December 7, 2020, by Lisa Chin
COVID-19: Graduate School updates (7 December 2020)
Ref. UNM/GS/COVID-19/44/07/12/20
COVID-19: Graduate School updates (7 December 2020)
In light of yet another round of conditional movement control order (CMCO) extension till 20 December 2020, we are providing this update to our postgraduate community outlining latest news and information from us at the Graduate School.
The University is regularly updating advice and general FAQs on COVID-19 on its web page. See more
The Vice Provost (Research and Knowledge Exchange) is also contributing to a more detailed page with guidance for postgraduate research students and research staff. See more
News & announcement
A farewell
Ms Deepa Kumari Veerasingam, Head of Graduate School
This month, we say goodbye to our friend and colleague Deepa Kumari Veerasingam after more than 10 years of working at University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM). Over that time, Deepa has witnessed a number of transformative changes within the Graduate School and she has ably led on its expansion, both in terms of the number of postgraduate students enrolled at UNM and the number of staff appointed into the Graduate School team to support them.
One of UNM’s strategic priorities focuses on a commitment to grow our postgraduate community. Here, Deepa has provided effective and supportive leadership on a number of initiatives to achieve this, including widening participation in the Graduate School for early career research staff, establishing a learning and development programme tailored to their needs and launching a series to promote good supervisory practice. We will continue our commitment to improve this programme over successive years in response to your feedback and comments.
2020 will perhaps forever be defined by COVID-19. The global pandemic has been and continues to be a disruptive force affecting so many aspects of our lives. The Graduate School has played a key role in supporting the postgraduate community through its regular e-communications and COVID-19 updates, and in hosting a number of virtual Town Hall meetings to listen and respond to the challenges faced by our postgraduate students and supervisors. However, the disruption has also provided positive motivation to transfer workshops and events to a web-based platform. Beneficial consequences have been to enhance accessibility, especially for those postgraduate students (often part timers) who might usually find it difficult to participate in on-campus events. Attendance at these web-based events has increased, sometimes substantially so, and so we will be continuing our annual Graduate School programmes with a mixture of on-campus and web-based initiatives, even when the campus is fully operational again.
Vice Provost of Research and Knowledge Exchange, Prof Deborah Hall said: “I am extremely grateful to Deepa for the transformative and positive contributions that have created a vibrant research community at UNM over the past 10 years. During my time as Vice Provost, I have been impressed by how Deepa has engaged with the research strategy and empowered each member of her team to play their role in a range of targeted initiatives, events and activities. She is leaving behind an inspiring legacy at UNM and a solid foundation for the Graduate School to continue growing from strength to strength.”
In her farewell message, Deepa expresses her appreciation and gratitude for the support and encouragement from the postgraduate community: “After 12 wonderful and eventful years with the University, it is time for me to bid you all a farewell. Just as the feeling of embarking on a new journey is intriguing, the thought of leaving a place I call my second home is equally disheartening. Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the truckloads of good times, from the postgraduate students whom I have worked closely with to all of you out there working your best in undertaking your research endeavours. I will take so many fond memories with me as I begin another chapter of my life. I am also a proud alumna of the University and will always be ready to give back to the University if there are opportunities to do so.”
Deepa’s last working day will be on 15 December and the University will be instigating a recruitment competition to secure a new Head of the Graduate School for the University of Nottingham Malaysia. In the meantime, Dr Tissa Chandesa will oversee Graduate School operations.
Although there might be little to no chance of saying goodbye physically face-to-face in view of the current restriction due to COVID-19, we are sure that you will all join us in wishing Deepa all the very best.
Weekly updates of upcoming courses
Researcher Development Programme (RDP)
Applying for Academic Jobs and Interview
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Tuesday 8 December 2020
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Theory: 10am – 12nn
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Mock interview: 2pm – 4pm
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This course will get you thinking about your career development and show you how to improve your chances of landing an academic job.
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Sign up
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Festive greetings
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Warmest wishes from us at the Graduate School to you as we reflect a year of challenges and express hope for the new year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, in advance!
Next update from us
Our upcoming e-newsletter will be out in January 2021
We will continue to provide succinct news, information and updates on our training and development opportunities for our postgraduate community through our monthly e-newsletter. The next one will be delivered to your inbox early next month.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need any other clarifications or support from us via email to graduateschool@nottingham.edu.my. You can also engage with us via Facebook and Graduate School Blog.
In the meantime, please continue to observe and follow the safety advice and precautionary measures by our local authorities and University. Stay safe!
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