Annual Report 2009 - St Mary's University College

More documents

Recommendations

Info

St Mary’s University College Twickenham London Annual Report 2009 www.smuc.ac.uk St Mary’s University College Twickenham London Annual Report 2009 www.smuc.ac.uk School of Theology, Philosophy, and history An eventful year began with the confirmation of our success in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008). Allied to the designation of being ‘world leading’ in research by the RAE, The Times subsequently calibrated Theology provision at St Mary’s as being the best in London and clear leader among the Guild HE sector. Meanwhile, scholars forming part of our Philosophy and Ethics provision, under the soubriquet of ‘CBET’, the ‘Centre for Bioethics and Emerging Technologies’, garnered an array of consultancies and research grants, including a resource allocation project from the Plater Trust. In History the School was deeply saddened by the sudden death of Dr Michael Partridge. A leading scholar and expert in military and diplomatic affairs, Michael was also a much loved lecturer. His memorial service, conducted by Fr Gerry Devlin, was a moving occasion attended by family and friends, staff and students. Dr Michael Partridge As well as hosting a successful international conference on Contemporary Spirituality, numerous members of our team have been prominent on television and other media. 2009 also saw the well merited awards of a Readership in Early Modern History to Glenn Richardson and Teaching Fellow in Catholic School Leadership to Alan Murphy. Recruitment success has meant student numbers across all programmes are up on previous years. Moreover, our burgeoning national and international reputation has been confirmed by an historic new collaboration with St John’s Seminary, Wonersh and preliminary agreements with two other international Houses of Formation. We look forward to the future with confidence. Dr Glenn Richardson Theology, Philosophy, and History – Catholic School Leadership – Research – Centre for Bioethics and Emerging Technologies (CBET) Philosophy with Theology and Religious Studies “The teaching staff within the Philosophy programme are friendly and approachable. They encourage interaction and discussion during seminars so I can get the most out of the subject, and they offer plenty of support, particularly with further personal reading and note-taking for essays.” 14 15
St Mary’s University College Twickenham London Annual Report 2009 www.smuc.ac.uk St Mary’s University College Twickenham London Annual Report 2009 www.smuc.ac.uk Chaplaincy International Office Carol Singing for Children’s Charities Growing in Faith: The Chaplaincy at St Mary’s has a strong Catholic identity, but is open to everybody of all faiths and none, with Mass celebrated on campus each day and the multi-faith prayer room being well used. The Chaplaincy Centre is purpose built and provides an excellent atmosphere where students can meet and socialise together. The Chaplaincy helps students to grow in their friendship with others, to feel supported and to be part of building community on our campus. The Chaplaincy team believes that it is important that students, while studying for their degrees, are also educated in their faith. During the academic year we organise various short courses, retreats and talks, as well as taking part in pilgrimages. Former student Claire Keily recently returned to St Mary’s to talk to a group of students on her one year placement in the Philippines which was organised by the Chaplaincy. Claire spoke of her work in the Katin Aran Children’s Centre and thanked the Chaplaincy for their generous funding which supported the food programme and the rebuilding of their Chapel. We have recently been awarded the title of Fair Trade Chaplaincy. The Interfaith Week was celebrated on campus in November to strengthen relations between faiths at all levels and build stronger bonds of understanding and co-operation. The Chaplaincy has introduced a Facebook group and the Chaplaincy blog and the students are responding well to the messages which we send. The Chaplaincy continues to play a pivotal role in the life of the University College, working closely with staff and students to ensure the continued growth and development of our community and beyond. – Chaplaincy Chaplaincy Facebook Group The 2008-12 St Mary’s Strategic Plan saw the inclusion of a new strategic aim: the expansion of our international dimension. The International Office, established in early 2008, contributed to this in a number of ways: – We expanded the number of EU and non-EU partner institutions from ten to thirty, with wider-ranging geographical locations all over the world. This has enhanced both our home student mobility and our international student intakes significantly. – Our non-EU undergraduate and postgraduate student intake increased by 33% from 2007/08 to 2008/09 and the attached income levels rose by 55%. The international fee policy was brought closer in line with sector standards and the foundations of a support infrastructure were also laid down. – To give us more international edge and visibility, we have joined the British Council Education UK Partnership; UKCISA, the UK Council for International Affairs; NAFSA, the Association of International Educators; ACCU, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and BUTEX, the British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association. – We created partnerships with local institutions that welcome and prepare international students for entering UK Higher Education. Part of these efforts was to create a Foundation Programme with three dedicated St Mary’s academic study skills modules, which was completed by fifteen international students in 2008/09. – We have started the development of an overseas agent network, to provide us with representation in countries that our small team cannot regularly reach for student recruitment purposes. The Head of the International Office was joined by a second member of staff, an International Officer, in June 2009. International Office 16 17
Page 1 and 2: St Mary’s University College Twic
Page 7: St Mary’s University College Twic

Annual Report 2009 - St Mary's University College

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?