I am exited to finally see the outcome of a book project edited by Peter Lake and Prudence Layne! Global Innovation of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Transgressing Boundaries (Professional Learning and Development in Schools and Higher Education) is anticipated to be available from mid November.  There is a chapter about contemplative practices at QMU. It's a bit expensive though so might be a good one for the library. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3319104810 

Introductions to contemplation and mindfulness

The Centre for Academic Practice is offering several sessions to introduce people to the idea and practice of contemplation and mindfulness in general and within the context of higher education. Most of these sessions will be followed by a lunch-time drop-in contemplation/mindfulness session.

These sessions are scheduled as follows, rooms to be confirmed:

Introductory sessions to contemplation, mindfulness and the the 8-week foundation course

Dr Avinash Bansode (www.mindfullybeing.co.uk): Tuesdays 14/10 and 11/11: 11:15-12:15 h

Dr Michele Hipwell: Fridays 17/10 and 14/11 12:15-1:15

Introduction to contemplative practices in higher education

Deep Reflection: Introduction to Contemplative Practices in Higher Education
Dr Iddo Oberski. 11:15-12:15 Dates as follows:

09/10/2014
25/11/2014
10/02/2015
12/03/2015

PLease check the CAP website for updates: http://www.qmu.ac.uk/cap/LandTWkshopsHome.htm

8-week Mindfulness Foundation Courses for 2014-15. Book now to ensure your place! (QMU only)

Dr Michele Hipwell and Dr Avinash Bansode, both expert mindfulness practitioners, will once again be running the 8-week Mindfulness Foundation Course. The 8-week course consists of one 2.5 h long meeting per week, plus a whole day 'retreat' at the University. The course provides an excellent foundation for anyone wanting to become more familiar with mindfulness meditation. The course will also support you in developing your own practice, which is vital if you wish to experience the potential benefits of this practice for yourself.

Prices (internal to QMU only) as follows to be paid in advance:

Staff course (Dr Bansode): £75
Student course (Dr Hipwell): £50

Staff (Avinash): 28/1; 4/2; 11/2; 18/2; 25/2; 4/3; Retreat on 7/3; 11/3; 18/3
Wednesdays: 1:30-4 pm

Students (Michele): 30/1; 6/2; 13/2; 20/2; 27/2; Retreat on 7/3; 13/3; 20/3
Fridays 8:45-11 am

For more information please contact Dr Iddo Oberski (ioberski[at]qmu.ac.uk). To book your place please contact Matt Sanders (capadmin[at]qmu.ac.uk).

Mindfulness Foundation Courses 2014

This semester we're offering again the Mindfulness Foundation Courses for students and staff. These course have now started, but there are still places left. After next week it will no longer be possible to join.

Mindfulness Foundation Course
There is growing evidence that contemplative practices and mindfulness techniques have stress-reducing and health enhancing effects within a wide range of contexts. More recently there has been an expansion of the use of these approaches in Higher Education. Regular practice may enhance concentration and focus as well as a more general sense of well-being. This foundation course provides an in-depth introduction into the practice and theory of mindfulness. Booking essential. This course is part-funded by the Centre for Academic Practice. Cost for participants is £75 (Staff) / £50(Students)

Student Course: Fridays 31 January to 28 March 2014, 8:45-11:15am + Saturday 22 March 9:30am-4:00pm (led by Dr Michele Hipwell)

Staff Course: Wednesdays 29 January to 26 March 2014, 1:30-4:00pm + Saturday 22 March 9:30am-4:00pm (led by Dr Avinash Bansode – www.mindfullybeing.co.uk)

 
To book a place, contact Iddo Oberski on ioberski@qmu.ac.uk

 

36.6% of QMU teaching staff are recognised Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. The percentage has steadily increased over the last three years and also compares very favourably with an average of 20.1% for HEIs in Scotland and 19.9% for the UK (source: HEA Annual Institutional Report for QMU 2012-13)

Another email has come through for teaching/ learning support staff. 

HEA are running a series of writing retreats, with one being held in Edinburgh in December. 

The retreats are designed for colleagues who would like to understand the UK Professional Standards Framework and write an application for any category of Fellowship (Associate Fellow, Fellow, Senior Fellow or Principal Fellow)

Further details and booking information is available on the HEA website:  http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/recognition-events

-ms