Breakout Sessions

Session 1

9:30 - 10:30

Session 2

11:00 - 12:00

Session 3

12:05 - 12:30

Session 4

13:30 - 14:30

Session 5

15:00 - 16:00

Developing your professional network (This session is now fully booked)

This workshop will enable participants to begin to identify what networking is, why it is important to develop their own professional networks and how to build and maintain them effectively, both in person and online. The workshop will focus on practical techniques and approaches that can be used by everyone, especially people who feel shy or awkward about networking, to effectively develop and manage their networks.

Graduate Admissions & Funding online handbook (This session is now fully booked)

A hands-on introduction to the online Graduate Admissions & Funding handbook. Based in the computer suite, this session will be interactive and allow you to explore the handbook online.

Fundraising for non-fundraisers

Taking the mystery out of the fundraising process, this session will provide an overview of major gifts work and help explain Oxford’s major donor fundraising activities. It will include how new potential donors are identified and relationships built, with a view to soliciting donations which meet both the donor’s philanthropic desires and the fundraising priorities of the collegiate University. Major gifts fundraising is about more than just events and dinners, though those can be part of the process; it involves understanding the donor and their background, developing the case for support (why they should support Oxford); and how they are stewarded after a donation has been made. This session will also cover the difference between major gifts fundraising and individual giving (mailings and telethons).

Risk management

Most senior administrative staff have responsibilities for risk management, but there is a danger that those responsibilities only come to the fore when something goes wrong, by which stage they are reacting to problems rather than anticipating them. This workshop will help you develop a more proactive approach to risk management, including how to understand, evaluate and implement effective risk management. The session will include a case study and discussion.

The changing world of research dissemination

This workshop will provide a hands-on introduction to open access to research publications and research data management. It will enable you to understand opportunities for open access publication and dissemination of research, the reasons why researchers might choose open access, and the support services available. You will have the opportunity to go through the procedure for how to self-archive publications, how to apply for open access funds and where to find more information on sponsor requirements using external tools such as SherpaFACT.

History of the University (This session is now fully booked)

This talk will give an insight into the structures and traditions of the University and provide an overview of the University from its early beginnings to the present time.

Bite-sized college tour: St Edmund Hall (This session is now fully booked)

An exploration of life and work in a college. Each tour will be led by a senior college officer, who will give a tour of their college, talk about their role and answer any questions you may have.

Understanding Chinese business etiquette (This session is now fully booked)

This session will look at some key areas where a little knowledge goes a long way when dealing with China. It will include: meeting(s) and greeting; the ‘face’ concept; superstition; and business card-giving etiquette.

HR policy update

This session will provide an overview of recent and upcoming legislative and regulatory changes and a preview of the work that the policy team are planning. 

Wytham Woods (This session is now fully booked)

This session will provide an introduction to Wytham Woods, one of the most researched areas of land in the world and owned by the University for 70 years. Find out about Wytham's important role in academic research, including projects ranging from DNA analysis to climate change. Hear about its wildlife and conservation projects and its growing partnerships across the University including the artists-in-residence programme and the public engagement taking place, including work with primary schools.

Student Barometer: measuring the pressure

An overview of the student barometer, including what it is, why it matters and what data is available to staff.

Capital funding for departments from 2014: what the capital gathered field means for your department

An outline of how Council will set the University’s main capital priorities for the coming five years, and what allowances we expect to have available for minor projects, equipment, capital/equipment grant matching, sustainability improvements and refurbishment projects among others.

British Sign Language: increase your confidence to communicate (This session is now fully booked)

The session will offer an introduction to British Sign Language (BSL), with a focus on participant interaction. Participants will be taught basic signs, including finger spelling the alphabet and basic questions and greetings. You will also find out about the importance of facial expression and gestures as well as environmental considerations which may best support communication with BSL users.

Taking HRIS forward

An update on arrangements for management of the HR Information System (HRIS) following completion of the HRIS programme, and current plans for development. 

Greening your department through positive environmental actions

This session will explain the University’s carbon emission targets, how it's hoped to achieve them and how departments can contribute to these goals. Green Impact – an initiative designed to guide departments through improving their environmental performance – will also be introduced and information provided about how to sign up.

Trends in global higher education (This session is now fully booked)

An overview of trends in global higher education, with a focus on the many flavours of internationalisation, from student and staff recruitment to campuses abroad and global rankings, with a commentary on their significance generally and for Oxford in particular.

Financial support for UK/EU students at Oxford

An overview of UK government support and Oxford’s bursaries and fee reductions for UK/EU undergraduates from lower-income households. This session will include details of the administrative processes for the allocation of Oxford’s support package and notification to students.