eNews 14 June
eNews: Royal Society prize, Leeds Educator Community Celebration, World changers, Clean Air Day, Smeaton300, NHS at 75, industrial action, graduation, and more.
Celebrate
Royal Society of Chemistry prize for Professor Nora de Leeuw
Professor Nora de Leeuw, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, has been named as the winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s (RSC) Interdisciplinary Prize in recognition of brilliance in research and innovation. Nora develops computer models to simulate materials that are used in medical applications and to understand soft tissue injuries and ageing.
Thank you | Professor Lisa Collins
Lisa Collins, Professor of Animal Science and Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Biological Sciences, will be leaving the University in October to take up a new role at the University of Surrey.
Leeds Educator Community Celebration
26 June
Start the summer with a bang(er) as we celebrate the achievements of our educator community this year. We’ll be hearing from special guests and showcasing your fantastic student education efforts – from designing innovative curriculum to supporting your school in style! We'll finish with a BBQ in the Chancellor's Court. Places are limited so be sure to register your place.
World Changers | Celebrating impactful research
As part of the second collection of World Changers essays, Dr Roseanna Ramsden reveals how uncovering queer histories inspired her teaching practice, and how opening up the past can bring about a more inclusive future.
Clean Air Day
15 June
At Leeds, we are leading the way in tackling this prominent issue through a wide spectrum of research projects and collaborations. Read more about our expertise on For Staff and keep an eye out for more across our channels tomorrow (15 June).
Smeaton300 partnership to explore legacy of UK's first civil engineer
We’re proud to announce our official partnership with Smeaton300 to commemorate the 300th birthday of John Smeaton, known as the father of civil engineering. In 2024 the University, via the Cultural Institute, will be a Smeaton300 principal partner. We will deliver a series of engaging and research-inspired cultural events led by Cultural Producers on campus, and in partnership with the School of Civil Engineering.
Take part | NHS at 75
The NHS marks its 75th anniversary on 5 July and we’d like to celebrate this milestone by hearing from the people that make the NHS what it is – our staff, students and researchers who work, have worked or are planning to work in the health service. If you’d like to take part, please record a short video (30 seconds or less, including your name and job role) on what the NHS means to you, and share it with Lauren Ballinger at l.ballinger@leeds.ac.uk using wetransfer.com.
Nominations | IT Recognition and Excellence awards
There’s one week left to submit nominations in the ‘Recognition of Excellence’ category at the IT Services awards ceremony. The category honours an IT employee going above and beyond to deliver a service. Nominations close on 21 June.
Thought pieces
Inside Track | Why health and wellbeing isn’t just a passing phase
Health and wellbeing is a phrase that’s well established in workplace vocabulary, but what does it really mean in relation to our University community? With this year’s Window on Wellbeing Week fast approaching, and work already well underway on our new Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Director of Wellbeing, Safety and Health at Leeds Paul Veevers shares his thoughts.
Appointments
New Director of Campus Innovation
Rob Wadsworth has been appointed to the role of Director of Campus Innovation: Campus Services, Experience & Commercial. Rob was previously our interim Commercial Director and is one of three new senior appointments reporting to Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation and Development, that will help the Facilities Directorate to deliver first-class services to staff, students and visitors.
Industrial action
UCU and UNISON strike action
The University and College Union (UCU) has called on its members to take indefinite strike action from Thursday 15 June.
UNISON has announced two periods of discontinuous strike action from 15 June to 18 June and from 22 June to 28 June.
Chief Operating Officer Rachel Brealey wrote to all colleagues on 14 June about reporting participation in strike action.
Find out more about industrial action and the University response on our Industrial Action In depth page.
Graduation
Sign up | Summer graduation ceremonies
From dogs in tuxedos and a pigeon causing mayhem in the Great Hall to Sir Ian McKellen reciting a monologue from Macbeth, our graduation ceremonies have seen it all. Read stories from some of the staff who have given their time to support graduation in the past and find out how you can help create a memorable experience for our students during the upcoming graduation period of 17-28 July. The deadline for signing up is 16 June.
Please share graduation success stories
Do you want to share a memorable story or give a shout out to a particular student who is graduating? Does a colleague go above and beyond to make graduation possible? Did you have an amazing graduation experience or are you graduating yourself this summer? We want to hear it all.
With summer graduations approaching, we need your help to celebrate our wonderful staff and student success stories. Please get in touch with our Internal Communications and Engagement team at internalcomms@leeds.ac.uk.
Feedback
Watch | The Technician Survey
A new video highlights the work being carried out “for technicians, by technicians” to deliver the Technician Survey. The survey is part of the Technician Commitment, which the University signed up to in 2018.
Do you feel safe on campus?
The annual Security Survey is your chance to feedback on campus safety and security. Have your say by 18 June.
Digital developments
Online Education at Leeds event
11.30am to 1pm, 5 July
Register for this event to find out more about our Online Education strategy. Launching the conversation about online and digitally enhanced education in the July to September period, the event will include insight into our ambition, next steps and how you can get involved. It will also look ahead to the 2023 Online Learning Summit and the Digital Education Annual Report.
Reminder of Banner Downtime
Essential upgrades will be made to our Student Records System (Banner) meaning Banner will be down between the hours of 4pm on Thursday 15 June to 10am on Monday 19 June.
If you have any questions or queries about the Banner downtime, please review our Banner Updates guidance SharePoint site, or if you have a specific question, email SLP@leeds.ac.uk.
OneDrive policy update
University Secretary Jennifer Sewel wrote to all colleagues on 9 June to confirm a change to OneDrive policy that will impact all staff. Read more details and what action you need to take here.
Take part | Pilot project to improve hybrid working
In response to demand from colleagues, we’re piloting hybrid meeting rooms on campus until the end of June to improve ways of working at Leeds. Find out how you can take part.
Software Purchasing update
From 3 July, if you are purchasing new software which has yet to be approved, there will be a new, simpler form to request it. The new form will provide an easier and more consistent process and you will also be able to see which software has already been approved. More information will be available soon.
Training | Key Travel System
Training on the Key Travel system has now migrated to online modules on Minerva. Both new and existing users can access the short training modules, which contain videos, quizzes and hints & tips. If you want to learn more about how to access the training, you can visit the purchasing website.
Minerva | 2023/24 Module areas are now available
New Minerva module areas for the 2023/24 academic year are now available. This will give staff around four months to build their modules before teaching begins in the new academic year. Information and support are available to guide you through this process.
Campus life
Staff Festival workshops announced
Bookings open on Monday (19 June) for this year’s packed programme of wonderful Staff Festival workshops! Ranging from Bollywood dance and Chinese opera masks to beer and cocktail tasting, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Find out how you can sign up for sessions.
Exhibition | Can you let us in? BA Fine Art Degree Show 2023
10am to 6pm, 8-18 June
Showcasing the work of 49 graduating fine art students, Can you let us in? is an exhibition encompassing painting, photography, sculpture, sound and moving installations, using materials that range from traditional media to kinetic ice sculpture. A play on words, Can you let us in? is a call out to the broader art world to bridge the gap to professional practice. Taking place in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, the exhibition was opened by the Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Al Garthwaite last week.
Year Planners | 2023/24 Planners
Colleagues can now access the 2023/24 academic year planners on For Staff.
Leeds 10k road closures
Several roads will be closed during the Run For All Leeds 10k event on 18 June. The main University entrance from Woodhouse Lane will be closed from 4am to 12 noon, with further restricted access along Blenheim Terrace, Cavendish Road, Clarendon Road and Headingley Lane. Campus can still be accessed from the Willow Terrace entrance.
Summer vibes with GFaL
The Great Food at Leeds (GFaL) summer drinks range has landed on campus. Try the new barista-made beverages, including the delicious Creamy Hazelnut Iced Latte or refreshing Watermelon, Mint and Lime Iced Tea. Available from selected GFaL outlets across campus now. Follow GFaL on Instagram for further information.
Climate
Climate Plan | Sustainability Service Lunch
12 noon to 2pm, 29 June
The Sustainability Service is hosting a Sustainability Celebration to celebrate the diverse and innovative sustainability actions and initiatives being delivered across the University. Including a complimentary lunch, the event will also explain opportunities to get involved and collaborate on sustainability projects. The event is taking place in the School of Music and is open to all colleagues.
Research
International Medieval Congress (IMC) 2023 | Late call for papers
The late call for papers for IMC 2023 closes at 5pm today (14 June). Taking place on campus and online from 3-6 July, planned festivities include markets, a book fair and exhibitions, and a programme of academic sessions.
Apply | Horizons Institute Global Crucible 2023/24 cohort
Early and mid-career researchers have until tomorrow (15 June) to apply for the Horizons Institute Global Crucible programme, which helps build interdisciplinary skills and global collaborations. Visit the programme webpage for further information or email Horizons@leeds.ac.uk for an application form.
Students
Register | Access and Success Insight Session
12.30-2.30pm, 16 August
Sign up for the latest Access and Success Insight Session – an online forum held every other month to share information and discuss our performance against the Access and Student Success Strategy. The next event focuses on how we’re ensuring all students feel valued and are able to thrive academically. Speakers include colleagues from Educational Engagement, the Faculty of Biological Sciences and the School of Law. Contact Jess Burgess at j.l.burgess@leeds.ac.uk to register for the event.
Staff Networks
Drop-in | LGBT Staff Network
1-2:30pm, 27 June
The University's LGBT+ Staff Network will be holding its monthly social on campus later this month. An informal drop-in space for colleagues to network, it will also be an opportunity for any members of staff who might be considering joining the Network to meet committee members, and to find out more about its current plans. Catering and refreshments will be provided, to sign up fill in this form or email lgbt+staff@leeds.ac.uk.
Women at Leeds Summer Conference
9.30am to 2pm, 4 July
The lineup for the Women at Leeds Network (WaLN) Summer Conference has been announced. Leeds alum Ms Agila Choudry MBE will share her story of changing lives through person-centred care, IT colleagues Bex Cattran and Antonia Jones show how our vulnerabilities are often our biggest strengths in the ‘Groove is in the Heart’ workshop, and Life and Career Coach Naama Zusman will offer the opportunity to reflect. Full agenda and tickets are available online. Due to industrial action, the event will now take place on 4 July and in the Moot Court in the Liberty Building.
Drop-in | Network for Minoritised Ethnic Staff
11.30am to 3.30pm, 21 June
The Network for Minoritised Ethnic Staff – formerly Leeds11 – is holding an on-campus drop-in event at Café Seven in the Worsley Building for those curious about the Network and its membership. Registration is not required.
Learning and development
Visit our For Staff webpage for all the latest learning and development opportunities available at the University, including information about:
- Academic personal tutoring workshops
- PebblePad drop-in sessions
- Introduction to LinkedIn Learning
- Career Development Programme (Grades 2-5)
- Pedagogies in Physical Spaces
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Workshops
Wellbeing and Support
Book your place | Window on Wellbeing Week
An exciting programme of over 40 health and wellbeing activities for staff and students is now live. There really is something for everyone during Window on Wellbeing Week, including a sleep well seminar, a healthy cooking masterclass, gardening workshops, wellbeing walks, cycling and pilates – with new events being added all the time. Check out the programme and book your place on the Window on Wellbeing webpage.
Update | Free staff eye examinations
Colleagues requiring an eye examination can book a free test using the University of Leeds EyeMed Gateway. This service replaced the previous Bayfields contract in October 2022. Please note that the University is unable to cover the expenses of staff attending appointments at opticians not included on the EyeMed Gateway list of providers. Updated guidance and how to apply is available on the free eye examinations for staff webpage.
Events
Visit our For Staff webpage for all the latest upcoming events at the University including:
- Research Computing Conference
- Sign up | Charity five-a-side football tournament
- LIDA x Turing 5 Year Anniversary Event
- ESA Fringe Conference 2023
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.
Keeping up to date
You can keep up to date with our latest news on the For Staff website and by following the staff Twitter account.
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