2024 - Year in Review

HealthReach project aims to inspire more people to pursue jobs in the healthcare sector

Carbon budgets assigned to every School and Directorate have helped to limit emissions

With freezing temperatures on the way, take care when walking or driving on campus and report problem areas

A self-defence workshop and march in support of safer streets for women and girls among events

Help inform the SportsPark about your sporting and physical activity levels and interests.

Quiet spaces and opportunities to talk after the event will also be available to staff and students

Our archivists shared photos and documents telling the story of the University over the last 100+ years

Submissions are now open for the Research Output Prize, recognising excellent research work by Early Career Researchers

Try special menu options and interactive cooking demos on campus in this Reading research campaign

UROP is now part of our Reading Internship Scheme – find out what’s changed

Colleague input will be used to improve the University’s approach to future project planning

Report heating concerns to be properly addressed, as using portable heaters could make things worse

Under the recommendations, most provision would be realigned to Pharmacy, and two programmes taught out

Government announces that fee cap and student loans will rise for the first time since 2017

All Reading-based international students will be invited to complete the International Student Barometer survey

Colleagues can apply for funding for grassroot projects celebrating and developing our legacy

This year’s celebration of all things sustainability takes place 19 – 21 November

UCL's Professor Heather Jones will explore civilian experiences of WWI in this year's lecture

Students and staff are benefitting from refurbishment projects completed over the summer

More tips to help boost the University’s reputation, which can lead to major benefits

The proposal to save up to £4.5m has been agreed by the University

University awarded three stars by scheme assessing food and drink businesses worldwide

Lecturers are asked to be accommodating to delayed students and to record sessions

Plans to bring back Student newspaper print edition – but student support needed

Henley rated highly for international course experience, career progress and diversity

New training module and guidance to help colleagues put arrangements in place for students with disabilities

Colleagues are invited to discuss and help develop our strategy for 2024-2030

All colleagues who lead or support research are invited to share their views to help develop the strategy

Grants are available to support arts initiatives across the University

Map designed by students shows where you can find sculptures, paintings and other art available to view anytime

Try out the facilities at SportsPark Gym for free this World Mental Health Day (Thursday 10 October)

‘Learn to’ programme allows colleagues to learn a sport over six weeks in a social setting

Blueprint report calls for closer Government collaboration to improve universities’ financial sustainability

Colleagues are invited to a memorial service in the Harris Garden to remember our former colleague

Andrew has been Director of Finance for seven years, as well as engaging in other aspects of University life

Further responses to questions that could not be addressed during the talk on 23 September 2024

Roles will support important work on research, workloads and teaching quality

All colleagues can take action to help improve our global reputation, which has great benefits

A recording of this week’s update on our financial position, presented by the Vice-Chancellor

Our Future First in the running for Behaviour Change Campaign of the Year prize

Jacqui Payne elected Vice-President of the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services

Four Reading students will be appearing on University Challenge on Monday 23 September

Tests currently carried out before 09:00 will soon be during the working day to meet safety requirements

Telephone requests for general IT support can now be made day or night 365 days a year

Some Whiteknights car parks will be used by families dropping students off in halls

Reading ranks in top 20 in several subject areas, with a number of subjects improving

Take a moment to nominate who should receive your pension benefits if you die

Colleagues can grab a free Fairtrade tea or coffee from the Library café or Dol.che Vita on 18 September

Our Estates team and diversity and inclusion work have been shortlisted for awards

Firefighters planning major training exercise at the AMS Tower on evening of 16 September

Colleagues explain why they find the Mereoak park and ride a convenient commuting option

Update from the Vice-Chancellor on student numbers and our financial targets

Learn about your University pension scheme at information sessions held this month

Women’s squash trial session being held at the SportsPark this month

We’re swapping terms for semesters in 2024/25 – but what does that mean practically?

Colleagues from all areas of the University are invited to apply to represent staff and influence leadership decisions

New programme of practical training sessions available to book, with loads of benefits to staff

The University and Students’ Union were represented as Reading Pride celebrations took place

White Knight 20 service makes it easier to travel to Whiteknights and the town centre by public transport 

VC and colleagues headed to our branch campus to engage in joint profile-raising activities

Try these UoRLearn courses to increase your professional and personal skills

Nine buildings on Whiteknights campus will be off limits at certain times on Saturday 7 September

Set up our new students for success by recommending our Study Smart course

Apply for these professional development programmes to develop your leadership skills

Colleagues and students with hearing impairments can now get fire alarm alerts to their phone

Our Clearing hotline was again busy on this important date in our student recruitment campaign

Projects aimed at community-building and enhancing student experience recognised nationally

Colleagues can again purchase additional days of annual leave for the next academic year

A £250,000 fund to support centenary projects launches next month – here’s all you need to know

Get the help you need to design and prepare Blackboard Ultra Courses ahead of the new semester

Five researchers have been awarded a University Research Fellowship for 2024–25

Colleagues can now apply for funding to help boost projects that promote D&I at Reading

Try your hand at some Olympic sporting events for free in this three-day celebration

You’ll be contacted if you haven’t changed your University account password in the last two years

Part-time academic leadership opportunities will support strategic priorities

Survey shows increased awareness among staff of good practices when creating digital content

Colleagues will need to use a diversion to access Earley gate side of campus during the work

Find out how you can benefit from the work of the Staff Forum representative group

Whiteknights campus has now been awarded the status 14 years in a row

Role realignments within the Directorate, including in CQSD and Campus Commerce

Small increase will help fund green travel options and support our new Travel Plan

Processes covering academic promotions and lump sum awards will be reinstated after a pause

Memberships are changing for 2024/25, with new names and some reduced annual fees

Our Deans will become known as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellors from 1 August

Please use this new online request form to request support from Legal Services

The last session of 2023/24 focused on our current position and future direction

University performs above benchmark in all seven themes

Reminder of parking restrictions between 16-24 July and instructions for volunteers

Consolidating our approach to change as we look to a new academic year

The University has worked with the Staff Forum to agree revised grade boundaries in University pay scales

Colleagues with toddlers asked to help train speech and language therapists of the future

Master’s ecological placement programme recognised for giving students sought-after skills

Rowan to step down as Research Dean for Environment to begin a three-year secondment

A look back at 2024’s Staff Appreciation on Show Your Stripes Day, which took place on Friday 21 June

This year’s Show Your Stripes Day saw the Reading graphic shared in yet more creative ways

Reading in strong position to help students engage with AI, as new research highlights assessment challenges

Annual event will look at inclusive teaching and assessment in the age of generative AI

Colleagues are invited to apply for funding grants to support projects benefitting local people

Institute of Education colleagues praised for their effective training in Ofsted report

Projects exploring AI in teaching, student wellbeing and engaging guidance for students are among this year’s successful bidders

A message from the Vice-Chancellor ahead of tomorrow’s Show Your Stripes Day event

Rhona Stainthorp was recognised for her services to education, including advising the BBC

Provost and CEO of our Malaysia branch campus will leave after six years in the role

Latest data allows colleagues to see career outcomes for their former students

Be on the front line of this year’s student recruitment efforts in our Clearing call centre

June’s session focused on our approach to generative AI and how colleagues are using it in their teaching

League table overseen by Chinese Ministry of Education ranks our Nanjing partnership in top 20

Share your experiences of supporting students with disabilities to help improve our guidance

Four sculptures installed following crowdfunding project, with map and launch event to follow

The four winning papers published by early career researchers all tackle global issues

The University’s updated policy requires all researchers to make data as accessible as possible

Undergraduate Open Days take place on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 June so parking will be reduced

Car Park 2 to close for just over a week from 20 June but access road unaffected

Find out which four colleagues won awards in the new scheme launched this year

Vice-Chancellor Robert Van de Noort provides an update on the University’s response

Kathy Gray was one of two colleagues to be invited to Buckingham Palace this year

Bike locks left on railings will be removed this summer as part of our bike storage maintenance

Psychology professor Nazanin Derakhshan is nearing the end of her running fundraising challenge

We are liaising with protesters to allow students to lawfully protest while allowing university business to continue

Two colleagues share their experiences of helping develop climate education in schools

Latest Diversity and Inclusion Community of Interest seminar will focus on AI in education

Sarah takes over from Carol Fuller as Head of School for the Institution of Education

Help us measure understanding among colleagues of the need for inclusive content

This month’s session allowed the chairs of our staff D&I network to share their activities and priorities

Interim appointment made to cover important transition period for the Directorates

Get active in keeping with this year’s theme or attend a free support webinar

As well as a packed programme of fun activities, the Festival will demonstrate our strategic principles

Winners of research talk and poster competitions at this year’s ECR Conference

We will once again come together to raise the rainbow flag on Friday 17 May 2024

Fill in our form to help us better advertise and find clubs and activities to connect colleagues

Get an overview of the Strategy and the projects it is delivering on these new webpages

Find out what is required in your particular job when it comes to inclusive content

Reading to receive £3.3m to support external engagement with its museums and special collections

Nathan Bingham in the Admissions team walked 150 miles from Lyme Regis to Reading

Caroline Baylon, PVC International, outlines her proposed internationalisation and global engagement plans

Revamped processes enable 90% of returning students to make selections for 2024/25

Work to introduce online distance learning PGT programmes has been halted due to changing market conditions

Webinars and training modules on creating content that works for everyone

When you can share students’ personal data when supporting them with their wellbeing

We’re the one of the first Universities to be recognised for our work to engage students in local politics

Robert thanks colleagues across the University for the role they played in the achievement

Éamonn D'Arcy won the ARES Education Award for his work advancing real estate education

Colleague feedback sought to develop our partnership with Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Eligible colleagues can now nominate themselves for vacancies on the University’s main academic administrative body

Film students joined Cookham Archaeology Field School to explore its community links

Today’s text alert asking users to check their CallMy app was legitimate

Another chance to watch the financial update presented by the Vice-Chancellor

Keith Swanson and Rachel Crabtree are retiring after more than 60 years of combined service

Parveen will continue in the Pro-Vice-Chancellor role she has held since 2018

The deadline for applications in the latest funding round is 3 May 2024

Sessions offering student feedback on projects are running throughout the summer term

The University of Reading continues to feature among the top universities in the world

Two workshops planned after a recent survey revealed confusion around risk assessments

Help is needed to make this year’s community engagement event another success

The annual awards celebrate work by research and professional staff that showcases research excellence

Technical Services colleagues have been awarded for making our labs more sustainable

Share your idea with Robert at one of the three remaining VC surgeries this academic year

Food and drink travel expenses cannot include alcohol from 1 April

Hear from speakers from the University and ECMWF how the move is progressing

Lecturer on a mission to help staff and BSL students better understand invisible disabilities

Our wired internet network is being refreshed to make it more secure and resilient

Parking outside the Agriculture building will be suspended from 22 March - 14 April

Choose from 11 email signatures highlighting our achievements, strengths and values

Our student records database is moving online, which will temporarily affect access

You’ve got until midnight on Friday to vote for our centenary logo!

Applications are welcomed for the role of Head of School for the Institute of Education

Initiative in SMPCS makes it clear where staff and students can find support in a crisis

Staff are invited to a USS pensions scheme information session presented by Reading UCU branch

Internal applications welcomed for this senior role leading our research strategy

New awards scheme means all colleagues can now be recognised for outstanding contribution

Elizabeth Allen joins the University to lead ISLI and support our global growth ambitions

Ways we can all personally support those fasting and praying during this important month

Springboard programme enables women to take more control over their lives and careers

Staff will be able to swipe and save more easily using their staff Campus Card

A marquee has again been erected at the Muslim Centre for colleagues and students observing Ramadan

Matthew will leave his position as Head of Directorate for Student Experience and Education

The award recognises individual excellence and significant contributions to teaching and learning at Reading

Stuart has been appointed permanently having been temporary Head of School for the last few months

All the events taking place at Reading across March

Strategic growth targets and support to address associated challenges outlined at latest talk

Partnership with Natural History Museum provides opportunities for researchers at Reading

Join a nature walk or group cycle and get green travel tips at event hosted by the Sustainability team

This event will share how colourful ‘zines’ captured student voices to improve our teaching

Increased recruitment targets and support for high growth areas will generate income to benefit everyone

Two fellows will be appointed this spring, funded by the NIRD Trust, to advance their fields of research

Focus groups planned to identify issues facing trans and gender nonconforming colleagues

Stories of colleagues who have their advanced their careers or addressed team needs through apprenticeships

Competition devised by our Chancellor offers entrepreneurs chance to win up to £100k worth of support

Government energy regulator visited the new Art building solar panels and Energy Centre

Start a conversation about mental wellbeing and look after your own this Time to Talk Day

Policy supports guests to speak freely on topics while ensuring a safe and smooth event for all

Reading researchers found their hybrid conference model reduced emissions by three quarters

A packed programme of events at the University this February to mark the month

PVC International Caroline Baylon shared her thoughts on where Reading is now and where we can go

Get your arts project funded by applying before the 24 January deadline

Rollout is part of Sport and Active Wellbeing Vision and includes new sessions in response to user feedback

Plans will offer new ways to engage in sport and exercise for staff, students and members

Programme helps colleagues in line management roles understand team members and motivate them to perform

The new names reflect the additions of departments from the previous School of Humanities

Collect a 2024 calendar, featuring with key University dates, at locations across our campuses

Cat Redding joins the Students’ Union in April 2024

Help is on offer if you want to switch to more sustainable modes of transport for work travel

Colleagues with an activity idea or research to showcase can submit an expression of interest

Two academic colleagues are sought to join the Online Courses Advisory Group

Opportunity for colleagues to take a leading role on key aspects of our submission to the REF panel

Changes to the scheme mean reduced contributions from this month and improved benefits from April

New online training modules and tips for how you can be ready to act when a major incident occurs

Got any unwanted coats, scarves or gloves? You can donate them to the Winter Warmer appeal

Your feedback in our staff comms survey has helped us make some improvements to our channels

Opportunities to showcase your research in talks and posters to win prizes

There are hundreds of opportunities available from People Development; here are 5 you might not have heard of

Professor Robert Van de Noort was appointed CBE for services to science, flood risk management, and sustainability