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Stay safe online – Student Finance phishing scams

Student-Loans-Company-LogoThe Student Loans Company have advised that there has been a large number of phishing emails and text messages going to students from fake Student Finance Services and some look very authentic.

Phishing scams are very common around this time of year, so we advise you to be extra cautious. Please read more about phishing on the SLC website, or watch the You Tube video by Student Finance England.

Student Loans Company are committed to protecting students and their information. There are a number of steps which you can take to stay safe online, find out more on the SLC website.

Adverse Weather Forecast

weatherShowers of hail, sleet and snow have been forecast for our region for tonight and heavy rain for the next couple of days. We do not know at this stage how severe this will be, or if it will cause any disruption to travel or services. Driving conditions may be difficult.

In the unlikely event that it becomes necessary to close any of the university estate, announcements will be posted on the university’s website, Facebook, Twitter, Staff Intranet, myBU, iBU, Student Portal, and by e-mail to all staff and students by 8.00am on Wednesday morning.

The University’s information line on 01202 968999 will also carry a recorded message, advising of any closures.

Please check the status of the campuses before you travel, and staff and students should also follow any police advice before setting out from home.

Temperatures are expected to remain low over the next couple of days. Although many access routes on the campuses will be gritted, please do take care on all university paths, roads and car parks.

For more information please read the arrangements for unforeseen closure of the BU campus

Save Money with Energy Saving Tips from the BU Sustainability Team

energy_bulbBeing a student is fantastic: cheap drinks; lie-ins all day; no parents; no bedtimes; all night parties – but the Uni experience can often be hindered by a common phase heard around campus……..

“I’m skint!”

One of the major drawbacks of living with your mates in your own house or flat at Uni is the need to start paying energy bills for the first time. Unfortunately, electricity and gas really are that expensive and the more you pay for them, the less money you have to spend on books, pens and folders/kebabs, pints and burgers (depending on your Uni experience).

BU Sustainability Team is on your side and we’ve got some top tips to help you reduce your energy usage…and therefore save you money!

Take it down! – Turn the thermostat down……..jumpers were made for a reason!

Lights out! – If you’re not using the room then why leave the lights on?

Ping it – Microwaves use less energy to cook food than using the oven.

Time for tea? – Boil only the amount of water you need……don’t waste energy boiling water you are not going to use!

Put a ring on it…..well put it on the right ring! – use the right size ring on your hob for your saucepan….don’t waste energy heating a ring that’s too big.

Share a shower…….save some water!

Turn it to 30……….it still gets your clothes clean, not dirty!

Got a dishwasher? (and we don’t mean your housemate!) – use it! Dishwashers are more efficient than washing by hand. Make sure it’s full though!

So get a grip on your energy usage, and turn those pounds into pens/pints/parties!

For more info check out the environment webpages or our Facebook page, and if you’ve got any questions drop us an e-mail

U3 Bus Diversion: 5 January – 13 March

The following diversion route will be in operation on the U3 bus route from January 5 to March 13.

All U3 buses will divert from Alma road via Wimborne Road, St Luke’s Road and Stokewood Road, before rejoining Alma Road. The bus stops on Alma Road between Wimborne Road and Stoke Wood Road will not be serviced by the U3.

Please see the map below which highlights the new route.

U3-diversion-Jan-Mar-2015

 

Think Before You Click

cyber-security-1Due to the open nature of our environment, BU is one of many organisations targeted with spam and phishing emails – these are designed to look as though they come from banks, credit card companies, online shops and auctions, as well as other trusted organisations.

These emails are designed to encourage you to open the attachments or click on links which then deliver threats (Malware). These threats are constantly being developed to beat our own counter security measures.

The threats cause considerable harm to individuals, as they attempt to steal personal identifiable information and ultimately have a huge impact on the university’s IT operations.

IT Services urges all staff and students to protect themselves – and the university – by taking time to be vigilant before opening attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources.

To find out more about these types of threats and how to protect yourself and others, please head to Get Safe Online or contact BU’s Cyber Security Unit.

BU Ladies Football Team Meet Cherries Stars on Special Stadium Visit

AFC-ladies-sportBU-3The Bournemouth University ladies football team received the star treatment on a special day with the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust.

The squad started with a training session on the club’s state of the art 3G pitches, working with the Trust’s coaches on all aspects of their game.

They then got the chance to put their questions to first team stars Andrew Surman and Marc Pugh, who are key figures in Eddie Howe’s side.

With a number of the players studying sports courses, Surman and Pugh shared their experiences of preparation, recovery and sports psychology in an insightful session.

The team’s visit was organised as part of the Cherries’ partnership with Bournemouth University, which was launched back in September 2013 and provides students with discounts on tickets and work placements.

“It was great to have the university ladies team down at the stadium,” head of the Community Sports Trust Steve Cuss said.

“They are enjoying a fantastic start to the season, going unbeaten and sitting at the top of the league.

“It’s really pleasing to see them doing so well alongside the men’s team and benefiting from working with the Trust and the club.”

For more information about the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust’s programmes, please contact Steve Cuss on 01202 726342 or e-mail steve.cuss@afcb.co.uk.

Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Award Winners – Faculty of Management

Congratulations to Dr Louise PregetRoger Fox on winning SUBU “You’re Brillant” Awards at the Vice-Chancellor Staff Awards 2014 for their outstanding contribution to the student experience.

As you know, SUBU operates the “You’re Brilliant” Award scheme, whereby students can nominate staff who have demonstrated excellence in respect of enhancing the student experience.  Do you think a member of staff fits that description?  If so, why not nominate them?

Dr Louise Preget received the Silver Award for her outstanding teaching, her role as BABS Level I Programme Coordinator and, in particular, her work supporting international direct entrant students.

Roger Fox received the Gold Award, following in the footsteps of Ken Brown, for his teaching of accounting and finance to UG students.  Students commended Roger on his passion, enthusiasm and empathy, and for the way he personalises his teaching, drawing on many years of industry experience.

Find further information on the 2014 Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards.

Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Award Winners – Faculty of Media & Comunication

ChinduSreedharanCongratulations to Dr Chindu Sreedharan from The Media School on winning the Academic Staff – Unsung Hero Award at the Vice-Chancellor Staff Awards 2014.

Dr Chindu Sreedharan was nominated for the inspirational and innovative extra-curricular activities he has organised for students, using his creativity to provide an outstanding learning experience.

“One of Chindu’s most notable projects was ‘Project India’ where he had undergraduate and postgraduate journalism students from BU working together on the Indian Elections with institutions in India.  The students loved it and what a great experience for them.”

Dr Ann Luce, Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Communication, Media School

“Chindu’s enthusiasm and passion for what he’s doing are really infectious.”

Dr Einar Thorsen, Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Communication, Media School

“Chindu really encapsulates BU’s vision and values … That’s why we nominated him!”

Dr Ann Luce, Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Communication, Media School

Find further information on the 2014 Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards.