Met Connect Issue 1 by London Metropolitan University

Met Connect

Issue 1/2015 London Met’s staff magazine STAFF PROFILE

Cathy Phillpotts gets on her bike

STAFF EXCELLENCE

The first Annual Staff Awards

SCHOLARSHIP NEWS

Mark Bickerton scholarship

Are robots the key to immortality?

Think of a future shared with robots and you might find yourself imaging an apocalyptic world where machines have turned on their masters. But a world with robots may be closer than you think, and it doesn’t have to be as horrible as Hollywood suggests. Indeed, the technology may even enable us to cheat death, according to some thinkers in the field. The realms of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) have seen some major technological breakthroughs in the 21st century. Animation, too, has made great advances. Last year, a totally artificial girl named Sweetie made global headlines by catching sexual offenders targeting children online. It was testament to both the capabilities we have at our disposal today and the increasing uncertainty about

JD Hancock

Gordon Tarpley

what is and isn’t real. Dr Nigel Medhurst, Senior Lecturer in London Met’s Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing, believes that a lot of people can benefit from improvements in these technologies. “Socially isolated individuals, as well as people with limited mobility, can benefit greatly from progress in robotics,” he says. “Even if it

“Potentially, as individuals, we might be immortal. We might have selfhealing powers even.” Story continues on p3

is just for helping them with everyday tasks.” But what do developments in the field of robotics really mean? To what extent can robots replacing humans in customer service based positions and the ensuing redundancy be justified? Can battling isolation with robot assistants lead to reliance on machines, and further isolation from human beings?

Welcome

Staff profile For each issue, we will interview a member of staff. This time, we caught up with Cathy Phillpotts, Director of Library Services. 10

Dear colleagues, Welcome to this inaugural edition of Met Connect, the new quarterly magazine for London Met staff.

What’s going on at Stapleton House?

In it you’ll find a combination of news, features and information aimed at celebrating our successes and keeping colleagues in the loop on University developments.

A look at what’s to come on the site of the Stapleton House complex.

Highlights in this issue include an interview with Head of Libraries, Cathy Philpotts, who shares her passion for books and biking; news about developments in our Estate; an interesting new approach to research in FSSH; and stories and updates from across the University. As well as this quarterly magazine, a new fortnightly newsletter will be shared digitally with staff to keep you updated on University news and updates.

Research teamwork Academic staff across the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities worked together on a unique project. We take a look.

We welcome any feedback, ideas and – of course – stories you have for Met Connect, so please get in touch with us by contacting Luke Foddy:

Email: l.foddy@londonmet.ac.uk

Excellence acknowledged

Phone: 020 7133 2466

Celebrating colleagues’ achievements at London Met’s first Staff Annual Awards.

We hope you enjoy this issue. The PR & Internal Communications team

Scholarship news

London Met has selected a dedicated and talented student from Pakistan to undertake a Master’s Degree in memory of late International Director, Mark Bickerton. 6

ROBOTIC FUTURE

Our robotic future...

Dr Nigel Medhurst

CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 “The benefits can greatly outweigh any negatives,” said Nigel, “if we remember the human aspects of technology. It is not about dehumanization, but rather about reinventing ourselves, thinking about our place in the world, and becoming more intelligent and more sensitive to the needs of others.

assisting with daily chores. Ray Kurzweil, Director of Engineering at Google, believes we are close to a biotechnological boom in which nanotechnology and robotics could combine to make us live longer.

“We must never lose the essence of who we are as people. The more human characteristics a robot has, for example, the better our relationship and interaction can be with it. But we should keep in mind that the arrival of robots resembling human beings wouldn’t justify a so-called ‘divorce from responsibility’. We are still in control.”

“Now that we’re really understanding the fundamental information processes underlying biology and aging, we’re creating much more powerful tools to stop them,” Kurzweil said last year. “There’s no reason we can’t keep rejuvenating the body indefinitely. I predict the development of intelligent nanobots that will be able to augment our immune systems, precisely targeting pathogens and even cancerous cells.

There are some, however, who believe this technology can go way beyond keeping people company or

“I used to call it the killer app for nanotechnology. But that wasn’t a good name for a health technology.”

For Nigel, who recently appeared on BBC World to discuss these technological innovations, this is well within the realm of possibility. “Potentially, as individuals, we might be immortal. We might have self-healing powers even,” he said. But for now, recent highprofile calls for caution about developing AI and robotics should be resisted, he suggests. “We must keep in mind that technology should be enhanced for the service of people - not for technological superiority or control. But from a human or humanist perspective if, for example, we are able to give disabled people more independent lives through advances in AI and nanotechnology, this has to be seen as a positive move.”

“I predict the development of intelligent nanobots that will be able to augment our immune systems, precisely targeting pathogens and even cancerous cells.” - Ray Kurzweil

/FLSCLondonMet @LifeSciCompLDN

/FLSCLondonMet @lifescicompldn

News in brief Summary of the top news stories published on London Met website London Met commended for free speech London Met was named in several national newspapers in February for its strong performance in a recent survey of universities’ approaches to freedom of speech. The University received a ‘Green Light’ categorization by the study, carried out by Spiked and sponsored by the Joseph Roundtree Reform Trust. Read the story here.

Art competition aims to brighten up Courtyard Metartmorphosis art competition is looking for students to design artwork to be permanently displayed in the Tower Courtyard at Holloway Road Campus. In addition to having their work displayed, there will be money prices for the winners. The deadline for students and alumni who want to submit their entry to Metartmorphosis should do so before the deadline of

the end of term (27 March). For more information about the competition and the entry form, please click here.

Jewellery student named ‘One to Watch’ by Design Council The Design Council has named Juliette Bigley from The CASS, on their list of 70 upcoming designers representing the next generation of young talent, who they predict will shape the future of the sector. Juliette’s handmade silver entry named the Conversational Vessels series, is a set of functional tableware, which was also selected as one of the most striking designs on the list by ICON Magazine. Read the story here.

Full accreditation shows London Met’s computing credentials London Met’s School of Computing has received accreditation from

the British Computer Society (BCS) for 11 of its undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The BCS also backdated the accreditations, meaning London Met graduates will benefit from the CITP endorsements, as well as new students on the courses. The accreditation cements London Met’s excellent reputation for computer sciences. The University is already a CISCO Academy, and is home to an IBM Smarter Planet Lab, giving students the opportunity to work with cutting edge technology.

1973.

Read the story here.

Interview: Alumnus heads Shelter campaigns London Met alumnus, Jon Quinn, is passionate about tackling the housing crisis in the UK. He is currently the Head of Campaigns at housing charity Shelter, but says that his experience at the Guildhall University (predecessor of London Met), gave him great tools to start his career 14 years ago.

Top architecture award for Cass professor Florian Beigel, a Professor of Architectural Design at the CASS, has won one of the most prestigious awards in architecture. The Annie Spink Award is open to teachers working on any internationally recognised Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) course who are involved in the development of architectural education and engage with the process of teaching and learning Florian has taught at The Cass and its predecessor intuitions since

Conversational Vessels by Juliette Bigley.

What’s the deal with our building sales? Staff may be aware that the University recently sold the Stapleton House complex on Holloway Road. But how much did we receive for the sale, and what is the future of the site?

Last year London Met sold Stapleton House for £30.5m to student accommodation firm Unite. The sale not only brought in a good capital receipt for the University, but also represents an operational cost saving of roughly £400,000 per year. Unite plans to build student accommodation on the site, with 860 rooms, retail units and community space. This will see new businesses on Holloway Road, as well as an increased student buzz in the area. For the University, the sale means more investment in facilities. “Every penny made from the sale of assets has been spent on the infrastructure, such as ISS systems and facility upgrades,” said Deputy Chief Executive Paul Bowler. “For example, we’re investing £11m from the sale of Stapleton House into the refurbishment of Calcutta House. “There is a property boom at the moment, which means we sold Stapleton House at a very good time. It’s also an ideal time to be selling Commercial Road, and we are now in the process of doing that. The money from that sale will again be invested into the

Work on the former Stapleton House site is underway now.

Inspirational Pakistani designer offered the Mark Bickerton Memorial Scholarship Talented student from Pakistan is first recipient of scholarship in memory of former International Office Director, Mark Bickerton When Mark Bickerton, the dedicated Director of the International Office, passed away in 2013, London Met established a scholarship in his memory. Here, we meet the first recipient of the Mark Bickerton Memorial Scholarship, Salman Waheed. Mark, a popular member of the London Met family, had strong links with Pakistan, a country for which he had much affection. In light of this, the University established a scholarship in his memory to fund a Pakistani student’s education. The scholarship was awarded to Salman Waheed,

26, from Lahore, who started an MA in Product Design in the autumn. “When I was contacted by London Met about this scholarship I just couldn’t believe it. I was really amazed. I was certain they had made a mistake or something,” said Salman. Dream come true “I think it’s great how London Met picked me as someone they think has potential. It is amazing how they help people fulfil their dreams. To come here and experience all of this is just not possible for everyone in Pakistan.” Salman was on his way to

work he found out that he had been elected for the scholarship. “I had sort of given up on the idea of a scholarship, but I applied anyway because I thought that if they really see potential and something they like in my work, they may want to support me to do more,” he said. Salman has settled in well to his digs at International Students House, which provides his one year accommodation. New culture Moving into another culture is a major transition and can sometimes feel intimidating, but he is determined to make the most out of it.

“It was definitely a big step for me and it was also the first time that I and travelled to Europe. And this is also my first personal experience exploring something on my own. It’s easily the biggest adventure of my life.” Homesickness is not something Salman is prepared to spend time worrying about. He said: “I want to put more focus on enjoying this part of my life, being here right now. and experiencing it fully. While I am in London I want to be here and explore as much as I can, not to worry about being homesick. I get more out of this experience that way.”

7 New friends from all over the world

The course has also proven to be of great value for Salman.

London Met is known for its diverse student community, and students here have the chance to make friends from different cultures around the world.

He said: “The level of professionalism is much higher here in London.

“What I love about my course is that I am the only person from Pakistan,” said Salman. “There is a girl from India who can understand my language, but it is a really multi-cultural group and I love it. “I now have Italian friends, Spanish friends, Indian, Ukrainian and so many friends from different places. This is a whole new type of experience for me - the diversity of this place is amazing.”

“The teachers are really helpful and one of the things I really appreciate is that you know your tutors by first name, which is not the case in Pakistan. “You get the feeling that they are just more experienced professionals and they treat you as equals, which makes you feel really confident about yourself.” After his Master’s degree Salman believes that he will be more confident and hopes to take many new skills and experiences with him when he goes back home to Pakistan.

Mark Bickerton was the Director of the International Office at London Met /LondonMetInternational @IntLondMet

London Met shortlisted for Guardian Higher Education Award For more London Met has been shortlisted for a prize in the 2015 Guardian Higher Education Awards. Over 350 applications were made to this year’s awards, with just three institutions shortlisted for each of the categories. London Met was selected for the Student Diversity and Widening Participation award. The entry was based on the University’s Upward Bound programme, which works with GCSE pupils in Islington to help them improve their grades and develop an interest in going to university. Working with Islington Borough Council, the project has proven extremely successful, with Upward Bound pupils

earning grades well above both the borough and national averages. Sophie Cloutterbuck, Head of Schools, Colleges and Widening Participation at London Met, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for a Guardian Higher Education Award. I really have to give credit to the fantastic commitment and dedication of the whole Upward Bound team, some of whom work full time jobs and still come in on weekends to deliver Upward Bound. “We know the programme works and that we are making a real difference to young people in Islington. That in itself is very rewarding, so to

be recognised by The Guardian too is fantastic.” The team will find out if they’ve won at the Guardian Higher Education Awards ceremony on 18 March.

information about the Upward Bound Program, click here.

Upward Bound students from Islington

Staff recognised in first Annual Awards Scheme

The Staff Annual Awards highlight and recognise colleagues’ best practice and outstanding achievement in fulfilling our mission and values. The University’s first Staff Annual Awards took place in December. Over 50 individuals and teams were nominated to win one of six individual and six team awards. The winners received their prizes at a special Wider Management Group meeting. Assistant Registrar Chris Marshall was among the prize winners. He said: “While it is wonderful to receive this award, there are countless others that we work with that also promote and uphold the University’s values and mission who would be equally deserving of this prize. “It is very touching that colleagues appreciate and recognise what I do and I am humbled by the kind words of the people that nominated me.” Another winner, Estates Energy Manager Rachel Ward, said she was “shocked” to have been nominated. Under Rachel’s environmental management, London Met has reduced its carbon footprint by over 43%, resulting in substantial cost savings and benefit to the environment. Her projects to brighten up the University, such as the Big Dig event this summer, saw new flowers planted and ‘bee hotels’ installed to encourage more wildlife on campus. Thanks to Rachel, not only are staff and

students enjoying a better experience at London Met – our bees are, too. Other individual winners were John Lucken from Information Systems and Services, whose dedication and patience were highlighted in the awards; Helen Gabriel, from London Guildhall Faculty of Business and Law, who has been instrumental in developing new fashion courses in the University; and Linda Theobalds, whose management of the timetabling department is crucial to the successful provision of teaching. Head of Schools, Colleges and Widening Participation, Sophie Cloutterbuck, also won a prize in recognition of her commitment, hard work and unswerving belief in education. Winning teams Human Resource Management Team: Sue Shortland, Aiden McKearney, Brian Critchley, Patrick O’Connor, Martin Tremaine, Kiran Kalsi, Fiona Colgan, Tana Geoffroy, Tracia Leman, Rick Layden, Harinder Dhesi, Graeme Connelly, Faruk Merali, Frances Tomlinson. Switchboard Team: Carol Ives, Jo Coldwell, Lisa Manigan, Beverley Hesketh, Lisa Leslie. Careers Advice and Job Shop Assistant Team: Fiona Tracey, ShaunaArnold,

Chris Marshall with the Vice Chancellor

HRM Team Patricia Nnadi, Tiffany Platt, Alison Street, Ida Ogoudpike, Carol Sperring (Careers Information), Sarah Giles (Careers Information). The Cass Short Course Team: Anna O’Brien, Maeve Khachfe. Student Front Offices (SFO) Implementation Team (virtual): Phil Marshall, Dave Nath, Sara Carruthers. FIRS Financial System Team: Kane Millward, Michael Eustathiou, Demetri Flourentzou, Laurence Few, Maria Ellis, Melanius Paes, Simon Maddox. The winners all received a certificate and monetary prize to spend on their personal or professional development.

Lisa Leslie, from the Switchboard Team, said: “It is lovely to win the award and nice to be recognised. I want to improve my computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Windows 8, so I am thinking of using the money to go on a course.” Sara Carruthers, from the SFO Team, said: “We are grateful to be recognised by our colleagues. It has been a rewarding project and this award also pays tribute to the wider team committed to its success.” The Staff Annual Awards will be held again this year.

The Cass Short Courses team

Sophie Cloutterbuck

Rachel Ward

The Switchboard Team

SFO Implementation Team

Careers Advice and Job Shop Team

Linda Theobalds

The FIRS Financial System team

Gearing up for some heavy reading “There is a little rebel in me because when I was younger I was very much told that ‘It’s too dangerous’ or that I can’t do it because ‘you’re a girl.”

/londonmetlibrary @londonmetlib

It’s been 29 years since Catherine Phillpotts passed her motorcycle test, and she’s been on the road ever since. But Cathy, London Met’s Director of Library Services, had less luck passing her A-levels. One university, however, gave her a second chance. Like many members of staff at London Met, Cathy Phillpotts is a member of our alumni. After “screwing up” (her own words) her exams, Cathy was offered an opportunity to study at the Polytechnic of North London, a predecessor institution to London Met, to study a degree in Humanities. This personal experience allows Cathy to empathise with students today. “When I worked in Clearing the summer before last, I felt empathy for these potential students who phoned in with disappointing results,” she said. “I was able to speak to those students and tell them that, even though they felt it was the end of the world, it wasn’t. Tomorrow is another day. Coming from someone who had been in the same position, I hope that made them feel better.” Warming to libraries Reflecting on her job at London Met, Cathy highlights the importance of having motivation and love for what you do. “There’s a huge amount of variety in my work and I am the kind of person who needs challenges,” she said. “After I graduated I was a motorcycle courier

for some time. I was out in the open, in the cold and rain, and libraries started to look like a nice place to work - they are usually a warm and dry place with a set lunch break!” A wheel surprise Unknown to many, Cathy the librarian is also a motorcyclist, and she sees plenty of humour in the contrast between her hobby and her day job. “When I have my kit on, it wouldn’t occur to people in a million years that I am a librarian. And when people see me in my librarian clothes, it doesn’t occur to them that I am one of those terrifying people that are ‘bad for society’. “Biking is a different type of skill, but like every skill you get better the more you do it. You have to keep learning in life. To be able to learn and develop yourself all the time is important but perhaps we don’t recognise that enough.” Cathy is a member of the British Motorcycle Federation and the Motorcycle Action Group, and has campaigned, lobbied and volunteered for both groups. She has attended multinational demonstrations on her bike and even organised one in Trafalgar Square for over 12,000 bikers. Accidents happen Just over a year ago, Cathy was involved in accident. Thankfully, despite being thrown over her handle bars, she made it through unscathed.

“I find that many people want to focus on the danger of biking even though most of the time it’s safe. Biking is not dangerous, it’s the roads and people that are.” The danger comes from loss of concentration, when daydreaming about your job - or what’s for dinner can be fatal, says Cathy. “You have to focus on the road. So you can’t think of work or anything else. This is actually good, because you have to cut yourself off from everything and focus on what you’re doing. So when you get off your bike you feel refreshed, almost re-booted.” Rebellious streak During rare commutes by bus, Cathy is reminded of why she loves biking. “Lots of people say it’s the wind in their hair, but that’s obviously rubbish - you have a helmet on! But there is a freedom element there. There’s also a little rebel in me because when I was younger I was told that ‘it’s too dangerous’ or that I can’t do it because ‘you’re a girl’. That’s probably a factor in why I was drawn to it.” Off the road, Cathy feels grateful to work for her alma mater, which gave her a second chance as a youngster. “There are people from around the world and all walks of life at London Met. There’s no elitism here. That was very attractive to me when I decided to come back and work here.” Just keep the wheelies to a minimum, Cathy.

STAFF PROFILE

Cathy astride her 800cc BMW F700 GS

We Make Film! We Make Film production company is looking for new commissions both internally and externally. Can you help them? We Make Film, a student led production company based in The Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design, is looking for new clients to add to its already impressive portfolio. In just two years, We Make Film has been commissioned to make videos by the Royal Academy of Arts and The Bank of England, as well as taking on projects for the Startup Career Launchpad 2014 (NACUE) and Double Jab Boxing Club. The company also has

a track record of internal collaboration. We Make Film was invited to create a promo video for the ‘Alchemy’ jewellery studio in The Cass, and has been collaborating with the Faculty’s Project Office in the Huguenots project. Other clients on their list are Hitachi, Fabrica and The Samosa. Sara Finn, who studies BA Film and Broadcast Production in The Cass, said: “The project is very valuable for us as students because it’s hard to get

a job in film production without experience beforehand. “We have been working mainly on documentary and promo projects, but we’re looking to do more in other areas too. For example, we have a member of the team who has great music video experience, so we’re particularly interested in opportunities in that area.” The initiative came from Charlotte Worthington and Elaine Pierson, lecturers on BA Film and Broadcast Production, who founded

the company. This project provides students with an invaluable opportunity of getting first-hand experience in the film production industry. We Make Film is open to any filming projects and collaboration internally and externally. The company’s work is demonstrated on its website wemakefilm.co.uk along with their social media and contact details.

Visit the We Make Film website

Introducing The Great Hall

Originally built in the late 19th Century, London Met’s Great Hall has gone through many changes over the years. Now, the hall, located above The Rocket at Holloway campus, has been restored to its former glory as a state of the art, multi-purpose venue which will hold various events throughout the year. The Great Hall renovation is just another project that highlighting the many changes the University is investing in to improve the student experience. Head of Estate Planning, David McGhie at London Met, said: “The Great Hall will hold exams, large lectures and functions and, most importantly, will be available for use by the

The Great Hall will officially open in April 2015

whole University.”

With an estimated £900,000 invested into the renovation, many of the Victorian features have been restored to improve its appearance and recapture the space’s former grandeur. David added: “The refurbishment of the Great Hall will help bring new life to the Holloway Campus.” The Rocket Complex isn’t the only area receiving a new lease of life, with various other projects already completed. The new Student Hubs are just some examples of the University investing in its student facilities. The Student Hubs in Moorgate and Holloway are now in full operation

with state of the art facilities providing a single point of contact for student information and guidance. London Met is not looking to stop there, however we’re also listening to our own students regarding improvements. Following the results from the 2013/14 Big Question Student Survey, Estates have made plans to invest an estimated £760,000 on upgrading teaching and communial facilities. Estates planning to renovate teaching rooms, toilets, the piazza complex and aim to make improvements to social spaces by the end of summer 2015. Watch this space.

MORE EXCITING PROJECTS: • The refurbishment of the Great Hall (Rocket venue). • 25 Old Castle Street – The woman’s library • Student Hubs • Calcutta House plans • The Render project on the Tower • New Cleaning contract with Europa in Campus Services.

Building a new a team in the London Met tradition: Social Problems in the UK In 2014, academic staff across the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities worked on a unique project that helped bring them together as a team. In June 2012, staff from sociology and social policy moved from Ladbroke House to join their colleagues in criminology and education at the main Holloway Road campus. Despite having worked in the same Faculty for over a year, there had not been many opportunities for staff to work together on a joint project. This was one of the aims behind producing a new textbook that makes the most of the knowledge and experience of staff across the faculty. Social Problems in the UK: An Introduction is the first textbook on contemporary social issues to contextualise social problems within the disciplines of sociology, social policy, criminology and applied social science. The project was led by Dr Stuart Isaacs, a senior lecturer in social policy and sociology. “The book provided a great incentive for us to get together as colleagues and

work on a project,” said Stuart. “Through working together, talking to each other and swapping ideas, it was a really good way to build a sense of a team. “As a group we really wanted to help produce an identity for the faculty, and although it may seem odd that something like social problems is a central idea that draws us together, it’s a subject we all agree on in terms of approach and methodology.” The book follows a theme set by former colleagues who published a book with a similar subject back in 2001. Margaret May and Edward Brunson, formerly principal lecturers in social policy at London Guildhall University, published Understanding Social Problems: Issues in Social Policy, which looked at similar issues with each chapter written by an expert in a particular field. The new book has copied this same format with Dr Daniel Silverstone writing on organised crime, Anne Foley on research skills, Norman Ginsburg on migration, Dr Brian McDonough on work and unemployment, and Tara Young on youth gangs. As soon as the idea of writing a follow up to the original book was considered, contributors appeared fast and across

the Faculty. “I was just walking up the stairs to my office one day and Brian McDonough appeared out of the blue and asked if I wanted to write a follow-up to the previous book,” said Stuart. “Dan Silverstone then walked passed, caught our conversation and also wanted in. Soon staff from across the whole faculty wanted to write a chapter!” The book proved an interesting project for everyone in involved. “It was interesting to see different people work,” added Stuart. “The funny thing is, we worked as differently as the students we teach. Some people are very methodical in the way they work and others are more last minute people. Some were actually quite anxious about their chapters in the way students are about their contributions in group work. It was interesting to see how accurately it mirrored the student mindset.” Anxieties aside, Stuart faced no real problems putting the book together. “It was put together in a really informal way, with me in the background making sure it all happened. I knocked my chapter out quickly because I’d been teaching the subject for ages and that was useful in giving people a template and a model to work on. “It was all put together in a very collegiate

fashion - everyone really wanted to do it and were enthusiastic about the project.” Feedback on the book has been nothing but positive – it was immediately adopted by publisher Routledge who said they have never had such a positive response to a book in this subject area. Already plans are being made to write a follow-up. This time, the subject is European social problems and will include staff from other parts of the Faculty including politics, international relations, community leadership and management. On what staff need to repeat this performance in other parts of the University, Stuart commented: “You need someone that can steer it and is willing to take a collaborative approach. You also need to remember that the experience of writing a book together is as important as making sure the chapters are right. If you enjoy it, it’ll turn out well.” Everybody that worked on the book really enjoyed the experience and are very proud of what they’ve achieved. “An additional bonus is that it gives the University a great reputation. Schools across the country are adopting it as one of their key texts, and it’s come straight out of London Met,” added Stuart.

16 Internship scheme gives graduates career boost

Recent graduates took their first step on to the career ladder with the new London Met Internship Scheme. We see how things are going five months in. London Metropolitan University has launched a new internship scheme for recent graduates to help them excel in their desired career sector.

and many of the University’s alumni already work for the institution in different positions.

“The whole process was very competitive and the chosen 40 interns have all done very well.”

Boosting employability

The scheme offers 40 carefully chosen graduates, who completed their courses last year, a ninemonth fulltime contract in the University. They are paid the London Living Wage.

The internship scheme will help many more to start their career by gaining valuable experience.

So how are the Graduate Interns finding the scheme so far?

Placements are across London Met and offer graduates a vital first-step onto the career ladder. Interns work on challenging tasks in marketing, human resources, public relations, student services and the international office, as well as in the University’s four faculties. A large number of London Met students are Londoners

“The scheme is very much in line with our belief in supporting student employability,” said the Vice Chancellor John Rafftery, who introduced the idea soon after joining the University last year. “Our job at London Met is to spot these students with great potential and ability, challenge them and help them grow, both while at the University but also after graduation. This scheme is a perfect way for them to get forward in their career.

Gloria Quiros is working in the University’s Secretary’s Office. She said: “Working as a graduate intern is helping me to develop several transferable skills and I am confident that this job will be a a great stepping stone to my future career development. Besides that, there is a close and friendly environment and people are making us feel very welcome.” Gloria works with fellow intern Cynthia Muzarirehe, who added: “So far, the role has allowed me to freely and confidently engage

with and learn from senior management. As a fresh graduate I am proud to put this whole experience on my CV.” Developing skills Fellow intern Tereza Knazurova, in the PR and Internal Communications team, thinks the scheme is a brilliant step towards a brighter future for the University and its graduates. “Personally I am happy I have been given this chance to gain actual experience in a sector I’m interested in. I would encourage all third year students to take this opportunity and apply next year,” she said.

Follow the interns on their blog

Anne joins Judi Dench as Media Award-winner London Met lecturer and journalist Anne Karpf has won an Older People in the Media Award for her book ‘How to Age’. A London Met journalism lecturer has scooped a prize at the Older People in the Media Awards. Anne Karpf, Course Leader on the MA Journalism degree, won the ‘Best Individual Voice on Older People’s Issues’ award during a ceremony at The British Library. Anne is the author of the book ‘How to Age’, for which she was recognised by the award. “I was completely astonished to be nominated for the award, and I am delighted and honoured to have won it, especially since the other people shortlisted have all produced powerful work,” she said.

Powerful topics like Jewish identity, representations of health and medicine, gender, and ageing are her regular focus. Before joining the University’s journalism staff in 2005, Anne enjoyed an impressive and successful journalistic career. She was the radio critic for The Guardian and a columnist on its family pages, as well as contributing to The Independent on Sunday, Cosmopolitan and several other publications. Anne has also broadcasted for BBC Radio 3’s ‘Night Waves’ and Radio 4, and has written several books which have been translated into other languages.

Family history

Teaching at London Met

Anne, whose parents came to London after surviving the Holocaust, says human voices and experiences are a constant interest for her, and this is reflected in both her research and writing.

Anne is from Kentish Town, North London, and went to Oxford University, but she says that the student body at London Met is, “much more interesting than my peers when I was a student.”

Anne loves teaching at London Met. “For me, the most rewarding feeling is when a student from a family with no background in higher education does well and their career takes off. Those moments sum up why we are here.” Get online So what does it take to do well in the media industry? “You need to have persistence, thick skin and a strong online presence,” Anne said, adding playfully that “old people like me were dragged kicking and screaming onto social media platforms,” in order to keep up with the sector. The awards, organised by the charity Independent Age and Barchester Healthcare, recognise excellence in journalism and media coverage of issues affecting older people. Other winners at the awards included Dame Judi Dench, A. A. Gill and BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme.

Psychologist contributes to tackling stress London Met’s Dr Joanna Semlyen designs focus groups in effort to reduce stress among staff Last year the University set up a Task and Finish Group to respond to the results of the 2014 Health and Wellbeing survey, and to contribute to wellbeing within the staff community. The group is headed by the Vice Chancellor, John Raftery, and includes representatives from HR, Safety and Environment and the staff unions. One of the initiatives being developed by the team is a series of solution focus

groups, designed by Health Psychologist Dr Joanna Semlyen, who is also a member of the Task and Finish group.

as exploring how we can reduce stress levels.”

“The groups are aimed at identifying the causes of stress among the staff and finding solutions to tackle it,” said Dr Semlyen, based in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing.

Dr Semlyen has particular research expertise in this area, and hopes her contribution will have a positive impact on staff. “The focus is very much on finding solutions, and I hope colleagues will engage in the initiative and help us make a difference.”

“They are focused on understanding the issues that contribute to stress in the University, as well

The Task and Finish Group has also worked to improve the resources available to staff, including a redesign of

the Well Met website. A range of information, including details about our confidential Employee Assistance Programme; subsidised use of the gymnasiums and exercise classes; benefits such as the cycle to work scheme and opticians vouchers; and managers’ guidance on stress risk assessment, is available on the site. Visit the Well Met website

Brand guidelines to be refreshed It’s been several years since the University’s brand guidelines were updated, so last year the Vice Chancellor asked Marketing to review them. The new identity guidelines will be published in the summer term, and will be made available to all members of staff. One of the outcomes of the review is the retirement of the London Met ‘horizon’ device. The London Met logo will also be tweaked, modernising it and giving it a more professional feel. The modification will enable the logo to work better with

recognised sub-brands, take up less space, and will allow more flexibility in its use. The Marmite-esque ‘London Met purple’ will no longer appear in the logo itself. “The logo has been freshened up a little, but with a strong nod to the existing graphic meaning that changes to signage and other hard copies aren’t required right away,” said Phil Chapman, Director of External Relations. “The University’s brand guidelines are overdue a refresh, so we will be working with colleagues to

ensure these are adopted across the institution. It’s all about pulling together after some challenging years and celebrating who we are.” Marketing will be orgainising a series of workshops to discuss the updated guidelines with staff and students. Find out more at londonmet.ac.uk/ brand. The Vice Chancellor, Professor John Raftery, said: “The brand guidelines will help to bring increased consistency across the University. When I joined London Met, I was struck

by how many different identities there are and how many areas, units and centres don’t seem to be related to the University at all, despite them being part of London Met. This didn’t seem right, and I want to bring us all together to share our successes and to build a strong brand. The new identity guidelines will enable us to do that.”

For more information, visit londonmet.ac.uk/ brand

19 Transforming the learning experience through the National Student Survey The National Student Survey (NSS) - help us spread the word Open to all final year undergraduates studying at higher education institutions across the UK, the NSS consists of twenty-three multiple choice questions and several opportunities to make open-ended positive and negative comments about their time at university. Most aspects the student learning experience are covered by the NSS including teaching, assessment and feedback, academic support, organisation, learning resource, personal development and studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; union services. The NSS concludes by asking students to rate their overall satisfaction with their course. The NSS is completed by students online at www. thestudentsurvey.co.uk, who have until mid-April to complete the survey. Since participating in the survey, London Met has used data from the NSS alongside students' comments to transform the student experience. This year, an improved focus on employability skills, upgrades to student study spaces and learning resources, and changes to feedback and assessment submission have been driven by the NSS.

How can I help promote the survey? Annually, approximately 40 per cent of respondents complete the NSS because they were told about the survey by lecturer or member of staff. Lecturers and staff with direct contact with students are best placed to talk to their students about the benefits of the survey and how the results can make a difference to improving their course for future generations of students. There are a number of ways staff can help promote the NSS including: - Lecture shout-outs to final year students - Arranging dedicated computer sessions - Discuss the NSS on course and faculty social media - Sharing best practice with colleagues across the university

London Met in the News Every month, London Met professionals are doing valuable work promoting the University on different media platforms. Summary of media coverage for London Met ‘The domestic violence that plagues Islington could be a step closer to being solved thanks to ground-breaking research at [London Metropolitan University]’ read the Islington Gazette on 12 January. The story, which featured the work of Professor Liz Kelly in the Child and Women Abuse Studies Unit, highlights the social value of our work here, and the impact it is having. London Met psychologists have also been enjoying the media spotlight. In November, Gary Pheiffer

wrote a comment piece for ITV News Online about the psychology of ‘Black Friday’, which led to media appearences from other members of the School of Psychology. Gareth English even hopped on a train to Manchester to take part in BBC Breakfast on behalf of the University. And Kate Nightingale took the time on Boxing Day to appear on Channel 4 News to discuss the madness of the sales. Elsewhere, Nigel Medhurst, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, BSc Computer Animation from the Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing, appeared on BBC World to talk about robotics and the possibility that one day robots could be working alongside

humans (see cover feature in this issue). Anne Karpf, the course leader for the University’s MA Journalism programme, appeared on BBC World Service’s Weekend programme on Saturday 10 January to discuss and comment on themes and ideas of the week’s news. Dr Bob Lambert, from criminology, was interivewed by leading French national La Point on how France should react to the Charlie Hebdo attacks. As a world-leading expert on counter-terrorism, he was asked about the terrorism strategy France should now implement, but warned against rushing in to new reforms. Chizu Nakajima, Prof of Corporate Law and

Governance, London Metropolitan University (pictured) appeared on BBC World News Business Edition to talk about money laundering and tax evasion. The show was broadcasted all over the world. You can watch the clip here. Been in the news? Let us know! Email l.foddy@ londonmet.ac.uk

Thanks to all London Met staff who have done recent media work it plays a key role in boosting our reputation as a university.

Comings and goings... Warm welcome It has been a busy few months for HR as London Met welcomed new interns, a project that they led on, as well as lots of new faces joining the team. Joining us Lynsey Berrecloth, Immigration & International Student Advice Manger, Giuseppe Cariello, Student Assistant Laser Cutter, Natalia Dominik, Laboratory Technician – Biosciences, Nadezda Gleboveca, Faculty Recruitment Officer, Selena Grasso, Student Assistant, MariaTeresa Grau, Hourly Paid Lecturer, Kay John, Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, Sian Moxon, Technology Coordinator, Sustainability EES, Dermot O’Brien, Hourly Paid Lecturer, Christina Pehlivanos, International Student Advisor, Mariam

Qayumi, Student Assistant, Chris Sams, L in Access International Programmes & Student Support, and Katarzyna Slowikowska, Hourly Paid Lecturer. Diane Apeah-Kubi and Gavin Tucker, started as a Senior Lecturers in Social Work. Mandy Appleyard, started as an Assistant Librarian, Stuart Baker started as a Campus Hub Manager, Paola Leonardi, a Senior Lecturer in Photography and Safiya Mukhtar as a HR Business Support Officer. We also welcome Alton Charles, Operations Support Manager, Heathley Clarke, ISS Business Manager, Jennifer Haywood, International Admissions Officer, James Hunting, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Textiles, Sally Lawson, Lecturer in Mental Health, Gemma Mills, Space

The Vice chancellor welcoming the new interns during their introduction day. Planning Officer, William Osborne, BI Developer, Spencer Samuel, Technician in Film and Animation, Emma Thatcher, Creative Enterprise Manager and our own Poppy Melzack, who started as a PR and Internal Communications Officer. Liz Hearmon also joins us as Senior Marketing and Student Conversion Officer. Welcome to all of our new staff members, we hope

you settle in well! Moving on Catherine Lee, Head of the Research and Postgraduate Office, left London Met at the end of January. Dr Wendy Stokes took over her role in the Research Office on a 6 month secondment. Stuart Slavicky, Student Conversion Officer, left the Marketing Team. And Professor John Gabriel has retired as Dean of FSSH.

Liz Charman appointed new Dean of FSSH Dr Liz Charman has been appointed the new Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Liz has been the interim Dean for the Faculty since February. She has been at London Met for over sixteen years most recently as Associate Dean in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing and Head of the School of Psychology. “I am absolutely delighted to have been offered this role,” said Liz on her appointment.

“It’s great to be joining such an exciting part of the University with such a broad offer of courses, research and expertise. I love the fact the faculty has a clear set of values and commitment to social justice and community engagement.” “For me personally, it’s such an exciting challenge and I am looking forward to supporting and becoming a part of the very best of what we do.” Prior to joining London Met,

Liz worked for University of Wales and ran her own company in social policy, research and evaluation. Liz’s appointment follows the resignation of Professor John Gabriel who left the role in February after seventeen years at London Met. On John’s contribution to the University Liz commented: “John is a man of high integrity and was very well respected by staff. He has

done an amazing job getting the Faculty to great position it is in now and I am very proud to be picking up where he left off.” Liz was chosen from a strong and competitive list, which for the first time involved a candidate presentation to staff across the faculty and a student member of the recruitment panel. Students and staff will be engaged in similar ways in other senior appointments made at London Met.

N O T I C E B O A R D

Important message from the Secretary’s Office The University’s Student Disciplinary Regulations were revised for the Academic Year 2014/15. They now provide for allegations of misconduct to be investigated by a Faculty officer (a Proctor), who can then impose sanctions for minor misconduct or refer major misconduct for consideration by a disciplinary board (Dean of Students, a Dean of Faculty to which the student does not belong and the President of the Students’ Union). The regulations also deal with precautionary disciplinary suspensions and the authority of all to check disorder. The regulations, detailed guidance and a brief note on “What to do in a case of Student Misconduct” are available at: www.londonmet.ac.uk/conduct

Society update The LGBT+ Society is a friendly group who

aim to act as a safe space for people of all genders and sexualities. The society hosts events every two-three weeks, with past events including a meet and greet at the start of term, film nights at the Rocket and a day trip to Oxford. Apart from being a social group, they are also working to improve the support for LGBT+ staff and students within the University, and often liaise with other University groups about their aims and how to achieve them. They are always happy to meet new people and staff members are very welcome to join the society and it’s activities. You can follow the society on social media or email them at: londonmet.lgbt@gmail.com

@lmu_lgbt /londonmetlgbt

Publication and research funding success from Informatics Research Centre The Project Of Long-term sino-european co-Operation (“MarcoPolo”) and the European Space Agency project “ESA Climate Change Initiative - Aerosol_cci”, join Professor Yong Xue, the Director of the Informatics Research Centre, and twelve colleagues in the IRC who have published ten peer-reviewed journal papers and seven papers in the proceedings of international conferences. These papers promote the University’s reputation worldwide, and enhance the research atmosphere in the Informatics Research Centre. The Informatics Research Centre is an inter-school University research centre in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing. It epitomises London Met's interdisciplinary culture. Informatics is a complex area of study by integrating technology-centred and human-centred approaches from the perspective of information system science.

Join the gym for just £10 a month London Met staff can now join the gyms for just £10 a month, with no contract obligations and the option to opt out at any time. Membership includes access to both Holloway and Aldgate gyms, as well as all scheduled classes and activities. The previous membership option (annual membership for £95) is also still available, with the fee deducted from salary payments. The gyms will also be open for longer from 16 March. Holloway gym is now open 8am - 10pm in the week, and 10am-6pm on weekends. Aldgate is open 8am-9pm weekdays, and 11am-6pm on Saturdays. New equipment Holloway gym, located in the Science Centre, has this year recieved a range of new equipment, including treadmills, cycling machines and free weights. “The new equipment provides the platform where our students and staff can meet and train in a modern, comfortable and social environment. The obvious benefits of healthy physical activity are well documented but it is a positive step the University has taken in supporting an environment that enhances the opportunity for staff and students to socialise and maybe de-stress,” said John McBennett, Sports Manager of London Met. How to get your card Step 1: Decide which payment plan you want Step 2: Get yourself a passport photograph for your membership card Step 3: Visit your preferred gym, declare your interest in joining, and fill out some short forms. Hand over your photograph and you’ll be up and running in no time.

How to get my story, message or idea through? If you have a story idea or would like to write for Met Connect, please contact: Larissa Schneider l.schneider@londonmet.ac.uk 020 7133 3992 If you need support posting a Pinboard message, please contact: Tereza Knazurova t.knazurova@londonmet.ac.uk 0207133 3991 For social media queries, contact: Alan Ward, Senior Brand and Web Marketing Officer a.ward1@londonmet.ac.uk 020 7133 4707

Special thanks to photography wizard, Steve Blunt.

Follow us: /londonmetuni and /londonmetadmissions @LondonMetUni /LondonMetUniversity linkd.in/londonmetuni Also visit Metropolis Magazine for students at www.londonmet.ac.uk/news/metropolis/

Thanks for reading. The next issue of Met Connect will appear in the summer term.

#MetConnect

Picture December/2014 by Alex Massey @Al_Mazzles