Here at Winchester, June has seen professional recognition for one of our degree programmes, new appointments, the launch of two research studies which explore the social impact of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the handover of the new West Downs Centre to the University.
The West Downs Centre, our landmark learning and teaching building, was formally handed over to us by construction company Osborne, with the two-year construction project complete.
Home to our growing portfolio of programmes, including digital and computer-related degree courses and health and wellbeing programmes, the state-of-the-art facilities are due to open for teaching in September, when the University plans to welcome returning and new students for the start of the academic year (Government advice permitting).
At the start of June, we announced our intention to welcome new and returning students in September for the start of the academic year.
Guided by national advice alongside a commitment to giving students the best possible experience at Winchester, plans are underway to put in a range of appropriate measures, including social distancing and blended learning models, to ensure students and staff are safe. Students required to continue shielding beyond the start of the academic year will receive additional online support to enable them to start their course.
The numbers of graduates from Winchester's undergraduate programmes who are in employment and further study place the University in the top 10 universities in the country. Winchester is also the highest placed university in the region.
The figures are revealed in a new report by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). The Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020 is the largest survey of employment and further study outcomes for UK graduates and looked for the first time at what happens to students fifteen months after they leave university.
Leading professional body JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) has awarded accreditation to the University's BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production programme.
The panel particularly commended how the quality, commitment and experience of the programme's teaching team supported students to: "grow in knowledge, skills, insights and attitude in preparation for their professional careers".
Programme Leader Dr Niall Thomas said: "It is so exciting to be recognised by such a prestigious industry body. We were overwhelmed by the glowing feedback we received from the panel of such well-respected music industry professionals."
The University has set up a working group, in partnership with BAME staff and students and white allies within the University, to lead on ensuring Winchester is a truly inclusive institution.
Led by Assistant Vice-Chancellor Sam Jones, the group will build on existing work and includes a plan towards decolonising our curriculum.
The move follows the University's statement earlier in June condemning racism wherever it exists, following the murder of George Floyd in the USA..
The University has joined forces with Hampshire County Council and Hampshire's CVS Network to launch a public survey to understand the impact of COVID-19 on volunteering across the county.
The survey results will be used to support residents who may have stopped volunteering get back into voluntary service, as well as help retain new volunteers beyond the pandemic - encouraging recruitment into new areas that may previously have struggled to attract support. Find out more here.
In a separate international study, the University is a research partner in aiming to assess what the impact is on people who are unable to enjoy being outdoors or have access to green spaces and the countryside because of lockdown restrictions during the current coronavirus pandemic.
Results will be shared with local authorities in Spain, the Republic of Ireland and the UK to help inform how they can best manage natural environments in the future, including during any further potential lockdowns imposed by governments. Find out more here.
Professor Martin Broad BA(Hons) PhD ACMA GCMA FHEA has been appointed as the new Dean of the University's Faculty of Business, Law and Digital Technologies and Director of the University of Winchester Business School.
Martin will join us for the start of the new academic year from the University of Southampton, where he heads up the Southampton Business School.
We have launched an exciting new project which will see members of the public document their experiences of living during this unsettling time in a diary to help create a coronavirus archive.
"Through the diary project we aim to collect powerful memories from a wide range of people. Events are changing daily and they are specific to us all, and our families, friends and communities, so we really hope people will want to get involved," said Amanda Norman, senior lecturer in the University's Department of Education Studies and Liberal Arts, who is leading the initiative.
Last week, Liverpool FC won the Premier League for the first time in 30 years: so how have their fortunes been transformed?
In an article for The Conversation, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology and Research Methods Matthew Smith sets out five leadership tools that help to explain how coach Jürgen Klopp has inspired his team to become champions again.
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