The Network
Welcome to The Network, the newsletter for University of the Highlands and Islands students. This is our first edition of 2012, so a very belated happy new year to you all, hopefully you are having a productive year so far and continue to enjoy your studies.
A packed Network this month - UHISA elections are open for business and make sure you have your say at the Student Led Teaching Awards. Take part in our competition to win dinner with one of the University's 'guest speakers' or register as a 'Festival Volunteer' to bag yourself a free ticket for Rockness.
Remember, if you have a story or event you would like to share with students at the University, just let The Network know.
If you are a current UHI Student or a sabbatical member of a local UHI Students' Association you can stand in the UHISA 2012 Executive Elections. Begin by grabbing yourself a nomination form from the Returning Officer, fill it out and return it before 17th February. Read all about it on the UHISA website.
Student Led Teaching Awards
This is your chance to vote for the best lecturers and support staff you have encountered in your time at the University. The awards are judged by a panel of students who decide the winners based on what you say and not by the number of votes they get. Make sure you have your say here
Careers in teaching
The UHI Career Centre will be joined by Isobel Kerr from the Scottish Teacher Recruitment Team on 16th March to deliver a discussion on careers in teaching. The event will take place between 12:00 - 14:00 from Room G20 at Inverness College UHI but will also be fully accessible by video conference. Contact Helen for further details.
Vacancy Database
The UHI Career Centre have just launched their Vacancy Database - an interactive resource where students and recent graduates can view the latest placements and internship opportunities. Register here.
Paid Summer Placements opportunites
Looking for work experience during your summer break from university?
Why not try a paid summer placements and enhance your CV at the same time! Placements take place across the Highlands and Islands and are open to all degree students and those on HND programmes looking to continue at degree level. New placements will be available soon here.
Staff from the Summer Placement Programme will be visiting several campuses during March, contact Helen for details.
Paid internship opportunities
Third Sector Internships Scotland (TSIS) offers students currently studying at Scottish universities an opportunity to gain meaningful paid work experience with voluntary organisations, charities, community groups and social enterprises. View the latest vacancies here
Share your enthusiasm for STEM
Calling all Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths students.
Do you want to have fun and inspire the next STEM generation, whilst having an opportunity to learn new skills and develop your own confidence through hands on experience?
Then volunteer for the STEM ambassador programme and help schools with activities like classroom projects, STEM clubs and educational visits. To find out more contact the University’s STEM team
UHI Postgraduate student research opportunity
The University of the Highlands and Islands needs to ensure that the curriculum it develops and delivers, effectively and efficiently meets the needs of a diverse and evolving population of students.
To help ensure this happens, the Student Support Team are offering a paid research opportunity to a postgraduate student. Contact Ian Horne for details.
Enterprise Educators
The Create Centre at Inverness College UHI has launched a national course for enterprise educators. Read more.
Golf team - winners again
The University’s golf team has won the Scottish Student Sports/BUCS winter league.
The team, which is made up of students studying on the BA (Hons) golf management degree at North Highland College UHI, was unbeaten throughout the season. The team will be promoted to the top division of the Scottish universities golf league and will qualify to compete in the British level of the competition.
UHI IT services
Although there have been several incidents which have affected the UHI IT services for students during January, these have now been resolved. However, students have been reminded that if they experience any issues whilst using UHI services they should contact the UHI Helpdesk, 01463 279150. Students can also provide feedback about the service here
UHI Strategic Plan up-date
Following extensive consultation with students, staff, stakeholders and business representatives, the University of the Highlands and Islands Strategic Plan 2012-17 was approved by the University Court in December and is now available for your information.
The plan will direct the activities and resources of the University over the next five years.
University welcomes new student places
The University of the Highlands and Islands has been granted over 1000 additional places for 2012/13 for Scottish domiciled students. Read more
About Me: I’m a mature student relishing every moment of the learning I was having too much fun to do when I was younger! I’ve discovered I really like Sociology and I know what Semiotics is all about and I also answered two questions on University Challenge the other night - learning is brilliant!
My UHI: My degree is almost completely online. The BACYS degree provides a holistic approach to the study of the social,psychological, environmental and legislative influences upon children and young people from birth to maturity. I have just been appointed as a Subject Network Student Officer for Education and have a lot to learn in a short space of time.
My Time: I am a member of Perth Archery Club and enjoy family walks with our Beagle, Elvis! I have a passion for reading which I believe broadens the mind but I couldn’t live without Facebook so I’m not sure if the two negate one another!
My Dreams: I’m not sure we ever really know what we want to be when we grow up but I do know that I want to continue learning for the rest of my life. Since starting my degree, there have been some very influential and inspirational tutors who have taught me to look at things in a completely different way. It’s their enthusiasm and encouragement which makes it all worthwhile!
Connect with UHI
Quote of the month
Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence - Robert Frost
Events & Training
Win dinner with “Our Guest”
This semester the University is hosting three public lectures, at Eden Court in Inverness, featuring well-known guest speakers:
Broadcaster, Dr Richard Holloway - Wednesday 21 March
Founder of the Big Issue, John Bird - Tuesday 8 May
BBC political editor, Brian Taylor - Tuesday 5 June
Three students will have the chance to have dinner with a guest.
For your chance to win, simply email the communications team with the name of the guest you would like to have dinner with and the question you would most like to ask him.
Attention Post Graduate Students!
UHI urgently require more post graduate students to mentor new Masters and Research students. If you would like to help students who are new to post graduate study and share you own insights and experiences with them, contact Kevin
Student Services
The Red Button
Students from all over UHI are making use of the Red Button, and letting us know how useful it is to them.
One recent user said that it is “A quick and easy to use service, especially when you are unsure who to go to with your query. Also helpful if you have a problem you’d rather not speak to lecturers/staff about directly, and a good way to get opinions across regarding the UHI overall”.
Let us know what you think by pressing the Red Button
Other News
Love Festivals?
Can't afford a ticket to a festival this year? Festival Volunteer can offer you a unique opportunity to see great live music and become part of our festival community. Previous experience isn't necessary as you'll be fully trained.
'Don't Tell the Bride' - grooms sought!
BBC 3 are currently looking for couples who want to get married to take part in the new series of 'Don't tell the bride'. This is an exciting chance for grooms to recieve £12k to plan their dream wedding for their bride. Find out more here
These awards aim to recognise and promote the outstanding contributions and achievements of students who combine part-time work with their study commitments. Nominate here
Applications open for BBC Production Talent Pool
Offering paid entry level work as runners and production management assistants across BBC productions in London, Salford, Cardiff, Glasgow and Bristol, with roles in both television and radio. Find out more here.
FREE TV skills training
The Network is the most prestigious and comprehensive introduction to TV in the UK, and will be held in Edinburgh on 22nd – 25th August.
No qualifications are needed and this could be the first step for any students to start a career in TV.
Applications open – 13.02.2012.
Student Pocket Guide
Your chance to enter competitions and win lots of treats, including a top spec digital SLR camera. Find out more
HMRC tax scandal
Thousands of students are being targeted to release their bank details by an email scam purportedly from HMRC.
HMRC have announced they never send refund notifications by emails and if you have received one of these then it is probably part of a scam so please be aware.
Swimmers needed
The Scottish Student Sports Aquatics Championships is to be held in Inverness on 1st-3rd March. This is a national competition between all of the universities in Scotland and UHI would love to enter a team. If you would like to represent UHI at this event, contact UHISA Vice -President, Katrina or find out more here
Inter-College Football Tournament
An Inter-College Football Tournament takes place on 17th February in Inverness. Teams from Inverness, Moray and Lews Castle have been entered but it's not too late to enter a five-a-side team from your college either. Contact Pavla for details.
Dingwall Ultimate Frisbee Club
New student members sought to join the club. They meet every Sunday at Dingwall Leisure Centre from 3-4pm. It’s great fun and no previous experience is required. See their Facebook page or contact Susan.
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