctions. Key exits will be marshalled and supported by University Security.

During this time there may be slight delays in the flow of traffic on campus and the Portland Hill bus stop will be out of use throughout the duration of the day. Anyone wishing to catch a bus should therefore make their way to East Drive bus terminus.

(If you’d like to attend the event and cheer on the riders, the race event village will be located in the New Theatre garden.)

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UoN makes the Guardian University Guide’s top 20

May 16th, 2017

The University of Nottingham has been ranked #19 in the Guardian University Guide for 2018.

The table — published on Tuesday 16 May 2017 — sees the University move six places up from its previous ranking. It’s the third league table in the last year to position Nottingham in the top 20 of all UK universities.

The Guardian league tables focus on the quality of teaching, student satisfaction, and employability, issues that are vital to prospective students choosing where to study.

Dr Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University of Nottingham said: “Nottingham has long been recognised as one of the world’s top universities for the quality and breadth of our teaching and research.

“This, along with the investment we have made in our careers and recruitment service and our student services, provides a strong all round offering for students. Our NSS scores are testament to the quality of our staff and the consistent approach we take to teaching and learning.

“We’ve seen very positive results in this year’s tables which is an indication we are getting things right and I’m delighted that we are judged to be in the top 20 in so many rankings.”

The guide ranks universities according to: spending per student; the student/staff ratio; graduate career prospects; what grades applicants need to get a place; a value-added score that compares students’ entry qualifications with their final degree results; and how satisfied final-year students are with their courses, based on results from the annual National Student Survey (NSS).

Earlier this year Nottingham was ranked 18th in The Complete University Guide 2018 and 20th according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017.

The University has also been named best in the UK for graduate employment according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide.

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Love music? Get involved in a band and raise funds for Children’s Brain Tumour Research

May 16th, 2017

The hunt is on for University staff members who wish to join a band and help raise money for Life Cycle 7.

The band is being set up by a number of University co-workers, with the first planning meeting set to take place this week.

If you can play a musical instrument, sing or have previous similar experience that can be used to help organise events, you are invited to get involved.

Rehearsals will take place during lunch sessions or after work, with dates and times to be confirmed. To express your interest, please contact Lindsey Gibbs, Head of Testing, Information Services.

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Pedometer Challenge to raise funds for Life Cycle

May 16th, 2017

A Pedometer Challenge is being held this June with a number of colleagues taking part to raise money for Life Cycle 7.

At least 39 staff from Kings Meadows Campus teams (including Human Resources, Information Services, Widening Participation and Libraries, Research and Learning Resources (LRLR)) will get involved in the sponsored ‘step off’ in support of the Life Cycle campaign.

All money raised will be provided to the Children’s Brain Tumour Research at the University of Nottingham to help create a brighter future for children with brain tumours.

To get involved in the challenge, email your Impact ambassador or call:

  • Information Services: Lindsey Gibbs (extension 85604) / Sharon Martin / Sam Passingham
  • Human Resources: Vincent Bryce (extension 16808)
  • Widening Participation: Louise Hemphrey (extension 66733)

If you’d like to donate, please visit the team’s JustGiving page.

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‘Today’ programme to broadcast from Trent Quad

May 16th, 2017

BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme will visit the University of Nottingham this week as part of a series of shows recorded across the country ahead of the general election.

The programmes will explore different policy issues – with the visit to Nottingham focusing on ‘Immigration and Integration’ and how this would affect the University and Nottingham as a city.

With the producers wanting to capture a sense of university life, filming will be carried out outside Trent on Friday 19 May to record chiming from the iconic bells as well as noise from staff and students as they arrive at work/walk through the quad.

Award-winning presenter John Humphrys is also expected to interview Professor Sir David Greenaway, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nottingham on the day.

Please be aware that a radio team will be on campus from Thursday 18 May to test and set up equipment.

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Student Services roadshows — video now available

May 15th, 2017

Student Services roadshow events for spring are now completed.

In total, seven events were held across the Nottingham campuses, with over 500 attendees. Thank you to everyone who attended the sessions. We hope you found the event valuable.

If you were unable to attend one of the events in person, a Lecture Capture of the Jubilee roadshow is now available on the Business Readiness Workspace. The video is 35 minutes long.

Questions from the audience were a main element of all the sessions. Key themes were around the go-live schedule, the transfer from our current systems and access to the new Campus Solutions system.

A short document is being compiled which will summarise the common questions and issues raised and provide an update on the latest position.  This will be available on the Business Readiness Workspace.

If there are questions or concerns that you have that are not answered on the FAQs, these can be raised with the Business Readiness team.

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