insidebu issue 5
DESCRIPTION
The magazine for BU staff and students.TRANSCRIPT
for staff & studentsInside
Issue 5 | February 2014
InsideBU | 1
Fair Access InitiativesSupport Widening Participation at BUPage 5
Research Excellence FrameworkThe submission is in!Page 8
Getting AroundLaunch of the Travel PlanPage 14
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Page 3 BU in the media
Page 4 BU in the spotlight
Page 5 Fair Access Agreement
Pages 6-7 News from around BU
Pages 8 Research Excellence Framework
Page 9 Global Horizons Fund
Page 10-11 Cover story: BU Success
Pages 12 Additional Learning Support
Page 13 Centre of Excellence in Learning
Page 14 Travel Plan Group
Page 15 Economic Impact Study
Page 16 We Meet…Emma Hiscutt and Chloe Schendel-Wilson
Page 17 Finance update/New starters
Page 18 By Day…By Night – Debbie Timberlake
Page 19 Dates for your diary
Contents
Message from John Vinney
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This year is already shaping up to be another exciting one for BU.
The National Student Survey, which launches in February, gives final year students across the country an opportunity to rate their university. We want to know more about your experience at BU, so find out how to have your say on page 7.
At the end of last year, and after three years of hard work from countless members of staff, BU submitted to the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s Research Excellence Framework (REF), which assesses the quality of
research in UK universities. You can learn more about the importance of REF, the results of which will be published later this year, on page 8.
In 2013 we were the first university ever to be awarded with a “commended” rating for the quality of our student learning opportunities by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. The pride our students and staff feel about the learning experiences offered at BU will continue long into the future and some of their thoughts are reflected on pages 10 and 11.
This is going to be a busy year for BU, so I encourage you
to get involved and submit your stories to [email protected].
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BU IN THE MEDIAPRESS & PR COVERAGE
More details can be found at; www.bournemouth.ac.uk/newsandevents/bu_in_the_media
A selection of news stories from the last three months.
BU Vice-Chancellor speaks to The Guardian
Radio Historian Hugh Chignell on Radio 4
Archaeology lecturer John Gale in The IndependentStephen Page talks to
The Metro about impact of TripAdvisor
Student Wardens scheme gains widespread regional media coverage
Professor John Vinney provided an extended opinion piece for The Guardian in January, sharing his thoughts on proposals in the
government’s Autumn Statement such as the removal of student number caps. In the article, which appeared on The Guardian Higher Education network, he said that “the freeing of controls is a landmark moment for the sector.”
Professor of Broadcasting History, Hugh Chignall, featured in an episode of Archive on 4 in January. It
looked at the radio masterpiece The Long, Long Trail, which shared stories of World War One through soldiers’ songs.
In October, John Gale, programme leader for MSc Archaeological Practice, discussed the modern profession of archaeology in The Independent.
He suggested while traditional skills remain essential, postgraduate study could be helpful for future archaeologists looking to move into practice, particularly those interested in heritage management and conservation.
The introduction of BU student community wardens to work with residents in Winton gained widespread regional media coverage across TV, radio and print in October.
BBC South Today filmed the wardens in action, speaking with residents and students about potential issues. The story was also featured in the Bournemouth Echo and on local radio stations.
Tourism Professor Stephen Page said in December that the online review site TripAdvisor had “transformed
the way we now look at tourism and travel experiences”. He added that it has led to a closer engagement between businesses and travellers and explained that there is a need for hotels to deliver to the standard expected, or face negative feedback.
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A Marie Curie-funded project, led by BU’s Associate Professor in nutrition Heather Hartwell, looks to increase vegetable intake and promote healthy eating across Europe.
Only one in 10 children and less than a third of older adults are eating their recommended ‘five a day’ of
fruit and vegetables, according to the latest government figures.
In an attempt to raise these numbers and ultimately sustain the well-being of both younger and older generations, Dr Heather Hartwell is leading a Marie Curie project to promote healthy eating across Europe.
VeggieEAT, which launched in October 2013, focuses on promoting vegetable consumption in Denmark, France, Italy and the UK, where EU compliance with vegetable dietary guidelines is poor. Dr Hartwell commented: “As an initiative that can lead to increasing vegetable consumption across the life span, the research we uncover will play a major contribution to EU Consumer Policy Strategy and to the Action Plan on Food and Nutrition Policy.”
The main aim of VeggiEAT is to encourage more vegetable intake in school children and elderly people. Vegetables are particularly important for younger and older generations; children need the essential nutrients for their growth and development, whilst in the
elderly, the vitamins found in vegetables support an active lifestyle by helping to reduce high blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers.
It is also hoped that the study will bring benefits for European vegetable manufacturers, as it will add essential knowledge regarding consumer behaviour. “There is a growing interest in the future sustainability of current dietary patterns in light of expected climate change and an
expanding global population,” Dr Hartwell said.
“Although one element of a complex picture, plant foods are typically associated with fewer greenhouse
gas emissions than those of animal origin. Promoting the shift to a healthy and sustainable diet through consumer exposure, VeggiEAT confronts European and global societal public health challenges.”
VeggiEAT is an industry-academia partnership led by BU, working with academic partners Aalborg University and the University of Florence and industrial/SME partners Bonduelle and the Institut Paul Bocuse Research Centre.
Eat your greens
VeggiEAT confronts European and global societal public health challenges.
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Inspiring the next generation of students
A call for new fair access initiatives has been made to academic schools and professional services to support the current widening participation (WP) activity at BU.
BU is committed to making Higher Education more accessible to young people
from under-represented groups. These include students in care, care leavers, students with disabilities or additional learning needs, and those who live in low participation neighbourhoods or areas of economic deprivation. Retaining these students in Higher Education greatly increases their employability, a mission that has been hugely aided by successful fair access initiatives.
Academic schools and professional services are encouraged to submit proposals for brand new initiatives aimed at raising aspirations and strengthening the HE experience further for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Funding for widening participation projects is available in large grants for major schemes and seed grants of up to £5,000 for smaller projects.
Projects need to align with one of BU’s fair access funding strands which include outreach activity in targeted schools and colleges, employability and retention initiatives; initiatives which
highlight internal or external collaboration are also encouraged. The projects are monitored by the BU Fair Access Agreement Management Group (FAAMG) with membership from all academic schools, professional services and the Students’ Union at BU (SUBU).
As part of the Fair Access Agreement, which sets out how institutions will sustain or improve access and student success, BU is committed to spending 20% of additional fee income, which is anything above the basic £6,000 fee. The role of the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) is to decide whether our plans for access measures are satisfactory, that the amounts invested are appropriate and that the targets and milestones are challenging. BU must have a Fair Access Agreement approved by OFFA in order to charge £9,000 fees.
Opening MindsSuccessful bids to date have included a £45,000 grant to SUBU to fund the first phase of an ‘Access All Areas’ department. The money will help SUBU engage with students currently uninterested in the wider university experience or students
who feel they cannot engage due to access or financial reasons.
Elsewhere, the Faculty of Science and Technology have secured over £100,000 for a two year project to encourage prospective mature students into the world of product design. By setting up in-school and on-campus events using recent graduates and current students and showcasing modern design equipment, they hope to inspire potential students about Higher Education life and career potential.
Andrew Main, Associate Dean (Student Experience) in the Faculty of Science and Technology, believes it’s essential to show pupils the breadth of careers available: “The fair access initiative is to help students see the immense creativity of product design, and to do it in the schools whose pupils might not think of going to university; to open their minds to new possibilities.”
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>> To find out more about the funding, email Karen Pichlmann, Secretary, Fair Access Agreement Management Group. [email protected].
BU students ‘leggit’ to desert
>> Armed with just their powers of persuasion, the recent winners of SUBU’s Raising and Giving charity hitchhike, ‘Leggit’, managed to travel 4,700km in just 36 hours to reach the Sahara Desert in Western Africa.
Gav Topley and Jack Osborne were just two of over 150 BU students that took part in Leggit, helping to raise over £12,000 for Autism Wessex, Children with Cancer UK, Dorset Blind Association and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Asked if they had tips for students taking part in the hitchhike next year, they said: “Remember your passport, toothpaste, diarrhoea tablets and hand sanitiser!”
BU goes international
>> BU’s International Summer School offers students the chance to experience what it’s like to study in the UK. The three-week programme provides the opportunity to learn from the very best academics in their field, make new friends from around the world and find out more about British history and culture.
With a total of 17 programmes on offer, students and staff are encouraged to recommend the Summer School to any friends, family and contacts around the world who may be interested in attending the course which runs from 7 to 25 July.
For more information, please head to the http://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/international-summer-school.
BU and AFC Bournemouth Partnership
>> A recently signed four year partnership between BU and AFC Bournemouth will enhance students’ experiences through exclusive work experience opportunities, giving them a competitive edge when looking for full-time work.
Students will be given the chance to work alongside the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust in delivering an annual season-long project for every year of the partnership, as well as supporting the club’s media and commercial team on match days.
AFC Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn said: “We hope this will be a really large and successful partnership, with two of the most esteemed organisations in the area joining forces to create centres of excellence.”
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New Faculty
>> In January, the School of Applied Sciences and the School of Design, Engineering & Computing integrated to form the Faculty of Science & Technology. Academic Groups within the new Faculty will be renamed as Departments.
Professor Jim Roach, Dean of the Faculty commented: “This is an exciting opportunity to review BU’s Science and Technology portfolio. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) is a core academic area for BU, and I look forward to leading the new Faculty towards a successful future.”
Bournemouth Research Chronicle
>> The latest edition of the Bournemouth Research Chronicle provides a snapshot of some of the work BU has submitted to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. It is essential reading for students and staff wanting a flavour of how BU’s impact-led research can enrich global societies.
All academics will receive a copy of the magazine and will also be available in all Schools and the Research and Knowledge Exchange Office, so they can be shared with external colleagues or collaborators. For more information please email [email protected].
National Student Survey
>> This year’s National Student Survey (NSS), which runs from 3 February to 30 April, gives all final year students across the country the chance to rate their university.
The results of the NSS help prospective students to make informed choices of which university to attend and what to study.
To be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes, look out for NeSSa the camel who will be touring both campuses over the coming months encouraging students to fill out the survey.
Complete the NSS from 3 February by heading to www.thestudentsurvey.com.
Launch of BU’s Research Website
>> Launched in January, a new website showcases the university’s ground-breaking research to business users, policy makers, funders, prospective postgraduate researchers, academic peers and collaborators.
A tool to enhance the impact of the work carried out at BU, the new site highlights research based around eight societally-focused themes and includes sections on research news, impact, public engagement and postgraduate research.
Researchers can share their research quickly and easily by writing and uploading articles themselves.
To visit the new website, head to http://research.bournemouth.ac.uk. Researchers wanting training on the new site should email [email protected].
Service Excellence Event
>> To celebrate the alliance between excellent academic standards at BU and service excellence, an all-day event is being held for staff on 30 April.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to share ideas and innovations in service excellence from within BU, and with others outside of the Higher Education sector.
To register, please email [email protected].
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RESEARCH EXCELLENCELast November, BU submitted to the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s (HEFCE) Research Excellence Framework (REF), which assesses the quality of research in UK universities. The results will have long-lasting effects for both students and staff.
L-R: Director of the National Centre for Post Qualifying Social Work Professor Keith Brown,
Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney and HSC researcher Dr Sarah Thomas
“Our submission is a great collective achievement for the university.”
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Three years and an incredible amount of work. That’s what went into BU’s REF
preparations, and now it’s time to celebrate and recognise the phenomenal team effort that contributed to the submission.
“Our submission is a great collective achievement for the university that all staff have contributed to and should be proud of”, said Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney.
“Some of our academics were part of the submission itself, others took on increased teaching or professional practice activity to support colleagues who were focusing on research, contributed to the Research and Knowledge Exchange income figures or supervised our postgraduate research students. In addition, many professional and support staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare the submission and supporting impact case studies, as well as carrying on the day to day work that’s vital to our research environment and our work around impact.”
The results of the REF are critical to assessing the allocation of research funding and to maintaining BU’s strong position in the national league tables. Staff
worked extremely hard to ensure that the submission was a detailed and positive reflection of the whole institution, and to gain the best possible results.
“BU’s REF motto has always been ‘for glory not gold’” added Professor Vinney. “But the funding we receive from REF is very important for future investment in our research capacity and capability, and ensures that our excellent research can continue in
the years to come.” A good REF result also helps to secure further external research grants; all of which has a direct positive impact on students and their learning experience at BU.
The results of the REF are due out in December 2014 and in the coming year a huge amount of work will be carried out by the REF’s expert panels, appointed by the four UK higher education funding bodies, as they assess the submissions. For the first time they will also examine detailed impact case studies as well as different types of research outputs, details
of research income, infrastructure, PhD completions, and future strategy. The panel will then decide on the overall quality of the research, the results of which will inform the allocation of research funding from HEFCE.
A tremendous amount of work has gone into the REF to make sure research remains a key part of Fusion at BU and that our work continues to inform and influence, and be informed and influenced by, society and its economy, both nationally and internationally.
Looking to the future of the university, the Vice-Chancellor is confident that the research undertaken every day will help maintain the excellent reputation BU has already established.
“In the previous 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, over 40% of BU research was rated as ‘internationally excellent’, with eight out of 10 subject areas featuring research that was rated as world-leading.
“As we continue to create a world-class environment to enable world-class performance, I have no doubt research will continue to flourish at BU, further increasing the positive impact for both research users and students.”
>> For more information on the REF, head to www.ref.ac.uk.
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One of the best times of my life
Experiencing cultures in other countries can be life changing and the Global Horizons Fund (GHF) offers students the unique opportunity to live, study and work abroad. InsideBU speaks to three students who successfully gained funding and haven’t looked back since.
Elicia McGregorI applied to the GHF when I learnt about its dedication to helping students further their employability and cultural awareness through international placements. With the funding, I flew to Sri Lanka where I acquired valuable experience working in the National Institute of Mental Health.
I discovered the differences between Western and Eastern approaches to mental health, including treatment and diagnosis. Alongside improving the lives of mentally ill individuals, I got to see other parts of the country while visiting Sri Lanka’s heritage sites, which gave me a real taste of independence and adventure.
Living with a local family, I discovered more about their customs and religion. It was truly one of the best times of my life, and really brought home that all I want in life is to practice as a clinical psychologist.
Alexander HallThrough the GHF, I completed a ‘Study China’ programme. Over three amazing weeks I was introduced to the language through daily lessons and learnt about the social development of the country.
The programme itself gave an intense
introduction to the language, giving the basics to get by in everyday life. The classes were engaging and genuinely enjoyable; we had an amazing relationship with our teacher, which created a great atmosphere.
I was also given the chance to experience first-hand the changes happening in China, visiting unofficial
migrant worker schools and China’s revolutionary special needs school.
Exploring Beijing during our spare time offered some of the best experiences. We were constantly engrossed in its culture and history and experienced the changing attitudes of the young and old.
The whole trip was a unique opportunity to try something new whilst developing both academically and personally.
Sophia Sarmiento With funding from the GHF, I travelled to Cusco in Peru for a month, where I volunteered with the Nutrition Volunteer Programme.
I worked in the Centre of Vigilance for Nutrition; these centres have been established in communities where malnutrition rates continue to be high and they provide nutritious meals for mothers with children, pregnant women and children in a critical period of development.
Alongside preparing food, we gave presentations and workshops to facilitators of centres or directly to mothers and children. Working within different communities and carrying out tasks that changed daily was such a brilliant learning experience. I saw first-hand what it’s like to promote healthy eating in a new culture where they are very dedicated to traditions and customs.
Besides the volunteering, watching the sunrise at Machu Picchu at 4am is an experience I’ll never forget.
”“
>> Find out more about the Global Horizons Fund at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/globalhorizons.
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What is the QAA?
Our crowning achievement was becoming the first university ever to be given a “commended” rating for the
quality of our student learning opportunities by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Such an achievement is only possible thanks to the remarkable efforts of our staff, who are so dedicated to giving our students the best possible opportunities during their time at BU, and many were also recognised in the Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards at the end of last year. The number of nominations, the incredibly high standards of performance and dedication achieved by those shortlisted for awards and the overwhelming sense of pride in BU made the occasion a memorable one for all concerned.
Pride in BU is not the sole preserve of staff, however, and 2013 saw a particularly successful #BUProud campaign, giving students and graduates the opportunity to tell the world what it is about their time here that makes them truly #BUProud.
In recent years, BU has enjoyed many successes as we have transformed our reputation at local, national and international level. Our progress has been nothing short of remarkable, and 2013 was certainly no excepti on.
Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards 2013 WinnersAcademic Staff – Individual Achievement Award; Dr Dinusha Mendis, Business School
Professional and Support Staff – Individual Achievement Award: Robert Munday, Media School
Academic Staff – Unsung Hero; Dr John Beavis, School of Tourism
Professional and Support Staff – Unsung Hero; Geoff Rayment, Office of the Vice-Chancellor
Affiliated Staff – Unsung Hero; Christine Bird, Interserve
Collaborative Team Award – The Estates Development Team
SUBU ‘Most Outstandingly Brilliant’ – Ken Brown, Business School
In recent years, BU has enjoyed many successes as we have transformed our reputation at local, national and international level. Our progress has been nothing short of remarkable, and 2013 was certainly no exception.
A year to be #BUProud
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#BU ProudThe #BUProud campaign has been running since 2012, and gives students the chance to write what makes them #BUProud on a blackboard and share their stories on social media and in BU marketing materials. Many of the stories have been used as vinyl stickers on our campus buildings.
Students were quick to come forward with what it is that makes them proud to be part of BU, and the campaign has helped foster a shared sense of pride between staff and students. To tell us what makes YOU proud of BU, tweet using #BUProud or email us on [email protected].
The Additional Learning Support (ALS)
Team offers extra help to BU students who have sensory and physical impairments, specific learning
differences, medical conditions and mental health issues. InsideBU discovered
more about this vital support service.
From meeting new people and managing your own finances to living away from home and dealing with coursework deadlines, university life can be exciting and daunting in equal measures.
That’s why there is a strong network of support services in place at BU to help anyone who is struggling.
Depending on their individual situation, students dealing with a physical or mental condition may need extra help. The ALS Team offer a wide variety of help for students that have sensory and physical impairments, specific learning differences, medical conditions and mental health issues.
If you’re in need of extra support, or are a lecturer or friend of someone you believe may be struggling, speak to an advisor on the ALS Team. Advisors offer general advice on the types of support offered and provide information on available grants, such as the Disabled Students’ Allowance. They find out whether students have already been diagnosed with a condition and can arrange an educational diagnosis if one is needed.
ALS work primarily with the Academic Schools but also team up with other services around BU when appropriate, including the Placement and Careers Service, Accommodation, askBU and the Counselling Service to name a few. This network can offer the best support possible to individual students.
“After discussion with an advisor and depending on personal requirements, students can be referred to one of our tutors or learning support assistants, all of whom have multiple skills and areas of expertise in one to one support,” Christine Scholes, Manager of ALS explains. “We support students to develop strategies for their academic achievement and future employability.”
Gaining employability skills to prepare students for life after graduation is a crucial part of the ALS Team’s work. “We work with students to prepare them for life once they’ve left BU,” says ALS Tutor Carolyn Atherton. “Together we look at what’s been achieved during their time at university, how they’ve achieved it and examine how to transfer that into the world of employment.
“Ultimately our aim isn’t to do things for students – we empower them to manage things for themselves.”
A HELPING HAND
>> To find out more about ALS, visit the team on the ground floor in the Sir Michael Cobham Library, Talbot Campus or head to the website www.bournemouth.ac.uk/futurestudents/apply/additional-learning-support. Email: [email protected].
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Three-year-old Shih Tzu Jack, who also works with local charity Caring Canines, became a member of the ALS Team last year and works alongside owner Carolyn. His presence makes students feel less anxious and encourages them to attend sessions.
Ongoing research supports the positive benefits of Animal Assisted Learning in Higher Education, and BU is thought to be the first university in the UK to work with a dog as part of the learning process. Several studies have found that dogs in particular can help to improve cognitive performance as they help respondents feel relaxed, leading them to become more open to learning.
BU’s Centre for Excellence in Learning aims to ensure that students get the best possible learning experience while at university. InsideBU finds out more about their work.
BU strives to deliver the highest quality teaching experiences through a fusion of excellent education, research and professional
practice. To provide students with an unrivalled learning experience, sharing of innovative, creative teaching techniques and highlighting examples of best practice is important. The Centre for Excellence in Learning was formed last year to do just this.
The Centre is made up of a number of academics who work to improve the learning environment and teaching activities. They capture and share ideas and practices around excellent learning under six fundamental themes:
Student engagement and co-creationEngagement and co-creation between staff and students helps to empower students and make them better learners whilst enhancing their university experience.
Employability, work-based learning and professional practice It is essential students are well prepared for the world of employment once they graduate; discussing BU’s existing good practices will help to inform student choice and examine areas that may need additional support.
Innovation, entrepreneurship and creativityTeaching methods that are creative and innovative will inevitably have a positive knock on effect for students, and BU academics should feel free to share their ideas with fellow colleagues.
Technology-enhanced learningThis theme examines current and emerging learning tools and technologies, so academics can promote
good learning practices when it comes to the ever changing world of technology.
Research-informed learningResearch and learning should naturally go hand in hand, and innovative ideas about research should provide challenges and new experiences for both students and academics. By sharing these ideas, BU can firmly secure research at the heart of learning.
Globalisation, internationalisation and sustainability It is crucial students are able to work in cross-national, multi-cultural societies. Embedding ideas around globalisation, internationalisation and sustainability will help to prepare those about to embark on the world of work.
An example of one of these themes in practice – Staff Engagement and Co-Creation – has emerged through the Consumer Research Group, within The Media School. Students who sign up to one unit join staff in devising and carrying out research projects. Working in small groups with an assigned mentor, students are treated as colleagues and co-contributors, with much closer engagement and the chance to develop their critical thinking skills. This successful engagement between staff and students has led to student papers being published and presented at prestigious events, including the Academy of Marketing Conference.
Professor Gail Thomas, who heads up the Centre for Excellence, said: “Put simply, a lot of good practice exists at BU and we want to share this widely, as well as improve consistency of standards across the university. The Centre combines the six theme leaders and a wider group of committed stakeholders to provide a focal point for educational development. From a student’s perspective, if we can offer them the best learning experiences possible, the benefits will be endless.”
Centre for Excellence in Learning
>> If you are a staff member who would like to become more involved in the Centre for Excellence, or would like to contribute to a theme matching your interests, please visit http://micosites.bournemouth.ac.uk/cel.
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January saw the launch of the latest University Travel Plan, which offers staff and students an enhanced package of sustainable travel options around the local areas, as well as to and from BU.
Students or staff wanting to make changes to their commute will be offered a free personalised travel planning session to talk through their best options.
If you’re interested in becoming a Travel Champion and sharing information about the benefits of different modes of transport, email [email protected] for more information.
Walking. Cycling. Travelling by bus. Car sharing. These are just a few of the sustainable
and long-term options that the BU Travel Plan offers its users in order to improve and manage their journeys.
The plan aims to provide affordable transport options and facilities, reduce the impact of travel associated with BU in the local community and meet the university’s travel related carbon reduction commitments.
With a whole host of financial and environmental benefits, why not try one of the following options?
Car sharing:• Travelling to and from the university
alone by car not only has huge environmental implications, but is one of the main reasons for major congestion in car parks on both campuses, so BU strongly encourages car sharing.
• The average person can save around £1,000 a year car sharing and BU has its own free database which matches people making similar journeys.
• The Travel Plan hopes to encourage lift sharing by offering dedicated parking spaces and other incentives for car sharers.
• Members of the BU car sharing group will qualify for a ‘lift home policy’; if your driver has to leave without you, BU will pay for a taxi.
Bus use:• Subsidised travel on a range of bus
products with Wilts and Dorset is offered to students and staff. This includes the annual ‘key card’ for £240 a year and a 10% staff discount on 30 and 90 day key card products.
• Free travel for staff on the U1 service between the campuses.
• Increased bus service frequencies and capacities on the BU bus service for 2013/14.
Cycling:• A bike loan scheme offers staff and
students access to a refurbished bike, cycle equipment, and a cycle skills training course all for £25 for the academic year.
• Free bike maintenance and security tagging sessions available.
• Additional cycle facilities are provided on campus, including parking, showers and lockers.
Walking:• Walking is a fantastic way of burning
calories, improving fitness, relieving stress, and saving on travel expenses.
• BU is working with the local authorities, SUBU and Dorset Police to improve walking routes and will offer personal safety talks by Dorset Police.
Rail Travel:• BU offers staff a £1000 interest free
travel to work loan; ideal for paying for annual rail passes, bus passes or purchasing bikes.
• A rail ticket collection machine will be installed in Poole House, Talbot Campus for students and staff to collect rail tickets ordered online.
>> To read the Travel Plan in full, head to www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/transport_and_maps/travel_plan
GETTING AROUND
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BU’s financial impact in the region
A recent study on the impact BU has on the local economy revealed that BU staff and student spending results in more than £1 million a
day expenditure throughout the South West region.
The BU Economic Impact Study 2013 looked at student, staff and university-wide spending and found that the university generates spending of £378 million in the South West region and £252 million to
the local conurbation.
There are numerous ways the university profits the local areas; through the salaries and wages BU staff are paid, money spent on local goods and services, and student expenditure. There is also the money spent by people who visit students and the university itself.
The study was carried out by BU’s Professor John Fletcher and Dr Yeganeh Morakabati, who gathered information from staff and student surveys, interviewed major suppliers to BU and studied the university’s accounts.
Discussing BU’s involvement in the local economy, Professor Fletcher said BU was part of the “fabric of Dorset.”
“BU brings in people who you meet in the street, who enjoy the entertainment, who go to the shops and the beach and spend money and it creates a vibrant and young society”.
Crucially, BU graduates are a well-educated, highly paid work force that continue to input into the local economy once they have completed their degree.
Jonathan Clark, executive chairman of local digital agency Bright Blue Day, has employed BU graduates for a number of years. “Our agency has a sound tradition of snapping up the extensive talent that comes out of BU. We find graduates are very well prepared for the career that awaits them and BU has great connections with industry and talented experienced lecturers; it’s these details that really show through in the candidates.
“To add to this, we have world class companies based in the local area that attract investment whilst promoting and ‘advertising’ the magnificent area we live and work in. These businesses draw in talent and visitors from further afield and generally entice ‘spenders’ to the conurbation. It’s a win-win all round.”
Fleurie Forbes-Martin is a BU graduate who continues to contribute to the local area. “After finishing my degree last year, I made the decision to stay in Bournemouth. I love the lifestyle and the area is full of young, energetic, passionate people and there’s so much to do. In terms of my career, this is a fantastic place to start, with plenty of options and opportunities.”
To read the study in full, head to www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/economic-impact/economic-impact.
Some highlights from the study:
• BU created nearly 1,400 full time equivalent jobs in 2013 within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation
• BU supports over 3,145 jobs in the South West – that’s one job for every seven students at the university
• Students and their visiting friends and families spent more than £128m in the South West region during 2013
• Staff spent nearly £54m in 2013 and more than half of that spending takes place in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation.
• The 5,879 BU students who graduated in 2013 will create an extra £1.3 billion in additional lifetime earning potential.
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InsideBU meets a member of staff and student from the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU) to find
out more about their work with clubs and societies.
We
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Clubbing together to make a difference
Emma Hiscutt
>> SUBU has given me the chance to try loads of sports that I never would have thought of attempting before, like wakeboarding and kite surfing. Everyone should try something new through clubs and societies!
Activities Development Manager, SUBU
I was in Italy working on an outdoor education consultant project when I saw the advert for the Activities Development Manager. As soon as I read the job description, I knew SUBU had found just the person.
My role involves helping to widen internal and community engagement as well as oversee the Volunteering, Raising and Giving teams and all of SUBU’s clubs and societies, of which there are over 100.
The job constantly brings new and exciting challenges; no two days are ever the same. I also love that I get to work with so many students, even though organising them can sometimes feel like herding cats! I’m always astounded at the amount of hard work they put in for something they want, both inside and outside of their degree.
I’ve made so many connections since working here and I’m particularly impressed at the way BU supports staff in bettering themselves, especially with all of the learning opportunities available.
Third year Biological Sciences student and President of SUBU Volunteering
Being at BU has made me an independent learner, and offered me a fantastic range of extra-curricular activities which have given me a great set of skills to take into the workplace.
I spent most of my second year volunteering with the YMCA in Bournemouth, which I found through the SUBU Volunteering website. I got to know the Volunteering staff better and when the position for President came up I thought I’d go for it!
It’s so easy to get involved and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people. The website highlights all of the opportunities, such as the student led projects, MAD Days and 5 Minute Volunteering, which means you can volunteer when it suits you, for as long as you want. There’s also lots of outside charities on the website who are recruiting, offering even more diversity.
Chloe Schendel-Wilson
>> I’m heavily into adventure sports and am an instructor in many of them. I love scuba diving – it’s a completely different world down there!
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NEW TO BU Every term BU extends a warm welcome to new members of staff. InsideBU talks to a selection of new starters that have joined us since September.
Andrew Bird, Head of International Marketing & Student Recruitment
Christa Van Raalte, Associate Dean, Media School
Jason Sit, Senior Lecturer in Retail Management in the School of Tourism and Programme Leader for MSc Retail Management (Pathway)
Stephanie Schwandner-Sievers, Senior Lecturer in Social Anthropology (HSC)
Graham Beards, Director of Finance & Performance
Sara Hourami, Lecturer in Law, Business School
“I joined BU from Teesside University and am responsible for the running of the Media Production Academic Group. I wanted to work here due to the excellent reputation that the Media School has within the academic discipline and industry alike.
“Having moved to Bournemouth a few months ago, most of my spare time is currently spent house-hunting.”
“I’m very passionate about teaching and researching my subject and as I wanted to join a university that had a good reputation within my field of retail management, BU was a natural choice for my career progression.
“Although my friends would describe me as a ‘fitness junkie’, as a retail academic, I’m also quite active with my “retail field research” (i.e. shopping).”
“I’m responsible for the overall financial direction of BU. This includes day to day control of income and expenditure, allocation of financial resources to Schools and Services, and the management of our cash resources and borrowings.
“I like to spend any free time with my family, including my triplet sons, who are all now making their way in life after university.”
“I teach subjects related to commercial and contract law both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I wanted to work at BU for its dynamic teaching and research environment and the development opportunities it provides for early career scholars.
“When I’m not working, I enjoy playing the violin and would love the opportunity to join the BU Orchestra soon!”
“Internationalisation is increasingly important for every university and it’s my job to support this at BU. I decided to join the university as I felt it had a great setup and potential to further improve, and I wanted to be part of the journey.
“I spend a lot of my free time taking my children to places they don’t usually want to go to.”
“I was attracted to this post as it enables me to develop my interest and expertise in social anthropology applied to real world situations. I was also interested in Fusion, the blending of the academic and the practical or applied, as a theme of development for BU.
“Having moved here from London, I’m looking forward to exploring the wider area, especially the Purbecks.”
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Debbie Timberlake
By day, by night
Debbie Timberlake is in the enviable position of working with high performance athletes, with her role as Sports Performance Manager at BU and as a chaperone for UK Anti-Doping.
Before joining BU, I worked for Sport England in their development team . The primary aim was to get more young people involved in sport
through pathway programmes. It was a fantastic experience but my job now as Sports Performance Manager means I work alongside high performance athletes and scholars which is incredibly rewarding.
I look after our four focus sports which are tennis, golf, cricket and volleyball. All of the athletes I work with have to be of a high standard and many of them compete at a national level.
It’s my job to develop their individual programmes and offer as much support as possible, to help make them robust, independent athletes. We do this by creating high performance training diaries and offering psychological coaching, strengthening and conditioning training and nutritional advice alongside a whole range of workshops.
The coaching and workshops gives the athletes the chance to work with some hugely inspirational people. One example is David Alred MBE, who received an Honorary Doctorate from BU in 2013. He runs several of our workshops and encourages his ‘no limits’ philosophy. As a sports psychologist and performance coach, he’s credited with training Jonny Wilkinson and the England team to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
I love what I do and thrive on being given free rein to develop the athletes’ programmes. Watching someone we’ve trained rising to the top of their game is an amazing experience.
A few years ago I applied to become a chaperone for UK Anti Doping (UKAD), a national organisation dedicated to
protecting a culture of clean sport.
I fit the chaperoning in around my day job and it gives me amazing opportunities to meet some incredible athletes. I’m the first point of contact between UKAD and the athletes that have been chosen to be tested. Who we test is usually done completely at random but sometimes it’s down to informed intelligence.
After watching the event, it’s my job to approach the athlete to tell them they’ve been selected for testing. From that point on I fill out all of their paperwork and shadow them, even when they’re speaking to journalists.
Being a chaperone has enabled me to see sports from ‘behind the scenes’, which is fascinating. Through UKAD I’ve been to many high profile events, including some of the activities leading up to the Olympics and Paralympics.
I didn’t expect that working with UKAD would influence my job at BU, but part of my role as Sports Performance Manager is to educate athletes about drug testing. Now I can impart personal knowledge whilst feeding across the ‘clean sport’ message.
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Future You Roadshow7 February, Allsebrook Lecture Theatre and Kimmeridge HouseAn event with Inter-Venue and the Institute of Travel and Tourism to give students an insight into the benefits of pursuing a career in travel.
Britten’s ‘War Requiem’22 February, Winchester Cathedral The Benjamin Britten Festival culminates in a performance of Britten’s epic masterpiece, the ‘War Requiem’ in Winchester Cathedral.
www.tickets.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Fairtrade Fortnight24 February - 9 March Numerous events will be held across BU in support of Fairtrade.
Get That Job26 February, Poole HouseAn employer-led event for students, who will be given advice on how to become more employable.
Visit the Events section on mycareerhub.bournemouth.ac.uk for more information.
The Mike Warne Annual Marketing Lecture5 March, Kimmeridge HouseAn annual event organised by BA (Hons) Marketing students, showcasing best practice in marketing and communications.Email [email protected] for more information.
Speak Week10 - 14 March An opportunity for students to have their say on local and national education matters that affect their student experience.
SUBU Full Time Officer Elections Week14 - 20 March Vote for your new full-time officers in the Students’ Union.
BUnique Week at Lansdowne17, 18 & 20 MarchLansdowne Campus will highlight the great extra-curricular activities available that you can get
involved with.
Easter Bank Holiday18 – 21 April
Dorset UCAS Convention23 April, Talbot CampusThis Higher Education Fair brings together higher and further education providers, charities, recruiters, gap year companies and commercial organisations, to help students plan their future options.www.ucas.com/news-events/events
Service Excellence Conference30 April, Kimmeridge HouseA one day conference on Service Excellence for all staff across BU. Details will be posted on the Staff Intranet.
Café ScientifiqueFirst Tuesday of every month, Café Boscanova, BoscombeExplore the latest ideas in science and technology.www.cafescibournemouth.wordpress.com
How to submitIf you would like to submit a story for the next issue of InsideBU, please email [email protected] by Friday March 7 2014. We reserve the right to edit your copy and the editor’s decision is final. Photographs for print must be 300dpi.
>> To find out more about these events, or what’s happening around BU at any time of the year, head to http://news.bournemouth.ac.uk/events/
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Dates for your diary
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