eNews 30 November
Futures Institutes, transformation, Knowledge Equity Network launch, THE Digital Universities UK, sustainable curriculum, Campus Live, discounted meals and more
The University’s Christmas tree is brightening Beech Grove Plaza
Thought pieces
Our new Futures Institutes | Collaborating to deliver global impact
In a new Inside Track feature, Professors Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Chancellor, and Hai-Sui Yu, Principal Deputy Vice-Chancellor, outline plans for the University’s new Futures Institutes.
Transformation
Fifteen to One | Professor Jo-Anne Murray
Read the latest instalment in our fascinating new Q&A feature series in which we put 15 challenging questions to one of our senior leaders. From key projects they’re working on to random claims to fame, we discover what really makes them tick! Next up in the ‘hot seat’ is Professor Jo-Anne Murray, our Pro Vice-Chancellor: Digital Transformation. Find out what inspires her… and how she came to have a royal connection!
Blog | Corporate Processes and Systems
Read a new blog by Gavin Beere, Corporate Processes and Systems (CPS) Programme Director, sharing the latest developments on how CPS will enhance our colleague experience by improving the systems we use every day.
Higher education
Knowledge Equity Network launch
Academics from across the globe recently visited the University for the Knowledge Equity Network (KEN) launch. The event was the first milestone of a highly ambitious project designed to create more equitable access to the knowledge the world generates. Delegates outlined their vision for a worldwide partnership that puts collaboration at the heart of tackling the planet’s most pressing issues – from climate change and ending hunger to ensuring gender equality and good health for all.
First speakers revealed for THE Digital Universities UK 2023
Leeds is co-hosting Times Higher Education (THE) Digital Universities UK 2023 on campus from Monday 17 to Thursday 20 April 2023, bringing together higher education, industry and policy leaders where the fields of academic innovation and technology meet. Speakers include our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simone Buitendijk; Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education, Professor Jeff Grabill; and Professor Arunangsu Chatterjee, Dean: Digital Transformation.
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.
Climate change
Register | COP27 reflections webinar
Sign up to hear from colleagues who attended COP27, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in a webinar at 11am on Friday 2 December. After two weeks of fierce negotiations, colleagues have returned with new experiences and deeper insights into the COP processes. They will share their thoughts on the conference and reflect on their own participation, with the chance to ask your questions.
Sustainable Curriculum – shaping our impact
Find out more about the recent Sustainable Curriculum programme event held at Leeds, and discover how you can get involved in helping achieve the key aims of the initiative. A core commitment within the University’s Climate Plan, the programme’s vision is to equip our students with the knowledge, capabilities and skills they need to succeed and make a positive impact in the world.
Celebrate
Blog | UK Disability History Month 2022
Visit the Disability Services blog for information about the events we’re hosting to mark UK Disability History Month 2022. In the coming week, there’s a stand-up comedy show, as well as events on mental health, assistive technology and reasonable adjustments. University buildings will also be lit purple to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday 3 December. Details of support available to staff and students can be found on the Equality and Inclusion Unit website.
Staff reward
Annual reward process
The annual process for managers to recommend colleagues for additional scale increments (ASI) or discretionary increments (DI) began earlier this month and will conclude in February 2023. The deadline for managers to submit nominations is Friday 13 January 2023. Further details of the process can be found on the HR website or by speaking to your HR team.
Campus Live
Event highlights
More exciting events are scheduled for Campus Live this week. You can investigate a Victorian mystery in an escape room experience, try your hand at spin scrabble, take part in a sustainable craft session and watch live performances. Get involved online using #LeedsCampusLive and sign up for weekly Campus Live email updates so you don’t miss a thing.
Digital developments
IT help in Teams | Ask Falco
Falco, the IT Services chatbot, is now available to help you with your IT questions direct from Teams. Look out for the ‘Falco – IT Support’ icon in your Microsoft Teams toolbar and ask Falco a question by typing in the chat.
Governance
Highlights | Council and Senate news
Visit the Secretariat SharePoint site for the latest news from the University Council and Senate. This includes highlights from meetings of the Senate (on Wednesday 16 November) and Council (on Thursday 24 November), featuring the establishment of a new Ethics and Values Committee; an update on the University’s research activities; details of a Research IT strategy; a revised University Publications Policy; and the Wellbeing, Safety and Health annual report.
Feedback
Have your say | Travel to Work Survey 2022
There’s still time to take part in Leeds City Council’s Travel to Work Survey 2022, with feedback used to inform transport planning, strategies and investments. The survey should only take about five minutes to complete, with a deadline of Friday 2 December.
Research
Register | New tool for funding opportunities
Sign up for an online training session on Pivot-RP, the new easy-to-search database containing details of active internal, national and international funding opportunities available to researchers at Leeds. The session takes place from 10-11am on Tuesday 6 December. See the Research and Innovation Service website for further information about Pivot-RP.
Learning and development
Pilot project | White Rose Equity in Leadership
There’s still time to register for the White Rose Equity in Leadership pilot project. Supporting the career development of Black, Asian and other minority ethnic colleagues aiming to advance into senior leadership positions, the project was initiated by the three Vice-Chancellors of the White Rose Universities, including Professor Simone Buitendijk at Leeds. Deadline for applications is Monday 5 December.
Join | Student Success Team mailing list
Receive the latest updates by joining the Student Success Team mailing list. This includes invites to the Student Success Forums, which provide an opportunity for staff and students to reflect, discuss and work together to improve outcomes for students at Leeds. The next online session, which runs from 2-4pm on Monday 12 December, is titled ‘Decolonising Education – Where are we now and what must we do?’
Apply | Enhance Your Student Education Practice course
Apply to join the next Enhance Your Student Education Practice course, taking place in January 2023. Explore and discuss strategies to develop your teaching practice in a supportive, peer-led environment. The course is run by Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL) and is designed for early and mid-career academic teaching colleagues. Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 3 January.
Sign up | Introduction to teaching and learning at Leeds
The next events of the Build your Scholarship Practice programme will take place on Monday 12 December and Thursday 12 January. The first block of the programme introduces the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) at Leeds. The next sessions will explore the themes of ethics, working in partnership with students, exploring the work of SoTL communities, and colleague engagement.
Book | Minerva Ultra Course View training
Want to make the most of Ultra Course View and Tests in Minerva? Training courses are now available to book throughout December and January.
Industrial action
Strike action
Strike action by the UCU, UNISON and Unite trades unions is taking place today (Wednesday 30 November). Please refer to the industrial action FAQs on For Staff for further information.
Students
Student newsletter
Read the latest edition of the student newsletter, which includes assessment tips, affordable food options and upcoming events.
Wellbeing and support
Domestic Abuse Guidance
Domestic abuse happens more often during major sporting tournaments. If you or someone you know is at risk during this World Cup, or at any other time, the University has published Domestic Abuse Guidance for staff and students. You can also find guidance for colleagues who are supporting victims, as well as details of regional and national organisations that can provide help.
Catering | Meals under £3
Find out more about how to eat for less on campus. Great Food at Leeds (GFaL) is now offering an expanded range of hot meals for less than £3, as previously announced in University communications. These will be available from the Refectory and GFaL-operated café outlets on campus. Fuel your day with a diverse range of affordable choices, including early bird breakfast specials, daily lunch specials at the Refectory and delicious homemade soups.
Appeal | Food donations
The University branch of UNISON is still collecting donations of food items and toiletries – from members and non-members alike – in aid of the Trussell Trust (Leeds), Richmond Hill Elderly Action and Zarach charities. A full list of suggested items is available on the UNISON website. Donations can be made at the Ziff Café until Tuesday 6 December.
Events
Register | Where are the Black Doctors in Academia?
Sign up to hear from Doctors of Black heritage in an online panel discussion about their experience of medicine and their specialism, taking place from 6.30-7.30pm on Monday 5 December. This event is tailored for students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health, but is open to all staff and students at Leeds.
University Carol Service
Start the festive season on a high note by attending the University Carol Service, featuring traditional readings and Christmas music. Taking place in the Great Hall from 5.15-6pm on Tuesday 6 December, the event is free and no booking is required. Contact the Chaplaincy for further information.
International Concert Series | Elisa Tomellini
The next performance in the University’s International Concert Series features pianist Elisa Tomellini, who was described by The Guardian as one of “the brightest talents among today’s exceptional generation of young pianists”. Taking place in the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall from 1.05-2pm on Friday 2 December, the event is free with no booking required.
In case you missed it
Inside Track | Decolonising the curriculum
Award | Horizons in Education Prize
Listen | Research Culture Uncovered podcast
Become a LinkedIn Learning curator
Listen | Global Challenges podcast
Sign up | Academic personal tutoring workshops
Launch | Working Class Network
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