eNews 7 July
University print services, lifting lockdown, thought pieces, Mediasite upgrade, Student Education Forum, Be Curious, International Medieval Congress and more
Campus life
Incident | University print services
All University print services – except those provided by the Print and Mail Service (formerly PCB) – have been temporarily suspended while Microsoft fixes a UK-wide security issue. As this may take some time, we’re putting in place a free campus printing service, via the Print and Mail Service, which staff, students and postgraduates can access. We will update you as soon as we can, but in the meantime, you can access the latest information via the IT website or by following the IT Service Desk Twitter account
Coronavirus
Lifting lockdown | Government announcement
Following the Prime Minister’s message on Monday 5 July regarding the final stage of England’s roadmap out of lockdown, we would like to stress the University’s previously announced arrangements – including the approach to the continued return of activity to campus – remain in place until further notice. We’re working through the implications of the Government’s latest announcement and will issue further communications soon. In the meantime, please continue with your current working, teaching and research arrangements.
Pop-up centres offer free covid-19 PCR tests
Parts of Leeds experiencing a sharp rise in covid-19 cases are being offered an enhanced programme of community testing. Residents in areas including Hyde Park, Headingley, Little London and Woodhouse, who are not experiencing symptoms, are encouraged to get a free PCR test at new pop-up testing centres. This will identify cases of covid variants like Delta and help health services track transmission in those areas.
Thought pieces
The Big Leeds Conversation | Help co-create our new core values
On Monday 12 July, all staff, students and postgraduate researchers will be invited to take part in The Big Leeds Conversation – your opportunity to anonymously discuss what our new core values should be, and how we can build a positive, fairer future for all in our University community and beyond. Find out more about how you can shape our shared values
Inside Track | Improving our research culture
In a new Inside Track feature, Dr Cat Davies, Dean for Research Culture, and Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, explain why the research culture is broken and what we’re doing at Leeds to fix it.
Vice-Chancellor’s blog | Redefining the purpose of a university education
“Our students deserve to have more than a vague idea of their journey ahead. They also deserve to understand early on what learning is about.” Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simone Buitendijk, shares her latest blog in which she sets out how active learning can help our students chart a course for their future with more clarity.
Digital developments
Updating your laptop
Last summer, we sent out laptops to many colleagues to ensure they could work from home. We’ve now started emailing colleagues to let them know if their laptop needs updating to ensure they remain secure. If you’re contacted, you must follow the instructions or you may lose access to some networked services. If IT doesn’t contact you, you don’t need to do anything. Please contact Doug Frame if you have any questions.
Sign up | Digital Education Summer Roadshow
You can now register to attend a Digital Education Service presentation by academic colleagues, with sessions scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday 8 July) and Wednesday 28 July. Covering many aspects of digital education, including the Minerva upgrade, learning analytics, digital assessments and more, the events will be followed by a live Q&A.
Mediasite upgrade
Mediasite will be upgraded between midnight and 4am on Saturday 28 August. During this period, the Mediasite Service should be considered ‘at risk’, but users should still be able to play back recordings. Content uploads are not advised as they may take longer than usual to process. You may also need to reload the media area in Minerva if you access a catalogue as this upgrade is introducing Mediasite Channels
Students
Sign up | Student Education Forum
You can now sign up for the first three sessions of our new monthly Student Education Forum, bringing together networks from across the University community. Hosted by the Deans for Student Education, sessions will cover updates and discussions on key strategic activities and projects, and are open to all colleagues in professional services and academic roles. Join the first community meeting, from 11am to 12 noon on Monday 12 July, for a conversation on the ‘Assessment Strategy’. Led by Professor Alice O’Grady, Dean: Student Education (Quality and Standards), the session will be co-chaired by Meg Hodgkinson, LUU Education Officer, who will be sharing insights on the student experience during the past year.
Get ready to submit your reading lists
Teaching colleagues are reminded to use the Minerva tool to create or update reading lists for the new academic year before Saturday 14 August. The Library has advice on getting the most out of your reading list to ensure students can access the information they need. Online readings and ebooks will continue to be prioritised ahead of printed texts in order to support the shift towards digital education.
Summer in Leeds
The Summer in Leeds programme is shaping up to be a hit thanks to teams across the University, who’ve planned a range of events to help students and postgraduate researchers feel part of the Leeds community. Several activities are sold out and new ones are being added all the time, so get in touch if you have any ideas for events. Resources are also still available to help spread the word about what’s on offer to students
Celebrate
GFEI Food and Agriculture Awards
Nominations close on Friday 9 July for the first Global Food and Environment Institute (GFEI) Food and Agriculture Awards. Open to staff and students whose research or studies are related to food and agriculture, the awards aim to highlight work towards a sustainable, socially-just food system. Winners will be announced as part of the GFEI symposium on Wednesday 22 September.
Research
Apply now | White Rose Collaboration Fund
Time is running out for applications to the White Rose Collaboration Fund, which encourages emerging research partnerships across the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York. Grants of up to £15,000 are available. The deadline is 12 noon on Wednesday 14 July.
Powering data analytics research, education and training
Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) has launched a cutting-edge platform, designed to empower researchers and students to drive data analytics excellence at the University. Find out more about LIDA’s platform and the range of benefits it offers to educational programmes, particularly in expanding the provision of data-driven student research projects in collaboration with external partners.
Learning and development
Springboard Development Programme | applications open
Applications to the upcoming Springboard Development Programme for women on grades two to four are now open. The programme is designed specifically for personal and professional development, and covers topics including improving self-confidence, being more proactive, effective communication and assertiveness. The programme will take place on Zoom from September to December. Contact the People Development team for further information.
Book now | New SRDS training dates
New Staff Review and Development Scheme (SRDS) training dates are available for colleagues who are new to the process or would like a refresher. The next online session will take place on Friday 9 July for reviewers and reviewees.
Building Impact Momentum programme | Last chance to register
Register your interest in the next Building Impact Momentum programme, to help develop ideas for impact that can be applied to research projects or in grant applications. The programme, which runs from September to December, is open to research, academic and professional support staff and consists of webinars, additional reading, partner work and impact practice. Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 9 July.
Wellbeing and support
Staff Rounders Club taster sessions
Informal taster sessions for a new Staff Rounders Club are being held in Woodhouse Moor on Wednesday 14 July. Rounders is an inclusive sport and suitable for people of all abilities, so go along and have some fun! Pre-booking is required by 12 noon on Tuesday 13 July, with places offered on a first come, first served basis.
Events
Be Curious 2021
There’s still time to join in with Be Curious 2021! With hands-on, family activities and evening talks running until Thursday 15 July, there’s something for everyone. Not to be missed on Saturday 10 July, we’re blasting off to outer space with the Unlimited Space Agency and a crew of space scientists, oceanographers, earthquake experts and Antarctic explorers, including our own Chancellor, Professor Dame Jane Francis. View the full Be Curious 2021 programme and register for events via the new website.
International Medieval Congress 2021
Learn about climate in the Middle Ages as the International Medieval Congress returns for 2021. Organised by the Institute for Medieval Studies and running until Friday 9 July, the 28th instalment of the internationally-acclaimed showcase features more than 1,600 speakers and 500 academic sessions, fringe events, performances and workshops.
Migrant Roma | EU Settlement Scheme and post-deadline challenges
Join researchers from the Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies at a free, online policy brief launch event exploring the post-deadline challenges of the EU Settlement Scheme for migrant Roma in the UK. Running from 12 noon to 1.30pm on Tuesday 13 July, the event is open to everyone.
Tickets offer | Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Leeds Grand Theatre welcomes audiences back with a special staff offer for balcony tickets to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Priced £20, tickets are available for any performance until Saturday 10 July inclusive. Simply select your date and enter the promotional code (accessed via the above link) when selecting your seats.
In case you missed it
Vice-Chancellor’s podcast | Is there a finish line for universities?
New IT Digital Enablement and Be Safe In Depth page
Amazing efforts of inspirational teachers rewarded
Sign up | Exclusive staff Strength4Life course
Leeds Digital Festival 2021 submissions and share details of your event
International Medieval Congress 2022 | Call for papers
The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery | New exhibition
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