UWS hosts Digital Commonwealth showcase event

UWS recently hosted an event at its Ayr Campus to celebrate the success of its Digital Commonwealth project.

The event, which took place on Thursday 8 October, saw a number of short speeches by key players involved in the Digital Commonwealth project, culminating in a special screening of a documentary which chronicles the success of the project. The University’s Digital Commonwealth project was funded by The Big Lottery Fund and ran from September 2013 to June 2015. It was established before the Glasgow Commonwealth Games to develop, support and curate a Scotland-wide creative and community-led response in the lead up to, during and after Glasgow 2014. The documentary – which is available to view via youtube – covers the four key elements of the Digital Commonwealth project: schools, community media, creative voices and the #citizen2014 alternative media centre. It was produced and edited by Peter Murray, Community Outreach Manager for the Media Trust in Scotland. The ambition of the Digital Commonwealth project was to enhance the capacity of individuals and groups to use freely available mobile digital (and social) media tools and techniques to ensure their voices are heard in a saturated media landscape. The Digital Commonwealth project focused on lowering the threshold for involvement for individuals and groups so that they could be empowered to exploit creative tools and technologies to tell their stories, digitally. The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games provided a unique opportunity to enable (and support) individuals and communities to explore and articulate their own stories. The Games brought attention to issues of global citizenship and identity as a focal point and the project provided a space for a conversation to take place (and be recorded) that included individuals and communities less well represented in mainstream media narratives. Professor David McGillivray of University of the West of Scotland’s School of Media, Culture and Society was the project lead on the Digital Commonwealth project. Professor McGillivray said: “We are delighted to have hosted this showcase event which celebrated the success of our Digital Commonwealth project. “The documentary which was screened at this event is the culmination of our successful project, reflecting powerful stories produced by our project participants and partners. “The project has met its key aim of enhancing the capacity of individuals and groups to use digital media tools and techniques to ensure their voices are heard even without access to mainstream media platforms. Alongside a digital storytelling handbook, a creative writing anthology and an album of co-produced songs, this documentary acts as a fitting finale to this successful project.” For more information regarding the Digital Commonwealth project visit www.digitalcommonwealth.co.uk

Nichola McGinley Bachelor of Accounting

What I am doing now….

Working as a Marketing Business Analyst with Chivas Brothers Ltd based in London. I have been CIMA qualified since November 2012. 

While at UWS…..

I completed a placement between 2nd and 3rd year with Chivas Brothers Ltd. The placement year gave me the opportunity to gain invaluable experience within a large finance department. During

Nichola McGinley

my placement year I gained experience within several areas of the finance department including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger and business analysis. This gave me the opportunity to understand how a Finance department within a large organisation operated. 

After my placement year the company asked me to work part time whilst undertaking my third year of university and I helped out in various areas within finance. When I got my degree a permanent position within the General Ledger team became vacant. I was interviewed along with several other candidates and was successful in securing a permanent position within the company. 

I worked in General Ledger for 18 months and was then promoted to Production Analyst which I enjoyed for three years. I was promoted in October 2013 and I am now working for the company based in London as a Marketing Analyst.

My journey…..

Before my placement year I had only ever worked in retail and coffee shops. I had no office experience and was nervous that I had no real experience of working with accounting systems and computing systems.

My family and friends have been very supportive throughout my career and have always reassured me. Chivas Brothers Ltd employees also helped me overcome nerves as they were very welcoming, friendly and encouraging. The Placement Office at UWS was also very supportive.

How I have benefited…

I have become more confident in myself and I believe this is due to my successful career.

My advice to students…

Last year I mentored two UWS accounting students which allowed me to share my placement experiences. Placements are a wonderful opportunity when it comes to seeking employment as they offer direct, relevant and invaluable experience.

Published courtesy of UWS Careers Service http://www.uws.ac.uk/careers/

UWS Library Sessions for Success

At UWS we take your studies seriously.  We are here to help you succeed and our Library team have set up a series of sessions to help you get started.  All of these sessions are open to students at every level of study from 1st year to Postgraduate.  Here are just a sample of available sessions.

Paisley Library

No need to book, just turn up!

One of the initial worries that any student has is:

How to get Started

This session will provide an introduction to the process of writing an essay or report, and will include advice and practical exercises on:

·          Analysing the essay question or report topic

·          Organising material

·          Planning your writing; eliminate procrastination and writer’s block

·         Bring your assignment question and/or report topic and guidelines, and we will help you to get started!

When and Where?

·          Ayr Tuesday 20th October (12.00 – 1.00pm) and (12.15-1.00) Library Group Study Room 5 (LRC4.06)

·          Paisley Tuesday 20th October (12.15-1.00pm) and (1.15-2.00pm)  Paisley - Library Seminar Room

Now you have started the tools to get started the next session is called:

Critical Thinking and Reading

Ayr Campus walkway

You’ve probably heard your lecturers talk about the importance of ‘being critical’ in your thinking, reading and writing. This interactive session will give you the opportunity to discuss what is being asked for by your lecturers, and to practise critical think and reading, with a view to demonstrating criticality in your writing,

When and Where?

·         Hamilton Monday 26th October (12.15-12.45) Hamilton A621

·          Ayr Tuesday 27th October (12.00 – 1.00pm)  Library Group Study Room 5 (LRC4.06)

·          Paisley Thursday 29th October (12.15 – 1.00pm)  & Tuesday 3rd November (1.15 – 2.00pm) Library Seminar Room

       This next session will ease the worries that all students have with referencing

Referencing Using UWS Harvard Style

Confused when it comes to referencing? This session will teach you everything you need to know about using UWS Harvard referencing style in your assignment.

When and Where?

·         Hamilton  Wednesday 21st October (12.15-12.45pm) & Monday 9th November (12.15-12.45pm) Hamilton A621

·         Ayr Monday 2nd November (12.00 – 1.00pm) & Tuesday 10th November (12.00 – 1.00pm) Library Group Study Room 5 (LRC4.06)

·         Paisley Thursday 22nd October (12.15-1.00pm) & Tuesday 27th October (1.15-2.00pm) & Friday 27th November (12.15-1.00pm) & Monday 30th November (12.15-1pm) Library Seminar Room

Full details of this series are available on our website at: http://www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/services-for-students/library/guides-and-online-help/sessions-for-success/

Mini IPad Competition Winner

Aurelie Brunel won a mini iPad in our Induction Competition

Aurelies winning entry

My dream is to be graduated by UWS in Events Management not just for a diploma but to become professional #UWSforMe 

Aurelie with Dr Sandra Hill

Mandy Kerr

Mandy Kerr, BA Business Part time Paisley Campus.

Mandy Kerr

One of our amazing students relaxing in the Library Cafe before classes tonight.