Staffordshire University announces new virtual events series

14 January 2021

The exciting new programme of free virtual events is designed to keep people informed and engaged through the pandemic.

**Book your place for 'The Show Must Go On' and other virtual events**

While we can’t meet in person, these online events are a fantastic way to keep connected with students, staff, stakeholders and the public. We hope even more people will join us for some fascinating insights into our University and expertise!

Klaudia Tomkowiak, University Events Manager

From supporting prospective students with their choice of higher education courses to celebrating our creative industries, the University’s Spring Events series includes a wide range of online events for all audiences.

Ahead of the UCAS deadline on Friday 29 January, the University is hosting a virtual Open Day where people can find out everything they need to know about the campus, courses, and facilities that make Staffordshire University a first choice university for many.

Anyone interested in studying at either the Stoke and Stafford campuses can book onto an Undergraduate Virtual Open Day on Wednesday 20 January, from 4pm - 6pm. Staffordshire University is also offering a helping hand with information about how to apply, study options, tips on personal statement writing and a ‘Live Chat’ function on its undergraduate course pages.

At her inaugural lecture on Monday 25 January, Stella Jones-Devitt, Professor of Critical Pedagogy, will recount some of her struggles and triumphs in trying to make learning engaging for all including her forays with donkey rides, origami frog-making, osmotic walls, zombies and more!

The following Wednesday, 27 January, staff, students and the wider community will mark Holocaust Memorial Day, reflecting on impact of the Holocaust on individuals and communities. This will include the readings of poems to commemorate this year’s theme ‘Be the light in the darkness’.

The Spring series also sees the return of Prof in the Pav with talks to celebrate the enduring power of creativity. On Monday 1 February Dr Robert Marsden, Associate Professor of Acting and Directing, kicks off the series by presenting The Show Must Go On.

In this talk, Rob argues that the old adage that ‘theatre is dying’ has been proved a myth. In England alone, an attempted ban by the Bishop of Lincoln in 1244, the Puritanical laws of the 17th Century, wars, pressure groups, plagues and pandemics have not stopped storytelling in shared spaces.

In March, Associate Professors Dave Payling and Marc Estebeiro reflect on a turbulent 12 months in music and how artists, musicians and DJ's have adapted their performance to audiences online and a socially-distanced dancefloor. This will include performances live-streamed from the Cadman Music Studios.

Finally, Dr Neil Brownsword, Professor of Ceramics will explore how global economics and cutting-edge technology have transformed ceramic manufacture in North Staffordshire. Neil will question whether traditional craft practices displaced from contemporary production should be simply relegated to history, or do they offer fertile territory for new modes of thinking and creativity in a digital age?

University Events Manager Klaudia Tomkowiak said: “As we continue to face COVID-19 restrictions it is so important that we stay in touch and support our Connected University community. While we can’t meet in person, these online events are a fantastic way to keep connected with students, staff, stakeholders and the public. We hope even more people will join us for some fascinating insights into our University and expertise!”

Find more information about upcoming events at Staffordshire University and details of how to register at https://www.staffs.ac.uk/events