Dialogue Magazine - Issue 14 by Durham University

DIALOGUE THE DURHAM UNIVERSITY NEWS MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2010

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES New sports centre at Queen’s

SPOTLIGHT ON THEOLOGY AND RELIGION A glimpse inside this research-led department

ISSUE 14

COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE An award winning university

WELCOME Welcome to the new academic year. An especial welcome to new staff joining the University and to our new cohort of students. It is perhaps odd to be mentioning Congregation (Graduation) at the beginning of the new academic year, but Congregation is the culmination of our students’ time at Durham University. As our Chancellor Bill Bryson says “probably the happiest time

in the University year”. I have not yet met a single person who has been at Congregation who has not said that we do it better than any other University. The combination of the unparalleled Cathedral, students gowning in the Castle, an impressive and traditional academic procession, Bill Bryson and happy parents in the sunshine (mostly) on Palace Green does give Durham University a few natural advantages. But, ceremonies like Congregation, and Matriculation where we welcome and ‘sign on’ our new students, only work like clockwork and give everyone happy memories of Durham University because of the efforts of the Ceremonies Unit, featured in this issue of Dialogue. Maria Towes and Donna Cutler are the often unseen heroes of some of the most memorable events for our students and their families.

ON FIRM FOUNDATIONS Construction work continues across the University estate this term as part of our continued investment of more than £100million to enhance our facilities for students and staff. Following several months of preparatory work on our flagship Stockton Road development of a new Law School, Library extension and Palatine Centre for student services, cranes are now on site as the construction work really begins ahead of planned completion for the start of Michaelmas term in 2012. Work is well underway to refurbish and remodel the University’s office space at Mountjoy too – with the emergence of the turning circle for a service bus one of the most notable developments in recent weeks.

Elsewhere, work continues at Maiden Castle where our new Sports Centre and indoor rowing tank is taking shape, whilst at Queen’s our new £5.3million sports centre with eight-court sports hall and fitness suite opened its doors in October. And finally, at our medieval heart, work is well underway to redevelop Palace Green Library and to create a World Heritage Site Visitors’ Centre at our Grade II listed former Almshouses at 7 Owengate which is a partnership between The University, Durham County Council and Durham City Vision and is due for completion in March 2011.

16 COLLEGES VARYING IN SIZE, LOCATION, SURROUNDINGS AND AGES

I strongly encourage all staff, whatever your role in the University, to sign on to serve as Marshals at Congregation in January and/or the Summer (June) or, as appropriate, to join the academic procession in support of your students. You can find out more and sign up to join in these memorable and important University celebrations at www.durham.ac.uk/ceremonies With all best wishes,

CHRIS HIGGINS, VICE-CHANCELLOR AND WARDEN

ALL STAFF MEETINGS The Vice-Chancellor will be holding open meetings for staff each term at different locations across the University. Whilst all staff are welcome to attend on any date, each meeting will be aimed particularly at staff from the area around the location of the meeting. For example, the meeting at St Mary’s is particularly aimed at college staff. This is your chance to find out more about how the University is responding to the Browne Review and the Comprehensive Spending Review. All meetings will be held from 1pm to 2pm. • Wednesday 8 December Queen’s Campus, D003, Ebsworth Building • Monday 13 December Kenworthy Hall, St Mary’s College • Tuesday 14 December Elvet Riverside 1, Room 142 • Friday 17 December Ken Wade Lecture Theatre, Calman Learning Centre

CONTENTS 2

5 6

10 12

REGULARS

SPOTLIGHT ON

FEATURES

2 5 6 7 16 17

10 Theology and Religion 12 Collingwood College 14 The Ceremonies Unit

4 A Changing Landscape 8 New Queen’s Sport Centre 11 National Diary Project Celebrate Together 15 Greenspace News

Media Round-up College Knowledge ITS News HR News Sport Profile Congratulations BC Under Investigation What’s On

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SO MUCH

MEDIA ROUND-UP Here is a taster of some of the recent stories concerning Durham that have been in the regional, national and international media. DURHAM CATHOLIC EXPERTS COMMENT ON POPE’S UK VISIT Professors Paul Murray and Lewis Ayres, of the Durham Centre for Catholic Studies, commented widely in the media about Pope Benedict XVI’s state visit to the UK. The professors were part of a Durham delegation presented to the Pope and the Queen at Holyrood House, in Edinburgh, after the Pope was unable to accept an offer to give a lecture in the nave of Durham Cathedral as part of his trip. Professor Murray presented the Pope with a reprint of the first translation of St Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English Speaking People to symbolise the Christian heritage of the North East.

ANTHROPOLOGY EXPERTS MAKE THE HEADLINES Durham’s Anthropology experts have been making the headlines for research ranging from the Muslim practice of using dreams to make major life choices to trends in birdsong.

carry out a full forensic examination of the skeleton, which dates from roughly pre-367 AD in the hope of establishing a cause of death.

Dr Iain Edgar’s research on the centuriesold practice of Istikhara, or Islamic ‘dream incubation’, found that night dreams are being used by Muslims to make choices on issues like marriage, business, career development and politics.

And the songs of the male chestnut-sided warbler are considered culture because they are passed from one generation to another by learning, according to research involving Dr Alex Bentley. But while courtship songs hardly change, fighting songs had a number of variations and went out of fashion – similar to the way that human trends, such as baby names, change over time.

Biological anthropologist Dr Trudi Buck found herself at the centre of an 1800year-old murder mystery after the remains of a young child were found at Vindolanda Roman fort. Dr Buck will

Coverage includes: The Times, Press Association, The Metro, The Irish Independent, Belfast Telegraph, Daily India, BBC Online, The Guardian, Daily Mail, The Journal, BBC Radio Newcastle.

Coverage includes: BBC Radio Five Live, The Financial Times, Reuters, Rzeczpospolita (Poland), Lusa News Agency (Portugal), The Northern Echo, Sunderland Echo, BBC regional radio and Catholic media including The Universe.

MAKING HEADLINES – MAKING HEADLINES – MAKING HEADLINES As Durham’s international profile soars following a break into the Top 100 in successive World University league tables, our international media profile continues to rise too. Demand from major TV and Radio broadcast outlets in China, Australia and Canada for our research story about the extinction of woolly mammoths (Biological and Biomedical Sciences), was followed by enquiries from media heavyweights from Los Angeles to New Delhi for more information about our research into how modern Muslims are inspired by their dreams when making major life decisions (Anthropology). The University’s academic experts were also in position to comment on the biggest stories in the UK and put their research, department and university on the map – from the Papal visit (Theology/Centre for Catholic Studies) to A-levels (Education/CEM Centre).

JOIN MEDIA GUIDE TO EXPERTISE To join our searchable database of Durham University experts go to: www.durham.ac.uk/communications.office/media.relations/media-guide and click on ‘Join Media Guide’.

DWINDLING GREEN PASTURES, NOT HUNTING, MAY HAVE KILLED OFF THE MAMMOTH

A Durham University-led team have found that a vast reduction in grasslands may have been the primary cause of the decline of mammals such as the woolly mammoth. The findings of the new study challenge the theory that human beings were the primary cause of the extinction of mammals. The research is part of the most comprehensive study to date of Northern Hemisphere climate and vegetation during and after the height of the last Ice Age, 21,000 years ago. It shows that, over a huge part of the Earth’s surface, there was a massive decline in the productivity and extent of grasslands due to climatic warming and the spread of forests.

Photo Credit: Natural History Museum

Different theories exist for the cause of the extinction of mega-species like the mammoth. The rise of modern man,

Homo sapiens, is cited by some as a potential cause. Environmental changes have also been considered as a potential factor in the extinction of mega-herbivores such as the mammoth. This new evidence of massive habitat change linked to climatic change is, according to experts, a parable for modern times. The big species today, such as elephants and rhinoceros, are the ones that are most likely to be the first affected by climate change and habitat pressure. Coverage includes: BBC Radio 4 Today programme, BBC Breakfast TV and radio news, Channel 4 News, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times, The Journal, The Northern Echo, and widespread international media coverage in the USA/Australia/Africa.

POLICING OF FAKE GOODS SHOULD BE BASED ON RISK, SAYS CRIMINOLOGY EXPERT Policing of counterfeit goods should be carried out on a risk-based approach to apply Police resources where they are needed most.

goods were significant, also argued that the amount of money lost was less than stated as buyers of counterfeit goods were unlikely to buy the original at full price.

An article by criminology professor David Wall, in the Department of Applied Social Sciences, and Jo Large from Glamorgan University, argued that there were differences in counterfeit goods which put the public at risk, such as car parts and drugs, and others such as luxury fashion items.

More research was needed to understand the complexities of the fake goods industry, Professor Wall said. The next stage of the research will be to explore the organisation of the counterfeit industry in some detail.

Professor Wall said: “Public policing resources should be primarily focused upon where the risk lies in order to protect the individual.” The article, while recognising that losses to the fashion industry caused by fake

The article, “Jailhouse Frocks: Locating the Public Interest in Policing Counterfeit Luxury Fashion Goods” appeared in the British Journal of Criminology. Coverage includes: Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, New York Fashion Magazine, BBC Breakfast TV, Radio Five Live, Australian News Talk radio.

IAS – DEFENDING SCIENCE AND DEBATING UTOPIA The Institute of Advanced Study’s theme of ‘Futures’ is off to a good start; the theme was officially launched at Seeing Further, an event presented by Chancellor Bill Bryson at the Gala Theatre to celebrate and defend scientific achievement. The sold-out event made the New Statesman’s prestigious Agenda events column and a full interview with Bill also appeared in its pages.

At the beginning of December, BBC Radio 4’s Thinking Allowed will be broadcasting a special edition from the IAS in Cosin’s Hall on Palace Green. The theme of the broadcast will be Utopia, and a series of lectures on this topic is also part of Futures. Among the contributors to this edition will be Professor Ash Amin, The Institute’s Executive Director and IAS Fellow Professor Russell Jacoby from UCLA. Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE With exciting new developments to the University estate, our working environment here at Durham University continues to respond to new demands and to our ambition to maintain a world-class experience for students, staff and visitors.

But it is not just the landscape of our estate which is changing. With the impact of the latest set of University League tables reverberating across the globe with prospective students as well as academic colleagues, coupled with major changes to UK universities policy which have been billed as a ‘Higher Education revolution’, an increasingly competitive higher education sector – and market – in the UK and internationally – is appearing on the horizon. The challenge for all universities, including Durham, is to be well-placed to respond to the challenges posed by this new terrain and to ensure we move forward together as one institution with a clear mission and identity and strong marketing and profileraising to keep Durham on the map. Towards the end of our summer vacation term, a succession of influential university league tables were issued and, building on Durham’s best ever year in terms of league rankings, our University secured its standing as an established 4 ‘World University’.

Whatever we think of league tables, they are important for many of our most important audiences – particularly students, prospective students and all those who support and influence the decision they make. The better our reputation and the higher we are in league tables, the more value is added to a ‘Durham experience’ with students, employers and alumni, among others. The three key UK league tables published this year – The Complete University, Good University and Sunday Times University guides – all draw on robust data from verified UK sources including the National Student Survey (NSS), the Government’s Research Assessment Exercise and the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Across these guides, Durham is now ranked firmly in the UK’s top four of comprehensive universities, alongside Oxford, Cambridge and University College London (or the top six if one includes the single Faculty London Colleges Imperial and LSE).

Such authoritative and independent data is not available to accurately measure the performance of universities around the world. Thus, international league tables are always more variable. Nevertheless, Durham is one of the fastest movers upwards, going from 103 to 85 in the most influential THE World league table and consolidated its place in the ‘World Top 100’ club with a comparable ranking in the QS Global University League Rankings. Our particular strengths in citations of our research by other academics and the demand for, and quality of our graduates among 5,000 of the world’s top, blue-chip employers, saw Durham moving ahead in these categories of comparator institutions including the likes of Princeton and Imperial College. Durham’s strategy clearly outlines our ambition to be in the world’s top 50 by 2020. By working together and facing the challenges that lie ahead with confidence, we hope we are well on our way to achieving this.

College Knowledge PARTNERSHIP WORKING WINS In partnership with Durham Market Company and Durham Cathedral, the University received the ‘Best Marketing Initiative Award’ at Durham’s Retail Awards Dinner, in October. This particular award recognised the approach taken to marketing the City’s annual Christmas Festival, through a range of judging criteria that included: creativity; originality of the campaign; approach to communicating to the target audience; economic effectiveness; value for money. Kate Horner (Event Durham) joined Colin Wilkes and Georgina Wilczek (Durham Market Company) to accept the award. Check out www.durham.ac.uk/whatson for further details of the Christmas Festival 2010. DURHAM UNIVERSITY RECEIVES GOLD AND SILVER FOR NE TOURISM Each year the North East England Tourism Awards showcase the best that tourism has to offer in our region and this year Durham University has won both Gold and Silver Awards. Lucy McEnaney of Event Durham claimed top spot, winning the Gold Award against a strong field for “Outstanding Customer Service”. Lucy is a Customer Relations Agent within Event Durham, responsible for events that take place at Durham Castle and Hatfield College. Having been with the University for just over two years, Lucy is a credit to the team.

Helen Strangward, Commercial Director of Event Durham, said “I am delighted. The award reflects Lucy’s hard work and dedication as well as the continuing commitment from Event Durham to provide an excellent product, supported by the highest standards possible in customer service.” Event Durham provides a bespoke service to assist with organising your next conference or event. If you are in the process or about to start organising a conference please contact the team on 42887 or email event@durham.ac.uk The Botanic Garden was just pipped at the post by Killhope Lead Mining Centre, receiving the Silver Award in the Small Visitor Attraction category. The judges commented that the Botanic Garden was “a strong contender”. This is an excellent achievement for the team, winning the award confirms the Botanic Garden as a fantastic place to visit for young and old alike. Remember you can visit the Garden for free with your campus card. Visit www.durham.ac.uk/whatson for information about the programme of events taking place this Winter. VISITOR ATTRACTIONS PASS LAUNCHED Event Durham recently launched the new Visitor Attractions Pass allowing visitors the chance to experience Durham Castle, the Botanic Garden, Oriental Museum and the Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology, for one set price.

The Visitor Attractions Pass offers a day visit into each of the venues at any time within a three month period, from the date of purchase (subject to venue opening hours). This is an ideal gift and is available to purchase at any of our attractions, Durham Tourist Information Centre or online at: www.durham.ac.uk/university.shop RETAIL NEWS You can now buy University merchandise online. University-branded hoodies, jewellery and gifts are available, as well as items of local interest, such as the very popular Durham edition of Monopoly at www.durham.ac.uk/university.shop We can also supply University gifts for business use, such as VIP visits and conferences, and produce college, departmental or promotional merchandise on your behalf. Please contact university.shop@durham.ac.uk NEW HOT CHOCOLATE RANGE – YUM YUM have launched a new range of Premium Hot Chocolates in all Science Site cafés. The range includes: Mint, Valencia Orange, and Caramel. For more information, the full list of products available or to book your departmental buffet please visit: www.yumfood.org.uk

Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

ITS NEWS SECURITY – GOOD PRACTICE

PC SECURITY

Many of us spend a significant amount of time online or on a computer both at work and at home, and it’s easy to forget that without simple precautions our systems and information can be vulnerable. It’s always worth reminding ourselves of some good practice, so below are some suggestions.

The universality and accessibility of the internet can belie the fact that without simple precautions, your computer can be vulnerable to malicious bugs and programs secreted in seemingly innocent web pages. To help protect your machine and the information held on it, follow these simple steps at work and at home:

PASSWORDS

• Keep your operating system (e.g. Windows) up-to-date

• If you’re responsible for a non-personal account (e.g. a society or admin group) restrict administration access to three people, and change your password regularly, especially if someone leaves or you suspect someone has discovered it. • Keep your personal password safe. No one here has a good reason to request it: our online authentication systems will require it (e.g. when logging onto your machine or using the Library online) however any verbal or email requests for your password should be ignored. • Create a ‘strong’ password: at least eight characters, with a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and punctuation. To create something memorable you could use the first line of a song, poem or book that you know. For example: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times = 1wT8oT,!Wtw0T Picture yourself on a boat on a river = Py0a&oAR Avoid dictionary words or common sequences of numbers or letters (e.g. Passw0rd, 123456).

• Make sure that you have antivirus and antispyware software (e.g Kasperskly, McAfee, Norton) installed and regularly updated (most products have a facility to do this automatically) • Get into the habit of scanning your machine regularly (e.g. weekly) • Exercise caution if you use public computers (e.g. internet cafés) – these machines are vulnerable to ‘cyber-eavesdropping’ so if you do use them, avoid sites where you need to supply user names, passwords or payment details. We have more information about good practice at www.durham.ac.uk/its/security

ITS & GREENSPACE During the summer the ITS worked with Greenspace colleagues to promote the nightly computer shutdown policy (an automatic shutdown of any computers left on unnecessarily overnight). This makes a contribution to our carbon reduction target (30% by 2013/14 against our 2008/09 baseline) and reduces energy costs however the

shutdown is about more than saving money and energy: it’s also more secure and means you get updates on a regular basis. Until recently, the ITS offered a nightly shut-down service to MDS (Managed Desktop Service) users on an opt-in basis, and many colleges and departments across the University took part: any MDS PCs which have been left on are automatically shut down at an agreed time every evening to save power. Following discussions with colleagues in Greenspace, the ITS changed this process so that a pro-active opt-out is now needed: unless we are advised otherwise, all MDS machines are automatically shut down every evening. This was rolled out across all applicable machines through the summer and included an opt-out facility accessible from the desktop, so users can leave their machines on overnight on an ad-hoc basis (limited to two consecutive nights only). As a result, over 1,800 MDS machines out of a total of 2,000 are taking part in the nightly shut down, contributing to our carbon reduction target and offering significant savings on unnecessary fuel spend across the course of a year. If you’re not an MDS user, you can still make a contribution: power-down your computer every night when you go home if you don’t have to leave it on – small changes can make a big difference!

FIND OUT MORE The ITS ‘green IT’ web pages www.durham.ac.uk/its/green Greenspace www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace

HR NEWS WELCOMING NEW STAFF

CYCLE+

The Training Team, with support from the Corporate and Public Affairs Team, launched a new approach to welcoming and inducting new staff, with an event in the Calman Learning Centre at the end of September.

Recent HMRC changes have resulted in a change to the calculation of Fair Market Value. Please access updated information on the HR web pages at www.durham.ac.uk/hr/benefitsplus/ cycleplus

This brand new event attracted 120 staff and included key note speeches from Chris Higgins (Vice-Chancellor), Robin Coningham (PVC for Social Sciences & Health), Phil Gilmartin (Principal of St Mary’s College) and Paulina Lubacz (Treasurer). Updates from these key people were followed by lunch and an information fair in the Calman Café. The information fair included stalls and information from a diverse number of organisations and departments including Payroll and Pensions, Occupational Health, Communications, Alumni Relations, campus trade unions and Human Resources. A further induction event is planned for early 2011. If you are new to the University, it’s a fantastic opportunity to understand the University’s strategy, meet other new members of staff and gather information from a number of different University departments and related organisations. New members of staff will receive an invitation to this event.

IMPROVING SERVICE STANDARDS Training based on the ‘Welcome Host’ standard for customer service is now delivered in-house by the Training Team and can be tailored for your own department or area. This workshop concentrates on who our ‘customers’ are and how to anticipate, meet and exceed their expectations. The focus is on developing good customer relations, maintaining or improving standards of service, overcoming barriers to communication and handling difficult situations. For further information and to book a workshop place, go to www.durham.ac.uk/training.course you will need your ITS username and password.

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING Through the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), we support team and leadership development programmes for team members, team leaders (ILM 2) and first line managers (ILM 3). These can be offered at both a qualification level and at an endorsed level.

To find out more, contact: Leadership Development Mark Crabtree m.s.crabtree@durham.ac.uk ext 41650 Management Development and ILM 3 Sophie Sowerby sophie.sowerby@durham.ac.uk ext 41640 Team Leader Development Claire Tindale claire.tindale@durham.ac.uk ext 41649 For further information please visit www.durham.ac.uk/hr/training/courses/ supervisory For further information about the Institute of Leadership and Management please visit www.i-l-m.com

SUCCESSFUL APPRENTICES HR has recently appointed two successful Advanced Apprentices to Grade 4 positions through a recruitment and selection process. This demonstrates the real value apprenticeship skills bring to the University and the benefits of completing the apprenticeship scheme. Kirsten Shale, an Advanced Apprentice in the Recruitment Team, has been promoted to an HR Assistant role within Divisional Support. Claire Cheseldine has moved from Estates and Buildings to an HR Assistant role in the Information Systems team.

Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

NEW QUEEN’S SPORTS CENTRE OPENS ITS DOORS Our new world-class, multi-million pound sports centre has opened its doors at our Queen’s Campus.

Offering state-of-the-art sports and fitness facilities, the centre is part of a £12million investment made this year by the University to improve its sports facilities across Stockton and Durham. The new centre’s impressive facilities include a multi-use, eightcourt sports hall, a fitness suite featuring high-tech cardio-vascular and resistance machines, and a dedicated ergometer room with eight ergo rowing machines. There will also be multi-activity studios, including a spinning room and dance studio, and a bookable meeting room. Outdoor facilities include a floodlit Astroturf pitch in addition to a new boat house on the River Tees to provide canoe and kayak storage. Supported by a team of highlyqualified fitness professionals, the centre will become home to the University’s elite teams in badminton, basketball, netball and volleyball.

The centre will also be open to the develop further our partnerships general public and will mean the in the area.” expansion of the University’s “Having this facility next door to the community sports outreach work. world-class white water complex Local community groups will be able opposite the Campus makes this to use the facilities, and dedicated a particularly exciting development programmes will also be offered, and helps us build upon the such as gym sessions for ladies University’s already considerable from the local Asian Community. success in sport.” The community sports schemes, The Queen’s sport centre which last academic year were development is part of a wider assisted by more than 175 student £100m investment to enhance volunteers across the University, the University’s estate. use sport to tackle social problems, raise aspirations and get people The improvement of sports facilities involved in sport who might not at Maiden Castle in Durham, otherwise get involved. a training base for international athletes at the 2012 Olympics, The University has a world-class is also underway for completion reputation in sport and is in 2011. consistently ranked as one of the UK’s top six sporting universities. The new Maiden Castle complex will house improved indoor facilities Director of Sport, Dr Peter Warburton including a rowing tank, and follows said: “We are delighted with the the creation last year of a first-class new sports centre development at floodlit rubber-crumb pitch, Queen’s Campus. Whilst providing primarily for rugby and lacrosse. excellent facilities for our students and staff it will also allow us to Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

SPOTLIGHT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGY AND RELIGION Although the Department of Theology and Religion is relatively small by University standards, it is one of the largest and most influential departments of theology and religious studies in the UK. Its historical strengths lie in Biblical studies and Christian theology, areas in which it can point to a long line of distinguished scholars, but it has recently expanded in staff numbers and broadened to include Jewish studies and the anthropology and sociology of religion. It is sometimes a source of bemusement to those unfamiliar with theology and religious studies how research in the area proceeds: one recent visitor asked whether, when faced with an intellectual problem, academics in the Department would â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pop next door (to the Cathedral) for the answerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. In fact, we deploy a wide array of linguistic, textual, historical, philosophical, social scientific and literary approaches to the investigation of theological claims and religious phenomena. In doing so, we often find considerable common ground with those outside the Department, and several staff are currently engaged in collaborative research projects with colleagues from other departments. The bulk of our research is still done in the traditional arts mode of scholars writing sole-authored monographs and books, albeit drawing on a wide hinterland of collegiality and shared conversation. The Department hosts two centres: the Centre for Life and Death Studies, which has received many grants in relation to death studies, and the Centre for Catholic Studies, which has found major external

funding both for the new Bede Chair in Catholic Studies and for several doctoral fellowships. Strong interdepartmental links have also been forged through the Faith and Globalisation Programme (with the School of Government and International Affairs) and the Project in Spirituality, Theology and Health (with the School of Medicine and Health). Perhaps one of the most striking features of the Department is the size of our graduate school: we have almost as many postgraduates as undergraduates. Although many of these are part-time, such numbers naturally create a very fertile research environment. This is watered by a large number of regular research seminars, currently serving ten different research areas, each meeting several times a term; on any day in term-time, there is a good chance that there will be a visiting scholar giving a paper in the Department. However this research-led culture of the Department does not imply a neglect of undergraduates. The Department has consistently been amongst the highest

scoring departments in the country for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey; we reject the temptation to think that excellence in research must be to the detriment of teaching undergraduates. Through a system of departmental tutors, and an ethos of attention to student concerns, we try to ensure that undergraduates feel fully at the centre of departmental life. This year the students are organising the first Theology Ball at Lumley Castle. Amongst new proposals being implemented this year is a package of reforms aimed at enhancing research postgraduate training; these will give each member of staff a postgraduate research assistant, and will also give postgraduates official certification of the academic modules and training courses they have attended and the undergraduate teaching they have undertaken.

FIND OUT MORE information about the Department at www.durham.ac.uk/theology.religion

National diary project – HE teaching professionals needed A project funded by the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme and led by the University of Kent’s Sally Fincher is asking teaching professionals involved in Higher Education to keep an anonymous diary on the 15th of every month for one year. Known as the Share Project Day Surveys, the aim of these diaries is to learn more about the lives, beliefs, conditions of work, important issues and habits of ‘the everyday academic’. The 15th was chosen as the diary date as one Saturday, in January 2011, and one Sunday, in May 2011, will fall within the survey period, thereby reflecting that academic life does not confine itself to the ‘standard working week’. Information obtained from the diaries will contribute to the Share Project (full title: ‘To see ourselves as others see us: sharing and representing disciplinary classroom practice’), the general aim of which is to

examine disciplinary teaching practice and its relationship to student achievement. The project aims to research how academics represent, share and change their practices, and to collect material on the everyday lives and normal routines of academics and in particular what is significant to them, whether it be in relation to thinking, planning, preparation, lecturing, assessment, supervision, projectwork, marking, or examinations. Anything

that they are doing on that day and anything they care about on that day is important and interesting to the project co-ordinators. Further information on the Day Surveys, including anonymity and privacy, is available at www.sharingpractice.ac.uk Further information on the Share Project is available at www.heacademy.ac.uk/ projects/detail/ntfs/ntfsproject_kent08

Celebrate together Convocation is an annual event, at which the Vice-Chancellor reports on the University’s business, and the University community celebrates successes of the previous year. All Durham University

alumni and academic-related staff are invited to attend this event, which this year will be held at The Royal Institute of Great Britain in London, at 6pm on Wednesday 17th November. Convocation will be

followed by the Dunelm Society Annual Dinner, with guest speaker, Graham Brady MP, Chairman of the 1922 Backbench Committee. For more information, and to register to attend these events, please visit www.dunelm.org.uk/events

University Shop Website now features online payment For our full range of gifts and merchandise (new and old favourites) please visit www.durham.ac.uk/university.shop or contact us at university.shop@durham.ac.uk or +44 (0) 191 334 9251 Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

SPOTLIGHT ON COLLINGWOOD COLLEGE 12

Collingwood was opened in 1972 as the first purpose-built mixed college and named in memory of Sir Edward Collingwood FRS (1900-1970), mathematician, public administrator, member of Durham University Council from 1955 and its chair from 1963. The College is an informal, secular community of over 1200, including students, Senior Common Room and staff. There are about 550 residents, most of them undergraduates but also some postgraduates, academics and an IAS Fellow. The College buildings are modern, well maintained and set in partially wooded parkland adjacent to the Botanic Garden. Facilities include the Lormor Library, a computer room and laptop library, a fitness suite, a tennis court, the Bayley Room (JCR common room), a large bar and patio, a coffee shop, and a small general store. The Penthouse and Dales Suites are sets of rooms that can be booked for student use and are popular venues for University and other meetings. In vacations, the College hosts many conferences and other gatherings.

The College staff take great pride in providing excellent service to students, other members of the University, and to visitors from further afield. Many of the facilities have benefited from the generosity of Collingwood alumni who continue to take an interest in college activities. There is a campaign running this year to raise funds to extend the JCR by relocating the fitness suite (hence the sponsored bungee jump). The alumni magazine Wood Words is published annually and widely distributed. Collingwood alumni include Lorraine Heggessey, Admiral Amjad Hussein, David Kershaw, Sir Andrew McFarlane QC, David Sproxton and many others who are prominent in their chosen domains. Watch out for the ‘stag’, which appears on our crest. He is much more than a symbol, he appears on many occasions, welcoming freshers. Woodsmen and women are academically accomplished (86% of them graduated with first or upper seconds in June 2010), take responsibility for their community, and contribute enthusiastically to the arts, to sport – for the college and beyond – and to projects outside the University. Last year

Collingwood topped the inter-collegiate sports league and inaugurated an annual sports challenge with James College at the University of York. Each year the Wood Players put on two summer plays, a musical and a winter play (in 09/10 these were ‘A Flea in her Ear’, ‘The Winter’s Tale’, ‘Seven Lears’ and ‘Blitz!’). When the weather is fine the ‘Turning Circle’ provides a perfect stage. Around 40 students devote some of their spare time to ‘Mentoring Children in Care’, a project run in partnership with Durham County Council, others contribute to SCA. Social highlights of the year are the Winter Solstice Dinner, Collingwood Day, and the Summer Ball, but there’s a variety of other activities too; for example a series of seminars on interfaith and ethical issues – shared with St Aidan’s. The SCR holds an annual photography competition, arts evening and garden party (with guests in 2010 from the JCR, MCR, Teikyo University and Ustinov); members of the University’s Fine Art Society use the Principal’s garage as their studio. In short, the whole community aspires to its motto Aime le meilleur.

FIND OUT MORE More information about the College can be found at: www.durham.ac.uk/collingwood

Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

SPOTLIGHT ON THE CEREMONIES UNIT

Maria Towes

Donna Cutler

The Ceremonies Unit is responsible for organising Matriculation and Congregation and University representation at Remembrance Service, Founders and Benefactors and other special Cathedral services. We also support the process for the nomination of honorary awards through the Senate Advisory Panel on Ceremonies and Honorary Degrees.

We receive extremely positive feedback from guests and staff attending Congregation, many of whom have attended ceremonies at other institutions, on the location, atmosphere and organisation of the day. It is an experience we would encourage University staff to enjoy, particularly on a warm, sunny day, or better still get involved…

STAFF The Ceremonies Unit is run by Maria Towes and Donna Cutler (with additional support at Congregation time) who aim to provide a professional and efficient service to continue the high-quality reputation of Durham University ceremonies.

ATTENDING CEREMONIES – GET INVOLVED All members of staff are invited to University ceremonies via Dialogue Signposts and can attend either as members of the academic procession, marshals or guests.

UNIVERSITY CEREMONIES The term Matriculation is defined as “the act of placing a student’s name upon the matricula or roll of members of the University”. In reality, what this means is that we have a ceremony, in Durham Cathedral, to welcome new students to the University and where one representative from each College signs the Matriculation Book (the current version has signatures dating back to 1949!). Students, including those from Queen’s Campus, gather with their college and process across Durham to the Cathedral, making a fantastic spectacle to mark the beginning of the academic year.

The formation of an academic procession at ceremonies greatly adds to the formality and sense of occasion and allows you to witness your students at these memorable events or to represent the University at Cathedral services.

Congregation is the University term for graduation and is held in January and June/July. Students gather at the Castle and process, in full academic dress, across Palace Green to the Cathedral. In summer we place a large marquee on the green providing a focal point for people to gather and it allows us to promote a wide range of University services that are of benefit to graduates including the Development and Alumni Relations Office and the Careers Advisory Service. We also have stalls for University merchandise and refreshments plus photography and DVD sales. In the winter all these activities are located inside the buildings surrounding the green, for warmth and shelter. We are always striving to improve the graduation experience and a Congregation Enhancement Team has been established which meets before and after every set of ceremonies to consider whether any further improvements can be made.

As we are a small unit we rely on the support of staff from across the University to act as ‘marshals’ at ceremonies providing advice and guidance to students, guests and staff. Anyone can marshal; enthusiasm and a smile are all that is required. Marshalling provides a great opportunity to experience these celebrations which mark the academic calendar, meet staff from across the University and enjoy the refreshments provided in the Cathedral restaurant. Comments received from recent marshals: “I really enjoyed marshalling – you should emphasise how enjoyable it is when recruiting people!” “Everyone in the University should do this at least once because after all the students are the reason we are all here, and it feels brilliant to be part of their fabulous day in the most amazing and beautiful surroundings steeped in such history.” “Working as a marshal always has been and remains a highlight of congregation week. Swishing around in a gown, meeting proud parents and families, listening to Bill Bryson and getting a lovely lunch in the Undercroft – loved it!” Remember to watch out for the invitations in Dialogue Signposts and sign up to get involved.

FIND OUT MORE More information about the Ceremonies Unit at: www.durham.ac.uk/ceremonies

GREENSPACE REDUCING ENERGY WASTAGE This term we are focusing on reducing all ‘non-essential’ energy in the University. We have set ourselves a target of a 30% carbon reduction by 2013/14, based on a 2008/09 baseline. This target is in line with Government and Hefce targets. Reducing our non-essential energy consumption or energy ‘wastage’ will go a long way towards achieving our 30% reduction. The amount of energy ‘wastage’ can be dramatically reduced by the behavioral actions of our staff and students. We estimate that we can reduce the University’s carbon emissions by approximately 20% by reducing our energy ‘wastage’ alone. Here are some quick checks you can make to help towards our target: LIGHTING: Switch off lights when not in the office, use task lighting and natural daylight instead of main office lights, open blinds and curtains to maximise natural light.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES: Don’t leave things on standby e.g. PC screen, plasma screen, fax machine etc as they still use energy in this state; don’t leave appliances charging overnight as most only take a few hours to charge, only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle rather than overfilling it. HEATING AND COOLING: Turn your thermostatic radiator valve to frost setting if you know you are not going to be in the office for a few days. If you are opening your window, try to keep your thermostatic radiator valve no higher than setting three in line with the University’s Building Management System which regulates the heating; close curtains and blinds to keep heat in overnight in winter and use them to reduce heat gains during the summer months; in the winter always shut doors after you to ensure you do not allow heat to escape from the building.

WATER: Don’t leave taps running in toilet or kitchen areas, report all leaking taps and overflowing or blocked toilets. Report any faults or areas where you feel you cannot control your energy e.g. switches which are not accessible, broken thermostatic valves on radiators etc to Estates and Buildings on extension 46000. Together we can reduce our energy wastage and divert the money which would have been spent on increased energy bills towards research and education.

SILVER ECOCAMPUS AWARD The University has been awarded ‘Silver’ status in the EcoCampus scheme. This scheme helps the University develop an Environmental Management System, culminating in the achievement of ISO14001.

This level will be achieved when the University reaches Platinum status. The Silver award is testament to the University’s commitment to increase its environmental management and reduce its carbon footprint.

Environment Week The University’s Environment week will take place between 15th and 21st November this year. In this week there will be activities and messages relating to living and working in a more sustainable way. A full programme of events is available at www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

AN EXCITING SEASON FORECAST The season is already very much up and running at Durham. Our pre-season period was the largest in the University’s history with over 350 athletes returning early to prepare for the long season ahead. This is very much down to our increased number of coaches. We start the year with 25 contracted coaches, all of whom are asking more of our student athletes than ever before – a challenge that, as always, our students will undoubtedly rise to in emphatic style. Hockey have been back the longest period of time with their National League season commencing in late September. The women’s 1s are a young squad and have a huge amount of potential. It may take a while for them to develop into the team that they can be so time will tell where their season will end up. The men are probably stronger than they have been in a long time and they have a genuine chance of winning National League North this time around. Our rowers were the next to return. The BUCS Small Boats Head, integrated into the National trials, will tell us a lot more about where we sit this time around but we welcome back a very strong cohort of second and third year students and they have been bolstered by a talented set of Freshers. Men’s Rugby Union, who welcomed new senior coach, Alex Keay, to Durham just a number of weeks ago have got off to a flying start. The difference a full-time

coach can make to the development of a programme cannot be underestimated and they started their BUCS campaign in emphatic style with a convincing 33-3 victory away at rivals Nottingham on 13th October. Pre-season for the rest of our clubs culminated with a series of Varsity fixtures against Newcastle University. At first team level we ran out 14-4 victors, an impressive tally when considering that Newcastle will be fighting hard to remain in the top ten of the BUCS rankings themselves. Our college programme is once again larger than ever before. Our new facilities will not only benefit our performance programme but they will also bolster the opportunities for participation at college level still further and we look forward to another exciting year where we will play more fixtures across more sports with more professional coaching support provided than ever before.

It is of course well worth dwelling on our exciting new facilities. The new eight court sports hall at Queen’s, accompanied by fitness suite and training rooms, is undoubtedly a building befitting the 21st century and all of our athletes will, without question, truly enjoy using the building. Whilst work at Maiden Castle is still ongoing the extension to our sports hall is now complete. Not only does the hall look and feel considerably bigger, the hall has a freshness about it that masks the true age of the building entirely. We will know far more at Christmas but on paper at least, this should be a fantastic year for Durham University Sport.

FIND OUT MORE Visit www.teamdurham.com For all the latest sports news and success stories.

SETH KUNIN

GOVERNANCE PROFILE

JOB TITLE: Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Arts and Humanities) BACKGROUND: BA Anthropology (Columbia University), MA Jewish Philosophy (Jewish Theological Seminary of America), PhD Anthropology (University of Cambridge).

EMPLOYMENT: Lecturer, Nottingham University; Senior Lecturer and Professor, Aberdeen University; Head of School (Divinity, History and Philosophy) and Deputy Head of College, Aberdeen; Executive Dean and Pro-ViceChancellor, Durham.

internationalisation is essential in creating the educational setting that will best prepare our students to be fully able to participate in the increasingly globalised world as truly international students.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS DURHAM’S BEST KEPT SECRET? WHAT ISSUES DO YOU REPRESENT Perhaps surprisingly I see our most visible ON UEC? aspect, our students, as our best kept secret. Durham students are amazingly Arts and Humanities, Library, Culture, active in all aspects of cultural life. In any Space Management and Web. week of the year there are plays, concerts WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE CHANGE and other forms of cultural activity occurring IN THE UNIVERSITY? throughout the University – much of this While the University has made great strides is only known to a small part of the in internationalising over the last few years, Durham/Stockton communities. This is this is an area which still requires significant a huge cultural asset, one which has the development over the coming period. We potential to bring together and transform need to continue to raise our international communities – and is something that we profile – emphasising the high quality of our are only beginning to reveal beyond the research and education. We need to increase confines of college, student organisations exchanges and other mechanisms by which and University. the world comes to Durham and Durham goes out into the world; providing opportunities and encouragement for our students to have significant international experience. This process of

CONGRATULATIONS Alison Holmes (Procurement) has won £56k of e-marketplace funding from HEFCE towards the cost of our new eProcurement system. Ray Hudson (PVC Partnerships and Engagement) has been appointed by HEFCE to its Enterprise and Skills Strategic Advisory Committee. Dan Lewis (Sport) has led a successful bid for Durham University to host the ‘British Fencing Regional Academy’ on behalf of the North East of England. Malcolm Murray (IT service) has won a 2010 International Blackboard Innovation Development Award for enhancing the learning experience of students.

dissertation in Britain on an aspect of environmental archaeology.

Carlos Frenk (Physics) has been made a Fellow of the Institute of Physics.

Angela Perri (PhD, Archaeology) gave a paper at the quadrennial International Council for Archaeozoology conference in Paris which was written up by one of the editors of the leading international journal Science ‘Burying Man’s Best Friend with Honor’.

David Hunter (Professor of Health Policy and Management) has been invited to serve as an expert in the field of public health, public health functions, services and capacities in support of the Programme of Public Health Services run by World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe.

Emily Taylor (Hatfield) and Matt Rossiter (St Cuthbert’s) both won Gold medals at the World Student Rowing Championships. Phil Congdon (Grey) and Stu McCluskey (Hild-Bede) were also selected for the GB team.

Andrew Louth FBA (Theology and Religion) has been elected Fellow of the British Academy.

Ian Beckett (Engineering Postgraduate) has been selected as a finalist and nominated for a UK Graduate 100 award.

Joe Elliott (Education) and Graham Towl (Principal St Cuthbert’s Society and Psychology) have been elected as Academicians of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Emily Blake (Archaeology graduate, now MA student) has won the Association for Environmental Archaeology’s John Evans prize for the best undergraduate

Robert Gillespie (Council member and Durham alumnus) has been appointed by the Government as Director General of the Takeover Panel.

INPUT

Tom McLeish (PVC Research) has won the 2011 Polymer Physics Group Founders’ Prize. Andrew Russell (Anthropology) has won the ‘Student Textbook of the Year’ award at the British Medical Association Medical Book Awards 2010 for ‘The Social Basis of Medicine’. Natalie Mears (History) has been appointed as academic consultant for the Spanish Armada Paintings restoration project in the House of Lords.

Dialogue is about two-way communication, so tell us about your news by sending an e-mail to dialogue@durham.ac.uk Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

UNDER INVESTIGATION

WHAT’S ON…

DR SARAH PRICE HEAD OF HERITAGE COLLECTIONS EDUCATION TEAM

…AT THE UNIVERSITY

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD? Either a teacher or a librarian (which shows either great prescience or a distinct lack of imagination!). WHERE WILL YOU BE GOING FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY? Camping with the family – destination to be decided.

HAVE YOU GOT ANY PETS? No – much to my children’s chagrin. WHAT ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT? The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas.

WHAT SKILL OR TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO ACQUIRE? Ideally, the ability to turn back time although I would settle for being able to read Latin. GIVE ME A PICTURE OF YOUR IDEAL DAY? Anything that involves chocolate, reading and spending time with my family.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR EPITAPH TO BE? I wouldn’t really want one but the following quote from children’s author Janet Ahlberg when she found out she was dying of cancer has stayed with me for a long time “...I don’t want to leave but perhaps I’ll just go on ahead and put the kettle on.”

ON A SCALE OF 1–10, HOW MUCH DO YOU CARE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF YOU? It all depends on who the other person is.

WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO BE? Not one person but I have nothing but respect and admiration for the men and women who campaigned for the vote in the 19th century.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FILM? I’m a sucker for anything with Cary Grant in it but I can’t wait for the next Harry Potter film to come out.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST RECORD YOU BOUGHT? The Model by Kraftwerk, although Abba had been on my birthday and Christmas wishlists for many years by then. WHAT ACHIEVEMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Personally, my two daughters. Professionally, establishing Durham as one of the leaders in archive education. WHAT WAS YOUR BEST SUBJECT? History. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED AND WHY? Working (and sharing a house) with children and young people means I laugh out loud every day.

WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST VICE? Tea and chocolate – I consume far too much of both.

ANY NICKNAMES? My youngest occasionally calls me Mama-lade. She thinks it’s hilarious. WHAT’S THE WORST JOB YOU’VE EVER DONE? Cleaning mixing bowls in a bakery. They were so big that I had to climb in them to scrub them. Climbing back out was the real challenge. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD? Salamanca has a special place in my heart. PASS THE BUCK: FINALLY, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE HOT-SEAT? Mike Hughes, Head Gardener.

Editor: Rebecca Grundy, Publications & Internal Communications Officer Deputy Editor: Jayne Pavitt, Marketing Co-ordinator Contributions: Karen Barrie, HR Policy Support Officer; Sharon Battersby, Communications Officer, ITS; Ed Corrigan, Principal, Collingwood College; Tara Duncan, University Environment Co-ordinator, Greenspace; Seth Kunin, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Arts and Humanities); Stina Maynard, Deputy Event Durham Manager; Sarah Price, Head of Heritage Collections Education Team, Libraries & Museums; Vicky Ridley, Alumni Relations Officer, Development and Alumni Relations; Robert Song, Head of Department, Theology and Religion; Quentin Sloper, Assistant Director of Student Sport; Maria Towes, Administrator, Ceremonies Unit. Design: crombie, www.crombiecreative.com Printing: Statex Colour Print, www.statex.co.uk

NOVEMBER IAS Public Lecture Series on Utopia 16th November, 8.15pm, Kenworthy Hall, St Mary’s College Professor Russell Jacoby delivers this lecture entitled, ‘End of Utopia Revisited’. This is the first in a series of five public lectures running until May 2011. Trans-Himalayan Highway Until 30th January 2011 Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, Durham An exhibition of photographs by four students from Durham University, who journeyed along the Trans-Himalayan Highway to find out if tourism is taking its toll on the culture and lifestyle of the people living in this isolated region of India. MUSICON Festival of East Asian Musicon 30th November & 1st December Elvet Methodist Church, Durham Music School, Palace Green & Durham Town Hall Building on the success of last year’s Korean shaman music concert and launching a revival of the Durham East Asian Music Festival of the 70s & 80s, MUSICON presents three concerts of music from the Far East. DECEMBER Durham Traditional Christmas Festival Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th December Palace Green, Durham There will be over 160 stalls throughout the City celebrating the festive season. The spectacular craft marquee on Palace Green will be filled with a wonderful range of gifts and local producers will be selling their wares in Cathedral Cloisters, plus activities for all the family. FROM MID-JANUARY 2011 Treasures of Durham University Palace Green Library This stunning exhibition celebrates the opening of the first phase of the development of Palace Green Library as a superb new visitor attraction. The exhibition will feature Durham’s famous Shakespeare First Folio among other treasures from the University collections. FOR MORE INFORMATION on these and other events happening at the University, go to www.durham.ac.uk/whatson