eNews 19 April

Climate Plan videos, digital transformation, Digital Universities UK, Be Curious, campus Wi-Fi, Government emergency alerts test, Eid al-Fitr, industrial action, menopause workshops and more.

Climate Plan

Watch | Making campus ‘a living laboratory’ to tackle climate change

A new video by Professor Piers Forster, Director of the Priestley International Centre for Climate, discusses how we want our Climate Plan to affect a rapid transformation of our own University while driving positive change for ecosystems and societies across the world.

Video | Earth and Environment solutions to climate change

Watch a new video by Professor Simon Kelley, Head of the School of Earth and Environment (SEE), in which he talks about how SEE colleagues are helping to develop solutions to climate challenges.

Launch | Leeds University Network for Sustainability in Higher Education

The Sustainable Curriculum project team is launching the Leeds University Network for Sustainability in Higher Education (LUNSHE). This falls under the University’s Climate Plan. Open to academic colleagues, professional services staff and students, the network will look at how to embed sustainability in teaching and learning, as well as being a space for members to share ideas and expertise. Launch events are taking place on 2 May and 13 June.

Thought pieces

Inside Track | Making progress beneath the digital iceberg

Employee Survey | Fantastic opportunity to give us your honest thoughts. March 2023

Dan Simms, Chief Information Officer, looks back at IT progress during the past 12 months to deliver our Digital Transformation Strategy and previews the improvements to come.

Fifteen to One | Dr Alexa Ruppertsberg

Fifteen to One | Dr Alexa Ruppertsberg. April 2023

In the run-up to Be Curious on 13 May – one of the highlights of the University calendar – Public Engagement Team Leader Dr Alexa Ruppertsberg reveals the exciting plans in store for this year’s eagerly anticipated instalment of the hugely popular research showcase and the inspiration behind her work.

Digital developments

Final call | Coffee and chat with our Pro Vice-Chancellor 

It’s the last chance to book your place on our coffee afternoon for the opportunity to meet Pro Vice-Chancellor: Digital Transformation, Professor Jo-Anne Murray. Drop in to Seminar Rooms 1 and 2 at Nexus anytime between 2-4pm today (19 April) for coffee and a chat. This will be a chance to ask Jo-Anne any questions you may have and a networking opportunity to meet colleagues from across the University.

Watch | Digital transformation event

Watch a recording of the digital transformation event that took place on 12 April. Pro Vice-Chancellor: Digital Transformation, Professor Jo-Anne Murray, and Professor Arunangsu Chatterjee, Dean of Digital Transformation, shared the roadmap and latest developments for the Digital Transformation Strategy.

Digital Universities UK 2023

The Times Higher Education (THE) Digital Universities UK 2023 event is taking place on campus this week, bringing together higher education, industry and policy leaders. Sessions are being delivered by colleagues from across the University, keep up to date via the staff Twitter channel. You can also chat to University of Leeds exhibitors outside the Refectory from 8am to 2pm tomorrow (20 April).

Campus Wi-Fi changes

We’re replacing the digital certificate used on our campus wireless network – eduroam – on 25 April to maintain its security. Once you’ve accepted it, you won’t be asked again. Find out more about the work we’re doing and what to do if you experience issues connecting to the University Wi-Fi. 

New Data Strategy

Read our new Data Strategy to find out how it will fundamentally change how we use data to power research and enable innovation. Managing data well is vital to the University’s overall strategic aims, including our Digital Transformation Strategy.

Government emergency alert test

All mobile phones will receive an emergency alert from the Government at 3pm on 23 April, as part of a test of its new system. Your mobile phone may make a loud siren-like sound (even if it’s set on silent), vibrate and/or read out the alert, which will last for about 10 seconds. You don’t need to take any action other than dismissing the alert on your phone when it happens.

Celebrate

Final call | Sign up to support Staff Festival success 

Time is running out to help make this year’s Staff Festival the best ever. Success of the eagerly anticipated event – being held on 30 June – will once again rely on the hard work of a dedicated team of volunteers, together with those willing to showcase their skills through a variety of wonderful workshops and memorable musical performances. But hurry as applications close on 21 April.

PGCAP graduates     

Congratulations to colleagues who have recently graduated from the PGCAP (Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice). They’ve been awarded Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) after reflecting on and enhancing their teaching practice whilst delivering a pedagogical research project. You can apply now to join the next PGCAP cohort and sign up for a briefing session in May to find out more.

Eid Mubarak

Wishing the Muslim community at Leeds a joyous Eid al-Fitr for 21 and 22 April, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating. Guidance is also available for supporting staff and students during Ramadan. You can also contact the Muslim Staff Network for further information. 

Industrial action

Industrial action update 

One of our recognised campus trades unions, The University and College Union (UCU), has announced the result of its latest consultation with members.

85% of the UCU members who voted were in favour of moving forward with pension proposals agreed with employers in relation to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension scheme.

56% of UCU members who took part in the consultation voted to reject proposals agreed with employers through the Universities and Colleges Employers Association and the discussions with trade unions facilitated by Acas, in regards to pay and conditions. UCU has therefore served us notice of a marking and assessment boycott to begin tomorrow (20 April).

We will continue to keep you updated on the University's approach during this period. More information can be found on our Industrial Action In Depth page and the latest USS pension scheme joint statement published in March can be found on the Universities UK website.

Campus life

Register | Earth Day activities

Sign up for a range of events to mark Earth Day (22 April). There’s lots on campus to get involved in, from community litter picks and bike maintenance sessions to biodiversity monitoring and sustainable garden workshops.

Hot water and heating

Colleagues are advised there will be no hot water or heating to most buildings on campus between 4am and 2pm on 22 April while essential pipework repairs are undertaken.

Feedback

Have your say | Shaping digital experiences  

The deadline for teaching staff and colleagues working in professional services roles to complete their respective Jisc Digital Experience surveys has been extended to 24 April. The surveys are an important way to understand how digital tools and technology are helping to support colleagues in their roles and to identify where improvements can be made. Participants will be entered into a draw for the chance to win one of six £50 Love2shop vouchers.

Shape the future of Print and Mail

Take part in the University’s Print and Mail service survey to share your experiences and suggest areas for improvement. The survey, open until 2 May, should only take a few minutes to complete.

Research

Apply | Ilkley Literature Festival

Academics can apply to present their work, host workshops or chair talks at Ilkley Literature Festival’s 50th anniversary season. Partnered by the University of Leeds Cultural Institute, the festival will see more than 100 events take place, representing an ideal opportunity to introduce an engaged and curious audience to your work. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 31 May.

Book | Pint of Science 2023 

Book your tickets for Pint of Science 2023, with the University hosting a range of in-person events across Leeds from 22-24 May. The festival provides an opportunity for the public to meet researchers and chat about different aspects of science – from molecules, medicine and the mind to climate and calculating reality! Tickets cost £5, with the option to make a further donation to help keep Pint of Science going.

Learning and development

Sign up | Introduction to LinkedIn Learning  

Join Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL) for a virtual event to find out more about LinkedIn Learning. Running from 10-11am on 24 April, the session is designed specifically for colleagues working in roles graded two to five.   

Mentoring Scheme 

Apply before 5pm on 24 April to be part of the next round of matching for our University-wide mentoring scheme. Available to all colleagues, you can apply to either be a mentor or mentee at any time. The scheme allows colleagues to share knowledge and skills with others, supporting them to achieve their individual objectives.  

Pilot workshop | Leading with Values in Teams 

Take part in the pilot of a new one-day workshop – Leading with Values in Teams. There are spaces for three teams. The pilot will help to translate our values into relevant, sustainable and practical ways of working. Register your interest by 12 May. Teams will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, providing they meet the criteria. 

Briefing events | Aurora leadership programme

Briefing events for the Aurora programme are now available to book ahead of applications opening on 19 June. Aurora is a leadership development programme for women (including non-binary and transgender colleagues) in roles graded six to eight. The events in April and May will explore the benefits of the programme.

Build your Scholarship Practice   

Sign up for the next sessions of the Build your Scholarship Practice programme. Running from April to May, themes include working with students as partners, engagement as social justice and decolonising practice, the role of open educational practice and working with communities.

Sign up | Development drop-in session 

Attend the next drop-in session run by OD&PL at the LOGIK Centre on 25 April to find out more about personal and professional development for colleagues working in roles graded two to five. The event runs from 10am to 12 noon with no need to book. Sessions take place every fourth Tuesday of the month, unless the University is closed. 

Learn | Chinese language courses 

The Business Confucius Institute is offering an eight-week evening course to learn Mandarin Chinese. With it being UN Chinese Language Day tomorrow (20 April), now is the perfect time to learn. The course is open to students, staff and the public with classes covering speaking, listening, reading and writing. Courses cost £100 and start in May.

Wellbeing and support

Book | Menopause workshops

Register for a practical and informative eight-week workshop at The Edge to support you through the symptoms of the perimenopause or menopause. Running every Wednesday from 3 May to 21 June, there are 10 places available costing £40 per person. Contact The Edge in person or on 0113 3435095 to book.

You can also register for the Menopause in the Workplace workshops, run by Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL), or discover more about the Meno-Pause for Thought Cafés

Poet’s moving experience of young onset Parkinson’s

Headshot of Dr Kimberly Campanello alongside a separate image of Dr Campanello performing poetry.

Dr Kimberly Campanello, from the School of English, has penned a moving poem about living with young onset Parkinson’s. After writing ‘Moving Nowhere Here’ while she was awaiting diagnosis, Kimberly spoke out about her experiences on World Parkinson’s Day, which takes place on 11 April every year to raise awareness of the condition.

Sign up | Parent and Carer Peer Support Network   

Are you a parent or carer looking for extra support? Help is available through the Parent and Carer Peer Support Network, which includes monthly online sessions. The next one – on 17 May – focuses on the benefits of physical activity for wellbeing. Contact Gemma Traviss-Turner at g.traviss@leeds.ac.uk or James Willmoth at J.L.Willmoth@leeds.ac.uk for further information and to be added to the Teams group.

Undergraduate open days | Free childcare 

Colleagues working upcoming Saturday open day events can register their interest in childcare offered by Bright Beginnings. The next deadline – for those working the 17 June event – is 19 May. To register interest, complete and submit the childcare booking form. The centre requires a minimum of six children signed up in order to open.

Special offer | The Edge pass 

Get a seven-day pass to The Edge for just £12 during the spring break! Make the most of all the facilities for any week until 1 May. Contact The Edge on 0113 3435095. 

Events

EU Global Politics: Lecture by the EU Ambassador
10-11am, 21 April

The EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano, will give a talk to colleagues and students at Leeds. With 20 years’ experience in EU politics, Mr Serrano has previously worked as the organisation’s ambassador to the United Nations. Register to attend the online event.

The Music Exchange: The Music in my Head – Friend or Foe?
5.30-6.45pm, 24 April

Hearing music in your head is extremely common but relatively little is known about how this relates to our wider wellbeing. A panel of experts will explore the different roles that imagining music plays in our everyday lives and how it can be both entertaining and intrusive. The free event is open to all.

Nexus Connect 
4.30-6.30pm, 25 April

Book your free space at Nexus Connect – the networking series that helps innovators discover new opportunities for collaboration. Part of the latest Leeds Digital Festival programme, you can hear from academic colleagues and innovative businesses in the Nexus community. It’s a great opportunity to network and brainstorm new ideas over refreshments. 

Workshop | The Emotional Labour of Research 
12 noon to 1pm, 26 April 

The Women at Leeds Network (WALN) workshop event on The Emotional Labour of Research has been rescheduled to 26 April. It brings together four speakers on how the often ‘hidden’ elements of the research journey can be recognised in a supportive way to build a sense of connection among participants.  

Lecture | Access to Justice or Accessibility of Justice?
1-2.30pm, 3 May

The Royal Courts of Justice have been a London landmark for more than 150 years but aren’t accessible to all its users. In the latest Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lecture, hear from Tom Charlton – the civil servant who started the project to make the Victorian buildings fit for the 21st century. The hybrid event, followed by a Q&A, is open to all colleagues and students.

Talk | Shakespeare’s First Folio
6-7pm, 3 May

Book your free ticket to join Shakespeare scholar and bestselling author, Professor Emma Smith, for a talk about the first collected edition of 36 of William Shakespeare’s plays, which was published 400 years ago in 1623. The talk will take place in the Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre and will be followed by a free wine reception.  

Events Network | Near, far, wherever they are: Engaging audiences at online and hybrid events
12.30-1.30pm, 11 May

Book your place at our next Events Network meeting. Bringing people together is more important than ever, and the events we run have an important role to play in providing feelings of community and connection. Hear from guest speakers discussing hybrid event functionality, running virtual events and how platforms can create a more engaging audience experience, whether online or on campus. 

Tell us your story

We’d like to hear about the great work you’re doing. Contact the Internal Communications and Engagement team at internalcomms@leeds.ac.uk to share your stories.

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