NEWS
Issue 17 Winter 2023
Contents Welcome
2
In focus
3
Graduation 2023
3
2023 Honorary Graduates
5
London School of Commerce graduation celebrations in Sri Lanka
7
News and updates
8
The Times, Daily Mail and The Guardian League Table Success
8
Athena Swan Bronze Award Success
9
TEF Silver Award
Lady Hale opens University’s first Law Lecture New Chair of the Board SEEDS conference
10
11
12
Say hello to Hub — University launches new staff intranet Freshers’ Week Shop SU
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13 14
15
MIX Café + Bar now open
15
Estates
16
Campus developments
16
Sustainability
17
University laptops and computers find new homes in Malawi schools
17
University launches Year of Sustainability
18
Student and Staff success Suffolk Reflections launch
19
19
Professor Ruth Strudwick awarded Fellowship of the College of Radiographers
20
Meet and greet
21
Introducing Jason Kirk
21
Introducing Stephanie Akinyi
22
Events
23
Stars of Suffolk Staff Awards 2023
23
Spotlight Suffolk
25
Moving forward
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Issue 17 Winter 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
WELCOME As I write, I contemplate the eight days of graduations and celebrations that commenced with East Coast College on Friday 13 October in the Minster at Great Yarmouth, and culminated in our marquee here on the waterfront for the Staff Awards event. As well as celebrating the achievements of our students and staff, we have also celebrated our wider university achievements which have been hard-earned and well deserved. So, this issue includes news on our league tables success and our Athena Swan Bronze Award, both of which are well worth celebrating. We are also proud to be the best university for making carbon savings, having reduced our Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 64% over the last five years. This is a huge testament to the team who lead our sustainability approach, alongside all of us who endeavour to incorporate sustainability into everything we do. Our current and prospective students are increasingly interested in ensuring that we are sustainable all in our actions, and this year I announced that my focus as Vice-Chancellor was going to be on championing sustainability more effectively. One of our students who undertook a Micro-Placement internship with the Sustainability team recently released his video on sustainability at the University of Suffolk. This insightful video demonstrates how our students are leading the way on this agenda, and how we can both support their interest and enhance their employability skills by being creative and collaborative on such work.
University of Suffolk NEWS
Many of the projects in this newsletter help us showcase our approach to sustainability across areas including procurement, estate development and curriculum and research initiatives. So, enjoy this issue, keep up the good work and focus on helping us to be more and more sustainable in all that we do. Professor Helen Langton MBE Vice‑Chancellor and CEO
Issue 17 Winter 2023
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IN FOCUS Graduation 2023 Ipswich Waterfront was buzzing with celebrations over the course of graduation week in October, as nearly 4,500 graduates were joined by family, friends and staff to mark their achievements. Ceremonies kicked off in Great Yarmouth Minster on Friday 13 October for University of Suffolk at East Coast College students, while graduates who studied at West Suffolk College celebrated their graduation the following day at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds. Ipswich Waterfront ceremonies ran over six days in a glorious new marquee, where degrees were conferred on Ipswich-based students as well as those at partner colleges. The University worked with a number of new providers this year, including for gowning and most notably the marquee, with ‘black-out’ features and creative lighting setting the tone for the celebratory atmosphere. Professor Helen Langton MBE, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of Suffolk, said: ‘Graduation week has been a truly special occasion across campus, as we came together to celebrate the achievements of our new graduates. ‘We are tremendously proud of all of their hard work during their time at the University of Suffolk and we look forward to seeing them thrive in their future careers.’ Visit Hub to see a full gallery of images from across the week.
IN FOCUS
IN FOCUS 2023 Honorary Graduates The University recognised the achievements of five new Honorary Graduates with strong Suffolk roots during the course of graduation week. More information can be found about each of them on Hub and the website.
Zeb Soanes
Cathy Ryan MBE
‘Coming from Suffolk, this award means a lot. Suffolk is very much at the heart of who I am and, even though my work has been, by necessity, in London for the past quarter of a century, Suffolk is an essential part of me.’
‘It’s a huge honour for me to come back now in this role, having been involved when the University was a civic college. I’ve been a student, a contractor of education from here, I’ve been a senior lecturer, an associate dean and now I come back as an Honorary Graduate. I’m overwhelmed – it’s a really wonderful honour to have.’
Here’s what each of them had to say about the special occasions:
IN FOCUS
Charlie Haylock
Hamil Clarke MBE
Ann Osborn
‘I’m very honoured, overwhelmed, privileged, and very proud. Lots of famous people have had this award, and I feel very humble that my name is now amongst them. It’s lovely to know that what I have done has been recognised.’
‘It is very, very exciting because I attended what was then the Civic College, going on to sit on the advisory panel, right up until we got a university. It’s been very exciting to see that journey and, after all this time, have this university in Suffolk and I had a small part in it.’
‘It’s such an honour and very exciting, although I was very nervous I have to say. I never imagined myself standing here accepting this very special honour. I’m thrilled to accept it and I do so on behalf of the brilliant Rural Coffee Caravan family.’
IN FOCUS London School of Commerce graduation celebrations in Sri Lanka As an Associate College of the University of Suffolk, London School of Commerce (LSC) delivers a range of business-related undergraduate and taught postgraduate degree programmes in London, Manchester, Malta and Sri Lanka. Courses are validated by the University, with successful students graduating with a University of Suffolk award. On Monday 30 October, some 400 MBA graduands from the British School of Commerce (BSC) in Sri Lanka gathered with their friends and relatives for a spectacular graduation ceremony in the beautiful surroundings of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo. Kandyan drummers and dancers opened the ceremony with a traditional display of elegance and athleticism, watched by a stage party including staff from BSC and LSC. Graduands gave a loud and warm reaction to the Vice-Chancellor’s address and the words of the guest of honour, Mr Radley Stephen, formerly a senior manager of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the Middle East and South-East Asia, himself an alumnus of BSC and now a successful businessman and TV presenter. Students received their awards from Dr David Silbergh of LSC, who closed the ceremony following a vote of thanks by one of the University’s newest graduates. A memorable day for BSC and for the University.
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Issue 17 Winter 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
NEWS AND UPDATES The Times, Daily Mail and The Guardian League Table Success September was a busy month for the publication of university rankings — three separate national newspapers published their latest league tables and there was plenty for the University of Suffolk to be pleased about.
student satisfaction metrics — teaching and feedback. Among the top courses were History and Graphic Design, both placed 7th nationally, while Sociology and Social Policy courses ranked 12th nationally. Psychology was the biggest mover, improving a whopping 33 places!
In the Daily Mail’s first rankings, the University featured firmly in the top half, coming 53rd out of 128 institutions, and with excellent positions in a number of important areas such as firstgeneration students (4th), student-to-staff ratio (14th), and 24th for high-skilled jobs.
We were also placed 27th overall for potential for graduate-level careers after 15 months.
The Guardian University Guide 2024 placed us 68 out of 122 universities, one spot up from last year’s ratings.
th
The guide uses data gathered from UCAS, the National Student Survey and the University itself, and we ranked in the top 3% nationally on both
The Times UK University Rankings 2024 meanwhile gave us a top 20 position for graduate prospects. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Dastbaz said, ‘The University of Suffolk is continuing to deliver a positive learning experience for students and build a strong foundation for their life after university.’
TEF Silver Award Following on from the success in the recent league table results, the University was bolstered by confirmation of a Silver award in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). TEF is a national benchmark for the quality of teaching, learning and student outcomes, with institutions given either a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Requires Improvement rating. This year — the first since the last assessment in 2017 — the University achieved Silver awards in both the Student Experience and Student Outcomes categories, and secured a Silver overall grade. It marks an upgrade on the previous Bronze rating, demonstrating the continued upward trajectory the University has enjoyed in the last six years. The TEF panel statement said that the University has ‘embedded very high-quality teaching,
University of Suffolk NEWS
feedback and assessment practices that are effective in supporting its students’ learning, progression and attainment.’ Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Langton MBE said, ‘The Silver TEF rating is a testament to the hard work of our staff and students. We know our students value highly the excellent teaching and employer links their courses offer, and we know that our graduates achieve fantastic outcomes upon completing their studies. ‘The Silver TEF rating recognises these achievements, and we will strive to continue improving the experiences and outcomes of our students.’
Issue 17 Winter 2023
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NEWS AND UPDATES Athena Swan Bronze Award Success The University is delighted to have achieved a Bronze award as part of the Athena Swan charter, which recognises the University for its commitment to gender equality.
Reflecting the University’s values, the submission was a truly collaborative project.
The Athena Swan charter is a framework used to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research. The University of Suffolk is a diverse and vibrant community committed to providing equality of opportunity to all staff and students. Recognising how the Athena Swan journey could help the University achieve greater, institutionwide equity and equality for all genders and intersecting identities, the University adopted the Athena Swan principles in 2021 to develop the submission. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Langton MBE, made Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) her ‘focus topic’ for the 2020-2021 academic year, during which the University revised and refreshed its approach to EDI, including the EDI Committee and its Terms of Reference, with the intention of making engagement more action-oriented. This was highly successful, and the recent submission for the Athena Swan Bronze award and the subsequent action plan is testament to this revised approach.
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Pro Vice‑Chancellor Research, Professor Emma Bond was appointed to lead the work in a sub‑group of the EDI committee. The commitment was further resourced by the introduction of a specific EDI post in the People and Organisational Development Directorate and forming a pan-university Athena Swan Self‑Assessment Team (SAT) with representation from every School, Directorate and the SU (inclusive of all genders, sexuality, ethnicity, disability and pay grade). Following the hard work and commitment of all staff involved and the success of the award, work now continues to deliver, monitor and evaluate the action plan. Members of the SAT are supported to be EDI champions, disseminating information regarding Athena Swan to staff in the Schools/Directorates through meetings and School Executives, as well as seeking staff views to inform SAT discussions. Looking forward to building on the strong foundation of the Bronze award, sights are firmly set on achieving Silver in five years’ time.
Issue 17 Winter 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
NEWS AND UPDATES Lady Hale opens University’s first Law Lecture This autumn the University welcomed Lady Hale, Baroness of Richmond, one of the country’s most significant law makers, to address students and the local legal community at the University of Suffolk’s first Law Lecture.
The event, hosted by the University of Suffolk’s Legal Advice Centre in partnership with the Suffolk and North Essex Law Society, marked the University’s first dedicated Law Lecture and was attended by the region’s legal community including solicitors, barristers, judges, A-level Law students, alumni and current undergraduate Law students. Students from the Law course had the opportunity to meet Lady Hale and share their progress and their ambitions for the future. Eleanor Scarlett, Director of the University of Suffolk Legal Advice Centre and Senior Lecturer in Law, commented on the event:
During her talk, titled “Justice in the Supreme Court”, Lady Hale shared some of the memorable moments from her career, the history of the Supreme Court and some of the unusual cases over which she presided.
University of Suffolk NEWS
‘Our inaugural Law Lecture was a huge success, and we were delighted to welcome Lady Hale to share her experiences from her incredible career. Our students, who will soon be embarking on their own legal careers, were inspired hearing about the significant contribution that Lady Hale has made.’
Issue 17 Winter 2023
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NEWS AND UPDATES New Chair of the Board The University has appointed former Director General of the House of Commons, Ian Ailles, as its new Chair of the Board. He takes over from Mark Pendlington who is now the High Sheriff of Suffolk. Mr Ailles’ diverse executive career in both the public and private sectors includes time with NHS England, Thomas Cook and City and Guilds, and he has recently taken up a new role as Chair of the Haven House Hospice in Essex. Commenting on his new role, Mr Ailles said, ‘I am delighted to be the new Chair of the Board at the University of Suffolk and am very much looking forward to getting started. ‘I recognise that the Chair of the Board has the leadership role and the responsibility to get the best from the Board and to support and
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encourage the Vice-Chancellor as line manager to grow and develop themselves and the University. ‘I can see that the University is making significant transformative strides forward and playing to its strengths. These strengths are in the locality, in the diversity and inclusion of the student base, and in the partnerships with local organisations, complementing a recognised growing research base.’ Professor Helen Langton MBE, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Suffolk, said, ‘We are pleased to welcome Ian as our new Chair of the Board. ‘Ian’s experience, both past and present, in various sectors will be a huge asset to the University of Suffolk and we look forward to working with him.’
Issue 17 Winter 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
NEWS AND UPDATES SEEDS conference The University proudly hosted the Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) conference in August. The event ran over three days, both in person and online — allowing international delegates to take part. Justine Oakes, Head of Sustainability, gave a keynote speech entitled “Transforming Our Estates: Transition to a Net Zero Future” on day two of the conference and the annual Research Innovation Sustainability Enterprise (RISE) environmental awards were also given out.
Professor Darryl Newport, Professor of Energy and Sustainable Development and Director of the Suffolk Sustainability Institute, hosted the conference and said, ‘It was absolutely wonderful to host this year’s SEEDS conference. We very much enjoyed being able to showcase our own commitment to sustainability and the built environment as well as hearing discussions from a wide range of delegates.’
The RISE awards ceremony and gala dinner was held at Chefs’ Whites restaurant at Suffolk New College, which acts as a learning environment for the College’s catering and hospitality students. The SEEDS conference is held each year with four partner universities —the University of Suffolk, Leeds Beckett University, University of the West of England and Loughborough University — each hosting at their campuses in turn.
Professor Newport added, ‘We were thrilled to work with Chefs’ Whites. Locally sourced food was served by students and this collaboration is another demonstration of our ambition to lead by example and support local sustainability.’
International delegates, including academics and business leaders from countries including Sweden, Nigeria, Indonesia and Qatar gathered at the conference, with topics being discussed ranging from allotment gardens in Warsaw and building design to renewable energy technologies and reducing consumption and waste.
University of Suffolk NEWS
Issue 17 Winter 2023
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NEWS AND UPDATES Say hello to Hub — University launches new staff intranet The University’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its digital infrastructure has seen the recent launch of Hub, a new staff intranet. With the previous intranet platform, MySuffolk, coming to the end of its lifespan, an exciting opportunity arose to improve the sharing of information and to create new opportunities for staff connection as part of the development of a wider communications strategy. The creation of Hub has been a collaborative project with the help of valuable insights from staff across the University. Hub has been developed to help staff efficiently find what they need in one place, ultimately reducing the deluge of emails inundating inboxes.
Hub’s standout features include: Notice Board The go-to place for daily all-staff communications. Hub News Pages A vibrant space to share updates, blogs, features and Universitywide activities. Events Listings Keeping staff in the loop with what is happening across the University. School and Directorate pages The shop windows to showcase department-specific information for colleagues.
The launch of Hub marks the start of a new way of communicating, one which will continue to evolve with the invaluable support of staff feedback. As the platform grows, the priority remains to ensure colleagues feel informed and connected, enhancing the experience of being a part of the staff community.
Hub Highlights A bi-weekly all-staff email connecting to important announcements, updates and upcoming events featured on Hub.
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Issue 17 Winter 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
NEWS AND UPDATES Freshers’ Week The recent Freshers’ Week was a resounding success, leaving a trail of memorable experiences and lasting friendships in its wake. Throughout the week, the campus came alive with a range of activities, from a free welcome BBQ and pub quiz, to a wild safari party, night out at Boom Battle Bar and more. For the first time, the Freshers’ Fair was split over two days, with sports, societies and University services being showcased at the UniLife Fair on the Tuesday, and local and national businesses being welcomed for the SuffolkLife Fair on the Wednesday. Diversity was celebrated with events that
University of Suffolk NEWS
highlighted various cultures and perspectives, promoting inclusivity among the student body. The International Dinner & Dance was a hit, as students tucked into a spread of Latino food delights alongside a flamenco dance workshop. With a wide variety of events, there was something for every student, and feedback from students reflected this, saying the week ‘looked a lot more inclusive and offered a lot,’ with a ‘variety of events at a variety of prices.’ The Students’ Union hope that the success of Freshers’ Week has set the stage for a vibrant and inclusive academic year ahead, with event feedback stating that 77% of students either strongly agreed or agreed that they felt like they belonged to the University of Suffolk community.
Issue 17 Winter 2023
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NEWS AND UPDATES Shop SU The local campus shop, Shop SU, is back, stocked with student essentials including hot food and drink, meal deals, treats and more. Operated using self-service, Shop SU is located on the ground floor of the Library building, next to the SU social
space, with money invested into the store funding improvements to students’ university experience. Opening times: Monday—Friday, 8.30am–5.00pm
MIX Café + Bar now open Situated on the ground floor of the James Hehir Building, MIX Café + Bar provides a welcoming and safe place for students, staff and the wider community. Open daily from 10.00am to 8.00pm (and from noon until 6.00pm on Sundays), the fully licenced premises is supplied by Suffolk brewer Adnams and offers a growing food menu. Drinks available include signature cocktails and Paddy & Scott’s bean-to-cup coffee, with students receiving 25% off purchases with their
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University of Suffolk ID card. The versatile venue is comfortably styled and can be pre-booked for a host of events and meetings. Operated by regional charity Access Community Trust as a social enterprise in partnership with the University of Suffolk Students’ Union, any profits made go towards charitable community services that assist the growing number of vulnerable people across Suffolk.
Issue 17 Winter 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
ESTATES Campus developments Work has been continuing, both on and off campus, on a number of exciting new developments for the University. Work is nearing completion on the new dentistry teaching and dental service Community Interest Company (CIC) spaces in the James Hehir Building. This project will see the creation of a new ‘Centre of Dental Development’ providing 10 NHS dental clinics for the local community, as well as the training and education facilities for undergraduate students in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy. These fantastic new facilities are on course to be completed in early 2024. Another key project that is due to be completed in the new year is the home of outdoor sports at Inspire Suffolk. Planning permission has been granted for the creation of cutting-edge sports facilities on Lindbergh Road in Ipswich. The forthcoming development is the result of a partnership between the University of Suffolk and the leading youth charity, Inspire, which will see new facilities added to Inspire’s Ipswich site. The development includes an enclosed full‑size grass pitch to BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) standards with security fencing and floodlighting, as well as an allweather pitch.
In September, a new Enterprise and Careers Zone opened opposite the SU Social Space in the Library Building. The Zone is a space for students to drop in and talk to professionals, browse resources and network with special guests, including employers and alumni. This is a fabulous space and a project that lives up to the wider strategy of enhancing the students’ experience. As part of the University’s Sustainability programme, the installation of LED lighting to the Atrium and Arts areas has now been completed. The new LED lights utilise less than 80% of the energy required by the previous system, with triple the lifespan, meaning this is a project that will both significantly reduce energy consumption and also enhance the quality of the lighting. This quantifiable reduction in energy consumption not only economises operational costs, but also underpins the University’s decarbonisation programme and continued commitment to transition to net zero. Staff can find updates on Estates developments and projects on Hub.
Both organisations hope that the facilities will enable students and the wider community to participate in a variety of sports and recreation, which will support overall health and wellbeing. Activities and Wellbeing President at the Students’ Union, Katie Pickard, said, ‘We are really excited about the progress being made on improving sports facilities for students. We know that access to sport plays a huge role both in improving wellbeing and providing an opportunity to socialise with other people.’
University of Suffolk NEWS
Issue 17 Winter 2023
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SUSTAINABILITY University laptops and computers find new homes in Malawi schools Justine Oakes, our Head of Sustainability and Programmes, said, ‘Getting to grips with our resource consumption and relationship with waste is critical to meeting our sustainable development goals and tackling environmental pollution.
The University has donated 253 pieces of IT kit to schools in Malawi, to help boost children’s digital learning and prevent usable tech from going to waste. IT equipment such as network cables, laptops, computers and keyboards that no longer meet demands have been wiped, repurposed and donated through the Turing Trust’s Computers Enhanced Education Programme — a charity which refurbishes IT kit and gives it to disadvantaged communities. This proactive step addresses consumption and e-waste concerns following the recent UN Global Resources Outlook report, which highlighted that the extraction and processing of materials, fuels and food make up about half of total global greenhouse gas emissions and more than 90 per cent of biodiversity loss and water stress. Globally, the UK is currently the second largest contributor of e-waste at 23.9kg per capita.
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‘Collaboration between the Estates and Digital Directorates to identify decommissioned devices allows us to partner with organisations like the Turing Trust in a shared goal to provide technology for underserved communities and help bridge the technology gap, whilst simultaneously ensuring electronic goods stay in the value chain for as long as possible.’ The donation further demonstrates the University’s commitment to sustainability and follows achieving the biggest decrease in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions out of 119 universities over the past six years in June, and securing the Green Business of the Year Award in March, at the Creating the Greenest County Awards.
Issue 17 Winter 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
SUSTAINABILITY University launches Year of Sustainability The University will renew its efforts to make sustainability a top priority and engage both staff and students to take action in the year ahead.
Head of Sustainability Justine Oakes explained, ‘Our Year of Sustainability aims to educate, engage and develop.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Langton MBE has launched the University’s Year of Sustainability with a programme focused on reducing carbon emissions, reducing energy and water use, promoting sustainable travel and increasing campus biodiversity.
‘Our programme will include talks and short courses for staff and workshops and taster activities for students – in partnership with the Students’ Union. These will raise awareness, not just of the issues, but the practical steps we all can and need to take.’
At the heart of the programme is the goal of building sustainability into all Suffolk courses — across all disciplines — recognising that education is a vital step towards achieving meaningful change.
Sustainable buildings, procurement and practices will be the strategic focus as the University drives towards the goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.
The University already sits proudly at the top of the higher education league table for reducing carbon emissions, achieving the biggest decrease over the past six years of any UK university, with an incredible 64% reduction. But, says Professor Langton, ‘We can’t sit back and enjoy it, because there is so much more to do. The climate emergency affects us all and, as a university, we have a vital role to play in addressing it now, as well as equipping the next generation to deliver the changes which are so urgently needed. We need to lead by example.’ After a summer in which wildfires, flooding and extreme weather have highlighted the pace at which climate change is causing devastation to both wildlife and urban populations, the need for change could not be more clear.
University of Suffolk NEWS
There will be opportunities for staff and students to get involved in actions and projects, including those focused on campus biodiversity. A programme of gardening and growing activities to promote wellbeing will be developed between the Students’ Union and the Health and Wellbeing Building, using the new allotment beds. Justine and the Sustainability team will provide monthly communications outlining Year of Sustainability activities, and information on how to get involved will be available to staff. Professor Langton concludes, ‘As we are Suffolk’s Green Business of the Year for 2023, I feel excited about how our University community will embrace our drive for greater sustainability, and how we can be a beacon for leading transformative change in our region.’
Issue 17 Winter 2023
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STUDENT AND STAFF SUCCESS Suffolk Reflections launch Following on from their previous two collections of short stories, MA Creative and Critical Writing students enjoyed a book launch evening in October with invited guests for their new anthology, Suffolk Reflections. Featuring 26 tales by MA students, the new volume is dedicated to stories inspired by the lakes, rivers and waterways of Suffolk, including the likes of Orford Ness, Trimley Marshes and the River Orwell among others. Uniquely, each story features directions to the water it is based on, with a digital map to help readers find the locations, making it possible for people to take the book with them and read a story in the environment that inspired it.
More than 50 people gathered in The Atrium for the launch of the book, which is the third volume published by students and the English department’s in-house publishing company, The Talking Shop Press, following on from Suffolk Folk and Suffolk Arboretum, which wrote about Suffolk’s folk tales and trees respectively. And it’s good news for those who have enjoyed the previous volumes — book four is currently in the works, with the working title of ‘Suffolk Haunts!’ Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, Associate Professor in Creative Writing and The Talking Shop Press founder, said the anthology series provided students with a unique opportunity to experience publishing, and added, ‘The anthology series is such a fantastic project and Suffolk Reflections is quite simply a beautiful book.’
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Issue 17 Winter 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
STUDENT AND STAFF SUCCESS Professor Ruth Strudwick awarded Fellowship of the College of Radiographers Congratulations to Professor Ruth Strudwick, who was awarded Fellowship of the College of Radiographers at a ceremony in Nottingham on 5 July, in recognition of her service to the radiography profession in the UK. The award was presented by the outgoing President of the Society of Radiographers, Ross McGee. Featured in the Society of Radiographers publication Synergy Special Edition.
University of Suffolk NEWS
Issue 17 Winter 2023
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MEET AND GREET Introducing Jason Kirk Jason joined the University in August 2023 as Director of Finance and Planning. His role involves leading the development of the University’s financial strategy and supporting senior officers in the achievement of the institution’s objectives.
Tell us about yourself and your career background. I joined from the NHS — the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust — and prior to that I worked in UCL Hospitals, the London Ambulance Service and hospitals in Hertfordshire, where I grew up. I moved to Suffolk in 2005 as my wife is from Ipswich, and we have two teenage daughters.
Why did you choose the University of Suffolk? Education, like health, has the power to transform lives. But the University also has a role in transforming Ipswich, a place I’ve come to call home. There are so many benefits – aspirational, cultural and economic – from a thriving local university.
What does your role involve?
What are you looking forward to and what are the challenges? We’ve grown quickly as a university and some of our processes haven’t grown with us. There are
I like to describe my role as helping a yacht reach its destination. We have an ambition (or destination) of 10,000 students on the Ipswich campus. To get there we need to plan our route around the political climate and social and economic tides. To navigate our way, we need accurate information and clear decision-making. We also need to be looking ahead for obstacles or opportunities, while making sure we use our resources wisely, recognising that we are only here because of the students we serve.
lots of opportunities for technology and process improvement that we need to embrace. We also need to make Ipswich an attractive destination for students — to help Ipswich believe in itself. We have beautiful architecture depicting our distinguished history, located in countryside worthy of being captured by Constable, close to stunning beaches and coastline, and we are only an hour from central London, but we consistently punch below our weight – that is the challenge!
Staff can get to know more colleagues in the Staff Spotlight section on Hub.
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Issue 17 Winter 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
MEET AND GREET Introducing Stephanie Akinyi Stephanie moved to Ipswich and started her role as Senior International Officer at the University in August 2023.
Tell us about yourself and your career background. I was born and raised in the vibrant capital city of Kenya, Nairobi, and my educational background is in communications, majoring in public relations. I have diverse and extensive professional work experience in marketing, public relations, business development and events management. For the last ten years, I have worked within the international student recruitment industry with a primary focus on Africa. Prior to joining the University in August, I worked with two other UK universities – the University of Central Lancashire and Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Why did you choose the University of Suffolk? I am passionate about working in roles linked or directly related to educational matters, owing to the transformative effect it has on people’s lives. The University of Suffolk not only offered me a chance to progress in a career linked to this aforementioned field, but also presented an opportunity where I will contribute to the desired growth. I am deliberate about working in a positive environment. I am pleased that my colleagues here are truly helpful and friendly, especially my colleagues in the International team and the wider MCI directorate.
What does your role involve? My primary role involves assisting international students in their journey of coming to study with us. I also manage and oversee stakeholder relations with the main aim of promoting the University’s brand profile and portfolio.
What are you looking forward to and what are the challenges? I look forward to accomplishing several milestones. Professionally, I would like to bring about notable growth and achievements within our team and more so within the wider University, in line with the Internationalisation Strategy. Socially, I look forward to learning and engaging more with the British culture and way of life, considering this is my first time living in the UK. I am not looking forward to winter but the life enthusiast in me will brave through it!
Staff can get to know more colleagues in the Staff Spotlight section on Hub.
University of Suffolk NEWS
Issue 17 Winter 2023
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EVENTS Stars of Suffolk Staff Awards 2023 On Friday 20 October, after a jubilant week of celebrating the graduation of more than 4,000 students, it was the turn of staff to have their moment in the spotlight as the graduation marquee was transformed to host the Stars of Suffolk Staff Awards 2023.
Despite the best efforts of the weather, colleagues across the University were in the party spirit, dressed to impress and ready to kick back on the dance floor on a night all about celebrating staff and their accomplishments.
EVENTS
Over 300 nominations were made for awards, which is a true testament to the incredible work, dedication and collaboration shown by colleagues. The evening was a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements over the past year, and to be proud of the exceptional contributions that all staff and teams make.
Following the awards ceremony, the celebrations continued into the night with food and drink, live music, entertainment and dancing — lots of dancing! A memorable occasion and important moment to come together, to see how far we have come and collectively appreciate the commitment of our staff — here’s to next year!
Comedian and Honorary Graduate Jo Brand was on hand to hilariously compère proceedings and lead the presentation of awards to those recognised as Highly Commended and Winners across this year’s eight award categories.
Staff can go to Hub for all photos from the event.
EVENTS Spotlight Suffolk The University held the second Spotlight Suffolk series event in October following on from the success of the first held in the spring. Spotlight Suffolk is an ongoing series of talks bringing experts together to discuss topical themes and how they impact the county and the region. Award-winning comedian Omid Djalili hosted the first event in May, which focused on Ipswich’s potential as a city and on 20 September Tech East Chief Operating Officer, Tim Robinson, chaired a panel of experts on the theme of “AI: Friend or Foe?”
Audience members were able to put their questions to the panel, which included the ethics of using AI, experience with customer service chatbots and the danger of deepfakes. Professor Gurpreet Jagpal, Pro Vice-Chancellor Business and Entrepreneurship, said, ‘The Spotlight Suffolk series of discussions are about highly topical issues that are affecting society. ‘We are really pleased as the University is a great space to host these kind of discussions, so please do keep an eye out for future Spotlight Suffolk events.’
There was a lively debate as the panel discussed the impact and disruption that artificial intelligence can have on different sectors, including healthcare, law and finance. It also explored how the future may embrace artificial intelligence and how automation may change the face of business, education and even how society interacts.
Photography: Simon Lee Photography
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Issue 17 Winter 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
Graduation 2023
University of Suffolk NEWS
Issue 17 Winter 2023
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MOVING FORWARD With the introduction of Hub for all‑staff news, we are planning our next publication to be a forwardlooking and externally-focused round-up of the University’s plans and progress.
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