The Network
Welcome to The Network, the newsletter for students of the University of the Highlands and Islands. Lots for you to read this month - find out what students really think about UHI with the Student Survey results; have a browse through our graduation photos; find out about some new UHI clubs or try your hand at writing a review of a film you recently saw, or book you read. Remember too, that we are always on the hunt for student stories, please feel free to send us anything you would like included in our next edition.
Student Survey results
The UHI 2010/11 student survey report is now available.
The survey attracted a record number of respondents. The results indicate we have made progress on almost every measure and that there has been a significant increase in overall satisfaction.
However, they also suggest there are still areas we can improve, including:
• Students feeling fully engaged in their programme of studies
• The speed of assessment feedback
• Students not feeling part of a wider student body
If you have any questions or feedback, contact Iain Morrison or read the results here
UHI Career Centre Event - 6 December
The UHI Career Centre recently ran one of its Skills for Success events on Self-Employment with CREATE.
Our next event will take place on Tuesday 6th December, between 12-2 looking at graduate placements and internships opportunities. The event will be available by video conference.
The first Sustainability Studies seminar will take place on Friday 18th November 2011 from 1-2pm at the Scottish Marine Institute.
Dr Branka Valcic from SAMS will be giving a talk entitled: 'Outlook of Trends and Scenarios for the South China Sea'. Contact Jayne for more information.
Ballet graduate in global competition
A University of the Highlands and Islands graduate has enjoyed success in an international dance competition.
Sarah Mortimer, who completed a BA in classical ballet and dance performance at Ballet West in Oban through North Highland College UHI, was the only British finalist in the 2011 Genée International Ballet Competition in Cape Town. Read more.
Oral Health Science graduates
The first students to compete our oral health science degree graduated in September. They have already been offered posts across the region. Read more.
Students' work to appear at RSA
The work of seven Uist graduates who recently completed our BA Hons in fine art is being exhibited at Lochmaddy.
A selection of the work will also appear at the Royal Scottish Academy and the Scottish Society of Arts and some of the graduates have also been selected for residencies.
• Employability and enterprise
• Transition between further and higher education
• Regional employer case studies and alumni biographies
• Regionally specific career management information
• Improved labour market information for students in different regions
The programme, entitled My World of Work, will initially run student focus groups on transition and develop employer case studies and alumni biographies.
Future work will support the achievement of our employability strategy and the ongoing development of the UHI Career Centre. Contact Iain for more information.
Latest news from UHISA
UHI Student Association (UHISA) hosted a two-day ‘UHI Student Gathering and Council’ event this month.
Chris Young, the producer of the ‘Inbetweeners’ and a student at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, gave an inspiring speech to the students on launching a career from the Highlands. Two sessions were held in which students gave feedback to Gary Campbell and Rhiannon Tinsley on the academic experience at UHI and to Iain Morrison on the social experiences. Additionally, Capita Consulting wanted to hear from the students about ‘what are the benefits of studying at UHI’ and ‘what else should the university be doing’?
The Student Council on the second day, was comprised of 12 motions being put forward by students, which proposed changes, and actions to the way the Student Association and UHI are run. More information, with regard to the outcome of this, will be available from the UHISA website shortly.
The second UHI Student Council of this year will be held next semester. All UHI students are encouraged to attend – this is one way you can directly activate change within the university. For more information, please contact, Nathan or Katrina.
About Me: I grew up on a farm on the beautiful Ross of Mull, which has been in my family for many years. The school in the catchment area for the Ross of Mull is Oban, and so I left home from Monday-Friday each week from the age of 11. I absolutely hated it, and knew that if I was to further my education it would have to be from Mull. There is still nothing I love to do more, than to go home and help on the farm and spend time with my family. I continue to work whilst completing the degree, at Ardalanish Weavers who weave organic tweed, and beautiful clothing. I am very interested and passionate about Scottish History, in particular the clearances, and enjoy living in an area which is rich in cultural heritage.
My UHI: I never imagined that I would be able to complete a degree from the Isle of Mull, and so being able to stay in such a beautiful location for the foreseeable future is something which is absolutely fantastic for me. History and Politics works so well together, giving a fantastic understanding of the world, past and present. The lectures are fascinating, and engaging, and the lecturers understand any issues which may arise with technology etc. At Argyll College, I am very lucky to have so much guidance and help from the Learning Centre Manager. I am also the Student Representative for Argyll College, and sit on the board and management meetings of Argyll College. I currently am working alongside colleagues to set up a Students Association for the students, both FE and HE within Argyll College.
My Dreams: I am not 100% sure of where my degree will take me, but at the moment, I am very interested in management work, and I know that the skills I will gain throughout my degree will be transferrable to this line of work. At the moment I am pretty positive that I will stay on Mull for many years to come, as I am very happy here. My current job at Ardalanish Weavers is also one I would like to continue to be a part of. I would also like to become part of, and involved in the Historical Centre in Bunessan, Isle of Mull, and to keep the history of Mull alive.
Connect with UHI
Quote of the month
Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I may not remember. Involve me and I will understand - Native American saying
Events & Training
SIE Student Ambassadors Wanted
The Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE) is looking for Student Ambassadors to raise awareness of enterprise and entrepreneurship.
'The Red Button is a good way to communicate when you don't know who to reach for a problem' - UHI student
Remember the Red Button is there for you - if there is anything you would like to tell us, good or bad, about your UHI experience, just Push The Button
Guidance for students with Dyslexia
A student-focused web page with guidance for students is available here. Please contact Mark if you would like further information.
Other News
If photography is your thing, why not join the UHI Photography Club? Find out what it's all about here
Interested in climbing?
Why not join the UHI Inverness Climbing Club. Join their Facebook page here and find out more.
Do you have something to sell?
The producers of the Channel 4 programme Four Rooms are looking for people to take part in the next series.
If you have something you would like to sell that you think might be worth lots of money, please contact Bella Lloyd.
The National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) Awards acknowledge and reward employers across the UK for their hard work and dedication in providing valuable work experience and internship opportunities.
If you know an organisation that deserves to be recognised then nominate it in our award for 'Work Placement of the Year - as nominated by a careers adviser, job shop or placement tutor'.
Petition to make financial education a compulsory part of school. Sign here.
21words
Calling all budding reviewers - 21words is a new website which encourages writers to post their creative insights, in just 21 words.
The National Student - New website launched
Written by students for students, The National Student is looking for writers to contribute to their website. Find out more here
Fancy making a film?
Cinemas, film clubs, community groups, and other bodies seeking to present a public film festival in Scotland are being urged to apply for a share of a new £60,000 scheme from development agency, Regional Screen Scotland (RSS)
