How do you run a business while working from home? We speak to supplier Actavo Events to find out.

Working from home presents its own series of challenges, which the world is currently getting to grips with. How do you present yourself in important video calls? How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance? Is it worth putting on proper trousers? (Hint: yes.)

Actavo Events, which supplies staging, rigging, barriers and seating for outdoor events, finds itself in the same position all of us do. The company has had to adapt to this new way of working the best it can, keeping team spirit high and business on a simmer.

With all events in the pipeline cancelled or postponed, the team has pared back as much as possible. Emily Kenward, UK Operations Manager, says: Our site-based team are limited as to what they can be doing, so we are taking advantage of the government scheme like many other companies and furloughing these guys. Our back of house team office staff and project managers can do everything wed normally do from home, in terms of project planning and administration. This allows us to keep the team together for when the industry does bounce back.

Staff who are not able to work on site are still keeping themselves busy. Kenward says that Actavo is encouraging the team to use downtime as an opportunity to complete online training courses and pick up new skills. We are encouraging the team to take the time to do some training that they may have always been interested in, but havent had the time for in the busy schedule were used to in live events. This can be a topic for work, or outside of work for their personal development.

Training courses and webinars have exploded in popularity since the lockdown was put in place. They are a good way for eventprofs to keep themselves busy during a period that often doesnt allow much time for reflection and self-improvement. Access publishes a weekly list of the various training courses and webinars from around the industry on our website, so keep your eyes peeled.

The Actavo team at the Event Production Show 2020

What about keeping sane, sociable and motivated? Kenward says that company-wide Zoom calls are keeping everyone in contact, and providing a bit of comic relief: We are doing a team lunch on Zoom each week, which is unrelated to work topics, but allows the team to stay in touch seeing and talking to each other. [Office Manager] Sol has livened things up by introducing some simple team competitions such as finding a photo of our favourite views and using it as our background!

There is some solace to be taken from the fact that the whole industry is in the same boat, too. Project Manager Simon Holliman says: Im finding calls to clients are not as rushed, its an easier conversation as you can talk about things that perhaps you wouldnt and people are glad of the call. I can see us building some stronger relationships out of this.

Still, there are plenty of challenges. Kenward says that the teams Project Manager in Scotland is finding it hard to get pricing from Actavos supply chain. The uncertainty in the economy, and when things will return, makes costing up future projects more difficult.

All of these unknowns are making life difficult for companies across the industry, not just Actavo. But this only makes it more important than ever that eventprofs keep learning, keep in contact, and keep one eye on the future for when we can leap back into action.

Mental health in quarantine

How do you look after your mental health in lockdown? Members of the Actavo team weigh in with their thoughts on quarantine wellbeing.

Denis Diggin, Managing Director Keep to a routine: getting up, getting dressed, sticking to meal times and making the most of our one daily piece of exercise. I am a big fan of starting early and getting out to the gym for half an hour at lunchtime when I can. Obviously the gym is off the cards at the moment, but I am still up at the crack of dawn and taking my daily walk at lunchtime.

Sol Hernandez, Office Manager I have become closer to my family in Spain than we have ever been since I moved to the UK. Regardless of the distance, we have a call everyday around 6:30 (before clapping time in Spain they do it every day there!) just to have jokes, see each other on video, cheer everyone up. We also get to see the baby of the family who is growing faster and faster! Before this we could spend weeks without talking with each other, and now we dont spend a day without seeing each other, even if it is through a screen.

Emily Kenward, UK Operations Manager Im speaking to my family and friends more than ever and Im trying to take the positive view that when we all come out of this that everyone will appreciate each other more. The face to face contact will be more meaningful and maybe we will make more time for it and be in the moment when there, leaving the mobile phones in our bags or pockets!

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How to run an events business from home - Access All Areas

Wednesday, 13 May 2020, 4:03 pm Press Release: Napier Boys' High School

Napier Boys High School students Chris Bonthron (left), Sam Peacock, Joe Robertshawe, Daniel Clarkson along with OTNZ leader John Matthews during a Duke of Ed journey. Photo/Supplied.

Despite disruptions to the Duke of Edinburgh Award caused by Covid-19, participants at Napier Boys High School (NBHS) have adapted and are showing strength and resilience during this time.

For many, it has meant finding alternative ways of helping the community for the Voluntary Service section of their award.

Some boys have been delivering baking and meals to the elderly and more vulnerable members of the community, while others have found ways to complete tasks and maintain social distancing including picking up rubbish.

NBHS DoE Accredited Award Leader Claire Connor said this time has made students think outside of the box, communicate with others and reach out into a space that is new and could be uncomfortable for some students.

For each award, students are required to do a physical activity, take up a new skill and do voluntary service in the community. They must also complete one training and two outdoor journeys per level, with an additional residential journey at the Gold level.

2020 has seen the biggest cohort of boys at the school participating in the Duke of Ed Awards since Connor began volunteering as an Award Leader two-and-a-half years ago.

Her sons have gone through the programme and she cant recommend it enough.

The idea of the award is that theyre building confidence and developing skills for their personal development which long term is going to equip them better for life.

Year 12 student Chris Bonthron is currently completing his Gold award. During this time he has combined his new skill of learning to drive, with delivering baking to elderly Rotarians in the community as part of his voluntary service.

The 16-year-old says he decided to participate three years ago after seeing his older brother complete the award.

I just thought it would be a good thing to get myself out in the community, meet people and help people.

He hopes to complete it by the end of the year. However, that depends on the current pandemic and when certain restrictions are lifted. He still has two more journeys and a Gold residential project to complete.

National Director Karen Ross said: being in isolation isnt stopping our determined young people from carrying on with their Duke of Ed Award activities and maintaining their well-being.

The key aim of the Award is to help young people build resilience, problem-solving skills and self-confidence. I cant think of anything we need more than these crucial life skills during this testing time.

The Duke of Edinburghs Hillary Award is the New Zealand branch of the worlds leading youth development award with over 1.3 million young people taking part worldwide.

More than 16,000 young New Zealanders are currently participating in the Award programme.

Ross says they have witnessed a very high level of engagement and have been amazed at the initiative many are showing during the COVID-19 crisis to continue their Award in new and creative ways while at home.

The Awards role in contributing to community recovery and confidence cannot be under-estimated. This, along with the experience young people continue to gather to navigate life and their contribution to our world will be needed now, more than ever, Ross said.

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Napier Boys' High School Duke Of Ed Participants Find New Ways Of Helping Community - Scoop.co.nz

After trundling from Zoom call to Google Hangout, spending time hunchback-of-Notre-Dame-esque over laptops and computers, in between trying to work, teach, parent, study and live at home, it is no surprise that many people who are fortunate enough to be able to work from home during this pandemic do not want to spend the rest of their day looking at screens.

Many of these people are turning and returning to podcasts, and this is evidenced by the record listenership numbers and the exponential growth Acastmore than 215 million global monthly listens across all podcast platformsand the podcasting industry as a whole has seen over the past few weeks. Peaks in growth are also being seen on weekends, which was unheard of before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Apple Podcasts, one of the platforms Acast distributes to and works with, recently hosted its millionth podcast. What is surprising, however, is how and when people are listening. Many more people are listening to podcasts throughout the day and more people are listening via laptops and home devices. Listens through Alexa devices increased 26% in March, compared to February, and Chromecast devices listens are up 35%. And what they are listening to is fascinating.

Audio can no longer be seen as an afterthought.

The publishing industry is seeing growth in the audiobook business, and although publishers are unable to track listener behaviour and re-target listeners in the same way that we are able to in podcasting, what this growth does show is that audio can no longer be seen as an afterthought, or an ancillary part of a publishing programme or book marketing and PR campaign.

Few things that were true at the start of 2020 are true now. Amid the calamity and uncertainty, there remains a huge amount of synergy between the podcasting industry and the publishing industry, and we can learn from one another, particularly in terms of how we can adapt our content, and audience growth strategies. After all, authors often make the best podcasters.

I work at Acast, the worlds largest podcast company, where I help to develop, launch and promote podcasts, and grow audiences, from content behemoths like the BBC to independent shows like Dear Joan and Jerica, series like Reality Check with Amber, Anna and Yewande; as well as ongoing podcasts such as Feel Better, Live More, hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee. As a former senior marketing manager in publishing, and now as a content development manager and an independent podcast producer, I believe that podcasts dont just enable us to escape the world we find ourselves in, they help us to find a way to live in and, I would argue, through it. This is one of the many parallels I think there are between the podcasting and publishing industries. Content in book, podcast, audiobook and e-book format is needed more than ever.

Talking shop The podcasters I work with have responded in extraordinary ways, creating more podcastsinformed by listener behaviour and the times we find ourselves inthat provide real value to listeners. Last week I helped launch a pioneering podcast, Talking Politics: History of Ideas by Cambridge academic David Runciman. The aim of the podcast was to help provide a free world-class education to all, and it was inspired by a set of books out of print. The podcast reached 250,000 listens in just one week and was catapulted to the top of the podcast chart. To help with further marketing and engagement with the audience, the Talking Politics team created a reading list, including links to Waterstones through which listeners could buy additional material. I also worked with Stylist to launch its first podcast, a fantastic magazine-style show called Working From Home with Stylist, as it pivots to a digital subscription-based model.

Slay In Your Lane, the post-Lean-In publishing phenomenon, released its eagerly awaited pop-culture, topical news and personal development podcast with Acast a couple of weeks ago, and it has already garnered one of the fastest-growing and most inclusive audiences I have ever seen. Last week I worked with gal-dem, one of the UKs most creative and culturally relevant publishers, to launch its first podcast, Growing up with gal-dem, an inspiring and intimate series of about identity, informed by the book it published last year with Walker. I tweeted about the gal-dem podcast on the launch day and received 30,000 impressions from that Tweet. Like the Slay In Your Lane podcast, audiences are undoubtedly desperate for podcasts like gal-dems; it has seen extraordinary growth over the past six days.

Its worth noting that both podcasts were created by authors as a way to extend their platforms, not by their books publishers. I think it would be interesting to see publishers taking inspiration from these examples to see how its possible to create and develop a podcast that doesnt just rely on having authors interviewed. Publishers who dont have a podcast could probably consider launching one that focuses on interviews with authors, as their first foray into podcasting. However podcast strategies need to be broadened out from just focusing on authors being interviewed if they are to resonate with audiences in impactful ways.

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is another fantastic example of a lateral approach that the publishing industry could learn from. It is one of the most listened-to podcasts in the world for readers; the hosts read one chapter of Harry Potter weekly, through the lens of a theme and an epistemological practice, bring mindfulness and meaning-making to the Millennial and Gen Z audience. This podcast has since launched a new series tapping into YA and womens fiction audiences, building on its penchant and expertise speaking to book lovers.

One of the podcasts I work on outside of Acast, Caught Off Guard, is an incredible number-one business and personal development podcast hosted by author, YouTuber and entrepreneur Patricia Bright. This podcast has also seen record listenership off-season, as more and more people turn to this sort of content at a time where many people need inspiration, motivation and resilience. Publishers who publish perennial bestsellers in the business, personal development and self-help space could be benefiting from the interest in the rise in this kind of content by finding ways to repurpose their content so that its relevant for podcast audiences.

Drive time Podcasts can and should be used as marketing and PR opportunities for authors, books, e-books, and audiobooks. With more and more people listening to podcasts, marketing direct to podcast listeners through sponsorship, advertising and branded content is an effective way to drive engagement and, crucially, sales. Some podcasts can also be seen as editorial inspiration for commissioning editors and a discovery tool for finding new authors.

There is also a real opportunity for publishers, booksellers, social media book influencers, agents and authors to think about their audio identitieswhat their content and brands sound like to podcast audiences and in the podcast landscapeand understand how audio-first audiences can be built. Could podcasts be used to test the appetite for a book idea in the same way the TV and film industries have used podcasts? I certainly think some ideas could be piloted before they are acquired, or indeed used as a way to build an audience before a book is published. HarperCollins release of Acast podcaster Adam Buxtons audiobook (already number one in Biographies, and third overall in the Audible chart) ahead of the publication of his physical book is a great example of experimentation in an age of crisis.

Authors such as Emma Gannon and Elizabeth Day have developed formats that have nailed how to create a podcast and audience ahead of a book publication. One of the most fascinating examples of a newer podcast doing so in a new way has come from American V C Arlan Hamilton, author of Its About Damn Time (Penguin, May). She used her extraordinary podcast Your First Million to document the publishing process almost in audio diary form, engaging with her audience, other authors and other podcastslike Techish, my favourite UK tech podcast.

Again, publishers were not involved in creating these podcasts, but I hope to see more of them engage with podcasting for their authors intentionally, particularly in the fiction and kids space. When done in a considered way, the impact this can have is undeniable. George The Poet, a podcast pioneer and prolific writer, created a critically acclaimed podcast that swept the board at the 2019 British Podcast Awards; its format blurs the lines ingeniously between fiction and non-fiction, music and poetry, and pushes the boundaries around the texture of voice. His blueprint is one we can all learn from, particularly at a time when we need to think creatively about content.

At a time when many publishers dont have direct links to audiences and arent able to analyse in real-time how they are engaging with audiobooks, e-books or physical books, podcasting is a great opportunity for them to solve this problem. Discoverability is key, but so is retainability, which podcasting affords. Listening behaviour can be analysed and podcasting can provide the opportunity to promote books, in whatever format readers want them in. Listeners can also be updated about new books through podcasts feeds at any moment, and direct links with audiences can be forged.

Moreover podcasts, if launched and grown successfully, can provide an additional revenue stream for publishers, authors and booksellers through the advertising, sponsorship, branded content and members/premium contentas many podcasters and non-book publishers who choose to monetise themselves know.

Podcasting gives both brand authors like Bren Brown (whose new podcast has been riding high in the podcast charts) and dbut authors the opportunity to reach new audiences and ultimately get people reading or listening to their books. Im currently in the process of judging this years British Podcast Awards, and by the end of the year I would love to see submissions from book publishers, authors and everyone in the trade in between: experts in voice and storytelling, and connecting with audiences.

Clarissa Pabi is a content and marketing expert, a content development manager at Acast, and the executive producer and producer of the Caught Off Guard podcast. She also sits on the advisory board for the Cheltenham Literature Festival and Creative Access. Follow her on Twitter (@clarissapabi) for Tweets about podcasts, books, innovation and intersectionality.

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Podcasts in the limelight - The Bookseller

In response to changes in the world of work, NEOMA Business School has developed the Global Executive MBA to offer more online courses and extra options for starting the programme.

Ranked among the 100 best EMBAs in the world, according to the Financial Times, the course will offer a new range of innovative educational experiences, international exhibitions and multidisciplinary content. It offers learners a complete vision of an organisation and the key skills necessary to access even the highest functions of a company.

The updates to the Global Executive MBA will be effective from the beginning of October 2020.

The course has evolved in several key areas. One of the main ways is its increase in online courses in order to become more flexible. In addition, learners will now be able to join the course in either October, February or June, depending on their own commitments.

"An MBA course should address the changing needs of professionals. This type of curriculum works around the constraints of a demanding professional life" says Olivier Lefaivre, Director of the Global Executive MBA.

Students will now also have the opportunity to take part in two international learning experiences. These week-long modules, which will focus on Fintech and entrepreneurship in developing markets, will take place in New York (US) and Accra (Ghana) respectively.

"These international experiences will be an opportunity to change paths, open up careers to new international perspectives and acquire the key skills of a manager or global entrepreneur" adds Lefaivre

The programme has also been boosted by the increased use of peer-learning, and all participants will be able to join Resilient Leadership sessions dedicated to personal development and strengthening interpersonal leadership.

The Global Executive MBA has three main objectives for students; to change mindsets, to create individuals value, and to be bold and innovative. It allows executives to develop the skills expected of managers in complex environments. The duration of the course is 15 months and it is fully taught in English.

/ENDS For more information, contact Olivia Nieberg at BlueSky PR on olivia@bluesky-pr.com or call 07729184450

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Global Executive MBA at NEOMA Business School adapted to be more flexible than ever - ResponseSource

Former Indiana guard Verdell Jones played at Indiana from 2008-2012 and was a freshman during Tom Creans first year as head coach with the program.

Jones, who now works back in his hometown of Champaign, Illinois, spoke at length with Inside the Hall recently about his career at Indiana, what it was like to play basketball overseas and what hes up to now.

Here is our full Q & A with Jones:

Inside the hall: How have you been doing and what are you up to now?

Verdell Jones: Yeah, things have been good actually. I wouldnt say good because the stuff were going through right now isnt great, but I just recently became part-owner of a general contracting and general service company here in Champaign. Things have actually been quite busy with us with projects coming up, so just been busy with that, man.

I actually started a youth foundation here in town about a year ago. My dad started it when I was younger, and he believed that basketball could be used as a tool to kind of brings kids in and attract them, and once you get them in, you can kind of Mr. Miyagi them into being better citizens and better members of the community. So we started that last year, had a great first year and was heading into the spring and summer for year two and it was going well, we had a lot of momentum, and then this corona thing hit and it kind of halted all that. So, were currently trying to figure out a way to have an impact even though sports are taking a hiatus right now.

ITH: How has coronavirus affected your day-to-day life?

Jones: Our job is actually considered essential work, so were still out and about, man. I got my mask and gloves on and a big thing of hand sanitizer, and I go to work.

ITH: To transition to your career at Indiana, your freshman year was Tom Creans first year as head coach, so how was it being a freshman when the program was essentially rebuilding at the time?

Jones: Looking back on it, you can have whatever opinion you want. But while I was in it, we were freshmen, you know, we didnt really have any upperclassmen that told us this is the way to do it and this is the way not to do it. Most of us were kind of learning as we went. But you know I feel that freshman year, even though we only won a few games, I felt for my personal development it was huge. It forced me to grow more rapidly, so my personal development was huge. I came from a program where we were winning and that was the biggest difficulty is losing. I hated losing. Its not fun to lose. The fans, they dont want you to lose, so there was a lot of stuff as freshmen that we had to build at that, and we just werent fully ready or prepared for.

ITH: How rewarding was it to struggle in the early years but then have a senior season like you did, beating Kentucky, winning 27 games and going to the tournament?

Jones: It was very rewarding, especially the way my senior season unfolded. Obviously, there was a lot of doubt and situations that arose in the first three years that make you want to question is this truly what Im supposed to be doing? But we stayed man and it was beautiful to see where we were my freshman year to back in the national spotlight my senior year. Like I said, it was a work in progress the whole time, but it definitely helped create some character.

ITH: You mentioned not having senior leadership when you were a freshman, but when you were a senior, how did you sort of embrace that veteran leadership and give the younger guys something you didnt have?

Jones: We were in a situation of just being the Big Ten or playing a Kentucky where you become a veteran and get more of an understanding about how the game will play out or how refs will act or how this stadium is or how that stadium is. So, for us to be able to give a little bit more of an understanding or blueprint to the younger guys, I definitely feel like it helped us come together a lot better, especially in my senior year.

ITH: In terms of atmospheres and environments, was Assembly Hall and maybe specifically that Kentucky game the best youve played in?

Jones: Oh yeah, it was, and its not even close. We played at a lot of great arenas and really that senior year, we got to see how great, you know, the Michigan State arena and the Purdue rivalry and things like that because we were back to a national prominence and people really wanted to beat us. So wherever we went, it was kind of a raucous crowd, but nothing can beat Assembly Hall. When we walked out on that floor for warm ups and saw those fans out there, you know, seeing the fans line up in front of the gym, it was a memory I should never forget.

ITH: Unfortunately, you tore your ACL right before the tournament that year, so how tough was it to deal with at the time that you couldnt compete in the Big Dance?

Jones: Man that was a hard pill to swallow. That was something I dealt with until I retired from playing. It didnt seem fair, you know, at the time. But I understand God has reasons for everything, but to come in that first year and stay all four years when there were a lot of opportunities to leave and a lot of guys left, but I stayed committed. There were so many things that it just didnt seem like it was fair for me to finally get the opportunity to go past that first game of the Big Ten postseason, you know what I mean? For it to kind of fall short the way it did, it definitely hurt, man.

ITH: Was it tough to watch that Indiana-Kentucky rematch in the Sweet Sixteen from the sidelines?

Jones: It was, but I was so proud of our guys, though. That was Vics (Victor Oladipo) coming out party. Thats what solidified his NBA potential. Like I said, everything happens for a reason, so I dont regret it at all, but I do wish I couldve laced it up out there with those guys again. I did feel that my senior year was a special season. Final Four or more is what we were working for, so thats the only thing I think about sometimes now and then. But like I said, God has a plan for everything.

ITH: I know you had a career overseas after you graduated from IU, so what was that experience like and what are some memorable moments from playing basketball overseas?

Jones: Overseas truly allowed me to rebuild my game again. You know, college and pro are two different types of game, so I really rehabbed my leg and got it stronger again. Going to Japan was really the best thing for me. A lot of people say Oh, it isnt one of the top leagues but it allowed me to reinvent my game and reinvent who I was as a player again. So that experience was phenomenal, man. I love Japan, I miss Japan and I tell people all the time that was one of my favorite places to live. You know, theres no crime rate, everyone is so friendly and I loved it.

To be able to travel and to see the Eiffel Tower, to have sushi in Tokyo, to have gyros in Athens, Greece, those are just things that people dream of from where I come from. For me, as a young man to be able to do that and experience as much as I have before 30, I mean its truly been a blessing, man. Its something I dont take for granted.

ITH: You said it gave you the opportunity to sort of reinvent your game, so did that mean becoming more aggressive on offense, or how did you reinvent yourself?

Jones: Yeah definitely. You know, my stroke came back, my midrange was back to where it was, my handles, my confidence. I think college is a different kind of game. Its a different style and so you have to adjust and do whats best for the morale of the team. When youre overseas, its a shorter shot clock and its more one-on-one situations, so it really just allowed me to really go back in my bag and reinvent.

ITH: Do you miss playing basketball today?

Jones: I have mixed feelings about it for sure. A lot of people close to me understand my decision. Ive been playing basketball since I was five years old. It was a job for me since six years old. A lot of my life was in the gym. It wasnt out playing games or out with friends, it was in the gym, in the gym, in the gym for four to five hours a day. By the time I graduated college and got to the pro level, I was burnt out of wanting to go to the gym twice a day for two and a half hours each. I was tired with having to deal with the political BS that goes on in the game. Political stuff happens everywhere you go, dont get me wrong, but Id rather deal with it and not have to run suicides, either. Id rather reserve my knees and my back a little bit while Im dealing with it.

I mean I definitely miss it. I miss my teammates, I miss the camaraderie, I miss going out there and competing and making the fans enjoy what theyre watching. So, I miss all of those things, but theres a lot of behind the scene things that I dont miss.

ITH: How refreshing was it for you to be able to work with younger kids this past year through sport that maybe have some sort of innocence and dont carry that backstage political stuff with them?

Jones: Its a blessing beyond belief. I tell people all the time Ive made many mistakes during my career and personal life, but a judge of character is if that person evolves from their mistakes. I had the opportunity to learn from my mistakes, and I want to pass that knowledge on to these young guys. I come from Champaign, Illinois, thats not a hotbed for basketball. So, to come back and show these young kids here like hey man, I grew up to where youve living next door to now, and I got to go and travel and see all these things. I learned how to use basketball as a tool and for some of those kids to grasp that and use it as a motivation for themselves man, thats the best reward you could ask for.

ITH: You mentioned the basketball scene in Champaign not being too huge, but how cool was it this year to see guys like Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn sort of bring some attention and prominence to the program and area?

Jones: I mean, its nice to see. Im a Hoosier, though. Im a Hoosier for life, so I really dont I mean, Im happy Illinois is back and doing well. Its good for the town to actually bring some excitement back here, but Im a Hoosier, man, so Im more worried about the Hoosiers making it back to the Final Four.

ITH: Have you been able to keep up with IU lately?

Jones: Ive been to a couple neutral site games, but I havent actually gone back to B-Town for a game. Ive been to Bloomington for a wedding. Ive been back to Bloomington for my birthday a few years ago and we hung out and Nicks and Roys and stuff like that. But I havent really been back to a game, man. When I was playing, it was just hard to get back. Youre in a whole different country. But I kept track man, especially when my boy Derek Elston was coaching there. I kept tabs on them. When they come to Illinois, I would catch the game, but now that Im a little more situated in Champaign again, I definitely plan on coming to some games whenever this corona stuff is over.

ITH: Were you able to watch any games of them this season on TV?

Jones: I was, I was. I was rooting them on. I felt that they made a lot of growth this year, too. Trayce Jackson (Davis), guys like that, they had a good crew of guys, and they were building something. Unfortunately at Indiana, we want instant results, right? But to create a program and rebuild it, we have to go through some of our bumps and bruises like we did when I was there. I think the direction they are going is great. I think what Archie is doing, you know hes trying to tie in the new age and the old tradition together, and thats what we need. It was beautiful, beautiful to see coach Knight back. I mean, I think that really hopefully healed a lot of wounds, and hopefully we can really build on the foundation he set.

ITH: You mentioned the expectations of instant results at Indiana. Nowadays, we see a lot of guys get criticized on social media for their performance or their decision on how many years they stay. Whats it like to be a player at Indiana when the team isnt winning as much as fans want and deal with negativity being cast your way?

Jones: Its tough, man. You got to be mentally tough. Thats what comes with the territory. We sign with those blue blood programs like that, theyre expecting instant results, theyre expecting a championship, and thats what you signed up for going in. Thats why those banners are hung up there. Thats why the tradition and the fans make Indiana as special as it is. You just have to come in ready and be prepared and understand that fans are emotional people. When youre doing great, they love you. When youre doing bad, theyll let you know, too. So you have to go in and know who you are and be mentally strong.

People who know me and my upbringing, you know, my dad was a drill sergeant, so some of the stuff that people did and said didnt affect me. I dealt with it all my childhood, so you just have to be strong and mentally there. Stay focused. Stay on track with what your goal is.

ITH: When Ive talked to players from the teams youve played on, like Jordan Hulls or Derek Elston, they always talk about how tight-knit the group was and how hard you guys pushed each other each day. What was it like to be a part of a group like that, and a group that still remains close today?

Jones: I definitely think it was a brotherhood. We relied on each other. If you saw one of us, youd probably see at least four or five others. I think that really ended up helping us my senior year. When I came in as a sophomore and Christian (Watford) and those guys were freshmen, they had to come in and play. Once we all got in together, we really meshed and it was an unbreakable bond. I still talk to Vic and Derek and Christian, and I know Christian just had a little beautiful baby girl, you know, thats a brotherhood that will last forever, man. Hoosier family is definitely something that just doesnt end.

Filed to: Verdell Jones

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Q & A: Former Indiana guard Verdell Jones - Inside the Hall

NAPERVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DeVry University is announcing its commitment to distribute 100 percent of its federally allocated Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund funds from the CARES Act directly to students who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act funds are intended to help eligible students with additional expenses they have incurred due to the transition to remote learning and the disruption of campus operations as a result of COVID-19.

DeVry will equally disperse the financial assistance to students who both request funds and meet U.S. Department of Education eligibility requirements.

At DeVry University, we have a culture of Care that shapes our universitys focus on providing support for our students. In keeping with this mission, we are publicly announcing our commitment to direct all funds we receive under the CARES Act to supporting our campus students, who have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, said Bill Caruso, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of DeVry University.

According to the Department of Education, 50 percent of funds from the CARES Act must help students cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. This could include housing, food, technology and childcare. The institutional component of the funds can also be disbursed to students as emergency financial aid grants, and eligible expenses can include a students comprehensive cost of attendance. DeVry will be disbursing 100 percent of the student and institutional funds it receives to eligible students in the form of grants.

For us, there was never any doubt that we would direct our full allocation of funds from the CARES Act to assisting students from our campus locations, added Caruso. In this deeply unsettling time, we remain, as always, focused on supporting the academic success, personal development and career potential of our students.

About DeVry University

DeVry Universitys mission is to foster student learning through high-quality, career-oriented education integrating technology, business, science and the arts. Founded in 1931, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs onsite and online within its six areas of study: Accounting, Business, Healthcare, Technology, Liberal Arts, and Media Arts & Technology. The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC, http://www.hlcommission.org/). To learn more about DeVry University, visit devry.edu.

Originally posted here:
DeVry University Commits 100 Percent of CARES Act Funds to Students - Business Wire

Education watchdog Ofsted inspect services providing education and skills for people of all ages.

There are different types of inspection including full inspections and monitoring visits.

Where a full inspection is carried out a number of areas will be graded and the establishment given an overall rating.

The ratings are outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.

Some inspections are carried out with notice and others are unannounced.

Here are the reports published for schools in Colchester so far this year.

Humpty Dumpty Pre-School

Overall rating: Good

The quality of education: Good

Behaviour and attitudes: Good

Personal development: Good

Leadership and management: Good

The report said: "Children are happy and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in this welcoming pre-school.

"Staff have high expectations for all children. They work closely with parents and other professionals to provide children with the support they need to progress and develop."

Tiddlywinks Preschool

Overall rating: Outstanding

The quality of education: Outstanding

Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding

Personal development: Outstanding

Leadership and management: Outstanding

The report said: "Children have a wonderful time at this delightful pre-school.

"They busily immerse themselves in a range of highly engaging activities.

"The manager and staff are superb role models who work together to create a captivating learning environment."

Lexden Springs School

Overall effectiveness: Good

The quality of education: Good

Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding

Personal development: Good

Leadership and management: Good

Early years provision: Outstanding

Sixth-form provision: Good

The report said: "Pupils listen carefully to their teachers and to each other because classrooms are purposeful and calm.

"They are polite and respectful to each other and their teachers.

"Teachers of all subjects have a deep understanding of pupils needs. Pupils are provided with opportunities for creative development, exploration, discovery, understanding the community and physical and self-development."

Colchester Institute

Inspection type: Monitoring visit

What progress have leaders and managers made in ensuring that the quality of education improves so that learners understand and apply key concepts fluently to their learning? Significant progress

What progress have leaders and staff made in selecting and sequencing the curriculum so that learners develop new knowledge and skills and work towards defined end points, including their next stage of education, training or employment? Reasonable progress

What progress have leaders made in ensuring that teachers and assessors use assessment to inform teaching, check learners and apprentices understanding and help them gain, extend, and improve their skills? Reasonable progress

What progress have leaders made in supporting adult learners to gain valuable employability skills and understand what they need to do to reach and succeed in their chosen career or next phase of education or training? Significant progress

The report said: "Governors and leaders responded swiftly and effectively to the findings from the previous inspection.

"They have an effective structure for ensuring improvements in the quality of education.

"As a result, the proportion of young learners who achieve their qualifications has increased significantly."

The Wilson Marriage Centre Nursery, Little Learners

Overall effectiveness: Good

The quality of education: Good

Behaviour and attitudes: Good

Personal development: Good

Leadership and management: Good

The report said: "Children are very keen and active learners.

"They are met and greeted by smiling nursery staff, who help them to settle quickly and choose what they want to play with.

"Children have very good relationships with each other and with the staff."

Holly Corner Kindergarten

Overall effectiveness: Good

The quality of education: Good

Behaviour and attitudes: Good

Personal development: Good

Leadership and management: Good

The report said: "On arrival, children are welcomed by friendly and enthusiastic staff. Children form secure attachments and develop positive relationships with staff.

"This helps children to feel emotionally safe and secure. Children interact well together."

Squirrels Pre-School

Overall effectiveness: Outstanding

The quality of education: Outstanding

Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding

Personal development: Outstanding

Leadership and management: Outstanding

The report said: "Children are highly settled and happy. They often sing to themselves as they play and work.

"Children talk animatedly with their friends. They laugh and actively share toys and divide up dough fairly. Children ask staff for help or extra resources, such as scissors, confidently."

Little Explorers PreSchool

Overall effectiveness: Good

The quality of education: Good

Behaviour and attitudes: Good

Personal development: Good

Leadership and management: Good

The report said: "Children build strong bonds with staff. They show how happy and safe they feel as they settle quickly into play and activities on arrival.

"Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging and an understanding of positive behaviour."

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester

Overall effectiveness: Good

The quality of education: Good

Behaviour and attitudes: Good

Personal development: Good

Leadership and management: Good

The report said: "Children are curious, inquisitive and enjoy their learning.

"They take time to work problems out for themselves before responding to staff's questions, using increasingly complex words."

Myland Community Primary School

Inspection type: Inspection of a good school

Outcome: It continues to be a good school

The report said: "There is a lot of joy in this school.

"Pupils like being here, and there is a strong sense of purpose.

"Pupils are expected to work hard and behave well, and they do. There is also time for fun and laughter."

Thomas Lord Audley School

Inspection type: Inspection of a good school

Outcome: It continues to be a good school

The report said: "Pupils largely enjoy school. They have positive relationships with teachers.

"They respect teachers and value the support they receive. Pupils benefit from leaders and teachers high expectations.

"Their time is used well in focused and meaningful activities, which help pupils to learn."

St Georges Infant School and Nursery

Overall effectiveness: Inadequate

The quality of education: Inadequate

Behaviour and attitudes: Inadequate

See the original post:
How Ofsted has rated schools in the Colchester area so far this year - Gazette

An online support network is encouraging local women to put the kettle on or have a sip of wine while having a virtual chat to share ideas and experiences around staying connected during the coronavirus pandemic.

Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes recently launched Virtual Country Cuppas to help rural women combat feelings of isolation and stress while practising physical distancing.

Co-ordinated by the Victorian Rural Womens Network (VRWN), the event is based on the VRWNs successful face-to-face Country Cuppas that attracted 600 rural women to 32 events across Victoria in October.

This year participants are invited to host a virtual morning or afternoon tea, after-work drinks or another form of an online catch-up with their favourite community members or group.

Drought, bushfires and coronavirus have all created an even greater need for more communication and connections to support rural Victorian women, Ms Symes said.

The Virtual Country Cuppas initiative is a great way for women to be able to stay in touch and talk about the things that really matter to them and their families in these challenging times.

Anyone wanting to host a Virtual Country Cuppa will receive a hosting pack from VRWN, which includes a free training webinar for online meeting platform Zoom and personal development resources.

Virtual Country Cuppas will be held from May 23 to May 31.

For more information or to register, visit the Victorian Rural Womens Network website at extensionaus.com.au/VRWNetwork

Read more:
Local women encouraged to connect via Virtual Country Cuppas - Riverine Herald

May 12, 2020

Montclair State alumna helps develop critical at-home self-collection kit for LabCorps COVID-19 diagnostic test

Posted in: Health, Homepage News, Science and Technology, University

Julia Dondero 14 has been working behind-the-scenes to bring a new at-home self-collection kit for LabCorps COVID-19 diagnostic test into the hands of the health-care workers and first responders who need it the most.

Dondero leads the molecular diagnostics department at LabCorps Raritan, New Jersey, lab, where she was able to rapidly scale up and validate an at-home collection kit that was the first authorized for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Maybe its because Im a nerd who is into biology, but when I first learned about the coronavirus, I immediately thought, I have a feeling a few months from now, Im going to be testing this by the thousands.

As the pandemic intensified with calls for more COVID-19 testing, Dondero has worked around the clock, overseeing the at-home collection kits validation on various platforms and running samples to ensure the accuracy of results at multiple test sites.

Every day wed get more information, better information, more sample types, a better understanding of the accuracy of the tests, she says. I have never seen anything grow this quickly before.

On May 1, 2020, the at-home collection kits became available to health-care workers and first responders who may have been exposed to the virus or have coronavirus symptoms. They are now able to use at home a Q-tip-style cotton nasal swab to collect a fluid sample, which is then mailed to a lab for testing.

The FDA worked with LabCorp to ensure that results are as accurate as samples collected at a doctors office, hospital or other testing site. Self-sampling sidesteps the need for a clinician to perform the test, reducing their exposure to symptomatic patients. It also frees up personal protective equipment, which is in short supply. (Like all other COVID-19 tests on the market, the FDA authorized the test under its emergency use rules.)

LabCorp has released about 300,000 results, tests for the virus coming from the new at-home kits and hospitals, Dondero says.

Donderos contribution is the type of work that often goes unnoticed. A lot of times we get sidelined or hear only the negatives about the lack of testing, she says. But its nice that recently Ive seen a lot of us being recognized as our testing has ramped up across the country.

The spotlight shined on Dondero in April when the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) featured her during Laboratory Professionals Week.

ACLA shared: Julia has led the molecular diagnostics department at LabCorps Raritan, New Jersey, lab over the last several weeks with technical expertise and a calm disposition during a tense and trying time. Her admirable leadership and dedication to patient care enabled LabCorp to validate the companys COVID-19 assay on three instruments in an extremely short period of time, while also supervising and training molecular employees and many additional volunteers.

News of Donderos success reached Biology Professor John Gaynor, who mentored Dondero when she was an undergraduate student doing Molecular Biology research at Montclair State University.

When I heard that she was instrumental in the initial development of coronavirus testing at LabCorp, I was not surprised. She has always been meticulous and detail oriented just the kind of individual you want doing that work, Gaynor says. It makes me feel confident knowing that there are good scientists out there like Julia that we trained at Montclair State doing this important work.

While at Montclair State, Dondero assisted Gaynor and Biology Professor Paul Bologna on a grant-supported project from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to study the jellyfish of Barnegat Bay.

Bolognas lab does the field collection and ecological work, Gaynors lab does the molecular work, primarily DNA extractions, PCR and DNA sequence analysis to identify unknown organisms, Gaynor says. Although Julia started doing the molecular work in my lab, she also wanted to experience the field component side. So, she started volunteering to work on the boat collecting samples and making measurements of water quality. Julia was a fast learner and very enthusiastic about the science.

Her work is now far different from the study of jellyfish at the Jersey Shore. My department usually handles chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes simplex, HIV and hepatitis C, Dondero says. Were used to pipetting something thats contagious. We already follow best practices for proper PPE. We always wear gloves, a lab coat, face shield or work under a hood.

She says shes taking extra precautions with the easily transmissible coronavirus: When I get home, I dont take any chances. I wont even sit on the couch until I have showered and changed.

Story by Staff Writer Marilyn Joyce Lehren.

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Acing The Test News Center - Montclaire News

School/DepartmentSchool of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing Based atOff Campus Hours of work37.5 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday (Standard office & core hours included in person specification) Contract typeFixed term contract Fixed Term Period14 months Salary27,000 to 32,000 per annum Apply by01/06/2020

Role Description

Off campus location: Primagraphics Ltd, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 2TU

An exciting opportunity has become available to develop a new product range of wearable video displays (e.g. using head mounted devices) and controls capable of operating in rugged environments (extremely harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, immersion, dust, light, and noise). The project will focus on developing Augmented Reality applications to support defence and aerospace sector related complex challenges.

This position is a 14 month fixed term contract, with a dedicated training budget of 4,000, tailored towards your personal development and this role will lead the development of Augmented Reality applications to support defence and aerospace sector related complex challenges.

Here at Cranfield, our people are our most valuable resource and everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of our university, developing our learners, and transforming the businesses we work with. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impacthere. Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out morehere.

Primagraphics Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Curtiss-Wright Inc, who are working with Cranfield University to develop new revenue streams through innovative research and design programmes. In this KTP programme, you will be employed by Cranfield University and located at Curtiss-Wright Inc.

Primagraphics works with companies such as BAE Systems, THALES, Raytheon, and Leonardo, and designs, develops, manufactures and assembles equipment for handling and displaying graphics and images. Product lines include combat aircraft, helicopter and tracked ground vehicle fire control, sensor and moving displays, cockpit display solutions, naval command and control consoles for multi-sensor and situational display, airborne multi-sensor display consoles for maritime patrol and multi-sensor surveillance.

Cranfield Manufacturing is one of the eight themes at Cranfield University offering world-class and niche post-graduate level research, education, training and consultancy. We are unique in our multi-disciplinary approach by bringing together design, materials technology and management expertise. We link fundamental materials research with manufacturing to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of the manufacturing research. Our capabilities are unique, with a focus on simulation and modelling, and sustainability.

This role requires knowledge of image processing and computer vision along with signal processing. Knowledge of augmented and virtual reality, and human computer interaction would also be desirable in this role. This role would suit an individual with excellent communication and presentation skills and the ability to work in both industrial and academic setting. Previous experience of C#/C++, or similar programming language is also essential. You will hold a first degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline. A PhD in one of these areas is also preferable.

At Cranfield we value Diversity and Inclusion, and aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect and realise their full potential. Our equal opportunities and diversity monitoring has shown that women and minority ethnic groups are currently underrepresented within the university and so we actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from these groups. Find out more at:Working at Cranfield

Our equal opportunities and diversity monitoring has shown that women and minority ethnic groups are currently underrepresented within the university and so we actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from these groups.

For an informal discussion, please contact John Erkoyuncu, Senior Lecturer in Digital Service Engineering, on (T); +44 (0)1234 75 4717 or (E);J.A.Erkoyuncu@cranfield.ac.uk

Interviews to be held: 15 June 2020

View original post here:
Augmented Reality Researcher (KTP Associate) job with CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY | 206354 - Times Higher Education (THE)