News archive – December 2012

Fundraising 'shoe amnesty' starts today
(03 Dec 2012)
Students put best foot forward for British Heart Foundation

UniLife and Staff Update hit the stands
(03 Dec 2012)
The December issues of the University newsletters are out now.

Atlas supercomputer celebrates half a century
(03 Dec 2012)
Scientists and engineers return for two days of events

Manchester's 2020 vision
(03 Dec 2012)
Your chance to read our new Strategic Plan

Director of Finance gives update on University finance (HEI Seminar)
(03 Dec 2012)
On 17 December 2012 (12.30pm) in the Kanaris Lecture Theatre, The Manchester Museum.

Save money if you travel to work by train, tram or bus
(03 Dec 2012)
Apply for your season ticket interest-free loan by 7 December

Business engagement role for pharmaceutical company founder
(03 Dec 2012)
The University of Manchester’s Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences has appointed Professor Paul Townsend as its new Associate Dean for Business Engagement.

eUpdate review needs your input
(03 Dec 2012)
It’s nearly four years since eUpdate last had a makeover and it’s time to take another look at the format and design.

Cycling at The University of Manchester: the video
(03 Dec 2012)
Filmed during the Oxford Road Annual Celebration of Cycling on 20 June 2012, this video is a showcase of what the University offers to cyclists.

Cryptography Competition goes nationwide in honour of Alan Turing
(03 Dec 2012)
GSRH XLNKVGRGRLM RH GLL SZIW ULI ZWFOGH. RU BLF XZM IVZW GSRH GSVM BLF HSLFOW GZPV KZIG RM LFI XIBKGLTIZKSB XLNKVGRGRLM GL KILEV BLF'IV GSV MVCG ZOZM GFIRMT ZMW DRM Z KIRAV. *See answer below.

All Other Things Being Equal: exhibition about the Ecuadorian Amazon
(03 Dec 2012)
Open until 2 June 2013 at The Manchester Museum - free entry.

Ancient Worlds Student Social at The Manchester Museum
(03 Dec 2012)
On Friday 7 December (6.30-9pm) - free to all students.

Drop-in fitness classes during the vacation period
(03 Dec 2012)
Classes will run from Monday 9 December to Thursday 20 December and Thursday 3 January to Thursday 24 January in the Wellbeing Rooms, Dover Street Building.

Baby Explorers: free play and story sessions for babies and their carers
(04 Dec 2012)
On Tuesday 11 December (every other Tuesday), 10.30-11.15am, 12.30-1.15pm, 1.30-2.15pm at The Manchester Museum.

Plan your Dead Good Funeral with John Fox and Sue Gill
(04 Dec 2012)
On Wednesday 12 December (2.30-4.30pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Are you interested in how your University is performing in Sport?
(04 Dec 2012)
Read Purple Pages - the brand new magazine from the University’s Athletic Union.

MDC Secretary-General reviews lessons learned in Zimbabwe
(05 Dec 2012)
One of Africa’s leading politicians will be making a rare UK appearance at The University of Manchester, when he will draw on the lessons learned from four years of coalition government in Zimbabwe.

The Social Enterprise ‘Lite’ Competition deadline is nearly here!
(05 Dec 2012)
Enter now for the chance to win a ‘Try It’ award of up to £500 to kick-start new ideas for social enterprises.

New regulations for workplace pensions
(05 Dec 2012)
More information on what auto-enrolment means for the University and how it will affect you.

Big Saturday: Winter Festival
(05 Dec 2012)
Free drop-in events for all ages on Saturday 8 December (11am-4pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Traditional Chinese and Western Modes of Thinking: Divergence and Convergence
(05 Dec 2012)
Free event for adults on Wednesday 12 December (1-2pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Reading: four short talks and audience discussion
(05 Dec 2012)
On Thursday 13 December 2012 (5pm) in Seminar Room, John Rylands Library, Deansgate (meet in the café by reception before 5pm).

Microsoft software for staff home use
(05 Dec 2012)
You may install a single copy of the software on a personally-owned desktop or laptop (but not both) for work-related purposes.

Free lunchtime concert by Quatuor Danel at the Martin Harris Centre
(05 Dec 2012)
On Thursday 6 December (1.10pm) in the Cosmo Rodewald Hall.

January Be Active enrolment courses are now available to book
(05 Dec 2012)
Eight-week courses start on 29 January 2013.

IT Know How Tip: Scheduling Assistant
(05 Dec 2012)
Outlook's Scheduling Assistant is a tool which allows you to view colleague’s availability in order to invite groups of people to meetings or events.

The Cosmo Singers perform festive works at MUMS Festive Concert
(05 Dec 2012)
On Thursday 13 December (7.30pm) in the Cosmo Rodewald Hall, Martin Harris Centre.

University to honour Sarah Storey
(05 Dec 2012)
The University of Manchester will award an honorary degree to Great Britain’s most decorated female Paralympian, Sarah Storey OBE, this Monday (Dec 10).

Staff benefits roadshow in the Arthur Lewis building today
(06 Dec 2012)
Come along and see how you can save money on your healthcare, shopping and childcare costs!

Staff benefits roadshow next week
(06 Dec 2012)
Come along and see how you can save money on your healthcare, shopping and childcare costs!

Upgrading the University finance system
(06 Dec 2012)
An essential project, called the Oracle R12 Upgrade, has been under way for nearly a year to ensure that University remains on a supported version of Oracle Financials.

Be a winner with the Wood Street Mission Lottery
(06 Dec 2012)
Find out who won the December draw - and how you can play a part in supporting a great cause.

ONE by Rebecca Cunningham: a durational performance
(06 Dec 2012)
Free drop-in event for adults on Wednesday 12 December (11am-5pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Geology identification drop-in session
(06 Dec 2012)
Free drop-in session on Thursday 13 December (2-3pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Chill out on Thursday with a relaxing massage
(06 Dec 2012)
Last chance this year to get a relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage in the peaceful tranquillity of the Wellbeing Room.

Staff benefits update
(06 Dec 2012)
Christmas gift ideas from Perkz, Blackwell's and Hi-Life

What the Dickens? It's a Christmas Carolathon
(06 Dec 2012)
From 9.30am to 2pm on Wednesday 12 December, students and staff will be reading 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens aloud in aid of housing and homelessness charity Shelter.

University Christmas Cards
(07 Dec 2012)
University Christmas Cards are now available to order through Taste Manchester.

Fundraising on World AIDS Day
(07 Dec 2012)
Staff and students donated a total of £238.49 to World AIDS Day collection boxes around the University last week.

Researchers! Become comedians for a night at Manchester Bright Club
(07 Dec 2012)
The thinking person's variety club is looking for researchers to perform for just eight minutes on 31 January 2013.

Geoff Ryman wins literary prize for fantastic fiction
(07 Dec 2012)
The 2012 Sunburst Award recognises his collection of stories 'Paradise Tales' as the best in Canadian fantastic literature.

Free talk on Chinese and Western modes of thinking and how they are converging
(07 Dec 2012)
By Dr Keekok Lee on Wednesday 12 December (1pm - 2pm) in The Kanaris Theatre, The Manchester Museum.

Theatre historian receives award for outstanding achievement in scholarship
(07 Dec 2012)
The American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR) has awarded its Distinguished Scholar Award - the most prestigious award granted to a theatre scholar - to Professor David Mayer.

Contestants wanted for Only Connect quiz show in 2013
(07 Dec 2012)
Apply by 25 January 2013 to take part in the popular BBC Four quiz, hosted by Victoria Coren, where general knowledge meets lateral thinking.

Change Management and Process Improvement web site launches
(07 Dec 2012)
Introducing a new resource to support the provision of high quality services across the University.

Have your car cleaned while you work
(10 Dec 2012)
If you don’t have time for trips to the car wash, the UniValet team will clean your car in any University car park.

Festive treats from FoodOnCampus
(10 Dec 2012)
Mince pies, festive scones and Christmas dinner with all the trimmings add up to a great deal.

FoodInAdvance is now available to staff
(10 Dec 2012)
Top up your University ID card with money to spend on food and drink in cafes, restaurants and coffee shops across campus.

Giving kids hope for the future
(10 Dec 2012)
Tremendous trio among inaugural Widening Participation award winners

University to honour Sarah Storey
(10 Dec 2012)
The University will award an honorary degree to Great Britain’s most decorated female Paralympian, Sarah Storey OBE, today (Monday 10 December).

Wrapping up Christmas for the Wood Street Mission - now with pictures
(10 Dec 2012)
Although we are living in difficult financial times, University staff have been more generous than ever in their donations to this year’s Wood Street Mission Christmas Project.

Opt out of print copies of UniLife and Staff Update
(10 Dec 2012)
Just fill in the online form and we'll stop sendng them to you.

Green Impact goes on growing in 2012/13
(10 Dec 2012)
With 42 teams now signed up for this session, the University's participation in the national environmental accreditation scheme has increased for the third year in a row.

2012/13 pay award
(10 Dec 2012)
The 2012/13 pay offer of 1% uplift to each pay point across the single spine is being implemented.

Could you talk about working in partnership with the public?
(10 Dec 2012)
Engagement@Manchester is looking for speakers for an event in April 2013.

ScienceGrrl Calendar 2013: a gorgeous gift for geeks
(10 Dec 2012)
The calendar features 13 stunning images of scientists and science presenters, including Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell and Tomorrow’s World’s Kate Bellingham, and can be bought online and at MOSI.

Nowgen course: Biomarkers in research and clinical practice
(10 Dec 2012)
On 13 February 2013 - special discounted rate for University/CMFT staff.

What's Cooking? Veggie recipe competition closes on 16 December
(11 Dec 2012)
How would you like to share your favourite vegetarian recipe, have the chance to see your recipe grace the counters in food outlets across the University, and help the environment all at the same time? Plus win one of five fabulous prizes?

Christmas parties, buffets, dinners and lunches from Taste Manchester
(11 Dec 2012)
Enjoy three courses, coffee, mince pies and wine for just £13.25 per person.

Student Games Maker bids for Christmas No 1
(11 Dec 2012)
A University of Manchester student, who formed a choir from the popular army of volunteers working at the Olympics and Paralympics, is bidding for top spot in the Christmas charts this year.

University honours Sarah Storey
(11 Dec 2012)
The University has awarded an honorary degree to Great Britain’s most decorated female Paralympian, Sarah Storey OBE.

Merry Marketplace
(11 Dec 2012)
The University’s buy and sell website The Marketplace is gearing up for a bumper Christmas.

Final free lunchtime concert of 2012 features celebrated piano duo
(11 Dec 2012)
On Thursday 13 December (1.10pm) in The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama.

Catching up on student communications
(11 Dec 2012)
Student communications professionals met up in Manchester last week to share the latest developments in this new but rapidly expanding Higher Education communications specialism.

Student System Office will be closed on 14 December
(11 Dec 2012)
The office (in Room 1.033, John Owens Building) will be closed from 2pm to 5pm on Friday 14 December 2012.

Staff Christmas carol service
(12 Dec 2012)
On Tuesday 18 December (12.15-12.45pm) in Whitworth Hall.

Staff benefits – Christmas message
(12 Dec 2012)
Where to find those last minute presents plus a £10 discount on the New Year's Eve party at the Great John Street Hotel.

Honorary Degree for Chief Medical Officer
(12 Dec 2012)
The Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Dame Sally Davies, will receive an honorary degree from The University of Manchester on Friday.

HOST helps international students find a ‘home’ for Christmas
(12 Dec 2012)
Here’s a unique opportunity to invite international students into your homes and communities and connect in a personal way with another part of the world.

Hark: Carol singing for the Wood Street Mission
(12 Dec 2012)
On Sunday, 16 December (2-3pm) at The John Rylands Library.

Part-time English exam preparation courses
(12 Dec 2012)
Study part-time to prepare for IELTS or Cambridge ESOL exams with the University Language Centre.

Swift success for 'speed mentoring'
(12 Dec 2012)
Faculty of Life Sciences students and graduates met up at the end of November for a networking event with a twist – speed mentoring.

Down your way: two centuries of Manchester’s maps go online
(13 Dec 2012)
Over 300 historical maps spanning 200 years of Mancunian history have been digitised and published online by The University of Manchester Library’s Centre for Heritage Imaging and Collection Care (CHICC).

University celebrates Hong Kong anniversary
(13 Dec 2012)
The Chancellor Tom Bloxham MBE visited Hong Kong where a celebratory dinner was held for the Hong Kong Foundation for The University of Manchester (HKFUM), founded at the start of this year.

New scanner will benefit patients across Manchester
(13 Dec 2012)
Patients across Greater Manchester are set to benefit from a new state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner which was officially opened yesterday (Wednesday 12 December).

Energy regulator gives green light to low carbon usage research
(13 Dec 2012)
Ofgem, the regulator of electricity and gas markets, has approved £45.5 million for five innovative projects which aim to make the electricity distribution network smarter and meet the challenges of moving to a low carbon economy.

Last chance for students to ‘Tell Us’ about the quality of teaching
(14 Dec 2012)
Help to maximise the student response rate to the Unit Surveys for Semester 1 before they close on 14 December at 11.59pm.

Car Park Permit Office closure
(14 Dec 2012)
The Car Park Permit Office in Room G.002, Beyer Building, will be closed for the afternoon from 12pm on Tuesday 18 December.

Alan Gilbert Learning Commons to re-open
(14 Dec 2012)
Extensive works aim for 7 January opening

Follow the paper trail in this new recycling video
(14 Dec 2012)
The Environmental Sustainability Team has produced a short video to show you what happens to the office paper you recycle via the “blue bag” paper recycling scheme.

Manchester researchers to mentor schools and colleges
(14 Dec 2012)
University chosen as academic 'gateway' for young people

Egencia telephone lines will be disrupted this weekend
(14 Dec 2012)
Alternative arrangements are in place for travellers who need to contact Egencia between 14 and 17 December.

Make your own collage calendars for 2013
(14 Dec 2012)
Free drop-in sessions for all ages after Chrstmas at The Manchester Museum.

Humanities Teaching and Learning Showcase
(15 Dec 2012)
On 8 January (1pm) in the Martin Harris Centre.

IT Service Desk – service impact
(17 Dec 2012)
During the week 17-21 December the IT Service Desk will be physically relocating across campus, during which time this service may be impacted.

Drop-in fitness classes during the vacation period
(17 Dec 2012)
Choose from Cardioblast for £3.00 and Abs, Bums & Backs for £2.00.

January Be-Active enrolment courses are now available to book
(17 Dec 2012)
Get in early and secure your place for the New Year Be-Active and INTO Sport enrolment courses.

Leading the Student Experience
(17 Dec 2012)
On 5 November, the University’s inaugural Student Experience Leads Conference brought together for the first time members of PSS staff from Schools, Faculties and Directorates who have agreed to be the Student Experience Leads for their areas.

Magic Carpet: Animals in winter - storytelling and activity session
(17 Dec 2012)
On Friday 28 December (10.30-11.30am and 11.30am-12.30pm) at The Manchester Museum

Staff benefits roadshow in the Jean McFarlane building today
(18 Dec 2012)
Come along and see how you can save money on your healthcare, shopping and childcare costs!

Christmas closure dates for University Sport Centres
(18 Dec 2012)
If you are planning a visit to one of the University sports centres between Friday, 21 December 2012 and Wednesday, 2 January 2013, please check that it is open before you travel.

Blackberry issues resolved
(18 Dec 2012)
IT Services has confirmed that the issues affecting Blackberry users have now been resolved.

Car parking on campus during Christmas and New Year
(18 Dec 2012)
Information about accessing University car parks during the festive break.

Strictly Come Dancing visits The Manchester Museum
(18 Dec 2012)
On Wednesday 19 December, a camera crew from Strictly Come Dancing is coming to the Museum to interview staff and visitors about the show.

10 week WEA course: The natural world - British Wildlife
(18 Dec 2012)
Starts Monday 7 January (2.45-4.45pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Christmas closure dates and December pay arrangements
(19 Dec 2012)
This year's closure dates and pay dates.

University e-card reaches right across the globe
(19 Dec 2012)
Over 4,000 cards have been sent to 54 countries so far

How we’re helping local people find work
(19 Dec 2012)
Fifteen students ‘graduated’ from our University today – all unemployed Manchester people destined for the hospitality and catering industry.

10 week WEA course: A history of social movements in Manchester
(19 Dec 2012)
Starts Tuesday, 8 January (2.45-4.45pm) at The Manchester Museum.

10 week WEA course: Geology: Fossils and their uses
(19 Dec 2012)
Starts Wednesday 9 January (2.45-4.45pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Safety Matters - read Issue 4 for tips on avoiding slips and trips
(19 Dec 2012)
The latest issue of the Safety Services newlsetter focuses on slips and trips, the most common type of accident here at the University.

Access for researchers to email/e-resources after end of employment contracts
(19 Dec 2012)
A pilot scheme with researchers at The University of Manchester.

Switch off for Christmas
(19 Dec 2012)
Take a few easy steps to reduce electricity consumption in your department or building during the holidays.

Student catering earns Soil Association accolade
(19 Dec 2012)
Eight hall dining rooms catered by FoodInResidence have earned the Soil Association’s Bronze Food for Life Catering Mark.

Graphene team lands £11 million to look at layering
(20 Dec 2012)
Researchers are aiming to develop a new class of materials with remarkable properties using one atom-thick substances such as graphene in a new collaborative project.

StaffNet celebrates a successful year
(21 Dec 2012)
During 2012 there have been 297,159 visits to StaffNet News stories – the most visits to the news section yet.

Manchester student named Local Hero of the Year
(21 Dec 2012)
A Manchester student has been named Local Hero of the Year after a nationwide hunt for the UK's top community champions.