eNews 14 September
State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, Climate Plan update, new appointments, digital developments, teaching resources, Leeds Digital Festival and more.
Announcement
The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
The State Funeral for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will take place on Monday 19 September. This day will be a national bank holiday and as such, the University will be closed and only critical services available. Further information for colleagues is available on For Staff.
Climate change
Climate Plan update
Read the latest University Climate Plan update to find out about our progress to date and future initiatives. The Climate Plan sets out how the University will support climate change mitigation and adaptation during the next 10 years, while also contributing to a healthier, greener and fairer place to live, work and study.
Apply | Review the University Climate Plan
The Priestley Centre is looking for colleagues with expertise in relevant fields to join the Climate Plan Research Partnership Committee, which will provide ad hoc expert advice to the Climate Plan delivery team and support its annual review. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 26 September.
Appointments
Deans for Global Development
Professors Steve Banwart and Manuel Barcia have jointly taken up the position of Dean for Global Development. They will be instrumental in driving forward our vision to be a truly international university, with global reach and impact through internationally relevant, accessible, high-quality education and world-changing research and innovation.
Head of School of History
The School of History has welcomed a new head. Previously co-director of the Centre for Global Health Histories at the University of York, Professor Sanjoy Bhattacharya will bring ‘unrivalled networks’ to the School of History.
Campus life
THE Digital Universities UK 2023
Leeds will co-host THE Digital Universities UK 2023 on campus from Monday 17 to Thursday 20 April 2023, bringing together higher education, industry and policy leaders from the convergence of academic innovation and technology. This is the first conference of its type to be held outside London, and the timing is opportune with the University committed to an ambitious Digital Transformation Strategy. A limited number of free tickets will be available for colleagues – we will share a promotional code for these in due course.
Leeds Piano Trail
The Leeds Piano Trail is back on campus! Come and see the ‘Climate Stripes’ piano by artist Alison Smith, located outside the Refectory in the LUU building. The piano is lit with Climate Stripes – bands of colour representing the rise in global temperatures during the past 170 years. The trail continues into Leeds city centre, providing public pianos for everyone to enjoy.
Digital developments
Training and resources | Minerva Ultra Course View
As part of the move to Ultra Course View, it’s necessary to refresh Minerva teaching areas before the start of the 2022/23 academic year. Information on Ultra Course View training, resources and guides, together with student resources, are now available on the Digital Education Systems Help website.
Digital Education Service annual report
Recent progress and future plans are outlined in the latest Digital Education Service annual report. The service has played a crucial role in delivering the University’s Digital Transformation Strategy since 2020, and the report covers topics including digitally enhanced learning, online courses, collaborations with industry partners, new technologies and more.
Students
Call for Papers | Student Success Conference 2022
The deadline to submit proposals to present papers or best practice on the Student Success Conference (SSC) 2022 themes – including what we mean by student success, curriculum change, student voice and more – has been extended until Sunday 18 September. You can join the free SSC 2022 on Tuesday 8 November to explore and reflect on the meaning of student success in higher education.
Publishing module reading lists
Teaching colleagues can now watch a video walkthrough to learn how to publish semester one reading lists. The process involves accessing lists via the corresponding Minerva module area and clicking the publish button. Publishing a list ensures it will be available for students, and provides the Library with more time to arrange access to resources. Email readinglists@leeds.ac.uk for further information.
Support for academic personal tutors
Watch a five-minute screencast to learn about changes made to PebblePad, StREAM@Leeds and Microsoft Bookings with Me, as well as a step-by-step walkthrough of the essential things academic personal tutors (APTs) need to know to get started. Since launching new LeedsforLife systems last year, we’ve listened to feedback and made enhancements to help students get the best possible APT experience. You can also access a number of training options.
Research
Apply | Research funding call
Applications to the Policy Support Fund (PSF) and Participatory Research Fund (PRF) can be submitted until 5pm on Tuesday 4 October. The PSF is seeking proposals for research activity that supports evidence-informed policy making, with a budget of £900,000 available. The PRF has an allocation of £150,000 to cover the costs of co-produced research and to run capacity building activities.
Wellbeing and support
Sign up | Parent and Carer Peer Support Network
Are you a parent or carer looking for extra support? Help is available through the MS Teams-based Parent and Carer Peer Support Network, which includes a series of monthly online sessions. The next support session, which runs from 11am to 12 noon on Wednesday 21 September, is entitled ‘Welcome back: future directions of the group’. Contact Gemma Traviss-Turner or James Willmoth for further information and to be added to the Teams group.
Apply | Chronic Pain and Fatigue Network co-chairs
The Chronic Pain and Fatigue Network is currently seeking new co-chairs. Please email current chair, Lucy Prodgers, for further information, or apply directly by explaining what you would bring to the role. Closing date is Friday 16 September.
Events
Register | Leeds Digital Festival 2022
Register to attend the programme of events for Leeds Digital Festival 2022, running from Tuesday 20 to Friday 30 September. The University is hosting a series of free, in-person and online events as part of the tech showcase.
Sign up | Astounding Inventions – The Advancement in Dental Technology
Register to join the School of Dentistry for Astounding Inventions – The Advancement in Dental Technology, which takes place from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 17 September. You’ll be able to view our dentistry artefacts exhibition and see how dentistry has evolved over the years in our clinical teaching facilities. Contact Colette Nicholas to register your interest or to find out more.
Register | Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Celebration Event
Sign up for the SOTL Celebration Event, taking place in Chemical and Process Engineering Lecture Theatre B from 1-5pm on Thursday 22 September. Organised by the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence and OD&PL, attendees will hear from more than 20 speakers giving short talks about their work. This is a fun, informal opportunity to meet colleagues who share a passion for teaching and learning.
Join | LUCAS Annual Lecture 2022
Colleagues are invited to attend the Leeds University Centre for African Studies’ (LUCAS) Annual Lecture 2022. Delivered by Professor Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni, from the University of Bayreuth, the lecture will cover the topic ‘Politics of Decolonising Knowledge and Trajectories of African Studies in Africa’. The event, which takes place from 4-6pm on Thursday 29 September, will be hosted in-person at the Civil Engineering Building and online via Teams.
In case you missed it
Podcast | Design for Change in Higher Education
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Migrating all Mailman mailing lists
Welcome 2022 | Everything you need to know
Apply | Research Development Fund
Register | Policy Engagement Kickstart Programme
Sign up | Management Essentials Programme
Apply | Leadership development programmes
Drop-in sessions | Personal and professional development
Sign up | Access and Success Insight Sessions
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