Life October 2013

Life Online

www.beds.ac.uk Email

life@beds.ac.uk

@uobnews

October 2013

How studying at Beds changed Nichola’s life Page 3

Your guide to Beds SU Pages 4-5

Interview with Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell Pages 8-9

“Once-in-a-lifetime” 150 students visit China

PAGE 7

Online

News

www.beds.ac.uk

INTERNATIONAL media have picked up interest in a range of the University’s research this summer.

Two of the stories to catch the eye included research into Parkinson’s Disease – which featured in the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mirror and on ITV Anglia, as well as numerous local newspapers – and into the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which featured on the BBC Sport website, talkSPORT radio, and many newspapers and websites.

Parkinson’s Cure “Closer” P

ARKINSON ’S disease is “one step closer to a cure” thanks to stem cell research at the University.

Scientists are now able to identify the contribution of different elements inside a single brain cell which are responsible for the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Dr Bushra Ahmed and a team of research students identified that Parkinson’s Sufferers’ brain cells (neurons) are dying. This is because the neurons in the brain’s movementcontrol region cannot detoxify the harmful substances produced during metabolic reactions.

The next step now is to take the giant leap into protecting a cell from death which may ultimately lead to discovering a cure.

During Dr Ahmed’s research it was uncovered that Parkinson’s sufferers’ neurons are overloaded with excessive everyday toxic by-products.

These by-products (the oxidative process –

when oxygen combines with other molecules) are harmlessly managed in a healthy individual.

But Parkinson’s sufferers’ neurons are damaged when they meet.

This process is known as Oxidative stress.

It is the Oxidative Stress which causes Parkinson’s sufferers’ brain cells to die, and this leads to messages that control movement and balance to be disrupted.

The team distinguished the ‘damaging connection’ after creating specific neurons that make dopamine (the chemical messenger/‘happy hormone’) with stem cell technology.

“My aim was to identify what specific elements inside the cell are responsible for cell death in this way,” said Dr Ahmed, from the Department of Life Sciences.

“What we have found far exceeded expectations in terms of firmly identifying the key factors in the causes of Parkinson’s

disease. This research is undoubtedly a great leap forward in the race for a cure, as we can now begin to develop methods of protecting these areas and preventing the damage synonymous with this condition.”

The Principal Lecturer in Biochemistry and Course Leader for Biomedical Science added: “What is even more beneficial is that our students played such a key role in such an early part of their careers, and that not only have we been able to provide them with the necessary skills for life after studying, but also the achievement of gaining academic credit.”

Using her current research Dr Ahmed hopes to continue onto the next stage, and uncover methods of preventing this damaging process from occurring, which will lead to the ability of minimising the deterioration seen in the brains of Parkinson’s sufferers, and prevent symptoms from manifesting. l For further information, visit www.beds.ac.uk

Qatar 2022 ‘can be held in Summer’

S

IR Bobby Robson’s England World Cup 1990 sports scientist, Professor John Brewer, who heads the University’s Sports Science department, believes Qatar 2022 can still be held in the summer.

However, the University’s research has shown that Premier League and Football League 2022 programmes will have to be cut short in order to avoid FIFA’s plan of holding the Cup in the winter.

England would also need to travel to Qatar at least a month in advance, if they are to stand

Communications and events Team contacts Now based at The Atrium, Park Street West, Luton.

any chance of success.

Professor Brewer says the studies – held in the Bedford campus Environmental Chamber, which match Qatar’s conditions – show players’ bodies can only adapt to the extreme conditions if a lot of preparations are made.

To complement the acclimatisation process, Professor Brewer believes England would also need to develop a slower and more intricate

style of play, similar to that of Spain, as a high-tempo game could not be “sustained for 90 minutes”.

"If you like to see a style of play that sees the ball being passed around at a lower-tempo, then I think that's what we'll see in Qatar,” he said.

"Countries used to playing at a low-tempo in hot conditions will hold an advantage."

The Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar

Nick Sheppard Head of Communications & Events Nick.Sheppard@beds.ac.uk

Simon Wesson Communications Assistant simon.wesson@beds.ac.uk

Paddy Day Communications Assistant Patrick.Day@beds.ac.uk

Kevin Cunningham Communications Officer kevin.cunningham@beds.ac.uk

Nick Hamilton-Brain Communications Administrator Nickolas.Hamilton-Brain@beds.ac.uk

Nadia March Events Manager nadia.march@beds.ac.uk

02 Life – October 2013

Lucy Cook Events Administrator lucy.cook@beds.ac.uk

Do you have a news story?

Please contact the Comms team.

Email

life@beds.ac.uk

News

How studying at Beds changed Nichola’s Life “IF

you really, really want something, and you put everything into it, you’ll do whatever it takes to achieve it.”

Those were the words of Nichola Little, who attained a remarkable First Class Honours in Criminology.

Nichola’s achievements came despite having to bring up four children on her own, one of whom, daughter Lene, is “always smiling” even though she has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, which means she cannot speak, has to wear splints and wakes up every few hours during the night.

“At times it was very difficult,” said the 29-year-old, who was “utterly shocked” when she was presented with the Dean’s Prize for the best performance across the HSS faculty in Applied Social Sciences at her graduation ceremony at St Mary’s Church, in Luton in July (pictured below).

“Looking back now I really don’t know how I did it.

“But throughout, even when I was really stressed and tired, and even when I felt like packing it in and, when I had my bad moments, I had to remember why I was doing it – the thought of making a better future for me and my children.

“And to be honest I only ever really expected a 2:2. When a First came through the post I simply couldn’t believe it. I kept thinking I’d get a notification saying that they had made a mistake! I was just so happy.”

The Wixams resident’s challenge was made that bit harder by the fact that she

Nichola with her children Elley, 11 and Elise, 9 (at back) Teala, 3 and Lene 10, (front)

doesn’t drive.

She had to drop her children – now aged between 11 and three – off to childminders at 7am, before getting a bus to Bedford and then a train into Luton.

“It was a bit of a balancing act; I certainly didn’t have much of a social life during those three years! It was also quite difficult for my children, but now they’re a bit older, they understand more and they appreciate that university really is important and it doesn’t last forever.”

Nichola, who was joined by her

mum and dad and her eldest daughter Elley at her “special” graduation ceremony, added: “I absolutely loved going to university and I made lots of new friends.

“The learning spaces at Bedfordshire are second-tonone and I’ve really enjoyed my lectures and learned so much.

The University has a great atmosphere. To begin with, coming to university as a mature student was a bit daunting, but, throughout, the tutors have been very supportive to me and all the

other students on the course.”

Nichola is currently enjoying a well-earned break, but admits to “already missing university” and she plans to do a Master’s in Criminology, when the University launches that course.

“My studies have really broadened my career horizons,” she added.

“Originally I was just looking at going into the Probation Service as a career, but now I’m now actively looking to work in youth services. The course has just opened up so much to me.”

Life – October 2013 03

Online

Feature

Your

guide T

M

AGAZINE, LOUD!, will cover all the topics on students’ minds this year.

The glossy is fairly new to the University, with its first edition coming out before the end of last term.

The monthly publication replaced former magazine, Blend, with the focus on becoming a voice for the undergraduates and postgraduates at the University.

LOUD! is run as part of a student society, and the members include Davina Kumal, Prateek Mathur, Grace Wills, Kayla SimpsonGeorge, and Heather Ivatt, who are undergraduates studying on a range of the journalism courses available at Bedfordshire.

Heading the team is Jack White.

The third-year Magazine Journalism student said: “Being the editor of LOUD! is great, we’re providing a voice for the students, which is so important.

“I’m so happy with the direction LOUD! is going in and I’m looking forward to seeing it continue to grow.”

The 22-year-old added: “I want LOUD! to be one of the best student magazines and I think it’s definitely going in that direction.

The look and the voice of the magazine is a lot more fun than most. It’s important to remember the audience: students don’t want boring!”

If you’re a journalism or creative writing student, or just love writing, then LOUD! wants to hear from you. Message them on Facebook via www.facebook. comTheLOUDMagazine, or email jackwh90@hotmail.co.uk

04 Life – October 2013

www.beds.ac.uk

HE focus for Beds Students’ Union (SU) this year is to encourage students to ‘thinkBIG’, and ‘go green’.

The University of Bedfordshire’s SU, like the many other SUs around the country, represent the many voices of the students.

The Union is headed-up by four Sabbatical Officers – Daniel Login, Kristian Browne, Paige Walker and Rabiaa Rahman-Quereshi – who are elected by the students every year, to ensure the student voice can be heard at every level of the University.

The team, which work alongside paid staff and student officers, thrive to provide services to ensure Bedfordshire’s students’ experiences are as good as they can be.

They aim to listen to the students and campaign for change.

The Union also offers students confidential welfare provision, opportunities to have fun, find help and advice, and enhance their employability – providing volunteering opportunities in a wide range of local and national

Beds SU Sabbatical Officers for 2013-14 (from left) Kristian Browne, Paige Walker, Rabiaa Rahman-Quereshi and Beds SU President Daniel Login

community organisations as well as opportunities within the Students’ Union and the University.

After listening to the views of more than 2,000 students last year – which helped form the values, vision and mission of Beds SU and its strategy for the next five years – Beds SU has already installed some projects for 2013/14.

One key focus is the thinkBIG campaign, which is encouraging students to communicate back about the best areas of their education, the areas for improvement and the new ideas they want installed, to help the University “grow”.

“Every student has a responsibility to feedback on their University experience,” said Laura Bright, Education and

Representation Manager.

“The development of your courses and your University depends on you as there is nobody better placed to communicate what it’s like to be a student at Bedforshire than you.”

Students should feed this information back to their course reps – for more information visit www.bedssu.co.uk/representation Another 2013/14 campaign is the Bedfordshire Green Hub – which will see a pop-up eco hub tour the local community to encourage everyone to go green.

Beds SU is looking for students to get involved with the NUS-backed project, which, of many events, will see a Dragon’s Den style event – where students will have the opportunity to bid for funding so they can lead their own green projects.

Other green campaigns will include Student Eats, where students are encouraged to grow their own produce. l For more information about the SU, visit www.bedssu.co.uk or attend the Freshers’ Week, where a vast array of information will be on offer.

Email

life@beds.ac.uk

Feature

Student Officers

l FRESH for the 2013/14 term is the SU’s new website, where students can join sports clubs and societies at the click-of-abutton.

Pictured is the homepage which demonstrates that students can now enjoy easier navigation and have vast amounts of information (including a news page, updated regularly) at their fingertips.

The site, which focuses on the student community, has been designed by the SU’s Marketing and Communications team in conjunction with the National Union of Students.

In addition to the Sabbatical Officers (pictured below), students also elect Student Officers to represent specific areas. These positions are parttime and open to all students to run for a term in office.

Bedford Officers •Lauren Sherlock - Campaigns Officer •Robbie Logue - Entertainments Officer •Khurshid Ahmad - International Students Officer •Karen Kennedy - LGBT Officer •Vic Copperthwaite - RaG Officer •Laura Woodruff - Sports Officer Luton Officers •Rani Issac - Campaigns Officer •Simona Tanvuia - Disabilty Officer •Homira Eezai - Entertainments Officer •Kanwal Fatima - International Students Officer •Sarah Hough - LGBT Officer •Jordan Lewis - RaG Officer •Chloe Baxter - Sports Officer Why become an officer?

“Becoming an officer gives students the opportunity to lead a large organisation that helps to support and make a difference at the University.

These challenging roles, give the students a unique and rewarding experience and helps them boost their CV to give them an edge in future employment.

Above all, you get to meet new people, learn new skills and have fun,” Laura Bright, Education and Representation Manager, Beds SU.

Bulls round-up for success!

T

HE University’s sports team – the Bedfordshire Bulls – is looking to achieve a top 60 status in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) table for the first time ever this year.

John O’Brien, Student Activities Manager, helps run the Bulls and said he is confident that the University can reach a new milestone.

“Last year, our first as ‘the collective Bedfordshire Bulls’, we had seven league winners and two cup winners and a National Trophy finalist and we are looking for more of the same this year,” he said.

New teams this year include lacrosse and water polo in Bedford and badminton, squash, table tennis and tennis in Luton.

To participate and join, and for the full list of the teams, visit www.bedssu.co.uk/sport October’s Freshers’ Fayres on Wednesday 2, in Bedford, and Friday 4, in Luton, will also give students the chance to sign up.

John added: “You don’t have to play to become a Bedfordshire Bull; come down to the matches and support YOUR University, visit our Facebook page: Bedfordshire Bulls or follow us on twitter @bedsunibulls for all the fixture information.”

Charities chosen for RaG

T

HE Multiple Sclerosis Society Luton and Bedford, and the Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children will receive the backing of the Beds SU’s Raise and Give (RaG) Society this year.

RaG is a nationwide campaign which universities participate in to raise as much money as possible for charity.

Last academic year Beds SU RaG raised £8,012 for four charities through a series of fun events, including a Jailbreak (where students had to get as far as possible on a budget of nothing), a Super Bowl party, and a Man vs Food eating challenge.

Now the team is looking to raise even

more, and Victoria Copperthwaite has been brought into run RaG campaigns at the Bedford campus.

Luton RaG Officer Jordan Lewis said: “Picking this year’s charities was a difficult decision as we received so many applications from very deserving charities but these two charities really stood out.

“Not only were their proposals fantastic but they both stood out as worthy recipients who would really benefit from the money we raise.” l To get involved with RaG or to hold an event yourself, email jordan.lewis@study.beds.ac.uk or victoria.copperthwaite@study.beds.ac.uk

Life – October 2013 05

Online

News

www.beds.ac.uk

Mixed Bag Project

A

Trio raise thousands for charities

L

ands End to John O’Groats is a journey that many of us wouldn’t fancy driving.

However Sophy Bassett, a senior lecturer in Physical Education, and Bedfordshire alumnae Ali Hayes and Donna Neely actually cycled the 1,023 miles in a bid to raise funds for charity.

The 18 day quest was part of the trios’ ‘3 Challenges for 3 Charities for 2 Survivors in 1 Year’ mission, which has been collecting funds for Victim Support, East Anglian Air Ambulance and Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.

With a 40 mile, 12 hour walk from Bedford to Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s Hospital already under their belts, a mammoth bike ride formed the second part of the project.

“I feared the ride was going to be a bit of a struggle beforehand, but I felt myself getting fitter and fitter over the duration,” said Sophy, who joined the University in 2002.

“The journey was not without its moments, however. I first had to get used to reading the map whilst it was strapped to my handlebars, which led to a few wrong turns on the undulating Cornish Hills in the beginning.

“Then riding through Lancashire in the second week, we could barely see due to passing cars kicking spray up into our faces from the torrential rain.

“The scariest point of the trip came in the third week when we had to catch a ferry from mainland Scotland to the Isle of Arran. With time against us, we took a shortcut that brought us onto an extremely busy dual carriageway full of lorries.

“But I’m in no doubt that I’d attempt both challenges again.”

06 Life – October 2013

So far they have amassed some £8,000, but their aim is to raise £25,000 in total for the three charities, which are close to their hearts.

Sophy’s colleague Mo Lea, is a survivor of a Peter Sutcliffe* attack and regularly raises funds for Victim Support. The groups’ friend Brett Anthony was involved in a horrific zip wire accident and was left paralysed, but survived thanks to a swift response from the air ambulance and Addenbrook’s Hospital.

“The motivation of seeing Brett at the start in Lands End and Mo at John O’Groats at the end was unbelievable.

“There’s no doubting there were hard days but we just had to dig deep and remember who we were doing it for.”

The final challenge will be a kayak from Bedford to The Wash, which is due to go-ahead in Spring 2014. l To add to their funds, and for more information visit facingyourlimits.com *The story of Mo Lea is available by searching on the BBC website.

DULTS with learning disabilities are on a route to employment thanks to a project spearheaded by University students.

Social Work students Kruger Du Toit and Katie Baker have set up the Mixed Bag Project – a market stall business which is solely run by adults with learning disabilities, who have been supported by councils and other organisations around Bedfordshire.

The Project sells a selection of handcrafted products (including jewellery, foods, mosaics, hand stitched bags, cards, and dolls) made by local charities and other support organisations.

It was launched after second-year student Kruger worked on a placement at Bedford Borough Council’s Supported Employment Team, with Katie working on a voluntary sector craft project, now trading as Craft Arcadia.

Both work placements formed part of their undergraduate course.

“At the borough council we were responsible for focusing on finding employment or voluntary opportunities for adults with learning disabilities,” said Kruger, whose student placement project recently came to an end.

“We started to notice that it was very difficult for adults with learning disabilities to get any work whatsoever. So we decided to pull together a group of those interested in becoming market traders and setup an organisation ourselves. And so far the initiative has been brilliant for helping people overcome the barriers which they were previously facing.”

Currently the Mixed Bag Project is providing work for 10 people who have been supported by both Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Council.

This academic year, the next contingency of second year Social Work students will take hold of the project and the aim is to get the Mixed Bag Project to continue to grow as a business and as online market traders.

“The principle of continuity is crucial,” added the mature student, who originates from South Africa.

“Everything is in place for Mixed Bag to work like a business and it is now a Community Interest Company; in fact Mixed Bag participants are regarded as part of the employment sector now too.

“Currently the project shares a negotiated profit percentage with the organisations which make the goods.”

Picture shows Kruger (left) with Clark Young, who is one of the 10 people working on the Mixed Bag Project.

Email

life@beds.ac.uk

News Students visiting the Bird’s Nest, Beijing National Stadium

Jump for joy: Bedfordshire students on the China Summer School trip

Adventure of a lifetime S

OME 150 students have benefited from a “once-in-a-lifetime” exchange visit to China this summer.

Batches of groups set-off to the Far East in August and September for two-weeks and have returned with some fantastic memories.

The exchange, which cost the University £250,000, was intended to raise students’ cultural and social awareness.

Zuhela Hussain certainly believes it did.

“I feel I have matured slightly even if it was only over two weeks,” said Zuhela, who is studying to teach English as a foreign language.

“Its made me want to explore more of the world.

“I interacted with people who I never normally would have.

“So many personal changes occurred, and I learned to communicate better with Chinese, and among the group too.

“I think it would be fair to say some long lasting friendships were made.”

The trip, which was a first for UK Higher Education, included two groups visiting Beijing, and another two visiting Guangzhou and Nanjing.

Students stayed at the International College Beijing – part of China Agricultural University, pictured below, and among the activities were classes in language, kung-fu, fashion and history, as well as visits to the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, the Bird’s Nest and various other sites.

BA Business Studies undergraduate Olaide Olaiya went on the exchange to improve her future career path.

She said learning the language, visiting historical sites, and taking part in a host of activities opened her mind to learning new things.

“The University gave me an opportunity of a lifetime; the trip opened-my-eyes briefly to

the way of trade, living and most importantly the culture. It was an adventure of a lifetime and without the uni I would never have had this opportunity.

“Visiting China has made me want to visit more places and explore the world more; I now see the world in a different perspective.

“Before going I didn’t know what to expect but the warm atmosphere and the lovely people made my trip a memorable one and if I have the opportunity again, I will definitely be going back.”

Rabiaa Rahman-Quereshi, Beds SU Vice President of Democracy and Diversity, was in attendance and said the visit was “inspirational”.

“It made me realise just how big of a culture shock it must be coming to the University as an international student. It took a while to adjust, and that was just to be there for two weeks, so to come here to study really must be something,” she added.

Life – October 2013 07

Online

Interview

www.beds.ac.uk

Vice Chancellor reflects The University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell took over the reins at the University one year ago.

Kevin Cunningham met with the University’s chief to reflect on his first year in charge, his current priorities and his ambitions for the University for the new academic year.

Q

One year in, what have been your personal highlights?

A

“I inherited a strong university but we need to do more, particularly in improving the student experience, and I think if I’ve achieved one thing over the past year it is to get the message out at all levels that the student experience is our number one priority. It is the key feature of our new five-year strategic plan.

“I was also very pleased to see that so many staff understand that the student experience is key for our University. This was demonstrated by the fact that 85 per cent of respondents to this year’s staff survey acknowledged that we are prioritising it.

“We’ve started to make some progress as indicated through the latest National Student Survey (NSS) results. This year’s results show the University increased student participation by six per cent, compared to 2012, and we achieved our best results ever, since the NSS began in 2005.

“In response to student feedback we’ve launched: l 24/7 libraries. l The Pub in the Hub – a long-standing desire by students – at the Bedford campus earlier this year. l Our China Summer School initiative visit, where 150 Bedfordshire students have visited China for a two-week exchange. With incredibly positive feedback (see story on page 7). I see this as a prime example of how to develop the global skills, resilience and confidence our graduates really need.

“We are becoming better at listening to the student voice – we’re leading this in the UK university sector by last month including the President of Beds SU on the Vice Chancellor’s Executive Group for the first time, which builds a real momentum of listening to students, and responding to them quickly.”

Q

Why are you making the student experience your top priority?

A

“One reason is out of my fundamental belief that it’s just the right thing to do. I think you offer the best educational opportunities if you engage with students as partners. That way they can have a real influence over the kind of education that they receive. I’m a very strong believer in that happening.

“Secondly, we have to respond to the business model needs and challenges that universities

08 Life – October 2013

across the country are facing. We only survive and thrive in the higher education sector by demonstrating we are delivering a first rate student experience.”

Why should students come to Bedfordshire or opt to enter higher education, when there are other options available when leaving school such as apprenticeships?

Q

A

“At Bedfordshire we’re prioritising the student experience in the quality of facilities and teaching we offer. You will see we are investing some £50 million in a new library at Luton. The upcoming redevelopment at Bedford campus is valued at more than £25 million. We have to be developing the best possible environment for students to learn and thrive.

“We are establishing a much better delineated careers and employability offer to students.

This includes additional practice-based learning opportunities and more internships.

If students undertake an internship, they are more likely to get on and into the world of work.

“I’m a fan of apprenticeships but they’re not a substitute for going to university. We are investigating the benefits of higher level apprenticeships as a stepping stone through to higher education, but we need to continue to promote the benefits of higher education at every opportunity.

“The package we offer at Bedfordshire is not simply confined to teaching and learning. We offer a whole host of support services to help students’ development, and most importantly, helping them raises their confidence.

Initiatives being rolled out for students later this year include: l The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme to ALL students, so more students learn from one another. l Professional Academic Development (PAD) is being expanded with additional academic skills (study skill and numeracy) support offered to students. l A revised and expanded personal tutoring system, enabling personal tutors to have the skills to provide more help and support to students. l A new communications course for international students in addition to the existing Communications Skills courses.

I want to explore introducing this course

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell

Email

life@beds.ac.uk

Interview

on his first year out to our home students too next year, as good communications skills are vital in developing personal confidence and assertiveness, and giving students the edge in the world of work.”

How do you see the University’s international dimension evolve over the coming years?

Q A

“I want Bedfordshire to continue to be a multicultural, multinational and multiethnic University. This offers real advantages, bringing people together from different faiths, beliefs and nationalities, all living together.

“However, we need to do more to integrate international students with home students so there is less separation. Over the coming year there will be more University events and opportunities to bring all students together.

“Trans National Education continues to be very strong at Bedfordshire. We have established some six international partnerships to date, which offer real benefits to the University, as an important revenue stream and also presenting fantastic student opportunities to travel overseas, such as on our China Summer School. Bedfordshire can increasingly provide a unique offer to current, and future students, to undertake a short period of time studying overseas at one of our partner colleges.

“China is the growing global superpower, with a population of more than 1 billion people.

It is a really attractive market to UK students and somewhere the University is particularly interested in developing further links with.

However, other international opportunities are also being explored all the time.”

Is the University investing in new buildings to fill spaces or are we trying to raise teaching standards?

Q A

“I’d say both. We’re spending money on facilities because that’s what students expect and deserve. We also need our students and academics to aspire to do their best. The best facilities help this to happen. I also want more students to achieve 2:1s and 1st class honours degrees and to believe they can succeed.

“The grading system at the University is not the easiest to understand, so from this October we are introducing a new calculator where students can find out where they sit within the degree classification boundaries. For example, if they find they are at the top of the 2:2 boundaries, the calculator will help them identify what they need to do to gain a 2:1.”

What is your desired outcome of the current increased investment and recruitment in staff at the University?

Q A

“We’re investing an additional £5 million in 91 new staff this year. I want us to have the best academics and research staff at our University because: 1.It helps us improve the quality of what we deliver, so we’re recruiting the best academics we can.

2. It helps us meet the Research Excellence Framework criteria – the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education. This is a really important revenue stream for the University and bolsters our reputation nationally and internationally for the research we do.

3. It helps us to cut our staff / student ratios in teaching areas where these have been higher. This will make a real difference to the student experience.”

Q A

What are your priorities over the next year?

“Over the coming year I’m committed to delivering on the new development projects at Luton and Bedford.

“I have committed to expanding the University’s outward mobility initiative. We are increasing the budget from £250,000 this year to £500,000 over the coming year.

“I expect the University to do well in the next Research Excellence Framework. Additional staff recruitment will help this. Indications are positive from an initial assessment we’ve already made.

“I’m committed to having a really strong focus on the student experience over the coming year. We’re listening and responding to what students want. We’re demonstrating we’re listening to students, and bringing them into the decision making process.

“I’m really excited about us opening our

‘Tell Us’ your comments, compliments or concerns A NEW scheme will record, and respond to, feedback from students.

The Tell Us scheme, launched on 1 October by the Student Experience team, enables the University to become more intuitive about students’ experiences.

Students are encouraged to Tell Us about their comments, compliments or concerns via: l Contacting a Tell Us co-ordinator (one per area of study) l An online web form and links from various University services web pages l Contact: tellus@beds.ac.uk or 01582 743333 l Branded Tell Us feedback boxes in prominent locations at each of the University’s campuses l Face-to-face institutional student feedback sessions Responses to students’ feedback will come within an agreed timeframe and provide an institutional overview of key issues raised and identify areas for improvement.

Teaching departments with the best Tell Us promotions will win a prize. Visit www.beds.ac.uk/ studentlife/experience/tellus for more information.

Ideas on a postcard please…

Do you have an idea to improve the Student Experience at the University?

Your idea could be awarded funding from the Student Experience team. Funding will be awarded this academic year for a range of student led projects, from small course targeted funding, through to bigger departmental, faculty or even University-wide projects.

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell and Beds SU launch a STudent Experience ProjectS (STEPS) postcard campaign on 8 October. Students will then be invited to offer their suggestion and contact details and pop the postcard into a Tell Us feedback box at the campuses. l The deadline for postcard suggestions is Friday, 25 October. For more information and details on how to apply visit www.beds.ac.uk/steps

newest campus at Saxon Court in the centre of Milton Keynes. This is a fantastic initiative and unique as it is 50 per cent funded by Milton Keynes Council and 50 per cent by the University. The building and facilities are ready, staff have been recruited and we’re on track to recruit up to 120 students during this year, increasing in the following years.

“Finally, our University was recently announced as a lead partner in a £16m ‘Catalyst’ project for Milton Keynes. It will help develop intelligent urban and business growth, through access to ‘big data’. The University can make a real impact and raise profile through this work. The Open University, Cambridge University, Dell, British Telecom and Milton Keynes Council are among the other partners.”

Life – October 2013 09

Online

News

£250 bursary for Knowledge Hub language courses STUDENTS who enrol onto The Knowledge Hub’s business language courses this autumn could benefit from a £250 bursary to pay for the module.

Successful bursary applicants will only need to pay £50 towards the cost of the courses, which include lessons in Arabic (standard), Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, German and Russian.

An increasing number of students attend the classes alongside their degree, as a way to improve personal skills and employability.

Student Chancellor Chikuruwo took part in the Chinese course and said it was extremely beneficial when he visited China with the University, as he also learnt about the history and culture.

The programme of 18 week evening classes start on 21 October. l For further information contact nick. gardner@beds.ac.uk or 01582 489004.

New students to star in TV documentary

THIS month a group of fresh-faced freshers at the University are the subject of a reality TV show to be broadcast later in October.

Up to six students (whose identities were to be confirmed as Life went to press) will star in the show, Freshers, on ITV2, which focuses on their first experiences of university life.

The University has been selected as the exclusive location for the series, and the show – currently being filmed at Luton and Bedford – features the students saying goodbye to their families, moving in to halls of residents, meeting new friends and, of course, learning to adapt to life studying for a degree.

Students set for Milton Keynes

T

HE University’s newest campus, University Campus Milton Keynes (UCMK), opens its doors to students for the first time this month (October).

Undergraduates, who first arrive for teaching at the state-of-the-art institution on Monday 7, will benefit from high-spec teaching rooms.

Features of the new campus include rooms with top-quality audio visual and ICT equipment, and special purpose electronics and telecommunications laboratories providing specialist equipment for our future engineers, as well as a large general-purpose computer lab and an extensive Learning Resources Centre with various study areas.

There will also be a social space for student

Uni launches new academic learning framework

l Contact Lisa.Hayes@beds.ac.uk or x9123 for further information.

10 Life – October 2013

meet ups, important events and get-togethers, and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) suite so local businesses, organisations and residents can benefit from short courses and professional training.

Courses at UCMK focus on engineering and technology, however also include education studies, sociology, criminology, journalism and business CPD, with more due to be provided in time.

Paul Sant, Associate Dean UCMK, said: “UCMK is an exciting new venture between the University and Milton Keynes Council. We look forward to providing high quality education to local, regional, national and international audiences.”

NYT Partnership is at Speaker’s House

l The University’s website has more details about the production of Freshers – visit: www.beds.ac.uk/freshersitv2show

A SCHEME to foster and grow a continuing professional development (CPD) framework for all academic staff is being launched with the start of term.

The Professional Teaching Scheme (PTS) will support development and best practice in teaching and learning for all academic staff.

It will also recognise, reward, share and celebrate excellent teaching practice.

Lisa Hayes, PTS Co-ordinator, said: “We are working in a context where learning needs to be personalised for students and subjects, and academic staff need support to feel confident and competent.”

www.beds.ac.uk

The University hosted a special Reception at Speaker’s House, Parliament to launch a joint-project with the National Youth Theatre

Email

life@beds.ac.uk

News

Uni events calendar to launch A NEW online event calendar, which enables staff to add their own departmental and faculty events, is being launched at the University this October.

It will be accessible via the www.beds. ac.uk homepage. It will feature easily accessible event listings including: key event information and pictures, social media share options and reminder notifications.

All events will be displayed in chronological order and will be filterable by various categories such as department, date or venue. There will also be a keyword search facility and a calendar picker to filter by date.

National Youth Theatre performing an extract from ‘You Can’ at Speaker’s House

I launched

NFLUENTIAL figures from the worlds of politics, education, the arts and business gathered at Speaker’s House, Parliament for a reception hosted by John Bercow MP, celebrating a partnership launch between the University and the National Youth Theatre (NYT).

The partnership aims to develop the career aspirations and confidence of young people and will see the NYT visit the University’s Bedford campus Theatre later this month to present a series of plays during the University’s ‘Theatre Season’.

In his address to some 100 invited guests, the University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said: “The University and National Youth Theatre shares a passion for recognising and nurturing talent, opening up opportunities, matching and extending the ambitions of our students and young people.”

Thanking the NYT actors and director, who had shown a snippet of ‘You Can’ a performance made especially for the partnership and for the Theatre Season visit (pictured), Executive Dean for Partnerships at the University, Professor Helen Bailey added the two institutions are a “natural fit”.

“Both reach out to diverse communities and provide a platform to transform lives through education,” she said.

Rounding off the reception, Mr Bercow said: “The Speaker’s House should be opened up to celebrate and promote great causes like this and I’m delighted the University of Bedfordshire and the National Youth Theatre are championing this work. I wish them well and hope their project goes from strength to strength.”

The reception at the State Rooms of the Speaker’s House follows-on from the success of Mr Bercow’s Public Policy Lecture at the University in May.

Upcoming events l National Youth Theatre Four Day Residency at University of Bedfordshire.

14-17 October. 9am-5.30pm.

University Theatre, Bedford campus Over four days, the National Youth Theatre will perform a number of plays including Romeo and Juliet, as part of the University’s Theatre Season.

For more information or to book tickets contact the Box Office on 01234 793197or theatre@beds.ac.uk

l Vice Chancellor’s Annual Lecture.

17 October. 6pm-8.30pm.

G101, Luton Campus Centre Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell will host his inaugural Annual Lecture.

A drinks reception will follow the lecture to celebrate the 20th anniversary of University status at the University. This will include the launch of an anniversary brochure.

Visit www.vclecture.eventbrite.co.uk to register for tickets.

l Institute of Diabetes for Older People (IDOP) International Seminar Series.

18 October. 1.30pm-4pm.

Putteridge Bury Conference Centre Leading names from the European diabetes community will be in attendance for the seminar which will focus on Professor Giuseppe, from Paolisso, University of Naples, Italy speaking about glucose targets for older people with diabetes.

For more information and to register, contact maureen.edovic@beds.ac.uk or 01582 743988. For more information on IDOP visit instituteofdiabetes.org l Further events can be found on

l More information about NYT visit in October visit www.beds.ac.uk/news

www.beds.ac.uk

Life – October 2013 11

Online

News

www.beds.ac.uk

THE University’s sports department, Sport Beds, has a new website, www.beds.ac.uk/sportbeds, (pictured) which enables you to follow the latest from the Sport and Recreational Facilities team, and our students, and staff, who excel in sport.

One such student is Gemma Newson, who arrives back for her third year in University with a bronze Deaflympics medal, as Paddy Day discovered.

Future in ‘safe-hands’ G

EMMA Newson was born with the rare genetic disorder, Usher Syndrome, which left her deaf and unable to see in low light, or dark, conditions.

But this hasn’t stopped the determined 21-year-old from combining university life with her passion – football; something she excels in!

Not only is the goalkeeper a member of the GB Deaflympics and the England Deaf Futsal sides, but she has also starred for AFC Rushden and Diamonds full ladies team.

The Sport and Exercise Science student, who has also played for the University’s first female eleven, told Life her experience at Bedfordshire has been “incredible” and has transformed her life – on, and off the pitch.

“When I started university I lacked confidence,” said Gemma, who was recently given a £1,000 Platinum Sports Performance Scholarship from the University.

“I relied a lot on my mum to help when hearing would be a barrier for me – in terms of communicating with the hearing world. Since starting university that has totally changed; I’m now as confident as I’ve ever been, and love being independent.”

Gemma Newsom, left, in action

Whilst flourishing in higher education, Bedford campusbased Gemma has also been busy playing all over Europe.

The Great Yarmouth woman’s international debut was made for GB at the European Deaf Football Championships.

Her proudest moment was yet

to come however – achieving a bronze medal as GB beat Poland in the third/fourth play-off on penalties in this summer’s Bulgaria Deaflympics.

“Even though the team lost 5-0 to eventual gold medallists, USA, in the semis, to come home with a medal just doesn’t get any better.

Get into Sport scheme extended

T

HE ‘Get into Sport’ programme, which has encouraged 3,000 staff and students partake in 37 sports for free, has been extended a further year.

Introduced in 2011, after Sport England invested £200,000 into the Sport and Recreational Facilities team’s initiative, ‘Get into Sport’ will now run until at least spring 2015.

“All the sessions are aimed at being fun, social and welcoming,” said Michelle Morris, Sports Officer.

“You can get involved in something familiar,

or try something completely new. It doesn’t matter what your level is, all sessions are run by a friendly coach, who will show you the ropes and help improve your skills.”

The redevelopment of Bedford campus sports hall is set to be complete by late October.

The £3 million facility is designed to hold national championship standard basketball, futsal and netball competitions. l Visit the Sport Beds website for more information: www.beds.ac.uk/sportbeds

After 18 months of hard training it was totally deserved.”

Gemma models herself on US Women’s number one Hope Solo, although it’s a “frustrating” position that’s hard to master in deaf football.

“Communicating is a big problem in deaf football.

Competition rules state we can’t wear hearing aids; the only form of communication during games is sign language.

“As a goalkeeper, it’s difficult to communicate or even get my team-mates, and back-fours’, attention because everyone has their backs to me.”

These problems haven’t put Gemma off competing though.

“If I’m fit, I’d dearly like to be picked for the Turkey Deaflympics in four years.

“Before that, though, I’m hoping to finish my degree and stay-on to complete a Master’s.”

Life – October 2013 12