News archive – March 2026
Challenge Accepted: how one colleague and her dog are making a big difference
02 Mar 2026
Find out how Kim (and Obi!) uses her volunteering days with Pets As Therapy, on and off campus
Conflict in the Middle East
02 Mar 2026
Support and guidance for colleagues and students
You matter – taking action to make our University a place where everyone belongs
02 Mar 2026
Your Voice Matters – reporting on progress from the 2025 Colleague Engagement Survey
Making a Difference Awards 2026: Shortlist announced
03 Mar 2026
This year the University’s Making a Difference Awards for social responsibility received over 140 entries, highlighting the extraordinary commitment of our colleagues, students, alumni and external partners to creating positive change in our local communities and across the world.
Bursaries and scholarships for underrepresented groups – applications now open
03 Mar 2026
We have various bursaries and scholarships now open, offering vital support for undergraduate students across a range of criteria. Please share these opportunities with prospective students.
Celebrating Holi 2026
04 Mar 2026
Renewal, Resilience and the Colours of Spring
Purple Place - your March benefits update
04 Mar 2026
Purple Place is your exclusive platform for colleague Reward, Benefits and Recognition
Vigil near university campus tonight
04 Mar 2026
Travel advice for area around Sugden Centre and Nancy Rothwell building
Colleague’s novel longlisted for the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction
05 Mar 2026
Celebrating Dr Sheena Kalayil’s outstanding achievement in contemporary storytelling, this World Book Day
Unlocking skills with LinkedIn Learning
05 Mar 2026
Colleagues using LinkedIn Learning to build digital confidence, boost teaching, and shape their own development
New development opportunities for people leaders
05 Mar 2026
The new People Leader Development Suite is available now, helping you build skills, behaviours and knowledge
Project proposals needed for new PhD by Enterprise programme
05 Mar 2026
New doctoral pathway invites project proposals to shape the next generation of innovators
Employee Appreciation Day 2026
06 Mar 2026
Celebrating our colleagues and the work they do
Endometriosis Awareness Month 2026
06 Mar 2026
Learn, share, and support one another
Our financial procedures and regulations have changed - here’s what you need to know
09 Mar 2026
Our Financial Regulations and Procedures have been refreshed, and the updated versions are now available. Please take a few minutes to read what’s changed and make sure you’re working in line with the new requirements.
Your Voice Matters – complete the survey and have your say
09 Mar 2026
Take part in our colleague engagement survey between Tuesday, 10 March and Tuesday, 31 March.
“It’s being part of something – something bigger than yourself.”
09 Mar 2026
Research impact, shaped together - a campaign to celebrate how collaboration and partnership accelerate our research to impact in line with our Manchester 2035 strategy.
Delivering 2035: How co-creation successfully upgraded Oracle CRM
10 Mar 2026
By modernising one of our core systems, we are strengthening our digital foundations by investing in technologies fit for our future.
Leadership and Management Career Development Apprenticeships - launching June 2026
10 Mar 2026
Don’t miss out on our insight sessions, and the chance to shape your next career step!
Your work matters – supporting you to do your best work
10 Mar 2026
How we lead matters – Change is constant but how we lead it makes all the difference
10 Mar 2026
Your Voice Matters – reporting on progress from the 2025 Colleague Engagement Survey
Eduroam disruption at 7pm on Thursday, 12 March
10 Mar 2026
Jisc, the provider of network services to the UK education sector, are performing maintenance, and this means that there will be approximately 5 minutes’ disruption to eduroam Wi-Fi connectivity at 7pm on Thursday 12 March.
Plan ahead for 18-19 April: Road closures on campus during Manchester Marathon weekend
11 Mar 2026
This year’s adidas Manchester Marathon is taking place on Sunday, 19 April, and will finish outside Whitworth Hall on Oxford Road – resulting in road closures from Saturday, 18 April.
Windows 10 PCs to be disconnected from the network
12 Mar 2026
Microsoft Windows 10 officially went out of support in October 2025.
Innovation expert drop in – open to all
12 Mar 2026
Whether you’re exploring an idea, scaling a venture, or innovating within your department, come and meet the Unit M team on Wednesday, 18 March.
Stay sharp: refresh your phishing knowledge
13 Mar 2026
Spend a few moments refreshing your phishing knowledge and learning about new scams
UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia
13 Mar 2026
Learn more and support one another
Nancy Rothwell Building closure (Tuesday, 7 to Thursday, 9 April)
16 Mar 2026
A full power shutdown is needed to allow essential maintenance works to take place.
Election of colleagues to the General Assembly 2026
16 Mar 2026
Colleagues are encouraged to seek nomination for two vacancies by noon on Monday, 30 March.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
16 Mar 2026
A place where every mind matters
Faye Holland joins pioneering Cambridge x Manchester collaboration as Partnership Director
16 Mar 2026
We are pleased to announce that Faye Holland has taken up the role of Director for the Cambridge x Manchester Partnership, bringing her expertise to our collaborative innovation work with the University of Cambridge
Outstanding achievements recognised across Estates & Facilities
16 Mar 2026
On Friday, 6 March, colleagues from across our Estates & Facilities team came together for the fourth annual Estates & Facilities Outstanding Contribution Awards.
Catch up: latest discussions on accountability for the delivery of our strategy
16 Mar 2026
Meningitis – know the symptoms
16 Mar 2026
We are saddened to hear of the meningitis cases in Kent and our thoughts are with all those affected.
“That chain of reaction that creates the spark that ignites Music in Mind.”
17 Mar 2026
Watch the latest inspiring film from Research impact, shaped together and celebrate how collaboration and partnership accelerate our research to impact in line with our Manchester 2035 strategy.
Call for Paddlers
17 Mar 2026
We’re delighted to share that this year’s North West Confucius Institutes Dragon Boat race will be hosted by Lancaster Confucius Institute on Sunday, 17 May at Liverpool Watersports Centre
Great Science Share for Schools continues to make a difference
18 Mar 2026
Great Science Share for Schools (GSSfS), led by the University’s Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub (SEERIH) continues to make a powerful and lasting impact by inspiring young people to become curious, confident young scientists.
Screening of Khartoum at Manchester Museum
18 Mar 2026
Join us for a panel discussion and a screening of a documentary exploring how the war in Sudan has impacted life in Khartoum.
Updates for Course Units and Programmes
18 Mar 2026
Updates are now available on this semester’s Course Unit Survey data checks. Please review the details and upcoming requirements below.
Minor amendments to the September 2026 UG and PGT Degree Regulations
18 Mar 2026
Two minor amendments have now been approved to the September 2026 UG and PGT Degree Regulations by AQSC-TLS.
Bridging Borders: The Future of UK-EU Scientific Cooperation
18 Mar 2026
This event is organised by the University of Manchester’s International Staff Network in collaboration with the ConnectsUK project.
Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount: supporting progression to postgraduate study
18 Mar 2026
The Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount offers a 10% tuition fee reduction for eligible graduates progressing to a taught postgraduate programme at the University.
AI at the University of Manchester: New Essential Course for all colleagues
19 Mar 2026
Many colleagues are already using AI tools in their work. As these technologies become more widespread, it is our responsibility as a University to ensure everyone has the knowledge they need to use AI confidently and responsibly.
Senate election results
20 Mar 2026
Congratulations to colleagues who have been elected to Senate and thanks to those who took part in the process.
Eid Mubarak!
20 Mar 2026
Warm wishes to those observing the end of Ramadan
An update on Mitigating Circumstances and Extensions Project
20 Mar 2026
Our Mitigating Circumstances and Extensions project is all about creating a new and improved system that works for students, supporting our strategy to 2035. We have been collaborating with teams across the University updating the existing policy so processes are more consistent for our students and colleagues.
British Science Week sees over 1,000 pupils visit Manchester Museum
20 Mar 2026
University researchers and students welcome pupils to Manchester Museum for British Science week activities
4,200 completed surveys, three prize draw winners, and 7 days left to have your say
20 Mar 2026
There’s still time to have your say and shape the future of our University
International Leadership Week
23 Mar 2026
Explore leadership, learning, and development across our community
Future Foundations: Transforming how we work – together
23 Mar 2026
Our 2035 strategy outlines the commitment to improving how our University works so we see and feel the benefits in our day-to-day experience. As part of our journey toward the ambitions set out in From Manchester for the world, we are investing in more connected, consistent and user centred ways of working. Future Foundations is a key part of that commitment.
Inspiring future scientists: FunLab takes over the Trafford Centre
23 Mar 2026
FunLab saw the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s passionate science communicators return to the Trafford Centre on 7–8 March for the first time since COVID, marking the start of British Science Week. Taking over key spaces across the Centre, this year’s event was the biggest and best yet.
Register your interest in joining a Microsoft 365 Copilot early cohort
23 Mar 2026
We are inviting colleagues to register their interest in joining a Microsoft 365 Copilot early cohort, to directly shape how the technology is introduced across our community.
House Services champion engagement in colleague survey
23 Mar 2026
Last chance to apply for Manchester Gold
23 Mar 2026
Applications close on Friday 3 April for the spring intake of our mentoring scheme
Meningitis – no new cases
23 Mar 2026
Further to our news item last week outlining the symptoms of meningitis and what to do if you are worried following the outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent, the latest data indicates there are no new cases confirmed.
Major sustainability milestone - Main Campus hits zero landfill
24 Mar 2026
The University has achieved a landmark sustainability goal as we become 100% ‘Zero Landfill’ on Main Campus. Thanks to a joint effort between Estates colleagues and our waste contractors, our general, clinical, and offensive waste is now fully diverted from landfill.
What you can do for a more sustainable campus
24 Mar 2026
As the University continues to strengthen sustainability efforts, we recognise that many of our biggest ‘wins’ come from small, thoughtful choices colleagues make every day.
WATCH: “Inspiring… you’re creating what’s next.”
25 Mar 2026
Charlene Gallery tells Duncan Ivison about breaking barriers for Black female academics in a project funded by our Enhancing Research Culture project.
University strengthens global standing in the QS Subject Rankings
25 Mar 2026
We have strengthened our global academic reputation, showing improvements across multiple disciplines in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject, achieving four subjects ranked in the world’s top 10, 15 in the global top 25, and 45 in the top 100.
Engagement@Manchester: Inclusive Practice
25 Mar 2026
Join our community of practice to share, learn and connect on Wednesday, 15 April 12.30pm – 1.45pm at 5.206 University Place, Oxford Road (in-person).
Mandarin courses at the Confucius Institute this spring
25 Mar 2026
Have you ever wondered what learning Mandarin might be like? Are you planning a trip to China this summer?
Old Quad upgrade and improvement works over the coming weeks
26 Mar 2026
We’re making some improvements in and around the Old Quad to improve the landscaping, making the space more welcoming and well-connected. Most activity is light and will be completed in short phases.
Car parking transfers available for current permit holders
26 Mar 2026
To improve the current capacity issues across University car parks, the Car Park Permit Office is now able to offer a small number of transfers for current permit holders only.
Travel advice to the Middle East
26 Mar 2026
With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, we are providing an update on travel to the region.
Curiosity-driven research fund helps deliver Manchester 2035
27 Mar 2026
A second new fund from our Research Committee will support original, curiosity-driven research – catalysing the development of the ambitious fundamental discovery research our University is known for.
More than 6,000 colleagues have shared their views – have you?
27 Mar 2026
Purple Place security update
27 Mar 2026
Extra layer of protection to be aware of
Our University Pay Gaps 2025
27 Mar 2026
Our Manchester 2035 strategy sets a clear ambition for us to be the great civic university for the 21st century, where equity, inclusion and social responsibility are fundamental to achieving our strategic foundations and leaps
Employment Rights Act and People Policy Updates
30 Mar 2026
Policy updates from 6th April 2026
What’s on in April?
30 Mar 2026
Welcome to April’s edition of ‘What’s on?’. Here you will find everything you can get involved in for free each month, ranging from cultural, extracurricular and celebratory events and activities.
‘In honour of my Mum’: Purple Wave for an amazing cause
30 Mar 2026
Challenge accepted by Saeed
Sign up: Drop in for a chat with University leaders
30 Mar 2026
Grab a bite, meet Duncan Ivison and the University Executive, and connect with colleagues on Tuesday, 14 April
“Researchers and practitioners brought together, addressing real world problems"
30 Mar 2026
Watch the latest inspiring film from our Research impact, shaped together campaign and celebrate how collaboration and partnership accelerate our research to impact aligning with our Manchester 2035 strategy.
Guidance during the period of local elections 2026
31 Mar 2026
You may be aware that local elections have been called and a vote will take place across councils in Greater Manchester on Thursday, 7 May 2026.