firstpoint will be closed for staff training on Wednesday 31st July 2019.
The PCs and study area remain open as normal, with access via the 24-hour entrance.
firstpoint closed on 31 July
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Category Archives: Uncategorized
Sports Therapy Summer Clinics
Clinics are for Injury Assessment, Rehabilitation and Massage
| Dates Available | Clinic Time (1 hour treatment slot) |
| Monday 5th August | 09.00 – 11.30 |
| Wednesday 14th August | 09.00 – 11.30 |
| Monday 19th August | 09.00 – 11.30 |
| Wednesday 28th August | 09.00 – 11.30 |
| Monday 2nd September | 09.00 – 11.30 |
| Monday 2nd September | 13.00 – 15.30 |
To make an appointment call: 01905 542333
OR
Book in directly at St Johns Sports Centre Reception
This is a student-led clinic supervised by experienced staff
Inter-library requests
We are unable to process any new inter library requests at the moment, whilst our new library system is configured.
We will let you know when we are ready to receive your requests again. Any queries, please email ilr@worc.ac.uk.
New library catalogue: finding print and ebooks
Our shiny new catalogue is now available. Check out the Books and other media tab on our Library Search page.
Our General search won’t include print books and some ebook records for several weeks, while we refresh the data. Please use Books and other media in the meantime to find books on the shelves in The Hive and across Worcestershire County Council Libraries.
Resource lists
Thanks for bearing with us while we install our new library catalogue. You can now add to and edit resource lists for the new academic year.
Please note that if you are looking for print books you’ll need to use the Books and other media tab while we refresh our data. The General tab will continue to show our ebook and journal article subscriptions. We’ll be back to normal service with everything available under the General tab in a couple of weeks.
Association for Dementia Studies blog
Our blog post this week is from one of our PhD students looking at her work around uncovering the hidden voices of women in respect to dementia, sport and reminiscence https://adsdementiablog.wordpress.com/.
To contact the Association for Dementia Studies please use dementia@worc.ac.uk
Connect with us on twitter @DementiaStudies and on Facebook @adsuow
Students’ Union recruiting Student Trustees
The Students’ Union is currently recruiting for the position of Student Trustee. Trustees sit on the SU Board of Trustees, which is responsible for the management and administration of the Students’ Union, including responsibility for governance, finances, and overall strategy.
Student Trustees will be expected to attend all Board meetings, usually six per year, and participate in these meetings as fully as possible. They will play an important role in all aspects of the Students’ Union administration and management.
Student Trustees must be current University of Worcester students and will be appointed for a period of two years (final year students are therefore unable to apply for this position).
If you know of any students who may be suitable for this role, please let them know about the position and direct them to our website for further information – https://www.worcsu.com/jobs/vacancy/54/
New RAG Charity of the Year
From the beginning of August, PAPYRUS will be the Students’ Union’s RAG charity of the year. PAPYRUS was chosen by our students following an online nomination process and vote.
PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
Throughout the year the newly recruited RAG Committee, made up of student volunteers, will work together to create fantastic events and come up with innovative fundraising activities in order to raise money for such a great cause.
For more information about PAPYRUS, visit https://papyrus-uk.org/
And keep an eye on the RAG Facebook page and Instagram, for further updates on their plans for Welcome Week 2019 and RAG Week 2019, as well as other fundraising activities.
Lovetree Yoga Classes – Summer Break
Thank you to everyone who has attended a yoga class or two with me over this year – it has been fab! Please note that there will be a break in classes on a Tuesday from 30 July for the rest of the summer. I look forward to welcoming you back on the mat in September, details to follow.
If you would like to start practising yoga or get back into it following a break, please stay in touch on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on classes. Alternatively, please feel free to get in touch with any queries at katy@lovetreeyoga.co.uk.
Summer Concert for Cure Leukaemia
Sent on behalf of the University’s Charity of the Year: Cure Leukaemia
June & Stuart King in honour of Dr Shafeek’s Charity Cure Leukaemia are holding a summer concert on:
Saturday 31 August 2019
Sunday 1 September 2019
3.30 p.m. – 7.00 p.m.
Access 2.30 p.m. Bring your picnic and chairs whilst listening to music by
Shulah Oliver
Twangers String Band (Sunday Only)
Other musicians to be announced
Adults £14
Under 12 £10
Family 4 £40
Tickets From: June King, 01905820436 Sounion, Old Road North, Kempsey WR5 3JZ Email: sounion@usa.net. Tel: 01905820436
Raffle Drinks Lucky Dip Cakes
Donations to: Cure Leukaemia c/o June King
Using the ‘Coaching Approach’
Date & Time: Tuesday 30 July – 13:00 – 16:00
Venue: WB023
Overview; in this practical workshop we will consider the use of a coaching approach in your interactions with others. Coaching has been defined as “the art of facilitating the performance, learning and development of another” (Downey, 2003).
Participants; those who have an interest in applying coaching skills with others; this might include colleagues with whom you work and also students. Also welcome to those who are aspiring to have management responsibilities.
Prior experience required; none required.
Preparation before the session; to complete the Online training ‘Diversity in the Workplace’, available in LearnUpon.
Future opportunities; there is a 2 day programme where coaching skills are further developed and participants can then become an ‘internal coach’.
Session facilitator/s; this workshop will be supported by members of the HR team and others who have experienced the benefits of using a coaching approach.
If you have a health condition or disability which requires arrangements or equipment to be available to you during your workshop, please contact Aimee Longbottom.
This workshop is available to book a space through the Staff Development Workshop System or by contacting the HR Training Team (training@worc.ac.uk).
OneDrive Basics
Date & Time: Wednesday 24 July – 13:30 – 14:00
Venue: EEG031
Overview; this course is suitable for those with little or no prior knowledge of OneDrive for Business. It is a practical course and will take place in a computer lab. We will cover the basics of OneDrive for business, why we use OneDrive, data security, how to log in, uploading/downloading, creating files/folders, deleting and recovering items.
Participants; all members of staff who have completed their Information Security Awareness training.
Learning outcomes; at the end of this course you will be able to login to OneDrive, upload/download documents and files, create files/folders, delete and recover items.
Prior experience required; none required.
Preparation before the session; none required.
Future opportunities; OneDrive Sharing, OneDrive Scenarios, Encryption and BitLocker.
Session facilitator/s; various members of the IT team.
If you have a health condition or disability which requires arrangements or equipment to be available to you during your workshop, please contact Aimee Longbottom.
This workshop is available to book a space through the Staff Development Workshop System or by contacting the HR Training Team (training@worc.ac.uk).
Becoming a Mentor
Date & Time: Thursday 25 July – 10:00 – 12:00
Venue: WB023
Overview; mentoring has been recognised as an important activity that helps to support people who are new to the University, moving into a new role or returning from a period of absence.
Participants; all members of staff who have an interest in supporting and developing others.
Learning outcomes; this workshop will explain the mentor role, the process of mentoring, and consider some of the skills required.
Prior experience required; some experience of working in the University.
Preparation before the session; none required, although the policy on mentoring is available on the HR webpages.
Future opportunities; mentors might wish to develop their skills into becoming an internal coach. The skills for mentoring are applicable to many other activities that colleagues undertake.
Session facilitator; the session will be facilitated by Gill Slater, Head of OD. Gill has been a mentor to people in different roles and helped to develop the overall scheme here and in other organisations.
If you have a health condition or disability which requires arrangements or equipment to be available to you during your workshop, please contact Aimee Longbottom.
This workshop is available to book a space through the Staff Development Workshop System or by contacting the HR Training Team (training@worc.ac.uk).
Introduction to using Twitter
Date & Time: Friday 26 July – 10:00 – 11:00
Venue: WB023
Overview; this session will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of Twitter and how it can be used in a business setting.
Participants; this training session is recommended for any staff member who attended the ‘Introduction to Social Media’ session or would like to learn more about how to use the Twitter platform.
Learning Outcomes; to gain a deeper understanding of how to use Twitter in a business setting; to explore the advantages and disadvantages of using Twitter; to aid you in making a decision as to whether Twitter would be beneficial to you and your team.
Prior experience required; some basic use of Twitter is beneficial but not necessary.
Preparation before the session; feel free to come along with a device or laptop.
Future opportunities; Introduction to using Facebook, Introduction to using Social Media, as well as bespoke team training and 1:1 sessions.
Session facilitators; the session will be delivered by our university Social Media Co-ordinator, James Laws.
This workshop is available to book a space through the Staff Development Workshop System or by contacting the HR Training Team (training@worc.ac.uk).
Association for Dementia Studies blog
Our blog post this week looks at the topic of green dementia care following an article we recently had published in the journal ‘Working with Older People’: https://adsdementiablog.wordpress.com/.
Evans, S.C., Barrett, J., Mapes, N., Hennell, J., Atkinson, T., Bray, J., Garabedian, C. & Russell, C. (2019). Connections with nature for people living with dementia. Working with Older People https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/WWOP-01-2019-0003/full/html
To contact the Association for Dementia Studies please use dementia@worc.ac.uk
Connect with us on twitter @DementiaStudies and on Facebook @adsuow
9 is the magic number: library renewals
You can now renew your university high demand, university universal loan and public library books up to 9 times.
All current loans have been set to zero as of 18th July 2019.
University short loan (orange sticker) books cannot be renewed.
firstpoint closed on 31 July
firstpoint will be closed for staff training on Wednesday 31st July 2019.
The PCs and study area remain open as normal, with access via the 24-hour entrance.
New library catalogue: finding print and ebooks
Our shiny new catalogue is now available. Check out the Books and other media tab on our Library Search page.
Our General search won’t include print books and some ebook records for several weeks, while we refresh the data. Please use Books and other media in the meantime to find books on the shelves in The Hive and across Worcestershire County Council Libraries.
Resource lists
Thanks for bearing with us while we install our new library catalogue. You can now add to and edit resource lists for the new academic year.
Please note that if you are looking for print books you’ll need to use the Books and other media tab while we refresh our data. The General tab will continue to show our ebook and journal article subscriptions. We’ll be back to normal service with everything available under the General tab in a couple of weeks.
Inter-library requests
We are unable to process any new inter library requests at the moment, whilst our new library system is configured.
We will let you know when we are ready to receive your requests again. Any queries, please email ilr@worc.ac.uk.
Follow the SU Officers on social media
The Students’ Union new Full-Time Officer team have enjoyed a whirlwind first month in their roles.
Back in March, our students turned out in record numbers to elect Harry Lonsdale as President, Meg Price as VP Education, and Mike Harris as VP Student Activities. The new Officers have been getting to grips with life at the SU, and are now looking forward to their year in office representing students here at the University.
All three Officers already have already started working on some fantastic ideas for the SU, and will help us to grow and continue giving our students the best possible university experience.
Make sure you follow our Officers across social media to get all the latest updates.
Harry Lonsdale – Students’ Union President
Facebook – @harrylonsdale.wsupres
Twitter – @worcsupres
Instagram – @harrylonsdalewsupresident
Meg Price – Vice President Education
Facebook – @megpricewsuvpe
Twitter – @worcsuvpe
Instagram – @megpricevpe
Mike Harris – Vice President Activities
Facebook – @mikeharriswsuvpsa
Twitter – @worcsuvpsa
Instagram – @worcsuvpsa2019
New RAG Charity of the Year
From the beginning of August, PAPYRUS will be the Students’ Union’s RAG charity of the year. PAPYRUS was chosen by our students following an online nomination process and vote.
PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
Throughout the year the newly recruited RAG Committee, made up of student volunteers, will work together to create fantastic events and come up with innovative fundraising activities in order to raise money for such a great cause.
For more information about PAPYRUS, visit https://papyrus-uk.org/
And keep an eye on the RAG Facebook page and Instagram, for further updates on their plans for Welcome Week 2019 and RAG Week 2019, as well as other fundraising activities.
Yoga – Tuesday 5:15-6:15pm
Vinyasa flow yoga in Gym 1 (EEG114) on Tuesday from 5:15-6:15pm with Katy from Lovetree Yoga.
Vinyasa flow yoga is a dynamic style yoga, which helps you work towards getting fitter and stronger, both physically and mentally, in a powerful, hot and fun class! The classes are suitable for all levels of experience as instructions are given throughout.
Prices are £8 to drop in or £3 for students and your first class is half price! If you would like to attend regularly, staff/community members can purchase a 5 class pass for only £35. The classes are open to all so please pass on this info if you have a friend or colleague who would be interested. The group is very friendly and we like having fun and giving everything a go – no matter how much we wobble on our mats!
Mats are provided or you can bring your own. As we can get quite hot during the class, you may wish to bring a bottle of water and a small towel with you.
Please note: There is no class on Tuesday 30 July.
Contact Katy Chessum-Rice for further information at katy@lovetreeyoga.co.uk or get in touch on Facebook and Instagram.
New Blackboard Template
Based on feedback from users, we have made some changes to the standard template for Blackboard courses to improve clarity and usability for staff and students alike. This means that when you open Blackboard in September you will see some changes to how the tabs are laid out.
The module template now contains guidance on what should go on each page.
Only staff can see this content – this is invisible to students (try the Student Preview to see this in action). Once you have set up your course area for the new academic year, you can delete this information if you wish.
The Assessment tab has been separated out so as to be more easily identified. All assignments and information relating to them should be included on this tab. For information about which would be the best system to use for your assignment, see our handy flow chart. For information about setting up assignments see our guidance on using Blackboard and Turnitinfor assessment.
Don’t forget to edit the welcome message to include the name of the module leader and a contact email (see how to edit your welcome message here).
For more advice about your Blackboard modules:
- Baseline standards
- Top Ten Tips
- Electronic Management of Assessment
- Blackboard Manual
- Turnitin Guide
If you have any queries, contact the Technology Enhanced Learning Unit at TEL@worc.ac.uk
Summer Workshops – TEL
The Technology Enhanced Learning Unit will be running a series of workshops over the summer period.
Courses covered will be a mixture of our most popular regular courses, as well as some exciting new offerings, including making Blackboard more accessible, incorporating blended learning into your delivery, and an introduction to Medial, the University’s new tool for video assessment.
Courses on offer are:
- 04/07/2019 – Using Quizzes, Tests and Surveys in Blackboard – 14:15-16:00 EE1101
- 11/07/2019 – Running an Online Session in Collaborate – 10:30-12:00 Virtual Classroom (link will be emailed)
- 16/07/2019 – Using Blackboard for Blended and Mobile Learning – 09:45-11:30 EE2011
- 16/07/2019 – Medial Video Assessment – 13:00-14:00 EEG031
- 19/07/2019 – Blackboard Made Simple – 09:30-11:15 EEG023 (PC)
- 19/07/2019 – Designing Accessible Courses – 10:00-12:00 EEG031
- 23/07/2019 – Setting Up and Using Turnitin Online Assignments – 10:30-12:00 EEG031 (PC)
- 24/07/2019 – Camtasia – 09:30-11:15 EEG031 (PC)
We will also be running sessions for ASU staff as an introduction to Blackboard and Turnitin. These sessions will give staff an overview of how the systems work and how to resolve simple issues. Workshops will be arranged directly with ASU teams.
For more information and to sign up, visit the Staff Development page.
Blackboard Rollover
2019/20 modules are now live on Blackboard! Please be aware that there are a couple of changes this year:
All staff will need to enrol on their modules this year
Due to GDPR and data security reasons, staff are not being auto-enrolled onto modules. You will need to complete a form to enrol onto your modules, which can be found on the logged in staff portal (pictured). Please get the module leader’s permission (unless, of course, you are the module leader) and allow 24 hours for access to be granted.
For more information, see our previous blog post regarding this.
Things will look a little different
The TEL Unit have developed a new Blackboard template in consultation with a focus group of university staff. Pages now include guidance and tips for staff, which students are unable to see.
Read more about the new template here.
Transferring content
As ever, modules will be empty and you will need to transfer content from the 2018/19 instance of the module. Do not transfer the Assessment page as this needs to be set up afresh each year.
Instructions for transferring content can be found here.
If you have any queries, please contanct the TEL Unit at TEL@worc.ac.uk
Worcester Platinum Award is a success
The Worcester Platinum Award was successfully piloted in April. Twenty students completed a Strengthscope exercise before attending a three-day leadership course led by Julian Bancroft-Martin. They explored a range of leadership theories and concepts before working in groups to devise ideas to improve students’ experience at the university. The Worcester Award Celebration Event took place at the University Arena in May.
The Worcester Platinum Award received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Below are some comments from students involved in the programme:
- The teaching on day one was very interesting, as I could relate to the theory a lot and it was interesting to find out how the different leadership styles could affect followers/employees.
- The concept of the task was extremely interesting and well thought-out! It promoted teamwork and creativity.
- I enjoyed distinguishing between different types of leadership styles and what categories my characteristics fit under, and developing effective skills and qualities to be an efficient leader and follower.
If you would like to find out more about the Worcester Award or would like to be involved in the 2019-20 Worcester Award, please email Neil Laurenson (Student Employability Activities Coordinator): n.laurenson@worc.ac.uk
Association for Dementia Studies blog
Last week the Association for Dementia Studies hosted a Family Care Symposium which also celebrated our 10th Anniversary. To read about the event please see our latest blog post at https://adsdementiablog.wordpress.com/.
To contact the Association for Dementia Studies please use dementia@worc.ac.uk
Wake Up Workout at The McClelland Health Hub
Take advantage of the bright Summer mornings and participate in our Wake Up Workout class here at McClelland! We call this an ‘early morning hit!’ as it is designed to be of high intensity in order to maximise your alertness and get you started right for the rest of your day!
To find out more and to book a place please contact the McClelland Health Hub at wellbeing@worc.ac.uk or phone 01905 542001.
What’s On guide – 1 September – 31 December 2019
The deadline for sending information on your public events that are happening at The Hive for the September to December What’s On guide is the 1 July.
Please can you use the below link to respond.
The following information will be required:
- Title
- Date
- Time
- Cost
- How to get tickets (if applicable)
- 50 – 75 words about your event
- High res image (as near to 1MB as possible) – please email photos to either myself Beth (b.campagna@worc.ac.uk) or Caroline Hill (chill3@worcstershire.gov.uk) stating which event it relates to as these cannot be submitted on the form.
Please include all regular events or activities that you continue to run at The Hive – only events or activities submitted via this form will be included.
New Officer Team at the Students’ Union
After saying a very sad goodbye to Lucy Conn, Euan Morrison, and Harrison Jarrett, our outgoing President, VP Education, and VP Student Activities, our new Full-Time Officer team has officially started at the Students’ Union.
Back in March, our students turned out in record numbers to elect Harry Lonsdale as President, Meg Price as VP Education, and Mike Harris as VP Student Activities. The new Officers have had a whirlwind induction getting to grips with life at the SU, and are now looking forward to their year in office representing students here at the University.
All three Officers already have some fantastic ideas for the SU, and will help us to grow and continue giving our students the best possible university experience.
Keep an eye on the Students’ Union social media channels for updates on the Officer team and their plans for the year ahead.
Facebook – www.facebook.com/worcestersu
Twitter – www.twitter.com/WorcesterSU
Instagram – www.instagram.com/worcsu
RAG Charity of the Year announced
The Students’ Union is pleased to announce that our students have voted PAPYRUS as our 2019-20 RAG Charity of the Year.
PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
Throughout the year the newly recruited RAG Committee, made up of student volunteers, will work together to create fantastic events and come up with innovative fundraising activities in order to raise money for such a great cause.
For more information about PAPYRUS, visit https://papyrus-uk.org/
And keep an eye on the RAG Facebook page and Instagram, for further updates on their plans for Welcome Week 2019 and RAG Week 2019, as well as other fundraising activities.
Students’ Union Induction Talks
This September the Students’ Union is once again offering 15 minute induction talks for all courses. These talks can be embedded within your existing induction sessions and we can be flexible regarding locations and times.
For more information, and if you would like to book an SU talk for your induction session, please email our Student Voice Assistant, Jodie Stilgoe at j.stilgoe@worc.ac.uk with the date, time, and course(s).
Students’ Union recruiting Student Trustees
The Students’ Union is currently recruiting for the position of Student Trustee. Trustees sit on the SU Board of Trustees, which is responsible for the management and administration of the Students’ Union, including responsibility for governance, finances, and overall strategy.
Student Trustees will be expected to attend all Board meetings, usually six per year, and participate in these meetings as fully as possible. They will play an important role in all aspects of the Students’ Union administration and management.
Student Trustees must be current University of Worcester students and will be appointed for a period of two years (final year students are therefore unable to apply for this position).
If you know of any students who may be suitable for this role, please let them know about the position and direct them to our website for further information – https://www.worcsu.com/jobs/vacancy/54/
Recruitment & Selection (Part 1)
Date & Time: Wednesday 26 June – 10:00 – 13:00
Venue: WB023
Overview; in this practical workshop we will consider the principles and practices for recruiting and selecting staff.
Participants; all colleagues who have any involvement in recruiting and selecting should attend this workshop. It’s particularly relevant for those with line management and supervisory roles and forms one of the ‘essentials’ in the Leadership and Management strand.
Learning outcomes; at the end of this workshop participants will be able to apply best practice in recruiting and selecting staff; be knowledgeable about the law that applies to the process.
Prior experience required; some experience of working within the University.
Preparation before the session; to complete the on-line training in equality, diversity and inclusion available in LearnUpon.
Future opportunities; there is a second workshop where the skills for effective interviewing are developed.
Session facilitator/s; this workshop will be supported by members of the HR team and other managers who are experienced in the recruitment process. If you have a health condition or disability which requires arrangements or equipment to be available to you during your workshop, please contact Aimee Longbottom.
This workshop is available to book a space through the Staff Development Workshop System or by contacting the HR Training Team (training@worc.ac.uk).
OneDrive Basics (formerly: Introduction to using OneDrive)
Date & Time: Tuesday 25 June – 14:00 – 14:30
Venue: EEG031
Overview; this course is suitable for those with little or no prior knowledge of one drive for Business. It is a practical course and will take place in a computer lab. We will cover the basics of one drive for business, why we use OneDrive, data security, how to log in, uploading/downloading, creating files/folders, deleting and recovering items.
Participants; all members of staff who have completed their Information Security Awareness training.
Learning outcomes; at the end of this course you will be able to login to OneDrive, upload/download documents and files, create files/folders, delete and recover items.
Prior experience required; none required.
Preparation before the session; none required.
Future opportunities; OneDrive Sharing, OneDrive Scenarios, Encryption and BitLocker.
Session facilitator/s; various members of the IT team. If you have a health condition or disability which requires arrangements or equipment to be available to you during your workshop, please contact Aimee Longbottom.
This workshop is available to book a space through the Staff Development Workshop System or by contacting the HR Training Team (training@worc.ac.uk).
Introduction to using Twitter
Date & Time: Monday 24 June – 13:00 – 14:00
Venue: WB023
Overview; this session will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of Twitter and how it can be used in a business setting.
Participants; this training session is recommended for any staff member who attended the ‘Introduction to Social Media’ session or would like to learn more about how to use the Twitter platform.
Learning Outcomes; to gain a deeper understanding of how to use Twitter in a business setting; to explore the advantages and disadvantages of using Twitter; to aid you in making a decision as to whether Twitter would be beneficial to you and your team.
Prior experience required; some basic use of Twitter is beneficial but not necessary.
Preparation before the session; feel free to come along with a device or laptop.
Future opportunities; Introduction to using Facebook, Introduction to using Social Media, as well as bespoke team training and 1:1 sessions.
Session facilitators; the session will be delivered by our university Social Media Co-ordinator, James Laws.
This workshop is available to book a space through the Staff Development Workshop System or by contacting the HR Training Team (training@worc.ac.uk).
