Issue 1 - Trinity Term 2013
Welcome to the latest issue of Student News, containing a roundup of information on news and events from the University. Check out the Student Gateway or follow us on Twitter for up-to-the minute information.Latest News
- Would you like to appear on Mastermind? Auditions 1 & 2 May 2013
- LERU Bright Conference, 12–16 August 2013
- Alumni Association 2013 Student Sporting Awards
- OxTALENT Awards 2013 call for entries
- Win a paid internship at Sharp Laboratories
- Schwarzman Scholars Announced
- Preparing for examinations
- Trinity Term Mock Exams and Exam Orientation
- Misuse of Bodleian cards
- Maximum extension permitted for full-time doctoral students
- Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme - new work visa available for International DPhil students nearing completion
- Access Guide feedback survey
- Isis Innovation survey
Events
- Oxford University Newcomers’ Club, Wednesdays, 10.30-12.00, The University Club, 11 Mansfield Road
- Staying in the UK to work, 23 April, 12.30-14.00, Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road
- Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme, 25 April, 12.30–13.30, Exam Schools, High Street
- Plagiarism Education Week, 22–26 April 2013
- Cycle safety and registration event, 10.00-14.00, 25 April 2013
- ArtMill Bohemian Workshops, 7-28 June 2013
- UNISCA Summer Course, University of Amsterdam, 15–26 July 2013
Latest News
Would you like to appear on Mastermind? Auditions 1 & 2 May 2013
The BBC Mastermind team will be in Oxford on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 May to look for contestants for the next series of the quiz show. The team is inviting would-be contestants to email mastermind@bbc.co.uk, mentioning 'Oxford' in the subject line. A member of the production team will reply with more information. Auditions consist of an informal chat about potential specialist subjects and a quick general knowledge test. Further information is also available from the Mastermind 2013 poster 
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Mastermind has been running on the BBC since 1972. The programme involves four contestants braving the black chair as they answer questions on their specialist subjects and test their general knowledge. The question master is John Humphrys, presenter of Radio Four’s Today programme. Last year Oxford student Charlotte Mason, who is studying Physics at Merton, was on the show, and answered questions on the Gemini Space Programme.
LERU Bright Conference, 12–16 August 2013
Applications are open for the League of European Research Universities (LERU) Bright Conference, an annual gathering of students from member universities. The conference, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, aims to provide an environment in which excellent students can focus on themes crucial to their education and cultural development, as field specialists and stakeholders of the Europe of tomorrow. This year’s theme is Energy Transition in the 21st Century. Thanks to a generous donation from the University’s Alumni Association, up to four bursaries are available for student attending the conference. Deadline for applications, 3 May 2013. Visit the Fees and Funding website.Alumni Association 2013 Student Sporting Awards
These awards are aimed at assisting talented University sportspeople, helping them to excel in their chosen sport and contribute to the success of sport at Oxford. Further information on the awards and an application form are available from the Alumni website. Closing date for applications, 10 May 2013. Awards will be distributed at the beginning of June.OxTALENT Awards 2013 call for entries
The OxTALENT annual awards recognise members of the University who have made use of ICT to foster learning and academic practice at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. Awards can be given either to individuals or to teams. This year's categories are:
- Use of WebLearn to support a course or programme of study
- Student IT Innovation
- Conference Poster
- Digital Images and Photography
- Data Visualisation and Research Infographic
- Use of apps and mobile technology
This is your opportunity to get your creativity recognised. Winners will receive a prize at the red-carpet awards ceremony in June, and be profiled on IT Services and other University websites and interviewed by the University podcasting team. Deadline for applications, mid-day 17 May 2013. Visit the OxTALENT Awards webpage.
Win a paid internship at Sharp Laboratories
Humans Invent in partnership with Sharp, are offering the opportunity to win a paid internship at Sharp Laboratories of Europe in Oxford. This is the European Research and Development arm for Sharp and is responsible for cutting edge innovations like mobile LCD technology, smart cards, DualView, the ‘lab in the palm of your hand’ and many more that have helped solve a genuine human need. Deadline for entries, 27 May 2013. Visit: Humans Invent.Schwarzman Scholars Announced
Blackstone founder Stephen A. Schwarzman today announced a $100 million (¥600 million) personal gift to build and endow an elite scholarship programme, Schwarzman Scholars, inspired by the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship programme. Schwarzman Scholars will support 200 students annually for a one-year Master’s programme at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China’s most prestigious universities, dedicated to academic excellence and integrity, and the interaction between Chinese and Western cultures. Students will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion, attending lectures by heads of state, travelling throughout the country, and developing a true understanding of China.
The first class of students is slated for 2016 with admissions opening in 2015. Visit: Schwarzman Scholars.
Preparing for examinations
Your personal timetable showing the papers you have entered and the dates, times and location at which they will take place will be sent to you at your college approximately two weeks before your examinations start. Please note the details accurately. It is your responsibility to see that you sit the correct examination and misreading of information will not be considered an acceptable reason for non-attendance at examinations. If you have not received your timetable, or discover any problems such as a clash of papers, contact your college as soon as possible.Trinity Term Mock Exams and Exam Orientation
Exam Services will be holding three mock exam sessions in Week 3 of Trinity Term:
7 May, 14.30-17.30 – Mock Exam 1
9 May, 14.30-17.30 – Mock Exam 2
10 May, 09.30-12.30 – Mock Exam 3
Each session will be a fully invigilated 3-hour exam. The aim is to make the experience as real as possible to enable you to experience the atmosphere and the emotions of sitting an exam, with the hope that it will better prepare you for the real thing. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the exam procedures at the end of the exam.
Two 60-minute exam orientation sessions are available:
7 May, 14.30-15.30 – Orientation Session 1
9 May, 14.30-15.30 – Orientation Session 2
Each session will give you the opportunity to experience what happens on your arrival for an exam and to hear exam regulations, such as what you can/cannot take into an exam room and exam conduct. You will have an opportunity to ask questions to both invigilators and exam staff.
Sign-up to the session/s you wish to attend via the Mock Exam WebLearn site.
If you have not signed up to previous mock exam sessions you must join this Site to be able to Sign-up. To join the Site, click the 'Site Info' link, then click the [Join this site] button and click the 'Home' link to return to the home screen. Sign-up from your own account so that you receive updates including confirmation of your session/s. Please read the WebLearn Information Sheet before you attend the session. If you sign up for a session and are no longer able to attend, please ensure you cancel your booking so that we can arrange the room space effectively.
Misuse of Bodleian cards
There have been several incidents at the Bodleian recently where students have given their University Card to a friend to use for entrance into the Library. Loaning your card to another person is a serious breach of security and should not be done. Please be reminded that misuse of your card, such as allowing another person to use it for access to premises or facilities, is a serious offence and will be reported to the appropriate disciplinary authorities.Maximum extension permitted for full-time doctoral students
The maximum number of terms’ extensions available to full-time doctoral students has been reduced from nine to six. Applications for extensions which would take a student beyond six terms of extension and which will include Michaelmas Term 2013 or beyond, requires the full support of the student’s supervisor(s), college and department/faculty, and in addition, special dispensation from the Examination Regulations agreed by the University Education Committee. Such applications should be made through your Graduate Studies Assistant in the first instance.Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme - new work visa available for International DPhil students nearing completion
From 6 April 2013 the UK Border Agency has introduced a new scheme that allows students who are nearing completion of a PhD (DPhil) to apply for a 12 month period under Tier 4 to look for and undertake full or part-time work. As part of the scheme, you will also continue to be sponsored by the University during the 12 months, or until you apply for another visa, and you will need to report to us at regular intervals by email to confirm you continue to require our sponsorship. Students wishing to apply will be issued with a new CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number with an ‘anticipated end date’ and you must apply for a visa extension before this date i.e. before you complete your DPhil. As each student will have different circumstances and a different time schedule, you should read the instructions on the Student Gateway website carefully and take special note of the timeframes involved.Access Guide feedback survey
A new online Access Guide is being created to provide information on the accessibility of University buildings. To help ensure that the Guide is comprehensive and user-friendly have your say on its content and style by completing the short online survey.Isis Innovation survey
Isis Innovation, the University's wholly owned technology transfer company, is running a survey to gather views from the University's research community about technology transfer and consulting. The responses received will be used to guide changes to improve the services offered by Isis to members of the University. The online survey is available until Thursday 2 May and will take around 10 minutes to complete. All those involved in research and research support at the University are invited to complete the survey.Events
Oxford University Newcomers’ Club, Wednesdays, 10.30-12.00, The University Club, 11 Mansfield Road
New to Oxford? The Oxford University Newcomers’ Club welcomes wives, husbands and partners of visiting scholars, graduate students and newly appointed academics of the University. We organise a programme of tours of colleges, museums and other places of interest each term, and there are plenty of groups to get involved in: Antiques; Book; Bridge; Craft; Conversation; Country Walks; Explore Oxfordshire; Warden Group; Newcomers with Children; Opportunities in Oxford; Singing. Membership is free. Visit: www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk or email newcomers@ox.ac.uk.Staying in the UK to work, 23 April, 12.30-14.00, Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road
A presentation for international students wishing to remain in the UK to work. Visit: Careers Service website.Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme, 25 April, 12.30–13.30, Exam Schools, High Street
A talk about the new Doctorate Extension Scheme available to DPhil students nearing but not having completed their studies. This presentation will guide you through the application process, with particular attention to the timing, the documents required to make an application and how to apply for this visa. Email student.immigration@admin.ox.ac.uk to attend.Plagiarism Education Week, 22–26 April 2013
Visit the Plagiarism Education Week website for information and resources about plagiarism, including videos entitled “I’ll just google it” and “Why isn’t Wikipedia a reputable source?”. The site also includes useful materials and handouts on the topics of plagiarism prevention and how to cite sources in your work (click on ‘Student materials’).
Course on Plagiarism: How to avoid it, 9.15-12.15, 12 June 2013
You need to book a place to attend this course. Booking opens 30 days in advance, but you can express an interest and receive an email when booking opens.