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Impact & Recognition The 2008 Annual Report
Impact & RecognitionThe 2008 Annual Report
Reflecting on our achievements in 2008, I am proud to say the University of Wolverhampton has made a significant impact in many notable areas.
Our work goes beyond transforming the lives of our students; we are developing business activity in the region, undertaking excellent research and increasing our international partnerships.
We have undertaken many successful enterprises which have led to national accolades and increased recognition, particularly regarding research activity and learning and teaching.
We achieved a very successful outcome in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. Eight of our 11 submissions had research rated four star, which is equivalent to the best in the world.
That is something we are very proud of. A tremendous amount of effort went into our submissions and the results are a testament to this.
In addition, the University has retained its strong position for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and continues to be in the top 10 UK universities for delivering economic development and regeneration programmes with companies.
We are maintaining our programme of investment in our learning environment. A new £12 million Education and Teaching building at our Walsall Campus was opened by Jim Knight MP. However, it is the teaching and support that takes place within our buildings which is at the heart of our successes.
With the exciting development of the Wolverhampton Online Learning Framework (WOLF), we continue to expand our virtual environment, using the latest technologies to enrich our students’ overall experience.
In the most recent National Student Survey, we were once again rated as one of the best universities for the quality of our learning resources and access to specialist equipment.
There have been many successes over the past year. We were delighted when one of our lecturers, John Hay, was made an MBE for his work with the Deaf community. We were also very pleased to be awarded official Fairtrade status and I look forward to more innovative future initiatives.
These examples are just some of our 2008 highlights. I hope you will enjoy reading more about our achievements as we look forward to the challenges and opportunities for the year ahead.
Professor Caroline Gipps, Vice-Chancellor
I take great pleasure in learning about the success stories of people at the University of Wolverhampton, particularly when individuals progress in their lives and reap the rewards of their hard work.
2008 saw many such examples, with award-winning students and staff, as well as high-profile initiatives and developments which benefit both the University community and the region. Our links with business and education partners continue to be strong, and the maintenance of these is vital to the economy and to ensure the University’s continued success.
The University plays an important role in the regeneration of the region, providing businesses with solutions through applied research, and in training graduates who are intrinsic to a successful future workforce.
We provide extensive opportunities for students to benefit from being part of a dynamic learning environment. Wolverhampton is an exciting place to teach and learn and I am proud to be able to share in its achievements.
John Sharples, Chairman of the Board of Governors
Transforming the way we learn 7
Setting the pace in business 13
Advancing the frontiers of knowledge 19
Creating new paths to achievement 23
Opening new doors to the world 27
2008: Bringing innovation to life 31
Celebrating those who excel 39
Facts & figures 44
Leading the University forward 46
Contents
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Transforming the way we learn
2008 has been another milestone year in the University’s drive to transform the way students learn.
Wolverhampton was the first university to deploy a virtual learning environment across campus. Since then, a succession of initiatives has kept us at the forefront of developments in blended learning – the combination of face-to-face teaching with technological interactions.
This progress is critical to our future, because blended learning recognises the way students actually live and work – on the web, on their phones, off campus – and offers them flexibility and choice of when, where and how they want to study. It can engage students in fresh ways, equip them with cutting edge tools for learning, and inspire them to achieve more, both before and after graduation.
PebblePAD grows and growsInvented and developed at Wolverhampton, PebblePAD enables students to record achievements, work collaboratively and share what they have achieved with prospective employers.
By the end of the year, PebblePAD had over 22,000 active users, over 25,000 webfolios, 12,000 blogs and some 150,000 files uploaded. It’s been used by students and staff for feedback and assessment, personal development planning, recording CPD,
sending out course materials, working in peer-group networks, co-ordinating project work and the support of placement students.
Not surprisingly, PebblePAD is now being adopted by universities around the world.
A new breed of WOLF The University has launched a new generation of WOLF (Wolverhampton Online Learning Framework), our ground-breaking ‘virtual learning’ environment.
WOLF already offered quick and easy communication between tutors and students, with access to a wide variety of course materials. Now, it brings updated features and new toolsets, including options for wikis, podcasting, polling and surveying, and staff and student forums. Three thousand students trialled the new version before it was released.
Text message gets through to studentsIn another pilot study, the University experimented to see how text messaging could add to its learning and teaching programmes. The Mobiles Enhancing Learning and Support project (MELaS) pointed the way for large-scale use of SMS messaging across the institution.
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Double success for studentsTwo Students of the Year! The University achieved the highest number of winners and commendations in the Xcel Student Awards 2008, which recognise and celebrate the achievements of students from a multi-ethnic or minority group background.
Two of our students won prestigious Student of the Year awards, and three more were commended.
Anne-Marie Goodreid, who returned to University after being seriously injured in a car accident, was joint winner of the Xcel Law Student of the Year award.
Bernadette Quick won the Xcel Business & Commerce Student of the Year award. Having worked in industry, single mum Bernadette overcame being diagnosed with osteoporosis to return to education part time, and is on track for a first class honours degree.
Another student was commended in the same category; Nazmin Iqbal gained a first class honours degree in Business Management and was awarded the Hutchison Memorial Prize at the University’s graduation ceremony, despite having mobility problems and needing the support of a note-taker during classes.
Also commended was Clinical Practice student Hannah Bryant, who was recognised in the Xcel Healthcare Student of the Year award. Serge Sanghera from the School of Art & Design was commended in the Xcel Media and Creative Arts category.
A critical focus on student support2008 saw our Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) renamed and refocused as CIEL, Critical Interventions for Enhanced Learning.
CIEL is designed to identify critical interventions (pedagogies, support systems, activities and initiatives) that can help students along the journey towards successfully achieving their goals. The practical applications of CIEL can be seen on its new website, which is structured around critical moments, tracking and monitoring, academic literacies, embedded study skills, personal tutoring, personal development planning, volunteering and student-to-student mentoring.
New head for strategic bodyIn a key appointment, Professor Glynis Cousin joined the University this year as Director of the Institute for Learning Enhancement (ILE). The ILE leads and co-ordinates the University’s pioneering approaches to higher education. It is at the heart of initiatives to enhance the quality of education and the student experience, working alongside our Schools in areas such as curriculum innovation, blended learning, work-based learning and student support.
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Another landmark of progressIn May, the new Education and Teaching building on our Walsall Campus was officially opened by the Schools Minister, Jim Knight MP. Costing £12 million, this outstanding building houses the School of Education and can accommodate more than 1,100 students in its specialist teaching facilities and a 250-seat lecture theatre.
What did our students say?The University of Wolverhampton has again been voted one of the best in the country for the quality of its learning resources, according to the National Student Survey. Students gave a big ‘thumbs-up’ to our computing and wireless facilities, library services and access to specialist equipment. Subjects such as Computer Science, Media Studies, Film Studies and Fine Art also scored highly.
And what about the QAA?At the end of the year, we received another vote of confidence from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. The QAA’s draft report confirms the soundness of our management of academic standards and of the quality of learning experiences.
Taking learning to the workplaceAlison Felce has joined us in the newly created role of Co-ordinator of Work-based Learning. Based in the Institute for Learning Enhancement, she is working with curriculum teams across the University and with the new Intelligent Careers Development (i-CD) unit as part of our programme to develop work-based learning programmes and delivery skills.
Bringing Europe to our doorHosted by CIEL at the University of Wolverhampton, the European First Year Experience Conference 2008 brought over 200 international delegates from 16 countries to share expertise in an area where we lead the way. The conference discussed innovative measures designed to increase student retention by making a real difference to the way that students settle at university, learn and develop.
Who better to ask?Building on the success of the University’s Student2Student scheme, 2008 saw the introduction of a version aimed specifically at providing support to deaf students starting at university. Thought to be the first of its kind in the world, it partners new students with a peer who is also deaf. A group of five current students underwent extensive training to help this year’s intake get off to a flying start.
Hi-tech patients go to workThese adults and babies breathe, speak and moan, and have pulses, blood pressure and heart rates; but the newest patients in the School of Health are not quite human. Meet our new SimMan family, state-of-the-art mannequins specially designed for medical tuition. We are the first university in the UK to adopt the latest generation of this technology, offering our students a unique opportunity to gain experience and confidence.
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Setting the pace in businessIn 2008, we became the leading new university in the region for business engagements, providing businesses with consultancy, skills development and research worth £25.6 million, an increase of 10% on the previous year.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are a major part of our activities – where graduates join businesses on placement, to improve productivity and assist with technological innovation. The University is now the leading provider of KTPs in the West Midlands and third in the UK.
This one activity alone makes us strategically important to the regional economy. Projects have covered engineering, IT, art and design, strategic marketing, 3D CAD, new product development, e-commerce systems and mobile data devices. Findings from recent schemes have shown the considerable benefits for businesses: an average increase in sales of 62%, profitability of 42%, and net profits returns of £138,000 over a five year period.
But more than that, many of the students involved have excelled beyond all expectation.
Gareth Richards, for instance, made such a contribution to Chamois Furnishings Ltd that he was employed permanently as Strategic Marketing Manager. He was also given a prestigious Business Leader of Tomorrow award at the national KTP Awards Ceremony in London. There are many other examples of individual achievement and recognition, and, as you will read here, our KTP programme featured prominently at the influential Lord Stafford Awards.
A shining exampleThe annual Lord Stafford Awards recognise and encourage the development of collaborative relationships between West Midlands businesses and universities. This year, Dr Alan Collins, our Director of Business Development and Enterprise, was presented with a Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Knowledge Transfer Activities. During his time at the University, Dr Collins has played a pivotal role in securing £50 million for nearly 50 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
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Overall, the programmes run by Dr Collins have benefited around 5,000 businesses, safeguarded more than 8,000 jobs and generated sales worth more than £200 million. Hundreds of regional business people, organisations and University staff attended the ceremony at Worcester Cathedral, where Dr Collins paid tribute to the hard work of his colleagues at the University’s Competitiveness Centre, which manages our business activity and provides a central contact point for external organisations.
Award patron, Lord Stafford, described Dr Collins’ work to bridge the gap between universities and businesses as “inspirational”.
A powerhouse of business generationIf ever there were a much-needed story of economic success, the University’s e-Innovation Centre (e-IC) is it.
Based in Telford, the e-IC provides a ‘launch pad’ and serviced ‘incubator’ units for business start-ups and small and medium-sized companies – complete with high-quality business accommodation and funded support from a team of expert IT consultants.
In 2008, the Centre reached full occupancy, housing some 60 growing businesses, with a waiting list for its business incubator units. What’s more, the e-IC was praised for its crucial role in boosting the local economy by no less a body than the National Audit Office.
Officially launched in 2007 and built as part of a £7 million project funded by Advantage West Midlands, the European Regional Development Fund and the University of Wolverhampton,
the e-IC team has nurtured 77 new businesses and helped to create 73 new jobs and almost £3 million new sales, in addition to assisting over 140 businesses with IT, business and marketing consultancy. Its success demonstrates the growing innovative and hi-tech business community in the region, of which the University is a major initiator and sponsor.
One-stop shop for career developmentContinuing Professional Development: it’s of crucial importance to countless careers and innumerable employers.
Soon, they will be able to access all of the University’s CPD courses and services through one business unit, geared up to provide what businesses and employees really want. i-CD, or Intelligent Career Development, will be forging ahead under Chief Executive Kim White, who has a long and successful track record in business, the public sector and education.
Invention strikes oil double goldA revolutionary new device developed by the University of Wolverhampton scooped a double gold award at the British Invention of the Year Awards 2008.
The Caparo RightFuel device, which prevents motorists putting petrol into diesel cars, was invented by Martin White, who partnered the Caparo Innovation Centre at the University to develop and patent the new device and put it into production. Given that some 120,000 drivers put petrol into diesel cars each year, this simple retrofit product could save motorists £millions.
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No smoking in our labsWhen Tom Rowley, a retired plumber from Staffordshire, invented a device to help his friends and relations kick the smoking habit, he probably didn’t envisage it going through comprehensive laboratory tests before being handed over to experts at the University’s Centre for Health and Social Care Improvement.
Nevertheless, his revolutionary ‘Six and Out’ device is now undergoing clinical trials by our team, working alongside Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust.
New business network launchedBusiness leaders will be able to brainstorm ideas and share experience at a new forum run by the University of Wolverhampton. Network 4 has been launched by the Department of Construction and Infrastructure to encourage partnerships between businesses and as a sounding board for ideas.
A launch event was held at Wolverhampton Science Park where Martin Chambers, Project Director of Network Rail, delivered a keynote speech about the redevelopment of New Street Station in Birmingham.
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Advancing the frontiers of knowledgeThe University of Wolverhampton has areas of research ranked among the best in the world, according to the latest official findings.
The Research Assessment Exercise 2008 produced excellent results for the University, with research achieving the highest 4* rating, which equates to world-leading. Eight out of the 11 research areas that were examined had some work in this category. In addition, all of our submissions had internationally excellent work, and our overall score put us in the category of ‘internationally recognised’.
Particular strengths included Library and Information Management (advanced analysis of web content and traffic), Computational Linguistics (natural language processing, advanced computer language analysis), Engineering and Art and Design.
The results show a significant improvement in the status of research at Wolverhampton, and lifted us in the national rankings. A substantial increase in our research funding has also recently been announced.
Breast Cancer targetedDr Weiguang Wang has become the first scientist from the University to receive a grant from Breast Cancer Campaign, a leading research charity.
Dr Wang aims to improve the outcome for the 40 per cent of patients whose cancer is resistant to chemotherapy, by studying whether resistance can be prevented or reversed. His research will investigate whether treating breast cancer cells with Disulfiram, a drug used in the treatment of alcoholism, will make cells more sensitive to chemotherapy.
In the mood to winSports Psychologist Professor Andy Lane, an expert in mood and human performance, is part of a team that has been awarded a £2 million grant to look into emotion regulation. Professor Lane will be researching how athletes regulate their emotions and will develop tactics to enhance performance through emotional control.
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New Dean for School of Applied SciencesProfessor John Darling was previously Director of the University’s Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences. He is one of the UK’s leading figures in the field of brain tumour research, and his current work focuses on how brain tumours start and why they are so resistant to therapy.
Ballet shoe design is tip topA University of Wolverhampton lecturer has taken a huge step towards reducing ballet injuries – and his company has been short-listed for a top award, too. Dr Matthew Wyon is a Reader in Performance Science and has established the University as a leading institution in dance science.
His research into the high rate of injury suffered by dancers inspired him to design a new pointe shoe for female ballet dancers, using advances from the sport shoe industry. The resulting ballet shoe lasts longer, improves balance whilst en pointe and has increased shock absorption whilst jumping. As a result, his company, Flyte Limited, was nominated for the Innovative Business of the Year category at the Startups Awards.
Astronauts need good vibrationNew techniques to prevent astronauts losing bone density during space flights have been presented by a University of Wolverhampton lecturer.
Adam Hawkey, Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics, researched the impact of vibration platforms on bone loss, and was invited to
present a workshop on vibration training at the 59th International Astronautical Congress. Adam explained how his research into vibration training could not only help to prevent osteoporosis on earth, but also help astronauts get to Mars.
Ranked number one in the worldComputer scientist and mathematician Professor Mike Thelwall has been named the world’s number one expert in the field of ‘informetrics’. This is the science of measuring information to assess the importance of a set of documents, and Mike specialises in the newest area – measuring the value of web pages. Two of his colleagues, Dr David Wilkinson and Dr Gareth Harries, were also included in the list of leading authorities in this field.
Our technology should be in a museumThe modern museum, to be precise. That was the message from the School of Computing and Information Technology when they hosted mLearn 2008 in October.
At this prestigious international conference, our ‘context aware’ technology tracked delegates through the venue, sending relevant information to their mobile phones and generating an individualised website of their experiences. The 400 delegates then saw the same technology in use at RAF Cosford and the Enginuity exhibition at Ironbridge.
So, if you walk into a museum or art gallery and receive a personalised tour via the Bluetooth feature on your mobile, you’ll know where the technology came from.
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Creating new paths to achievementIn a watershed moment for regional co-operation, the University of Wolverhampton and 14 partner colleges signed an agreement to encourage more pupils to continue into higher education. Called the University, of Wolverhampton Collaborative Achievement Network (UWCAN), it has a name that tells everyone exactly what it’s about.
In the words of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline Gipps: “This exciting new partnership initiative brings college and University staff together to work collaboratively on developing new courses and opportunities for students across the region. UWCAN will help students to progress on to higher levels of learning with more confidence, and enable college and University staff to share ideas on teaching, learning and new course provision.”
The agreement includes the City of Wolverhampton College, Dudley College, Halesowen College, New College Telford, Rodbaston College, Sandwell College, Solihull College, South Birmingham College, Stourbridge College, Sutton Coldfield and Matthew Boulton Colleges, Telford College of Arts and Technology, Walsall College and Worcester College.
Black Country Challenge
In May, Schools Minister Jim Knight launched the Black Country Challenge at the New Walsall Art Gallery. Headed by Professor Sir Geoff Hampton, the Challenge is a £28 million campaign to raise standards in schools across the most deprived areas of the West Midlands.
Sir Geoff is Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton and Director of the Midlands Leadership Centre. His role places the University in the central stream of activity flowing from this vital regional initiative.
Already, a number of the programmes are involving the University and its staff. The City Gates Gifted and Talented programme, which aims to increase the number of disadvantaged, gifted students entering higher education, is being coordinated by the University. At the same time, the School of Education is developing new pathways into teaching in Black Country schools, with Wolverhampton undergraduates coaching young people in secondary schools.
We’ll be there to actively assist with a wide range of projects in the coming years, and welcoming many of these Black Country students on to our courses.
Fairtrade As the effects of the recession combine with a world shortage of food to squeeze some of the poorest people on our planet, the University took a small step towards helping out. In July, Fairtrade status was awarded to the University at a ceremony held in the Mayoral Suite at the Civic Centre.
We’ve held awareness events, opened Fairtrade outlets and promoted Fairtrade food and drink. But that’s not the end of the story. We’re looking at other products the University could use, such as Fairtrade cotton for catering and caretaking uniforms. In the meantime, you are welcome to come and sip our Fairtrade coffee, with a nice Fairtrade muffin, perhaps.
Equality and Diversity Unit launchedWolverhampton is regularly named one of the best universities in the country for widening participation. Our Equality and Diversity Unit is a new initiative to ensure that we provide the same opportunities to all who work and study here, so that we attract and retain staff and students who reflect the diversity of the wider society.
The new Unit was officially launched in October with a ceremony at the Arena Theatre. It will encourage good practice and work to ensure an ethnically diverse staff and student body, with equivalent levels of satisfaction and progression for all groups. The unit is already heavily involved in developing the curriculum, offering guidance and training, and supporting staff networks.
Every ounce countsUniversity of Wolverhampton lecturers have secured £18,000 for a training programme aimed at reducing the incidence of low birth weight babies in Walsall, where 11.6 per cent of children are potentially disadvantaged by weighing in at less than 2.5 kilos.
The School of Health will deliver staff training for up to 300 health professionals and support workers.
Hello “Ni hao”With over 885 million people speaking Mandarin, it’s becoming the essential language to learn. Now, school pupils will be able to learn Mandarin with the help of teaching resources developed by the University’s Language Networks for Excellence team.
The new materials are aimed at teaching pupils phrases and important inter-cultural skills they can use in business situations. They can also work towards a Certificate in Business Chinese.
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Opening new doors to the worldOur University is truly global There are over 3,800 overseas students from some 128 countries studying with us; we have strong links with several overseas universities, and student exchanges with 30 countries including China, India and Dubai; and our offices in China, Central Europe, South Asia, South East Asia and West Africa give us excellent bases from which to expand our educational activities.
But our next ambitious venture explores very different territory.
In short, we aim to establish business partnerships across the world, building on our excellent reputation for successful work with UK companies. We’ve started by expanding our flourishing links with India, predicted to become the fifth largest economy in the world.
The Wolverhampton India projectLaunched last year, the Wolverhampton India project is backed by the University, the City Council and College, central government and business organisations, among others. It aims to make a positive contribution to businesses, individuals and communities in both India and Wolverhampton.
The University will provide educational and training programmes, aiming to export its expertise in growth areas such as healthcare, engineering and technologies.
Ground-breaking India visit An agreement signed in June marks a giant step forward for the University’s international ambitions.
University delegates joined other key city figures on a Wolverhampton India trip to Punjab, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Punjab Government’s Education Secretary and Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline Gipps.
This could open up a fantastic variety of opportunities to increase educational opportunities and training. Initially, the University will lead a project to raise English language levels across the state by training teachers and exchanging staff and students. Other areas of development will include nursing, and the University will now look across India to match our areas of expertise to regional needs.
On the same trip, a second memorandum was signed with Doaba College and the Lovely Professional University to promote opportunities for student and staff exchanges, progression and recruitment.
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Enriching student experience and prospectsNaturally, we make strenuous efforts to help international students with settling in when they join us. But at Wolverhampton, we’re putting as much thought into what happens when they leave.
The International Office with input from the University of Wolverhampton Business School and Careers and Employment Services have piloted an innovative programme for international students to enhance their employment prospects following graduation. The eight-week course, with a three-week work placement in a local company in the summer, was trialled successfully with 13 international students from a range of EU and non-EU countries.
The taught element of the course included modules on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, CV enhancement, employability and interview skills. The work placements, organised by the Work Placements Unit in the School of Computing and Information Technology, gave the opportunity to shadow senior management staff and get a flavour of the working world.
£8.5 million for sustainability in NepalThe University’s Centre for International Development and Training has been working in Nepal for around 20 years, helping to improve the long-term prospects for its inhabitants.
In 2008 they won a contract worth £8.5 million – the largest the University has ever signed – to act as advisory specialists for a major programme funded by the Department for International Development.
The programme will enhance the assets of the poorest rural communities by promoting sustainable use of forest resources. It will work with 4,000 Community Forestry User Groups, representing 18 per cent of the population of Nepal.
Groups are allocated areas of forest to manage, giving them much-needed employment and access to basic needs such as fodder for animals, wood for fuel and building materials, and food in times of extreme hardship. Poor and excluded people can also benefit from valuable non-timber products such as medicinal and aromatic plants.
Today, we’re in ShenzenStudents from the University who took part in the trip of a lifetime to Shenzen and Hong Kong were able to share their thoughts and progress by keeping a daily blog (www.wlv.ac.uk/chinablog) about their experiences.
A study trip was piloted in 2007 and proved so successful that 15 more students from six different countries jetted off last year, many of them part-sponsored by their Schools.
Meanwhile, in WolverhamptonStudents were treated to a special evening to celebrate Chinese New Year, organised by the International Office. Held in the Millennium City building, it included a performance by the Deyin School of Tai Chi, performances of traditional songs, plus Chinese food and games.
And returning for a second yearThe Sikh festival of Vaisakhi returned to the University for the second year, with a show and exhibition to celebrate Sikh faith and culture. An opening ceremony was followed by free food, various talks, and activities that included a turban tying workshop, a classical instruments workshop and a trip to a Sikh Gurdwara.
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2008: Bringing innovation to life JanuaryNational acclaim for terrorism bookPlaying Politics With Terrorism: A User’s Guide edited by Dr George Kassimeris – a Senior Research Fellow at the University – is listed as one of The Independent’s Best Books of 2007.
Wolverhampton India Liam Byrne MP and Minister for the West Midlands is keynote speaker at a municipal launch ceremony for the Wolverhampton India project, which aims to open up new relationships between businesses, public organisations and communities in India and Wolverhampton.
Moving Holocaust LectureGabor Hirsch, one of the few survivors from the Auschwitz concentration camp, gives the annual Holocaust Memorial Day Lecture at the University. Gabor, born in Bekescsaba in south-east Hungary, travels from Switzerland to share his experiences of transportation, imprisonment and finally liberation by the Red Army.
New resource combats childhood obesityOne fifth of boys and one third of girls could be obese by the year 2020. But a new CD-Rom, developed at the University for use by health workers, contains guidance that may be an important practical weapon in the fight for good diet and fitness.
Dragon fires up regional leadersSimon Woodroffe OBE, founder of the restaurant chain YO! Sushi and a former Dragons’ Den panellist, gives a talk as part of the University’s Inspirational Leadership Seminar Programme.
FebruaryFuelling successThe revolutionary Caparo RightFuel, jointly developed by the University, wins a double gold at the British Invention of the Year Awards 2008.
Researcher ranked number oneComputer scientist and mathematician Professor Mike Thelwall is named the world number one expert in the field of ‘informetrics’.
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Russian celebrationThe new Rector of Tyumen State University in Western Siberia visits Wolverhampton to celebrate an 18-year link with the University, which has seen regular student exchanges since 1990.
Top win for budding lawyersLaw students from the University travel to London to compete with 588 teams worldwide in the world’s largest ‘moot’ – a mock court case – and return triumphant with an award.
Earthquake expertiseWhen an earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter Scale is felt across Britain, Dr Clive Roberts from the School of Applied Sciences is the man chosen by ITV to explain what has happened to a shaken Midlands audience.
MarchTop marks for teacher trainingOfsted confirms that our primary school teacher training is ‘Grade 1: Outstanding’. Inspectors praise the high graduate employment rates, the recruitment of well-qualified staff, the quality of the provision and the assessment of trainee’s teaching.
Olympic baseOur Walsall Campus Sports Centre is named as an official training base for the 2012 Olympics, available for athletes competing in Basketball, Judo and Taekwondo.
Renowned artist exhibitsA dozen stunning paintings are displayed in a public exhibition celebrating a lifetime of achievement by Frank Bowling. In 2005, Frank became the first black artist elected to the Royal Academy in its 200-year history.
Language experts take on China challengeWolverhampton researchers join the ‘Chinesecom’ initiative, a major European project to help business people learn Chinese.
AprilBooming with businessThe e-Innovation Centre on our Telford Campus reaches full occupancy as it houses some 60 growing businesses, with a waiting list for its business incubator units.
Pioneering policingA pioneering new course is announced in partnership with West Midlands Police. The BSc (Hons) Policing will prepare students for a professional career in policing or allied occupations.
Setting the route for transportNew MSc courses in Transport and Environmental Management and Transport and Infrastructure are created to attract graduates who want to build a career and professionals who want to expand their knowledge.
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Graduate wins international research award At the International Research and Innovation Awards run by the Chartered Institute of Building, first prize goes to the University’s Carl Fergusson for his Masters Dissertation on sustainability in the UK highways sector.
Flood expertiseFlood damage expert Professor David Proverbs was invited to influence future policies on flooding through his contribution to the Pitt Review, a national Government report.
May£12 million debutSchools Minister, Jim Knight MP opens the new £12 million Education and Teaching building on our Walsall campus, offering learning space for 1,100 students.
New Dean for Applied SciencesProfessor John Darling, one of the UK’s leading figures in brain tumour research, moves from being Director of the Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences to become Dean of the School of Applied Sciences.
Europe comes to WolverhamptonThe third annual European First Year Experience Conference attracts 200 delegates from 16 different nations, including Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and a number of European countries.
PR students are ‘pitch perfect’Two University of Wolverhampton students, Felix Wündsch and Tinu Adelegan win awards in The Pitch 2008, organised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. Their prizes: summer internships at prestigious national PR agencies.
JuneIndia visit opens doorsThe University strengthens its outstanding links with Punjab education organisations following a successful trip to India. An agreement is signed between the Punjab Government’s Education Secretary and the University’s Vice-Chancellor.
Fairtrade celebrationMore than one cup of Fairtrade tea is raised as the University celebrates the achievement of official Fairtrade status.
Leading the West MidlandsThe award of an unprecedented seven Knowledge Transfer Partnership programmes secures our position as the West Midlands’ leading university in this important area.
Business awardRishma Dattani, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programmes at the University of Wolverhampton Business School wins a Lloyds TSB Jewel award, recognising the achievements of Asian businessmen and women.
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July Hi-tech researchA new research group, the Wolverhampton Internet and Technology Society, studying the impact of the Internet and related technology on everyday lives is launched by members of the School of Applied Sciences.
Supporting Nepal’s poorestThe University wins a contract worth £8.5 million to run the Livelihoods and Forestry Programme in Nepal, which could benefit 18 per cent of the population through sustainable husbandry of Nepal’s forests.
Fellowship for FellowSenior Research Fellow, Dr Vinette Cross, is presented with a fellowship from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for her contribution to the promotion of high standards in the profession.
ShowcaseThe University launches WLVdialogue, a quarterly stakeholder magazine designed to showcase our academic stars, research activities and business links to audiences at home and abroad.
AugustHealthy additionWe announce a new BSc in Environmental Health, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
Computer stars up for BAFTAA team of students from the School of Computing and Information Technology wins a national competition to design a new computer game, and is nominated for the BAFTA ‘Ones to Watch’ award.
Glass pathwaysThe School of Art & Design hosts the Creative Pathways Symposium to complement the international Glass Routes exhibition at Bilston Craft Gallery, exploring how artists unite materials, process, creativity, style, function and context.
Music in the key of artWolverhampton students will be using the latest music production equipment after Major Key Studios, who run two foundation degrees with the University, move into studios at West Bromwich arts centre, The Public.
SeptemberHonour for LisaThe University awards an honorary fellowship to Lisa Potts, who received the George Medal after trying to protect children in her care in 1996, for her tireless charitable achievements through her charity, Believe to Achieve.
Two Students of the YearTwo Wolverhampton students win Student of the Year awards in the Xcel Student Awards 2008, which celebrate the achievements of students from a multi-ethnic or minority group background.
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Going!Would-be auctioneers will be ‘going, going’ on an innovative degree course, as the University works with industry leaders to launch the new Foundation Degree in Auctioneering and Valuation – the first of its kind in the UK.
Opening salvoA renowned military historian from the University is keynote speaker, opening the Chief of Army’s annual Military History Conference in Canberra. Dr Stephen Badsey speaks on The Military, the Media and Information Warfare.
OctoberA Journey in Bronze...Is the title of an exhibition that celebrates the work of an acclaimed local medallist and sculptor, Ron Dutton, an internationally commissioned artist and former Head of Sculpture at the School of Art & Design.
Students strut Clothes Show catwalkOur fashion students prepare for the Clothes Show Live 2008, with a collection that takes the theme of ‘tribal elegance’, using recycled materials donated by sponsors.
Audience exhaustedThe Inspirational Leadership seminar series welcomes Miles Hilton-Barber, who was the first blind person to man-haul a sledge across Antarctica, as well as completing the Marathon des Sables across the Sahara, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and running an Ultra-Marathon race across China.
Union leader points wayBrendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC presents the Crystal Lecture at the University’s Telford Campus on the theme of “New ways of working for new economic times”.
Special award for University DirectorDr Alan Collins, Director of Business Development and Enterprise, receives a Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Knowledge Transfer Activities at the annual Lord Stafford Awards, in front of hundreds of regional business people at a ceremony in Worcester Cathedral.
Little feet, big featAn innovative company set up by Dr Matthew Wyon, from the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure, is a finalist in the Innovative Business of the Year category of the annual Startups Awards. As part of its exclusive range of dance shoes, clothing and accessories, it is marketing an advanced ballet shoe designed by Dr Wyon to significantly reduce serious injuries.
36
NovemberWolverhampton callingBrilliant Pongo, a refugee from Zimbabwe who is studying at the University, uses his journalistic experience to broadcast to his home country on SW Radio Africa and by texting the latest news to areas where their signal has been jammed.
Georgia on our mindsThe University hosts a national workshop entitled ‘EU-Russia Relations after the War in Georgia’, organised by the British Association for Slavonic and East European Studies and the University Association for Contemporary European Studies.
University and colleges networkAn innovative agreement to encourage more pupils to continue into higher education is signed by the University and 14 partner colleges.
Extraordinary SoldierCaptain Doug Beattie MC, author of An Ordinary Soldier, gives a talk at the University about his experiences in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
Stretching across the AtlanticNick O’Leary, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education, uses Skype and a webcam to teach pupils at a school in Iowa about education and sport. As well as teaching prepared material, Nick goes face-to-face with the students on-line to answer their questions.
DecemberMBESenior Lecturer John Hay is officially recognised by the Queen, with an MBE for services to the Deaf community and higher education. John has played a key role in the development of Deaf Studies and in the wider deaf community.
Research excellenceThe results from the latest Research Assessment Exercise, a peer review programme to evaluate research in UK higher education, show that the University has areas of research ranked among the best in the world.
Spreading the wordsSchool pupils will be able to learn business phrases in Mandarin Chinese with the help of teaching resources developed at the University.
Professional forecastThe President of the Law Society of England and Wales discusses the challenges facing the legal profession during a lecture hosted by the School of Legal Studies. Mr Marsh gives advice on how practitioners can still succeed in the current financial climate, and looks into the future for the legal sector.
Vote of confidence The University achieves an excellent outcome in its Institutional Audit by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, confirming the quality of learning experiences and management of academic standards.
Frew McMillanJonathan Falkingham Mark Palmer Ruth Lingford Ann ReaneyCamila Batmanghelidjh Nancy Kirkland Mick Waters
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Barbara Hulanicki School of Art and Design; 02.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Design
Born in Poland and raised in England, Barbara began her career in fashion in the early 1960s, working as a freelance fashion illustrator. In 1964, she founded the boutique Biba, which became an icon of 60s and 70s London, evolving into an elaborate five-storey Art Deco department store with a restaurant. The avant-garde Biba cosmetics brand was sold in 33 countries.
Throughout her career, Barbara has designed costumes for stage and film productions, including clothing for Cathy McGowan on Ready Steady Go (1964), Julie Christie in Darling (1965) and various costumes for old friend and Biba model Twiggy.
Jonathan Falkingham School of Engineering and the Built Environment; 01.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Design
Jonathan is Chief Executive and joint founder of the Urban Splash property development group, which has won 253 awards to date for architecture, regeneration and business success. Jonathan, originally from Bradford, studied architecture at Liverpool University, gaining a First Class Honours degree in 1989. On graduating, he formed Design Shed, later merging with King McAllister to become shedkm which continues to be a vibrant and successful architects practice in Liverpool. Urban Splash is currently investing over £1 billion in regeneration projects across the country.
Nancy Kirkland School of Health; 01.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science
Nancy Kirkland is the President of the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the elected registrant nurse member for Scotland. She is a Registered Nurse and Qualified Midwife. She held the position of Chair of the Nursing Committee prior to becoming President. Nancy was instrumental in taking forward projects, such as essential skills clusters for pre-registration nursing, simulation in practice and advanced nurse practice.
Nancy has a BSc (Hons) Biological Science 2:1 and a Masters in Business Administration awarded by the University of Edinburgh. She has recently graduated with a LLB Law Degree from Edinburgh Napier University.
Ruth Lingford School of Art and Design; 02.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts
Ruth Lingford was born in 1953 in London. In 1990, after working as an Occupational Therapist with mentally ill, elderly people and bringing up a family, she completed a BA in Fine Art and Art History at Middlesex Polytechnic. In 1992, she completed an MA from the Royal College of Art.
In 1993 she was awarded an Arts Council of England animate! grant to make What She Wants, an experimental film produced entirely on a home Amiga computer.
Celebrating those who excel
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Camila Batmanghelidjh School of Education; 03.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science
Camila has a First Class Degree in the Arts and a Masters in Psychotherapy, as well as clinical training supported by 18 years of psychoanalysis. Her interest is in the application of therapeutic thinking within inner-city communities. Camila describes her work as a vocation. In her early-twenties, she worked for Women’s Aid and set up a counselling service for a university, as well as founding the Place to Be, which is now a national programme offering therapy to children in schools.
John Edwards University of Wolverhampton Business School; 04.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Studies
John Edwards joined Advantage West Midlands as Director of Regeneration in August 1999, and was appointed Chief Executive in November 2000. John is a Quantity Surveyor by profession and has held senior appointments in land and property development and business support. He has extensive experience in urban and rural economic regeneration and prior to joining Advantage West Midlands he was Director of Operations and Chief Executive at the Rural Development Commission. John stood down as Chief Executive of Advantage West Midlands in April 2008.
Mark Palmer University of Wolverhampton Business School; 04.09.2008; Honorary Master of Business Administration
Mark Palmer was born in Wolverhampton in 1973 and was a pupil at St Edmund’s Secondary School and Wulfrun College.
After graduating in Business Administration at the University of Bath, Mark began his marketing career with United Biscuits, where he worked for five years on brands including Hula Hoops and McCoy’s. He then spent three years as Marketing Manager for Burger King before becoming Marketing Director of Green & Black’s organic chocolate in 2001. During Mark’s tenure, sales have risen from £4m to £60m.
Lisa Webb (née Potts) School of Applied Sciences; 05.09.2008; Honorary Fellowship
Lisa Webb came to national prominence in 1996 when she was working as a nursery nurse at St Luke’s School in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton. A man armed with a machete burst into the school grounds and started to attack children, parents and Lisa. Lisa sustained numerous injuries while trying to protect the children in her care. She was awarded over 20 local and national awards for her bravery; the final being the George Medal which is the highest civilian award. She founded the charity Believe To Achieve, raising aspirations for children and their families.
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Pamela Worton School of Education; 06.09.2008; Honorary Fellowship
Born in Dudley, Pamela attended Dudley Girls’ High School and Dudley Technical College. She joined the forerunner of the University of Wolverhampton in 1967, working as secretary to the Head of the Mathematics & Physics Department. She married Robin in 1968 and has two children – Scott and Neil. Apart from a break of seven years when she was raising her family, Pamela continued to work for the University. She fulfilled a number of administrative roles and ended her career as Walsall Campus Registrar when she retired in September 2007.
Mick Waters School of Education; 06.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education
Mick Waters is Director of Curriculum at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. The goal is ‘to develop a modern, world-class curriculum that will inspire and challenge all learners and prepare them for the future’. Mick believes the curriculum should be treasured, valued and shaped to fit with children’s lives.
Before joining QCA, Mick was Chief Education Officer for the City of Manchester. In a challenging education environment, schools worked hard to break the cycle of urban deprivation, promoting a wide and rich curriculum and encouraging all learners to achieve as much as possible.
John Mathias School of Education; 06.09.08; Honorary Fellowship
John Mathias was born in Pembrokeshire and attended Pembroke Grammar School before training as a teacher. His first teaching post was in Hounslow and he then taught in two schools in Stourbridge. Prior to being appointed to the then Wolverhampton Polytechnic in 1985, he was acting deputy headteacher at a large comprehensive school, but then elected for an academic career.
He became Dean of the University’s School of Education, retiring in 2007.
Frew McMillan School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure; 08.09.2008; Honorary Fellowship
Frew was born on 20 May, 1942 in Springs, South Africa. His early promise as a sportsman saw him captain both the tennis and cricket teams at Kimberley Boys’ High School.
Having captained the Provincial cricket team, he turned down two offers to play English county cricket, preferring to pursue a career in tennis.
He won five Wimbledon Doubles titles (three Men’s and two Mixed) and 10 Majors. In 1974 and 1977, he was recipient of South Africa’s highest sporting declaration, The State President’s Award. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1992.
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Peter Hobday School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure; 08.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters
One of Britain’s best known broadcasters, Peter’s distinguished career in the media has seen him front several key BBC current affairs programmes. He was one of the original anchormen, as well as an economic specialist, on the much respected Newsnight, and one of the main presenters of the highly influential Radio Four programme Today.
He was anchorman for the award winning Money Programme, and helped launch the Business Programme on Channel 4. His radio work included roles as presenter of the World at One and Financial World Tonight.
Ann Reaney School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences; 09.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Letters
Born in 1954, Ann Reaney began working in sales and marketing, rising up the ranks to be general manager before her 40th birthday, but it was her faith and voluntary work that showed her how rewarding it was to help others to achieve.
Ann became aware Wolverhampton would benefit from a women’s hostel. With support from Christian ladies, and after three months travelling, she found an order of Jericho Benedictine Monks in Scotland who came to Wolverhampton and set up Jericho House, and have managed, maintained and expanded the work it achieves ever since.
David Whyley School of Computing and Information Technology; 10.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology
David Whyley was born and bred in the Black Country and has worked as a teacher and educationalist in the city of Wolverhampton for over 30 years. He is a former primary headteacher, who now has the role of Headteacher Consultant – Learning Technologies for the City of Wolverhampton, as part of the e-Services team.
David’s expertise has been used by most of the major national educational agencies, and he has contributed to the Primary National Strategy Leadership team toolkit and NCSL/BECTA online self evaluation matrix tools.
Stuart Hyde School of Education; 06.09.2008; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education
Stuart was born in Bristol. He studied law at Birmingham University and spent a year as a sabbatical Deputy President of the Student Guild. In 1983 he joined Avon & Somerset Constabulary and was promoted to Detective Superintendent in West Yorkshire Police in 1997, where he managed crime departments. He moved to a Senior Investigating role in Bradford and later became a Divisional Commander before transferring to manage training.
In April 2003, Stuart became an Assistant Chief Constable in West Midlands Police, managing Wolverhampton and Dudley.
John Mathias David WhyleyBarbara Hulanicki John Edwards Pamela Worton Lisa Webb (née Potts)Stuart Hyde Peter Hobday
Income % £’000• Funding council grants 42 61,914
• Academic fees & support grants 30 45,165
• Other operating income 24 35,992
• Research grants & other contracts 2 2,731
• Endowment income & interest receivable 2 2,712
Total 100% 148,514
How the income was used %• Staff costs 60
• Other operating expenses 34
• Depreciation 5
• Interest payable 1
Total 100%
2%
2%
24%
30%
42%
60%
34%
5%1%
Amount
£m 0 5 10 15 20 25
2007/08
2006/07
2005/06
2004/05
2003/04
2002/03
£22.1m
£19.9m
£18.1m
£15.3m
£14.3m
£9.7m
Fina
ncia
l yea
r
Income for Applied Research and DevelopmentFor our full financial statement for the year ended 31 July 2008, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/finances
Facts & figures
44
Ethnicity % TotalWhite British 2,273
White Irish 20
Other White 62
Black British Caribbean 73
Black British Asian 32
Other Black 8
Asian British Indian 190
Asian British Pakistani 16
Asian British Bangladeshi 12
Chinese 16
Other Asian 24
Mixed White Black Caribbean 13
Mixed White Black African 4
Mixed White Asian 4
Other Mixed 7
Other Ethnic 11
Not Known 6
Grand Total 2,771
Gender Female 13,188 57.5
Male 9,732 42.5
Mode of Study Full-time 13,339 58
Part-time 9,581 42
Working pattern TotalFull-time 1,910
Part-time 861
Grand Total 2,771
Staff group TotalAcademic 1,024
Admin, Professional 1,229
Manual 518
Grand Total 2,771
Gender TotalMale 1,113
Female 1,658
Grand Total 2,771
Ethnicity Total % TotalAsian - Bangladeshi 219 1.0
Asian - Chinese 495 2.2
Asian - Indian 2,793 12.2
Asian - Other 467 2.0
Asian - Pakistani 1,105 4.8
Black - African 1,064 4.6
Black - Caribbean 1,001 4.4
Black - Other 216 0.9
Not Given 1,307 5.7
Not Known 35 0.2
Other 672 2.9
Other Mixed 104 0.5
White 13,017 56.8
White and Asian 98 0.4
White/Black African 41 0.2
White/Black Caribbean 286 1.2
Grand Total 22,920 100
Staff numbersFigures based on University of Wolverhampton data as at January 2009
Student numbersData source HESA return and SITS as at November 2008
School Total % TotalSchool of Art & Design 1,596 7.0
School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences 2,843 12.4
University of Wolverhampton Business School 2,585 11.3
School of Legal Studies 1,757 7.6
School of Applied Sciences 2,048 8.9
School of Computing and Information Technology 1,548 6.8
School of Engineering and the Built Environment 2,038 8.9
School of Education 3,737 16.3
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure 1,621 7.1
School of Health 3,147 13.7
Total 22,920 100
45
Pro Vice-Chancellor Regional Investment and Development
Professor Ian Oakes
Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic
Professor Sally Glen
Vice-Chancellor
Professor Caroline Gipps
Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of Finance
Mr Garry Sproston
Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and External Development
Professor Gerald Bennett
Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Affairs
Ms Jane Nelson
Chancellor
Lord Paul of Marylebone
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Professor Geoff Hurd
Pro Vice-Chancellor Education Partnerships
Professor Sir Geoff Hampton
Leading the University forward
46
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Chairman
Mr BJ Sharples
Deputy Chairman
Mr M Elliott
Vice-Chancellor
Professor CV Gipps
INDEPENDENT MEMBERS
Ms K Copestake
Ms K Gee
Dr J Johnson
Cllr. KS Sahota
Mr J Sharp
Mr AJ Smith
Mr S Towe
Mr J Woolridge
CO-OPTED MEMBERS
Mr R Carr
Mr J Chorley
Ms L Cutting
Mr I Hyde
Mrs M Jefferies
Dr S Walford
ACADEMIC BOARD NOMINEES
Ms P A Cooper
Professor J Gilkison
STUDENT NOMINEE MEMBERS
Ms C McGivern
DEANS
School of Applied Sciences
Professor John Darling
School of Art and Design
Dr Bryony Conway
School of Computing and
Information Technology
Professor Robert Moreton
School of Education
Professor Kit Field
School of Engineering and
the Built Environment
Professor Paul Olomolaiye
School of Health
Professor Linda Lang
School of Humanities,
Languages and Social Sciences
Dr Judith Burnett
School of Legal Studies
Mr Brian Mitchell
School of Sport, Performing
Arts and Leisure
Mr John Pymm
University of Wolverhampton
Business School
Professor Dominic Wilson
Dean of Research and
Graduate Studies
Professor Jean Gilkison
Dean of Students
Mr Jon Elsmore
University Secretary and
Clerk to Governors
Antony W Lee
Academic Registrar
Paul Travill
Director Business
Development and Enterprise
Dr Alan Collins
Director Facilities
Henry Gun-Why (March 2009)
Chief Executive of iCD
Kim White
Director of the Institute for
Learning Enhancement
Professor Glynis Cousin
Director International
Ms Jo Gittens
Director IT Services
Colin Addy
Director Learning Centres
Ms Fiona Parsons
Director Marketing
and Communications
Ashar Ehsan
Director Personnel
Services
Roger J Williams
Director Strategic
Developments
Nigel Babb
Director of Telford
Technology Corridor
Mike Norris
Deputy Director
Education Partnerships
Paul Bishton
Deputy Director
Education Partnerships
Jan Roman
Head of Finance
Andrew Holding
Head of Risk,
Safety and Health
Martin Hedley-Smith
47
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To view our annual report online, please visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/annualreport
To view a large print version of our annual report, please visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/annualreport
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