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Loughborough University

Coordinates: 52°46′6″N 1°13′43″W / 52.76833°N 1.22861°W / 52.76833; -1.22861
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Loughborough University
File:Loughborough arms.jpg
MottoLatin: Veritate, scientia, labore
Motto in English
"With truth, knowledge and industry"
TypePublic
Established1966 - University established by Royal Charter[1][2]
1909 - Loughborough Technical Institute
Endowment£1.07 million[3]
ChancellorSir John Jennings
Vice-ChancellorProfessor Shirley Pearce
Students18,220[4]
Undergraduates11,055[4]
Postgraduates5,960[4]
Other students
1,205 FE[4]
Location
Loughborough, Leicestershire
,
England, UK

52°46′6″N 1°13′43″W / 52.76833°N 1.22861°W / 52.76833; -1.22861
CampusSuburban
ColoursPurple (African violet)
NicknameLufbra, Lboro
Affiliations1994 Group
Universities UK
AMBA
EUA
ACU
EMUA
Websitehttp://www.lboro.ac.uk/ [[|logo = Lulogo-wiki.png|234px]]

Loughborough University is a campus university located in the market town of Loughborough, Leicestershire, in the East Midlands of England.

It has been a university since 1966, but the institution dates back to 1909, when the then Loughborough Technical Institute began with a focus on skills and knowledge which would be directly applicable in the wider world, a tradition which continues to this day, with the UNIEI funded Annual Survey on University Technology Transfer Activities finding Loughborough to be the most efficient technology transfer operation in the UK.[5]

Profile

The University has 24 academic departments and over 30 research institutes, divided between three faculties: Science, Engineering and Social Science & Humanities. It has approximately 17,500 students, 61% of whom are undergraduates and 32% are pursuing postgraduate courses and/or research. Its current Chancellor is Sir John Jennings, CBE, FRSE (the previous chancellor, Sir Denis Rooke, OM, CBE, retired from the position in summer 2003, having served for fourteen years), and its Vice-Chancellor is Professor Shirley Pearce. The previous Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Wallace CBE FRS DL, was appointed to the Mastership of Churchill College, Cambridge, in succession to Sir John Boyd KCMG. David Wallace was Vice Chancellor of Loughborough University between 1994 until December 2005.

Wolfson School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering.

The University has won six Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education for work with the aeronautical and automotive industries (1994); support for developing countries (1998); for a pioneering role in developing applications of modern optics and laser technologies (2000); for its world leading role in sports research, education and development (2002); for its world leading role in social policy in recognition of its outstanding and widely respected work in evaluating and helping develop social policy-related programmes, such as those for cared for children, social security policy, crime prevention, education initiatives and young carers (2006); and for recognition of its vehicle, road and driver safety research (2007).[citation needed]

In The Guardian 2007 league tables, Loughborough was ranked 9th. In the 2007 Times rankings it was 6th overall but fell to 12th position in the latest edition for 2008.[6]

Loughborough University is regarded as the country's premier university for sports development, research and education.[citation needed] The University has the largest sports scholarship programme in the UK. There are currently over 250 international athletes studying and training there.

UK University Rankings
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
Times Good University Guide 12th[7] 12th[8] 6th[9] 14th 10th[10] 12th[11] 14th[12] 21st 21st 21st 26th 26th 37th 35th= 29th= 28th= 18th
Guardian University Guide 10th[13] 9th[13] 21st 21st[14] 36th[15] 24th[16] 27th[11]
Sunday Times University Guide 11th[17] 13th[17] 17th[18] 15th[18] 13th=[19] 13th[19] 26th[19] 12th[19] 16th[19] 25th[19] 21st[19]
The Independent 13th[20] 11th[20]
FT 13th[21] 16th[22] 30th 22nd 24th
Daily Telegraph 11th[23] 8th[11] 8th[22]

History

Origins

The former Hazlerigg-Rutland Hall

The University traces its roots back to 1909 when a Technical Institute was founded in the town centre. There followed a period of rapid expansion during which the Institute was renamed Loughborough College and the development of the present campus began.

In the early years, efforts were made to mimic the environment of an Oxbridge college (e.g. requiring students to wear gowns to lectures) whilst maintaining a strong practical counterbalance to academic learning. During World War I, the Institute served as an "instructional factory", training workers for the munitions industry.[24]

The Loughborough colleges

Following the war, the Institute fragmented into four separate colleges:

  • Loughborough Training College (teacher training)
  • Loughborough College of Art (art and design)
  • Loughborough College of Further Education (technical and vocational)
  • Loughborough College of Technology (technology and science)

The last was to become the nucleus of the present university. Its rapid expansion from a small provincial college was due largely to the efforts of its Principal, Dr Herbert Schofield (1882-1963).[24]

In 1966, the College of Advanced Technology as it had then become received university status. In 1977, the University broadened its range of studies by amalgamating with Loughborough College of Education (formerly the Training College). More recently, in August 1998, the University merged with Loughborough College of Art and Design (LCAD). Loughborough College is still a college of further education.

The influence of Herbert Schofield

Schofield became Principal in 1915 and continued to lead the College of Technology until 1950. Over his years as principal, the college changed almost beyond recognition. He purchased the estate of Burleigh Hall on the western outskirts of the town, which became the nucleus of the present 433 acre (1.75 km²) campus. He also oversaw the building of the Hazlerigg and Rutland halls of residence.

From college to university

In 1963, the Robbins Report on higher education recommended that all Colleges of Advanced Technology should be given the status of universities. Consequently, on 19 April 1966 Loughborough College of Technology was granted a Royal Charter and became Loughborough University of Technology.[24]

Aeronautical & Automotive Engineering department

It gradually remodelled itself in the image of the plate glass universities of the period, which had also been created under Robbins.

Later history

In 1977, Loughborough Training College (now renamed Loughborough College of Education) was absorbed into the University. The Arts College was also amalgamated with the University in 1998. These additions have diluted the technological flavour of the institution, causing it to resemble more a traditional university with its mix of humanities, arts and sciences. Consequently in 1996, the University dropped the "of Technology" from its title, becoming "Loughborough University".[24]

Reputation

The Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, or CREST, runs the internationally recognised masters programme in Renewable Energy. The Department of Politics, International Relations and European Studies, or PIRES as it is commonly known, is home to a number of world class experts in the area of European Politics and International Relations, including Professor Michael H. Smith, Professor David Allen, Professor Brian Hocking, and Mark Webber. PIRES scored a 5 in the latest Research Assessment Exercise, confirming its world class status.[25]

Loughborough University was also named the 2008 Sunday Times "University of the Year."[26]

Campus

File:UCCE logo.jpg
University Centre of Cricket Excellence (UCCE) logo

The University's main campus is in the Leicestershire town of Loughborough and until 2003 it was developing a secondary campus at Peterborough. The Loughborough campus (once the estate of Burleigh Hall) covers an area of 433 acres (1.75 km²), and includes academic departments, halls of residence, the Students' Union, two gyms, gardens and playing fields. Of particular interest are the walled garden, the "garden of remembrance", the Hazlerigg-Rutland Hall fountain-courtyard and the Bastard Gates. In the central quadrangle of the campus stands a famous cedar, which has often appeared as a symbol for the University. Unfortunately a heavy snowfall in December 1990 led to the collapse of the upper canopy which gave the tree its distinctive shape.[citation needed] The recent acquisition by the University of Holywell Park from Advantica Technologies and a 23 acre parcel of land between New Ashby Road and Holywell Park from 3M Heath Care Limited has increased the size of the campus to 433 acres (1.75 km2).

Organisation

Loughborough University is headed by a Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shirley Pearce. The University is organised into three faculties: Science, Engineering and Social Science & Humanities with 24 academic departments and over 30 research institutes.

Chemistry department building at Loughborough University
Charnwood building at the holywell park covered in the snow

Faculty of Science

  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Human Sciences
  • Information Science
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Physics
  • Ergonomics & Safety Research Institute
  • Materials

Faculty of Engineering

  • Aeronautical & Automotive Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil & Building Engineering
  • Electronic & Electrical Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
  • Wolfson School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Social Science and Humanities

Traditions

Loughborough University logo at the entrance on Epinal Way

The official colour of the University is African Violet. The coat of arms incorporates several symbols relevant to the history of the Loughborough area, including Offa of Mercia's cross (a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Mercia, within whose borders the town now stands) and the peafowl from the arms of the Dukes of Rutland. The motto of the University is veritate scientia labore ("with truth, wisdom and labour", or, alternatively, "with truth, knowledge and industry", depending on the translation).[citation needed]

The University has a strong tradition in both engineering and sporting. From its strong engineering and technical background it has now expanded, becoming a centre of excellence in the field of sports and sports science.[citation needed] It has graduated a number of world-class athletes including Paula Radcliffe and Lord Coe. In keeping with this tradition, Loughborough University students have won the British Universities Sports Association championship every year for over three decades. Sports students were previously entitled to wear a different style of scarf from other undergraduates however this has now been discontinued.[citation needed] The university is the home of the England and Wales Cricket Board's National Academy, opened in November 2003.

The phonetic spelling "Lufbra" is sometimes used amongst students, graduates, and in Students' Union publications, and the name is also often abbreviated to "lboro" both casually as well as within more formal/academic circles, stemmed from the university's URL of "www.lboro.ac.uk".

Students' Union

Main article: Loughborough Students' Union

The students' union is unusual in English universities, in that its premises are owned by the students themselves.[citation needed] The Union building sits in the north-eastern corner of the campus, and offers a range of facilities for clubs and societies, retail, entertainment and other activities. The Union has five rooms, each with its own theme. The most popular night in the Union is 'FND', on a Friday. 'Hey Ewe' is also well attended on Wednesday nights, which is an evening to celebrate the University's sport successes of the day. 'Stupid Tuesday' is also a popular night at the union. Other nights at the union include 'Universal Thursday' - a night primarily aimed at international students but open to all; and 'Subversion' - a fortnightly rock and metal night, held every other Saturday.

Along with Loughborough Students Union's numerous sports clubs, the Union hosts and organises many other activities and societies. LSU is also home to Loughborough Campus Radio, LSUTV and Label Magazine.

The current Students' Union President is Robert Hulme.

Student halls

Loughborough University, Epinal Way entrance.

There are currently 18 halls, some undergraduate, some postgraduate, some both.[27] The halls are as follows:

  • Butler Court (East Park)
  • Cayley Hall (Student Village)
  • David Collett Hall (West Park)
  • Elvyn Richards Hall (Resited to new blocks in Village Park development)
  • Falkner Eggington Courts (undergraduate and postgraduate)
  • Faraday Hall (Student Village)
  • Forest Court (Post-Grad) (Off-Campus)
  • Harry French Hall (undergraduate and postgraduate) (Off-Campus)
  • Hazlerigg and Rutland Hall (Resited to new blocks in Village Park development)
  • John Phillips (postgraduate) (Resited to new blocks in Village Park development)
  • Royce Hall (Student Village)
  • Rutherford Hall (Student Village)
  • Robert Bakewell Hall (New development in Village Park)
  • Telford Hall (Student Village)
  • The Holt (undergraduate and postgraduate) (Off-Campus)
  • Towers Hall (East Park)
  • William Morris (undergraduate and postgraduate)
  • The original John Phillips hall was merged with William Morris for the academic year 07/08 after additional accommodation was added, however one of the new halls being built is to be named John Phillips.
  • The original buildings of Elvyn Richards (informally known as 'Old Elvyn') are currently being used for halls overflow students, and next year will be home to Towers students whilst the tower block is refurbished.
  • The original buildings of Hazlerigg and Rutland were used at the start of the academic year 08/09 for hall overflow, however both have been earmarked for a highly controversial £7.5 million conversion to offices for the Vice Chancellor, Professor Shirley Pearce
  • All Stars, new for the academic year 2008/2009 it is designed to group all the off campus private halls, including Waterways, Print House, Asha House and The Foundry together.

The University is currently building new accommodation on the site of an existing car park, car park number 7, on the north side of campus. Three new halls for undergraduates and one new hall for postgraduates will be built. The overall development will be a mix of four and five storey buildings, arranged around a courtyard to identify the individual halls. The halls will be provided with self catering facilities but two of the halls will include flexible packages for the nearby restaurant and social centre.[28]

  • Cayley Hall
    Cayley Hall
  • David Collet Hall
    David Collet Hall
  • Elvyn Richards Hall, 2009 Development
    Elvyn Richards Hall, 2009 Development
  • Hazelrigg-Rutland Hall
    Hazelrigg-Rutland Hall
  • John Phillips Hall
    John Phillips Hall
  • Royce Hall
    Royce Hall
  • Rutherford Hall
    Rutherford Hall
  • Telford Hall
    Telford Hall
  • Whitworth Hall
    Whitworth Hall

Library

File:SP A0203.jpg
Pilkington Library
Main article: Pilkington Library

The Pilkington Library opened in 1980. It covers 7,777 square metres over three floors with 780 study places, including 140 workstations over 400,000 books; 4000 printed journals and access to 6000 e- journals. The Library has a history of undertaking research in the field of library and information work.

There is an open access area where students are allowed to take in cold food and drinks as well as to engage in group discussions. Hot food is also served during certain term times. The library has full wireless internet access (wifi).

University leadership

Loughborough University's campus from the town's Carillon tower.

Chairs of Governors

Chancellors

Principals

Vice Chancellors

Notable alumni

File:SP A0919.jpg
Henry Ford college on the campus.
See also: Category:Alumni of Loughborough University

Further reading

  • L. M. Cantor & G. F. Matthews (1977) Loughborough from College to University: A History of Higher Education at Loughborough, 1909-66 ISBN 0902761196
  • Leonard Cantor (1990) Loughborough University Of Technology: Past And Present ASIN B0011T8ABK

Stefan De Alwis - Sri Lankan Cricketer

International cricketer. Capped 7 times for the Sri Lankan national side.

References

  1. ^ http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/calendar/cs/charterstats.htm
  2. ^ http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1966/aug/03/royal-assent
  3. ^ http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/financial/downloads/financial_statements_07_08.pdf
  4. ^ a b c d "Table 0a - All students by institution, mode of study, level of study, gender and domicile 2006/07" (Microsoft Excel spreadsheet). Higher Education Statistics Agency. Retrieved 2008-04-11.
  5. ^ http://www.emda.org.uk/uploaddocuments/threecitiesreport.pdf East Midlands Assembly & EMDA: Three Cities Scoping Study: Building A Complementary Development Framework, p66, Box 6.7
  6. ^ University Rankings League Table | Good University Guide - Times Online
  7. ^ "The Times Good University Guide 2009". The Times.
  8. ^ "The Times Good University Guide 2008". The Times.
  9. ^ "The Times Good University Guide 2007 - Top Universities 2007 League Table". The Times.
  10. ^ "The Times Top Universities". The Times.
  11. ^ a b c "University league table". The Daily Telegraph.
  12. ^ "Nottingham wins popularity stakes" (PDF). University of Nottingham.
  13. ^ a b "University ranking by institution". The Guardian. Cite error: The named reference "Guardian 2008" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  14. ^ "University ranking by institution". The Guardian.
  15. ^ "University ranking by institution". The Guardian.
  16. ^ "University ranking by institution 2004". The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-01-19.
  17. ^ a b "The Sunday Times Good University Guide League Tables". The Sunday Times.
  18. ^ a b "The Sunday Times University League Table" (PDF). The Sunday Times.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g "University ranking based on performance over 10 years" (PDF). Times Online. 2007. Retrieved 2008-04-28.
  20. ^ a b "The Independent University League Table". The Independent.
  21. ^ "The FT 2003 University ranking". Financial Times 2003.
  22. ^ a b "The 2002 rankings - From Warwick". Warwick Uni 2002.
  23. ^ "University league table". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2007-10-29.
  24. ^ a b c d Loughborough University 40th Anniversary Pages History
  25. ^ http://education.guardian.co.uk/researchratings/table/0,11229,-4319371,00.html Guardian: European Studies
  26. ^ Sunday Times 21 September 2008
  27. ^ Loughborough University Halls Of Residence
  28. ^ http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/publicity/news-releases/2007/82_student_accommodation.html Loughborough University, All systems go for new campus student accommodation
  29. ^ Prior to the 1966 Royal Charter the Chair of Governors held the comparable position
  30. ^ Prior to the 1966 Royal Charter the Principal held the comparable position
  31. ^ http://engineeringf1.free.fr/en/ Engineering F1
  32. ^ www.pma.ps The Palestinian Monetary Authority
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