For many colleagues and undergraduate students, the summer period can be used to rest, take a break, and then prepare for a new academic year in September. However, while our campus may appear quieter than normal, I think it is important to highlight the various areas of the university and SU that continue to support our students and visitors, from the 24/7 Library and Security services, to Conferencing, Hospitality & ResLife in Campus Services, and Student Support, Careers, and the teams in the STV and SU. Not forgetting academic and professional staff in the Faculties and School ensuring taught postgraduate students can complete their final projects and dissertations, and the ongoing support for doctoral students provided by academic departments, the School, and the Doctoral College.
I want to use my final blog of this academic year to celebrate just a few of the events and activities being offered to our students over the summer. To all colleagues working hard over this period, thank you. To our students for whom this is a pivotal moment in your academic and/or career journey, keep going - we’re here to support you!
Summer employability support for Postgraduate students
The PG Employability Conference on Tuesday 6 August will be hosted in the School of Management and live-streamed. Postgraduate students will be able to attend sessions focusing on effective job search, utilising LinkedIn and navigating the challenges of AI when writing applications. They’ll also be able to hear from employers on what makes good job applications and if they’re an aspirational entrepreneur find out what support the university can offer.
That’s followed by an Open House in the Careers Centre on Wednesday 7 August, 1-4pm. Go and chat to the friendly team and get support with job search, feedback on application documents, even with finding out what career you’d like to pursue. There will be free pizza as well!
ResLife
The ResLife Experience Team is hosting a Postgraduate Events Programme throughout July and August. Highlights so far include the Bob Ross Paint-a-long and Crochet Evening. Upcoming events feature a trip to the Frome Independent Market and a Games Night. ResLife hope these activities will help expand the student community and prevent loneliness over the summer months. Additionally, the City of Bath offers many wonderful activities. ResLife colleagues recommend checking out Bath on the Beach and Mr. Doodle at the Holburne Museum.
Doctoral Festival of Ideas
The Doctoral College welcomed over 200 doctoral researchers, staff and members of the Bath public to their inaugural Doctoral Festival of Ideas on 24 - 26 June 2024. Funded by the Enhancing Research Culture Fund, this three-day academic conference took place during the University of Bath's Research Culture Month and sought to enhance the research environment within the doctoral community. Seeking to establish a greater sense of community and belonging for PGRs at Bath the festival featured a series of keynote speeches, workshops, and presentations from current PGRs.
Summer at Bath
If students are at a loss for things to do over the summer, look at the Summer at Bath webpage. Not only does it have a list of events going on in and around Bath, but it is also full of ideas for things to do - many of which are free.
Student Support colleagues also facilitate a Social Networking Group, it is a supported Social Group for students experiencing loneliness or social isolation for whatever reason. There are different activities each week such as arts and crafts, baking, board games and visiting various sites around Bath. This group is particularly beneficial if students find it hard to make friends and / or struggle with social anxiety. A member of staff is always at the group. For more information visit Social Networking Group (bath.ac.uk)
Remember that support and advice is available for all our students via Student Support over the summer if they are struggling with any issues, and that staff can also seek advice about supporting our students all year round by calling/emailing the 4321 Student Support Staff Advice line:
- 4321@bath.ac.uk
- 01225 38 4321
Read my previous blogs here: Professor Cassie Wilson (bath.ac.uk)
Contact me directly at pro-vc-se@bath.ac.uk to ask questions or request future topics you'd like to hear about.
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