Wednesday 19 July 2017

Staff Newsletter Issue 48

Contents

• Announcements
• Opportunities
• News
• What's On
• Blogs
• Get in touch

Principal's Challenge part 2: Nifty for Fifty

Pam Milne, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, recently launched the 'Nifty for Fifty' challenge. She was delighted to recruit 50 volunteers within a week, with more still signing up. People have committed to a range of challenges to do over 50 days including:

• walking for 50 minutes every day
• giving up chocolate/cakes/sweets
• swimming everyday
• learning a language
• giving up on take-away and ready meals

There is no limit to the number of people who can take part. The idea is for staff who are in their 50s, for 50 days, to make a small lifestyle change which will contribute to leading a healthier life. As part of the Principal's Challenge by sponsoring those taking part, you will be supporting our students.

It is not too late to join in and if you are interested in taking part, please contact p.a.milne@dundee.ac.uk

University Whistleblowing Policy

The University of Dundee's whistleblowing policy was recently reviewed and, as such, the University Secretary, Dr Jim McGeorge is keen to ensure that all staff and students are aware of this policy.

We are committed to high standards of openness and accountability. If an individual has serious concerns about any aspect of our work, they would be encouraged to come forward with the knowledge that, if made in good faith, their action would be viewed positively.

The University's whistleblowing policy allows an individual to raise concerns about actions or behaviour, when, owing to the nature of this, it would be inappropriate to use normal processes. Whistleblowing is not designed to replace standard line management reporting or to be used as an alternative to existing and relevant University procedures.

We hope that everyone follows the policies and regulations and that complaints of this nature are not necessary.

Read the full policy.

If you have any queries about whistleblowing, please contact the University Secretary, Dr Jim McGeorge j.mcgeorge@dundee.ac.uk

On Social Media

On Instagram we have been gearing up for staff and students from our Comics courses who are going to San Diego Comic-Con. The team will be doing their own Snapchat takeover from the convention, follow them on Thursday on dundeeuni.

Life Sciences graduate Rowan Meikle took over the Snapchat account for a day during her internship at the James Hutton Institue, showcasing her Barley project. And student Gemma Gaw took Snapchat to Vietnam during her Dental Elective to a children's clinic.

On Facebook the University Archives shared five more of their #Archives50 artefacts in the Archives50 photo album, look out for the next five on 1 August.

Registry Survey

Each year Registry asks colleagues for feedback on the services they provide, including how they communicate with partners across the University. Therefore they ask that colleagues take a moment to fill in a short questionnaire found here. This feedback is used to enhance the services provided and is much appreciated.

Eastenders fans needed for research project

Gustavo Faúndez Salinas, a MSc in Forensic Art and Facial Identification student, needs your help. Gustavo needs fans of the BBC TV show Eastenders to identify characters from a range of sketches that he has developed. This research is to assist with the remote production of composite sketches, sketch portraits based on a description given by a witness regarding missing people. Please email Gustavo for more information or to get involved.

National Association of Student Money Advisers Awards 2017

At the recent National Association of Student Money Advisers awards, student funding advisers across Scotland were recognised for their achievements over the last year by winning the NASMA Region of the Year Award. Pictured holding the certificate is our own Ann Gordon from the Student Funding Unit.

The deciding panel said: 

“Over the last two years Scotland have really shone as a region.  They were such close contenders last year and this year they seem to have really pulled out all the stops.  Not only maintaining their close relationship with SAAS again, but also strengthening that relationship for the future.  Managing to work closely in consultations has definitely been a triumph.  Managing to increase their membership numbers in these difficult financial times and encouraging their members to work together shows the real teamwork that takes place in the Scottish Region. We are all delighted to announce them as very worthy winners of NASMA Region of the Year 2017”

University of Dundee 50th picnic on the Campus Green (Tue 1 Aug)

Join us in celebrating the University's 50th anniversary with a picnic on the Campus Green between 12pm and 2pm. 

Bring your own picnic, or pick up lunch from the DUSA shop or BBQ.

Unconscious Bias (Thu 7 Sep)

Gain an understanding of the nature of Unconscious Bias and how it impacts on individual and group attitudes, behaviours and decision-making processes at this 90-minute session with Ms Donna Carty. Book your place here.

Student Blog: Who said summer was for relaxing?

For many students, summer is a time to recover from lectures, studying and exams.
For a group of third year School of Business students, this idea of relaxation couldn’t be further from the truth as they embark on a summer of working hard and developing their skills on placement. From Dundee to Florida, students from the School of Business have been broadening their horizons around the world, and developing their business skills over the summer months. Read the full blog.