Cardiff Met is now ranked 4th in the UK and 1st in Wales!
The Estates & Facilities Times Not just business as usual.
The Launch of Residence Life A programme of events for first year resident students
Newsletter Date: 01/10/2016 Issue #32
This September has witnessed the Residences and Accommodation Team launch a new initiative called Residence Life or Res Life for short.
Inside this issue:
It’s a programme of events which will: * Help students settle into their new residences and have a happy and fulfilling experience of University accommodation;
responsible for facilitating all the events to date, promoting them on Twitter and in person. We have been using the ethos that even if only one student turns up to an event then it’s a success. If its made a difference to a resident student and potentially helped with their university retention then its been worthwhile.
Some of the main attractions so * Deliver a pro-active social and far have included: pastoral programme of activiCardiff Blues V Glasgow - 125 ties; developed through partici- students attended. pation and feedback from resiBridget Jones’ Baby Film dential students, which takes into account the diverse nature of the student population;
Quiz night with all you can eat pizza - 180 students attended. Employability workshop - 9 students attended. International students welcome disco - 50 students attended. As the scheme develops we are hoping that we will witness increased student input into the type of events they want arranged.
The Launch of Residence Life Its been a huge success to date.
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Conference Services Update. A successful summer.
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Students arriving in Halls. Parents, Grannies and Dogs.
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Rachel’s Green Corner.
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Future events that are in planSize of Wales. ning stage at present include a group climb of Pen Y Fan and a Catering Roundup. trip to Bath Christmas Market. Getting on Track with Catering.
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6 E&F Family Photo Album. From the Nou Camp to Press Ups.
* Contribute to the development of a cohesive living / learning student community in which cultural diversity and inclusivity is promoted to enable students to have broader life skills.
Cardiff suburb names. So that’s why its called…
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Meet your Colleagues.
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The Seth and Paul show.
Paul Horrocks recently joined the team as the Res Life & Events Coordinator and is
Introducing Professor Cara Aitchison The new President and Vice-Chancellor at Cardiff Met Cardiff Metropolitan University has appointed Professor Cara Aitchison as our new President and Vice-Chancellor following the retirement of Professor Anthony Chapman. Professor Aitchison took up the post in October and brings a wealth of experience from numerous posts and unpaid positions in higher education and research with her. Professor Aitchison recently said: “I was attracted to Cardiff Met because of the subject mix, the location, the people, the reputa-
tion of the University and the potential for it to be even better. I’ve been a Vice-Chancellor of a smaller university for the last three-and-ahalf years and previously worked in six other higher education institutions spanning the whole HE sector in England Scotland. I’ve also led Schools of Education and Sport, worked in a Business School, hold an honorary Professorship in the Department on Health at Bath University and I’m passionate about Art and Design and the role of creativity and innovation within universities more broadly. Cardiff Met therefore has the perfect mix in its
five Schools that mirror my own experience and interests while affording opportunities to develop a sixth School. I’m struck by the high level of professionalism and positivity that I’ve encountered in colleagues across the University. I believe that we have very firm foundations and a wealth of talent and goodwill that will enable us to build a larger and more diversified university with an even stronger reputation for excellence and all without losing the vibrant sense of community feel that is clearly a strength of the University.”
Conference Services update - a new film and newsletter Contributed by Eva Huw, Conference Co-ordinator Conference Services has had another successful Summer with events including: Ras De Cymru cycle race, South Wales Potters Ceramica weekend, Teach First, Down’s Syndrome Association, Prisoners Learning Alliance, Mediconf Medical, Kings School Rugby training camp and more. Take a look at our latest newsletter to find out about our news, recent events and whats on our agenda for the year ahead. https://issuu.com/ uwicpublications/docs/ internal_newsletter_10.16 Get in touch and we will send you a complimentary 2017 desk calendar.
Procurex Wales Live 2016 This month Cardiff Met took part in the Procurex Wales event. It was great to meet some of our existing customers and to make so many new acquaintances too. Conference Services is a supplier for the NPS Conference Facilities Framework so it was a fantastic opportunity to promote the framework with the delegates. Take 5 and watch our new video! We hope you enjoy watching our new Conference Services video: https://youtu.be/JVwwil81pGM
Another successful ISOQAR Audit Contributed by Rachel Roberts, Environmental Performance Manager October 19th saw the Environmental Management System ISO14001, audited by our external auditors as part of their annual visit. It was another successful audit with no non-conformances raised. The three auditors interviewed and visited numerous areas within the University including, both campus site walk arounds, Academic Development, Environmental Research, Sustainable Estate, Sustainable Procurement, Emergency Preparedness, Student Union, Travel and
Transport and also a complete review of People & Planet League. the Management system. The report commended, ‘The identification of new environmental projects and to bring the staff and students even further into the process with more participation and ownership of various aspects’. The next visit is scheduled for 1st and 2nd November 2017.
Cardiff Met Goes GREEN Raising awareness and money for Size of Wales Students and staff across Cardiff Met joined forces in October to raise funds for an organisation working to protect an area of rainforest the Size of Wales.
women where they are not affordable or easily available.
Events included: bicycle MOT’s, bag packing at Tesco, litter picking, energy awareness stands and donations for LED lightbulbs. This was alongside the longstanding ‘Smalls for All’ campaign which provides bras and underwear to
Healthy University Strategy. It was particularly encouraging to be able to arrange such a variety of awareness events and information stands - from the sale of reusable cups to information on Fairtrade chocolate and environmental lectures”.
The day was expertly arranged and overseen by Rachel Roberts, Cardiff Met’s A range of events were held over the Environmental Performance Manager who aptly named ‘Go Green Day’ which said: helped raise a total of £280. The total “We are delighted to see students and staff amount is then doubled by Size of teaming up and raising so much money for Wales to £560. Size of Wales - all as part of Cardiff Met’s
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It has just been formally announced that Cardiff Met has been ranked the 4th most environmentally friendly University in the UK and 1st in Wales. This is a huge jump from 19th place last year and is testament to the hard work of Rachel Roberts, Mark Barry and all teams.
First year students and parents arriving 2016 The beginning of a new chapter for both students and parents.
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Cyncoed Halls Development Bute Refurbishment Last Summer saw the renovation programme for the Halls arrive at the Bute Block on Cyncoed Campus. Home to 30 students it was desperately in need of attention. For the first time the renovation focused on expanding student social areas. Throughout the year, resident student forums are held and the message repeatedly received was they wanted larger social areas. So, next to the sizeable snack kitchen, we now have a social area as shown opposite. The response has been fantastic with it becoming the hub for each flats nightly activities from playing x-box to group study. All bedrooms were converted to en-suite and fitted with new furniture, including the popular three quarter beds in every room.
Offering a greener option, the University’s first Hybrid car Contributed by Rebecca Bloyce - Commercial Services Manager The pool cars at Cardiff Met provide cost effective transport to staff who need to drive for work purposes. This summer we introduced our first Hybrid car into the fleet, the Toyota Yaris. Hybrid cars have lower carbon emissions than standard petrol or diesel models and hence lower road tax. The car is currently based on the Llandaff Campus for a six month trial, and we would encourage staff to give it a go! Hybrid cars do use petrol and do not need to be ’plugged in’ to recharge them.
The technology uses the engine to charge the battery in petrol mode, and then uses the electrical charge generated to reduce running costs and emissions. The car does this automatically and the driver does not need to change between settings. When the car is in electric mode its extremely quiet. We hope that staff will enjoy this new option and we will be monitoring the usage for six months. If this is successful we could look at making this a permanent feature of the pool car fleet.
Cardiff Met makes a Healthy University pledge. Chris Deacy, Assistant Director of HR (Occupational Health, Safety & Well-being) The University has recently launched a Healthy University Strategy as part of its continued commitment to the social responsibility agenda. The new strategy was launched in September to enhance and cohere Cardiff Met’s activity relating to its Health and Wellbeing initiatives, Environmental responsibility and Equality and Diversity, as well as maintaining its commitment to Community Engagement and Welsh Language Culture. Over the past year, the University has asked staff and students for feedback and ideas to develop the Strategy. It is from feedback received Page 4
that the Strategy has developed so far and will continue to develop further around the core aims of: Community Engagement - promoting social cohesion through community engagement and partnership. Environmental Sustainability - meeting environmental responsibilities and controlling the ethical and social impacts of the University’s activities. Health & Wellbeing - Promoting a safe and supportive environment for students and staff, which celebrates inclusivity and enables individuals to make informed lifestyle choices.
CardiffMet Sport Contributed by Chris Jennings - Director Cardiff Met Sport Sports Facilities had a busy summer delivering a number of small refurbishment and upgrades to facilities including: * In partnership with the University’s Catering Department the creation of a cafe (The Track) in NIAC. * Replacement, after 15 years, of the NIAC 200m track area * The football 3G installation of the TV gantry funded by the FAW following the promotion to the Welsh Premier League. * Inside the Tennis Centre the courts were resurfaced, the backdrops replaced and the branding of glass areas renewed. Following the transfer of the University’s physiotherapy service from the School of Sport an additional treatment bay has
been created in the clinic area and a rebranding of the Sports Medicine Service including the massage service managed by CSS has been undertaken. In December, the service will be expanded to include a Chiropractor. Major Works Update New Sports Hall - The development is on target to be handed over in early December 2016. Programming of the activities is currently progressing with internal stakeholders. Outdoor Track/3G Pitch - Work commenced on the 26th September 2016. Weather permitting; the target completion for the 3G Rugby Pitch is the Christmas vacation period. The 400m
track and throwing areas are due for completion in June 2017 when the temperature is at a level to allow for the track to be sprayed and marked. Sport Cardiff In partnership with Nation Radio and the City Council, Sport Cardiff held the second Cardiff Sports Awards evening at the SWALEC Stadium. The evening celebrated the achievements of the unsung heroes of community sport and the winners of the Cardiff School Games organised by Sport Cardiff that includes 90% of Cardiff secondary and junior schools and 60% of schools from the Vale of Glamorgan.
Launch of ‘The Track’ Contributed by Andrew Phelps, Catering & Hospitality Service Manager Following a summer refurbishment, a new catering facility at the Cyncoed Campus in the NIAC arena called ‘The Track’ opened in early September. The Track is located in the main reception area of NIAC. The new contemporary café provides a wide selection of hot and healthy snacks. The new facility also pays homage to our very own Lynn ‘The Leap’ Davies winning Gold at the Tokyo games in 1964 ! We would like to thank Owen Rodgers, Chris Jennings and Andy Lee for their support with this project.
Exciting Timetabling News Contributed by Elaine Griffiths - Space Timetable Manager This term has seen the introduction of Personalised Student Timetables for the first time. With the assistance of our colleagues in ISD and BIS there has been a pilot project with Cardiff School of Sport and Cardiff School of Management. The students on the pilot program have received timetables that only show the sessions they need to attend, which is an improvement on the modular level timetables they had last year. All School of Sport students now have a
personalised timetable. Cardiff School of Management have trialled this with two programmes of study this year with a view to rolling it out further next year. My thanks to Jake Bailey and Rhianne Critcher for their contribution to making this work. This is an exciting first step towards achieving the Holy Grail of Individual Student Timetables across the University. We hope that students will appreciate this new development and the feedback so far has been positive. The project appears to have gone well
(although there have been lessons learned), but we are hopeful that this will be rolled out further next year. In addition to the personalised timetables, all students are now able to view their timetables on their mobile devices by downloading their timetables into their calendars. Students did have access to this facility last year, but the process has now been made much easier. We hope that this new facility will be well received by the students.
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Estates & Facilities Photo Album Images of staff and students around the campuses and further afield. This editions round up includes: Summer Accommodation Assistants Rhiannon and Ash promoting our services in Roath; The new Cyncoed and Plas Gwyn student warden teams; Jeremy Price and Carla Morgan celebrating his 40th (ahem) Birthday at the Nou Camp Barcelona, Seth ‘The Legs’ Davies completing his first Iron Man competition in 12Hrs 17Mins,The WOW Travel and Sustainability staff and finally the first student to get locked out of his bedroom performing the ritual ‘10 press ups for your spare key’ routine!
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The sounds of the suburbs We all know the names, but where do they come from? How Cardiff suburbs got their names: Adamsdown - According to some historians, the area around the cemetery down to Sanquahar Street area was known as the Downs - with the land thought to have been given by a 14th Century gatekeeper of Cardiff Castle named Adam Kyngot. Hence Adam’s Down or Adamsdown Birchgrove - in the 17th Century a coach house and inn called The Birchgrove stood on the site of the current Birchgrove Pub. Hence the area took on the name. Butetown - In 1801 Cardiff was only Wales’ 25th largest town but the Marquess of Bute oversaw the building of Cardiff Docks as well as encouraging the development of the coalfields across South Wales, which saw Cardiff become a ‘boom’ town. Bute died at Cardiff Castle in 1848, by which time he was widely considered to be the creator of modern Cardiff and his name stuck to the Docks area giving us Butetown. Caerau - As in the first syllable of Caerdydd, which eventually gave rise to the colloquial English version Cardiff - is the Welsh for fort. And Caerau is the Welsh for ‘forts’. An Iron Age hill-fort was found to stand in Caerau following a dig by
Channel Four’s Time Team which suggest- Llanederyn - Presumably named after ed it was occupied as early as 600BC. the Sixth Century St Ederyn. According to legend he was a Briton Canton / Pontcanna - St Canna was a companion of King Arthur who later sixth century princess, supposedly from Brittany who converted pagans to Christi- became a recluse in Brittany. His name also lives on in the Breton village of anity. She became a nun and is believed Lannedern. to have lived in the area. Her name survives in the Cardiff suburbs of Pontcanna Pentyrch - “Pen” is Welsh for top or meaning Canna’s bridge and Treganna, hill. The second half of the name is the Welsh translation of Canton, which probably the plural of “twrch” means Canna’s town. meaning boar. Cathays - The curiously-named city Roath - The most likely explanation is centre area may be linked to a battle site or even wildcats. Experts suggest it could that the name is a corruption of the Gaelic word for fort, “rath”- with be a corruption of Cad Hayes - meaning Roath being known as “Y Rhath” in an open area of battle or Catt Hagga Welsh. meaning an ‘enclosure where wild cats are seen’. St Fagans - Fagan was said to have Cyncoed - Deliberately called ‘King Kong’ by generations of schoolchildren, the area was previously known as ‘cefncoed’ meaning ‘wooded ridge’. In fact the leafy suburb of today was heavily wooded just over a century ago. Gabalfa - It is derived from the Welsh ’ceubalf’ meaning a place of the boat. It comes from its role as the site of a former river crossing when it was part of the parish of Llandaff. Llandaff - As can be found throughout South Wales, “Llan” is the Welsh prefix for “church of”. So in this case translates as the Church on the River Taff.
been a second century Bishop who was sent by Pope Eleutherius to Britain from Italy according to the 1911 book The Lives of the British Saints. Splott - Arguably one of the citys most memorable place names. One explanation is that it comes from the Welsh “ysblad” which is land surrounded by marsh. Sadly the long held apocryphal story about it being a shortening of “Gods Plot” is likely to be just a myth!
Tales from the Met Stories from around the campuses. Sally’s on the run for Alzheimer Society. Huge congratulations to Sally from Conference Services for running not one, not two, not three, but four half marathons and raising over £420 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Sally comments: “I very much enjoyed running in my home town of Cardiff, but the Severn Bridge was the most memorable. Next year I plan to run my first full marathon which is very scary but training has already started. If you see me out and about please give me a wave.”
Hoodies @ the Print Studio The Print Studio have launched an exciting new range of clothing that can be printed and personalised with any text, images or designs you want. This includes t-shirts, polo shirts, football/running/athletic tops, aprons, hi-viz jackets, hoodies and sweatshirts. We also stock the OFFICIAL Cardiff Met branded hoodies and we have a special offer just for staff. Pop into any Print Studio and show your staff card to get £5 off a hoodie, but be quick as they are selling like hot Welsh cakes! Page 7
Dates For Your Diary: 27/11/16 Cardiff Met V Llandudno 3pm kick off 09/12//16 Christmas Carol Concert at Llandaff Cathedral - Free to Travel on the Met Rider to attend the event. 23/12/16 Last day in work Editor: Neil Woollacott Deputy Accommodation Services Manager & Travel Plan Manager. Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Campus, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff CF23 6XD Tel: 02920 41 6712 nwoollacott@cardiffmet.ac.uk Facebook: Cardiff Met Halls & Housing
11/02/16 Wales V England in the Principality Stadium 10/03/16 Wales V Ireland in the Principality Stadium 29/03/16 Varsity 2016 versus Bath at Cyncoed Campus
Congratulations and Welcome on board: Professor Cara Aitchison as the new President and Vice-Chancellor. Jill Henderson and Christine Biggs on 25 years at Cardiff Met on the 23rd September 2016.
Opening Times of ‘The Track’ & Christmas meals. Monday - Friday 8.30am to 8pm Saturday 9am to 2.30pm Sunday - Open depending on events being held. Llandaff - Christmas lunches will be available in the CSM Atrium (counter style) on Wednesday 7th and Wednesday 14th December. Cyncoed - Christmas lunches are available in K1 on Tuesday 6th and Tuesday 13th December.
Meet your Colleagues Introducing Seth and Paul Halls, setting up and promoting activities and Paul: I am a keen football and rugby fan, so events for first year students in Halls. most weekends involve a stadium, a pie and a pint. After a long term injury, my focus is on Former Employment: improving my Parkrun times as well as Seth: I have worked part time in various forcing my way into the Staff Football Team departments within Cardiff Met, from Did you know: Student Ambassador to a Recreational Assistant in NIAC. I studied an undergradu- Seth: I am the assistant head coach for Cardiff ate degree in Product Design BSc, before Met Swim Team, regularly coaching and completing an MSc in Sports Coaching, both going away for competitions. I am also the here at Cardiff Met. team manager for Cardiff Met Triathlon and Cycling Team, managing their finances and Paul: After many years working at Cardiff administration. Met across various departments, I went to work at the Rugby World Cup for 18 months From travelling around the UK for the first 6 months assisting with the delivery of the volunteer interview process, to tournament time managing several hundred volunteers.
Names: Seth Davies: Halls Assistant on Cyncoed Campus, dealing with student Halls enquiries and Halls of Residence matters Paul Horrocks: Resident Life & Events Coordinator for Cyncoed and Plas Gwyn
Paul: I spent last Christmas Day barbequing ’Kanga Bangas’ on a beach in Sydney in boardies and flipflops!
The Estates & Facilities Times has been initiated to keep us all aware of what is going on in each others sections. If there is no article about your area, it is Interests: because no one has spoken to me, please contact me Seth: I am a keen triathlete and regulalrly take yourself. Anyone who wishes to contribute articles, will be greeted with a smiling face and open arms. part in endurance events such as Half and Full Marathons. I recently completed my first A copy of the Estates & Facilities Times is also Ironman competition in a time of 12hours and available in Welsh if required. Any staff who are 17minutes. When I’m not working or training leaving Cardiff Met for pastures new, let me have a forwarding address and I will send you a copy.
I enjoy watching sport and I currently hold a season ticket for Cardiff City FC.
The Estates & Facilities Times next issue will be circulated from May 2017.