Broadcast: News items

We’re continuing to update the guidance on our Returning to campus pages as many of us settle in to working back on campus and adjust to hybrid ways of working in line with the Remote Working Framework [PDF 222KB]. You may find our new top tips on how to have hybrid meetings helpful. 

Some recent updates to be aware of: 

Vaccination status 

You are able to update your vaccination status on the MyView portal. It is your choice whether you supply this information to the University, and you can update or remove this data at any time. 

More than 1,400 staff have shared anonymously that they are double vaccinated to date. It’s helpful for the University to know the likely levels of protection our staff have against the virus. This will help us to refine our business continuity plans. We will also share the aggregated data with the local Public Health Director and their team to help their outbreak planning. 

We know that 87% of the 11,000 students who completed our vaccination status survey also said that they are fully vaccinated - with only one per cent saying they had no intention of receiving the jab.  

This shows a real commitment to protecting our community - the essence of the University's community pledge. If you’ve not already done so, please take a moment to sign the community pledge now. It has been updated in response to the relaxation of Covid rules and the roll out of the UK vaccination programme. 

Getting tested and reporting positive cases 

All staff should get twice-weekly Covid-19 tests using the home testing kits that are easily ordered from the www.gov.uk website. Staff and students can also collect home testing kits from several campus locations. 

A reminder if you have COVID-like symptoms (such as a high temperature, a continuous cough, or a loss or change in your sense of taste and smell), you must self-isolate and arrange a PCR test. You can find out more here, including the self-reporting form. 

Face coverings on campus 

Thank you to those of you who are reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19 on campus by wearing a face covering. We do expect all students and staff to wear face coverings, unless exempt, on public transport and in crowded and enclosed spaces on campus - including in all teaching spaces - and to follow the instructions indicated by signage. This signage will be very visible across the campus. 

We will remind all students during the term through regular communication, signage and our new Community Pledge that we do expect students to wear face-coverings in busy indoor spaces – such as the classroom. 

We know that some staff may be worried about how to broach instances where students are not wearing face coverings. Whilst it is not a legal requirement to wear face coverings, we are making it very clear that it is the expectation of our community. If a member of staff does have concerns following a teaching session, then please raise this with your line manager and we will find ways to support you. 

We do not expect face coverings to be worn in office spaces where staff are comfortable – although we do advise staff to consider avoiding having meetings with multiple people in crowded spaces. 

TEL workshops 

TEL's programme of staff development webinars focuses on effective online teaching and learning – such as using Flipgrid in your teaching, and supporting students to learn from their feedback. The new workshops for 21/22 span between now and late November when a new programme will be announced. View the calendar of available workshops and book a place.  

To find recordings of previous TEL webinars and other past sessions, see the Teaching Online, Learning Anywhere (TOLA) Canvas site. If you would like further information or guidance, please contact us at tel@sussex.ac.uk. 

Parking 

Parking charges have applied on campus from 1 October. The cost of parking has not increased since the 2020/21 academic year. 

All staff seeking to park on campus during the 2021/22 academic year are eligible to apply for: 

• a parking permit: £30 per month pro-rate, paid via salary deductions 
• or a free pass to park: this allows the purchase of daily scratch cards - £20 per book of 10 

Staff who drive to campus only a few days each week may find that scratch cards offer a cheaper option than an annual permit. Scratch cards can currently be purchased from the Hastings Building reception weekdays from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm. Please ensure that you display your permit or pass as soon as you receive it.