Convocation and Alumni Reunion 2018
Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor Dear graduates and friends of the University On behalf of Newcastle University, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Convocation and Alumni Reunion 2018. It’s great to have you back on campus and I hope you enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with friends and renew your contact with the University. The last 12 months have given us much to celebrate: in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) the University was recognised with the highest status for teaching and learning, with Newcastle as one of only eight research-intensive Russell Group universities to be awarded Gold; the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018 positioned Newcastle joint seventh in the UK for student experience for the fourth consecutive year; and the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018 places us as one of the top institutions globally, featuring 28 of our subjects across all three faculties – the highest-ever number of courses for Newcastle. I look forward to bringing you up to date with news of these developments and sharing with you many more of our successes at our Convocation meeting. Whether you are a regular visitor to campus, or are joining us at this year’s celebrations for the first time, I look forward to meeting you and wish you an enjoyable Convocation and Alumni Reunion. Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President
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Newcastle University | Convocation and Reunion 2018
Welcome from the Chair of Convocation Dear alumni and friends As Chair of Convocation, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Convocation and Alumni Reunion 2018. This special occasion welcomes all alumni back to campus and provides you with the ideal opportunity to revisit your time at University, reconnect with friends and staff and hear all about the latest developments at Newcastle University. We’re delighted that this year’s Convocation and Alumni Reunion coincides with the opening weekend of the Great Exhibition of the North 2018, a summer-long celebration of the North of England’s pioneering spirit. Currently ranked 1st in the UK for Fine Art and with three TS Eliot winners on its staff, your University is a leading light in the creative arts. With this said, the fact that the Great Exhibition of the North begins on the weekend of our Convocation and Alumni Reunion, the weekend promises to be an unmissable occasion. I would like to draw your special attention to the annual meeting of Convocation at 14:30 on Saturday afternoon. Convocation is the statutory body that represents all alumni and ensures that your views and ideas are understood by the University. It provides an opportunity for alumni to discuss matters of current interest and hear the Vice-Chancellor’s report on the latest activities and developments at the University. This is your opportunity to ask questions or air your views with the University’s senior management team; so if you are able to, I would strongly encourage you to attend and participate. On behalf of alumni, I would like to thank the University for hosting and supporting our annual reunion. On behalf of the University, I look forward to welcoming you in person at what promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile event. Very best wishes Antony Jones, Chair of Convocation BA (Hons) Politics 1980
www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni
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Programme 2018 Friday 22 June | 20:00–23:00
Saturday 23 June | 11:00–12:00
Drinks by the Tyne
Careers Brunch – The Power of Reinvention
Venue: Pitcher & Piano, Quayside, Newcastle Join fellow alumni for our drinks and canapés reception overlooking the Quayside at the Pitcher & Piano Newcastle. You will be able to enjoy a perfect view of the Great Exhibition of the North opening event. Visitors will experience the UK’s largest water sculpture from the Quayside, a brand new film about a journey across the North of England, and live music and performances.
Venue: 3.06 Newcastle University Business School Join us for brunch at our workshop with Newcastle University’s award-winning Careers Service. Being a student is – for most – a transformational experience, moving from one stage of your life to the next and time spent at University is often marked with periods of change and self-discovery. Many of us forget that the lessons we learn about reinvention during our student days can serve us throughout our lifetime. Through examples of work with our students we will explore the power of reinvention and the tools you already have to transform your own career trajectory. Come along before the event begins at 10:15 for the opportunity to network with like-minded graduates over refreshments.
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Newcastle University | Convocation and Reunion 2018
Saturday 23 June | 14:30–16:00
Saturday 23 June | 16:30–17:30
Meeting of Convocation
Convocation Guest Talk
Venue: C urtis Auditorium, Herschel Building
Venue: Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building
Join us for the 61st meeting of Convocation, the statutory body that represents all alumni. As a graduate of Newcastle University, by right you are a member of Convocation. The annual meeting of Convocation provides every graduate an opportunity to hear from Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Chris Day, details of the challenges and issues facing the University, and discuss any proposed changes to University statutes. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask your own questions too.
Professor Karen Ross will deliver a talk on ‘NOT Acting Our Age: challenging gender stereotypes in a communityfocused action project’. Karen Ross is Professor of Gender and Media, the first such named chair in the UK and will lead a talk on women and media. The talk will be accompanied by a short film and discussion from the audience.
Members attending are invited to submit questions to the Vice-Chancellor in advance by emailing: advancement@ncl.ac.uk
Convocation Celebration Dinner
Convocation 2017 Minutes can be viewed online at: www.bit.ly/2LLsV79
Venue: T he Venue, Newcastle University Students’ Union
Convocation 2018 Agenda can be viewed online at: www.bit.ly/2t4B2Ef
Free admission, all seats allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
Saturday 23 June | 19:30–late
Tickets: £35.50pp Dress code: Smart/casual Dinner: will be served from 20:00 Please let us know of any guests you would like to be seated with. If you wish to reserve a table(s) please contact the Advancement office on: +44 191 209 3559 or email: advancement@ncl.ac.uk
www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni
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Sunday 24 June | 12:00-13:00
Sunday 24 June
Professor Ian Haynes Lecture:
Great Exhibition of the North
Recent work by Newcastle in Rome: Imperial Palaces, Roman horse-guards and the world’s first Cathedral Venue: Armstrong Building 1.03 In this presentation, Ian Haynes will discuss ongoing fieldwork in Rome by members of the archaeology team in the Lateran area of Rome. Combining the latest in laser scanning and radar analysis with exploratory survey work deep underground, Newcastle archaeologists are working with colleagues from the British School at Rome, the University of Florence, The Vatican and the City of Rome to revolutionise our understanding of the city of Rome from the Republic to Late Antiquity.
Our Convocation and Alumni Reunion coincides with the opening weekend of Great Exhibition of the North 2018, a free summer-long celebration of the North of England’s pioneering spirit. Showcasing the great art, culture, design and innovation of the North, there’s a vast array of events and activities for you to get involved in, including three city-wide walking trails: The Get North Art Trail | Take this trail and explore NewcastleGateshead’s rich arts landscape. The Get North Design Trail | Walk in the footsteps of design gurus and writing greats when you pick up this path. The Get North Innovation Trail | Venues along this route epitomise the innovative spirit of the North. Find out more about the Great Exhibition of the North and view the full programme of events on the official website: www.bit.ly/2rYwixb
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Newcastle University | Convocation and Alumni Reunion 2018
Useful Information Accommodation NewcastleGateshead Initiative have secured special hotel bedroom room rates across a wide range of providers exclusively for Convocation attendees. View availability and book your accommodation at: www.bit.ly/2JSW6o1
Special access requirements Please contact us if you have any special access requirements.
Car parking on campus Parking on campus is extremely limited. There are a number of spaces available for disabled badge holders. Please contact the office if you would like to reserve a space or for advice on alternative parking options.
Bookings and cancellation In the event of a cancellation by a graduate/participant the fees to participate in the event/activity will be refunded in accordance with the following terms: • Cancellations received up to and including 10 days prior to the event will be refunded in full • For cancellations received less than 10 days before the event there will be no refund
Other queries If you have any other queries or comments, please contact us by emailing: advancement@ncl.ac.uk or telephoning: + 44 (0) 191 208 3559
Photography and filming We will be capturing images at all events to be used in promotional material; in media, print or online. It is is possible that you may appear in some footage. If you do not wish to feature in any photographs or filming, please inform the photographer/film crew or a member of University staff. All images will be used and stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni
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Alumni benefits Benefits Harness the power of your graduate network! You are part of a global network with a depth of skills and professional connections that share your experience of being a Newcastle student and graduate. As a holder of a Newcastle University degree, you are a part of a unique, lifelong community of over 200,000 living in over 180 different countries and independent states around the world. Your Advancement office hosts regular activities to support this network and keep you connected with each other – these activities are designed to help you build your contacts and professional expertise.
Many graduates play an active role in inspiring the next generation of students. You can get involved at any time and at any stage of your career - you know best what it’s like to be a student here and your advice and insight is invaluable. Our programme of activities can help you to broaden your skills and experience and will make a positive impact on future students.
Your Advancement office is committed to supporting your graduate journey and ensuring that the Newcastle University graduate network remains connected.
• Participate in a careers event
Keep your contact details up to date to ensure to stay involved and to benefit from the wide-range of graduate exclusives. Update your details at: www.bit.ly/2x1VzPa We’re active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn! Join us on social media: www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/news/social
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Get Involved
You can: • Organise a networking social for graduates in your area • Provide a graduate profile to promote your area of study and career path • Take part in employability activities for your subject area • Participate in student recruitment activities in your area • Mentor a current student • Become an International Alumni Representative • Contribute to content for alumni publications and communication Contact us: advancement@ncl.ac.uk +44 191 208 7250
Newcastle University | Convocation and Alumni Reunion 2018