Hmm, I never posted about the week prior to last (ie from Monday 19th November). It began with a really interesting e-learning benchmarking gathering to look at the outputs of a Higher Education Academy and JISC sponsored internal e-learning benchmarking exercise. Fascinating results that now need to be disseminated and acted upon in the most appropriate manner …
I chair something called the Information Strategy Panel – a Uni-wide committee that looks at most things “information”. It really is a genuine privilege to be a part of it –and I really love it! I remember that I began my first meeting (a year and a half ago) with a Power Point presentation of how I saw the committee going forward and had some Thunderbirds pictures – man, I was SOOOO tempted to also include the Thunderbirds theme tune but with hind sight, that may have been a leap too far at that stage in the game 
Anyway, the agenda currently has things on it like: committee papers online, electronic diaries, project management protocols, data protection policy, online telephone directories, electronic archiving, fundraising and CRM software, IT policies, University Timetabling, FOI, RAE and web information, HR systems, Registry, HESA etc. We’ve been joined by an excellent fellow called Mat Cooper – who is doing some great work on DP, FOI and other legal related matters.
Also had a meeting looking at cashless cards and the future of a single card approach for security, entry etc as we move to the City Centre Campus – all very interesting stuff! Thing is, don’t know how things like the Oyster card will take off to work as quasi-cash …
UK collaboration group met to look at elements of our partnership strategy – again, a joy to have been involved – we’re getting up to some great stuff and plan to do even more fantastic things in the future!
The Deans Forum is again, one of those meetings that it simply is a privilege to be a part of. Great people and Chaired by the wonderful Professor Anne Carlisle – who until recently was my line manager. She is one of those people that, by her very existence, gives weight to the argument FOR human cloning! (For the record though, I’m not a supporter of human (or any other) cloning!) …
Finally, also had the privilege of meeting with Jennie Sparks, one of our Heads of School – who is helping me out with contacts/info for an article I’m hoping to write soon. She again, is one of the jewels in Newport’s crown!
Oh yes, and of course, I turned 40 this week.
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