News archive – May 2020
University inspired colouring for relaxation
(01 May 2020)
Colour for relaxation with these University inspired designs
Digital Futures - Creative and Heritage Challenge Area Survey
(01 May 2020)
A survey on collaboration in research, teaching and knowledge exchange
Updated Research and PGR FAQs: Funding extensions, Library services, laptops
(01 May 2020)
Frequently asked questions are updated regularly
Updated staff FAQ: Working elsewhere during furlough leave
(01 May 2020)
Frequently asked questions are updated regularly
Supporting social enterprises to deliver food to those in need
(01 May 2020)
Our catering team is helping social enterprises Fareshare and Cracking Good Food
Older people’s stay healthy lockdown guide published
(01 May 2020)
A guide to help older people stay healthy at home during the COVID-19 lockdown has been published by University academics
Tales to Inspire: The Online Series
(01 May 2020)
Alumnus Krishnan Patel has developed his vision for making a difference during these challenging times
WATCH: Open meeting with the Professional Services Leadership Team
(04 May 2020)
Thursday, 7 May, 9.45am – 10.45am
Online open meeting with the Senior Leadership Team
(04 May 2020)
Tuesday, 12 May, 1pm - 2pm
Temporary suspension of StaffNet's Marketplace
(04 May 2020)
Due to the ongoing situation with coronavirus (Covid-19), we have taken the decision to temporarily suspend approving new Marketplace listings
Wellbeing and mental health support for staff
(04 May 2020)
Services available for anyone who needs support for their wellbeing and mental health
WATCH: Lemn Sissay invites all to Making a Difference Awards
(04 May 2020)
Join us for “the greatest hits of our very best work to improve the wellbeing of society and the environment”
Innovation Community meetings, May 2020
(04 May 2020)
Now online so you can keep in touch and make new connections with people who have similar research or technology interests
#GivingTuesdayNow is today
(05 May 2020)
#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of unity in response to Coronavirus. A day where we can all come together to recognise, celebrate and give thanks for the incredible outpouring of compassion we have witnessed during this crisis.
Intermittent access to University Services - Update 6, 10.05am
(05 May 2020)
IT Services were made aware of intermittent issues connecting to University services
COVID-19 financial implications for the University
(05 May 2020)
A message from the President and Vice-Chancellor
Leadership coaching and support for women
(05 May 2020)
Join Queen Bee Coaching via Zoom on Sunday, 10 May at 2pm or Thursday, 14 May 7.30pm to hear coaches and clients talk about their experience and discover if it is for you
Breaking barriers to higher education for care experienced young people
(05 May 2020)
Supporting the Supporters is a collaborative conference bringing adults who work to support care-experienced young people together to share their expertise and make positive changes
Download a University Zoom background
(06 May 2020)
We've created some Zoom background templates
Viewpoint: Our research response to Covid-19
(06 May 2020)
Professor Ian Bruce
Setting up your work station while staying at home
(06 May 2020)
Alternative ways to make your work set up at home comfortable
Staff Learning and Development at home
(06 May 2020)
You can continue to access our huge range of resources from home, including Change Management Essentials
The Institute of Teaching and Learning website launches
(06 May 2020)
The Institute of Teaching and Learning is delighted to launch their new website
Updated staff FAQs: Pay for key workers
(06 May 2020)
Frequently asked questions are updated regularly
WATCH: Open meeting with the Professional Services Leadership Team
(07 May 2020)
Today, Thursday, 7 May, 9.45am – 10.45am
Staff benefits update
(07 May 2020)
Latest on wellbeing, discounts and payroll giving
Digital developments to support our applicants and offer holders
(07 May 2020)
Following the suspension of all face-to-face conversion events due to COVID-19, a group of colleagues from across the University has been convened to look at enhancing our digital presence for undergraduate applicants and offer holders
POSTPONED: Network downtime weekend of 16/17 May
(07 May 2020)
IT Services planned network maintenance announcement
You're all invited - celebrate our volunteers this afternoon!
(07 May 2020)
Grab a cuppa and celebrate with Nancy and our University community at the online Volunteer of the Year Awards this afternoon
Coming soon – ‘Lockdown Lectures’
(07 May 2020)
Our researchers to provide insight into their areas of interest
Digital Futures survey - Citizens and Government
(07 May 2020)
If your research, teaching, or professional activity is in the area of citizens and government we'd like to hear from you
Confirmation of start dates for the academic year 2020/21
(07 May 2020)
A message from Professor April McMahon, Vice President for Teaching, Learning and Students
Graduate uses lockdown experience to make documentary
(07 May 2020)
A University graduate with Aspergers Syndrome has made the most of the lockdown to put together a documentary about the impact of his condition on mental health
Updated FAQs: New academic year, furlough leave
(07 May 2020)
Frequently asked questions are updated regularly
Updated PGR FAQs: Funding extensions, tuition fee payment plans
(07 May 2020)
Frequently asked questions are updated regularly
UK Government lockdown announcement
(10 May 2020)
Staff will be informed of eventual return to campus well in advance. UPDATED 10/5/20
Back care at home - #StayInWorkOut
(11 May 2020)
University sports physiotherapist Jamie Miller has created a Back Care at Home video
Online mental wellbeing service sees record increase in usage
(11 May 2020)
Big White Wall offers help with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems and lifestyle challenges
Meet the winners of our 2020 Volunteer of the Year Awards
(11 May 2020)
Good news is needed right now so we transferred our annual event online to continue celebrating the very best of our University community
Wood Street Mission Lottery
(11 May 2020)
Announcing the winner of the May 2020 draw
Assessment support for students from the Library
(11 May 2020)
Direct your students to our online resources
Encourage your children to take part in the 2020 Great Science Share
(11 May 2020)
Share scientific questions across social media and win prizes for schools
WATCH: Open meeting with the Professional Services Leadership Team
(11 May 2020)
Professional services leadership team answer your questions
Making a Difference Awards take place on Facebook Live!
(11 May 2020)
Staff, students, alumni and friends from around the world celebrate the incredible and inspiring work of our University community
Bringing a little Zen to our crazy times
(11 May 2020)
Student Engagement team organise online yoga session for our students for Stress Awareness Month, part of our Six Ways to Wellbeing
WATCH: Online open meeting with the Senior Leadership Team
(11 May 2020)
Today, Tuesday 12 May, 1pm - 2pm
University helps test 150,000 pieces of PPE for Manchester City Council
(12 May 2020)
Dr Obuks Ejohwomu, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, helps Manchester City Council test thousands of pieces of PPE
Online community to support Academic Advising model implementation
(12 May 2020)
The Academic Advising model emphasises staff-student partnership in a process of discussion, prioritisation, reflection and implementation
PPE testing for local council reaches 150,000 milestone
(12 May 2020)
A University academic has helped Manchester City Council (MCC) coordinate and test thousands of pieces Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for key workers in the city
Social Justice Photography Competition 2020 winners announced
(12 May 2020)
Voting has ended and the results are in
Staff participate in virtual choir tribute to NHS
(12 May 2020)
The Choir Project MCR has teamed up virtually with members of Northenden Community Choir and the Royal Northern College of Music and Deloitte staff choirs, joined by musical theatre singer Kerry Ellis and poet Tony Walsh
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
(12 May 2020)
IDAHOBIT will take place on Sunday, 17 May 2020
Share your thoughts and experiences on wellbeing
(13 May 2020)
All colleagues are invited to share their thoughts and experiences of wellbeing on the wellbeing blog
Interim adjustments to Financial Procedures
(13 May 2020)
Some adjustments have been made to reflect the current Covid-19 situation
Update on furlough leave
(13 May 2020)
A message from Director of Human Resources Karen Heaton following the Government’s announcement
How is the COVID crisis impacting our community?
(13 May 2020)
Recording the challenges faced by our diverse community
Viewpoint: A time of learning
(13 May 2020)
Jonathan Winter, Head of Staff Learning and Development
Online open meeting on teaching, learning and students
(13 May 2020)
Tuesday, 19 May, 2pm - 3pm
IT connectivity issues - Resolved
(13 May 2020)
After extensive investigation with various parties, the connectivity issues experienced over the past few days are now considered resolved
Staff Learning and Development at home
(13 May 2020)
You can continue to access our huge range of resources from home, including Personal Development Planning
POSTPONED: Network downtime Sat 16 and Sun 17 May
(13 May 2020)
Following discussions with the Teaching and Learning Group Executive about the potential impact on our students, and given the recent network connectivity issues, we are postponing the planned work to upgrade our data centres to the weekend of the 13 and 14 June.
Information on domestic abuse
(14 May 2020)
For anyone experiencing domestic abuse, working from home at this time may be particularly difficult and they may require support
Staff benefits and wellbeing update
(14 May 2020)
This week the focus is on our Cycle to Work Scheme, latest offers from Wider Wallet and the amazing resources you can access from our cultural institutions
Phased return to campus and new working arrangements
(14 May 2020)
A message from Nalin Thakker, Vice-President for Social Responsibility and Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research
WATCH: Open meeting with the Senior Leadership Team
(14 May 2020)
Senior Leadership Team answer your questions
Professor Brian Cox launches our ‘Lockdown Lectures’ series
(15 May 2020)
Join some of the nation’s foremost scientists, thinkers, historians and social commentators for some informal lectures from the comfort of your own home
Understand your role in higher education – and develop your career
(15 May 2020)
Applications are open for the PgCert in Higher Education programme 2020/21 entry and are welcome from academic staff and PS colleagues
The Russell Group has appointed Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell as its next Chair
(15 May 2020)
Professor Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, will take over on 1 September 2020 from the current Chair, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow
SharePoint is moving to SharePoint Online
(15 May 2020)
With new features, greater storage and better integration with other tools, we are changing the way we work for the better
Weekly Tai chi classes on Zoom
(15 May 2020)
All staff invited to take part in weekly Tai chi classes
Mental Health Awareness Week
(18 May 2020)
This week (18-24 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week
Phased roll out of online expenses module
(18 May 2020)
Improving the Employee Experience
Questions about email or Office 365?
(18 May 2020)
If you're having issues accessing email, this may be related to the Office 365 transfer
Update on how our University is responding to Covid-19
(18 May 2020)
A message from Patrick Hackett, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer (RSCOO)
WATCH: Online open meeting with April McMahon
(19 May 2020)
The panel answer your questions
WATCH: Our Covid-19 campaign
(19 May 2020)
Highlighting our people’s response to the crisis
Take our survey on how Covid-19 situation is affecting our community
(19 May 2020)
We'd like to understand the range of challenges different groups and individuals are facing in order to have a better understanding of how the decisions we all make affect others
New open access course on antibiotic resistance
(19 May 2020)
'An introduction to antibiotics and drug-resistant infections' is aimed primarily at members of the public and patients.
Updates to this year's Stellify Award
(19 May 2020)
Some changes have been made due to the current Covid-19 situation
Counselling and mental health service online workshops
(20 May 2020)
The Counselling and mental health service moves workshop programme online
Online open meeting on research
(20 May 2020)
Thursday, 28 May, 3.15pm – 4.15pm
Making the most of online learning
(20 May 2020)
You can continue to access our huge range of resources from home
Staff benefits and wellbeing update
(21 May 2020)
It is Mental Health Awareness Week and the key theme this year is Kindness.
Voluntary severance scheme and other voluntary measures
(21 May 2020)
Details of a new voluntary severance scheme and other voluntary options for colleagues
Phased campus reopening update
(21 May 2020)
A message from Nalin Thakkar, Chair of the Campus Reopening and Corporate Support Group
Learn about wellbeing with Futurelearn
(26 May 2020)
Free Moocs about wellbeing available from Futurelearn
Saying 'I do' with a difference
(26 May 2020)
A couple whose wedding day was put on hold due to the Covid-19 lockdown have celebrated their special day with a 'DIY' ceremony
University to decarbonise its investment portfolio
(26 May 2020)
The University of Manchester has announced that it will end investments in fossil fuel reserve and extraction companies by 2022, and ‘decarbonise’ all investments by 2038
Discover our online key communication skills courses
(27 May 2020)
You can continue to access our huge range of resources from home
Sustainability during lockdown: log your activity on our 10,000 Actions website
(27 May 2020)
We’ve updated our 10,000 Actions website so that you can record what you’re doing to help the environment while at home
Test your general knowledge with the SEED end of year quiz
(27 May 2020)
The School of Environment, Education and Development are hosting an online quiz to celebrate the end of the academic year
WATCH: Edward Astle reflects on the Making a Difference Awards
(27 May 2020)
Edward Astle, Chair of the University’s Board of Governors has recorded a short message reflecting on the 2020 Making a Difference Awards and the importance of this event for the wider University community
Tutor trains multidisciplinary team at NHS Nightingale hospital
(27 May 2020)
Yinka Kuye, regional tutor for the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education, speaks about her involvement in the operation of London's NHS Nightingale hospital
Online workshop dates available on managing teams remotely
(27 May 2020)
As we continue to work from home, many managers may be finding that for the first time they are managing virtually
Updated PGR FAQs: Funded extensions, accessing campus, annual reviews
(27 May 2020)
Frequently asked questions are updated regularly
WATCH: Online open meeting on research
(28 May 2020)
Thursday, 28 May, 3.15pm – 4.15pm
Staff benefits and wellbeing update
(28 May 2020)
Highlighting the online services that can help support your wellbeing to help you keep active, keep healthy and learn and discover. Plus in discounts there are plenty of great deals including one for all our cyclists!
Catch-up on our wellbeing lectures
(28 May 2020)
Wellbeing lectures are available for all to watch
Phased campus reopening update
(28 May 2020)
A message from Nalin Thakkar, Chair of the Campus Reopening and Corporate Support Group
Voluntary measures information updated
(28 May 2020)
Extra information added on notice periods, VS payments, returning from career breaks and more
Transfers to Office 365
(28 May 2020)
An update on the accelerated approach
You are invited to join the Venture Further Awards 2020 online event
(29 May 2020)
£75,000 prize fund to be announced at Venture Further Awards 2020
Blackboard downtime – 2am Monday 1 June
(29 May 2020)
Blackboard expected to be down from 2am to 3am on Monday 1 June
Reduced 147 bus service
(29 May 2020)
The 147 bus service operated by Stagecoach will run less frequently from Monday, 1 June
Impact of COVID-19 on researchers and the UK research base
(29 May 2020)
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has commissioned a survey to gather important evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on the activities of UK researchers and research groups