Alumni Newsletter Spring 2019 Edition

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Spring 2019 Edition


Contents

ONTENT

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Contents

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Update from the Vice-Chancellor

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Our Alumni Offer

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Careers and Employability Service

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Supporting the University

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Events and Opportunities

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Update from the Vice-Chancellor

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UPDATE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

Update from the Vice-Chancellor

As a young university we need to ensure we have some areas of our university that are distinctive or that we can be famous for. This will help us with our course development, our research and business engagement and enable us in particular to use these areas for distinctive marketing and in particular with developing our brand internationally. It is also important for our longer term sustainability, growing our reputation and shaping our resource investment from the limited amount available and ensuring that we are a university for the modern world. We have chosen to develop in six distinctive areas over the coming years, recognising that we cannot progress all six at once in an effective way. The six areas are as follows: Health and Wellbeing Given the broad range of undergraduate health and sports courses that the University currently runs and the fact that health and social care requirements will remain high on government agendas, it would be right for us to ensure that we capitalise on our existing growth and reputation in these areas, developing further in particular in new undergraduate health professional courses, in PGT and in research. Our Schools have identified two areas of distinctiveness that they wish to develop, namely Living well into old age and Cancer Survivor-ship. We also have a Sport Hub and regenerative medicine community. We are also championing as a University mental health and wellness alongside Dementia, both of which fit with living well into old age.

Creative and Digital Technologies Our schools have the opportunity to contribute to developments in the area of digital technology. This will include Artificial Intelligence (machine learning), data analytic science, future of connectivity networks/ internet of things and Cyber security all under the umbrella of SMART. The work we are already undertaking to develop a digital hub with BT will enable us to progress in this area in a planned way over the coming years.

Crime and Social Justice The university has  a number of areas of academic portfolio (Law, criminology, prison officer training, police training etc.) that coalesce around crime and social justice. There are a number of colleagues in

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these areas who are active researchers. In addition, SISER (Suffolk Institute for Social and Economic Research) undertakes a significant amount of work in this area as well. This is the key area for the university where we have some research substance and if it is to increase we need to support its sustainability.

History and Heritage Our history provision enjoys excellent ratings nationally. Alongside the development of The Hold on our campus, with significant funding invested by University of Suffolk as well as other founders, this context gives us a unique opportunity to make this an area of expertise. Developing our curriculum and research alongside national and regional agencies in archives and heritage it is apparent that this could be an area of distinctiveness albeit one that is very niche.

Update from the Vice-Chancellor

Sustainability/Energy Our region includes expertise and employment in oil and gas, nuclear and renewable energy, solar and micro generation alongside a globally competitive renewables support chain and support industry. University of Suffolk has an interest in sustainability with the launch of the Suffolk Sustainability Institute. However, the vision of this institute is on sustainability wider than just the energy sector although energy is one of the areas of interest. We are also working with East Coast College with their new Energy Centre. We also recognise that the energy sector along with the agricultural sector and the marine sector all have interest in how their industries impact onto the environment and there is also interest in decarbonisation in these sectors as well. As we explore the specifics of this areas of distinctiveness these factors will be taken into account.

Pedagogy/learning and teaching As we develop our new learning and teaching strategy we wish to ensure we contribute to the impact evaluation research into pedagogy in higher education and are well placed to do this. We also intend to continue to work with early years and primary/secondary education institutions as we ensure we support initial teacher training with good curriculum, continuous professional development opportunities and research in practice.

How can you engage with this as an Alumni of the university? Alumni will be able to engage with us in a number of ways as follows: As an associate member of a research institute As a mentor to students in one of these areas As an employee looking for students on placement As an employer looking to work with the university in one of these areas, support a PhD studentship, offer a placement to a student And if you are not working or engaging in any of these areas we are still interested in hearing from you. We remain a comprehensive university with many other areas of our curriculum requiring your input and support and with an offer for our alumni that goes far beyond these areas too. So get in touch if you want to know more about how we are progressing, if you believe we can help you advance your career further or if you want to offer support to us in the next phase of our journey.

Professor Helen Langton Vice-Chancellor


CONGRATULATIONS Georgia Downs and Amy Grant for their re-election as President and Vice-President of the Students’ Union


Our alumni offer

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OUR ALUMNI OFFER

This month the library announced that it would be opening 24 hours a day during term time. This is fantastic news for both our students and our alumni, allowing flexible access. You can now access the Online Jobs Board through FutureMe, a completely free service which can provide a huge range of careers and employability support. We have also launched our new partnership with Governors for Schools with the aim of providing easy access to volunteering opportunities to our alumni and staff.

Our alumni offer

We are continuing to build on our offer based on your feedback and ideas.

The Alumni Mentoring Scheme is on it's way. If you would be interested in mentoring a final year student get in contact with us.

How we can support you? Alumni Postgraduate Loyalty Scheme, reduction on selected postgraduate course fees including PhD study Continued access to the Library Continued access to Careers and Employability Service for up to 3 years post-graduation Continued access to Careers and Employability support via the FutureMe platform Access to the Online Jobs Board Access to Discounts through Alumni Union and Alumni Extras Networking and invitations to events Replacement of certificates and transcripts, contact the Registry Team Access to the Suffolk Business School Consultancy Service Discounted membership rates for the IWIC and support with all of your Business Needs Access to volunteering opportunities such as Governors for Schools

How you can support us?

Engaging with the university in a way which is meaningful to you Giving career talks Organising Alumni events Guest lecturing Completing an Alumni profile to be used in marketing material and online Providing placements and opportunities for students Providing a venue for events Access to volunteering and mentoring opportunities Engage with us on Social Media Writing an article for the newsletter Fundraising Donating to the University Leaving a gift in your will

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CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE

Careers and Employability Service

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The University of Suffolk Careers and Employability team are here to support the alumni community, be it to find the perfect graduate job, to decide on next steps for personal development as you progress in your career, or perhaps something else. For 3 years after graduation, we can offer face-to-face, Skype, and telephone appointments, in addition to guidance via email. Finishing your studies is just the start of your next journey! If you graduated more than 3 years ago from the University of Suffolk, UCS or one of our legacy institutions, don’t worry - you still access FutureMe, our online, interactive career centre. FutureMe launched in August 2018, and is accessible 24/7 on computers, smart phones and tablets, giving you access to hundreds of different resources, no matter where you are located in the world. Things you can access include: CV and cover letter builders Self-assessment questionnaires to help your selfreflection and career planning A live Jobs Board with new jobs added almost daily by local, national and international employers A wealth of articles and videos on topics from resilience, developing emotional intelligence, improving presentation skills, practicing for interviews and assessment centres, and much more To find out more and activate your graduate account, visit www.uos.ac.uk/futureme


Careers and Employability Service

FutureMe Graduate Schemes If you are considering your options on where to go next, have you ever thought about a graduate scheme? We have seen many of our graduates successfully join graduate schemes over the years with organisations based in both Suffolk and beyond, and with more organisations than ever opening roles to graduates with any degree, there are many options. Lots of these schemes also offer the chance to undertake Postgraduate or Professional qualifications specific to your role or industry, so if you are considering further study, a graduate scheme might offer you the best of both worlds.

Hints and tips from one of our graduates currently on a graduate scheme: They have told you exactly what they are looking for: the job and person profile will usually allow you to highlight any experiences or qualifications you have in what they are looking for. Expect the unexpected – more employers are currently looking in to ways to attract a broader range of applicants. Gamification, video interviews and interactions through technology before face to face interviews are becoming increasingly common. Count to three – may sound daft but counting to three in your head before you answer a question in an interview can help to calm nerves but also makes you appear more confident in an interview. Practice with your parents – film yourself being asked interview questions by your parents in a semi-formal setting. It will allow you to pick up ticks and mannerisms (such as playing with your hair or wringing your hands) that you can then combat in an interview setting. If you have any questions or would like to access a member of the Careers team, contact us via email on careers@uos.ac.uk, or call us on 01473 338400. If you think your organisation might be able to offer internship and graduate job opportunities to current University of Suffolk students, we would also love to hear from you! With almost 75% of the UK’s biggest graduate employers now offering internships to students, it is a popular way to support student employability, whilst bringing new ideas and perspectives to your business.

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SUPPORTING THE UNIVERSITY

Supporting the university

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In the 2018/19 disbursement round, The Foundation Board distributed almost £30,000 across 12 projects which were reported on in the February Newsletter. In less than 12 months, and with very small funding grants the projects supported by the Foundation Board have achieved the following: The University’s Women’s Football team have gone from strength to strength, receiving their new kits, they have become a sustainable and successful team. “On behalf of the women’s football team and the Student’s Union, we would like to say a huge thank you for your generosity and for accepting our bid for sponsorship for the team. We are immensely proud to represent our University in local football, and to be ambassadors for women in sport.” Random Acts of Kindness from the Student’s Union have been putting a smile on student’s faces during some of the most challenging times of year Sports Scholarships have been provided to 8 of our most talented sports stars to support them in achieving their dreams The University has held its first Mock Moot Court for first year Law students with equipment, including gowns and lecturns, funded through the Foundation Board and Gotelee Solicitors. This equipment has allowed us to create court rooms as and when needed, lending a sense of realism to the experience. The creation of this realistic experience has been vital for raising aspirations through the development of legal skills. Enabling us to enhance community engagement with nesting Peregrine Falcons, we have now installed nesting boxes on the roof of the James Hehir building and live-streaming cameras. Working with the University of Suffolk Sustainability Institute, Suffolk Ornithology Group and the Hawk and Owl Trust, our Ecology and Conservation Science course team are creating numerous research opportunities for students and collecting vital data Students have been gaining experience through various workplace schemes, the work experience bursary helps them to get to interviews, travel abroad and continue their professional studies. Without the generosity of our staff, alumni and friends, none of these experience enhancing projects would be possible. If you would like to find out more about donating please visit www.uos.ac.uk/giving


NEW 3D PRINTER Introducing our new 3D Printers and Prototyping facilities. Thanks to funding from Ipswich Borough Council, the 3D Productivity Suite is now home to new cutting edge Stratasys 3D printers The F370 FDM printer allows objects to be printed with far more complexity than was originally possible on the domestic printers currently housed in the suite. As well as increased complexity it will also offer a wider range of materials, both solid and flexible. The Connex3 Objet500 Polyjet printer is a new type of technology to the suite. A printer of this quality will allow us to print in hard, flexible, dental and medical grade plastics. The applications of this printer open up the opportunity for new businesses and industries to become involved with us. Launch event on Tuesday 25 June 18.00 to 20.00, Ipswich Waterfront Innovation Centre (IWIC), The Atrium, University of Suffolk. For more information contact Kate Burgess on k.burgess2@uos.ac.uk


EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Events and opportunities

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Early Childhood Studies reunion and celebration

Monday 15 July, Waterfront Building at 6pm A drinks reception as part of the #25for25 event, celebrating 25 years of Childhood Studies at University of Suffolk. All who studied on Early childhood Studies, the FdA Early Years Practice, the BA Early Learning and SENDS are invited. Please pass this message on to your classmates and ask them to RSVP to a.boggis@uos.ac.uk

Open Evening - MA Education Studies

Thursday 27 June, Cult Cafe 4.30pm-6.30pm An event open to anyone who would like to find out more about the MA Education Studies at University of Suffolk.

Are you Investment Ready?

Thursday 13 June, 3pm-5pm If you are a business leader or find yourself thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, sign up to join us at the Are you Investment Ready event. This meeting brings together the entrepreneurs and SME’s Innovation Network. Hear from Sally Goodsell and a panel of investors and entrepreneurs about the skills and attributes of successful entrepreneurs. Register here

Postgraduate Study As a graduate of the University of Suffolk, you are eligible for up to 25% discount of post graduate study including PhDs. To get in touch call us on 01473 338348 or email us on admissions@uos.ac.uk

EIRA Start-up Microfinance Grant Current University of Suffolk students and graduates from the last 3 years can now apply for up to £3000 to take their start-up business ideas forward. Through the EIRA project, this microfinance opportunity supports innovative start-ups in their earliest stages, helping to get ideas developed and tested. Applicants must produce a short video pitch (up to 3 minutes) and submit a written application too, the deadline for applications will be midnight on Sunday 30 June. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to pitch to a review panel in the summer. Contact enterprise@uos.ac.uk or call 01473 338424


Alumni Speed Networking Events We would like you, as ex graduates, to come along and support our current students. We would like to hold several speed networking events for alumni in business to help support our students to develop their networking and interview skills. If you would be interested in participating please contact us on alumni@uos.ac.uk or call 01473 338067

Alumni Mentoring Scheme As graduates you are in a phenomenal position to share your knowledge and expertise with existing students. Mentoring is a valuable opportunity to make a different and continue to engage with your University in a productive and

mutually beneficial way. If you would be interested in our Alumni Mentoring Scheme then contact us on alumni@uos.ac.uk or 01473 338067

Engage Programme The Business Engagement and Entrepreneurship Team is joining Enterprise Nation helping you start, grow, and stay successful in business. Thanks to funding from the University of Suffolk Foundation Board, 40 participants (20 x students and 20 x alumni) will have the opportunity to apply for free membership with Enterprise Nation for 12 months. Don’t miss the opportunity to be an Enterprise Nation member contact enterprise@uos.ac.uk or call 01473 338424

Events and opportunities

Coming Soon

Stay Connected There’s always a lot of events going on at the University. Many of them are free to attend. Networking opportunities, performances and exhibitions are open to Alumni so keep coming back to see us! Some things to keep your eye on are below: Events - What’s happening? Latest News Open Lecture Series Waterfront Gallery Exhibitions Entrepreneurial Skills Development events

Have you thought about Postgraduate study? The university of Suffolk offers a range of postgraduate higher education opportunities including Masters, Postgradute Diplomas and Certificates, and Professional and CPD courses. Find out more uos.ac.uk/postgraduatestudy

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uos.ac.uk/alumni


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