QMU CONNECT

ASSIST - the Campus Services helpdesk

2014-09-17T09:07:00.003+01:00

Announcing the launch of ASSIST:

The services provided by Campus & Commercial Services are wide-ranging, and we aim to ensure they operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. To help us in this, we have developed a new service called ASSIST, which is intended to provide our customers with readily available help and advice when they have a problem with any aspect of our service delivery.

The focus of ASSIST is on customer service and consistent experience, and it is based around an online Self Service Portal. This is available 24/7 and is backed up by dedicated staff who are available by phone, in person or via email between 8.30 – 5.30 Monday to Friday who will deal with all enquiries.

Phase 1 of Assist went live on Tuesday 16th September and covers the following areas and services:

Facilities - repairs and maintenance, security, cleaning, transport, travel and on campus parking, porterage, mail
IT - All IT matters
Library - general library enquiries, for example referencing, help with finding and using resources, research support and student IT queries

The ASSIST team can be found on level 1, and they will be promoting the launch of ASSIST over the course of next week and beyond. Look out for the red ASSIST t-shirt - staff will be handing out flyers and self-service guides whilst walking the floor. We will also be publicising drop-in sessions for anyone unsure or looking for a little help.

Please feel free to drop in to level 1 to meet the ASSIST team - they will be happy to explain more about the services offered.

2014-04-02T17:14:00.000+01:00

New entry system - Your Sports Centre entrance is going to be going through a few changes over the next couple of weeks with the introduction of a turnstile / gate system as well as a new computerised check-in at Sports Reception.

Turnstile / gate – This is going to be attached to the Sports Reception Desk and will be positioned just before the lift. This new gate will allow access for users of the Sports Centre only and each user will require their membership card to gain entry. This entry system has now been installed, but will not be in full operation until Monday 2nd June 2014.

Check-in – This system is expected to go live on the 1st/2nd April and will see a new computerised system replacing the till at reception. This new system will allow us to add Sports Centre access to Matriculation and Staff cards, meaning only Public members will need Sports Centre cards. As you would expect, we may encounter a few technical hitches along the way, but we will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum and the Sports Centre will remain OPEN at all scheduled times.

Student Warden vacancies

2014-04-02T17:09:00.002+01:00

Thinking of becoming a Student Warden in 2014/15?

If you are staying on campus for the next academic year and would like the opportunity to become a Student Warden, keep on eye on the Moderator email as Accommodation Services will soon be hiring for 2014/15.

Accommodation feedback survey

2014-04-02T17:06:00.001+01:00

In last month's newsletter we shared with you some of the excellent feedback we received from students living in halls and now we are working hard to put an action plan in place based on the feedback received which will improve satisfaction even further in future years. Here’s a highlight of what we are now doing as a result of feedback:

Students suggested that a Residences Survival Handbook would be useful upon arrival. This is currently being developed and will be in place from the September intake.

Feedback about our events hosted by the Student Wardens has been very positive so we are planning more for next academic year.

Residents asked for longer reception hours so we've extended the hours that the Student Wardens are available at the Accommodation Reception desk.

Student Wardens can be contacted:
From 6pm - 8pm in evenings, 7 days a week and 2pm - 3pm on weekend afternoons.

Residents commented on the conditions of the paintwork in some rooms so we are redecorating a further 300 bedrooms this summer.

New installations at QMU Sports

2014-04-01T15:12:00.001+01:00

Your QMU Sports Centre entrance is going to be going through a few changes over the next couple of weeks with the introduction of a turnstile / gate system as well as a new computerised ‘check-in’ at Sports Reception.

Turnstile / gate – This is going to be attached to the Sports Reception Desk and will be positioned just before the lift. This new gate will allow access for users of the Sports Centre only and each user will require their membership card to gain entry. This entry system was installed on Tuesday 18th March but will not be in full operation for a few weeks.

‘Check in’ – This system is expected to go live in the next couple of weeks and will see a new computerised system replacing the till at reception. This new system will allow us to add Sports Centre access to Matriculation and Staff cards, meaning we will no longer need Sports Centre cards.

As you would expect, we may encounter a few technical hitches along the way, but we will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum and the Sports Centre will remain OPEN at all Scheduled times.

Many thanks, and enjoy the changes!

2014 / 2015 accommodation

2014-04-01T15:05:00.000+01:00

Are you a current resident looking for accommodation next year?

If yes, then sign up for a place in QMU Student Residences for the 2014/15 academic year!

You can apply today so click on the link below to enjoy the convenience of campus living and avoid the hassle of flat hunting!

CLICK APPLY ONLINE: http://www.qmu.ac.uk/accommodation/default.htm

Prices start from £99 per week for a Standard Room to £116 per week for Premium Room.

Staying on campus is a great option with all-inclusive rents that include:

Electricity bills

Utility bills

Basic contents insurance

WiFi

24 hour security and CCTV

Access to Student Wardens

Positive feedback from recent Accommodation survey

2014-04-01T15:00:00.000+01:00

I'm deeply satisfied about the Accommodation Reception and the employees. They are very friendly, welcoming, and extremely helpful! They smile all the time and show a real interest about students' needs. I'm totally satisfied about them and thanks a lot

I am enjoying my time living in the accommodation. I think it is a fantastic way to meet new people and gain independence

Staff are always friendly and happy to help with any questions. Very approachable

The Accommodation Team are continually looking at ways of improving the student experience in halls and have therefore taken all the constructive comments received from the recent survey and are currently discussing a number of improvement possibilities at Senior Management level. We welcome all comments and will keep you updated with any changes.

Personal training @ QMU Sports

2012-07-19T13:03:00.000+01:00

Whatever your goals, let Dougie Gair PT set you on your way......

Whether its losing weight, gaining muscle, or just general fitness, I will customise a training program to your specific needs and give you the direction and motivation to achieve your fitness goals. Every client is individual in their own way, and every client requires there own individual program to meet their goals. What I do is take your individual requirements into consideration to develop a program which is right for you. Training will only take place with me, ensuring that you are working on a one-on-one basis throughout your sessions, which allows you to focus on you, and me to focus on your results.

Call or email now for more information, and take the first step on the road to a fitter, better you.

www.dougiegairpt.co.uk

Teen Gym @ QMU Sports

2012-04-26T14:23:00.001+01:00

Over the Easter holidays, QMU Sports trialled a new “Teen Gym” aimed at teenagers aged 12-15 who are interested in fitness. We are pleased to report that the trial was a huge success with around 30 kids taking advantage of our special Easter offer.

We are now working feverishly to make “Teen Gym” a regular occurrence throughout the year and are already looking forward to it taking off again during the summer holidays.

Further news regarding this will be released shortly. In the meantime, if you have any queries regarding this, please contact sportsreception@qmu.ac.uk

Personal training @ QMU Sports

2012-04-26T14:16:00.001+01:00

Training for the latest race? Looking to get that Beach Body for Summer?

Just looking to kick start your fitness regime? Personal Training is available right here at QMU Sports. Staff and Students alike are already taking advantage of this during lunch breaks, class breaks and at the end of the day. Will you be next??

Get in touch with Dougie (dgair@qmu.ac.uk) or Derek (dbruce@qmu.ac.uk) for more information.

“Commit to get fit with QMU Sports”

New Ebook trial

2012-04-05T12:51:00.003+01:00

The LRC is currently trialling a collection of 52 e-textbooks from the medical publisher Thieme. Subject areas included are anatomy, basic science, clinical science and radiology.

Access is via our trial database page at http://www.qmu.ac.uk/lb/TrialDatabases.htm or direct at http://ebooks.thieme.com/bookshelf . Off campus access requires the use of the remote desktop service.

The trial will last until 31st May and as always your feedback would be welcomed either by your Liaison Librarian or Barbara Houston, Technical Services Manager.

Academic timetable planning

2012-04-05T09:43:00.001+01:00

The timetable data collection process for the 2012/2013 timetable is now active. Staff who are responsible for module structures must ensure that accurate and complete data is captured and/or verified by the Space Management team before 11 May, to allow the publication of a final timetable by the start of June.

Further information and guidance on the data formats and process to arrange a meeting can be found on the relevant section of the Space Management intranet site.

2012-03-19T15:27:00.002+00:00

Now add as little as £1.00 onto your Smartcard via PayPal @ http://apps.qmu.ac.uk/cashless/AddFunds.aspx & be automatically entered into March’s prize draw.

The prize draw is open to all PayPal users on campus.

Getting to know the new MFDs

2012-03-15T07:34:00.003+00:00

QMU staff enjoyed a hands-on session with our new multi-function devices today. The devices are due to be deployed in May.

There is another opportunity to drop in and experience the new equipment again today March 15) in room 2-092.

New MFDs to be introduced

2012-02-28T12:17:00.006+00:00

IS have been working towards replacing the current Multi-Functional fleet over the last year.

The aim of the project was to ensure that QMUs print strategy was met whilst offering users increased functionality at a competitive cost.

IS have been working to ensure that the new hardware meets your requirements. This has involved staff feedback sessions and configuring trials of the device within the University to allow for a comprehensive live test and to gather user feedback.

Watch out for some initial launch sessions in the next few weeks.

In the forthcoming weeks we will be emailing details of staff training and the proposed MFD roll-out whilst publishing all details on the Printing intranet site.

Staff can raise any queries or issues through mfd@qmu.ac.uk.

Christmas & New Year holidays.

2011-12-14T08:15:00.004+00:00

Just a reminder to all users that the LRC Open Access area will be fully available over the Christmas and New Year holidays, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. (But it is advisable to ring the University on 0131 474 0000 just to check that the building is accessible before travelling.)

The LRC will operate as normal up to and including Wednesday 21st December. On Thursday 22nd December we will be staffed until 19:00 (7pm) and on Friday 23rd until 17:00 (5pm). We will resume normal staffed hours on Thursday 5th January 2012.

Please remember that off-campus access to all electronic resources is available through the Remote Desktop service. Check the Library Services website - www.qmu.ac.uk/lb - for details.

And finally, please remember to renew your loans! If you renew 21-day loans now they will be issued until January; 7-day loans can be renewed into January from Saturday 17th December (provided they are not required by other readers).

All best wishes for the festive season.

LRC Staff

Catering & Retail Services Promotion - Prize Draw Winner

2011-12-12T06:50:00.001+00:00

Bernie Quinn is QMU’s PayPal User Prize Draw Winner for November. Bernie a Lecturer in International Hospitality & Tourism Management was thrilled to win the Mountain Bike (Prize kindly donated by Coca Cola).

Bernie said “Can’t believe I won this fantastic prize; as a keen cycling family it’ll get some serious good use! I do actually use PayPal all the time to top up my QMU cashless card so it’s nice to get this back as a bonus”.

Congratulations Bernie!

Make sure you are in with a chance to Win December’s Prize by topping up your Smartcard online. It is a great way to beat the queues at the AVM machines.

Students and staff who top up their Smartcards online in December will automatically be entered into December’s prize draw. All you have to do is top up your Smartcard online using PayPal http://apps.qmu.ac.uk/cashless/AddFunds.aspx A winner will be randomly selected from our system on the last day of the month. The lucky winner will be notified early in January.

As always, the prize draw is open to all PayPal users on campus.

For your convenience there is a dedicated Thin Client terminal located on level 0 next to the Santander pod for the purpose of logging on to your PayPal account or you can top up at any terminal on campus.

MyRI @ QMU

2011-12-07T14:35:00.003+00:00

The fantastic Irish-based MyRI (My Research Impact) project tutorials on bibliometrics have been adapted for Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

The QMU version is available here.

Campus Services at the awards

2011-11-10T07:32:00.005+00:00

Last week was a busy week for awards ceremonies. On Tuesday, November 1 QMU was represented at the Green Business Awards, in the energy efficiency category.

The Green Business Awards celebrate excellence in green practice, strategy and products. They seek out and scrutinize the most innovative, ambitious and effective initiatives by UK business for achieving environmental sustainability, and implementing smart business practice. They are the "Green Globes" and are the UK's most comprehensive awards on the subject.

It was very pleasing to come away with a highly commended award for our work in reducing the energy consumption of our IT systems.

Our second foray down to London was for the Green Gown Awards 2011 on November 3. QMU has previously been quite successful at these awards with a win and highly commended in 2009. This time round, we were shortlisted in two categories, Green ICT and Space Efficiency. Again we came away with a highly commended award.

Fraser Muir, Director of Information Services at Queen Margaret University, said: “Despite our early success with our energy efficient building and technology, we have not rested on our laurels. We are totally committed to climate change and sustainable development and are continually refining our processes to reduce energy consumption and improve space efficiency. We are delighted that our efforts in progressing this important work are, once again, being recognised by both of these prestigious awards.

In both, we have worked to reduce the energy consumption through a number of areas and technologies but what benefits has this delivered for the university:

• Thin-client infrastructure saves the university over £55k in electricity costs per year
• Projector replacement with LED technology will pay for itself due to not requiring replacement lamps over the life of the product as well as £2k of electricity savings
• Data room temperature increases save approximately 4% of electricity consumption in cooling per degree increase
• Server virtualisation has delivered 68000kWh savings per year on the servers we have virtualised so far
• Power down of terminals and PCs is saving 100000kWh per year
• Remote access saved the university approximately £90k in lost productivity to adverse weather in November/December last year
• Use of multi-function devices to replace individual desktop and workgroup printers, copiers and scanners has saved 15,000kWh/year as well as delivered significant efficiencies in consumable replacement and support
• In the four years since deploying thin-client, we have saved just under 800000kWh. Since starting our Green ICT strategy, we have saved over 1.2m kWh. At today’s prices, that equates to £144000.

2011-11-10T07:31:00.001+00:00

E-books

2011-11-02T07:01:00.004+00:00

From humble beginnings, Library Services have steadily increased the number of e-books available to all students and staff. Now numbering over 70,000 titles, our e-book collection covers all programmes delivered at the University.

E-books offer a cost-effective method of supplying course texts – no more having to wait and share a small number of print books, now everyone has access whenever they need it. Very shortly we will be able to offer the ability to download e-books to your portable device, such as Kindles or iPads.

All e-books are searchable through the library catalogue http://millennium.qmu.ac.uk/

Research Support Lunch

2011-10-13T10:09:00.005+01:00

The LRC will be hosting a drop-in lunchtime session from 12-2pm on Tuesday 15th November for QMU research staff.

Please come along to find out more about our research support services including eResearch and its MePrints personal webpages, how eResearch is being used for the REF, open access publishing advice and our eData service.

As lunch is being provided, it would be appreciated if you could let Helen Muir know if you are able to attend for catering numbers.

QM Desktop goes live

2011-09-09T18:13:00.015+01:00

Updating to the latest version of the QM Desktop has been particularly challenging this year, and IS staff are extremely grateful to staff and students for bearing with us through the transition. However we thought you would like to know what improvements and benefits the new QM Desktop brings, as these are not always immediately visible.

Update to Server 2008 Enterprise:

Improved performance and savings on both hardware and energy using our virtual platform

Greater flexibility to handle peaks and troughs through the year and the week
Update to Citrix which gives:

Improved performance

Improved audio

Improved video

More stable applications on our thin-client terminals

Update to Office 2010

Use the new Navigation pane to better organise your documents

Streamline your Outlook inbox with Conversation and Ignore features

Utiltise new tools in Word, Excel and PowerPoint to create professional-quality documents

Update to Remote Desktop

Improved remote performance

Better experience for collaborative partners

Santander branch arrives on campus

2011-09-02T11:22:00.003+01:00

The Santander branch pod arrived on campus today, Friday September 2.

The branch will operate several days a week and will offer banking services to staff and students.

This will be particularly useful, we hope, to the new students matriculating with us this year.

Large print jobs

2011-08-25T14:10:00.001+01:00

On behalf of Executive Board, and in an effort to introduce efficiencies and cost-savings in printing, a limit on the size of staff print jobs that can be sent to the MFDs will shortly be introduced. This does not affect submissions to the Printroom.

This limit will be set to 50 pages, on 01 September and reduced further in due course.

Staff are strongly encouraged to consider whether the document needs to be printed at all, or in its entirety. If absolutely necessary, submit large print jobs to the Printroom, via the online Web2Print service.

You can find more details on the Web2Print service, training materials and information on what and how much has been printed to the MFDs on the Intranet at:

http://intranet.qmu.ac.uk/sites/is2/print/.