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  1. BGU Commits to Greater Public Engagement
    To demonstrate its commitment to engaging with the wider community, Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln has joined the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCPPE) and signed up to its manifesto. The move is part of BGU’s wider stakeholder engagement work which forms an important part of the university’s five-year strategy. The term ‘public engagement’ describes the many ways in which higher education, learning experiences and research can be shared with the general public. The NCPPE says public engagement “is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.” The Reverend Canon Prof Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of BGU, commented: “I am very pleased that Bishop Grosseteste University has now signed up to the NCCPE’s Manifesto for Public Engagement. “This is a reflection of our long-term public engagement strategy and of our continuing dedication to our various communities. I am looking forward to encouraging further public engagement efforts by the university and all its members.” BGU has been increasing its investment in staff volunteering, which builds on the successes of its existing student volunteering scheme. High levels of student volunteering have helped BGU to establish itself amongst the top three universities for employability in the whole of UK, as seen from the latest Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey published by HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency. BGU also offers public lectures on campus and innovative skills development courses ranging from journalism to paediatric first aid and from writing skills courses to Makaton. The university’s enterprise incubation centre, BG Futures, plays an important role in engaging with the business community and the campus hosts regular national and international conferences.
  2. Excellent student satisfaction
    BGU is the second highest ranked public university in England for student satisfaction. Figures released today from the National Student Survey show that 92% of BGU students are satisfied with their university experience - that’s 7% higher than last year’s score and six percentage points higher than the sector average. Significantly seven courses reported overall satisfaction above 92%. Education Studies, Theology & Ethics achieved 100% satisfaction while three other courses – Early Childhood Studies, Primary Education with Recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status and Applied Studies – all recorded satisfaction levels of 97%. Dr Ruth Sayers, Executive Dean Learning, Teaching and International, welcomed today’s findings: “This is an excellent result for BGU and demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership with our students to improve their teaching and learning experience. We take what our students tell us very seriously and are always keen to hear what they have to say. We’ve introduced a number of initiatives to help give them a greater input including a new student engagement facilitator role which has been created to enhance and further develop a culture of staff and students working in partnership across the university. We’re also delighted with the overall response rate, which was 81% of eligible final year students, and would like to thank the Bishop Grosseteste Students’ Union (BGSU) for their support in encouraging people to take part.” BGSU President Kieran Parrish said he is thrilled with the outcome: “This shows that the students recognise the high quality of service they are actually getting from the university and that the relationship is one which is strong and transparent. From an SU point of view it is excellent to see how engaged and happy the students are, however, we know that there is always room for improvement. We are relishing the chance to build upon this and push ourselves to provide better for the students in the future.” The NSS statistics follow on from a succession of positive results for BGU. In April, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) published its review which found that BGU met its expectations in all areas – academic standards, learning opportunities, information and enhancement. In July, the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey revealed that BGU is one of the top three universities in the UK for student employability with 97.2% per cent of students who leave BGU with an undergraduate degree finding work or continuing to study six months following graduation. Also during the year, Ofsted gave a very positive rating for all of teacher education – early years, primary, secondary and further education – and praised BGU for having a “clear vision and an extremely strong commitment to their engagement with partners in the FE and skills sector”. The Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, said it’s been an extremely successful year. “We’ve achieved some outstanding results this year which show that we provide outstanding facilities and support,” he explained. “It is also worth highlighting that we’ve recorded increases in all of the eight NSS question categories and attained one of the biggest rises in the country for overall student satisfaction. We conduct our own in-house survey every year and receive very positive feedback but it is very encouraging to see our students saying this in public. However, there is no room for complacency and we will keep growing the range of subjects on offer and further invest in improving our up-hill campus so that we can continue giving the students an excellent experience.”
  3. Lincoln Skyline to Feature on BGU’s Knight Sculpture
    A pair of talented artists from Birmingham are putting Lincoln on the map by featuring the city’s iconic skyline on the knight sculpture being sponsored by Bishop Grosseteste University. Kieron Reilly and Lynsey Brecknell have called BGU’s statue ‘Knight and Day’, and it is one of 35 knights which will make up this year’s Lincoln Knights’ Trail celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln. The event organised by Lincoln BIG runs from 20th May until 3rd September and the knight statues will be unveiled at a launch evening at The Showroom in Lincoln on 27th March. As part of the trail BGU’s knight will be stationed near Newport Arch not far from the university’s campus. “Our design ‘Knight and Day’ shows off Lincoln’s beautifully unique skyline in silhouette form against a bold sunset, including our sponsor Bishop Grosseteste University,” said Lynsey. “Following the success of the Lincoln Barons’ Charter Trail in 2015 we’re sure that the Lincoln Knights are going to be loved by the locals and visitors from across the country, and we are proud to be a part of such an exciting project.” Kieron and Lynsey have very different artistic backgrounds: Lynsey has developed a career in theatre as a scenic artist and set builder while Kieron has a background in animation and now focuses on model making and design. They have successfully collaborated on many public art trails in the past and are looking forward to showcasing their design alongside the other sculptures on the Lincoln Knights’ Trail. “I’ve had a preview of our knight and it’s looking fantastic,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “We chose this design because we found it eye-catching and attractive, and also because it features the Lincoln skyline. The artists have adapted this to include the Skinner building on our campus in the silhouette, along with colours in the sky which fade up to BGU purple at the very top. “We think it looks wonderful and we’re looking forward to seeing it take its place as part of the Lincoln Knights’ Trail this summer.” Following the launch on 27th March each knight will be hosted by its sponsor to promote the trail, which will starts on 20th May – 800 years to the day since the Battle of Lincoln. The Lincoln Knights’ Trail is a Wild in Art event brought together by Lincoln BIG in partnership with Visit Lincoln and Education Business Partnership (EBP), in support of local homeless charity the Nomad Trust. Following a call for artists back in September 2016, over 200 innovative designs were submitted. A shortlist of 70 was drawn up and the artists given the opportunity to paint their design onto a miniature knight sculpture. The 35 sponsors then selected their favourite design. Following the trail the knights will be sold at auction at Lincoln Cathedral on 30th September. Two-thirds of the money raised will go to The Nomad Trust and one-third will help to create a new Art and Innovation Fund for Lincoln. The knights were designed and created by Wild in Art’s Creative Director Chris Wilkinson in the style of a chess piece.
  4. BGU Looking Eastward to Forge Links in China
    Bishop Grosseteste University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor has attended an Educational Exchange in Hunan Province in China as part of Lincolnshire County Council’s endeavours to strengthen relationships and socio-economic prosperity of the two regions. Professor Jayne Mitchell attended the event following the signing of an economic friendship agreement with Hunan Province by the county council. The educational exchange programme focused on developing relationships between universities and strategic bodies such as the education and economic development departments in provincial and county governments. It was co-ordinated by the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Hunan Provincial People’s Government of China and the Hunan Provincial Education Department. The week-long programme involved visits to three cities in Hunan Province (Changsha, Changde and Zhangjiajie), introductions to senior officials in the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and Hunan Provincial Department of Education, and meetings to discuss collaboration and partnership working with 12 of the region’s top universities. During the visit Professor Mitchell signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan First Normal University. The two universities are now planning staff and student exchanges, joint academic programmes, collaborative research projects and cultural exchanges in teacher education. Discussion is also ongoing with several more universities in Hunan about developing similar arrangements in other subject areas and priority sectors for the county. “There are many similarities in the history, expertise and future goals of BGU and universities in Hunan,” said Professor Mitchell. “By working together to share experience, knowledge and resources we can further develop the education and skills of local people and help contribute to the economic prosperity of businesses right across the county. “I would like to thank our hosts for their warm welcome and openness in seeking ways to work together. We have made many new friends and look forward to strengthening these relationships further by extending BGU’s partnership working with both Lincolnshire County Council and universities and businesses in China.” Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “I’m delighted that Bishop Grosseteste University had a successful visit. This is not just an important step for the university, but it will also help further cement our friendship with the province. “I’m confident that this growing relationship will bring opportunities for other businesses too, with agriculture, engineering, adult social care and culture already earmarked as areas for future collaboration. We have a lot in common and, working together, we can ensure greater prosperity for both regions.”
  5. BGU Launches New PhD Opportunities
    In line with its mission to excel at teaching, learning and research, Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln has launched a second round of PhD studentships as part of its ‘Future Research Leaders’ programme. Following on from the University’s success in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), in which it was judged to be undertaking world-leading research, BGU is offering up to six full-time PhD studentships in History and Education. Successful candidates will receive a bursary of £14,000 per year plus tuition fees for up to four years to study at BGU. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, said the new posts represent a significant investment by BGU in its research strategy. “We are keen to build on our success in the REF 2014 as we are convinced that the best teaching is always informed and improved by high-quality research,” he said. “We are committed to enhancing the quality and quantity of our research, and increasing the proportion of postgraduate research students is key to this objective. “We also want our research to be applied and to be of benefit to society. I am delighted that we are in a position to offer opportunities to students who wish to take the next step in their academic journey.” Among the studentships available is a project looking at the works of the University’s namesake Robert Grosseteste and the contribution he made to the history of educational thought. Dr Jack Cunningham, Academic Co-ordinator for Theology at BGU, explained: “Robert Grosseteste was an English statesman, scholastic philosopher, theologian, scientist and Bishop of Lincoln during the 13th Century which was a crucial period in the religious history of this country. “He was also interested in many aspects of education and had a good deal to say on what we should learn, how we acquire knowledge and how it benefits us. However, this area of Grosseteste’s thought remains largely undiscussed so this is a unique opportunity for someone who is passionate about education to study the life and works of a truly fascinating man.” Vytautas Nastajus was awarded a PhD studentship in Psychology at BGU in June 2016. He recommends the university to anyone thinking of doing a doctorate. “The support you get in here is fantastic, especially from the doctoral group which is made up of PhD and EdD students and meets on a regular basis to talk about projects, achievements and any issues you may be having,” he explained. “My own experience has been great so far: excellent supervisors, teaching opportunities, funding for attending conferences and so on. I am really glad I chose Bishop Grosseteste University.” To find out more about the opportunities or projects available please visit our Doctoral Study page or email Dr Caroline Horton, Academic Co-ordinator for the PhD programme, at caroline.horton@bishopg.ac.uk The studentships will commence in summer 2017 and the closing date for applications is 17th February.
  6. TV Presenter to be Honoured at BGU Graduation Ceremony
    TV Presenter Nicholas Crane will receive an honorary degree from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln at a graduation ceremony next week.Mr Crane, best known for his work on BBC Television as the presenter of BAFTA-winning TV series Coast, will receive an honorary degree in recognition of his work as a geographer, explorer, writer and broadcaster.He will be honoured at a ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral at 2.30pm on Wednesday 19th July.That same day at 10.15am Dr Giles Gasper will receive an honorary degree in recognition of his work in the field of medieval history. His outstanding leadership and endeavours with the Ordered Universe Project have contributed significantly to the scholarly understanding of Robert Grosseteste, after whom the university is named.A total of 867 students will receive their degrees at the ceremonies, which will take place at 10.15am and 2.30pm on Wednesday 19th July and Thursday 20th July 2017.“Graduation day is a special day in the university calendar and we are very much looking forward to celebrating the success of our graduates with their friends and families,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of BGU.Following the ceremonies, guests will be able to enjoy strawberries and prosecco, a vintage bus bar and a vintage ice cream van at the BGU campus while being entertained by the University’s steel band and jazz trio.
  7. BGU strengthens ties with Universities in China
    The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln, Professor Jayne Mitchell, participated in the ‘UK Week in Hunan’ between 3 -7 July 2017. The ‘UK Week’ was arranged by the British Consulate in Hunan to showcase the relationships between companies from the UK and China. Throughout the week Professor Mitchell attended a range of activities aimed at strengthening BGU’s relationships with Chinese institutions.As part of the visit Professor Mitchell met with four universities to discuss collaborative partnership working arrangements. She also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a new partner university in Hunan Province; Hunan University of Science and Technology (HNUST). The agreement with HNUST could provide opportunities for collaboration in Teacher Education, English, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and research and study exchange for students and staff. She also met with officials from the Hunan Provincial Government Education Department, delivered a seminar on ‘education and globalization; opportunities for collaboration’ and participated in events as part of the UK ‘trade and industry’ celebrations.Professor Mitchell also attended a reception for HRH the Princess Royal hosted by the British Ambassador to China.Speaking about the visit, Professor Mitchell said “We are extremely pleased to be able to connect with new partners in China, in addition to strengthening our relationships with existing partners.“Bishop Grosseteste University is committed to developing its staff and students as global citizens. This partnership will benefit our staff, students and graduates – in addition to the economic and cultural prosperity of Lincolnshire.”
  8. Gallery: Duke of Gloucester opens new building at BGU
    We were delighted to welcome HRH the Duke of Gloucester to BGU today to officially open our new building.The Duke of Gloucester was welcomed to BGU by a group of dignitaries including BGU’s Chancellor Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas and Vice Chancellor The Rev Canon Professor Peter Neil before embarking on a tour of campus. The Duke then unveiled a plaque to open the new £2.2 million extension to Constance Stewart Hall. The works have created a new landmark building on campus and doubled the size of the existing teaching block. Scroll down to see a gallery of photos from the visit.
  9. Royal Visit to Mark Opening of Landmark Building at BGU
    HRH the Duke of Gloucester will visit Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln next week to officially open the university’s latest new building. The £2.2 million extension to Constance Stewart Hall, which has created a new landmark building at the junction of Newport and Longdales Road, will be opened on Thursday 6thJuly. The works have doubled the size of the teaching block and involved building a steel-framed structure on top of part of the original building to give the university an additional seven teaching spaces set over two floors. This approach of building over an existing structure means that BGU will significantly increase its teaching space capacity without increasing the building’s overall footprint, which helps to maintain the green and open feel of the campus. During his visit to Lincoln on 6th July the Duke of Gloucester will also officially open the Battles and Dynasties Exhibition at The Collection. At BGU he will be introduced to dignitaries including the Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Christopher Lowson; the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Chris Burke; Lincoln’s MP Karen Lee; the Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil; and the university’s Chancellor, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas. On a tour of the campus the Duke will visit the university’s business centre BG Futures, the Victorian chapel and the new Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching which opened in March. He will then officially open the new extension at Constance Stewart Hall by unveiling a plaque at approximately 2.45pm. A bold statement “This iconic addition to our estate really makes a bold statement in uphill Lincoln that BGU is an outward-facing institution,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “It’s further evidence of our ongoing commitment to invest in our teaching resources to ensure our students continue to have an outstanding experience.” Steve Deville, Director of Resources at BGU, said: “This fantastic new building reinforces BGU’s commitment to invest in our students and their learning experience. “This building is to be opened just a few months after our new Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching facility and will provide students with flexible teaching spaces and state-of-the-art facilities to aid their learning.” The new teaching spaces will incorporate moveable partition walls, increasing their flexibility, meaning that they can be used not only for teaching but also for a variety of functions and events. Delivered by Lincoln-based architects LK2 and local construction company Robert Woodhead Ltd, the project was carried out in two phases and saw a 7,770 square foot extension added to the Constance Stewart Hall to accommodate new teaching space. The extension is supported by an impressive steel framework made from locally sourced steel and erected by Robert Woodhead Ltd. Throughout the project, contractors pledged to use local resources wherever possible. The project was procured through the empa framework which is managed by Scape Group. The development of the new building on campus was an opportunity to enhance the graduate attributes of BGU students, who were able to gain valuable work experience on the project with Robert Woodhead Ltd.
  10. Celebrating a Year of Improving Access to Higher Education
    A scheme which aims to double the proportion of disadvantaged young people going to university will celebrate its achievements so far at an event in Woodhall Spa this week. LiNCHigher is led in Lincolnshire by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and is part of a wider national initiative (NCOP) funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to raise aspirations amongst young people. The overall aim is to meet government targets to improve access to higher education and the scheme will run for two years until December 2018, and possibly beyond. Around 50 guests are expected to attend the celebration at Woodhall Spa Manor on Wednesday 1st November, including the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Chris Burke and Professor Jayne Mitchell, Deputy Vice Chancellor of BGU. Since its formation in January 2017 the project team, consortium partners and delivery partners have worked to change attitudes towards higher education, improve knowledge of the options available to young people and raise aspirations within communities. “LiNCHigher is committed to offering information, advice and guidance for the young people of Lincolnshire and promoting local opportunities for their futures,” said Project Officer Natalie Poole. “We hope to inspire a new generation of students to grow and realise their aspirations while studying in or outside of Lincolnshire. “Our celebration event will bring together key stakeholders to encourage discussions around skills needs, higher education and Lincolnshire’s business community.” BGU's Professor Jayne Mitchell added: “The LiNCHigher project has made significant progress in engaging with young people, parents and teachers across Lincolnshire. As the success of the project gathers speed, support from partners and the wider community will prove ever more critical. “This celebration event will showcase our successes so far, introduce new stakeholders to the project and discuss plans for the future. It should be a fabulous event and I’m looking forward to welcoming our guests as Chair of the LiNCHigher Governance Board.”

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