YorktalkThe news magazine for York St John University

Summer 2015

In celebration of five momentous yearssee pages 8&9

02 News Launching the next phase at Nestlé Rowntree Park

12 Opinion Dr Beth Bell discusses body image awareness

07 Financial management David Chesser explains how the Universitymanagesitsfinances

Yorktalk Contents02 News08 Focus on… In celebration of the Vice Chancellor

10 Research news10 Widening participation11 In the spotlight12 Opinion: Dr Beth Bell talks about healthy body image

13 The view from the Students’ Union14 Student Services update15 Announcements16 Notice board

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News

Professor Karen Stanton will be the next Vice Chancellor of York St John University. She is currently Deputy Vice Chancellor at Glasgow Caledonian University and will start her new role on 1 September 2015.

As well as at Glasgow Caledonian, Professor Stanton has also held positions at King’s College London and at the universities of Nottingham, Birmingham and Sheffield Hallam. Her previous areas of responsibility have included internationalisation, marketing and communications, fundraising, business and community engagement. Before her roles within Higher Education, Professor Stanton worked as a researcher for the Home Office and at the BBC.

Professor Stanton said, “It is a great honour to be appointed as the next Vice Chancellor of York St John University which has enjoyed significant success in recent years under the leadership of Professor David Fleming. The University is recognised for its outstanding student experience and has built a reputation for its commitment to the

region’s economic, social and cultural success. At such an interesting time for the HE sector I believe York St John has a great opportunity to develop further as a University focused on quality, community and raising aspirations.”

Professor David Fleming, who has been Vice Chancellor since 2010, announced his retirement due to reasons of ill health in October last year and will leave both York St John and higher education altogether in September.

Launching the next phase at Nestlé Rowntree Park

New Vice Chancellor appointed

York St John University’s new sports facility, Nestlé Rowntree Park, has been officially opened.

The ribbon was cut by Howard Webb MBE, world-renowned referee and York St John University honorary graduate, ahead of a community football match involving the University’s first team, York City Football Academy and i2i Football Academy.

The 57 acre site, just under a mile from the Lord Mayor’s Walk campus, includes a 3G pitch for rugby and football; a synthetic pitch for hockey and small-sided games; three netball courts and three tennis courts. There is also a grass pitch for rugby, two grass football pitches, a cricket pitch, a sprint track and a bowling green.

A new sports centre, which gained planning approval in March this year, is the next phase of an overall £7m investment. The centre will contain sports courts, changing rooms, gym facilities

and conference and teaching space. It is planned to open in September 2016.

Other future facilities include eight outdoor grass pitches on ‘North Fields’ on the opposite side of the road which will be ready this autumn.

David Chesser, Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is a major investment for the University and is a superb facility for students and the community. The sheer

scale of the site is impressive and it is in a very attractive setting, bounded by parkland, trees and the River Foss, creating a natural amphitheatre for sport and other University and community activities.

“The University reached its highest ever BUCS ranking at the end of the last season which can, in part, be attributed to these new facilities. Our investment in the sports park aims to both increase participation and the level of performance in student and community sport.

“As well as benefits to our University sports teams, these new facilities will provide lecture and learning spaces for students on sport and health related courses and opportunities to improve health and well-being for students from across the University and members of the community.”

A display of craftsmanshipUniversity joiners Steve Precious and Mark Cooper revealed their creative skills to design and construct an intricate cabinet to display University papers and books. The cabinet, crafted in oak, took the pair three weeks to make alongside their existing maintenance duties and has taken pride of place in the Executive wing.

Pictured: (l-r) Steve Precious, the Vice Chancellor and Mark Cooper standing beside the display cabinet

CPD in the Faculty of Health & Life SciencesThe Faculty of Health & Life Sciences is celebrating the end of another successful year for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The Faculty’s contract with Health Education Yorkshire & the Humber has more than doubled in size over the last three years, and they now deliver more than 30 different short courses and seven masters’ programmes to professional health and social care staff within the region each year. The Faculty also delivers two successful Counselling for Depression courses, as well as bespoke provision, working directly with teams to offer tailored training.

The Faculty of Health & Life Sciences would like to thank colleagues, internal and external, for all their hard work and contributions, and to health and social care partners. If you would like information on the CPD provision, please visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/hlscpd or E: hlscpd@yorksj.ac.uk

Professor Karren Stanton

Above: An artist’s impression of the new sports centre

Left: Howard Webb MBE cutting the ribbon alongside Professor David Fleming (l) and David Chesser (r)

Successful SEED competition at Venturefest 2015Thirteen finalists were selected from entries to this year’s SEED (Support Entrepreneurs Explore & Develop) competition. The competition offered entrepreneurs an opportunity to show off imaginative ideas and win support from businesses. It was open to all York St John students and graduates (up to five years) and the top prize included more than £8,000 worth of business support.

The finalists were invited to pitch their ideas to a judging panel made up of local business people. They were also able to take part in Venturefest 2015 and set up their stands at the regional business event.

The competition was won by former Music Production student David Young, from InterACT, and his Theremin Bollards which are interactive sound sculptures. The bollards use technology to pick up a person’s distance and create a sound relevant to that measurement. Current students Philip Crooks and Andrew Truglia were named as runner up and the ‘one to watch’ by the panel.

York St John team help to preserve Yorkshire Air Museum archivesMembers of the Computer Science department have been working with the Yorkshire Air Museum’s Collections and Archives Department to help with the latest stage of their £500,000 archive project.

The new Collections Building will house the Museum’s internationally important archive of photographs, artefacts, uniforms and records.

Dr Mike O’Dea and Dr Carl Hetherington worked on site updating the wireless network infrastructure to connect the new building to the rest of the Museum’s computer network.

It is hoped that undergraduate students from the Computer Science Department will have the opportunity to gain work experience at the Museum in the near future.

News

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York St John University alumnus Chris Hees was awarded a British Academy Film Award in the Best British Short category at this year’s awards ceremony. The former Film and TV student won the award for his piece, The Bigger Picture, a short film which follows two brothers as they care for an elderly parent.

The film producer attended York St John University between 2005 and 2008 before going on to the National Film and Televi-sion School in London. He is now based in London and works in film production and development.

On receiving his nominations Chris said, “Studying at York St John gave me the grounding in film and television I needed to produce a feature film straight after graduating. I worked closely with the Careers Service at the University and they encouraged the entrepreneurial spirit I still have now which has given me the determination to get this far.”

Dr Robert Edgar, from the Faculty of Arts, taught Chris during his time at York St John. He said, “Chris was always a joy to teach and was well respected for his talent and engagement with his university work. Chris is certainly a name to follow for the future.”

BAFTA win for York St John graduate

Focus on research activity

Faculty of ArtsWith the REF results released and the application process for RDAP successfully completed, a good picture of research activity has emerged. There is ‘world- leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ research taking place across all areas that were submitted for the REF: English Literature, Performance, Dance, Music, Culture and Media Studies.

The increasingly important ‘impact’ agenda promoted by HEFCE is one that researchers in the Faculty have responded to with very impressive results. Our ambition is to include History and Geography in the next REF (2020) and we are also considering the viability of Computer Science and Art and Design.

Another success story is the increasing recognition of the work of Converge which, alongside research in collaboration with York Theatre Royal, the newly established International Centre for Community Music (ICCM), the on-going Prisons Project and a proposed Centre for Creative Writing, spearheads the Faculty’s commitment to outward-facing, community-engaged research. The practice-led nature of much of this research offers great potential for the development of innovative research models capable of challenging orthodoxies and imagining new possibilities.

York St John Business SchoolThere are a range of diverse specialisms in the Business School which are well supported by research-active staff and a growing community of postgraduate research students.

The Business School has two active research units, LIdIA and Futures. The Department of Languages & Linguistics supports a range of research projects and research students through LIdIA; whilst Futures is an interdisciplinary research group which seeks to promote the critical study of contemporary developments in business management, to share knowledge and to facilitate the exchange of insight and experience between practitioners.

The Business School has a higher than the national average proportion of staff with Doctoral qualifications (40%) and 44% of staff published in peer reviewed journals in the year 2013/14. A high percentage of colleagues are active in making keynote presentations at conferences, demonstrating the Business School’s substantial contribution to knowledge and practice across many areas of its work.

BAFTA winner Chris Hees

Professor Gary Peters

Professor Bob Garvey

SEED 2015 winners (l-r) Philip Crooks, David Young and Andrew Truglia

Following the REF announcement and update on research activity from the Faculty of Education & Theology and Faculty of Health & Life Sciences in the Spring 2015 issue of Yorktalk, Heads of Research in the Faculty of Arts and the Business School provide an update on research activity in their faculty.

(l-r) Alastair Fyfe (Archive volunteer, Yorkshire Air Museum), Dr Carl Hetherington (Computer Science technical demonstrator),

Dr John Wright (Head of Archives, Yorkshire Air Museum) and Dr Mike O’Dea

(Senior Lecturer, Computer Science)

News

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Mary Murata, Senior Lecturer – Japanese, visited Japan in March with the Vice Chancellor and Ann Green CBE, Chairman of the Board of Governors. Here she describes their whistle-stop tour.

“In March I had the pleasure of accompanying the Vice Chancellor and Ann Green on a trip to Japan. This was a flying visit taking in four universities in three days, at opposite ends of the country. Although brief, the visits were very pleasant; we were given campus tours, lovely lunches and exchanged gifts.

“Any student can apply to study abroad in their second year, including studying at one of our six Japanese partners. This is a credit bearing year so selection of suitable partner institutions and good relationships with them are essential for ensuring the students have the best possible experience. As well as opportunities for students to study abroad, these partnerships also offer opportunities for staff exchanges and research collaboration.

There is already some lively joint research with Okayama University underway.

“The trip was not all work and despite a packed schedule we managed to take in some culture - an evening in a smoky izakaya (bar), a visit to a temple in Tokyo, and a bullet train ride complete with view of Mt. Fuji. All that remains to say is otsukarasama deshita (thanks for all your efforts) to everyone involved.”

On the road with the Vice Chancellor

Financial management at the UniversityDavid Chesser, Chief Operating Officer, explains how the University manages its finances.

The introduction of £9000 tuition fees in 2012 has led to a major transformation of UK university finances. The reliance on Government funding and grants has almost disappeared, being replaced by a market driven process where students provide the income to universities via the Student Loan mechanism.

York St John has adapted really well to these changes, ensuring that sufficient cash resources are available to deliver quality provisions every day, whilst also ensuring that the University has access to funds for future investment. In this current year, the University will generate income of £60.7m (see Chart 1).

The University’s financial model ensures that the teaching income follows the student to their host Faculty where on average across the University, 36% of that income is spent on Faculty staffing and 5% on other expenditure such as equipment, materials, student support and travel.

The University is a complex organisation that provides a host of services to its staff and students, including estates management, library and IT services, student and staff support, marketing and student recruitment, financial management and academic development. The projected expenditure for each of these services this year is in Chart 2.

The net result is that income will exceed expenditure by £5.0m, and this is known as the operating surplus. It can also be quoted as a percentage of income and at 8.2% for 2014/15, will be slightly above the target of 7.5% as defined in the Strategic Plan.

This operating surplus represents real cash generation which we are using to invest in our facilities and equipment to ensure that our estate is fit for purpose and that our all-round offer to students remains competitive.Included with the analysis of expenditure is an item called ‘depreciation’ of £3.1m.

This is an accounting adjustment which represents the annual reduction in value of the University’s assets caused by their usage in the year. It is not a cash item, so in total, the University will generate £8.1m cash this year. See the table opposite for how this will be used.

The University is aiming to generate similar levels of cash in 2015/16, which together with the £13.8m cash balance, will be used to fund the new teaching building on Lord Mayor’s Walk, the construction of the hub building at Haxby Road and other major enhancement projects.

Where does our recyclable waste go?A group of York St John staff visited Yorwaste’s Materials Recovery facility at Seamer Carr on 10 April to find out what happens to the University’s recyclable waste.

If you would like to get involved with environmental activities at the University please contact Sarah Williams, Energy & Environment Projects Officer, E: s.williams@yorksj.ac.uk

For information about recycling at York St John go to www.yorksj.ac.uk/waste-and-recycling

Pictured (l-r): Ben Selby, Susan Maskill, Jackie Evans, Sarah Williams and Gill Mulroe at the Yorwaste Facility at Seamer Carr.

York St John graduate honoured by NATOYork St John graduate Matthew Teeling, a Major in the Royal Engineers, has been awarded the NATO Meritorious Service Medal – the highest honour awarded by the NATO Secretary General, who signs each citation.

Matthew, 31, studied Psychology at York St John University between 2003 and 2005 before commissioning from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2006. He received the medal for showing exceptional leadership and personal example, and making an outstanding individual contribution during his role as Afghanistan National Army Development Officer during a tour of Afghanistan in 2013.

Matthew said: “In my role as an advisor and mentor to senior members of the Afghanistan National Army I was able to utilise some of the basic models within developmental Psychology in order to engender a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.”Major Matthew Teeling receiving his

NATO Meritorious Service Medal from Major General Alastair Dickinson

St John’s Hall, Momoyama University

Opening cash balance 1 Aug 2014 12.8

Cash generated

Operating surplus 5.0 Depreciation 3.1 8.1

Funds available 20.9

Loan repayments (0.5)

Capital expenditureIT networks and equipment 1.8Haxby Road pitches 1.1Temple Hall refurbishment 0.6St Anthony’s House & Access road 0.5Teaching rooms 0.2Biomedical laboratories 0.7 Faculty equipment 0.5Other projects 1.2 6.6

Cash balance 31 July 2015 13.8

Chart 1 - Expenditure

Chart 2 - Income

Focus on…Our Vice ChancellorCelebrating five momentous yearsAs Professor Fleming prepares for his departure from York St John University, and higher education altogether, it is time toreflectonandcelebratehis time at the University.

“It has been an incredible honour and a privilege to lead the institution over the past five years.”

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David steps down from his role as Vice Chancellor in September, having enjoyed five years leading York St John University. Under his tenure, York St John has undergone a remarkable transformation. Growth in student enrolments have been among the best in the higher education sector and includes considerable success in attracting students from outside York and the wider region.

By establishing financial strength and stability, the University has been able to invest significantly in its campus and facilities, which in turn has contributed to unprecedented improvements in the student experience. Student achievement and retention have also seen major improvements, with York St John now rated among the top 10 universities in the country for student retention.

Reflecting on his time at York St John, David said, “It has been an incredible honour and a privilege to lead the institution over the past five years. It has also been inspiring to work amongst such a friendly and dedicated staff community. Never before have I worked anywhere where the feeling of pride and commitment from colleagues comes across so strongly. I love to walk around the campus, as there is always a good atmosphere and I will miss that hugely when I leave.

“The start of the academic year is always special for me. Welcoming students back, full of hope of what’s to come, reminds me why we are here,” said David.

When asked to name some highlights of his time as Vice Chancellor, he said there were many but in particular for him, “Witnessing colleagues doing an outstanding job, the excitement of open days, seeing students shine at graduation, meeting alumni, and all our many and varied events.

“Our recent achievement in being awarded Research Degree Awarding Powers is a

demonstration of the strong governance, high academic standards, and ongoing development of the research culture within the University. I am grateful to all colleagues who have worked hard to achieve this and see it as a foundation for even greater success in the future.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Board of Governors and the Chairman, Ann Green CBE, for their support and friendship. And of course a big thank you to the whole staff community for giving me so many terrific memories to take away with me. I wish the University well.”

Highlights as Vice Chancellor…Academic achievements• Student numbers have increased by 20%, rising from 6,000 in 2010/11 to 7,200 2014/15

• International student numbers have risen from 340 students on campus in 2010/11 to 600 in 2014/15

• Destinations of leavers from higher education (DLHE) data shows that 96% of 2014 graduates were in study or work six months after graduating – our highest rate ever; graduate employment is above 70%

• Firsts and 2:1s are the highest they have ever been – 65% in 2013/14, up from 57% in 2009/10

• 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) – 30% of York St John University’s research is described as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

• Research degree awarding powers (RDAP) were awarded to the University in March 2015

Awards and other accolades• Times Higher Education awards: Best Student Admissions Team award, 2010 Shortlisted for the Most Improved Student Experience, 2012 Shortlisted for University of the Year, 2013 Highly commended award for International Collaboration of the Year (Social Economy and Social Capital in Higher Education), 2013

• Times Higher Education Leadership and Management awards: Outstanding Strategic Planning Team, 2014• York St John gained a place in the top 10 for student experience following the Times Higher Education’s annual Student Experience Survey in 2013

Campus developments• Professor Fleming has overseen in excess of £25 million of strategic investment in new and improved facilities over the past five years – Fountains Learning Centre, St John Central accommodation and Nestlé Rowntree Park being the most recent projects completed and in progress.

Professor David Fleming

Pictures opposite01 The Vice Chancellor taking a shot at goal at the opening of Nestlé Rowntree Park

02 The Vice Chancellor with former SU President Leigh Hankinson opening Grays Wharf – 2010

03 York St John University Chairman Ann Green CBE with the Vice Chancellor – 2014

04 Celebrating being in the Top 10 for student experience - 2013

05 The Vice Chancellor with honorary graduate The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, York St John Chancellor and Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu and former SU President Adam McSkimming – 2012

06 The Vice Chancellor’s inauguration – 2010

07 Andrew Fern, the Vice Chancellor and Caitlin Rushby with event host Rob Brydon at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management awards – 2014

08 Opening event at Nestlé Rowntree Park – 2012

09 David Chesser, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Alyson Tobin – 2014

10 The Vice Chancellor, Professor David Maughan Brown, David Chesser – 2010

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What were you doing before joining York St John?Before joining York St John, I worked as a part-time Chaplain at York Hospital and also part-time with the charity Survive, which supports people who have been abused. Prior to this, I was the Quaker Chaplain at the Retreat Hospital for 13 years. I was ordained as an Anglican Priest in 2010 after studying on the Yorkshire Ministry Course here at York St John and at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield, and served my curacy in a rural parish just outside York.

What attracted you to the University?The strong sense of community at York St John really stood out for me; and the sense of ownership of the University by staff – this is something that reminded me a lot of the Retreat. The University has a very inclusive and caring environment, welcoming many nationalities and faiths to study and work alongside one another.

Describe your roleMy role as Chaplain places me in the heart of a largely secular community; it is my responsibility to represent my faith through an attitude of openness and welcome. I aim to provide a place in the University for both students and staff to experience emotional, social and spiritual growth – whatever their beliefs.

Do you have a typical day?I would describe myself as having a good routine, rather than a typical day! I am fortunate to be supported by three Chaplaincy volunteers and an Assistant, who help lead prayers every day in the Chapel. I also provide Holy Communion in

the Chapel on Wednesdays at 12.15pm and facilitate Bible studies with different groups. I have regular interaction with students, offering pastoral care in tandem with the Wellbeing team. My volunteers work with International students in partnership with the Christian group ‘i-connect’, and together we offer them conversation and hospitality to help them to adjust and gain a sense of belonging.

What are your favourite aspects to the job?As an extravert, I thrive on the contact I have with students and staff – since joining the University community last Autumn I have made many good and easy friend-ships. Since I have limited opportunities these days to conduct large services, I absolutely love special occasions, such as weddings. I was really blessed to officiate at a staff wedding at Easter – congratulations to Aimee Henderson (formerly Ross) and her husband Fraser, who met here originally as students!

What qualities do you bring to the role?With my background in health care services and with a strong interest in mental health care, I feel I am able to recognise and empathise with emotionally vulnerable people. And university life can be stressful! I also offer an open door to anyone and look forward to getting to know more staff and students as I develop my role.

What are your priorities for the next six months?I want the Chaplaincy team, comprising my assistant Calum Wilson, the volunteers, local church contacts, the Faith Advisors, and myself, to be visible and approachable. I am keen to position the Chapel at the heart of the University community, opening it out to students and staff to allow them to feel safe and valued. I have already built some solid links with the LGBT and other communities at York St John and aim to continue to grow in these relationships, fostering dialogue and trust between individuals and groups.

How do you spend your time away from work?I love spending time with my two daughters and two grand-daughters, and am very much looking forward to the arrival of my first grandson in June. I enjoy sewing and have a penchant for making patchwork quilts. I am an avid novel reader, but am equally happy unwinding with a spot of trashy TV at the end of a long day!

In the spotlight

Revd Annie Rowley, York St John University Chaplain

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Working with a range of communities, the Student Recruitment team has had a busy few months running a variety of projects in schools and the community. A campus visit was hosted for Green Apples pupils in year 9 from York High School and Archbishop Holgate’s School in March. Following the visit, one teacher said, “Thank you for a wonderful day, our students really enjoyed it. A parent even phoned me to ask what

her son needed to do in order to go to York St John as he had enjoyed the day so much!”

In April the team ran an Aspirations Day for 100 year 8 pupils from a mixture of schools on the Yorkshire coast. The young people enjoyed taking part in taster sessions from a range of academic subjects and Students’ Union clubs. One young person commented, “This is a very inspiring

university” and another said, “I really want to come to York St John University when I’m older.”

Vanessa Emslie, Student Recruitment Officer for Widening Participation, is leaving York St John University in May, so look out for a new member of staff in the next few weeks. Vanessa would like to thank staff for their involvement and hard work on widening participation projects during her time at the University.

Widening participation

Research news

Revd Annie Rowley

Research degree awarding powers have been granted to York St John University. The award of the new powers, and, therefore, the change to the University’s status, came into effect on 23 March and signifies another step in York St John’s progress.

Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor, said: “This is in recognition of the University’s strong governance, high academic standards, ongoing development of the research culture and environment; and the high quality of the research student experience. I am grateful to all colleagues who have worked so hard to achieve this and I look forward to this being the foundation for even greater success in the future.”

The University achieved taught degree awarding powers in 2005 and its University title in 2006. Until now research degrees had been awarded by the University of Leeds. The decision to award research

degree awarding powers is made by the Privy Council who are advised by the QAA. The QAA consider a range of evidence from documents, meetings and observations.

Green apples pupils from York High School and Archbishop Holgate’s School

Opinion

Dr Beth Bell, Lecturer in Developmental Psychology, discusses the importance of raising awareness around body image amongst the student population.

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The view from the Students’ Union

“I have had the most incredible five years at York St John,” said Laura Jackson, President, “and the past two years working at the heart of the Students’ Union have been the icing on the cake.”

Laura began her Students’ Union career in 2013 as Vice President Education, working alongside Adam McSkimming (President) and Amy Charlton (Vice President Welfare). She was elected President in 2014 alongside Amy Charlton (in her second year as Vice President Welfare) and Gabby Wilson (Vice President Education).

Laura’s highlights from her term of office range from the recent general election campaign the Students’ Union ran, to the referendum held last year which resulted in the removal of ‘lads’ mags’ from the Students’ Union shop. Both of these campaigns stand out for Laura as they allowed the student voice to be heard. “This is something I am passionate about – giving students the opportunity to engage in hot topics and be part of the decision-making process. We got a big number attend the Question Time event we held in the run-up to the general election. Being a relatively small Students’ Union it is really encouraging to see students taking an interest in matters that affect them.

“Without a doubt though, my absolute highlight has to be when the Students’ Union was named Small and Specialist Union of the year in 2014. I actually wrote the submission and had no idea we would be shortlisted, let alone come out top!”

Reflecting on the close relationship the Students’ Union has with the Vice Chancellor, Laura said, “We are fortunate at York St John to have the opportunity to work so closely with the Vice Chancellor. His door has always been open to us and we have had consistent support from him on a number of high profile campaigns, including the recent ‘It’s not OK’ campaign against sexual harassment. Professor Fleming will be sorely missed, but I am confident that his successor Professor Stanton will continue to build on the fantastic relationship the Students’ Union has with the University.”

The new Sabbatical team taking up office for 2015-2016 are Nathaniel Abakah-Phillips (President), Lucinda Izzard (Vice President Welfare) and Gabby Wilson (Vice President Education). “They have an exciting job ahead with some great manifestos,” said Laura. “We launched a new strategy in 2014 and are already ticking off many of the things we set out to achieve. It will be brilliant to watch from afar to see how things play out moving forward.”

Laura leaves her post in July and heads off to Ghana for ten weeks to a placement with the International Citizens Service. When she returns she hopes to get back into the higher education sector. “It will be job first, location second – but I am hoping I can stay in York! I love the city and all it offers. Plus if I am around in November that would be amazing. To witness yet more of my friends graduating in York Minster would top off what has been the most special time of my life so far.”

Farewell from Laura Jackson… and welcome to the new Sabbs!

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Negative body image, the experience of negative thoughts about one’s body (and in particular negative thoughts about the appearance of one’s body), is so common amongst adolescents and young adults in the UK today that it is now considered to be the norm. Psychological research has linked negative body image to a wide range of negative outcomes including unhealthy dieting practices, excessive exercise, smoking, drug misuse, risky sexual behaviours, and relationship issues. At a more clinical level, negative body image has been linked to the onset of eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, which are some of the most prevalent mental illnesses affecting adolescents and young adults today.

Student populations are at high risk of experiencing negative body image and developing clinical eating disorders, and increasing awareness in these populations is of paramount importance. As a lecturer in developmental psychology with research expertise in body image and disordered eating issues, I am well positioned to help raise awareness of these issues amongst the student population whilst also driving forward my own academic research. In 2014, I was fortunate to receive funding from the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Strategic Investment Fund for a project that enabled me to do this.

The Healthy Bodies project aims to understand, create awareness of, and actively promote positive body image, healthy eating behaviour and physical activity in adolescent and young adult populations. To mark the launch of the project, a week-long event was hosted across campus. Healthy Body Image Week aimed to raise awareness of the psychological issues at the heart of the

Healthy Bodies project among York St John students. A diverse range of activities took place, including an academic masterclass, a theatrical performance, and sock-puppet making workshops. Several TV personalities, including Emma Woolfe (Supersize vs. Superskinny), Sam Culpeck (The Undateables) and Stacie Stewart (This Morning) also visited the University to share their experience of body image and disordered eating issues with students.

Having run for the second consecutive year, Healthy Body Image Week has received local and national media attention. It has also been adopted by other universities who have run similar on-campus initiatives. The event would not have been possible without the support of the broader University community, including the Wellbeing Team, Student Union, YSJ Active and all of the student volunteers who committed their time, energy and enthusiasm to the project.

During Heathy Body Image Week, a questionnaire measuring eating disorder symptomology, body image and physical activity was circulated across campus.

The findings have been used to inform campus health and wellbeing initiatives, including a leaflet that provides practical information about the support pathways available to those affected by these issues here at York St John. The research also has value within the academic sphere. Last year, I presented findings at the world’s most prestigious conference for appearance research and will be publishing them soon within a psychological journal. I have also been working in local schools to develop an intervention that aims to actively reduce negative body image and disordered eating in adolescents. The intervention has been well received by teachers and pupils, and I am hoping to conduct a large scale evaluation of the programme in York schools in September.

Through the Healthy Bodies project, I have been able to explore the real world impact of my research by highlighting body image and eating disorders related issues with the populations who are most vulnerable to them. With the impact of research also becoming increasingly valued by the higher education sector more broadly (impact is now a key indicator of research excellence according the REF2020), I look forward to continuing this approach throughout my academic life.

“Healthy Body Image Week aimed to raise awareness of the psychological issues at the heart of the Healthy Bodies project among York St John students.”

NewSabbaticalOfficersfor2015-2016(l-r),NathanielAbakah-Phillips(President),LucindaIzzard(VicePresidentWelfare), GabbyWilson(VicePresidentEducation)

Dr Beth Bell

TheViceChancellorcongratulating LauraJacksonathergraduationin2013.

Student Services updateStudy Development Team

14 “Students say they get a lot out of our sessions: they get to ask questions, check their understanding, structure their ideas and decode the marking criteria.” Cecile Brich, Study Development Tutor

Announcements

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The Study Development Team offers advice and guidance to students to help them develop their academic abilities whilst studying at York St John. Students can access support through one-to-one tuition or in workshops on a range of study and writing strategies.

Introducing our new ‘Study Well’ drop-insThis year staff are available in the Holgate Student Centre during Study Well drop-in sessions. These sessions take place on Wednesdays from 9.00am-12.00pm and there is no need to book an appointment – students can simply turn up on the day.

A Study Well drop-in session allows students to receive a second opinion on their work in a neutral and supportive environment. Students can get quick advice, feedback and resources to help them develop their academic work.

Individual and group tutorialsStudents wishing for a longer or more specific session are encouraged to book a Study Development one-to-one tutorial. Tutorials can be booked at the Student Advice Team desk in the Holgate Student Centre or by emailing E: studydevelopment@yorksj.ac.uk During the session the tutor will work with the student to identify particular areas of concern and offer advice on how to develop more effective approaches to assignment writing or more general study development areas such as critical

thinking. Students can come to a tutorial at any stage, even after marking, to help clarify and understand feedback from tutor. The team does not provide a proofreading service but are able to teach good proofreading skills.

This year the Study Development team undertook a short evaluation exercise of this service and 89% of students were completely satisfied with the support offered! Comments included, ‘Friendly, helpful staff… clarified any questions’, ‘really helpful, wished I’d come before’ and ‘I found it to be an empowering experience’.

Workshops and short coursesA range of workshops and short courses on various aspects of academic work are available to students throughout the academic year. Workshops allow students to support and learn from each other, with input from experienced tutors. Workshops cover topics students often struggle with, such as reflective writing, critical thinking, punctuation and grammar, and presentation skills.

Embedded classesEmbedded classes are timetabled sessions that can be delivered as part of an established programme. Lecturers and module leaders can arrange for the Study Development Team to deliver a session tailored to the needs of their cohort.

The Study Development Team can adapt their input to suit a particular discipline or level, and can cover a wide range of topics, including basic and advanced writing skills, dissertations, report writing, research skills or critical thinking. Embedded sessions allow the Study Development Team to target input effectively and reach more students.

For more information or to book a session email, E: studydevelopment@yorksj.ac.uk

Writer in residenceEach year the University works with the Royal Literary Fund (RLF) to appoint a Writer in Residence. The Fellow can offer advice on essays, dissertations, novels, poetry, songs or screenplays. To book an appointment with them, visit the Student Advice Desk or email, E: rlfappointments@yorksj.ac.uk

Staff are invited to attend the finale of the Create15 Arts Festival on Friday 29 May. Create is the annual showcase of the work and talent of Faculty of Arts students and the finale promises to be an exciting and magical evening with something for all.

The line-up includes:

• Music from Hello Operator (Reading and Leeds Festival 2014) and other great acts

• Boutique cinema with award winning student short films

• Design and Art exhibitions

• History showcase

• Literary trail of creative and critical writing across campus

• Performances from Dance, Music and Theatre students

• Festival shop, including Jolly Smith Designs, Heather Alstead and contemporary Fine Art

• Bar and food stalls

Events take place across campus, but guests are invited to arrive at the Arts Foyer at 6.30pm for registration. The opening address will take place on the main stage on the Quad lawn at 7.00pm. For more details and to request a ticket, E: artsevents@yorksj.ac.uk

As part of the York St John-led Erasmus Mundus Social Economy in Higher Education project, the conference aims to address the following question, ‘How can higher education foster interactions between the current economic systems (public, private and social) to promote social entrepreneurship cultures for sustainable development in our communities?’

The conference will provide an opportunity to share experiences from Europe, Latin America and other regions. It represents the collaborative work of 1,000 days between York St John and partner universities in Bolivia, Peru, Portugal and Spain, as well as collaborators in other countries. It will include practice and

research about enterprise for social purposes in the UK and European universities. There will also be insights into the ‘social and solidarity economy’ from Latin America, and the role of universities within this.

The conference is being supported by the British Council in Canada, who are sending students and staff as the finale of their ‘Students for Social Impact’ exchange scheme. Keynote speakers include the EU Policy Officer for Higher Education and Innovation, and academics from UK, Peru, Brazil and Japan.

For more information, to submit an article and to see the conference video, visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/sseconference

York St John to host international conference on social enterprise, 1-3 September 2015

Royal Literary Fund Writer in Residence for 2015/16We are delighted to be welcoming Mark Illis to York St John as our new Royal Literary Fund Fellow. Mark is an acclaimed novelist and scriptwriter - he has published four novels, a short-story collection and worked on the long-running TV show Emmerdale for over a decade. Mark will start his Fellowship in September and will be available for consultations with all students and staff who wish to get advice on their academic writing. Mark will be on campus every Tuesday and Wednesday during term-time and appointments can be booked through Student Services.

Mark Illis, Royal Literary Fund Writer in Residence for

2015/16

Margaret Meredith (second from left) with students at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Colombia receiving certificates for participating in the Social Economy project.

Contact YorktalkAny comments, news or stories for the Autumn 2015 issue?

Please contact Amy Hall in Marketing & Student Recruitment on T: 6609 or E: news@yorksj.ac.uk with your suggestions by Friday 21 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…A century of peril and progress – International history since the First WorldWar Friday 26 JuneA one-day conference looking at the broad sweep of history over the last century with a keynote address from Professor Steven Casey (LSE). Please contact Vanessa Simmons for more information, E: artsevents@yorksj.ac.uk

Welcome to the following new members of staffDominic Billington - Website Officer, Marketing & Student Recruitment

ElenaBishop - Cleaner, Student and Staff Services

Simon Brown - Celta Trainer, YSJ International

Simon Marshall - Celta Trainer, YSJ International

Lucie Crowley - YSJ Active Assistant Instructor, Health & Life Sciences

Fanny Hebert - Business Development Officer, Employability Enterprise & Business Engagement

Sylvain Machefert - Library Systems Manager, Information Learning Services

Charlotte Mathe - Digital Marketing Assistant, Marketing & Student Recruitment

Greg Maughan - Faculty Technician, Education & Theology

Iraklis Papageorgiou - Postdoctoral Research Assistant, YSJ Business School

Sarah Peploe - Out of Hours - Information Assistant, Information Learning Services

Hannah Ridge - Business School Administrator, YSJ Business School

Yumino Simpson - Business School Programme Administrator, YSJ Business School

SharonSlater-Cryans - Media Technical Support Team Manager, Information Learning Services

HenryWard - Information Assistant, Information Learning Services

AdrianEvans - Senior Lecturer, Business School

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 endeavoursJacqui Akhurst - Professor, Health & Life Sciences

Steven Anderson - Lecturer, Health & Life Sciences

Zoe Cooke - Staff Development Administrator, Student and Staff Services - HR

Pam Dawson - Dean of Faculty, Health & Life Sciences

VanessaEmslie - Student Recruitment Officer – WP, Marketing & Student Recruitment

Ken Gadd - Head of Programme, YSJ Business School

Howard Grice - Cleaner, Student and Staff Services

EmilyHeavey - Research Associate, Health & Life Sciences

Darrell Hooper - Phoenix Business & Innovation Manager, Employability Enterprise & Business Engagement

Cynthia Hughes - Cleaner, Student and Staff Services

Hilary Hunt - Faculty Admin Manager, Arts

Susan Jones - PA to Director and Receptionist, Employability Enterprise & Business Engagement

Matthew Jopling - Support Technician - Film & TV, Arts

Tim Lucas - Head of Programme - PGCE Primary Part-time & Primary School-Centred Programme, Education & Theology

Rachael Marshall - YSJ Active Assistant Instructor, Health & Life Sciences

Tracey Milnes - Website Officer, Marketing & Student Recruitment

VictoriaNesfield - Research Assistant, Education & Theology

Janet Olsen - Faculty Admin Manager, Education & Theology

Nicola Short - Programme Administrator, Arts

Jennifer Stockton - Conference and Events Manager, Employability Enterprise & Business Engagement

SusanWebster - Senior Lecturer, YSJ Business School

LouiseWhitfield - Senior Admin Assistant, Education & Theology

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