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Whole lotta love for Luton fest The University has been announced as the first Platinum Sponsor of this summer’s weekend-long festival that coincides with the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Luton. The Love Luton 2012 Festival is set to be one of the largest and most spectacular events in the town’s history, with tens of thousands of people attending. The festival activities include music concerts, school games, fireworks displays and fringe activities. It will also feature various music, variety, comedy, dance and children’s events with South Asian activities on offer too. There will also be a spectacular carnival parade leading up to the Olympic Torch celebration event. Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL said: “The University is thrilled to be a key part of Luton’s biggest ever event. We have strong links with our local area and the Love Luton campaign, and we are delighted to sponsor a festival which will celebrate diversity and bring so many people together. “The Platinum Sponsorship was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down. We want to support our neighbours because the University and its students are
at the very heart of the local community and a key part of the local economy too. The plans for the weekend sound spectacular and we can’t wait until July!” The Platinum Sponsorship announcement follows the University’s work with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) to provide student work placements at the Games. There are now some 200 students in training with LOCOG, following recruitment events at Bedford and Luton last year. Further interviews were taking place as Life went to print and more Bedfordshire students are expected to be recruited for this once in a lifetime experience. The Love Luton 2012 Festival starts on Friday, 6 July and the Olympic Torch will arrive in the town for an evening celebration on Sunday, 8 July. Brit Award nominated group, The Wanted, has been confirmed as one of the headline acts at Love Luton 2012 and will perform on Friday, 6 July at Popes Meadow. Visit the Love Luton website for latest news about the Festival Weekend at www.loveluton.org.uk/ festival-weekend
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February 2012
Big money raised by RaG boss University journalism student Robyn Sach has raised more than £2,000 for charity in just a single week Robyn is the Students’ Union RaG (Raise and Give) Officer and organised the 2012 RaG Week in January. She said: “I was determined to beat last year’s total, and with the help of University staff, students, friends and local companies in Luton we have raised a fantastic amount. I was taken aback by the generosity of everyone involved. “It will be used to help CRUSE Bereavement Care, the Make a Wish Foundation, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Luton and Dunstable Hospital Oncology Room Renovation project.” Robyn Sach The week was packed with events, including bingo, pre-party face painting, speed-dating and a comedy lounge at the award-winning Students’ Union Mezzanine Bar. The week culminated in a Prize Auction on Friday night which starred Students’ Union President John Perkins, who raised £250 alone in sponsorship to clean the Students’ Union dressed as a maid! Robyn has an impressive track-record for volunteering in her home town of Brentwood in Essex. She was the youngest person in the country to win a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by actress Dame Helen Mirren, for her youth voluntary work. She said: “I am planning loads more events throughout the year, including our own Three Peaks Challenge. Next up is a week-long silent auction in the Mezzanine Bar in February.”
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A senior law lecturer has been presented with a prestigious Ph.D award in a ceremony at ParisSorbonne University under the presidency of the Prime Minister of France, François Fillon
Editor’s Letter Kevin Cunningham Communications Officer kevin.cunningham@beds.ac.uk 2012 is shaping up to be as exciting for the University of Bedfordshire as last year was. A number of Bedfordshire staff, students and alumni recently received awards, in the fields of law, sport and computer technologies – congratulations to all! This edition of Life brings news of their successes. The generosity of students, staff and local business shone in events supporting this year’s RaG Week, organised by UBSU. More than £2,000 was raised, demonstrating the great supportive spirit at Bedfordshire. UBSU will donate the funds raised to various local and national charities – this edition of Life covers the story. Last month, the University was announced as the first Platinum Sponsor for this year’s Love Luton Festival, taking place on 6-8 July. The festivities will coincide with the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Luton on 8 July and promises to be one of the most exciting events to have taken place in the town. The Love Luton Campaign is also working to bring together individuals, community groups, businesses and political representatives to celebrate Luton’s achievements and to plan its future. It has launched an e-petition to support Luton’s City status bid as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. Please add your support to Luton’s City status bid by visiting www. epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/25071
Caroline Jacobi Communications administrator
Dr Konstantinos Sergakis received the Prix Solennel André Isoré from La Chancellerie des Universités de Paris for his Ph.D on ‘The transparency of listed companies in EU Law’. Dr Sergakis joined the University’s School of Law at the Luton campus last September. He was previously a lecturer at the University Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense in France. The Prix Solennel André Isoré is the highest award given for doctorates in the field of legal studies in France. Dr Sergakis, who hails from Athens, Greece, said: “The Prix Solennel André Isoré represents an immense honour for me and my commitment to pursue an academic career with passion and rigour. It was a true privilege and a great experience to attend the ceremony.” The University of Bedfordshire’s Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL said: “I congratulate Konstantinos on receiving this prestigious honour and I’m delighted for him.”
“Konstantinos is a prime example of the high calibre teaching and research undertaken in the School of Law at Bedfordshire and contributes to the University’s outstanding reputation of attracting award-winning academics from across the world to teach and to further their research here.” Dr Konstantinos Sergakis
Inspiring the next generation The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL, returned to his old school in Hemel Hempstead to inspire pupils on their annual Awards Evening. Professor Ebdon attended the Hemel Hempstead School as a secondary school pupil and revisited for the evening to make a speech and present awards. He said: “The evening was
a great opportunity for me to share how going to university changed my life. I was able to talk to the current pupils about university life and advise that university is still their best career choice. “I wanted to show the students in Hemel Hempstead that university can be for everyone, whatever their background.
For example, the University of Bedfordshire has set up a generous £3m programme of student financial assistance – we have put in place lots of scholarships and bursaries to make higher education accessible for all.” For details of the University’s scholarships and bursaries, visit www.beds.ac.uk/ scholarships
Building blocks
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Anna Kingham Communications assistant
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Contributors: Ian Nancollas, Cherrelle Emanuel and John O’Brien ian.nancollas@beds.ac.uk cherrelle.emanuel@beds.ac.uk john.o’brien@beds.ac.uk
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Artist’s impression of the new £20m Postgraduate Centre in Luton
The University’s commitment to Sustainable Development and the environment has been boosted with a change in electricity tariff. The University recently switched to using N-Power’s Green Tariff. N-Power has a number of renewable energy sources all feeding into the National Grid and the University is currently committed to purchasing all of its electricity from N-Power’s Green Tariff. Energy and Environment Manager Adam Higgin said: “Since 2006 several sustainability policies have been developed and implemented at the University. Our £89m new campus redevelopment project in Luton is a great example of how the University is expanding and improving academic facilities, whilst reducing its impact on the environment. More than £1m has been invested in renewable and low carbon energy generation on campus, and on carbon reduction projects at all five campuses. “Bedfordshire, like all other UK universities, has governor approved carbon reduction targets to meet. By procuring energy from a green tariff the University is not only supporting the generation of renewable energy in the UK but also reducing the rate of CO2 electricity from the National Grid.” Adam added: “The University is now purchasing energy generated in the UK by wind turbines, tidal power and other renewable sources that cost a little extra but also ensure N-Power keeps investing in renewable energy generation. “The electricity consumed by the University doesn’t come directly from the wind turbines. This isn’t possible unless the University builds its own wind turbines – something the University of Lancaster has done.” Looking forward, a new Sustainable Development Strategy for the University is now being developed, to coincide with the University’s new Strategic Plan, for implementation from 2012 - 2017.
Work on the University’s new £20m Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development Centre in Luton is gathering speed. Building work started last autumn on the Vicarage Street site and the project is on track to open in 2013. The Centre will be a onestop shop for postgraduate learning which aims to equip students with essential employability skills for the marketplace. This iconic facility is being built by construction company Kier Marriott.
It built the new £34m Campus Centre and £40m Fitzroy Court student accommodation which were officially opened last November by double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes. Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Relations) Professor Ashraf Jawaid said: “Work is on schedule and we are looking forward to seeing this fantastic building take shape.” For the latest news on this development visit: www.beds.ac.uk/aboutus/ facts/investment/pgcentre
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Win a trip to China The National Student Survey (NSS) is now underway. Finalyear undergraduates have the chance to win one of four prize trips to China for taking part. NSS teams with laptops are in Luton and Bedford where eligible students can complete the survey. Alternatively, it can be completed at www. thestudentsurvey.com. All you have to do is answer a few quick questions relating to your overall University experience. The results of the survey are published on Unistats.com
for future students to see and also made available to those institutions taking part. The NSS follows hot on the heels of the international iGrad survey held last December, when thousands of Bedfordshire students were asked for their views on a range of issues including the University’s facilities and their experiences at the University. The University recently presented five lucky students, who took part in iGrad, with a prize trip to China each.
60 Seconds with...
The winning students, pictured above , were; Yasir Ikram, Genet Tefera, Lee Robinson, Lilia Kozdra and Manoj Kumar Rajpoot. Their prize trips include return flights, accommodation plus a cultural programme. Professor Ashraf Jawaid, Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Relations) said:
“I congratulate all our prizewinning students. The iGrad survey is a valuable resource enabling us to better understand student needs and to improve the student experience.”
Awards success for Martin The second annual Steven Henly Award for Outstanding Commitment has been awarded to student PE teacher Martin Wragg. Martin is a mature student who started his BA (Hons) Physical Education leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) course after nearly five years in the RAF. He left the RAF to fulfil a lifelong ambition to be a teacher and is now in his third year. The Award is given in memory of Steven Henly, a student at the University’s Bedford campus who died of a rare form of cancer just a few weeks after his 21st birthday in July 2008. A trophy and £500 were presented to Martin by Steven’s parents, Zahra and Bob, at a special ceremony attended by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL. Martin said: “I will use the award for a number of activities. I’m now able to take my Level 1 Rugby Union coaching badge, to improve my rugby teaching. I also plan to take a trampolining course run by the University, so I can offer something a bit different as a teacher.
“The rest of the money is for the ‘Inspire Malawi’ fund - I hope to raise enough to go and teach PE in Malawi for ten days later this year.” Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL said: “Martin is a very worthy winner and it gives me great pleasure to be here. He has an impressive track record of raising funds for charity as well as showing an exceptional commitment
to his chosen career.” The Steven Henly Award is just one of a host of ways the University supports its students through scholarships and bursaries schemes, valued at some £3m for 2012-13. For more information about all the scholarships and bursaries available visit: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ money/funding/scholarships
L to R: Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL, Bob and Zahra Henly, and Martin Wragg
Journalism course launched
Commons people
The University is about to launch a brand new postgraduate course in International Journalism. The Masters of Arts (MA) in International Journalism, which starts in February, is aimed at anyone wanting to work as regional or national reporters or political, economic and foreign correspondents. Course leader, Dr Paul Rowinski, said: “Industry experts agreed that there
An invited group of more than 70 student teachers and recently qualified teacher graduates from the University’s Faculty of Education, Sport and Tourism (EST) attended a special event at the House of Commons. The Dean of EST, Professor Marilyn Leask and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mary Malcolm also addressed the event, jointly hosted by the University and Bedford and Kempston MP Richard Fuller. The event discussed ‘The Government’s policy to meet the Literacy Challenge faced by our society’. Student and graduate teachers were invited to discuss their roles as teachers in meeting this challenge.
was a need to have a degree with an internationalised approach to journalism. This will enhance the journalism careers of our students, whether they are home, EU or international students.” Students will learn about the role of a reporter and study journalism practices around the world. They will also gain knowledge in multiplatform journalism and research methods. Dr Rowinski added:
“Students will be encouraged to get the whole picture and find that ‘global story.’ Anything else is often only half the story. I am really looking forward to engaging with students and journalists involved with this course.” For more information about the new course, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/ howtoapply/courses/ postgraduate/ international-journalism
Doreen Miller is Corporate Organisational Development and Talent Manager, in the University’s Human Resources Department. Here, Doreen tells us about herself. What’s your background? I’m a Luton girl and grew up in the town. I started my career in retail banking, before moving into finance roles at various organisations. While I was working in the finance department at Britannia Airways I moved into learning and development and have been involved with staff training ever since. For more than 16 years I’ve had learning and development roles at organisations including Action on Hearing Loss (formally the Royal National Institute for Deaf People), the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, before joining the University in October 2011. What are your early impressions of the University? It felt like coming home – I can remember the Park Square site when it was the Luton College of Technology! The University strikes me as being a busy and vibrant place with a strong leadership team and clear direction, staffed by capable professionals. Who would be on the guest list (dead or alive) for your dream dinner party? John Wayne and Larry Hagman, Katherine Hepburn, the Princess Royal and Emlyn Hughes (to recreate that Question of Sport moment), Tom Jones for the music and Morecambe and Wise for the entertainment. What’s your philosophy on life? Life is not a dress rehearsal; you only get one shot at it so live it to the full. Tell us a quirky fact about yourself I dressed as a butterfly with a 12-foot wingspan, and as Captain of the 14th Luton Guide Company, led the Guides to 2nd place in the non-vehicular section of the 1992 Luton Carnival!
Doreen Miller
Dr David Brake
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New project gets lift-off A project which hopes to improve the reliability of unmanned aircraft used to assess disaster zones has received hundreds of thousands of pounds to get it off the ground. The ‘New Foundational Structures for Engineering Verified Multi-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles’ project was awarded funding worth £650,000 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The project, which is a partnership between the University of Bedfordshire and the University of Oxford, aims to improve the reliability of unmanned aircraft which are used to fly over disaster zones, assessing the damage and looking for survivors. An example of this was the earthquake and tsunami in Japan which damaged the Fukushima nuclear plants, which meant thousands of people had to be evacuated. A month later, a small aerial vehicle flew over the site to assess the damage to the plant, by taking photos and video footage.
Dr Sonia Waharte, a lecturer in Computer Science at Bedfordshire who is part of the project said: “It’s very exciting as there is a real need for this research and it will be useful for many applications, not just search and rescue. This project is unique as it brings together researchers in logic, verification and control systems. I’m looking forward to getting together and getting started.” Professor James Crabbe, the Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science (CATS), said: “I am thrilled that Sonia’s project, so important in disaster situations, has received this grant. It shows the ever-increasing strength and depth of our Department of Computer Science and Technology, in research as well as in teaching and learning.” The project, which is due to get underway next month, will look into making unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) more reliable so they can operate without being controlled by a remote operator on the ground.
Chris gets animated An animation graduate from the University is celebrating after winning a prestigious animation competition. Chris Butcher, pictured right, who graduated in 2009 after completing a BA (Hons) degree in animation, won the open stop motion category of the Red Bull Canimation competition. “The whole experience was brilliant for me. I’d never really worked to a specific deadline or brief so it was a real eyeopener. I entered because I wanted people to see my ideas and I hoped that they were entertained,” said Chris. “There’s altruism in the way that I work in that no matter how difficult something may be, if I feel that the audience will smirk, let alone smile, then I won’t stop until I’ve achieved the shot.” Chris believes that the animation course at the University helped him develop his skills and made him want to succeed. “During the course you have the chance to hone your skills and develop a style of production. What the course brings to you is the desire to impress and a craving to outshine others. In all honesty, the three years at the University were the best of my life and played a massive part in shaping me as a person,” said Chris. Chris’ work will be screened as part of an ‘Ad Break Takeover Documentary’ on Channel 4 later this year. It will also appear as part of the British Animation Awards (BAA) Public Choice Tour 2012. The BAA tour will be stopping off at the University from Wednesday, 15 to Friday, 17 February, where the latest British animation films can be viewed by the public free of charge who can then vote for their favourite.
Runners-up spot for CST The University’s Computer Science and Technology Department (CST) was a worthy runner-up in a top industry award. The Department had been shortlisted for the University Department of the Year Award at the Elektra European Electronics Industry Awards 2011, but was pipped at the post by Cambridge University. The Computer Science and Technology Department is part of the Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Sciences (CATS), based at the Luton Campus. The Dean of CATS, Professor Dr Sonia Waharte
04 February 2012
James Crabbe, said: “It was a major achievement by the CST to have been shortlisted along with Cambridge University, Imperial College London and Southampton University, all of whom have been considerably longer in the electronics engineering and computing field than the University of Bedfordshire. “I was delighted to attend the awards dinner, where the shortlisting announcement was made to well over 500 professionals from industry and academia. It is a great tribute to our staff and students, and the department got
the loudest cheer of the night.” The University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL said: “The University is known for its high-quality teaching and I am delighted that the expertise of our Computer Department was recognised in this way.” A highlight of the electronics industry, the Elektra Awards recognise the achievements of individuals and companies across Europe. They are designed to promote best practice in key areas including innovation, sales growth and employee motivation.
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“It’s not all about profit” A Bedfordshire postgraduate student and entrepreneur is celebrating after scooping a top community award. Art and Design student and media graduate Ben Hodson, who owns creative media business ATP Media, won the Community Businessperson of the Year category at the Luton’s Best Awards. Ben said: “It is great to win this award, particularly this business category. There is a shift towards businesses being more responsible – they want to see how they affect the world. It’s not all about profit.” Ben is the creative director for ATP Media, a one stop shop for creative media based in Luton’s Hat Factory.
He also lectures part-time at the University. A spokesperson for Luton Borough Council, who organised the awards, said: “Ben received the award because of his commitment to Luton. He has supported the Love Luton City Status campaign from the beginning, leading on both the competitions we ran which received local and national recognition. His dynamic ideas and passion for the campaign have made it the success it is to date. He is also one of the lead artists on the High Town Arts for All Project. Ben has contributed to putting Luton on the map.” The University also sponsored the Adult Achiever category at the awards, which was won by Simon Stothard.
Dr Sarah Galvani
Grants boost for social workers Social work researchers at the University have been awarded grants worth over £100,000 to continue their research to help social workers combat substance use. Dr Sarah Galvani and colleagues from the Tilda Goldberg Centre for Social Work and Social Care have succeeded in attracting funds from Alcohol Research UK, the British Association of Social Workers (via Comic Relief),
and an alcohol, drugs and gambling charity. Dr Galvani said: “In the current financial climate, it’s really positive that we have had so much success with this funding. It shows what an important issue this is and how social workers need to be supported when working with people with alcohol and other drug problems.” Dr Galvani is concerned about the lack of substance use education many social
work students receive when they so frequently come across substance problems in their practice. She said: “We need to make sure we are preparing social workers to work in the best way, especially when it comes to substance use. Alcohol and other drug use can present real problems for service users, and social workers need to be able to support them effectively. Currently social workers receive very little training.”
PCTU is ready to look you in the eye
Ben Hodson
The Department of Psychology Consultancy and Training Unit (PCTU) has had an active and successful first year securing funding from three local organisations. Field Chair in Psychology at the University, Dr Pat Roberts said: “PCTU’s work has involved evaluating psychological processes including attitudes, knowledge and behaviour in specific client groups. Colleagues working within the PCTU were invited to give a talk to local businesses from the public and private sectors. This resulted in raising the profile of the PCTU and many new contacts being made over the year.” The past 12 months has also seen a variety of workshops and training sessions delivered to
both internal and external delegates. The programme of these sessions will be offered again in 2012 with the addition of a new workshop on ‘What can eye movements tell us about the world around us’. Eye tracking is a technique that is now frequently used in research on the visual system and in product design. This testing technique can locate exactly where the participant is looking and for how long. Eye tracking is particularly used to evaluate the effectiveness of websites. For more information about the Department of Psychology at Bedfordshire visit: www.beds.ac.uk/ howtoapply/departments/psychology
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Feature Based in the USA but travelling the world, Sue is currently developing the Australasian arm of the operation. For the MSc graduate in Human Resource Management it is the fulfilment of a career dedicated to unlocking the business potential of clients. Before working at WEI Sue set up her own not-for-profit business, Incredit, which offered disadvantaged groups the opportunity to embark on self-employment. Sue used her HR skills to deliver training sessions to young people including ex-offenders. Sue describes her role as: ”Creating confidence and business opportunity for many who had only dreamed of being their own boss but never thought it possible.” Looking back on her decision to study Human Resource Management Sue said: “The University through its comprehensive Masters course in Human Resource Management gave me a better understanding of how to run a business effectively through the taught elements. It also gave me the opportunity to conduct an in depth study of women returning to the workplace in my dissertation. The combination was an excellent grounding for the work I do today.”
Spotlight on Alumni… Sue Lawton The world of business is all about connections and networking. A University alumna is now a director of an international organisation that empowers business women on a global scale. Sue Lawton is Director of Education and Innovation at WEConnect International (WEI), a non-profit organisation that empowers women business owners to succeed in global markets. Formerly the CEO for WEI’s Europe operation, Sue created the first UK WEI pilot, built the Canada programme and expanded WEConnect throughout Europe. Sue said: “Today, women business owners can play a powerful role in driving innovation, increasing competitive advantage and accelerating business growth. We work globally to create business opportunities for women as vendors in the global supply chain.”
Today, women business owners can play a powerful role in driving innovation, increasing competitive advantage and accelerating business growth
Internships could kick-start chosen career path A recent report from High Fliers Research shows that employers are recruiting more graduates but there are record numbers of graduates chasing jobs. Employers are reporting a 19 per cent average increase in applications. Those without any work experience have “little or no chance”, says the report (Quoted from BBC News, 10 January 2012). Students who have little or no work experience in their chosen career sector may benefit from a University internship or summer placement. Internships provide an ideal opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain some experience in their chosen field, and test the water before committing to a specific career. Internships are mainly short-term or work-based project opportunities which also give employers the chance to benefit from talent that is available. A number of the University’s recent graduates have been offered permanent employment following an internship, giving them a perfect launch pad for their long term career. Students interested in finding an internship or summer placement should
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start looking NOW! They need to prepare a CV and research potential employers offering work experience. The University’s Careers and Employment Service provides a wealth of information and advice including: Students can visit the Careers and Employment Service at Bedford campus or Luton campus to see an advisor. You can search online work experience resources from the careers website at www.beds.ac.uk/careers Students can register on JobSavviGrad in BREO, to access an employer directory of work placements and internships. Students can also email their CV to hireme@ beds.ac.uk. Careers and Employment Service will then notify them of any suitable vacancies. International students can email isis@beds.ac.uk to express interest in the International Student Internship Scheme. The Students’ Union can help students interested in volunteering. UBSU works closely with a large number of organisations and community groups who are able to offer voluntary work. Students can register their interest through the UBSU website at www.ubsu.co.uk/
Help fight obesity The University is calling for volunteers for a groundbreaking research project into the early prevention of type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease in young people. The research study (SIRENS) is running in collaboration with the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and the team are recruiting 14-19 year olds who are overweight according to their waist circumference. Postgraduate student researchers Colleen Deane and Ben Davies in the University’s sports labs
Interested volunteers will have an initial health assessment and then eligible volunteers could be offered a 12 week programme of supervised aerobic exercise, resistance training or dietary changes designed to improve health. For more information contact Ben Davies on 07795 661777 or ben.davies@beds.ac.uk or Dr Catherine Kerr at catherine.kerr@beds.ac.uk
Meeting of minds The University has hosted its first ever MirandaMod session. Held at the Bedford campus, more than 80 people met in person or online at the informal, loosely structured, ‘unconference’ of likeminded educators to share ideas about the use of technology in education. Professor of Education, Dr Christina Preston, said: “I was delighted that this MirandaMod could be held at the Bedford campus. We have such a strong educational heritage here and the event was a real success.” One student added: “The MirandaMod evening enriched my learning tenfold.” For more information visit www.mirandanet.ac.uk/ mirandamods/
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Your life Event: Fairtrade Fortnight Date: 27 February – 11 March 2012 Venue: UBSU at Bedford & Luton campuses Time: various Cost: n/a Contact: Andrea Thorogood, Volunteer Manager (UBSU) 01582 489173
Title: Hunger Lunch in support of Fairtrade Fortnight Date: Friday, 2 March Venue: The Tree House Chaplaincy, Luton Time: From 12 noon Cost: £2 per lunch Contact: Treehouse@beds.ac.uk
It’s good to talk Communication Skills (CS) courses at the University’s Language Centre in Vicarage Street, Luton campus, are getting the thumbs up from international students. The CS courses at Bedfordshire, the first of their kind in the UK, were launched last September. They are compulsory for all new entrant international students and optional for all returning international students, in conjunction with studies in their chosen subject area. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mary Malcolm said: “It is very important that our international students take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity to boost their careers by performing not just well, but to their absolute maximum potential. We know that communication ability is the difference between getting by and excellence, and the University is determined to support excellence.” International students taking part in the free CS courses are seeing the benefits.
Jency Cherian, who is studying for an MBA said: “When I first heard the communication skills classes were compulsory, I thought they would consume my precious time from my main course studies! However, when I started CS, I realised how beneficial they are for developing skills relevant to my studies as well as post study career. I strongly recommend International students attend CS classes as it is a rare opportunity to improve academic skills, without any extra cost.” For more information email the Language Centre: languagecentre@beds.ac.uk
Art of fitness “If you’ve promised yourself to get fit this New Year then there’s no better way to do it than with martial arts”. That’s according to Christian Carter, the new President of the University’s Martial Arts Society (MAS). MAS had a great 2011 as the team travelled to Sicily to compete in the European Championships, winning three gold trophies and two silver trophies. This year they have ambitions to take part in the National Tournament in Oxfordshire and the International Tournament in Moscow, Russia. The team is already training hard and welcomes new members.
Christian added: “You can get yourself into great shape, all whilst learning self defence techniques and making new friends at the same time. “There are no joining fees, induction fees or membership fees and lessons cost only £4 each. If you have any interest in getting fit, Chinese boxing, Wrestling, or Mixed Martial Arts then consider joining MAS.” To join or to find out more information, email John O’Brien, Student Activities Manager at UBSU: john.o’brien@beds.ac.uk, phone 01582 743930, or visit John at the Students’ Union at the Campus Centre in Luton.
Title: Knowledge Network Event: Trends and Insights from Google Travel Date: Thursday, 29 March Venue: Putteridge Bury Conference Centre Time: Registration from 5.30pm. Starts 6pm Cost: (Free to University staff) £20 per person - includes wine, buffet and networking Contact: 0800 328 5334 or email knowledge@beds.ac.uk
Healthy Campus Recipe Vegetable hot pot Healthy comfort food for those long February evenings.
New survey? I should say so Students Say So is a new way for the University to ask and students to feed back on a range of issues throughout the academic year. Andrew Kingston, the University’s Market Research Manager and Students Say So coordinator, said: “Our students’ perceptions are a crucial indicator of how the University is doing and which areas we want to improve. “Students Say So surveys will be regularly emailed to panel members. They could be on any subject, from attitudes towards aspects of University life, the application process or the design of University promotional materials. “Surveys will be short and simple to complete and we hope as many students as possible join, to provide useful, real time data enabling us to improve the University’s processes.” Panel members may also be invited to take part in group discussions. There will be a prize draw for each survey and incentives for those taking part in focus groups. For more information and to join Students Say So, visit www.beds.ac.uk/studentpanel or email andrew.kingston@beds.ac.uk
Sudoku How to play: insert numbers in the boxes so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9 exactly once.
5 1 9
4
Ingredients (for 4 people) 450g carrots, peeled and sliced Two large onions, thickly sliced Three sliced celery sticks Three cups of vegetable stock Large can of butter beans 100g frozen peas 100g swede, peeled and thinly sliced 450g potatoes, peeled and sliced 175 g fresh breadcrumbs 175g of grated cheese Salt and pepper to taste
Method Layer the carrots, onions, potatoes, swede and celery in a casserole dish Pour the vegetable stock over the above ingredients, adding salt and pepper Cover, and cook for an hour at 180 degrees centigrade After one hour of cooking add the frozen peas In a separate bowl mix the breadcrumbs and grated cheese together Spoon this mixture over the hot pot before cooking for another 15/20 minutes Serve piping hot
3 8 5
2 4 8 5 6 7 4 9 2 8 6 1 3 5 8 7 3 7 4 6 5 5 2 6 4 4 8 3 2
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Event: Knowledge Network Event: Marketing Has Changed, Have You? Date: Tuesday, 7 February Venue: Putteridge Bury Conference Centre Time: Registration from 5.30pm. Starts 6pm Cost: (Free to University staff) £20 per person - includes wine, buffet and networking Contact: 0800 328 5334 or email knowledge@beds.ac.uk
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Coffee Break Conundrum What is special about the following sequence of numbers? 8 5 4 9 1 7 6 10 3 2 0 A. The numbers are in alphabetical order
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Rising star Lizzie Coaching accolade for student Lizzie Harrison Bedfordshire student Lizzie Harrison has been named Sky Sports Young Coach of the Year. Lizzie, who is studying for a Bachelor of Education in Primary Education at the Bedford campus, was presented with her award at a glittering ceremony at Lords Cricket Ground in London by Essex and England cricketer Ravi Bopara. She is a Level Two England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) coach with Burton Latimer Cricket Club and the Northamptonshire girls under-17 squad. Lizzie coached Latimers under-15 girls side to victory in the National Club Finals last year. Director of Sport, Professor John Brewer, said: “I congratulate Lizzie on her achievement as she joins the many rising stars from the University of Bedfordshire.”
I congratulate Lizzie on her achievement as she joins the many rising stars from the University of Bedfordshire
Ravi Bopara presents Lizzie Harrison with the Sky Sports Young Coach of the Year award
Scotland Calling A talented University student, who plays at scrum half for Bedford Blues Academy, has been selected for the Scotland under 20 training rugby squad. Alistair Price, pictured left, has been training with the squad and playing trial games at Murrayfield in Scotland. He has now been named in the 40-strong U20 Scotland squad for the upcoming U20 Six Nations Tournament. Alistair joined the Blues Academy while studying for A levels and established himself quickly in the under 19 squad. He was invited to take part in pre-season training with the Blues 1st XV squad and has already played in the British and Irish Cup. Director of Sport, Professor John Brewer, said: “We are delighted with this selection for Alistair. He has played well for Bedford Blues and has trained hard to get this far. We’ll be watching his progress with interest.”
08 February 2012
Show your support As Life went to press several of the University’s sports teams are genuine title contenders, including: Badminton Men’s 1st team, Bedford, Football Men’s 4th, Bedford, Netball 1st, Bedford, Rugby Men’s 1st, Bedford, and Rugby Women’s 1st, Luton. All our teams need your support so join the Athletic Union Facebook page now. Search for ‘University of Bedfordshire Athletic Union’ for all the latest fixtures and results. UBSU recently launched a new sports team called The V Team. The V Team is an opportunity for you to share your skills with our BUCS teams. Whether you are a photographer, journalist, coach or match analyst we want to hear from you. For more information please email john.o’brien@beds.ac.uk