YorktalkThe news magazine for York St John University

Summer 2016

Equality and Diversity at York St Johnsee pages 8&9

03 News Graduation celebrations in Malaysia

13 Students’ Union Farewell to the current team

11 In the spotlight Peter Monether, Alumni Relations Volunteer

Yorktalk Contents02 News08 Focus on… Equality & Diversity at York St John10 Research news10 Widening participation11 In the spotlight12 Opinion: Nick Linley, International Admissions & Compliance Manager13 The view from the Students’ Union14 Student Services update15 Announcements16 Notice board

0302

News

The University’s first off-shore graduation ceremony was held at the Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday 9 April 2016.The ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the University’s international partnership with SEGi College, Subang Jaya, with a congregation of more than 100 including senior staff from York St John University and SEGi College Subang Jaya, 26 graduands, their guests and SEGi College staff.

Graduands included 24 students on franchise programmes with SEGi College: 12 with Master of Arts qualifications in

International Business and 12 with Bachelor of Science qualifications in Psychology. In addition, two York-based students who had successfully completed undergraduate Business Management programmes chose to join the ceremony to celebrate their achievements with family and friends.

The ceremony was presided over by senior York St John University staff: David Chesser (Chief Operating Officer); Alison Kennell (in her substantive appointment as Registrar); and Ian Tan (Director of International Development (Asia)). Senior colleagues from SEGi College formed part of the platform party: Dr Lisa Tan (Senior Vice President Subang and KL Campus); Doreen D’Orville (Acting Principal); SueAnn

Honorary Fellowships awarded to three inspirational individuals

Cherie Federico graduated from York St John University in 2003 with a Masters Degree in English Literature. Prior to graduating, Cherie set up the arts and culture magazine Aesthetica. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Aesthetica has an audience of over 140,000 across 20 countries, is distributed at the world’s most prominent art fairs and events, and in galleries, cultural venues and museums worldwide. As an offshoot of the magazine, the Aesthetica Short Film Festival was launched in 2011 and utilises 15 venues across the city to screen 220 films over a four day period.

Greg Hoyland began his career as a teacher and then went on to study Theology at Oxford to prepare for ordination in the Anglican Church. He worked in parishes in Bradford for nearly 10 years and in training church youth and children’s workers before coming to York St John as Chaplain in 1987. In 1994, Greg started lecturing part-time in the Theology department alongside his chaplaincy work and moved into full time lecturing in 2000. Still active in the church, Greg also runs a number of courses, retreats and conferences for churches around the country.

175th anniversary celebrationsAs the halfway mark to the University’s 175th anniversary year approaches, there is still much to look forward to. To keep up to date on events during the year and ways to get involved, visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/175

Graduation celebrations in Malaysia

Graduation celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, front row platform party (left to right): Ian Tan, Director of International Development (Asia); SueAnn Chok, Deputy Principal Operations, SEGi College,

Subang Jaya; Dr Lisa Tan, Senior Vice President Subang and KL Campus, SEGi College; David Chesser, Chief Operating Officer; Doreen D’Orville, Acting Principal, SEGi College Subang Jaya;

Tracey Kok, Deputy Head Academic, SEGi College, Subang Jaya; Alison Kennell, Registrar.

This year, York St John University awarded Honorary Fellowships to Cherie Federico, Greg Hoyland and John Finnigan as part of the University’s 175 anniversary celebrations. Cherie, Greg and John received their Honorary Fellowships during the 175 Stakeholder Dinner on 19 May 2016, in front of an audience of invited guests. Professor Steve Watson also received a posthumous Honorary Fellowship.

John Finnigan served for three years as a co-opted member of the Strategy, Planning and Resources Committee at York St John, before becoming a Trustee and Governor in September 2005 and taking on the chairmanship of the Audit Committee. Having recently retired from practice as a solicitor, John brought with him specialisms in corporate finance, corporate insolvency and recovery and funding work. He went on to take up the role of chair of the Governing Body and, after completing the maximum of three terms of three years each, he retired from the Governing Body in 2014.

Chok (Deputy Principal Operations) and Tracey Kok, Deputy Head Academic.

The graduation ceremony was a great celebration of students’ achievements and followed the ceremonial format of our congregations in York Minster. Masters student Varinderpal Singh gave a vote of thanks on behalf of graduates. In his closing speech, David Chesser made reference to the significance of this first off-shore graduation as a defining moment for the University’s history indicating its global reach.

Campus explorer appAn augmented reality campus explorer app has been developed by Warren Fearn in Design and Katherine Parsons in Student Recruitment, with technical assistance from Blackridge Technologies.The app allows tech-savvy visitors to navigate York St John University using interactive clues contained in small colourful markers in various locations around campus. Katherine Parsons said: “We have developed this app as a new recruitment activity for use with school groups visiting the University, who are now used to being engaged through interactive methods as an alternative to a standard campus tour. The app is free to download and very user friendly, as well as being unique to York St John. The app may also be suitable for use with new students throughout welcome week.”

If you would like more information, please contact Katherine Parsons, E: k.parsons@yorksj.ac.uk or T: 6882.

News

0504

Nic Streatfield, Head of Student Services, E: n.streatfield@yorksj.ac.uk or T: 6522.

Creating a compassionate, safe and inclusive cultureThe creation of the Student Harassment and Bullying policy will also support other initiatives being undertaken to create a compassionate, safe and inclusive culture on campus. During Welcome Week inductions, safety and harassment training can be delivered by Student Services and the Student Union. Last year seven sessions were delivered and it is hoped that all students will receive this information next year. Please contact Jo Mahon, E: j.mahon@yorksj.ac.uk if you would like your new students to receive this session as part of their induction.

Intervention initiativeStudent Services is looking for academic programmes to work with to implement the ‘Intervention Initiative’, a national bystander education programme that will help educate students in how to respond to inappropriate behaviour. This programme will be delivered in class time jointly by Student Services staff and academics. For more information please contact Nic Streatfield, E: n.streatfield@yorksj.ac.uk

Universities UK are leading a taskforce to examine violence against women, harassment and hate crime on UK university campuses.

York St John is committed to a policy of equality of opportunity and aims to ensure that no student is subject to harassment or bullying of any nature and all are treated with dignity and respect.The University now has a specific ‘Student Harassment and Bullying’ policy. The policy and its associated resources will create a supportive framework to intervene at an early stage of any dispute. In order to ensure that student concerns can be dealt with promptly, impartially and with sensitivity, staff will be trained as Harassment Advisers. If you are interested in these voluntary positions please contact

York St John extends its international partnerships in India and Switzerland

Keeping our campus a safe place for all

Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of York St John University, recently signed two significant International Partnership agreements, one with the Robert Kennedy College and a second with Indian Partner, ISME.

Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor, and David Chesser, Chief Operating Officer,

pictured with representatives from Robert Kennedy College, Switzerland

Staff vs students football friendly to raise funds for SPARKA staff vs students football match was held in April to raise funds for the SPARK scholarship fund.

Held on the 3G synthetic football pitch at Nestlé Rowntree Park, the eleven-a-side mixed gender teams raised over £100 for SPARK. Billy Jones, Alumni Relations Coordinator, said, “In what was billed as a tight contest, the students took victory beating the staff team 7-2 at the final whistle!”

York St John signed a franchise agreement with the Swiss Robert Kennedy College for the delivery of MALIC (MA in Leading Innovation and Change) as an online learning programme which includes a residential element in either Zurich or York.

Representatives from the Indian School of Design and Innovation (ISDI) and the Indian School of Management and Entrepreneurship (ISME) visited York St John in March, meeting staff in the Faculty of Arts and the Business School, as well as receiving a tour of the University and York Minster.

Professor Stanton is pictured with Professor Mookesh Patel, Dean of the

School of Design, ISDI

Pain tolerance and the use of virtual realityA paper by the Psychology team was recently published in the Royal Society Open Science journal.The research, ‘Sound can enhance the analgesic effect of virtual reality’, looked at the concept of increasing pain tolerance by using virtual reality. Lead author was Sarah Johnson, a recent York St John Psychology graduate, working with Dr Matthew Coxon, Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology.

Research participants were asked to submerge their hand in ice cold water for as long as possible. The amount of time they kept their hand in the water was recorded as their pain tolerance. Whilst their hand was submerged participants also interacted with a virtual reality game.

They discovered that sound was very important in promoting the analgesic effect of virtual reality - the pain tolerance of the participants significantly increased when sound was included. They also found that the combination of the sound with the virtual reality game was particularly important, surpassing both the sound on its own and the game on its own. This has important implications for clinicians and other health professionals who may make use of virtual reality technology in the near future.

News

Students from the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences and the Faculty of Arts took part in showcase events in April and May.

Discover 2016 celebrated the knowledge, research and achievements of students in the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences. Running from 25 April to 3 May, Discover 2016 hosted a range of conferences and events across five of the Faculty’s programmes. The majority of the events this year were closed invitation only, but staff were invited to attend a Biomedical Science showcase, where students took attendees on a journey of Biomedical Science from the explanation of a disease through to diagnosis.

The Faculty of Arts’ annual student showcase, Create 16, took place from 16-31 May. Create is the culmination of the Faculty of Arts’ graduate shows, including the best examples of student Art, Creative Industries, Dance, Design, Film and TV, Media, Music and Theatre performance. Dr Fiona Thompson, Dean of the Faculty of Arts said: “The Create festival is our opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity of our students with performances and exhibitions across the City. It is a moment of great pride for everyone in the Faculty of Arts and it is wonderful to celebrate our students and share in their success.”

06 07

Paralympian Craig McCann visits York St John UniversityAs part of the University’s continuing and growing association with elite and para-athletes, Craig McCann, Team GB Paralympian, visited York St John University to give a presentation and offer fencing taster sessions to staff and students.

His visit followed on from Disability History month, which was held at the University at the end of last year. Craig represented his country at the 2012 London Games as a wheelchair fencer and is on course to feature at the 2016 Rio Games, this time as a road cyclist.

Martin Bond, YSJActive Development Officer, said: “During the morning, Craig facilitated a series of fencing taster sessions where staff and students were invited to participate. During the afternoon, Craig delivered an inspirational and poignant presentation based on his life story, including how he overcame the adversity of being diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 19 and the subsequent recovery leading to a lifelong disability.”

Showcasing student talent in the Arts and Health & Life Sciences

Golden Hearts AwardsTwo academics from the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences have been shortlisted for a regional award.

Frances Dodd and Rachel Martin are in the running for a Golden Hearts PACT Award for Positive Culture and Team Spirit 2016. The awards scheme is an initiative by the Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

The nomination includes Frances, Rachel and 20 clinical lead physiotherapists from the Trust and is based on a leadership coaching programme that the two developed and delivered specifically for the physiotherapists.

As part of the AHP leadership module in 2013-14, led by York St John University, Frances and Rachel were asked to work with the Trust Physiotherapy Team and devised the 360 Transformational Leadership Development programme. This involved a number of processes including questionnaires, feedback, one-to-one coaching sessions and evaluations. The programme received extremely positive feedback by participants and management, leading to it being shortlisted for the Golden Hearts award. The winners will be announced in the very near future.

University welcomes coffee farmer as part of Fairtrade FortnightYork St John University welcomed a Peruvian coffee farmer to campus in March, to highlight the importance of Fairtrade.

As part of Fairtrade Fortnight 29 February -13 March the University’s catering supplier, Sodexo UK and Ireland, played host to Franceska Salazar Hilacondo. She visited Sodexo client sites to talk about the importance of Fairtrade to support the livelihoods of coffee farmers in Peru.

Franceska gave a short talk about her life and family’s livelihood, sharing insights about the importance of Fairtrade in supporting farmers and farming communities achieve a better quality of life. Staff and students learnt about the origins of the Aspretto coffee bean, its farming process, and how Sodexo and Aspretto coffee supports farmers in Peru through Fairtrade.

Shona Northey, Student Experience Manager for Sodexo said: “We are thrilled to support York St John University with their application for Fairtrade status. We are working towards increasing our range of Fairtrade products available to both students and staff, and to raise awareness of how buying Fairtrade products can help working farmers and their families, such as Franceska.”

<Insert pic of fairtrade coffee farmer visit> Picture caption: (Left to right) Shona Northey, Victoria from the Fairtrade Foundation and Franceska Salazar Hilacondo

(Left to right) Shona Northey, Victoria from the Fairtrade Foundation and Franceska Salazar Hilacondo

Craig McCann at the fencing taster session

16

09

York St John aims to encourage students and staff to flourish in an inclusive, accessible and friendly environment. “Our strategy states that advancing equality of opportunity and delivering social justice are of key importance to York St John and it recognises some of the challenges we face. For example, we are committed to addressing gender imbalance in academic leadership, making our community more ethnically diverse and tackling differences in outcomes between groups of students,” says Marije.

York St John has been recognised as one of Britain’s top 100 friendliest workplaces for lesbian, gay and bi (LGB) staff. The University is a MINDFUL employer, supporting the mental wellbeing of staff and providing a positive working environment for all; and are Positive About Disabled People employers.

York St John University is committed to ensuring that staff and students understand their rights and responsibilities under the Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Policy Statement and are equipped to put this in practice. “We do this through providing training and practical guidance. We have events to highlight significant dates, for example our ‘We’re here’ workshop during LGBT History Month in February talked about the role of allies in promoting an inclusive environment,” says Marije.

“Being proactive helps to anticipate where we might be placing groups at an unfair disadvantage or where we can improve our policies and practices. It also helps us to reduce time spent on sorting out problems on an ad-hoc basis. Our equality analysis toolkit helps staff understand and address equality impact. For example, following equality analysis, English Literature have updated their forms to include an invitation to discuss any specific needs before a placement starts. This helps the Programme tutors anticipate potential issues and work with the student and the employer so that the student can do their placement well,” explains Marije.

“It really helps us to have access to equality data about our students and staff, as we use this to understand diversity and identify differences between groups. For example Stonewall states that LGB people appear less likely to achieve promotion but not enough people disclose their sexual

orientation to establish if that’s the case at York St John. If people would like to update their staff record, particularly on religion or sexuality, they are encouraged to contact their HR Adviser.”

To provide space for informal discussions about equality topics, the Equality Champions launched the Equality Elephant in the Room series in 2015. Anyone can suggest topics and/or lead a session. The sessions encourage debate in the wider University community, for instance members of the Children, Young People and Education Department discussed the questions used for the ‘Fostering Inclusive Behaviour and Language in the Classsroom’ delivered by lecturers from Linguistics and English Literature.

“Staff networks are a place for staff to come together, increase voice and visibility of particular groups or issues, and help the University to be an enabling and welcoming environment for all. We have Disability, LGBT and Women’s Staff Networks,” explains Marije. The Women’s Network was set up to support the University’s aim of addressing the gender imbalance in academic leadership. It was launched with a panel of female leaders, including Vice Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton and Professor Pauline Kollontai. York St John is also supporting four academics on the women-only Aurora leadership programme.

The Students’ Union supports the voice of diverse students in the University. Equality, diversity and inclusion are a key feature of the annual Sports and Societies conference while programme reps can attend workshops about representing a

diverse student body. The Students’ Union launched an ‘It’s Not Okay’ campaign against sexual harassment, including a video which students and staff at York St John contributed to.

“Everyone benefits from equality and diversity. If people have ideas for policies or guidance or they would like us to consider setting up other networks, please get in touch with me or with HR.” Marije concludes.

Did you know?Marije Davidson is the Equality and Diversity Adviser and supports the University to become more diverse, inclusive and accessible, on strategic as well as operational level. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Each Faculty/Department has an Equality Champion to support their Dean/Director drive forward equality and diversity and to feed equality issues back to the Equality and Diversity Adviser.

As a member of the Equality Challenge Unit, staff and students can access advice, guidance and training via www.ecu.ac.uk

Any form of bullying or harassment is not acceptable in the workplace. If you experience either, please speak to your line manager, a member of the Dignity and Respect Network or your union representative. Our Dignity and Respect Network members are trained volunteers who listen and offer confidential support.

Find out morewww.yorksj.ac.uk/equality-diversity@ysjequality

ContactGeneral: Marije Davidson, Equality and Diversity Adviser, E: equalities@yorksj.ac.uk

Staff-related matters: E: humanresources@yorksj.ac.uk, T: 6955/6436

Staff development: E: staff.development@yorksj.ac.uk

Staff networks: www.yorksj.ac.uk/equality-diversity/ staffnetworks

0808

Focus on…Equality and Diversity at York St John UniversityYork St John University strives to be a diverse and inclusive place to study and work. As Marije Davidson, Equality and Diversity Adviser, explains, “We want all students and staff to reach their full potential. Ensuring our education provision and employment practices reflect our diverse students and staff helps us achieve that.”

Marije Davidson, Equality and Diversity Adviser

What were you doing before joining York St John University?In the summer of 2014, my wife Sandy and I moved back to the UK upon my retirement from teaching. Before that I’d been the Technology Integrator at South Meadow School in Peterborough, NH in the USA. Mid-career, I had switched from teaching English and History to middle schoolers, to taking charge of technology education at the same school – a total of 38 years under the same roof. My charge was to assist teachers become technology proficient and to show how to integrate technology in all curricular areas. At the same time I also worked as an associate faculty member in the Education Department at Antioch/New England Graduate School and delivered online professional development for a number of institutions, but primarily for the New Hampshire Office of Ed. Tech.

Describe your roleI currently manage the University Heritage Room as part of the Alumni Development Team, coming in two days a week on a voluntary basis. I took over in the autumn of 2014 from John Maw who created the Heritage Room and populated it with an incredible collection of artefacts. Recently, I’ve been updating the Heritage Trail Guide for publication. Taking reunion groups around the campus is hugely enjoyable – sharing campus information with alumni and listening to their memories of yesteryear!

Do you have a typical day?Every day is different, but I tend to start with correspondence, then work on current projects, and add items to the Heritage Room inventory when there is time.

Somewhere in there I try to get to know the campus better and enjoy seeing how various buildings and corridors have changed form and function during the last 40 years.

What are your favourite aspects to the job?I love being on campus and enjoying the energy of staff and students. It’s great to meet new colleagues and alumni also. It’s a real privilege to work with John Maw, the mentor and inspiration for my work here, and Billy Jones, Alumni Relations Coordinator, with whom I coordinate several projects. I’ve also enjoyed keeping current by attending several excellent technology professional development sessions made available by the ILS and TEL teams.

What qualities do you bring to the role?I like to think that my liking for organisation helps with the management of the Heritage Room, and my teaching experience makes doing campus tours both natural and enjoyable. The job also provides lots of potential for writing and creating, with and without technology. Obviously it’s an advantage to have been a student here in relating to alumni visitors.

What are your best memories of being a student?I loved being a student in the English Department and feel very fortunate to have had my classes at Gray’s Court. Tutorials usually had only a dozen or so students, so there were plenty of chances to participate and develop working relationships with tutors. Playing on the college basketball team was also great fun, and was a big

jump from playing high school basketball. I remember going to several concerts both at York University and further afield and sneaking back to Nottingham corridor through the designated open window! By the time I graduated with a B.Ed in 1974, I felt well prepared for a career in teaching.

How do you spend your time away from work?I love trips with my wife – going for walks and visiting interesting places such as the Lakes, Western Scotland and the Dales. Particularly enjoyable is keeping up with friends back in NH and family: my two sons in New Jersey, brother in Leeds, and step-daughters and their families. Going to the gym three or four times a week helps make up for no longer refereeing football. Reading interests are a mixture of history, and crime/spy thrillers. Watching rugby and cricket live at Haxby Rd and on TV is another interest. I manage the website and am on the committee of the Friends of Hob Moor, and I’ve recently joined the Yorkshire N Gauge Model Railway Society. I can’t wait to rekindle this childhood hobby! Retirement is every bit as busy as I was warned it would be!

In the spotlight

Peter Monether, Alumni Relations Volunteer

10 11

National Network for Collaborative OutreachThe National Network for Collaborative Outreach (NNCO) is a national widening participation scheme that aims to encourage young people into higher education. The Government provided £22 million for the NNCO scheme over two academic years (2014-16) and is managed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Within this scheme there are three national networks supporting specific groups, such as mature learners and care leavers, and 35 local networks.

York St John University forms part of the Higher York Network for Collaborative Outreach (HYNCO). HYNCO is a

partnership of York St John University, University of York, York College, Askham Bryan and Craven College. It acts as a single point of contact to support advisers and teachers to discover the outreach activity available to them in their local area, whilst also proving general advice about higher education. Each partner in the HYNCO has an outreach ambassador designated to deliver quality activities to both students and parents/carers in North Yorkshire schools identified as ‘cold spots’. Since October 2015 York St John University has worked with ten of the schools identified as requiring further outreach from higher education institutions.

As a result of our contribution to the HYNCO project;

• 100% of Year 8 students from Skipton Academy left campus with a better understanding of HE after visiting York St John

• 100% of Year 9/10 boys from Sherburn High School left campus with a better understanding of HE after visiting York St John

• 100% of Year 8 parents from Thirsk High School left campus with a better understanding of HE after visiting York St John

• 100% of Year 8 parents from Thirsk High School felt better able to support their child when he/she is making decisions about their future.

For more information on the project or to contribute by providing an academic taster session please contact Elenid Steffan, Graduate Ambassador, E: elenid.steffan@yorksj.ac.uk or visit www.higheryork.org

Widening participation

Research newsYork St John research highlights the prevalence of ‘pre-loading’A new study by researchers in the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences has highlighted the prevalence of pre-loading drinking behaviour in the general population. Pre-loading refers to a recognised behaviour where people drink cheaper, supermarket bought alcohol at home and then go out into town later on in the night.

Key findings from the research, which was carried out in Selby, includes that females reported consuming more units when

pre-loading compared to males and that the average number of units consumed when pre-loading were 8.32 (more than half the amount the NHS recommend as a weekly limit). It also highlighted that very few participants could accurately predict their own level of alcohol toxicity regardless of age or gender.

The study, undertaken by Anna Macklin, Elliott Morgan and Nathalie Noret, and commissioned by North Yorkshire Police, highlighted that pre-loading was evident in over half of all participants.

Regardless of gender, individuals that had pre-loaded blew higher breath alcohol measurements at the end of the night, which may reflect the effects of pre-loading or that they had consumed considerably

more alcohol overall than the non pre-loaders.

Dr Anna Macklin, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at York St John University said: “Despite government and police initiatives focusing on alcohol education and awareness many of the participants involved in the study struggled to list all of the alcohol that they had consumed in their pre-loading sessions and what this represented in terms of units. In addition, many participants were surprised at their breath alcohol measurements.”

Please visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/pdf/Selby- Alcohol-Survey-2015.pdf to view the research findings.

Peter Monether

Opinion

Studying overseas, then and now: China.Nick Linley, International Admissions and Compliance Manager, discusses the attraction of looking beyond borders when it comes to higher education.

12

The view from the Students’ Union

As the end of term approaches, it’s time to bid farewell to the current Sabbatical team.

“It’s been an amazing year,” reflects Nathaniel Abakah-Phillips, Students’ Union President, “I’m not sure I can pick one stand-out moment, but I’ll give you my top three.”

Nathaniel’s highlights from his term of office include the many ways in which he has been able to engage with students at a grassroots level, graduation in York Minster, and securing the new Students’ Union building.

“I have loved going to students, rather than waiting for them to come to me. There’s a certain benefit in being proactive through questionnaires and campaigns to gather the student opinion, because sometimes students feel like they can’t share what they really think. During the recent SU on Tour campaign, we spoke with students about the issues that matter to them – the good and the bad. Even when we can’t fix everything, these interactions make my role worthwhile,” comments Nathaniel.

“Graduation is of course a really special time. As Sabbs we have the honour of being part of the platform party as mace-bearer, so have one of the best seats in the house! Not only did I receive my degree in front of my own family and friends, but I also had the privilege of witnessing my friends’ smiling faces as they came up to receive their degrees too. And as for York Minster, I don’t think there are many universities that can rival that venue!”

As the new home for the Students’ Union takes shape, Nathaniel has taken an active role in helping to influence the look and feel of the building. “Seeing the new building come to fruition has been brilliant. The Students’ Union is going to be a buzzing hub in the centre of the University campus. It will really reflect the importance we place on the student experience here.”

The close relationship the Students’ Union has with the Vice Chancellor and her senior team has had a big impact on Nathaniel’s time as President. “As a small university, we benefit from being heavily involved in a range of different working groups and committees. Our voice is valued and I have enjoyed working alongside the Vice Chancellor and her senior team,” Nathaniel says.

“It’s been great having the Vice Chancellor present at our termly Question Time events. Being a relatively small Students’ Union it is encouraging to see students taking an

interest in matters that affect them. Karen is really keen to engage with students face to face, and this is something I know students have appreciated.”

Nathaniel leaves his post at the end of June and a brand new team take up residency in the new Students’ Union. The Sabbatical Officers for 2016-2017 are Laurie Illingworth (President), Izzy Tooke (Vice President Education) and Katie Irving (Vice President of Welfare & Diversity). “The new Sabbs have a great opportunity to connect with students, starting out from scratch together in a brand new space. The team have an exciting year ahead, working out the best way to reach and communicate with students,” Nathaniel says.

After a summer of work and helping out on summer camps for young people, Nathaniel is returning to York St John to study for a PGCE Secondary RE qualification. “I’d love to get a job teaching somewhere in Yorkshire after that, so watch this space!”

Farewell to the current team!

13

One of the founding fathers of the Chinese Communist party, Sun Yat Sen, studied abroad in Japan and was part of the influential group of students leading the 1911 revolution. Deng Xiaoping studied abroad in Paris enduring hardship and poverty before returning to China and eventually becoming the leader of the Communist Party and changing the countries course towards a socialist market economy. His time in France was found to be the formative period of his life (by Richard Evans) who commented, “By the time he left France he had become a Marxist and a professional revolutionary.”

In the early years of the Communist Party rule the Soviet Union became the destination for the majority of Chinese students studying abroad as the route to the West was shut off. The view that study abroad was creating “a new amoral elite that resulted largely from education in the west” was put forward by Wang Jiqian in his “Chinese intellectuals and the West” published in 1966. An experience of studying abroad in a Communist State in this period could help lead to one of the highest posts. Jiang Zemin, Li Peng and 29% of the CCP Politburo membership between 1997 and 2002 studied in the Soviet Union or other Eastern European State.

Deng Xiaoping spent 11 months at the Sun Yat Sen University in Moscow which was created to foster the Chinese revolution. This institution was designed for Chinese students with a curriculum based around politics and languages.

The current Chinese government actively encourages study abroad opportunities for its citizens and the Ministry of Education website states that: “returned students and scholars play a leading role in areas like education, science and technology, high-tech industries, finance, insurance, trade and management etc, and serve as a driving force for the country’s economic and social development.” The generational nature of the political leadership in China helps explain why there are currently no members of the Chinese Politburo Standing Committee who studied overseas in the West but looking at other indicators such as the Forbes China Rich List or the Presidents of China’s top Universities shows how studying abroad in the West furthers returnee’s careers and opportunities. Zhang Xin who is currently number 67 on the Forbes China Rich list and has previously been in the top 10, said about her experience at the University of Sussex: “The university experience has a great impact on any young undergraduate as it teaches them the value of life. Most of my understanding of British and European culture stems from my time at Sussex.”

The achievements of today’s returning Chinese students continues to increase the cultural capital of the study abroad experience just as resulted from that first cohort in 1881. As more and more Chinese students choose York St John as their destination to study in the UK it will be interesting to follow how they positively affect China and Sino/UK relationships into the future.

Over the last couple of decades there has been an increasing number of Chinese students choosing to study in the UK to further their education and careers.

China now accounts for 36% of UK study visas issued worldwide. This has been mirrored at York St John University where students from China are a welcome and valuable addition to our community. In September 2015 80% of our incoming new international students on full-time academic programmes were from China. It is interesting to take a look beyond this most recent pattern in Chinese student mobility to see how earlier generations of Chinese students looked beyond their own borders for further education and how they went on to positively impact upon their nation on their return.

Research by Huang Hui into the very first group of returnees to China in 1881 showed what an impact a foreign education could have. Of the 120 young students who were sent to the USA most became successful professionals and took up high level posts including “one premier, three cabinet ministers, three admirals, ten ambassadors and consuls, 17 engineers and two University presidents.” These students were not from grand or privileged families but from peasant backgrounds with little or no previous education. At first on their return the students were treated with caution and doubt was placed on their patriotism. Continued achievement in a whole variety of fields from engineering to the military however quickly established the cultural capital of their education and prompted further efforts to have Chinese students educated overseas.

Sabbatical Officers for 2016/17, (left to right) Katie Irving, Laurie Illingworth and Izzy Tooke

Nathaniel Abakah-Phillips in his role as mace-bearer during graduation 2015

Nick Linley

Student Services updateThe Wellbeing Team

Announcements

15

Over the past three years, the Wellbeing Team has drastically reduced its counselling waiting list (43 waiting in January 2013, to zero in January 2016), despite demand continuing to rise (54% increase over three years).Liz Prance, Wellbeing Team Manager, and Nic Streatfield, Head of Student Services, were recently approached to write an article for the BACP University & College Counselling journal describing the development of the Wellbeing Team.

The Wellbeing Team is a multidisciplinary team consisting of mental health advisors (with social work and occupational health backgrounds), counsellors, a counselling psychologist and a welfare advisor. The Wellbeing Team is promoted as one which supports students suffering from emotional and psychological distress, as well as those with welfare-related concerns, e.g. victim support, personal safety, pregnancy and private housing. The Wellbeing Team are here to help support students to thrive at university; however they are not a substitute for NHS mental health provision.

The Team offer counselling, mental health case management, welfare advice, brief cognitive behaviour therapy, self-help/ guided self-help, psycho-educational workshops, and an ‘Exercise for Wellbeing’ programme. In addition, and also available for staff, is an NHS ‘Stress Control’ programme and mindfulness class. There is no hierarchy to the interventions and the Team work with the student to decide what might help them best now. The presence of a welfare advisor is unusual in a psychological therapy team, but this embedded role is of a great benefit as they provide advice and practical support and can also promptly arrange therapeutic interventions.

The Wellbeing Team has developed strong relationships with a wide range of local services in York and can now directly refer students into some NHS services, which has improved students’ access to specialist care. Students want to have appropriate, accessible, professional support which is why the Wellbeing drop-in assessment focuses on what would best help the student now and then collaboratively makes plans to access to the most appropriate support.

Alumni celebration Saturday 6 August 2016On Saturday 6 August 2016, York St John will be welcoming back alumni from across the years, to join us in celebrating the University’s 175th anniversary.

All York St John alumni and their families are invited to join us for this special occasion. The day will be free of charge, and will include a complimentary lunch, as well as refreshments on arrival in the morning. The day will offer visitors the chance to participate in a panel discussion in the morning, followed by opportunities to visit our Heritage Room, and take campus tours in the afternoon.

Registration for this event is now open, and alumni can book their free place by visiting the York St John Online Store. A provisional programme for the day is also available on the York St John Alumni Website. Further information about local accommodation, parking, and travel, will be available nearer the event.

Any enquiries about this event should be directed to the Alumni Office, E: alumni@yorksj.ac.uk

14

Deaf Awareness and Basic BSL sessions in July and AugustStaff are invited to attend two workshops this summer providing deaf awareness training and some basic elements of British Sign Language (BSL).

Four, two hour sessions are available for each course. Staff who attend both the deaf awareness session and Basic BSL will receive a badge to show that they have had awareness training, making them easily identifiable to deaf and hard of hearing people. Please visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/staffdevelopment for more information and to book a place.

Re-usable travel mugs in catering outlets – save money and reduce wasteIn order to reduce disposable wastage, staff are encouraged to continue to use their re-usable travel mugs and enjoy a 10p discount on every hot drink purchased. You will also receive a free hot drink when you purchase an Aspretto travel mug, which are available from all catering outlets. All staff are also welcome to use their own re-useable mugs to receive the 10p discount.

The Wellbeing Team• Find us: ask for the Wellbeing drop-in at the Student Advice Desk in Holgate

• T: 01904 876477 or E: wellbeing@yorksj.ac.uk

• www.yorksj.ac.uk/healthandwellbeing

Wellbeing drop-in times: Term time Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1.00-2.30pm 4.00-5.30pm 1.00-2.30pm 4.00-5.30pm 1.00-2.30pm

Non term time 1.00-2.00pm 4.00-5.00pm 1.00-2.00pm 4.00-5.00pm 1.00-2.00pm

The main entry point into the team is the daily Wellbeing drop-in which provides reassurance to students (along with staff and parents) that they can access professional support the same, or next, day.

The Wellbeing Team will continue to develop and improve but for staff the message is simple – if a student is experiencing emotional or psychological distress that is impacting on their academic performance they should come to the Wellbeing drop-in.

Contact YorktalkAny comments, news or stories for the Summer 2016 issue?

Please contact Amy Hall in Marketing & Student Recruitment on T: 6609 or E: news@yorksj.ac.uk with your suggestions by Friday 19 August.

This magazine is also available online and in other formats. Please contact Marketing & Student Recruitment on T: 6960 or E: marketing@yorksj.ac.uk

EventsFor a comprehensive list of all events please go to www.yorksj.ac.uk/events; an arts calendar can be found at www.yorksj.ac.uk/artsevents

Staff developmentFull details of all staff development courses and events can be found on the Staff Infohub. If you wish to book a place, please contact Staff Development on T: 6571 or E: staffdevelopment@yorksj.ac.uk

Focus on…Go York lectures 2016The Go York lecture series continue as part of the University’s 175th anniversary celebrations. For the full line-up of speakers in 2016, visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/goyork

Welcome to the following new members of staffMartin Aitken-Smith, Energy Officer, Estate Management & Development

Kris Barnes, Website Assistant, Marketing & Student Recruitment

Alizee Cordes, International Student Support Assistant, Student and Staff Services

Andrew Flaherty, Finance Advisor, Finance

Jeff Gold, Professor, YSJ Business School

Philip Hodgson, Joiner, Estate Management & Development

Simon Marshall, Celta Trainer, YSJ Business School

Sharon Moran, International Administrator, Marketing & Student Recruitment

Beckie Senior, Marketing Officer, Marketing & Student Recruitment

Laura Stephenson, Faculty Technician, Education & Theology

We would like to thank the following staff for their valuable service to York St John and to wish them all the best for their future endeavoursJudith Bartlett, Cleaner, Student and Staff Services

Desmond Brett, Lecturer in Fine Art, Arts

Matthew Hawthorn, Head of Department Art & Design, Arts

Sylvain Machefert, Library Systems Manager, Information Learning Services

Maria McBride, Marketing Officer, Marketing & Student Recruitment

Miles Mitchard, Senior Information Assistant, Information Learning Services

Robert Sager, Pre Registration Placements Officer, Health & Life Sciences

Ben Selby, Trainee Accountant - Systems Support, Finance

Ann Simpson, Reception Manager, Student and Staff Services

Kathryn Taylor, International Admissions Officer, Marketing & Student Recruitment

Sally Wilkinson, Receptionist, Student and Staff Services

Notice board

York Festival of Ideas 7-19 JuneThis year’s York Festival of Ideas has a theme of ‘Tick Tock’ and York St John University is hosting a range of activities during the festival which will run alongside the full programme of events.

For more information, visit www.yorkfestivalofideas.com/2016