Issue 36 - June 2010 - The Open University

Issue 36, June 2010Open OutlookNews from The Open University in ScotlandYour Open OutlookWe hope you find this newsletter a useful source of information to provide you with a brief,easy-to-read update on Open University news, views, developments and activities in Scotland.We hope you are happy to receive this newsletter, up to six times a year. If you’d like toreceive future copies by email, or would like to unsubscribe, just drop us a line toscotland-external-affairs@open.ac.ukFurther info: Kate Signorini > 0131 549 7162 > c.a.signorini@open.ac.ukCelebrating hundreds of new OU graduates in ScotlandNearly 1,000 people from across the country have been awarded Open University degrees andprofessional qualifications this year, giving a significant boost to Scotland’s skills levels as wellas contributing to the graduates’ own career and personal development. Many of the graduatesreceived their awards at two OU degree ceremonies in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall last month.Three honorary awards were made at this year’s ceremonies. Top Scottish novelist, Iain Banks,received an honorary degree in recognition of his prolific contribution to mainstream andscience fiction. Another author, Professor Zoë Wicomb, originally from South Africa and nowEmeritus Professor of English Studies at the University of Strathclyde, was also recognised forher exceptional services to the arts. Professor Geoff Palmer, internationally renowned grainscientist and active campaigner for race relations, was awarded with an honorary degree for hiscontribution to the arts and sciences.Further info: Amanda Molloy > 0131 549 7177 > a.molloy@open.ac.uk

Promoting understanding of mental health in ScotlandMental health is an issue that is high on the agenda in Scotland just now and with the launchof a new certificate in mental health studies, The Open University is playing its part to helppromote understanding and knowledge of mental health and to improve practice in healthand social care services.The certificate comprises two courses of 30 credit points - Challenging ideas in mentalhealth and Diverse perspectives on mental health – both of which are popular options onthe OU’s social work degree in Scotland and also form part of the pre-registration mentalhealth nursing programme. The certificate has been purposely designed for a broad audienceof professionals and lay people, to promote a broader understanding of mental health andwellbeing as part of mainstream life; not just as a medical issue.Further info: Joyce Cavaye > 0131 549 7904 > j.e.cavaye@open.ac.ukOU welcomes extension of ILA schemefor part-time postgraduatesThe Open University in Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government’srecent decision to extend the ILA500 scheme for part-time postgraduatestudents for another year. More than 70% of Scottish taught postgraduatestudents study part-time; over 700 studying with The OU in Scotland.In the current economic climate, Scotland needs to ensure that morepeople have access to opportunities for up-skilling and re-skilling.Recent increases to OU student registration figures in Scotlandindicate a strong demand for flexible part-time skills developmentopportunities, particularly from those already in or seekingemployment, if the appropriate financial support is available.Further info: Kate Main > 0131 549 7131 > k.main@open.ac.ukDr James MillerNew OU Director in ScotlandDr James Miller has been named as the next Director of TheOpen University in Scotland. He succeeds Peter Syme andjoins the University on 1st August from his post as ChiefExecutive of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeonsin Glasgow.James Miller said: “I am delighted to have been appointedto the Director of The Open University in Scotland. Havingbeen a part-time student for much of my working life I havea great affinity with OU students. This is an exciting andchallenging time for higher education and I look forwardto working with the team in Scotland and the wider UK toachieve the strategic goals of the University. In particular,I am keen to build on the excellent position the OU has inScotland to seek out new opportunities and partnerships.”Further info:Kate Signorini > 0131 549 7162 > c.a.signorini@open.ac.uk