The news magazine for York St John University SUMMER 2011

In the spotlightSue Reece, Pro Vice Chancellor (Development)

Yeoman of the GuardMark Sullivan joins traditional body guard

Valentine shinesInternational student wins national award

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Three in a rowsee pages 8 and 9

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NEWS

talk CONTENTS02 News 06 Research News07 Widening participation08 Top marks for mature students10 Focus on… YSJActive12 Opinion: Pauline Kollontai on discussing moral evil and human suffering13 In the spotlight14 The view from the Students’ Union15 Announcements16 Noticeboard

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Assessing career optionsEngaging English Literature and Joint Honours students in the career options open to them was the aim of a mini-conference which brought together a range of speakers.

They included York St John staff and graduates: Cherie Federico, founder and editor of the York-based arts magazine Aesthetica; Rachel Wicaksono, Head of Programme MA TESOL; Suzanne Dickinson, Careers Assistant and MA student; Rachel Wilson, Marketing Graduate Intern; Pam Bustard, YSJConnect Graduate Intern; and Dom Smith, founder and editor of Soundsphere magazine.

Rebecca Jenkins, Writer-in-Residence at York St John, spoke about life as a writer, and Lynne Mounsey, HR Manager from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, gave advice on the skills the company looks for when recruiting on to their Graduate Management Programme.

The event was a collaboration between Liz Whitaker (Career Development), Professor Gweno Williams (Faculty of Arts) and Dr Catherine Samiei (Pedagogic Practice and Research Team). The students who took part are studying the second-year work placement module, Working with Words, and a number have now arranged work placements with several of the contributors including Soundsphere magazine, Career Development and Rebecca Jenkins.

Celebration for graduate internsAn evening attended by over 50 guests – interns, employers and staff – was organised by Career Development to celebrate the success of the Graduate Internship Scheme.

The scheme, which began in October 2009, was funded by Yorkshire Forward and the Higher Education Funding Council for England in a bid secured through the consortium of Yorkshire Universities by the University of Leeds. York St John was initially allocated funding for 20 graduate internships and then a further 20 were achieved as a result of the popularity and success of the scheme.

The celebration was introduced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor David Fleming, and then Owen Turner, from United by Design, and Laura Mason, from North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership, both spoke of how having an intern added value to their companies. Laura, who took four interns, said, “All of the interns have added value to our organisation and have make a positive contribution.” Two of the interns, Amanda Adey and Emily Day, also spoke about their experiences of completing an internship.

It was also announced that three York St John interns were nominated in the North Yorkshire category for Yorkshire Intern of the Year: Tom Dunne, at Parashoots; Ryan Collins, at LDT Design; and Tom Faller, at Snapshot Media. The final winner was Ryan Collins.

Although the funding has now ended, itis hoped that Career Development will beoffering paid undergraduate internshipsto students. If any staff members havecontacts with employers who they feelwould be interested in this scheme pleasecontact Liz Whitaker on T: 6710 or SuzanneDickinson on T: 6519 or e-mailgraduateinternships@yorksj.ac.uk

(left-right) Pam Bustard, YSJConnect Graduate Intern; Mary Okumu, MA in

Counselling student; and Suzanne Dickinson, Liz Whitaker and Glynis Rushby

from Career Development.

Yeoman of the Guard

Mark Sullivan, Senior Lecturer in Sport at York St John, has been appointed a member of the Yeomen of the Guard, the traditional body guard of the British Monarchy. He was sworn in at a

ceremony held at St James’ Palace at the beginning of March.

He said, “I am really looking forward to taking part in this important ceremonial role, especially with the Jubilee next year. It is a real honour to serve Her Majesty in this way and to be a member of the oldest military corps in the UK. My father, as an ex-Guardsman, would be very proud.”

Mark’s duties will include being a member of the ceremonial guard for Royal Garden Parties, Investitures, the Garter Ceremony, the Royal Maundy Service, State Visits, the State Opening of Parliament, and also State weddings and funerals.

Cranes in flightStudents at York St John folded more than 1,000 origami cranes in honour of the victims and survivors of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

According to ancient Japanese tradition, a wish is granted for every 1,000 origami cranes folded. The cranes were hung on the Hiroshima tree in the Peace Garden on campus. The tree, grown from the seed of a tree which survived the Hiroshima bombing, was donated to York St John in 2005 by the National Federation of University Co-operation Associations of Japan.

The cranes were made by Japanese students studying a variety of courses; they also enlisted the help of willing volunteers.

In addition, the team raised over £1,500 in donations for the Red Cross in Japan, and hundreds of messages of support were written by staff and students to send to survivors of the disaster.

The cranes are given a helping hand.

Community sport champion

Professor Andy Smith pictured with his MBE (see the Spring 2011 issue of Yorktalk) and students who led workshops with

Millthorpe Secondary School’s netball team on preparing for competition.

Mark Sullivan

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NEWS

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The Chamber Choir

A choral year to rememberThe University Chamber Choir goes from strength to strength. Led by Ralph Bateman, Senior Lecturer and University Director of Music, its membership is drawn from across the campus.

This has been an exciting and varied year for them all. It began with the Vice Chancellor’s inauguration in York Minster, in which they were joined by the Gospel Choir and the African Drumming Group, to be followed by the ecumenical All Saints’ Day service in the Minster Crypt. As always, the choir provided a musical interlude during the degree ceremonies as well as singing at the end-of-term Carol Service, where they were joined by the Gospel Choir and the University Big Band.

For many members, the highlight of the choral year is the Church Universities and Colleges Choirs’ Festival, which took place this year in Lincoln Cathedral. Joininghundreds of other singers, they not only

performed Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light: a Requiem, but also gave the world première of the same composer’s Open Thou Our Eyes. After supporting the Ash Wednesday service in the University Chapel, the choir sang at a lunchtime concert in the Unitarian Chapel. This was part of York’s Late Music Concert Series, and the choir performed Gorecki’s Totus Tuus in memory of the composer, who died last year. The York St John String Orchestra also played some Gorecki in the same concert.The year will certainly end with a bang rather than a whimper when, in the Chapel at 7.30pm on Thursday 26 May, the Chamber Choir takes part in a performance of David Fanshawe’s African Sanctus. This exciting work uses recordings of African

musicians alongside live voices, electric and bass guitars, orchestral percussion, African drums and piano. This will be another commemoration, as David Fanshawe died last year. So too did York-based John Paynter, and a piece of his will be included in the concert.

Spreading the wordThe Physiotherapy team at York St John have developed a partnership with the Professional Football Association (PFA) over the past four years.

During this time the PFA have funded ex-football academy students through the programme. These students integrate well into the cohorts bringing a range of well-developed skills in professionalism, team working and leadership. Jill Wickham, CPD Coordinator for Health, was invited to attend two conference events, funded by League Football Education and held at the Madejski Stadium, Reading, and the Velodrome in Manchester. She promoted the Physiotherapy programme to potential students and took part in networking opportunities with a range of sports people including Deon Dublin, Dame Kelly Homes, Clarke Carlisle and Gareth Southgate.

Jill Wickham with footballer Dion Dublin.

Nicola’s project delivers dance education workshops to local mental health service users, bringing them into the University environment whilst helping to raise self-esteem and improve fitness and mental health. Student volunteers work alongside the beneficiaries, addressing the lack of understanding and stigma often associated with mental health problems.

Nicola worked as a professional dancer and dance teacher in schools for 15 years before studying for her undergraduate degree in Performance: Dance. Once at York St John, she set up workshops with mental health service users as part of a community dance module. She said, “I am inspired by the shift in perceptions of mental illness apparent in the students involved, along with the opportunity to enhance the accessibility of the University to all individuals.”

Nicola is working closely with Dr Nick Rowe to develop the dance project. Nick and Gemma Alldred set up a similar scheme in 2007: the widely praised ‘Converge’ offered theatre courses run by students and their tutors to local people who use mental health services. The success of the model resulted in Nick being invited to discuss ‘Converge’ at an

international research symposium at Pacific University, in Oregon, in April this year.

Nicola also hopes to provide dance education in community settings and to train people to deliver the scheme across other parts of the country. Future funding will come from service users, the NHS, York St John University and a range of arts bodies. The UnLtd award will cover travel, subsistence, materials and marketing to help Nicola promote and develop the project in the region and further afield.

Green light for dance project

Nicola Forshaw, an MA in Applied Theatre student, has been successful in obtaining an HE Social Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award of £2,000 from UnLtd, a charity which supports and develops the role of social entrepreneurs in the UK.

Out of AfricaThis summer sees 15 Psychology students heading to both Tanzania and South Africa to complete their second-year work placements. Supported by Dr Jacqui Akhurst, Principal Lecturer in Psychology and University Teaching Fellow (International), the students will work as an ‘extra pair of hands’ in local schools, on a university campus and with community projects concerned with those affected by HIV/Aids.

The expansion of the programme into both settings builds on previous student trips

(South Africa in 2009 and Tanzania in 2010), and is enabled by the sound partnerships established with St John’s University of Tanzania and staff members at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. The students assist with conversational English, developing IT skills, library book sorting, painting, gardening, storytelling, drama and music.

Module Director Dr Matthew Coxon commented, “We’re exceptionally proud that over a third of our BSc students are

now taking this opportunity to gain some worthwhile international experience. Thanks to Jacqui’s hard work we’re now in a position to offer this experience to more students than ever. As one of only a few Psychology departments in the UK to integrate work placements into our syllabus, that this routinely involves such important international experiences is a real positive for us and more importantly for our students.”

Nicola Forshaw (right) with fellow UnLtd award winner, Liz Douglas.

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Widening participationHarry makes up his mind

Each year the Higher York Access Centre, in partnership with the North Yorkshire teaching teams who work with young people with sensory impairments, physical and medical disabilities, holds a visit day for disabled pupils and the people who work with them or influence them.

The aim is to raise the aspirations, confidence and knowledge of the young people and their influencers about university life and additional support available to those with disabilities. Harry De Cosemo, an A-level student from Stokesley, attended the latest visit day at York St John and describes his experiences.

For anybody wanting to go to university the day at York St John was helpful, but for somebody with a disability it was a fantastic experience. Showing young people that despite their difficulties, they can still achieve everything they want.

When I first heard about the day, my immediate thoughts were ‘if I have to’ or ‘it may be fun having a day off college’, but I tell you what, when I got there that was not the case. I was quite frankly blown away by the way the organisers talked to us; I was half expecting them to be patronising, and it may have been easy to fall into that trap for them. However, they sat us down and talked to us like the young adults we are.It all started when I arrived at the campus with another participant, Will Gaudie.

We were shown into a room that would become the base for the day, and then we were split into two groups. I was put in group one, meaning we went on the campus tour first and group two would be learning about how university would help disabled people settle in and what support they would receive. We then swapped. The campus tour was our first opportunity to meet the student ambassadors, actual students currently at York St John. It was a great experience seeing such things as the lecture rooms, accommodation and Students’ Union. Obviously I took most interest in the Students’ Union, as it showed the amount of freedom students get in their spare time!

The amount of support depending on your disability is phenomenal. There was a wide range of possibilities, from a scribe in lectures to copy down notes for you, to extra money to support the extravagant lifestyle of a student! The important message here is that young disabled people have support if they need it. Sitting down to eat lunch also gave me a chance to ask the student ambassadors and organisers anything I wanted to know.

After lunch, it was time for the ‘fun part’. The point of the activity was to think about living as a student at university, and what you should spend your income on, for example food, clothes and other luxuries.

We were in our groups with a student ambassador each for guidance. This time the parents made a team as well… no prizes for guessing who won. We were promised before the end of the day we would also get a one-on-one session with the student ambassadors, with no parents, teachers or organisers in the room. Pretty much anything could be asked, and I got a lot of the answers I needed.

I really enjoyed the day at York St John. I found it really interesting and I must confess it has made up my mind about applying for a place at university. Uni is going to be tough, but not necessarily tougher for anyone with a disability.

07“The amount of support depending on your disability is phenomenal.”

Harry De Cosemo

Fun RunsuccessA big ‘thank you’ to all staff, students, alumni, and friends and family of York St John who took part in this year’s Fun Run on 6 April. With perfect weather conditions, all participants successfully finished the race, helping to raise more than £4,000 for SPARK (Securing Potential and Releasing Knowledge). Special thanks to first-year Film & Television student Daniel Roche who kindly offered his photography services free of charge as a gesture to support SPARK.

(from top to bottom):

Fun Run winner alumnus Alex Cleeland with John Maw.

Winners of the Best Student Club/ Society Turnout prize were the YSJ Rowing Club.

(left-right) Receptionists Chris Ellis and Sally Wilkinson with her dog Rex.

Photographs by York St John student Daniel Roche: www.danieljroche.co.uk

Providing support for homestay hostsYSJ International employ a network of over 200 homestay hosts who open up their homes to international students studying at the University on the General English, short course and Foundation programmes. They provide excellent support for students during their time in York, including opportunities for students to improve their spoken English and to find out more about the British way of life and culture. Golnar Byat, an existential counsellor and psychotherapist, ran a Cross Cultural Workshop at the University, aimed specifically at homestay hosts who, in turn, brought a wealth of experience to the event. They often see, at first hand, the culture shock experienced by some students and also how they gain in confidence as they start to integrate into University life.

Calling all actorsFilm-makers at York St John are seeking to expand their database of actors and are asking people to come for a screen test on 4 and 5 June. The current York St John database has only been in existence for 18 months, but the level of demand has been so high for projects that more actors are needed. Screen tests will be available to anyone, amateur or professional, who wants to make a film in North Yorkshire.

At present, the database contains almost 50 actors ranging in age from 19 to over 70. They have appeared in many highly praised films made by York St John students, including the Royal Television Society award winner The Sword, a dramatic film about thwarted ambition.

Vice Chancellor Professor David Fleming said, “We take great pride in our civic involvement and initiatives like this benefit both the city and our students. We are taking a lead in developing York as a digital and creative centre and making the city attractive to film-makers is a vital component of that strategy.”

For more information about the screentests, please contact Jimmy Richards onT: 6756 or E: j.richards1@yorksj.ac.uk

Research news: Stand Up for Us 2011The Stand Up for Us 2011 project is a continuation of a study, originally conducted by Professor Ian Rivers and Nathalie Noret between 2002 and 2006 with the main aim of monitoring the nature and prevalence of bullying in all the secondary schools in the City of York. Funded jointly by the City of York Council and York St John, this new version of the project has been adapted to now include the participation of primary school pupils as well as secondary school pupils.

Nathalie, with the support of Research Assistant Paul McGivern is currently in the process of collecting data from school pupils from across the city. She explained, “The new project includes some interesting changes, such as the move to collecting data online and the inclusion of a primary school version of the questionnaire. It is widely acknowledged that monitoring bullying in schools forms a fundamental aspect of bullying intervention strategies and we hope that the reports we will generate for schools will be useful in supporting their anti-bullying work. The results of the survey will help both colleagues at the council and local schools learn more about the nature and prevalence of bullying across the city.”

Stand Up for Us 2001 project.

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Valentine shines at national awardsKenyan student Valentine Nkoyo, who is studying Business Management, was named the Yorkshire and Humber International Student of the Year at Shine!, the British Council’s International Student Awards 2011. She was one of 12 regional winners who went to the awards’ ceremony held at the Delfina restaurant in London on 13 April 2011 where she received a £1,000 prize; she was accompanied by Brett Arnall, Alumni & Development Manager.

Valentine was one of more than 1,200 students from 118 countries to enter the ninth annual International Student Awards – a major initiative from the British Council that shines the spotlight on international students and their contributions to life in the UK. To enter, each student was asked to write a personal letter home, detailing their extra-curricular achievements, including volunteering and involvement in community projects.

Valentine comes from Eor-Enkitok, a village in rural Maasailand in Kenya where the local community does not value the right for girls

to have an education. So when her father struggled to pay for her school fees, she was often sent home. Her fortunes changed when she was offered a place at Kabarak University in Nakuru in the Rift Valley. A chance encounter with senior York St John teaching staff at an academic conference presented her with the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to come here.

She initially spent a semester studying creative writing and film-making and then, in September 2009, she won the University’s Inspire International Scholarship to complete her Business degree. Valentine also volunteers with the Alumni Development Office – she has helped to

raise scholarship funds, co-hosted events, acted as an ambassador at VIP events, given seminars at local schools and recruited fellow students to also volunteer.

Valentine said, “I am delighted to be recognised in this way. I would like to thank all my sponsors who have consistently supported me in my educational journey and for always believing in me.” Brett added, “In her two years at York St John, Valentine has excelled in every area and given so much back to the University. She has not just received outstanding marks for her work but supports other students through her roles as a Student Ambassador and Student Warden.”

08 “Valentine has excelled in every area and given so much back to the University.”

Top marks for mature students

Three in a rowGreg Christie is the latest York St John student to be named Regional Outstanding Individual Learner for Yorkshire and the Humber by the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education.

The Lassie expert and postgraduate student follows Julie Bagwash and Valentine Nkoyo, who won the accolade in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Greg was nominated by Brett Arnall, Alumni & Development Manager, who said, “Greg embodies the spirit of adult learning and I couldn’t think of a better role model or ambassador for other learners, especially for those with a disability and those that think it is too late for them to learn.” Greg suffered a serious accident in 1995 which left him disabled with spinal cord damage. During his recuperation, he became engrossed in the life and work of Eric Knight, the Yorkshire-born author of the Lassie novels.

Realising he wanted to take his ‘obsession’ further, he came to York St John in 2002, with no qualifications but with the research he had already produced. He completed his English Literature degree in 2005 and won a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Literature Fellowship to Yale University to continue his Knight investigations. On his return, he received a bursary to undertake an MA in Contemporary Arts Practice. In 2010, with the support of his brother-in-law, Greg toured 14 states and 13 cities in the USA to give talks on Eric Knight, including dates at the Boulder Writers Conference and Yale University. He is also the Students’ Union’s Mature Students Officer this year and has secured funding for a PhD.

He said, “I am delighted that York St John has allowed me to work with them to further support the transition of mature students coming back to education after many years out or, indeed, for the first time in later life. I tell them what they can accomplish – ‘if I can do it, you can!’

“I have made so many new friends and professional acquaintances through my learning and research on Eric, all of whom have been a great help to me and my work.”

“I couldn’t think of a better role model or ambassador for other learners.”

Front cover photo:York St John’s award-winning adult learners – (left-right) Valentine Nkoyo, Greg Christie and Julie Bagwash.

Valentine Nkoyo (left) with awards’ host and TV presenter Angelica Bell at the ceremony.

Greg Christie during his trip to Yale University.

Eric Knight with (left) Lassie and his own dog Toots, who inspired the

whole legend.

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“A new attraction in the next couple of months will be Staff MOTs, which will cover issues such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels and offer lifestyle advice.”

Demand had grown steadily for exercise opportunities at York St John since the appointment of Dean and Richard as instructors in 2008. The Faculty of Health & Life Sciences decided last year to expand the remit of YSJActive and develop three designated streams of work. Dean is now responsible for Community Support and Knowledge Exchange, Sarah for Vocational and Coach Education, and Richard for Facility Use and Development. The team report to Dr Michelle Jones, the Head of Sport. Sarah has also been working with the Marketing department to develop the service’s web pages. These now include information about all their courses, exercise classes and training services: there are links from the staff and student home pages.

“Since the new structure was put in place,” said Dean, “we’ve had so many ideas about what we want to do and how we can engage with the University community and externally. We are much more visible across the campus, we advertise YSJActive at staff induction sessions, and there is always a qualified instructor on our reception desk in the Foss Building to answer questions. Having Sarah on board has been fantastic – she came here from Education & Theology and she has great contacts across the campus.”

One element of Dean’s work is engagement with different businesses in the city, encouraging them to make use of the facilities at York St John. He has been working with Nestlé for over two years, delivering a range of fitness workshops that attracted over 70 attendees in 2010. Partnerships are also ongoing with national sporting bodies and local teams including York City Knights, the city’s rugby league club, and York Vikings, the basketball team (York St John students are members of the committee of a wheelchair basketball club directly linked to York Vikings).

Richard manages the sports’ facilities – a sports hall and fully equipped fitness suite on-site, an all-weather hockey pitch at Heworth Croft and three grass football pitches at the Hull Road Sports Ground – aiming to maximise their use. He has a challenging time balancing everyone’s requirements, ensuring that staff and students have access as well as the Students’ Union’s sports’ societies and external users. Along with the rest of the team and a cohort of student volunteers, he is also involved in the delivery of a series of Summer Camps, a number of non- residential sport and physical activity camps for children aged between 6 and 18 years.

Sarah ensures that students have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised coaching and Exercise Industry qualifications to enhance their employability. These are proving to be especially attractive to trainee teachers. The sports on offer include basketball, badminton, rounders and netball. This activity ties in with community engagement, as placements for students are found with local teams such as the York Vikings and the YSJ Inclusive Activity Club, which provides sporting and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities.

“We are also developing our programme of fitness classes available to staff,” said Sarah. “A new attraction in the next couple of months will be Staff MOTs, which will cover issues such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels and offer lifestyle advice. Watch the website for further details!”

Visit YSJActive’s web pages at www.yorksj.ac.uk/ysjactive for the latest news about their courses and facilities.

“We’ve had so many ideas about how we can engage with the University community and externally.”

Energy and enthusiasm abound within the YSJActive team as they develop their remit to provide opportunities for sport, exercise and recreation on campus. The three Development Officers – Dean Armstrong, Sarah Hawley and Richard Smith – work with staff, students and external users to promote the benefits of physical activity. And they are already noticing an increase in the numbers taking part since YSJActive’s relaunch at the end of 2010.

FOCUS ON…

YSJActiveCycle Challenge successTeams from York St John took part in the York Cycle Challenge, a City of York Council initiative – three weeks of fierce competition between 54 teams representing major employers across York. Organisations were divided into categories depending upon their size. The University came fifth in the large employer category and YSJActive came second in the 3-6 staff category. And YSJActive came first in the encouragement of staff to cycle to work category. Congratulations to all who took part!

YSJActive’s Richard Smith and Dr Jacqui Akhurst, of Psychology.

(from top to bottom):

The wheelchair basketball club in action.

The YSJActive team: (left-right) Dean Armstrong, Sarah Hawley and Richard Smith.

Volleyball in the sports hall.

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What attracted you to join York St John?I attended the inauguration of the Vice Chancellor at York Minster in November last year – I’d worked with David previously at the University of Sunderland. I fell in love with the campus; all of the elements excited me. There’s a real can-do attitude here. So when this post came up I wanted to join the senior team to take York St John forward in this new era of higher education.

Please briefly describe your career to date

I did an Environmental Studies degree and postgraduate qualification in Peace and Conflict at Sunderland, as a mature student – I left school after my A-levels to work as a fabric technologist, then decided to go back to university after the birth of my daughter. When I graduated, I worked in environmental impact assessment and then moved into student recruitment at Sunderland. There were opportunities for promotion and I worked my way up through the administration, finally holding the post of Director of Student Recruitment and Business Partnerships.

What does your new role entail?My remit spans regional partnerships, admissions and marketing, international development, widening participation, student experience, and alumni and development. I think we’ve got a fantastic senior team and we are looking at priorities; obviously a key influence is how we respond to the fees and funding situation. We are planning for the future – ensuring that we provide an exceptional student experience.

We have a number of existing work streams which are all about adding value and it really is a case of hitting the ground running!

What are your first priorities?The worst thing would be to come in and want to change everything without getting to know people and their concerns. One of the attractive things about York St John is its size and the fact that you can get a faculty or service together for a discussion. I’ve also been getting to know the Students’ Union. The Governors have been very supportive and are really keen to introduce me to the key stakeholders in the city and region. My induction into York St John and the city has been excellent – and another of the good things about being new is that people invite you to events!

In the spotlightSue Reece, Pro Vice Chancellor (Development)

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Opinion

“engaging emotional intelligence in education at all levels”

Sue Reece

What do you think will be your major challenges in the next 12 months?Obviously the major challenge is fees and their impact. We need to get the right message out to potential students about why York St John is the right university to come to. As a mature student myself, I know the value of doing a degree – it makes such a huge difference to your career prospects. My children have seen me do it and automatically wanted to go to university; my daughter is now a Master’s graduate with a good job and one of my sons will graduate this summer! I believe in reinforcing positive messages.

What have been your impressions of York St John so far?Everyone has been extremely welcoming: it’s been a very positive experience. People are eager to let me know what they are doing and my diary has filled up quickly.

And the city?I have a very positive view of the city. The cultural scene is fantastic and I’m looking forward to exploring. I live in Durham but am in the process of renting an apartment, with a view to buying. So much of my role involves networking and creating relationships, which you can’t do with a long commute.

Professor Pauline Kollontai, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Education & Theology, reflects on her experiences of using art to encourage discussion about moral evil and human suffering.

At the beginning of the 1990s, Bosnia-Herzegovina was faced with a war of ethnic cleansing as relations between the three main ethnic groups – Bosniak, Croat and Serb – deteriorated. During the conflict, over 250,000 people died and over 3 million were displaced. The killing and fighting stopped in 1995 with the Dayton Agreement but the situation in the country remains tense and precarious. There has been a growth of aggressive nationalism in public political discourse which I witnessed during my visits to Sarajevo in 2007-09.

During my research in Bosnia-Herzegovina, I came across the arts-based approach to peace building (see Le Baron & Welch 2005). This led me to consider how the use of paintings and drawings done by the victims or witnesses of conflict could contribute to the learning experience of Theology & Religious Studies’ students. I decided to introduce art works into a module which addresses the issues of God, evil and suffering, and is normally taught through the cognitive learning system. This was done over a three-year period; each group of undergraduate students was informed that this part of the module was part of a research project that I was undertaking to explore the use of visual

literacy as part of teaching about moral evil and its consequences.

The session consisted of two parts. The first involved tutor input on some of the key classical and contemporary Judeo-Christian teachings on theodicy, accompanied by small group discussion on aspects of these teachings. In the second part, six images painted by individuals who had lived in a violent conflict situation and had survived were shown to the students. The first portrays a soldier sitting in a very exhausted, distraught manner with his head in his hands. The second shows a group of eight Jewish refugees. Of the five adults, three of them are holding a child in an act of protection; the other two appear to be praying to God.

The third picture is of a street being bombed by a military plane. In the foreground are two women; one is holding a baby and close by her side is a child, running away, terror engraved on their faces. The fourth is set in the context of the Rwandan Genocide. Two men dominate the picture; one holds a child’s head in his hands, the other embraces a large gun. At the top of the picture there is a Christian cross and beneath is the Virgin Mary. Framing the picture are faces with expressions of fear, despair and hopelessness. The fifth picture shows a Muslim woman, looking upwards, her hands covering her mouth as she kneels by the side of a grave stone. In the final picture, a small boy, with a lost and lonely expression, sits against a wall with a small package.

After seeing each picture, the students reflected individually on the content, meaning and impact on themselves. Group discussions followed. I was aware of the challenging, provocative and sensitive nature of discussing the issue of God and suffering in relation to possible individual student experiences. Before showing the paintings I made it clear that the images showed the reality of certain acts of moral evil and that the students could leave the room if they found them too distressing.

The importance of using art done by those who have been in the midst of war, conflict and genocide is that it illustrates as well as corroborates atrocities that otherwise can be incomprehensible and underestimated in terms of the human cost. The importance of engaging emotional intelligence in education at all levels is important to safeguard against learning experiences which tend to promote an intellectual remoteness which may translate into and/or reinforce ignorance, indifference and apathy.

Professor Pauline Kollontai

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

The view from the Students’ Union

14 “I want to make sure we offer the best possible student experience.”

Moodle developmentsIn response to staff and student feedback, this summer we will be implementing some major improvements to Moodle 2 and offering more staff development opportunities. We have recruited Kate Bridgeman to the role of Learning Technologist. Kate’s primary responsibilities are to test Moodle 2 to make sure all of the core features work properly and to develop new support resources such as video and print guides.

So, what can you expect?• A crisper and more vibrant design.

• More options to customise the way it looks for you personally.

• Improved control over the list of modules on your homepage.

• Easier access to your personal profile information.

• Visual notifications of changes, such as additions to a discussion topic.

• Your own personal files area.

For tutors• Greater control over the blocks layout on your course pages.

• Conditional release on resources and activities.

• The ability to share documents between all of your modules.

• New activities including a virtual classroom activity.

• Creating and linking to folders is now much simpler.

• Drag and drop interface for moving/ re-arranging content.

Training for tutors• 7 July 2011, Introduction to Moodle 2 (2.00pm-4.00pm)

• 19 July 2011, Introduction to Moodle 2 (9.30am-11.30am)

• 11 August 2011, Introduction to Moodle 2 (9.30am-11.30am)

• 25 August 2011, Introduction to Moodle 2 (2.00pm-4.00pm)

• 1 September 2011, Introduction to Moodle 2 (9.30am-11.30am)

Book via staffdevelopment@yorksj.ac.uk

Training for students• We’ll have a new printable student guide available from the login page.

• There will be a new introductory video available from the login page.

• Students who’d rather have a face-to- face session can book with Annette Webb, Student IT Trainer (term time only), based at the information desk in Fountains Learning Centre.

Launch of Sri Lankan Alumni AssociationThe Sri Lankan Alumni Association was formally launched in the Students’ Union on 14 April.

The event also celebrated the Sri Lankan New Year and included traditional Sri Lankan food and games, a yoghurt eating competition and egg throwing!

The Association’s objectives include:

• the promotion of Sri Lankan culture and new cultural opportunities

• sharing learning experiences of York St John with prospective students from Sri Lanka

• welcoming new international students and providing support and advice networks in terms of accommodation, job opportunities, and adapting to a new culture

• knowledge sharing and professional networking between group members, other institutions and links in Sri Lanka.

Alumni & Development Manager Brett Arnall said, “The launch event was so friendly and it means a lot to the University that the Association cares so much about fellow students and wants to encourage more international students to attend York St John.”

Kate Bridgeman

The newly formed Sri Lankan Alumni Association with members of staff outside

the Students’ Union.

This year’s elections for the Students’ Union’s sabbatical officers resulted in the highest turnout to date: 1,185 students – just under 20 per cent of the student population – voted. This year also marked the first time that an online voting system was used. And the winners? Leigh Hankinson retained his position as Union President for the second year; Daniel Ridsdale is the new Vice President – Education and Welfare; and Dave Findlay is the new Vice President – Student Activities.

“I’m very happy to be re-elected,” said Leigh. “The main feature of the elections was the lack of hostility between the candidates; we all spent time talking about what we wanted to achieve. The online voting went very smoothly. Compared to some students’ unions, where as little as 4 per cent come out to vote, our figure of 20 per cent was fantastic. We’ve also now got a full complement of members of the Union Council following separate elections – 14 students will take up posts such as Equality & Diversity Officer and Volunteering Officer.

“There’s a lot to understand when you’re President – as the University is constantly changing it takes longer than six months to fully understand how everything works. Therefore I’m really pleased to be able to carry on next year, building relationships across the campus and with the new Vice Chancellor’s team. The best thing about York St John is the good community feel; it’s like a close-knit family. Everybody knows everybody and there’s a sense of belonging. I want to build an even stronger student community, making sure we offer the best possible student experience.”

A new scheme being developed is the creation of collegiate-style communities in student accommodation. Leigh explained, “Working with the University, we want to involve everyone who lives in York St John residences, from first years to postgraduates. We’ll encourage volunteering throughout the year and organise activities such as a fun sports day. At the end of the year, we’ll award a trophy to the residence with the most points – a Harry Potter style competition!”

A buddy system for international students is another project that the Union is working on, this time with Carissa King in YSJ International. A pilot scheme will be developed over the next few months, with a launch date of January 2012. The aim is to match pre-arrival international students with students already at the University. The volunteers can act as mentors or just as sounding boards for questions about life in York and at the University – and enhance their CVs in the process.

Contact YorktalkAny comments, news or stories for the Autumn 2011 issue?Please contact Amy Hey in the Marketing department on T: 6466 or E: a.hey@yorksj.ac.uk with your suggestions by Friday 26 August.

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

NOTICE BOARD

EventsFor a comprehensive list of all events including the Town & Gown lecture series, Ebor lectures and one-off lectures and events please go to www.yorksj.ac.uk/events

Create11This year’s Faculty of Arts’ graduate showcase runs from 19 May - 4 June with events and exhibitions open to all. Create11 highlights the talents of those who have studied fine arts, theatre, literature and history, dance, media, film and TV production, design and music. In addition, the festival promotes the work of foundation degree students in creative industries. View the full programme of events at www.yorksj.ac.uk/create

Wellbeing Year 2011Keep an eye on the Wellbeing Events Calendar on the York St John website for information on men’s and women’s health sessions taking place in June and July at www.yorksj.ac.uk/wellbeing

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

Welcome to the following new members of staffKate Bridgeman Learning Technologist, Learning Development

Terence Finn House Porter, Facilities

Sarah Gillespie Senior Admin Asst, Education & Theology

Amanda Liddle Senior Admin Asst, Education & Theology

Stewart Longfellow House Porter, Facilities

Elizabeth Murphy Lecturer/SL, Arts

Robert Oldfield Technician – Exhibitions, Displays & Events, Arts

Anthony Payne Head of Student Experience, Vice Chancellor’s Office

Sue Reece Pro Vice Chancellor (Development), Vice Chancellor’s Office

Vanessa Robson Senior Administrator, Education & Theology

Nigel Smith Cleaner, Facilities

Matthew Turner Estates Officer, Facilities

Cole Varley House Porter, Facilities

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 endeavoursJill Armstrong Dean for Learning Development, Learning Development

Tony Chalcraft Librarian/LIS Service Manager, Learning Development

Chris Costello Head Porter, Facilities

Karen Elliott Senior Admin Asst, Education & Theology

Sally Fowler Davis Head of Business Devt & Innovation, Health & Life Sciences

Leanne Gee Cleaner, Facilities

David Humpleby House Porter, Facilities

Rachael Lawrence Senior Admin Asst, Education & Theology

Joyce Mackay Senior Lecturer, YSJ Business School

Charlotte Renshaw Cleaner, Facilities

Michelle Verity Head of Student Enterprise & Devt, Learning Development

Mick Wake House Porter, Facilities