Welcome talk at the University of Hertfordshire Open Day weekend October 2009

1. Open Day WelcomeRoss Renton, Head of Department (UKRA) www.herts.ac.uk

2. Thinking about going to University? Which University? Which Course?

3. Do your homework Research - course and institution Prospectus and website Reference sources: : The “Times” Good University Guide 2009 Virgin Alternative Guide to British Universities 2008 “What Next after School?” (The Times) The Guardian University Guide 2009 Careers staff, teachers, admissions tutors Open Days

4. The Independent - The Complete University Guide “Hertfordshire makes a powerful showing – scoring highly in research and facilities to outperform institutions such as Aberdeen and Stirling”. .” (2009)

5. Guardian University Guide “The purpose-built De Havilland campus is barely five years old, which accounts for the excellent facilities for sport, 24/7 learning and stylish undergraduate accommodation. “ (2009)

6. Year of Excellence Applications increased by more than 17% One of only 6 Universities short-listed for University of the Year 2008 (THES) Independent Newspaper describes us as “the leading post-1992 university” In the top 500 universities - Shanghai Jiao Tong league table (~60,000 in total)

7. Independent Information About UH www.unistats.com www.rae.ac.uk

8. About UH Highly respected - shortlisted for University of the Year Teaching and Research Excellent links with Business, the Professions and the Public Sector High quality programmes, offering flexibility and choice First Class learning and living environment

9. About UH Campuses The College Lane Campus The de Havilland Campus The St Albans Campus Local and international partner colleges Placements with employers, national and international

10. UH Core Values Student-centred, our students are at the heart of UH Diverse staff and student Inclusive and caring Ambitious for your future

11. UH Learning High quality and up to date programmes High calibre teachers and support staff Learning resources second to none

12. UH Research The University of Hertfordshire rose 35 places in the Times Higher Education Table of Excellence 85% of the University’s submitted research was judged of international standard in terms of originality, significance and rigour

13. UH Investing in Students Continuous investment 21st century facilities New law building planned Sports and leisure Commuting services

14. The Forum New for 2009 Includes: A live venue, three bars, a club, restaurant, shop and nursery Tours leave from the café below the main reception on the College Lane Campus throughout the day.

15. Student Forum 2009 The Forum Development

16. UH StudyNet UH’s virtual learning environment National leader University-wide Individual access On/off campus Access to course materials, resources, timetables etc

19. There are 3 online modules that can be completed at anytime during your time at Hertfordshire.

20. Completion of each module leads to a University Certificate, over and above your degree course that lets employers know you’re the one to recruit!‘I feel I have developed further in terms of confidence and my approach to life has changed dramatically. ‘ UH Student 08/09

21. UH is Business-Facing Leading ‘business-facing’ University in UK Close links with employers with professional/statutory body accreditation Skills in the curriculum Entrepreneurship Placements and work-based learning

22. Graduate Futures Employability Skills Match skills with employer needs Teach ‘career skills’ Help find first employment Support in first job - Alumni

23. Achievements 90 per cent of our students secure full-time employment shortly after graduation Over 160,000 alumni The largest number of externally funded scholarships of any UK University Nominated for THES ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ award 2009

29. Thank You Ross Renton, Head of Department (UKRA) www.herts.ac.uk