27 October 2021

eNews 27 October

Curriculum Redefined, USS pension event, Climate and Net Zero plans, COP26, Fairer Future for All events, new draft values, student safety, face coverings FAQs, Microsoft updates and more.

eNews 27 October 2021

Thought pieces

Inside Track | Curriculum Redefined: A once-in-a-career opportunity to build the next generation of education

Read the first Inside Track from Professor Jeff Grabill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education, as he shares his excitement and enthusiasm for Curriculum Redefined – the spine of our ambitious education strategy.

USS pension

Book | Today: USS pension information event

All members of, or colleagues who are eligible to join, the USS pension scheme have been invited by email to attend a USS information session hosted by independent pensions experts, Mercer, at 2pm today (Wednesday 27 October). Bookings are still open and a recording of the session will be made available on For Staff tomorrow (Thursday 28 October).

COP26

Inside Track | University of Leeds Climate Plan and Net Zero Plan

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simone Buitendijk, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hai-Sui Yu, share an update on the development of the University’s Climate and Net Zero plans in this latest Inside Track. 

Inside Track | Leeds on climate action and COP26

With the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow a matter of days away, our COP26 taskforce looks at the University’s commitment to tackling climate change and our role in influencing the international negotiations.

Watch | Leeds at COP26

Did you miss the Leeds at COP26 event yesterday (Tuesday 26 October), outlining our aims and ambitions for the upcoming climate negotiations? Watch the recording and catch up on key updates ahead of the conference.

Visit | Virtual Hub

Want to familiarise yourself with everything COP26-related? Visit the COP26 Virtual Hub to read the University delegation team’s profiles; have your climate action questions answered in the Q&A section; find out about upcoming COP26 events to see how you can get involved and much more. Visit the dedicated COP26 webpage for further information.

Read | Climate action blog

In a new article, Dr Mark Sumner, Lecturer in the School of Design at Leeds, explores the key challenges facing the fashion industry in becoming net zero. This is the latest in a series of climate action blogs hosted by Policy Leeds, in collaboration with the Priestley International Centre for Climate, being published in the run-up to COP26. 

Fairer Future for All

Sign up | Fairer Future for All events

Sign up to join Vice-Chancellor, Simone Buitendijk, and other senior colleagues, as they share more detail about how our 10-year strategy will create a fairer future for our staff, our students and our global community. Events take place on Wednesday 3 November at 3.30pm, Tuesday 9 November at 5.15pm and Thursday 11 November at 9.30am. 

Feedback

Inside Track | Get ready to review our new draft values

Results are in following the largest conversation of its type at Leeds. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simone Buitendijk, invites you to check and challenge our new draft values framework from Monday 1 November, and feedback what you feel is strong, wrong or missing.

Have your say | Research IT Strategy survey

Complete our online Research IT Strategy survey by Sunday 31 October to have your say about how we deliver fundamental and challenge-led research in the future that’s impactful and sustainable.

Take part | Library reading lists system survey

The Library is asking for feedback on experiences with the current reading lists system in order to help implement improvements for the 2022/23 academic year. Training and guidance on the new system will be provided next year. Please contact the Library if you have any questions.

Survey | National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)

Take part in a survey evaluating awareness of the NIHR Leeds In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative – a partnership between Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University. It should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, with the chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher. The survey closes at 9.30am on Friday 12 November.

Students

Blog | It’s on us to ensure everyone is safe

Read a new blog by Professor Jeff Grabill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education, in which he discusses heightened concerns about drink spiking and spiking by needle, arguing it’s on men to change the culture that tolerates implicit and explicit violence against women. He also outlines work being undertaken around values, including collaboration with LUU to understand how we can address this issue.

Student newsletter

Read the latest student newsletter, which focuses on the available support for those concerned about drink spiking and personal safety. Students are also prompted to complete a survey to help us understand which safety priorities matter most to them.

Campus life

FAQs | Face coverings

Access the updated FAQs outlining our approach to face coverings on campus for staff and students. Please consider using a face covering in crowded indoor spaces. You will need to wear a face covering (unless exempt) if a risk assessment identifies that one needs to be worn, with signs telling you where this is required.

Update | Asymptomatic covid-19 testing

Friday 29 October will be the last day of in-person testing on campus. We will be transitioning to home testing only from Monday 1 November. Testing kits can be collected from the LUU helpdesk, as well as the Laidlaw, Edward Boyle, Brotherton and Health Sciences libraries.

Working together to stay safe

We encourage everyone in our community to take advantage of the free covid-19 vaccination programme, to help protect both our University and wider communities. Find out about vaccination and other safety measures on campus

Take a tour of campus

Visiting campus for the first time in ages, or ever? Book onto a 90-minute campus tour. Attendees to date have said the tour helped “provide a sense of place” and to “meet other colleagues”, plus you’ll discover some hidden gems and historic facts along the way! Tours are on offer each week until the Christmas closure.

Digital developments

Microsoft Teams | Flexible calling

You will soon be able to make calls to national numbers or UK mobile phones via Teams Voice. A dial pad will appear in the calls function of Teams when this has been installed. Part of a rolling programme to enable Teams Voice, we will contact you with further information when you can also receive calls via Teams. Access our Teams Voice presentation recording and FAQs for further information.

Microsoft Outlook updates

To increase security, Microsoft is starting to withdraw support for older versions of Outlook from Monday 1 November. Most colleagues won’t be affected, but if you use systems such as Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010, you will lose access to Outlook email and calendars when the changes are applied. It could also affect those on more recent versions who haven’t recently updated them. Find out more, including how to update your version of Office

Keeping data safe 

We advise using a University-managed device for accessing classified data. Our laptops and computers automatically receive security updates, so they’re the safest devices. When using a personal device to access classified data, you must keep it safe by applying all updates as soon as they’re released. Remember, only access the data you need and are authorised for.

Register | New PebblePad training dates

New PebblePad training dates are now available during November and December. Sessions are designed for new and experienced users and provide support in learning how to use this ePortfolio system to create innovative and reflective teaching and learning materials for students. Unless registering for the introductory course, please access your PebblePad account and take a quick tour of the homepage before you join the session.

Research

Spotlight | Developing UK bioscience

Find out about some of the projects funded by BBSRC – the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Leeds is one of 10 universities involved in a strategic partnership with the BBSRC to deliver bioscience research, with work ranging from deriving energy from weeds to understanding proteins and monitoring pigs’ wellbeing.

Register | Elsevier negotiation meetings

If you read, cite or publish in Elsevier journals, book onto one of our online town hall-style meetings on Monday 1 November at 11am or Tuesday 9 November at 2pm. Hear about the Elsevier contract negotiations and discuss the implications of a deal – or no deal – for Leeds once our current contract expires on Friday 31 December. This includes alternative routes available to access Elsevier content.

Sign up | Building Impact Momentum Programme 

Register for the next Building Impact Momentum Programme, to help develop ideas for impact that can be applied to research projects or grant applications. The programme, which runs from January to April 2022, is open to research, academic and professional support staff and consists of six webinars, additional reading, partner work and impact practice. Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 19 November.

Staff benefits

Offer | Bicycle D-lock and light set

Help protect your bicycle by picking up a ‘Sold Secure’ Kryptonite D-Lock and bike light set for just £20 from the LUU Foyer, from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday 2 or Wednesday 3 November. You can also register your bike with the national, police-approved BikeRegister database at the event and receive a free security marking kit.

Sign up | Opera North discounts 

Register for DARE More membership to get 20% off opera tickets throughout the 2021-22 season. The offer is valid for any Monday to Friday Opera North performance at Leeds Grand Theatre, continuing with Carmen tomorrow (Thursday 28 October) and the Bernstein Double Bill on Friday 29 October. 

Special offer | DARE Liberty Lecture tickets

Book your discounted tickets to attend this year’s DARE Liberty Lecture and join Professor Dave Goulson as he explores the decline in insect populations and what we can do to help resolve this. The event takes place at the Howard Assembly Room at 7.15pm on Tuesday 2 November, to coincide with COP 26.

Celebrate

Register | Black History Month 2021 programme

It’s your last chance to take part in the packed programme of events to mark Black History Month (BHM) 2021. Running until the end of October, BHM provides an opportunity to learn, acknowledge and celebrate Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) cultures. Leeds11 – the BAME staff network – together with partners and friends, have organised a series of free celebratory events based on this year’s theme of ‘Proud To Be’, featuring talks, podcasts, lectures, film screenings and more. Parkinson Building will also be lit up red, yellow and green throughout the month to further highlight the programme.

Wellbeing and support

Flu vaccinations

Winter flu virus season is here and we’re supporting all colleagues to get vaccinated. The University will reimburse the cost – up to £15, via e-expenses – of a private flu vaccination if you’re not eligible for an NHS jab.

Sign up | Upper and lower body postural sessions 

Are you experiencing aches and pains? Try the 15-minute upper body postural sessions, offering gentle exercises for your neck and shoulders, including mobility, stretches and activation. The class runs every Monday at 12 noon via Teams. And why not give the 15-minute lower body postural sessions a go, too? They target lower back pain or stiffness in your legs linked with a sedentary job/lifestyle. The class runs every Wednesday at 12 noon via Teams. Contact Fran Andralojc to be added to the mailing lists.

Learning and development

Book | Management Essentials Programme

New and existing managers can now book on to OD&PL’s Management Essentials programme. Sessions cover a variety of topics designed to equip you with the tools needed to effectively manage your team and to understand the processes and responsibilities you have at the University. The programme runs in blocks throughout the academic year, with the first scheduled for Monday 1 to Wednesday 17 November.

Webinars | Focus on Assessment and Feedback

Book your place on a series of assessment and feedback matters webinars chaired by Professor Alice O’Grady (Dean for Student Education: Quality and Standards). Starting on Tuesday 2 November and featuring external guest speakers, sessions – run in association with OD&PL – aim to support the implementation of our Curriculum Redefined priorities for assessment and feedback.

Briefing | National Teaching Fellowship (NTF) and the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) 

OD&PL is hosting a 2022 NTF and CATE briefing session from 2-3.45pm on Wednesday 3 November. The event will provide further information about the awards and guidance on how to become a successful applicant. It’s aimed at potential applicants, as well as senior leaders and colleagues who have leadership roles in student education.

Workshop | Supporting Mature Students to Succeed

Join the Supporting Mature Students to Succeed workshop to explore how inclusive practices apply to working with this cohort. Taking place online from 2-4pm today (Wednesday 27 October), the event is designed to help all colleagues working with mature students and postgraduate researchers to develop their inclusive teaching practice.

Sign up | Mentoring workshops 

In preparation for the November matching process for the University-wide Mentoring Scheme, OD&PL is providing workshops for mentors and mentees to support them to get the most out of this programme.

New | Leadership Development Programmes

OD&PL has launched three new programmes designed to deliver support to leaders at different stages of their journey, ranging from aspiring and new leaders to those more established in their roles who are responsible for leading a change initiative.

Sign up | Career Programme for Grades 2 to 4

Book onto a series of career planning and development events, designed for colleagues on Grades 2 to 4. These cover areas such as career planning, effective interview skills, mock interview practice, creating effective CVs, job applications and developing skills profiles. Sessions take place in November, with further dates planned for the remainder of the academic year.

Register | Find out about PGCAP

Register to attend an OD&PL event to find out more about the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP). Running from 12 noon to 1pm on Friday 5 November, the online session will explore why participants engage with the PGCAP and the impact it has on enhancing their student education practice, including how it’s one route to gain a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). OD&PL will also explain how the course works, with the opportunity to ask questions as well.

Events

Get involved | Pint of Science 2022

Get involved with preparations for Pint of Science’s return to Leeds. Running from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 May 2022, live and in-person science talks will take place across the city. Organisers require a wide range of support, from hosting to event management. Email Chris Snowden to register your interest and to sign up for a virtual meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday 3 November to find out more.

All Souls Day

The Claire Chapel in the Emmanuel Centre will be open from 1-5pm on Monday 1 November to light a candle in memory of a loved one. This will be followed at 5.10pm by a brief act of Christian worship (open to all), including reading the names of members of our University community who have died during the past year.

Register | 2021 Festival of Social Sciences

You can now register to take part in the 2021 Festival of Social Sciences next month. As a partner organisation, we’ve scheduled a series of digital and face-to-face events as part of the programme. Open to all, this year’s festival focuses on environmental issues to mark the UK’s hosting of COP26.

In case you missed it

Updated | Responsible Research Metrics Statement

Christmas closure

Register | Welcome event for new staff

Become a LinkedIn Learning curator 

Free course | Union Black: Britain’s Black Cultures and Steps to Anti-Racism

Call for projects | Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme 2022

Stoptober | Quit smoking support

Visit | Sir William Henry Bragg exhibition

Webinar | Tackling antimicrobial resistance

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