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Bishop Grosseteste to Celebrate University Title at Cathedral
The newly named Bishop Grosseteste University will hold a service of thanksgiving in Lincoln Cathedral later this month to celebrate its new title. The ceremony will be held at 10.30am on Wednesday 30th January and will also mark the installation of the Chancellor, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Muriel Robinson OBE. Privy Council confirmed BGU’s new title in December 2012 after the Government changed the threshold number of students required for an institution to be called a university. Until recently only higher education institutions with 4,000 or more students could use the title university. Smaller institutions were called university colleges, but now all HE institutions with more than 1,000 students have the right to apply to call themselves a university. The ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral will be attended by BGU staff, governors and students, and it is also open to members of the public. After the ceremony invited guests will be invited back to the university for a private celebratory lunch in the form of a ‘posh pack-up’ using locally sourced produce. During the afternoon the University Court – a grouping of the university’s most senior stakeholders who come together twice a year to offer their insights and support – will have its inaugural meeting on campus. At 4.30pm the Rt Rev Christopher Lowson, Bishop of Lincoln, will give a lecture as part of BGU’s series of public lectures on what constitutes a good life and the implications for us all in trying to live one. The event is called ‘For all that has been – Thanks. For all that shall be – Yes’, a title which refers to the past and future success of the institution. Professor Muriel Robinson believes the new university title will benefit BGU greatly. “To be able to take our place alongside other UK universities is a symbolic moment for us which recognises the excellent teaching and research which goes on at Bishop Grosseteste University,” she said. “The new title dispels any confusion that the old one may have created. We have 150 years of history and have been awarding our own degrees since 2006, but the old name ‘university college’ put some people off. Now we will be better equipped to compete with other universities to secure the best staff and students.” The event is free of charge and open to the public. If you would like to book a seat, please contact Conferencing and Events Administrator Jessica Lyons on 01522 583681 or email jessica.lyons@bishopg.ac.uk before 16th January. Notes to editors: Bishop Grosseteste University was established in January 1862 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012. It is an independent higher education institution based in Lincoln which awards its own degrees at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level. It changed its name from Bishop Grosseteste University College to Bishop Grosseteste University in November 2012. “For all that has been – Thanks. For all that shall be – Yes” is a quotation from Dag Hammarskjöld (29th July 1905 – 18th September 1961), Swedish diplomat, the second United Nations Secretary-General, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. The quotation used for the title and leitmotif of the service comes from his book Vägmärken (Markings), a collection of journal entries published in 1964. For media information please contact:Jez AshberryShooting Star PR01522 52854007780 735071jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk -
Paralympic Medallist Jade to be Honoured at BGU Graduation
Winter Paralympic skiing medallist Jade Etherington is to receive an honorary fellowship from Bishop Grosseteste University at a graduation ceremony next week. Jade, who graduated from Bishop Grosseteste University two years ago with a degree in Education Studies and Geography, won three silver medals and one bronze at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. Britain’s number one visually impaired alpine speed event ski racer will join around 850 students receiving their degrees from Bishop Grosseteste University at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 23rd July. Also accepting special honours on the day will be Professor Muriel Robinson OBE DL, who retired as the university’s Vice Chancellor in April 2013; Ursula Lidbetter MBE DL, Chief Executive of the Lincolnshire Co-operative and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership; and Dr Tim Lomas, former Principal School Improvement Advisor in Lincolnshire. All three will become honorary graduates of the university. Haydn Beeken, who was Chair of BGU’s University Council for eight years until 2013, will also receive an honorary fellowship. There will be three ceremonies on the day: at 10.15am, 2.30pm and 7.15pm. Dr Lomas will receive his honorary degree in the morning ceremony, Professor Robinson will be honoured during the afternoon ceremony and Ms Lidbetter will receive her degree in the evening ceremony. Jade Etherington will receive her fellowship at 2.30pm and Haydn Beeken will receive his fellowship at 7.15pm. “Graduation day is of course the highlight of the university year and we look forward to celebrating a wonderful day in a spectacular setting with our graduands, their friends and their families,” said the Reverend Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “We are also proud to be able to recognise the achievements of five people who stand as inspirational role models for our graduating students.” Members of the media are welcome to attend. If you would like to attend please contact Jez Ashberry at Shooting Star PR on 01522 528540 or 07780 735071 or email jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk. -
BGU's Psychology Degree Receives Accreditation
The popular Psychology degree course offered at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln has been awarded accreditation by the British Psychological Society. BGU introduced Psychology as a new subject course in September last year, and it has proved to be a highly popular choice among students.The university aimed to recruit 20 first-year students but actually enrolled 37, almost double the target figure. BPS accreditation is essential for any student planning to pursue psychology-related further study or professions. Accreditation takes effect immediately so both current students and those starting their course this September will benefit. Graham Meeson, Head of Education and Learning at BGU, said: "This has been a fantastic year for the subject, beginning with excellent recruitment and ending with this well justified recognition. "We were all taken aback by the popularity of the subject as the student interest and intake exceeded all our expectations." The Psychology course at BGU is offered as a combined honours degree, allowing students to study the subject alongside a range of other subjects such as Special Educational Needs and Inclusion, or Early Childhood Studies. The university will be offering Psychology as a single honours programme for 2015 entry, specialising in area of the arts therapies, community engagement and wellbeing. Dr Olivia Sagan, Academic Co-ordinator for Psychology at BGU, said: "I am delighted Bishop Grosseteste University has received the BPS stamp of recognition and approval, but this is just the beginning. "Our focus is now set on maintaining the excellent standards we have set, growing our student body, developing a national reputation for the development of student-centred psychology learning and developing a research profile." The launch of the new course brought a number of new facilities including a PsychLab and interview area, high-end computers for carrying out quantitative and qualitative analysis and facilities for digitally recording, editing and analysing observation and interviews. The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the national representative body for psychology and psychologists. Its accreditation is a mark of educational quality recognised by students and employers. The university went through a year-long process with the BPS before being awarded the official accreditation. To download the news release and high-res images please visit shootingstar-pr.co.uk/Newsroom/popular-psychology-degree-receives-accreditation/ -
BGU Lays Foundations for Work-Based Degree
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln welcomed a new intake of Foundation Degree students in February to cope with high demand for places. 23 students enrolled on the two-year course at the beginning of February in addition to the 120 students who started in September. "The increased popularity of the foundation degree sparked our decision to introduce a second intake of students that commenced in February," said Sacha Mason, Academic Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU. "This year we have enrolled a record number of students to the course, and further interest is still being shown for the forthcoming academic year." A former children's entertainer from Durham, Matthew St Julien, has set his sights on developing his knowledge and increasing his range of skills after enrolling onto the course. He has six years' experience dealing with young people after working as a Redcoat at two Butlins resorts and overseas in America for the kids club on the Disney Cruise Line. "I've always enjoyed working with children from an entertainment aspect but decided to broaden my horizons," said Matthew. "The foundation course BGU offers was my best option. The combination of applying my years of experience to theory is simply the best of both worlds." In addition to studying at BGU Matthew is also volunteering as a teaching assistant twice a week at The Meadows Primary School in Lincoln. "As a teaching assistant I am responsible for small group learning, which gives me the opportunity to practise what I am taught on the course with the children in a more controlled setting. The information I'm receiving from the course is an eye-opener and I am considering furthering my education at BGU to increase my career prospects." Mother-of-three from Caistor Rachael Goeminne made the decision to utilise her free time and her child raising experience by enrolling on the course last month. She currently volunteers at Caistor Church of England and Methodist Primary School twice a week while learning in her spare time. "I left education 26 years ago which made me particularly nervous when I first started the course," said Rachael. "However the tutors and advisors have been very welcoming which is encouraging. The course has exposed me to many possibilities that I will consider for my future career within teaching or social care. Juggling studying, volunteering and family responsibilities can be quite intense at times, but I'm enjoying it nevertheless and hope to continue on to do a BA Honours degree at BGU." The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-based course appropriate for people who want to gain industry experience alongside studying for a degree. Students require a minimum of one year's experience working or volunteering with children, and continue to do so over the duration of their study. Foundation degrees are the equivalent of two-thirds of a full honours degree (BA Hons). The courses are designed to provide students with both a qualification and relevant skills which will appeal to employers. "A large number of foundation degree students advance to do a third year at BGU to gain a full BA (Hons) degree as they understand its importance for career progression," said Sacha. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU offers three pathways: Early Childhood, Children and Youth Work and Learning Support. To find out how to apply for a place, visit our course pages or call 01522 527347. -
Jade Flying High at the Winter Games!
Bishop Grosseteste graduate Jade Etherington is now a quadruple Olympic medal winner following a whirlwind couple of days in Sochi. She is now officially Britain's most successful winter paralympian. Jade became Britain's first ever winter Olympics medallist with a silver medal in the Alpine Skiing Women's Downhill - Visually Impaired category. She then added a bronze medal to her tally in the Super-G event, finishing just over a second behind Gold medallist and Team GB compatriot Kelly Gallagher. Another two silvers followed in the Slalom and Super Combined Super-G categories.She has two more chances to add to her medal haul over the next few days, competing in the Super Combined and Giant Slalom events. Jade, who graduated from BGU two years ago with a degree in Education Studies and Geography, was born with glaucoma and Axenfeld Syndrome - a rare eye disorder - Jade has less than 5% vision in each eye. She is Britain's number one visually impaired alpine speed event ski racer, winning a bronze medal in the 2013 World Championships and reaching the medal podium 28 times in 32 races. "Jade is not only an inspirational athlete but an inspiration to everyone she meets," said Graham Meeson, Head of Education and Learning at Bishop Grosseteste University. "Her attitude and the way she has handled steadily losing her eyesight is a testament to her character and she has demonstrated that there really is no barrier that can prevent you achieving your goals and competing at the highest level." Skiers with blindness or a visual impairment are guided through the race course by a sighted guide using signals to indicate the course to follow. This involves a high level of trust between the athlete and the guide, and they are both awarded medals if they reach the podium. Jade competes with ex-Team GB athlete Caroline Powell, who skis closely in front of Jade at speeds of up to 65mph and uses pre-determined commands via helmet radios to help Jade to negotiate the course as quickly as possible. Jade and her guide Caroline are both on Twitter - you can follow them now at @raceyjadeski and @CarolineSkie -
New look at BGU as students arrive on campus
Students arriving for the start of the new academic year at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln this week have found that a number of improvements have been made to the campus. The university has spent around £6.5 million over the summer on upgrading accommodation, catering facilities and learning spaces. A new modern accommodation facility for 126 students has replaced an older hall of residence, and together with the extensive refurbishment of Constance Stewart Hall has resulted in a net increase in rooms on campus of 23. The dining facilities in Constance Stewart Hall are being replaced by a new building closer to the new accommodation block and the university’s quirky Alice in Wonderland-themed café Curiositea has been refurbished and enlarged. On the teaching side a new Psychology lab has been created for students who are enrolling for the first time on BGU’s psychology degree course, which can be studied in conjunction with a number of different subjects. The £6.5m investment is the latest stage in a programme of improvements at Bishop Grosseteste University. Last year £2.5m was invested in an extension to the library – the Cornerstone Building- which is now home to Library Services and the Student Support and Learning Advice teams. A £250,000 project to remodel the campus main entrance and reception area was also completed last year and £75,000 was spent on converting Bishop Greaves Theatre into The Venue, a state-of-the-art digital cinema which can also stage theatrical productions. “We have a beautiful campus in uphill Lincoln but we never stand still and we are always looking at ways in which we can improve the student experience here,” said Stephen Deville, Director of Resources at Bishop Grosseteste University. “Students are very discerning these days and we’re confident that the investments we’ve made on campus in recent years will make BGU a very attractive destination for them.” -
Imps Unveil New Bishop Grosseteste Sponsored Kit
Lincoln City’s new home strip for the 2013/14 season has been unveiled today (Friday 2nd August). The new shirts feature the logo of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) which entered into a new strategic partnership with the club in March. Under the terms of the three-year agreement BGU is a leading partner of the football club and the university’s new lions logo will appear on Lincoln City’s home and replica shirts for the next three seasons. The club and BGU will work closely together on a number of initiatives, including Football in the Community work, placement opportunities for BGU students and partnerships between the football club and BGU’s sports courses. BGU will also work with Lincoln City Sport and Education Trust to support its work with children and young people in the local area. “It’s great to see our emblem displayed on Lincoln City’s shirts for the new season,” said Rob Jones, Director of Enterprise at Bishop Grosseteste University. “We’re hoping that the BGU lions and the Lincoln City imp can strike fear into the opposition throughout the coming season!” Russell Moore, Lincoln City FC Commercial Manager, added: “We are delighted to unveil our new home kit which reflects our new partnership with Bishop Grosseteste University. “This agreement will benefit both the club and the city of Lincoln, with both of us having a proud history and a vision for success. “We are confident BGU will be an excellent partner for us and we are looking forward to building a strong working relationship with them.” 2nd August 2013g -
BGU's New Deputy Vice Chancellor Looks to Future
Building the university's research profile and enhancing international links are two of the goals identified by the new Deputy Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. Professor Jayne Mitchell last week took up the new role of Deputy Vice Chancellor with responsibility for academic affairs. She was formerly Director of Research, Development and Partnerships at the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and before that Associate Dean at Staffordshire University. "My role at BGU is a completely new one and my remit is to focus on three areas: teaching and learning, research and international activity," she said. "One of our long-term aims is to grow the university's research capacity and capability and to raise the profile of the research work being undertaken by staff. We also want to enhance the internationalisation of the BGU experience both for UK students and students coming to BGU from overseas." Professor Mitchell is no stranger to Lincolnshire, having grown up near Cleethorpes, but it was the heritage and growing reputation of Bishop Grosseteste University that appealed to her. "I was attracted by the job and the institution - where it is now and where it's going in the future," Professor Mitchell explained. "This is a really exciting time for BGU. The university has a strong heritage and firm foundations, but there are also plans for development and expansion in a controlled way and scope to move to even bigger and better things. That was really attractive and something I wanted to contribute to." The Vice Chancellor of BGU, the Reverend Professor Peter Neil, welcomed Professor Mitchell to the university. "We are sure that Jayne will make a valuable contribution to the strategic direction of BGU and we are extremely pleased to welcome her as part of the senior leadership team," he said. Professor Mitchell completed her PhD in Physical Activity Epidemiology at the University of Exeter and holds a Master's in Public Health from the University of Birmingham. She has previously held a number of posts in higher education institutions that reflect her commitment to quality assurance and academic and research interests in physical activity and health. She will work at BGU alongside Hâf Merrifield, Deputy Vice Chancellor for strategy and performance. News release 11th March 2014 -
Registrar and Secretary Appointed at Bishop Grosseteste University
Dr Anne Craven has been appointed as the new Registrar and Secretary at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. Dr Craven comes to BGU from the University of Northampton, where she has been working as Head of Quality and Academic Partnerships and Deputy Director (Quality) in Student and Academic Services. Previously she was Director of Administration at Helsinki Theatre Academy, where she provided leadership for the strategic merger of three acclaimed Finnish arts universities into the new University of the Arts Helsinki. Before this she was Registrar at the School of Social Sciences at the University of East London, leading the school’s administration through a major change process. She has also worked as Departmental Administrator at Goldsmiths, University of London, and held several administrative positions at Royal Holloway, University of London. As a member of the senior leadership team at BGU Dr Craven will be responsible for quality, governance, student administration, data, admissions and recruitment and marketing. “I’m passionate about higher education, its management and its development and I’m very much looking forward to meeting and working with all colleagues at Bishop Grosseteste University and implementing the new university strategy together with staff and the Students’ Union,” Dr Craven said. Dr Craven earned her PhD in Music at Royal Holloway, University of London and holds a number of other qualifications, including an MBA in Higher Education Management, Master's Degrees in Music and Musicology and a Graduate Diploma in Law. Her research and publications have covered higher education management studies including governance; higher education policy and funding systems in UK and Finland; quality and standards; widening participation; change management; social justice and higher education; law and legal studies; reception and cultural history; aesthetics and analysis of musical recordings; and performance studies. She is a graduate of Royal Holloway, University of London; Institute of Education, University of London; Birkbeck, University of London; Goldsmiths, University of London; BPP University Law School, London Waterloo; Royal Academy of Music, London; Trinity College of Music, London; HAMK University, Finland; and Åbo Akademi University and Turku Conservatory, Turku, Finland. Anne Craven is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA); a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and a Fellow of the Association of University Administrators (AUA). -
£406,500 Grant to Improve Heritage Education
A £406,500 grant will help Bishop Grosseteste University to improve the educational impact of museums and heritage sites across the East Midlands. The grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund will contribute to the The Sandford Learning Cascade Project, a four-year scheme which will encourage up to 14 Sandford Award winning sites in the region to support staff training at less developed heritage sites. The Sandford Award, established in 1978 by Lord Sandford and the Heritage Education Trust is administered by BGU. The award aims to reward excellence in heritage education. Recent award winners include Gainsborough Old Hall, Belton House, the Newark and Sherwood Museum Service and Normanby Hall. Sandford Learning Cascade has three innovative strands: ‘Sandford Scholarships’ will see staff from less developed heritage sites visit Sandford Award-winning sites and collect a digital record of best practice there. What the scholars learn during their time at the award-winning sites will help to develop new education programmes and enhance existing ones. ‘Sandford Cloud’ gives heritage professionals and volunteers in the region access to the expertise of Sandford Award judges around the UK, through the development of an on-line learning resource known as ‘Sandford Cloud’. Finally, Sandford Our Take is an exciting new award scheme to recognise high quality informal and family learning in the region. Museums and historic sites will be encouraged to develop new opportunities in partnership with the communities they serve. The project has been five years in the making and Jean MacIntyre, Head of Innovation at BGU, is delighted to receive the £406,500 grant, 76% of total project funding. “The HLF gave us a grant for the development phase which went extremely well and involved a number of local museums and heritage centres,” said Jean. “The sites told us the project had changed their whole way of thinking about heritage education and we expect the next phase to be even more influential. “The HLF has been very generous and imaginative in recognising the needs of people working in the heritage sector as opportunities for training have diminished, so this is an ideal opportunity to increase the knowledge, skills and understanding of people working at a range of heritage sites.“The Sandford Learning Cascade project will be a significant contribution to meeting BGU’s knowledge transfer and public engagement aims across the region as well as establishing the Sandford Awards as a dynamic, positive force for education training in the UK.” Project Co-ordinator Adam Clarke, who was responsible for writing the bid as well as project piloting, research and development, said: “HLF should be congratulated for backing this cutting-edge learning project. “BGU and the Sandford Award will be working with museums, heritage sites and a range of other partners across the East Midlands to develop high-quality educational resources for the benefit of children, schools and families throughout our region.”g
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