MAC1238 WLV Dialogue

WLV

dialogue

Summer 2012 | Issue 17 | University of Wolverhampton | www.wlv.ac.uk

golden girl

Honorary graduate Tessa Sanderson

Sprint Finish

How body shape affects the world’s fastest men and women

SPORTS Champion Profile of Director of Sport, Mike Chamberlain

Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of WLV Dialogue magazine.

By the time you’re reading this you will have experienced the greatest show on earth.

That’s certainly what the organisers of London 2012 will be hoping for Britain’s Olympics and Paralympics.

It has been a veritable summer sporting extravaganza and this edition of WLV Dialogue has joined the party with this sports-themed edition that surely deserves a place on the podium.

We caught up with the Australian Olympic Judo team as they set up camp before the games at the University of Wolverhampton, while one of our graduates had the honour of carrying the Olympic torch through the streets of the city as part of the torch relay.

Local golden girl, Tessa Sanderson, tells us what it takes to win an Olympic title, while we find out more about the University of Wolverhampton professor whose research provides insight into what really makes a world class sprinter.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to stage a top sporting event?

Student volunteer Joanna Zielinska recounts her experiences of Euro 2012 in Poland.

While England Women’s rugby international prop, Roz Crowley, talks about what it takes to become a maths teacher, after successfully graduating from the University’s School for Education Futures.

All in all it should be enough to make you feel tired and break into a sweat.

If you have any feedback for us, please get in touch at: wlvdialogue@wlv.ac.uk We’ll be back in the autumn.

Enjoy the issue.

James Allen WLV Dialogue Editor

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CONTENTS 1

2

4

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14

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PAGE NEWS

FEATURE

Let’s get Ippon – University hosts Aussie Judo team

2

Beacon of hope – Olympic torchbearer and graduate Ceri Davies

4

Bringing science to life – Thrills and fun at first Scifest

6

Euro star – Volunteer Joanna Zielinska at Euro 2012

8

10

Must try harder – England Women’s rugby prop faces new challenge

16

INTERNATIONAL 18

BUSINESS KEEN for success – New scheme to improve profitability

20

PROFILE Sports champion – Director of Sport, Mike Chamberlain

14

New horizons – Meet the UK recruitment team

RESEARCH Sprint finish – How body shape affects the world’s fastest men and women

Celebrating young talent – Red carpet moment at the Wolverhampton Oscars

12

PEOPLE Golden girl – Honorary graduate Tessa Sanderson

22

Graduate success story – BA (Hons) European Studies graduate Neil White

24

What’s on guide – University events

25

2 NEWS

Let’s Get Ippon With more than 13 million participants in more than 111 countries, judo is now the most popular martial art in the world.

The West Midlands is a hot-bed for the sport.

Scores of clubs across the region compete every weekend looking to emulate the success of the likes of Elvis Gordon, Densign White, Dennis Stewart and Kerrith Brown – all trained in Wolverhampton.

The University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Sports Centre is one of the few Judo Centres of Excellence in the UK, as recognised by the British Judo Association and aims to nurture and develop talent.

So when it came to choosing a base for its Pre-Olympic Games training camp the Australian Judo Team had no hesitation.

Six competitors, known as a judoka, and four coaches based themselves at the University in the two weeks leading up to London 2012.

They trained with members of the University of Wolverhampton Judo Club along with other clubs and were set up at the campus’ student village.

Dave Elmore, judo development officer at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “There was a lot of planning involved so it was great when they finally arrived and started using the facilities.

“I didn’t get much sleep in the run up to them arriving and then I was involved in picking various team members up from Heathrow and Birmingham.

“It was fantastic for the University, for people from our judo club and other local clubs to see up close competitors who were to be involved in the Olympics so they could learn from them.

“I hope it can further help raise the profile of judo in the Black Country with a view to encouraging more people to take part and we can see some more of our own competitors at future games.

“There is a massive profile for judo in the Midlands. Judo is excellent for self-esteem, confidence, discipline and physical exercise.

“It helps a lot of young people become a lot more aware of their physical situation. We have people at our club aged from five up to 70 so it’s a sport for all ages.”

Stewart Brain is the Head Coach for the Australian Judo Team and represented the Aussies as a competitor in the Seoul Olympics in 1988.

He said: “We had the choice between about five different venues around the UK but Walsall was just perfect for what we needed.

“We had everything we needed and I couldn’t have asked for more in terms of the facilities

and the welcome we received.

“As coach you want to be able to come somewhere and not have to worry about any of the logistics and we didn’t.

“I did my research. I saw that the Midlands had a reputation for judo and they had people involved from Team GB judo from Seoul in 1988 when I competed. I knew Dave and Mike Chamberlain here at the University were judo people and that makes a difference.

“I’ve been really impressed by what we’ve experienced and would have no hesitation coming back here ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in two years.”

For Stewart the biggest thing he had to battle was keeping everyone happy.

“It’s a long build up. People ask what I was looking forward to the most – my answer was: when it’s all over. By the end of it I will have been away from home for two months – it’s hard work.

“My main job as a coach ahead of a

NEWS 3

Judo Factfile

competition is to maintain them on a personal level. Physically they are there but it’s maintaining them emotionally and managing those emotions, keeping them happy.”

The judoka of six was led by 34-year-old Daniel Kelly who was about to compete in his fourth consecutive Olympics and 22-year-old Mark Anthony following on from his appearance in Beijing.

The remaining four were all to make their Olympic debuts including 22-year-old bar worker Jake Andrewartha, who was to compete in the plus 100kg category.

He said: “I arrived at the camp early as I was in Europe and the facilities are fantastic. You’d be hard pushed to find anything as good in Australia.

“It’s my first Olympics and it’s been a tough few months building up to this – going to Japan and Barcelona, some of us have been competing in Paris and Hungary.

“Typically we have been training twice a day

having sessions in the morning and at night and then eat and sleep in between. You’re just too tired to be bored.

“You always talk about these things as a kid growing up and when you actually reach the Olympics you think ‘wow what do I do now?’

It’s a great achievement just to be here.

“I’m really happy to be in the UK competing and I see it as a thank you to everyone who has helped me over the years.

“It’s my first time in the country and I’m looking forward to get the chance to see some of the sites like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. “My Mum and Dad are also coming over. It’s the first time they’ve been away in 10 years and their first time abroad and they plan to visit Ireland and Scotland as well.”

Judoka - the correct name for a judo fighter.

Hajime - the referee’s instruction at the start of a bout.

Soremade - the referee’s instruction at the end of a bout.

Tatami - the 14m x 14m mat judo is fought on, with a smaller contest area of 10m x 10m marked inside it.

At the start of each contest, the athletes stand 4m apart, facing each other on the tatami. The referee gets the contest underway by shouting “Hajime!” and stops it by shouting “Matte!”

Ippon - the best score. Can be achieved for a throw, a hold, a strangle or an armlock, and results in immediate victory. Other scores are waza-ari and yuko. These depend on the type of throw or how long a judoka can immobilise his/her opponent.

4 NEWS

Beacon of hope The Olympic Flame represents peace, unity and friendship. An iconic symbol of the Games, the flame is lit by the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the Ancient Games.

It then makes its way via a relay to the host city, travelling by various means of transport, such as air, rail, road, boat and, most importantly, in the hands of inspirational individuals.

Being asked to carry the torch is a great honour. This summer, 8,000 people around the country carried the flame during the 70-day relay. Nominated by people in the community for a range of good deeds, the torchbearers came from diverse backgrounds, many overcoming adversity to have their moment in the spotlight.

One such torchbearer was University of Wolverhampton graduate, Ceri Davies. Ceri, who has cerebral palsy and spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, was nominated to carry the torch for her commitment to volunteering and youth work by the Diana Award.

The 22-year-old was among the torchbearers in Wolverhampton, and was supported along the route by her family and friends.

“It was amazing,” she says. “I had such a good time – it was a very positive and emotional experience.”

Ceri, who graduated with a 2:1 BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies and Sociology from the University in 2011, has been involved in volunteering and youth work since she was 13. She was nominated for the honour of carrying the Olympic torch by Katie Marple, Network Co-ordinator at the Diana Award.

Ceri was invited to 10 Downing Street in 2009 to receive one of ten Golden Diana Awards, for her work as a dedicated and active member of Dudley Youth Council.

Over the years, Ceri has played a big role in the Diana Award organisation, joining the Youth Advisory Board and becoming head of the Regional Hub for the West Midlands and she is also on the Alumni Advisory Board.

It is this commitment to youth work that was recognised when Ceri was nominated and selected to be part of the historic Olympic torch relay.

“When it was my turn with the torch, I thought about everything I have done in youth participation and the young people I have worked with across the country. I very much felt that it was for everyone who has supported me. I felt like it was recognition of everything I have done since I was 13 until now,” she adds.

It was a very positive and emotional experience.

There was also a great sense of camaraderie between the torchbearers on the day, as Ceri explains: “I first met the other torchbearers at the Civic Centre in Wolverhampton. I was the first person on my coach to take part in the relay, and I felt they were really proud of me.

“All the torchbearers on my coach were really nice and have made a huge difference to their community and we were all proud of each other. They were exceptional individuals.

“I agreed with the person who was carrying the torch after me that we would do a dance and hug as we did the change-over. It was sensational.”

After all the excitement in Wolverhampton, Ceri went to Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham

for the evening celebration, where the boy band The Wanted performed for the crowds.

“That was surreal and as someone who is really interested in the arts, I really enjoyed seeing all the live dancing,” she says.

Since receiving the Diana Award, Ceri has gone on to set-up her own consultancy company, CD Participation Services, which offers research, motivational speaking and youth work. She was a speaker at the United Nations Rights of a Child conference. She has set up a fundraising organisation which aims to raise funds for disadvantaged and disabled children across the UK and she also works with numerous other charities.

Ceri is also now a Youth Network Leader for Arts Award in the West Midlands and an associate with the Black Country Children’s Services Improvement Partnership (BCCSIP), of which the University is a partner, ensuring Ceri’s journey with Wolverhampton continues.

Ceri’s time in the Olympic spotlight was an extremely proud moment for her supporters, especially her parents and sister Rhianna. The University was also delighted to see the light shone on one of its inspirational graduates.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, says: “Everyone at the University is extremely proud of Ceri’s achievements and we’re delighted that she was given the honour of carrying the Olympic torch.”

Being involved with the Diana Award has transformed Ceri’s life, and she is quick to thank them for their support.

“I’d like to say thank you to the Diana Award for nominating me and to everyone who has supported me, particularly the people who came to support me during the torch relay and walk the stretch alongside me.

“I’m hoping carrying the torch will bring some exciting opportunities.”

news 5

6 NEWS

Bringing

science to life

Most people will have vivid memories of their science lessons at school. For some it will have been their first chance to get hands-on experience of a real experiment, using bunsen burners, goggles and test tubes, and invariably producing a pungent smell. Whether you went on to pursue a career using the skills you acquired or left your lab coat at the classroom door, it is a subject that has the power to amaze, surprise and enthrall.

This year, the University of Wolverhampton held its inaugural SciFest event, welcoming Midlands school pupils, and then the public, on campus to experience the magic of science.

Local school pupils were able to get up close and personal with a variety of subject areas at the University during the week, with workshops aimed at Primary, GCSE and A-level students. They were offered a taster of what life is like on campus at the University, with a dedicated team of lecturers, current students and technicians presenting workshops to bring to life subjects including forensic science, midwifery, car design, life support and pharmacy.

The SciFest Public Day coincided with the Olympic torch and Blue Peter being in Wolverhampton on Saturday, 30 June, and there was plenty to keep the crowds entertained. TV star, Dr Bunhead, who is wellknown for his educational stunts, brought his entertaining Pyromania Show to the University, wowing the audience with a series of explosive demonstrations.

Dr Bunhead, aka Tom Pringle, says: “Events like SciFest wake kids up to the excitement

of science (if they’re not convinced already).

It provides a fresh buzz of excitement and curiosity in kids and parents alike. It’s not just about the ‘WOW! Factor’ of science, but also the joy of the AHA! Moment - that feeling when the penny drops and something finally makes sense.”

Dr Bunhead was also keen to encourage children to go to university and pursue a career in science. “It’s one of the best decisions I ever made. Just going to university and experiencing so much diversity under one roof will take you in new directions. I have seen so many science graduate friends entering fantastic careers and enjoying amazing opportunities and experiences through their science qualifications, from studying elephant dung in African jungles and Formula 1 tyres in Jamaica to developing perfumes, fashion fabrics, the latest foods and extreme sports equipment.”

Other shows included some medieval medical magic with Julia Hyland, a medical effects make-up artist from the History of Medicine Unit at the University of Birmingham, who brought to life some gruesome, historic diseases and treatments.

Thinktank’s Mobile Planetarium gave budding astronomers an opportunity to take a tour through our solar system, and Tropical Inc brought an array of creatures to entertain and inform the crowd.

The best of what the University offers aspiring scientists, mathematicians, computing wizards, sports stars and engineers was on display, with University staff on-hand to help enthusiastic students assemble robots (and take them to battle); build rockets with the help

of RAF Cosford; and explore the Experiments Marquee.

Visitors found they were pressed for time, trying to fit in as much as possible, and teachers were thrilled with the activities – so perhaps the last word should go to them: “I shall definitely be back next year – but with a lot more children!”

SciFest 2013 will take place from 18-22 June 2013.

NEWS 7

Sc fest2012 Experience the magic of science

Sc fes

Experien

Sci est2012 It’s not just rocket science

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Get science.

8 NEWS

Euro star There was an air of inevitability when Iker Cassillas lifted the European Championships trophy for Spain in July after a resounding 4-0 win over Italy.

Once again the Spanish retained their crown as kings of Europe to add to their World Cup triumph in Germany in 2010.

If the Spanish retaining the trophy was inevitable, one of the major surprises for many was the success of the tournament as a whole for joint hosts Poland and Ukraine.

The build-up to the event, among the top five sporting events on the world stage, was dogged by negativity.

First there were fears whether stadiums and infrastructure would be fully in place, and then that Black and Asian fans should stay away through fears of racism within grounds following a BBC documentary. Some politicians boycotted games played in Kiev and Donetsk as a human rights protest.

When the dust settled and the first whistle blew in Warsaw on 8 June for Poland vs Greece, a truly memorable tournament was played out.

based at the University’s Walsall Campus, she sought to put what she learnt on her course into practice.

From the early demise of the Dutch, to the surprising exit of Russia, to the counter attacking Germans and surprising Italians, the Euros saw 76 goals and, as usual, an England exit on penalties.

Joanna was based within logistics at the stadium in Gdansk, which hosted group games involving Spain, Italy, Ireland, and Croatia as well as the quarter final between Germany and Greece.

For many of us, as we sat back at home or in the pub to watch the tournament unfold, we didn’t give a second thought to what it takes to stage such a competition.

Behind the scenes it’s a very different story as 23-year-old University of Wolverhampton graduate, Joanna Zielinska found out.

Joanna, who is from Poland, returned to her native country during the summer to work as a volunteer during the event.

Having just graduated with a 2:1 in Event and Venue Management and Tourism Management

Joanna said: “I decided to do my dissertation on the Euros and I started it last summer.

As part of my research I saw that they were advertising for volunteers. Around 24,000 people applied for positions and I was lucky enough to get one of them.

“My main role was meant to be administration but I got involved in a lot of project work because I was there in the two weeks before the tournament started.

“I was based with the venue manager so I ended up being involved with translation, event management tasks and sorting out access passes for visitors.

NEWS 9

“The majority of the work was in the two-week build-up to the first match in Gdansk, which was Spain against Italy.

“It was a sell-out crowd and so busy getting everything ready like the signage, VIP and hospitality areas and sorting out all the accreditation for people in time.

“I was working eight hours a day doing four or five shifts a week but really enjoyed it.”

The iconic 43,000 stadium in the seaside city of Gdansk is home to local side Lechia Gdansk.

It looks somewhat like a big shimmering gold bubble and its exterior is meant to resemble amber which has long been extracted from the nearby Baltic coast.

It was one of many new stadiums built in Poland and Ukraine in order to host matches and meet UEFA standards.

And according to Joanna, who is about to become Vice-President for Activities at the University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union, it’s only by working there she realises what a big deal it is to stage such an event.

She said: “It was the biggest event we have ever had in Poland. We have staged things like handball, volleyball and basketball tournaments but football is the most popular sport although we don’t have the best team.

“People were really excited to be involved and about the new facilities being built. Everyone loved it. The atmosphere was amazing.

“Everyone was so enthusiastic and very welcoming. There were some worries in advance about how people in Poland would react and whether enough people would be able to speak English but in the end it was fine.

“It was great to see behind the scenes at such a big event. Most people don’t see what goes on just to get a tournament like that ready. All they see is the match but the safety and security side is massive, alongside the translation.

“It’s such a huge thing to get 40,000 people into and out of a stadium smoothly. Not to mention the VIPs, politicians and all the various delegates.

“From my point of view it was an amazing learning experience. The biggest difference is learning on the ground – my degree gave me a really good insight but it’s always going to

be different when you are actually out there doing it.

“Also there is the difference between managing events in England and managing events in Poland. There were people from all over the world involved and different organisations, each had its own way of doing things which needed smoothing over.”

Of course another plus point of working at such a major event is getting up close and personal with footballing aristocracy.

“The office where I was based was next to the tunnel so I would see all the players training before the match.

“The interview area was also there too so I could see all the players coming backwards and forwards. We weren’t allowed to ask for photos or autographs though.

“There were open sessions for the public and when we were working on match days we were able to go and watch the second half.

“It’s funny because I wasn’t really into football before I worked at Euro 2012 but once I was involved I had to watch every single game.

“I loved watching the Germans when they played at Gdansk but my favourite game has to have been Spain against Ireland.

“The stadium was just a sea of green. The Ireland fans did not expect to win but they backed their team and created such a great atmosphere. Their fans were so amazing even though they lost 4-0.

“Spain played at Gdansk three times. When they first played everyone was so excited, but then you got used to it so by the second and third time they played there they were just normal.

“I was able to go anywhere in the stadium: changing rooms, tunnel, VIP areas – it was great. Opinion has been very positive from

everyone who came. They did surveys in airports when people were leaving and more than 90 per cent of people said they’d come back or tell their friends about Poland.

“If you can make your visitors happy and they go away with a smile on their face, then you can enjoy it as you know it’s gone well. It makes it all very rewarding and worthwhile.”

10 RESearch

Sprint finish This summer, all eyes were on one man.

When Usain Bolt performed his rituals before taking his marks for the 100m at London 2012, the world was watching to see if he could keep his cool and leave the other competitors in his wake, as he has done so many times before. Despite all the speculation about his fitness, Bolt won the race and clocked the second fastest time in history.

In the months leading up to the Olympic Games, much was written about the aptly named Bolt – his entourage, the sponsorship deals and the way he prepares for competitions after famously admitting he likes to eat chicken nuggets. But one thing that many people would like to know, most of all his rivals, is what makes him so successful? Is it genetics, training, attitude or a combination of these things, plus a little luck?

Professor Alan Nevill is a specialist in biostatistics applied to health, sport and exercise sciences. One of his recent research projects has involved looking into the changing body shape of sprinters, and how shapes have evolved over time.

His findings are very interesting, particularly when you look at the success of sprinters such as Usain Bolt.

“World-class 100m sprinters offer the purest expression of human speed, with considerable kudos associated with the accolade of being the fastest man or woman on the planet.

“Over the last ten years, sprinters have become leaner, more linear and less bulky. Usain Bolt is a good example of this, as is the European 100m Champion, French sprinter Christophe Lemaitre, who clinched gold in Helsinki earlier this summer,” he says.

“Up until 2001, sprinters were still these bulkier, more powerful runners. But British Olympic gold medallist Linford Christie was beginning to shape the mould, with a more elegant body shape.”

Is it the same for female runners? Professor Nevill explains that women have always tended to be taller, leaner individuals.

“Two good examples are German athletes Heike Drechsler and Katrin Krabbe. They were both very elegant, very tall and very lean.

They were outstanding runners and Drechsler excelled at long jump as well.”

The research, titled The changing shape of success in world-class sprinters, was published in the Journal of Sports Sciences.

Carried out with Wolverhampton colleagues Adam Watts and Dr Iain Coleman, it sought to identify whether relative shape and size characteristics of world-class sprinters have changed over time, and what characterises the most successful world-class sprinters.

The data used was the body size (height and weight) and sprint time for 100m for both men and women in the top ten 100m world list of best performers. The researchers looked at ten decades (1910-2009) for men and eight decades (1940-2010) for women.

From the athlete’s height and weight, the researchers were able to calculate their body mass index (BMI) and reciprocal ponderal index (RPI).

Professor Nevill, who is from the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure, explains: “While BMI is an important factor associated with success in both male and female worldclass sprinters that may suggest the influence of muscle mass on sprint performance, the RPI has emerged as a more significant factor in success, with taller, linear sprinters - like Usain Bolt, for example - achieving greater success as measured by sprint speed.”

But why might this be? Is it that over time, this has evolved as a more effective body shape or is it something else?

“I think it is something to do with stride length,” he says. “The sprinters with the leaner, more linear body shapes are gaining advantage

towards the second part of the race. They can keep up with the more powerful, bulky runners who get the explosive starts and then have a longer stride after about 40-50 metres. I believe the longer stride is showing benefit in the latter part of the race.”

Breaking the 100m world record is always a momentous occasion, gaining the athlete a place in history. Professor Nevill provides some interesting insights into whether the records that exist today will be broken.

“I’m not convinced sprinters have reached their peak. They continue to evolve and there is some evidence they could go even faster.

“But in events such as the 1500m or 5000m, I don’t know if they can go much faster than at the present really. However, it is worth noting that you could get a freak situation where all the conditions are right.

“Another factor could be if they started measuring to a third decimal place in the sprint events, so instead of 9.67 it could be 9.676. If that was to happen, then you could get new world records.”

Moving forward, what could the research findings mean for competitors? Professor Nevill has some thoughts.

“The results suggest that coaches, selectors and sports scientists should consider body shape when selecting potential athletes for sprint events, encouraging more linear athletes with a high RPI.” With an audience of millions around the world, the 100 metres final is always a momentous occasion during the Olympic Games. It is interesting to know that alongside years of physical and mental training, a nutrition-packed diet, determination and a pinch of luck, body shape is a significant factor in who clinches that coveted gold medal.

research 11

12 PROFILE

Sports Champion Mike Chamberlain joined Wolverhampton in 1999 as Head of Sport and Recreation Services, becoming Director of Sport in 2005.

When he was eight, Mike joined Wolverhampton Judo Club and a successful career in the sport followed. He has won numerous judo accolades, including winning the British schoolboy championships four times, being three times under-22s British Champion, six times British Masters Champion and a four times medallist at the World Masters Judo Championships.

PROFILE 13

1

What does your role at the University involve?

I am the strategic lead for sport at the University. My most important role is driving the sports agenda and bringing together all the component parts that are involved in sport, including the Students’ Union and the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure. We’re aiming to better our ranking in performance sport and create more recreational opportunities for students and staff, in order to improve their health and wellbeing.

There is also quite a big advocacy role, so I chair the local Black Country Sports Board and also the West Midlands British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Board. This brings together all the regional Directors of Sport and student officers that are involved in leading sport at their institutions. It is important for the University to be out in the wider community.

The University has a strong focus on 3 health and wellbeing for its staff and students – what do you think are the main benefits of getting involved in sport?

We have developed a lot of initiatives around staff wellbeing, looking at physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing as part of the University’s People Strategy. We are also concentrating on student wellbeing, as I see this as a crucial part of the student experience. Our aim is to provide more activities for physical wellbeing and making it more cost effective for students to participate.

Aside from being more active and the obvious health benefits, there is a big social side for students who get involved in clubs.

It helps with personal development and there are so many transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, responsibility and self-discipline.

4

2

What are the University’s key sporting strengths?

We have concentrated on participation in recent years which has been a success. I manage the Sports Scholarship programme at the University and we look after our best athletes very well in terms of funding, support for training and mentoring. This will help to bring more success for our students in regional and national competition in years to come.

More recently we have some very good athletes who have performed well this year, including Jarryd Dunn who won gold in the 400m at the BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships at the Olympic Stadium in May. We have had success in basketball and football, particularly women’s football and are keen to get more sports teams representing the University.

What do you enjoy most or find most rewarding about your role?

I enjoy the freedom it affords me to be able to decide my own destiny. I have a fair degree of independence as well as a lot of support from within the Estates & Facilities department.

I also work in partnership with many people within the University, and feel well supported by the members of the Offices of the ViceChancellor who recognise the value of sport in the student experience. This is the clear focus and priority of my work, more so now than ever.

Also I am fortunate to work in a field that I am passionate about. I still participate and enjoy watching sport, so it is good to be around things that I care about.

5

What was it like to host the Aussie judo team before the Olympics?

The training camp was a huge success.

Walsall provided a perfect training environment in terms of having everything on site. The squad and coaches were happy to fit in with everything that we provided; we put on training sessions, catering and a mix of social activities for them. They visited schools and were happy to have their pictures taken.

Based on that success they want to come back before the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

6

What do you think stood out about the University’s sporting facilities for them?

Walsall is a National Judo Centre of Excellence so we have excellent facilities for their sport, but there are also the other sporting facilities on site, such as the athletics track and the fitness suite.

But the success of the training camp was more about people. We have two dedicated judo coaches who looked after them and got them training partners, as you need people to fight against. We are the British Judo High Performance Centre in the West Midlands and all the top players come to us each week anyway, so we were able to draw on those teams to support their training.

How did you first get involved in 7 judo?

I was one of the smallest boys in my class at school and I think my dad thought I was being bullied so he took me along to the nearest judo club in Wolverhampton. I was never bullied after that!

It gave me a lot of self-confidence straight away. I was competing at a national level from about age nine or 10 and qualified for the first national championships when I was 12. It gave me a life outside school, and I went on to represent Great Britain at the World Student Games in 1985 in Japan when I was 18.

8

You still compete – what do you enjoy about it?

I still enjoy the buzz of competition and also the training, despite the fact that judo is a really tough and often painful sport. I keep a judo suit in my Walsall office so it’s tempting to go and join in the training every so often. I’m 46 now so should know better, but it’s great for fitness and I enjoy even more the social side of the sport, having friends all across the UK and beyond. Maybe I’ll see sense and hang up my suit once and for all when I hit the big ‘5-0’!

14 Feature

Celebrating young talent Every year actors, directors and crew members gather in Los Angeles for the hottest date in the film-making calendar.

Winning an Oscar is the pinnacle of any career, recognising excellence in performance, design and creativity and is often the culmination of years of hard work and commitment.

This aspiration for success is an ideal that young people in Wolverhampton have been encouraged – and supported – to pursue.

The Wolverhampton Oscars (WOSCARS), organised by Wolverhampton City Council and sponsored by the University, celebrated the achievements of learners and teachers in digital film and media. Schools were invited

to contribute digital media to a range of categories including film making, animation, audio recording, pop art, computer training and multi-media presentation.

Pupils aged from four to 19 and teachers from across Wolverhampton were given the red carpet treatment at the Oscars-style,

Feature 15

black-tie and cocktail dress event held at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.

For the first time the glittering ceremony was also broadcast live on the internet – providing an extra element of excitement for the talented youngsters.

Awards were spread out throughout all Key Stage levels from Early Years and Key Stage 1 all the way through to Key Stage 5. The judging panel viewed a total of 320 entries across the 14 award categories – a record for the annual event.

The University sponsored the award category of Best Computer Game with winners receiving a Computer Gaming Master Class courtesy of the School of Art & Design. Presenting the award for Best Computer Game to the winning schools on behalf of the University were Sir Geoff Hampton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Affairs; Jane Nelson, Pro ViceChancellor, Student Recruitment; and Patricia Cooper, Associate Dean, School of Art & Design.

Sir Geoff Hampton said: “We were delighted to support the WOSCARS and were incredibly impressed by the quality of the work submitted by the pupils. The University has an important role in raising the aspirations of young people in our region and this event enabled students to showcase their talent and creativity through a range of imaginative films and other media.”

The winners of this category were: Key Stage 1 – Northwood Park Primary School; Key Stage 2 – Merridale Primary School; Key Stage 3 – St Edmunds Catholic School; Key Stage 5 – Highfields School.

Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, added: “It is always thrilling to see the fantastic, creative skills of children and young people recognised.

“Every year, we see immense talent at the WOSCARS. Judges have, again, had a very difficult task selecting the winners.

“ICT is a very important part of the curriculum and pupils and staff in Wolverhampton have access to a range of fantastic software which enables our children to be wonderfully creative, producing animations, artwork, stories, films and podcasts.”

To find out more about the WOSCARS visit: www.woscars.co.uk

16 Feature

Must Try Harder She’s accustomed to rucking in a scrum but Roz Crowley will soon be swapping the mud of the rugby field to tackle the challenge of the classroom.

various training camps at local level, then county and regional and made my national debut playing for England under-19s at the age of 16 against Wales.

The England Women’s rugby prop has just graduated from the University of Wolverhampton having completed a year-long Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the Walsall Campus.

“Women’s rugby is currently one of fastest growing sports in the country. A sixth of all rugby players are girls or women.

“It’s growing in schools through initiatives like tag rugby, which involves minimal contact and most local rugby clubs have girls and women’s teams.”

Roz, 24, of Lichfield actually rejected the thought of becoming a teacher initially but after doing a maths degree and having various admin related jobs she decided to think again.

She said: “Both of my sisters teach and I didn’t want to follow what they had done. I wanted to do my own thing.

“I had a few jobs but soon realised they weren’t for me. I’d been involved in coaching for a while and I really loved that so I thought why not merge my two passions – maths and coaching.

“It’s the best decision I’ve made, as every day is different.

“I teach in an enthusiastic way and put maths across in a fashion pupils can understand.

It’s very easy in a subject area like maths for kids to feel demotivated because they don’t understand how to do something or what you are telling them.”

Roz has just finished and passed her PGCE in Secondary Education and has already secured a job, starting in September, at Kingsbury School, near Tamworth.

“I’m raring to go. I really just want to get into the classroom now and get stuck in. I can’t wait to be able to say that I am a real teacher.

“My time at the University and at Walsall has been great. The support you get is brilliant. It’s a difficult year but everybody really looks after one another. Naturally you spend a lot of your time out on placements.

“They were intense but very enjoyable.”

Going into a secondary school classroom for many would be a daunting prospect.

But having played in the World Cup in 2010 Roz feels she can draw upon her on-field experiences.

“Rugby helps gives you a sense of commitment, motivation and cohesive working – all skills that I can take into the classroom.

“I am also used to coming up against challenging opponents and playing as a prop you get used to difficult situations.

“I’m used to a bit of banter. My team mates often take the mickey about me being a maths teacher. There are a few teachers within my rugby team but I always tend to get the questions about angles and probability.”

It seems that some things run in the Crowley household. As well as having teachers in the family, elder sister Katie is also a team mate of Roz’s at Lichfield RUFC. And it is Katie she has to thank for her burgeoning rugby career.

“I was always very sporty as a youngster and loved netball and football and Katie went to a rugby session at school and enjoyed it so I thought I’d give it a go as well. I loved it.

“It kind of snowballed from there. I got into

Roz has gone on to appear for the England A team and gained 15 full international caps, sharing in the European Championship win of 2007, England’s European Cup triumph the following year and in the Six Nations triumph in 2009.

The highlight of her rugby career so far was being part of the World Cup squad in 2010 when England reached the final by beating Australia, only to be beaten by their cousins from the southern hemisphere, New Zealand, 10-3.

Most recently in May she was part of the European Championship winning side that triumphed over Spain, Italy and France to regain the title – right in the last throws of her course.

So what does the future hold?

“It’ll be hard work to balance rugby and teaching but I’m used to it and shown I can do it so I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“Having been in and out of the England squad my aim is to establish myself as a regular in time for World Cup in 2014 in France and the aim is to go over there and win the tournament.

“On the other side of things I want to establish myself as a teacher. I will be doing some rugby coaching as well at my new school.

“There are many similarities between rugby and teaching. You get people from all walks of life and if you’re passionate and work at it you can excel.”

Feature 17

My time at the University and at Walsall has been great. The support you get is brilliant. It’s a difficult year but everybody really looks after one another.

Naturally you spend a lot of your time out on placements.

18 INTERNATIONAL

New horizons Walking across campus at the University of Wolverhampton, you could bump into a student from almost every continent in the world. Students from India, China, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Malaysia attend lectures and social events with peers whose journey to classes has involved a short bus ride from the Black Country, Birmingham or Shropshire. The rich diversity of the student population at Wolverhampton is one of its strengths, with people from different cultures and backgrounds mixing and forming lasting friendships.

The International Centre (IC) plays an important role in not only recruiting students from around the world but also ensuring their arrival and time in Wolverhampton is happy and fulfilling.

One person who has witnessed the evolution and growth of the IC is Yves Milhavy, Head of International Recruitment and Special Projects, who retires in September after 39 years at the University. The UK Recruitment Team has a number of new faces to drive forward the ambitious plans for international students in the future.

Looking back Yves joined the University as a lecturer in French in the Department of Languages and European Studies in 1973 before becoming head of the newly created Office for International Education in 1988. He says the international focus of the institution has changed ‘radically’ since those early days when the main aim was to tap into European Union funded schemes like Erasmus and Socrates.

“We had huge numbers of European students coming into the University of Wolverhampton as well as very significant numbers of our own students going on Erasmus placements to France, Germany, Spain etc. Then in the 1990s universities started to look overseas to recruit students, and in 1999 we became the International Relations Office, and very soon after that the International Office, to reflect the increasing importance of international recruitment,” he says.

Eventually the International Centre in its current form came into being in 2009 under the leadership of Director Jo Gittens, as

the University diversified into Trans-national Education (TNE), whereby the teaching occurs in the country where the students live and is delivered at a partner institution – and Yves believes this is where the future lies.

He adds: “There has been quite an evolution, from a fairly academic start. It is now a multi-faceted, fully integrated centre, and I think international students like that. We have created a home from home for overseas students and they identify us as their first port of call.”

Yves believes, among other things, that it is the care the University offers to international students that makes it an attractive choice.

“We really care for our students. From the minute we meet them to when they graduate, there is a level of pastoral care that is second to none. We talk to students, but also to their parents/sponsors as they often are the ones who have the final say as to where they are going to study. We carry out our mission with great care.

“I think we are also seen as competitive and

INTERNATIONAL 19

Pictured centre is Yves Milhavy, outgoing Head of International Recruitment and Special Projects, with the new team of David Wedge, Andrew Malley, Carl Adaway and Vina Patel.

the same time we meet different people from different backgrounds and it is very enriching.”

And what does Yves believe international students bring to the University of Wolverhampton?

offer great value for money.”

As Head of International Recruitment, Yves has travelled all over the world to recruit students for the University. He has been to China over 20 times and says he finds it a fascinating place, and he is also fond of West Africa, particularly Cameroon. Other trips have taken him to Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, Morocco, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, the USA, Argentina, Chile and, of course, Europe.

Yves says: “My best memory will be to have been given the opportunity to travel the world in order to recruit students for the University and at the same time meeting a huge number of people from different cultures and speaking different languages.

“That has been the most rewarding thing and that will always be with me. I went to China over 20 years ago and it was a completely different country from what it is now. It is not about going on holidays, as sometimes colleagues joke about our frequent travelling – we always have gruelling schedules but at

“There is a lot of mixing going on and international students become friends of British students, and that can only be good.

I think the University epitomises the global village. This is basically a microcosm of the world. You see African students mixing with Saudi students, Chinese with European and Indian with British students. That can only be good for the future of our world.”

Looking ahead

“Our team has to find its position in that global education market,” he says. “I see this in the new economies; in Africa in places such as Cameroon, Ghana, Botswana, and also Mauritius and Indonesia. We still have our core markets of India, China, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia too.”

The key to achieving this will be creating a truly global student community, Andrew continues.

“Student recruitment is not just about going and getting students. One of the best ways is via former students. So we will be expanding international alumni projects and building a social community online, as well as engaging with our partners abroad more.”

I think the University epitomises the global village.

The UK Recruitment Team will build on the achievements and developments within the International Centre over the last few years.

There are some new faces, including Andrew Malley, who has joined Wolverhampton as Head of International Recruitment and Business Development. He has broad experience in the international education sector, most recently with an awarding body of UK higher education (HE) and further education qualifications, leading a team on business development and partnerships with UK and international HE institutions, colleges, governments and private enterprises across the Americas, India and Europe. He is joined

by Carl Adaway, David Wedge, Premal Kamdar and Vina Patel.

Both Andrew and Yves are positive about the benefits international students bring not only to the University, but the region as a whole. Andrew highlights the fact that overseas students have a huge impact on the local economy through everything from paying rent to landlords to spending money in shops and even using public transport.

Andrew explains his vision is that TNE and international student recruitment will not be seen as separate entities; it will all become “international”.

And with a strong team alongside him, Andrew hopes to develop more exciting opportunities to enrich the University of Wolverhampton’s global community.

20 BUSINESS

KEEN for success You don’t need to tell people out there that the UK is gripped by a recession and times are tough.

“The benefit to the company is that it’s low risk, and can help increase profitability and create growth.

The economic downturn is gradually becoming a landslide hitting people and businesses hard in the pocket.

“For the University it gives our academics the opportunity to apply their knowledge and research in a practical environment and in turn help develop the curriculum to provide skills which are employer-led for our students.

Just the right time to launch a new scheme by universities in the West Midlands aimed at improving the profitability of small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

The University of Wolverhampton is leading the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN) which is being part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) until July 2015.

KEEN helps SMEs to realise their potential through working with a recent graduate, known as an Affiliate, who is recruited to work full-time on a commercial growth project, developed in association with the University.

The programme can run between six months and two years, giving the Affiliate the opportunity to make an impact and embed the positive outcomes of their project within the company.

They are mentored throughout the process by a University expert and are able to access the University’s resources and expertise.

As KEEN regional manager, Marc Fleetham, explains it’s a win-win situation. He said: “KEEN is very much aimed at SMEs that want to advance and innovate but haven’t looked at how they can do that.

“The idea is that a graduate will go into a company and manage a project. That could be to streamline a process, reduce waste, create efficiency savings or redefine a product portfolio through marketing.

“And for the graduate plainly it gives them an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills. The hope is that at the end of the process the company will take the graduate on full-time so this acts almost like one long job interview and gives vital work-based experience, while being supported by a university expert.”

The scheme was launched at an event staged at RAF Cosford in July to give business leaders an insight into what it could offer.

Since then there have been more than 20 applications and the first few have just recently been approved to go ahead.

Marc continued: “There is the demand out there for such a product in the current marketplace.

“Universities are backing it and it is a great option for businesses which are looking to test out plans they may have for future expansion.

“There are plenty of companies out there that want to expand and innovate but they simply don’t have the time, resources or expertise to do it as they’re too busy dealing with the dayto-day.

“What KEEN provides is fresh, young talent, supported by the University, to come in and make things happen. It really is commercially invaluable.”

Among the first companies to sign up to the West Midlands scheme is MoFlash Signalling, working with Coventry University.

Marc Bailey, commercial director at the manufacturing company, said: “KEEN allows us to move much quicker and get involved in projects we need to in our industry. Being able to lean on academia is also a big plus for us.

“There are certain specialist areas we don’t normally get involved with that we can draw upon. That really is a big deal for us.

“The other important factor is the part-funding from ERDF which has helped us get a graduate on board.”

BUSINESS 21

The universities taking part in the scheme have a strong track record in Knowledge Transfer and have worked in partnership over the past two years on the highly successful West Midlands Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme, part-funded by the ERDF, Advantage West Midlands and the Technology Strategy Board.

move forward and remain competitive.

Turnaround from application to approval is typically three weeks on KEEN, meaning that Affiliate recruitment periods are minimised and projects can start quickly, helping businesses to

For more information visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/keen

Average company cost is ÂŁ18,673 per annum.

Many different disciplines can be accessed such as business process, design and technology and marketing, which are areas that SMEs often find challenging.

What KEEN provides is fresh, young talent, supported by the University, to come in and make things happen.

22 people

Golden girl She was the first Black British woman to win Olympic gold and she has competed in a record six games.

Tessa Sanderson has since gone on to share her drive and determination to help other young athletes succeed. The University of Wolverhampton honorary graduate told WLV Dialogue the secret of her success.

“Winning that Olympic gold it is an athlete’s dream. It was a feeling like no other.” Tessa Sanderson recalls the moment she realised she was an Olympic champion in Los Angeles in 1984 as if it was yesterday.

It was the pinnacle of a glittering career in athletics – the momentous night in LA must have seemed an age away from her childhood growing up in Wednesfield.

Having been born in Jamaica, a six-year-old Tessa moved to the town during the sixties, attending Wood End Primary and then Ward’s Bridge High School.

It was there that PE teacher, Barbara Richards recognised her sporting talents – with Tessa excelling in netball, rounders and hockey, but also athletics.

Barbara persuaded Tessa’s parents that it wouldn’t interfere with her schoolwork and took her along to training sessions at Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletic Club.

And the rest as they say is history.

Although starting out as a multi-eventer she soon settled on javelin and by the age of 16 she had won her first national English School title in 1972. A year later she won the title again and by 1974 she was competing in her first major international tournament for England at the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch.

Four years on she won her first major title – Commonwealth Gold in Edmonton – it was the first of three golds, the others following in 1986 in Edinburgh and 1990 in Auckland.

But it is Tessa’s Olympic career that stands out among her sporting accolades. In 1984 she was only fourth best in the world on paper and just returning from a two year injury lay-off.

She was also locked in a long-running battle

for supremacy with Great Britain team mate, Fatima Whitbread.

credible fifth and 1980 in Moscow, by the time she grabbed gold on America’s West Coast.

Tessa said: “I wasn’t expected to win in ‘84.

I’d been out injured and was just coming back.

I’d finished fourth at the World Championships behind Fatima and the Finnish girl Tiina Lillak.

In Seoul in 1988 she disappointingly failed to qualify for the final, and in 1992 in Barcelona she just missed out on a medal, finishing fourth.

“But I knew I’d been throwing well and with my first throw in the final I won it with 69.56m.

The Finnish girl came up short in her last attempt and it was those 56cm that made the difference.

After initially retiring following that competition Tessa made a final sojourn, coming out of retirement and qualifying to compete in a sixth Games in Atlanta in 1996. A year later she finally hung up her javelin for good.

“I went into my last throw knowing I had won gold. It was unbelievable. Some people wouldn’t have bothered throwing the last round knowing that but I wanted it. I wanted to celebrate the win.

“Los Angeles was obviously the highlight of my career but there were others such as the Commonwealth Games in ‘86 and Barcelona ‘92 where I wasn’t expected to do well and finished fourth.

“It was a great feeling – and you think – what can I possibly achieve after this? I’d beaten the Finnish girl and even more so I’d beaten Fatima.

“Other things also stand out though like going to Buckingham Palace to be recognised for my achievements.”

“We had a fierce rivalry at the time and there was no love lost but in a way that spurred me on. It’s all water under a bridge now but back then it was intense. To be fair she was the first one who came to congratulate me.”

Next came the moment every athlete dreams of – standing on the podium while the national anthem is played with an Olympic gold medal draped around your neck.

“All you can think is your time has come, it is like the whole world stands still. The emotions just kick in and there were tears – I didn’t even realise I was crying, then I felt the tears streaming down my cheeks.

“It is something that I will never forget.”

That was one of six Olympic Games that Tessa competed in. She had already appeared in two – 1976 in Montreal where she finished a highly

Tessa has received the OBE, CBE and MBE and far from enjoying a leisurely retirement she has thrown herself head first into helping others raise their aspirations.

But she baulks at the suggestion that her sporting career has opened doors for her.

“I’ve had to open doors myself. I’ve had nothing put in front of me on a plate. I’ve had to earn everything and work hard for it – even now.

“Looking back I don’t really think I got the respect and the accolades the achievement deserved. I was the first Black British woman to win an Olympic gold.

“I wasn’t the favourite but I was confident. I was a lone soldier but it was not a blue ribbon event.

“Even now I think the response to the win was mediocre. No massive glory. I’ve had to earn everything. I just put my best foot forward and went for it.

people 23

“Athletics has dramatically changed since I was competing but I think it’s changed for the better. I was working 9-5 and training and competing alongside that. The money has changed, standards have changed and there’s the technology involved.

“It’s been professionalised. There’s no hint of amateurism anymore.

“People often ask me would I win gold in today’s era – I’ve had my time, my moment.

That’s good enough for me.

“But the athletes of today are not just athletes they’re models and catwalk queens and marketing tools. They have to be to survive.”

Tessa’s focus is now firmly on helping provide the next generation of gold medal winners.

In 2009 she set up the Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy in the London borough of Newham, the heartland of this summer’s sporting extravaganza.

The aim was to give kids in the urban areas the opportunity to get into sport and have access to facilities and coaching.

“It is a huge event but for me the big thing will be the legacy it leaves behind. That’s the most important thing. It’s not only about things like the sports facilities but the affect it has on nurturing young talent and getting kids involved.”

24 success story

Graduate success story

Neil White there’s rarely a week that goes by that I don’t have some form of contact with someone from the course.

“I remember some of our lectures taking place in the back of the old John Ireland stand at Wolves’ ground.”

While at school Neil did a stint on hospital radio in Coventry where he interviewed the editor of the local paper. He continued with his broadcasting stint by reporting on non-league football matches for Mercian Radio.

Name: Neil White Course: BA (Hons) European Studies Year of Graduation: 1984 Neil White always knew he wanted to be a journalist.

His first foray saw him writing match reports as a boy on parks football in Coventry and trying to sell them for a few pence.

Nowadays he’s editor of a regional daily newspaper read by 100,000 people every day.

And Neil built the foundations of his future career at Wolverhampton Polytechnic through his BA (Hons) European Studies course.

He said: “At the time there was no such thing as a degree in journalism. I loved doing German at A-level and wanted to have the option to study abroad so European Studies looked the best option for me.

“But as well as the elements of language there were also elements of politics and economics, something which has stood me in good stead today.

“It was a four year course, with one year in Essen, Germany. I made lifelong friends and

The editor of the local paper he’d interviewed was now heading up the Birmingham Post and Mail so when he graduated in 1984 Neil wrote a letter asking him for advice and was offered a job interview.

He spent nine years as a reporter at the paper before becoming news editor at UK News, a press agency set up to rival the Press Association.

From there he took the post as news editor at the Nottingham Evening Post. In his eight years there Neil also held the roles of head of content and assistant editor.

It was during this period he used his journalistic skills to good affect – to set up a reunion for his old classmates from his Wolverhampton days.

“I’m quite evangelical about my time at Wolverhampton. It was coming up to 20 years since I’d graduated and I thought it would be great to have a reunion. I started tracking people down. Firstly just close friends but then I started tracking everyone I could down.

“Nearly 60 people turned up and we staged it at the Students’ Union. It was brilliant to see everyone again.”

In 2006 Neil made the 16 mile trip from Nottingham to Derby to become deputy editor before being made editor in June this year.

In his career Neil has covered an array of stories but some stand out more than others.

He said: “As a journalist we do get behind the scenes and have privileged access. Just the other month I met the Prime Minister.

“But there are three particular stories that stand out for me in the years I have been in the industry.

“The first is being on the balcony for the civic reception in Coventry when they won the FA Cup in 1987. As a lifelong fan that was amazing. I was stood next to the manager John Sillett.

“The next is the Kegworth air crash on the M1.

Just standing there on the motorway, seeing a plane strewn across the carriageway is unforgettable.

“The third is the death of Princess Diana.

The impact it had on the country and the outpouring of grief we may never see the like of again. We came in and did 17 pages off the cuff. It affected people more than any other story I’ve ever dealt with.”

The news industry is changing alongside advancements in technology and the way people consume media is changing with it.

Something Neil acknowledges.

“People are more interested in creating the news themselves through social media and blogs. Everyone thinks they are reporters these days. There is a huge appetite for breaking news.

“The media used to be the only people who were able to do that but not anymore although I always think there will be a place for proper journalism. We still have a role to play and all the blogs and social media feeds out there just cannot work to that kind of level.

“When people suggest newspapers are dying I say tell that to the many people we have helped through our stories; the family of a local woman found dead in India who we’ve helped get an inquiry opened into her death; the factory workers at local train makers Bombardier who we campaigned for to save their jobs; or the fundraising campaign we ran to help send water purification kits to Haiti.

“That’s the reason I come to work. Knowing there are 100,000 every day that read our paper. We have a powerful role to play and what we do can help change people’s lives for the better and hold those in power to account.”

WHAT’s ON GUIDE 25

What’s on

Guide August

September

University of Wolverhampton Open Day – find out about a range of courses, meet the lecturers and current students and tour the excellent facilities.

2012 University of Wolverhampton graduations – Students from all Academic Schools receive their awards.

Date: Saturday 18 August 2012 Time: 10am-3pm Location: Wolverhampton City and Walsall Campuses

MA Degree Show – The MA Degree Show is the culmination of the work undertaken by Masters and PhD students at the School of Art & Design. Featuring work by MA Design and Applied Arts, MA Digital and Visual Communication and MA Fine Art students.

Date: Thursday 6 September – Friday 14 September 2012 Location: The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton

Dates: 29 September – 28 October 2012 Venue: The Public, New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PG

Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/opendays

Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/sad

Call: 0800 953 3222*

Call: 01902 322 058 Email: art-design@wlv.ac.uk School of Law, Social Sciences and Communications Postgraduate Open Evening – look around the facilities, meet prospective lecturers and talk to the experts about available funding, careers and more.

School of Technology Open Event – find out about part-time undergraduate courses or postgraduate courses. Meet the lecturers to discuss your options.

Date: Thursday 20 September 2012 Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm

Date: Thursday 6 September 2012

Venue: MC Building, University of Wolverhampton

Time: 4pm-7pm

Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/lssc

Location: MI Building, University of Wolverhampton

Call: 01902 323515 Email: lssc-enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Email: stech@wlv.ac.uk

Saturday 30 June 2012 October

University of Wolverhampton Business School Open evening – find out about a range of part-time study options.

University Universityof of Wolverhampton Open Day Wolverhampton – find out about a range of courses, meet the City Campus, lecturers and current students and tour the 10am-4pm. excellent facilities.

Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/stech Call: 01902 321402

Date: Tuesday 11 September 2012

Date: Saturday 6 October 2012

Time: 5pm-7pm

Time: 10am-3pm

Location: MX Building, Camp Street, Wolverhampton

Location: Wolverhampton City and Walsall Campuses

Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/uwbs/openevening

Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/opendays

Call: 01902 321081

Call: 0800 953 3222*

*If you are calling from a mobile you may incur a charge. The charge may vary depending on your network provider.

WLV

dialogue

University of Wolverhampton Wulfruna Street Wolverhampton West Midlands WV1 1LY tel: 0800 953 3222* fax: 01902 322 517 web: www.wlv.ac.uk/dialogue

Printed on paper from sustainable forests with FSC mixed source credit *If you are calling from a mobile phone you may incur a charge. The charge will vary depending on your network provider