Warwick Network sessions - 1pm
101 Widening Participation: the next steps - Michael Whitby and Darren Wallis
What place should Widening Participation have in the mission and ethos of a university aspiring to be a world top 50 institution? Warwick’s WP strategy was last formulated in 2004, but much has changed both internally and externally since then. Most of the political and media interest remains fixated with outreach in schools and on 'fair access', but we have traditionally defined WP more widely than that. As the University looks to articulate a new WP strategy, what should it be aiming to achieve? How should WP be defined and what opportunities and challenges does it represent? The session will enable participants to contribute to the debate on the shape and direction of a new WP strategy.
102 Warwick Institute of Advanced Study – an update - Margot Finn and Alison Bell
The Warwick IAS was established in April 2007 to promote collaborative research projects of international calibre and profile across the full range of University Departments, Schools and Research Centres.
This session will start with an overview of Warwick IAS – its goals and facilities - before looking at the highlights from programmes run in 07-08. This will be an opportunity to hear about best practice, and the activities and outputs which the awards and fellowships are generating.
The session will then focus on the 08-09 awards and fellowships – showing the distinctiveness of the range of programmes which address, for example, the needs of refugee academics and Early Career researchers, as well as attracting eminent and distinguished scholars to stay as Visiting Fellows.
The session will finish with a discussion about programmes for the future and participants will be encouraged to share ideas on what Warwick needs and how can Warwick IAS help.
103 Points-based immigration system: what does it mean for Warwick? - Laura du Plessis
Between 2008 and 2010 the UK government is radically re-structuring the immigration system for those coming to the UK to work or study. The changes will have significant implications for Warwick in how it recruits international students and employs international staff. This session will give you an insight into the proposals and an understanding of the impact on Warwick.
104 Meeting Different Users' Needs - the Teaching Grid and Research Exchange - Emma King and Robin Green
This session has now been cancelled
This session introduces two of the newest facilities on offer from Library services and consider what these offer to different Warwick communities.
The Teaching Grid offers users the opportunity to experiment with new ways of using space and technology to support teaching and learning. Participants attending this session will get the opportunity to hear more about what’s been happening in the Teaching Grid and reflect on how the service could support them.
The Research Exchange provides staff and research students with a dedicated space to carry out and share their research, hold seminars and workshops, and develop skills. The session will look at what it provides, how it is being used – 3 months after opening – and discuss how services might be developed.
105 Acappella singing for beginners - Bruce Knight (Voice Coach)
Most of us want to find a better balance between work and home. Many of us would like the opportunity to relax and try something new or creative, during the working day or outside it. If you’ve always wondered if you can sing and make music, but have never had the chance to try out your talent, then this could be a great place to start.
Everyone can sing - some of us simply have more practice or are more confident than others. It doesn’t matter whether or not you can read music, or have had formal singing tuition, or even whether you have sung in a group before. Find your voice and do something relaxing and creative, by learning to sing acappella with voice coach, Bruce Knight.
Bruce has lots of experience in teaching beginner singers to make music. In one hour, you’ll discover how to relax your voice, how to listen to and learn harmony parts and how to put a whole piece of music together with other singers to create an amazing sound.
106 Backstage Tour of the Arts Centre - steve blendell
Please note this session is now full
What really happens behind the scenes at the Arts Centre? Take this backstage tour to find out more!
107 Style Secrets - Helen Jinks (Image Consultant)
Please note this session is now full
This session will help participants appreciate the importance and impact of colour and style and to discover the foundation to their own image profile. The session will include the 'four levels of smart' when dressing for business and how to maximise clothing combinations from your own wardrobe.
108 The Warwick Prize for Writing - Robert Freedman
Launched in July the Warwick Prize for Writing is a key initiative within the international section of the University Strategy. The launch of the Prize has generated international interest due to its distinctive nature as a cross-disciplinary award for an excellent and substantial piece of writing in the English language, in any genre or form.
This session will provide background on the Prize within the context of the University Strategy “Vision 2015” and provide opportunities for discussion on how the Warwick Prize for Writing can contribute towards the goal of raising the University’s international profile.
109 Warwick Advantage - Sean Russell and Anne Wilson
Warwick Advantage is a new website which helps students to make the most of their time at University by encouraging them to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities in order to develop their graduate employability skills. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning by undertaking activities designed to help them translate and articulate their skills and experiences to graduate recruiters. In addition, students may apply for recognition for their extra-curricular involvement through the Warwick Advantage Award. Come along to this session to find out more about Warwick Advantage, how we worked in collaboration with the Students' Union and other partners and see a demonstration of the new website.
110 The E-Squad & Flag Team: Exciting new staff and student collaborations in media production - Rob O'Toole
Well-produced online video and audio programmes greatly enrich your communications, whether for 'internal' or 'external' audiences.
Furthermore, participating in the production process itself provides valuable opportunities for research, learning, collaboration, skills enhancement, reflection and personal development.
By forming small production teams, with staff and students in collaboration, all of the necessary skills can be brought together, with results that can re-invigorate and empower individuals and groups. The Arts E-Squad and Social Studies Flag Team undertake such productions.
In this session, working in a small team, combining a range of skills, you will create a short video that promotes an aspect of the University that you believe to be particularly important.
Using simple but effective software (including PowerPoint, iMovie and Screenflow), you can combine a range of media to realise your creative potential.
111 Warwick Match - Together we can make a difference ... - Mary McGrath and Faye Jennings
Gain an understanding of the work of the Development & Alumni Relations Office and how it is maximising the huge potential offered by the Government Matched Funding scheme. Learn more about the impact of philanthropic donations on Warwick and its staff, students and alumni. Hear some typical conversations relating to giving - courtesy of our Student Callers and a Warwick Benefactor!
112 Intelligent Use of Email - Sharon Neal and Julian Chronicle
Email is a fast and inexpensive way for sharing information consistently with others. However, email is not always an appropriate form of communication and reliance on email can lead to messages being ignored or misunderstood. This session will look at some “best practice” recommendations and attempt to answer some frequently asked questions.
113 De-stressing - Richard Worsley
Stress crops up in many forms and presentations in today’s life. Sometimes the workplace is a major contributor to this. This session will help participants learn a little about the nature of stress, and then teach a relaxation technique which can be practised regularly to reduce stress.
114 Warwick Coaching and Mentoring Scheme - Bob Thomson
The session will include a silent coaching exercise where participants consider – in silence – twenty questions to help them to think through a current issue. This session will then explore the GROW framework for structuring a coaching or mentoring conversation, and consider the skills needed to coach or mentor well. It will look at the difference between coaching and mentoring. Finally, the session will explain the Warwick Coaching and Mentoring Scheme where some members of staff come forward to act as a coach or mentor to other members of staff, thereby providing a valuable development opportunity for both parties.
115 Salsa for beginners - Mauricio Reyes (salsa teacher)
Open to all ages and abilities, this beginners' salsa session will enable you to try out a range of latin-inspired dance steps, building a simple routine within the hour.
116 Pilates taster session - Alex Hatfield
Please note this session has been cancelled
Pilates is a complete exercise method that focuses on building your body's core strength and improving your posture through a series of low repetition low impact stretching and conditioning exercises. The taster session will allow you to learn some basics of pilates with an experienced instructor from the Warwick Sports centre.