Brum Bulletin 26 January

Welcome to your fortnightly edition of the Brum Bulletin! This week marks the celebration of the UoBe Festival, a perfect way of rounding off the first semester with activities, talks, or just a chance to chill out with friends.

Sunday saw hundreds of you take to the streets in our Campus Run; it was fantastic to see so many of you there! We’ve got loads of events still to come this week so keep your eyes peeled on the booking page for all sorts of fantastic opportunities.

We also welcome our brand-new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adam Tickell! Previously the Vice-Chancellor of Sussex University, Prof. Tickell will be working closely with staff and students as he settles into his new role. Make sure you check out what he has to say in his welcome piece below where you can also find out more about another member of our University Leadership Team, Prof. Deborah Longworth, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education.

Assessment season was a very busy period, and we hope this week is a chance for you to relax, try something new, and get yourselves ready for Semester Two! Remember, if you’re not feeling okay there’s always someone to talk to here at the University whenever you’re ready. So, find the right service for you if it’s ‘Time to Talk’.

Time to Talk

 

COVID-19 Update and Vaccinations On-Campus

Thank you to all of you who took part in our vaccinations survey. Thanks to your responses, the University will be offering on-campus vaccinations and boosters for all students who need them on 31 January, 7 & 8 February, 9am-3:30pm in Chancellor's Court.

While infection levels are still high we are continuing to recommend a sensible and cautious approach to the wearing of face coverings on campus. We are strongly encouraging and recommending that all staff, students and visitors continue to wear a face-covering in busy shared spaces indoors, including teaching and learning spaces. Find out more here.

 

What will you #JustBe?

What will you #JustBe for 2022? Some of your faces were projected onto Old Joe last week, celebrating the launch of the UoBe Festival!

Watch now 

 

Prof. Adam Tickell – Vice-Chancellor

Meet your brand-new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adam Tickell! Adam has joined us from the University of Sussex, and he’s excited to learn the ropes at UoB! 

Read His Message

 

Prof. Deborah Longworth – Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor

Prof. Deborah Longworth heads up the team for education. Hear what she has to say about her role and the University.

Find out more

 

Meet the Commonwealth Game Changers

There’s some truly game-changing work and research going on at UoB in partnership with the 2022 Commonwealth Games. As part of the programme find out about students and staff, past and present, that place UoB in peak condition

Find Out More

 

Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching Update

Last semester, the SELT survey provided a fantastic opportunity for you to give your feedback on your university experience. There are some key points that we’re keen to pick up on, particularly timetabling and online work. 

View the Latest Update

 

Participate in the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony

How would you like to be part of the biggest celebration in Birmingham this summer? Applications are now open for singers, dancers, established choirs, and hosts to join the 2,000 strong team!

Apply Now

 

Student Social: UB Sport and Fitness Video Tour

Ever wondered what UB Sport has to offer? Wonder no longer! Watch Jeremy as he takes you through the sports resources available at Birmingham. There’s something for everyone!

Explore UB Sport

 

Dates for your diary

Black Voices: Tell It Like It Is

Tuesday 1 February, 6-7:30pm, Guild Council Chambers.

Black voices are hosting a debate night including a series of insightful speakers, promising to be a night of passionate opinions and scrutiny. The debate will draw out some of the least and most controversial topics in the black community for all attendees to engage in or observe. Find out more.

Challenges in Embedding EDI on Campus: A Work in Progress

Thursday 3 February 2022, 9-10am, Zoom

To kick off our Virtual EDI Festival 2022, a month-long celebration to embrace the diversity of our community, this webinar hosted by student ambassadors will look at embedding EDI and the challenges in higher education. Register for this and other events now.

Officer elections Q&A

Thursday 3 February, 12-2pm, Guild Council Chambers

Interested in applying as a candidate for Guild elections this year? Be sure to attend this session focusing on how you can start on the campaign trail, write a written statement, and take part in a Q&A session. Find out more here.

Housemate finder

Thursday 3 February, 6-7:30pm, Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower, The Vale

If you’re unsure where to live or who to live with next year, then be sure to attend the Guild’s housemate finder on the Vale. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and potentially find your perfect living group for next year, find out more.

Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Awareness Week

Monday 7 - Thursday 10 February, On-Campus

To mark this year’s Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, the University’s Sexual Violence Responder Team will be out on campus highlighting some of the work we do to support students and empower you to speak out. You can find out more about activities during the week and our ‘You Report, We Support’ services here.

 

What's on in Brum

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, a series of events produced by Birmingham Hippodrome will be taking place in the Bullring and Grand Central, 12-5 pm on Saturday 5 February. Events are free and celebrate the start of the year of the Tiger. 新年快樂, 身體健康, 學業有成!

Explore Birmingham

 

PG Corner

Do you have an idea for a Postgraduate event? Want support, guidance and funding to make it happen? Our PGT Community Fund, and our PGR Community Fund, are now open for applications! Your events could be socials, reading groups, craft workshops, conferences – anything that brings the Postgraduate community together either in-person or online.

For PGTs, you can now register for our Semester Two events on EventBrite! Monthly socials, academic workshops, and more.

Our PGR events can also be found on EventBrite - join us for a PGR Chinese New Year celebration on campus, or online for our PGR Big Quiz of the Year! 

 

And finally...

  • Student Communications Survey – make sure you have your say in how our communications are working for you. When completing the survey, you’ll be entered into a draw for £150 of Amazon vouchers! Complete the survey.
  • Password Expiry Dates – To improve IT Security, the length of time your password is valid has now been reduced to 180 days. Please make sure you update your password when prompted and find out more here.
  • STI Testing – Sexual health is very important and it’s critical you practice safe sex. Make sure to be tested regularly, visit Umbrella Sexual Health for a free, discreet testing kit delivered to your door

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