From the Vice-Chancellor's desk
Why Offer a MOOC (or a NOOC)?
May 16, 2013
The popularity of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has boomed since their emergence in 2008. To date, the United States has been at the forefront of developments, with platforms such as edX, Udacity and Coursera rising to prominence over the last twelve months. The promise of access to free online courses, from an ever increasing …
Second Nottingham Potential Learning Centre Opens
April 29, 2013
Nottingham Potential comprises a range of early interventions targeted at raising aspiration in young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and helping raise attainment to facilitate progression to further and higher education. Activities include summer schools, master classes, structured visit days and Teacher Fellowships. A novel and potentially transformative element of Nottingham Potential is the creation of …
The H.W. Arndt Lecture
March 8, 2013
H.W. Arndt was an Oxford trained Austrian economist who worked at the Australian National University in Canberra for 50 years. Professor Arndt was an analyst of great breadth. He worked on issues of economic development, international trade and economic growth, the stability of the banking system and efficient fiscal intervention. By modern standards, where we …
Staff and Student Engagement
March 2, 2013
In any large and complex organisation developing effective communication channels is important; striving constantly to improve them is essential. I have found that in assignments with other big organisations, for example when Chair of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, and on various NHS assignments. It is also true of our University, which by any …
Long Service Awards
January 18, 2013
Just before the winter break I presented the 2012 Long Service awards. This is always an outstanding occasion and this year was no exception. As well as being an opportunity to formally thank colleagues for so many years of dedication and commitment, this is also a wonderful celebration with family members and other colleagues from …
Changes to Senior Management
January 4, 2013
Unfortunately, University commitments followed by the seasonal break, have meant limited opportunities for making posts. My last was in November, on our change of Chancellor: on December 31st 2012 Professor Yang Fujia completed his twelve year tenure; on January 1st 2013 Sir Andrew Witty became our New Chancellor. That was not the only change to …
Our New Chancellor
November 10, 2012
Many see a Chancellor’s role as just a figurehead, someone to preside at graduations and make speeches on formal occasions. At the University of Nottingham we have taken a different approach. Although it is an unremunerated role, we want our Chancellors to work for us! Being Chancellor at Nottingham is a demanding role. We want …
Graduation 2012
July 24, 2012
Graduations are very special occasions, especially for our graduates, their parents, families and friends. I normally begin in China, where the ceremonies are always the weekend before we start in Nottingham; and end in Malaysia, where they are generally held the weekend after we finish. This year however, because of the timing of Ramadan, both …
Alumni Achievements
June 22, 2012
Each year we call for nominations for Alumni Achievement Awards to recognise outstanding accomplishments of our graduates. A specially appointed Panel evaluates the cases submitted and typically selects around ten to receive this recognition. The 2012 Awards celebration was held last week. Our MC for the evening was Edgar Wallner, a Pharmacy graduate of 1958, who …
Opening of The Institute for Mental Health
June 7, 2012
Last week we opened the new Institute for Mental Health on the Jubilee Campus, with Dame Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer, as our Guest of Honour. The incidence of mental ill health is growing. According to NHS data, the proportion of the English population meeting the criteria for one common mental disorder has increased …
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