Vice Chancellor’s farewell celebrations

NEWS <strong>Vice</strong> <strong>Chancellor’s</strong> <strong>farewell</strong> <strong>celebrations</strong> Professor Dianne Willcocks CBE enjoyed her final day as <strong>Vice</strong> Chancellor on Friday 30 April, after more than ten years of dedicated service at York St John. Her last day was celebrated at a special <strong>farewell</strong> with staff and students on campus, after a week of formal engagements. Dianne Willcocks joined York St John in 1999, originally taking the position of Principal of Ripon & York St John. She led the church foundation through a massive transformation, including relocation to a single campus in York in 2001; the achievement of Taught Degree Awarding Powers; and gaining university status in 2006. In 2008 she received a CBE in recognition of her services to higher education. She reflected, “This last week at York St John has been emblematic of the fun and frenetic activity that I have enjoyed over the past decade. I have received very many moving messages of support from friends both within and without the University. Sad though I am to leave York St John, I am pleased and proud of our shared contribution to York and Yorkshire.” Professor David Fleming, currently the Deputy <strong>Vice</strong> Chancellor of the University of Sunderland, will join York St John as the new <strong>Vice</strong> Chancellor in June. Pictured: Professor Willcocks takes part in the Fun Run at York Racecourse on 29 April (photograph by Katie Galuska); and celebrates her time at York St John with staff, students and University partners at a series of engagements at the end of April. Festival of creative excellence 21-28 May 2010 This year’s showcase of the work of Arts graduates offers a week of performances, concerts, screenings and exhibitions across the campus. Create10 highlights the talents of those who have studied fine arts, theatre, dance, media, film and TV production, design and music. In addition, the festival promotes the work of foundation degree students in music technology, and film and TV production, as well as the MA Studies in Creative Practice. View the full programme of events at www.yorksj.ac.uk/create10 National recognition for professionalism York St John’s Schools Liaison and Admissions team has been shortlisted for the Times Higher Education (THE) Leadership and Management Awards within the Student Admissions Team category. Members of the Schools Liaison and Admissions team. Over the last 18 months the University has experienced a growth of almost 40% in its applications and of 30% in its open day visits, which have been handled by the team. Many of the liaison and collaborative projects the team are involved in are also strongly supported through their development of a very successful student ambassador scheme. In addition, Assessment and Learning in Practice Settings (ALPS) – a collaboration between five universities in the region (including York St John), the NHS and professional health practice bodies – has been shortlisted for a THE Leadership and Management Award, in the ICT Initiative of the Year category. The winners of the THE Leadership and Management Awards will be announced on 17 June 2010. First KTP for University and city The first Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) for York St John and City of York Council will use expertise from the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences to facilitate the development of a re-ablement service within the council’s Housing and Adult Social Care service. Re-ablement services support people with poor physical or mental health to help them manage their illness by learning or re-learning the skills necessary for daily living. The project will accelerate the establishment of a re-ablement service based on existing evidence of good practice and the outcomes of benchmarked services. It will also produce training and education methods to support workforce development and cultural change in service delivery. talk CONTENTS 02 News 07 Widening participation 08 Focus on… International Conference on Peace and Reconciliation 10 Research people 11 Opinion: Making the University more accessible 12 Reflections of a refugee 13 In the spotlight 14 The view from the Students’ Union 15 Announcements 16 Noticeboard 02 03