Campus News
Professor Sarah Speight appointed to new TEF Panel
December 7th, 2022
The university’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience Professor Sarah Speight has been appointed to panel of academic experts in learning and teaching to carry out Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessments.
The panel brings together an impressive breadth and depth of independent academic expertise, and experience in representing students, from all parts of the higher education sector.
Their job will be to decide the ratings for providers that are due to take part in the TEF by making submissions in January 2023.
Speaking about the appointment, Professor Speight said: “A core purpose of the TEF is to encourage universities to improve student experience and student outcomes. Serving on the TEF panel will give me the opportunity to draw on my own professional experience in the assessment of how well the sector does this, it will enable me to learn from others and to develop my own educational leadership. It will be hard work, but also a privilege”.
The new panel is the latest milestone in the Office for Students’ (OfS) work to overhaul the approach to regulating quality. A third of the members are students, bringing a wide range of experience in representing the interests of students from all backgrounds.
Professor Sir Chris Husbands is the chair of the TEF Panel, which also includes:
- Two deputy chairs
- 40 academic members
- 20 student members
- Two OfS staff members
The Teaching Excellence Framework is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and student outcomes (whether students go on to managerial or professional employment, or further study).
The TEF does this by assessing and rating universities and colleges for excellence above a set of minimum requirements for quality and standards.
Providers that take part in TEF can receive an overall rating as well as two underpinning ratings – one for the student experience and one for student outcomes.
The ratings reflect the extent to which a provider delivers an excellent experience and outcomes for its mix of undergraduate students and across the range of its undergraduate courses and subjects.
Find out more about the new TEF Panel, including a full list of members here.
Tags: OfS, Teaching Excellence Framework, TEF, TEF Panel
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on Professor Sarah Speight appointed to new TEF Panel
EACIT – Improving the digital experience at UoN
December 6th, 2022
Following the recent Campus News article on changes to the Academic Work Centre, we wanted to introduce the dedicated Education Administration and Continuous Improvement Team (EACIT) responsible.
The team’s purpose – in short – is to support the university in providing an excellent student experience.
The EACIT team comprises colleagues drawn from Digital and Technology Services (DTS), Registry and Academic Affairs (RAA), External Relations, and Infosys, one of the university’s strategic partners who supports our student system programming and maintenance, plus other colleagues from across the various university campuses.
Simplifying and streamlining processes
The EACIT team focus on reducing the complexity of university systems and processes (including the steps we take to make things happen) where Campus Solutions is at the heart of the student journey, making them as simple and as streamlined as possible.
In recent months, the team have successfully:
- Identified and deployed a simple email solution that confirms when students have completed registration, significantly reducing support requests at this busy time of year
- Upgraded systems to ensure Online Module Enrolment (OME) and other high volume system activities have greater capacity and perform better for staff and students. For example, in 2020, the enrolment form was accessed 1200 times in the first hour of OME and there were thousands of failed logins. In 2022, there were 20,000 successful logins in the first hour.
- Made marks visible in the Academic Work Centre.
- Updated the system to better support graduation in summer 2022.
Taidhgh O’Regan, Product Director within EACIT comments “Our focus is on solving problems, and improving staff, and our students’ experience. We are continually looking to improve the university’s student administration systems and processes, exploring all people, process and technology related options.”
“Our Vision is to help the University of Nottingham pave the way for exceptional student experience, being a leader in the Higher Education sector, by reducing ‘pain points’ in the administration of students and particularly student records, where Campus Solutions is at the core.”
“This of course doesn’t come without challenge. As a large, inter-continental organisation with a complex web of interlocking services and stakeholders, collaboration is key. We continue to champion and implement new and collaborative ways of working that empowers colleagues to radically improve the way services are provided and student records are managed.”
Looking forward
The University Council confirmed three years of funding from 1st August 2022. We are focusing the spend on people working with colleagues across the University to help us change process, address system issues and substantially reduce the problems experienced by students and staff.
Focus now is in three core areas:
- Assessment (the challenges with management of resits, resit timetable generation and wider assessment issues). In addition to the technical work, EACIT has established a joint programme of work on assessment issues with Registry and Academic Affairs.
- Admissions (replacement of the Online Admissions Application and the decision screens behind it to support direct (including PGR) student applications).
- Students on Variable Institutional Pathways (students who interrupt, are on mobility programmes, or transfer for example often have many challenges with their records and that damages their experience)
How can I find out more?
Should you wish to learn more about the EACIT team and their ongoing activities, there are several resources and opportunities available to all staff:
- The EACIT SharePoint site which contains recent news, information on ways of working and a link to the list of requests and work in progress.
- Anyone is welcome to attend fortnightly update meetings (Weds 8:00 and 16:00) – email for an invitation BR-EACI@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk with ‘Update Call’ in the subject line.
- Discuss the content of six weekly faculty user group meetings with colleagues. EACIT and RAA regularly present on work in progress, etc. at these meetings.
- The Product Director, Taidhgh, is also happy to meet with colleagues to discuss further, please use the email address above to get in touch.
Tags: EACIT, Education Administration and Continuous Improvement Team
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on EACIT – Improving the digital experience at UoN
Guest EDI blog: Faith and religion at the university
December 6th, 2022
At this time of year, with members of our university community having just celebrated Diwali and others looking ahead to Hanukkah and Christmas, many of us explore the important role of faith and religion in our lives.
In this blog members of the university’s multi-faith chaplaincy and faith support team share their thoughts and highlight some of the services they offer all year round to every member of our community.
Tags: edi, EDI blog, faith and religion, Guest EDI blog, inclusivity
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on Guest EDI blog: Faith and religion at the university
Financial wellbeing web pages launched
December 6th, 2022
The university has put together a webpage with resources detailing the support for colleagues to support and improve their financial wellbeing.
Resources include support directly provided by the university such as the Employee Assistance Programme, the Wellbeing Hub, travel to work options and staff discounts at many national/local retailers.
There are also links to useful resources such as government support packages, The Money & Pension Service and other organisations who may be able to provide support.
Visit the financial wellbeing webpages .
Tags: finance, financial support, staff support
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on Financial wellbeing web pages launched
Stay fit with Staff Active’s sport offers and Moves+ app
December 6th, 2022
Staff Active (formerly Staff Sport) is expanding its weekly sport offers exclusively for University of Nottingham staff from all campuses.
Staff Active currently offers weekly Staff Netball, Football, Badminton, Squash, Tennis, Climbing and Golf in the winter months, with more activities to be added in the summer months.
Sessions are free to UoN Sport members or only £3 for non-members with all abilities and experience welcome.
Our sessions are run by a mix of staff volunteers and university sports clubs and can be made adaptable/ inclusive to those who require this.
Staff Active is also looking to expand to offer more than just sport and offer physical activity opportunities to staff as a whole or as a department in the coming months.
Find out more on the Staff Active webpages.
Moves+ App
The Moves+ app is also a great opportunity for staff to get active and stay connected throughout the winter with groups and challenges exclusively for staff.
The Moves+ app is compatible with Apple, Fitbit, Google, Garmin and Strava to help track your physical activity – whether it be walking, running, cycling or swimming.
Staff can earn points by moving more and taking part in challenges – including the Staff Walk or Run to Winter Wonderland Challenge starting on Thursday 1 December and the 12 days of Christmas challenge starting Tuesday 13 December.
Find out more about the Moves+ App.
Tags: Moves app, Moves+, Staff active, staff sports
Posted in Announcements, News | 2 Comments »
UNNC reopens for online teaching
December 6th, 2022
The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) has reopened and teaching has recommenced online following a small number of Covid-19 cases.
A recent rise in Covid-19 has affected many universities and organisations across China and saw local health authorities temporarily close the campus to minimise the spread of the virus.
The UNNC Management Board, led by UNNC Provost Professor Nick Miles, has worked closely with the regional health authorities who have instigated daily PCR testing and quarantine arrangements which are part of the legal requirements for managing Covid-19 in China.
This process, coupled with staff working 24/7 to realise the university’s campus contingency plan, has ensured infections have remained at a very low number among UNNC’s population of staff and students.
As no further cases have been identified for eight consecutive days the campus has reopened for a period of cleaning and recovery. The majority of students have returned from central quarantine either to their homes or campus and catering outlets have been able to reopen with dine-in options.
Teaching has resumed online and will remain so until the end of the semester. In-person teaching and activities are expected to resume on campus after Chinese New Year for the start of the next semester.
Staff and students are being supported and their safety and wellbeing is paramount. Should colleagues receive enquiries from staff or students in China, they should be directed to the dedicated contact points set up by UNNC to raise concerns:
- Students: student2020@nottingham.edu.cn
- Staff: staff2020@nottingham.edu.cn
- Parents: parents2020@nottingham.edu.cn
UNNC Provost Professor Nick Miles once again thanked staff for their hard work and students for their patience in observing the testing and quarantine arrangements implemented by the health authorities:
“UNNC staff have continued to place the priority on the welfare of students and staff, ensuring their health and safety, and that their basic needs are met.
“It has been a huge team effort to get the campus reopened and I am delighted that we have been able to resume teaching and learning so quickly.
I remain incredibly grateful for the way our community has conducted itself during this challenging time and continues to adhere to the measures the health authorities have put in place.
“We will continue to keep all students and staff at UNNC posted as the situation progresses.”
Tags: COVID-19, Ningbo, Ningbo Campus, UNNC
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on UNNC reopens for online teaching
What does it mean to be a nature positive university?
December 6th, 2022
The university is growing its biodiversity efforts and pledging to become a nature positive university – but we need your help.
We’re set to become a founding member of the Nature Positive Universities Alliance, an initiative led by the UN Environment Programme and the University of Oxford, which will be announced at COP15 in Canada.
This underscores our commitment to reversing nature loss so that species and ecosystems start to recover. There will be opportunities to help with surveying, developing initiatives and assessing the impact of the university’s activities.
Throughout December the university aims to plant over 800 trees and hedges to increase biodiversity and habitats, help remove CO2 from the atmosphere, and soak up rainwater.
This is where you come in. We’re calling on students, researchers and staff to help with the planting.
Tree planting at Riverside Sports Complex
Saturday 10 December, from 10am
Contact Sean Nolan to confirm your attendance
We’re planting over 300 trees and 10 different species around the perimeter of the Riverside playing fields in collaboration with UoN Sustainability and UoN Sport. This is to offset the CO2 emissions created by teams travelling to BUCS Big Wednesday 2022.
The tree-planting will create a more wildlife friendly area of the edge of some of Nottingham’s industrial areas, with further planting taking place over the next five years.
You don’t need to bring anything – just make sure you’re wearing something you don’t mind getting dirty!
CANCELLED: Hedge planting on University Park
Wednesday 14 December, 1.30pm-3pm
Meet at the Forever Stars Serenity Garden
A new species-rich hedgerow is being established near Florence Boot Hall. This will improve biodiversity by increasing the range of habitats and food available to wildlife, including invertebrates and small mammals. Sowing wildflower seed alongside this will attract more wildlife and provide food for insects – as well as seasonal colour.
No construction materials will be needed, with everything being repurposed from elsewhere on our campuses, including timber and soil. You don’t need to bring anything – just make sure you’re wearing something you don’t mind getting dirty!
To keep up to date with ways of getting involved, subscribe to the Sustainable Nottingham newsletter.
Our conversation sessions take place on Wednesday afternoons and are open to everyone.
Tags: biodiversity, hedge planting, nature positive university, sustainability, Sustainable Nottingham, tree planting
Posted in Announcements, Environment, News | Comments Off on What does it mean to be a nature positive university?
Teaching and Learning Conference 2023: register and submit an abstract
December 5th, 2022
The call to attend and contribute to the university’s annual Teaching and Learning Conference is now open.
This year’s conference will be held on Wednesday 26 April 2023, Monica Partridge Building, with in-person, hybrid, and online options available across campuses (UNUK, UNNC & UNM).
Click here to register for a place at the Teaching and Learning Conference 2023
A wide range of contributions are welcome from across job families, campuses, and disciplines that speak to the conference focus: Student Engagement and Partnership.
We particularly encourage collaboration and co-creation between staff and students.
UNUK colleagues and/ or students, click for full guidance and to submit an abstract
UNNC and UNM colleagues and/ or students, click for full guidance and to submit an abstract
The deadline for submissions is Friday 24 February 2023 and the final programme will be confirmed in April 2023. Please find full details on the Conference Webpage.
The Student Engagement and Partnership theme central to this year’s conference also underpins a series of SoTL Talks (online) launching early 2023, and threads through both 2022/23 UoN TeachFest’s (in-person only UK campus).
Posted in Announcements, News, Opportunities, Teaching | Comments Off on Teaching and Learning Conference 2023: register and submit an abstract
Volunteers needed for student Oasis Breakfast Club
December 5th, 2022
The university is looking for colleague volunteers to help deliver our free Oasis Breakfast Club for students, run by the Chaplaincy Team.
To help students with the current rising cost of living, a free breakfast and support service will be available every morning before the start of lectures.
Staff are needed to help out from Monday to Friday, 7.30am – 10am in A29 Portland Building, with:
- Setting up breakfast items
- Welcoming and chatting to students
- Signposting to other welfare support, if needed
- Helping to tidy away
- Tracking attendees and contributing to evaluation processes
If you are interested in volunteering, please clear it with your line manager first to discuss adjusting hours to help, before contacting Laura Henderson.
You will then be added to a Teams site where you can sign up to the rota.
The Oasis Breakfast Club, is a collaborative project between the Chaplaincy Team, the Students’ Union and Students and Campus Life Team.
Students in self-catered accommodation can also find free cereal bars, smoothies and more at the breakfast club.
This is also available on Sutton Bonington for all students.
Students should keep an eye on our Residential Experience webpage as these events will take place once every two weeks.
Tags: Breakfast club, Cost of Living support, Oasis breakfast club, staff volunteering, staff volunteers, support for students, volunteering
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on Volunteers needed for student Oasis Breakfast Club
Changes to call recordings – IT Service Desk to begin recording all calls
December 5th, 2022
To continually improve digital support for staff and students here at the University of Nottingham, Digital Technology Services (DTS) have announced that all calls to the IT Service Desk will be recorded moving forward.
At present, only calls received during business hours are recorded, but this will now be extended to cover calls to the university’s out-of-hours service, which is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Having access to call recordings will allow DTS to enhance their support service, improve quality and training, and troubleshoot more efficiently.
DTS will be implementing the change on Monday 12 December 2022.
Here at the university, data protection and information security are paramount, and we therefore ensure all call recordings adhere to strict data policies.
Should you have any questions relating to IT Service Desk call recordings, please contact Head of Customer Service, Simon Henshaw.
Tags: call centre, Customer service, DTS, IT Service Desk
Posted in News | Comments Off on Changes to call recordings – IT Service Desk to begin recording all calls