Keele Postgraduate Association

February 3, 2012

KPA Update 2012, Issue 1

Dear Postgraduates, Hope you’re all settling into the spring semester. It’s going to be another exciting year for the KPA and here’s an update on what’s happening.

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“KPA OFFICE MOVE”

The KPA President’s Office has moved from its old location in Research and Enterprise to the Students’ Union Building. This is a very progressive move that strengthens the ties that the KPA and the have Students’ Union with considerable mutual gain for both organisations. The KPA office phone number and email address remain the same. I have implemented procedures to get mail that has been sent to the previous office address, but in future the KPA office address will be:

KPA President’s Office

Students’ Union Building

Keele University

Staffordshire

ST5 5BJ

This move into the Students’ Union Building will lead to greater collaboration on all manner of issues and projects and will hopefully lead to significant benefits for you the membership. Feel free to drop by the office to have a chat, ask any questions or if you wish to raise any issues with regards to your course.

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“KEELE GREEN WEEK: WHOLE EARTH LAUNCH”

6th-12th February

As part of Keele Green Week, students, staff and visitors to Keele University have the chance to see the ground-breaking, internationally acclaimed, touring exhibition, “Hard Rain” The original exhibition has been expanded to include “Whole Earth? Aligning human systems and natural systems”. Keele University is the first venue to host the new display. Set outdoors along the walkway between Walter Moberly and Claus Moser, people will see powerful photography and words illustrating global problems, global solutions, and the political need to invest in sustainable technologies and development strategies for the future. The exhibition will continue to be on display throughout February.

The official opening of the exhibition will take place on Thursday 9th February at 3pm with Jonathon Porritt and creator Mark Edwards which will then be followed by Mark Edwards’ inspirational talk, “Hard Rain: Whole Earth” at 4pm in the Westminster Theatre (Keele University, Chancellors Building). We are encouraging as many staff and students as possible to come down and attend the launch and talk. No tickets are required. For more information about activities during Green Week please visit: www.keele.ac.uk/estates/energyenvironment/greenweek Also look out for our student ‘Green Team’ who will be out and about on campus from 6th-10th February with lots of activities!

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“PUBLIC LECTURE: SUSTAINABILITY AND THE FUTURE OF CAPITALISM by JONATHON PORRITT, CBE.”

9th February, 18:00 – 19:00

This public lecture will take place in the Westminster Theatre, Chancellor’s Building at 6pm on Thursday 9th February 2012 and will mark Jonathan Porritt’s Installation as Chancellor of Keele University. Synopsis: Though huge efforts are still being made to rescue the kind of capitalist system that held sway prior to the 2008 banking collapse, it’s clear to most commentators that it’s finished. But the shape of the system that will take its place is far from clear and the obstinate refusal of most of those involved in the debate to acknowledge today’s pressing sustainability imperatives is disturbing. So what exactly does ‘sustainable capitalism’ actually look like? and what are the implications of this for business, higher education and civil society?

The event is open to the public. Admission to the lecture is free of charge, but by ticket only – tickets are available from Chancellor’s Building Reception, Chancellor’s Building, or by contacting the Events Team in Marketing and Communications on 01782 734169.

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“KPA WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK GROUP”

This is the fantastic news that the KPA website has been updated with a fresh look and is now active. This means we’ll be regularly posting news about Clubhouse events, updates from the committee, what’s happening in Keele and lot’s more! If you have any articles you wish to post on the site, send it to us in an email for consideration.

Check out the KPA website: http://keelepostgraduate.wordpress.com/

The KPA facebook group is an open platform for you to use. If you have any questions or wish to share something with your fellow postgrads, the facebook group is the place!

Join the KPA facebook now: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KeelePostgraduateAssociation/ ________________________________________________________________

“KPA ELECTIONS”

If you think you’re up to the challenge of representing postgraduate student interests, as well as working closely with some of the most senior members of Keele University, you should consider running for a position on the KPA Committee! More details very soon.

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That’s it for now. If you have any questions email us, post on the facebook group or pop into the office for a chat.

Wishing you all the best,

The KPA Committee

February 2, 2012

Keele University now offering studentships for 2012 and 2013

February 1, 2012

English Language Modules for International Postgrads

Reminder: Semester 2 English Language modules for international postgraduates are now in session, but it’s not too late to join! These free classes are designed to help international postgraduates with the specific language and communication skills required for success with academic study. Whether you missed the opportunity to do a module last semester or are a continuing student, there is no need to pre-register– just come along to the next class. And remember, One-to-One help is also available through the English Language Unit. Check the One-to-One schedule on the ELU KLE Noticeboard or contact Linda Freeman at eluadmin@keele.ac.uk.

Robin Bell
English Language Unit

January 30, 2012

KPA Quiz night is back!

Come down to the KPA Clubhouse and take part in the KPA quiz night. Held every Tuesday from 9.30pm. Cash prizes to be won!

January 27, 2012

Keele University chooses new chancellor

Keele University has announced that the writer and broadcaster Jonathon Porritt will be its new chancellor.

The commentator on sustainable development will be the university’s fourth chancellor. He will succeed Professor Sir David Weatherall who has retired after nine years in the role. Mr Porritt’s installation as chancellor will take place on 9 February 2012 – the first official event in Keele’s 50th anniversary year.

‘Very impressed’

Mr Porritt said: “I am hugely honoured to have been asked to become the next chancellor of Keele University.

“I have enjoyed many contacts with the university over the last 15 years, and have been very impressed at the commitment shown by the vice-chancellor and many other members of staff in demonstrating real leadership on sustainability issues.”

Mr Porritt stood down as chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission in July 2009 after nine years providing advice to government ministers. He received a CBE in January 2000 for services to environmental protection.

January 24, 2012

This Wednesday 25th January! Burns’ Night

To celebrate Burns Night (tomorrow) the KPA shall be serving good old Haggis, Neaps and Tatties, during normal food times and from 8pm all Malt whiskies are on offer-doubles for the price of a single! For the night! What reason have you not to come along! See you all tomorrow!