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Research School Irregular
Published: Thursday, 13 June 2019A newsletter for PGR
Research School Irregular - Contents
[ top ]Research School Irregular
Comms from IT Services - Virtual Private Network information
Virtual Private Network information
Further to our message of a few weeks ago, IT Services want to let you know that in preparation for the decommissioning of the University of Manchester’s old Cisco and Shrew Soft Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, there will be a series of trial periods during which the service will be unavailable.
If you have made a Cisco or Shrew Soft VPN connection prior to the start of a trial period, you will lose that connection once the trial period commences.
The trial periods will take place
· from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 20th June (8 hours)
· from 9am on Thursday 27th June until 9am on Thursday 28th June (24 hours)
The current plan is to switch off the Cisco and Shrew Soft VPN service for good, later this year.
Information
In November 2017, we implemented a new VPN service called GlobalProtect (or OpenVPN for some versions of Linux) and we intend to decommission the old Cisco and Shrew Soft VPN services.
If you need to use a VPN to access services on campus, you must use GlobalProtect. GlobalProtect is installed by default on University managed computers, but you can find instructions on how to install GlobalProtect or OpenVPN on your own computers, on the IT Services website:
Do you access Library electronic resources (e-books, e-journals and databases)?
VPN is no longer required for off-campus access to library resources.
If your only use for VPN is to access electronic library resources as a student, you do not need to use GlobalProtect or any other University VPN.
All electronic library resources can be accessed using the Library Access browser extension, Library Search, or by direct login on the publisher's website. Find out more:
· How to access Library electronic resources
· Further information on the Library Website
· For phones and tablets, use the BrowZine app
If you have any questions about using GlobalProtect VPN, please contact our IT Support Centre.
Unsure which VPN you’re currently using?
See below for screenshots of the different VPN software applications in use at the University:
Caroline Martin l Directorate of IT Services | Kilburn Building - Office One | The University of Manchester | 0161 275 6033 |
www.itservices.manchester.ac.uk | Talk to us | @UoM_ITS | University of Manchester ITS
Susannah Hymas
[ top ]Professional Development (and Networks)
Become a Widening Participation Fellow
The Student Recruitment and Widening Participation Team is recruiting non-final year PhD students for the position of Widening Participation Fellows this summer. These positions support the University’s widening participation activities with a range of learners from primary through to sixth formers. There are a number of posts available in each Faculty plus a new role which will look at Public Engagement on clean air for young people .
On 24th June, we are running an informal information session for anyone to come along and find out more about these roles, meet PhD students who have been WP Fellows, and learn more about the application process – you can register <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uom-widening-participation-fellow-information-session-tickets-62703649303?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dnew_event_email&utm_term=eventurl_text">here</a>.
You can learn more about our Widening Participation work by visiting our <a href="http://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/teachers/students/secondary/widening-participation/">webpages</a> and view our <a href="http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=4294">annual report</a> from last year. You can find out more information about the WP Fellow positions <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dmbC6-BtLU0uMiPQVQ-sYbvORlZMDTNo7d19ZHTh0kI/edit?usp=sharing">here</a>. Please note these positions are open to PhD students who won’t be in their final year from September 2019. Students who will be 1st Years in their PhDs in September are able to apply. Please share with any relevant, non-final year PhD Students who may be interested.
For further information and enquiries, please contact the relevant Faculty Officer below:
• Science and Engineering: Emma Lewis-Kalubowila elk@manchester.ac.uk<mailto:elk@manchester.ac.uk>
• Biology, Medicine and Health: Roz Webster Roz.Webster@manchester.ac.uk<mailto:Roz.Webster@manchester.ac.uk>
• Humanities: Emma Britain emma.britain@manchester.ac.uk<mailto:emma.britain@manchester.ac.uk>
Note that we have had PGR student participate in the past. Christian Kindermann writes:
Teaching Computer Science as a Widening Participation (WP) fellow has been a huge pleasure for me. Preparing materials for young people is a challenging but most interesting task. Not being able to use technical terms or even somewhat specialised vocabulary of Computer Science forces one to adopt an open and flexible mindset. Exploring rather complex concepts in a way that is both accessible and engaging for young people can be a lot of fun though! I found it quite remarkable how quick school children can pick up and expand on new ideas, e.g. binary search, logical reasoning, or natural induction. Since you are free to teach any subject of your choice in whatever way you deem fit, there are practically no bounds for your creativity! I wouldn't want to miss out on this opportunity.
Bijan Parsia
Writing Support In and Out of School
A reminder of the weekly writing activities every Tuesday in Kilburn 1.10. Schedule:
- 2:00-2:30pm: Peer Writing Support
Bring a short piece of writing (~300-500 words). This can be a piece of writing that you were writing anyway, or a response to the week's writing prompt (writing prompts will be sent weekly using the mailing list). Attendees will be expected to read others texts, and to provide constructive feedback. Sessions are critical, but non-judgemental - 2:30-4pm: Shut Up and Write
- Schedule:
2:30. Settling time.
2:45. First 25 minute writing block. No chat.
3:10. 5 minute break. Stretch and refocus.
3:15. Second 25 minute writing block. No chat.
3:40. The end. Chat, leave or keep writing (room booking runs until 4pm).
- Schedule:
The Library also hosts frequent Shut Up and Write sessions, and other workshops, which count toward PGR training hours. You can enter your attendance in eProg! Because, really, who gets enough entering stuff in eProg?
[ top ]Wider Research Community
Manchester International Symposium, 19th to 21st June 2019
Please see link below for details
Files:
- FinalProgram12June.pdf (426.04 KB)
Postgraduate Summer Research Showcase (PSRS)
The PSRS is a university wide event which includes a poster exhibition and a photo contest. I would say we had record entries in both events, but I have no past data so really have no idea. We do have a good showing with 24 posters and at least two photos.
The even is, as far as I can tell, open to all. So please come out even if you haven't entered a poster! It will be a great opportunity to see what other schools are doing. I (Bijan) will be there as will some other members of staff, so be sure to outnumber us!
Here's the schedule:
13:30 – 14:00 Image Gallery and exhibition stands available for viewing (Christie’s Bistro)
14:00 – 16:00 Poster judging session
16:30 – 17:00 Tea/Coffee/Cake NetworkingIf you are on Facebook (I know, right?) you can also vote for best research photo:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheUniversityOfManchester/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2830462726980133&__tn__=-UC-R
Right now, one of our own seems to be in second place (by likes!).
This is an easy way to experience some of the broader research community at Manchester!
Research Associates are also welcome, so drag along your favourite!
- 2:00-2:30pm: Peer Writing Support
