Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director of Engagement and Advancement
A number of issues were discussed under the Vice-Chancellor’s Business section at the start of this week’s meeting:
- There was an update on the coronavirus outbreak affecting parts of China and a number of other countries, and its implications for public health in the UK. Current Government advice (as of 27 January 2020) is that the risk to UK public remains low, but the University continues closely to monitor the advice from Public Health England and the Foreign Office, and has been providing updates to staff and students through SUSSED News, as well as guidance for managers to keep their staff and students well informed. UEB was concerned that some of the more alarmist media coverage may cause undue worry and confusion for some members within our community.
- The Vice-Chancellor thanked those who helped organise last week’s rollout of the consultation around a refresh of our University’s strategy. Staff can submit their views online until 17:00 on Friday 28 February. By the end of last week, more than 200 responses had been submitted and a further 350 were in progress.
- The Vice-Chancellor reported that Winnie Eley, Vice-President (International), had informed him of her decision not to return from a period of special leave. He expressed both his, and UEB’s gratitude to her, for her contribution to our University.
On the rest of the agenda today:
- UEB approved a proposal to rollout multi-factor authentication across the University. This will introduce added security, in line with protocols that banks and other organisations increasingly now have in place, around password changes and changes to personal details. With cybersecurity an increasingly important issue for institutions and individuals, UEB agreed swift implementation. Further details will be provided through SUSSED News in the near future.
- UEB approved a proposal to invest in improvements to the facilities and general repair of the Early Years Centre on Highfield Campus, which provides childcare for staff, students and members of the community.
- In the week, the UK is due formally to leave the European Union. There was a discussion about the risks and issues expected to arise for the recruitment and retention of EU staff as a result of Brexit. Information for staff, including about the need to apply for settled or pre-settled status, and the support the University is providing, can be found here.