Kate O'Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today. You can read the full message below:

Hello,

Teaching has begun this week, and it’s fantastic to see campus full of students again. It was great meeting some of you over the first weekend in the Wellbeing tent, and at the Beach Clean event. I hope to meet more of you at some of the events below, and as the term progresses. Our vibrant community is part of what makes Sussex so special, and is something that Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil wrote about in her welcome message to students this week.

There are lots of reasons to feel proud of our Sussex community, but one in particular for me is our shared goal to be one of the most sustainable universities in the world.

Students and staff work together in partnership to achieve this in many ways, including biodiversity work across campus, and world-leading sustainability research.

As a result of this commitment, we are recognised across the world for our positive impact. From our award-winning catering, to achieving joint first place for Sustainable Food and Education for Sustainable Development in the 2022/23 People & Planet University League.

There are plenty of ways for you to get involved in the sustainability work we do at Sussex and you can read more about how we’re tackling climate change on the Student Hub.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Here to support you
• Marking and assessment boycott information
• A reminder to complete registration
• New student ID cards
• Win a £1,000 Santander Brighter Future Grant to support your studies
• Study abroad – applications for first and second year students now open
• Turner Prize 2023 is now open at Towner Eastbourne
• Celebrating Black History Month
• Are you registered with a local doctor?
• The Coast is Queer Festival, 12-15 October
• Free Kung-Fu and Self Defence Classes for Women and Non-Binary Folk
• Do you love social media and using your creative skills?
• University of Sussex Safety Day – you could win up to £500
• Sussex snapshot.

Here to support you

The Student Hub is your first point of information, including about health and financial support services.

If you've experienced bullying, sexual violence or discrimination, please let us know using the report and support tool, and an advisor will get in contact with you if you have indicated that you would like to speak with someone.

Marking and assessment boycott information

If you were impacted by the marking and assessment boycott during the summer resit period (August 2023), you can let the University know about your concerns. Check the Student Hub for information on how to submit a complaint if you’ve been impacted by the marking and assessment boycott.

Please note that this is not a re-opening of the University's previous marking and assessment (Summer 2023) complaints scheme, which is now closed to new complaint submissions.

A reminder to complete registration

New students - if you’ve not already completed your online registration, you can find out how to register on the Student Hub.

Continuing students - don’t forget to re-register for the new academic year.  Log into Sussex Direct and click the blue Register button at the top of the screen. If you are in receipt of a maintenance loan, your re-registration will trigger any loan payment you may be expecting.

Continuing students can read more about re-registration on the Student Hub.

New student ID cards

If you are a new home student and have yet to receive your ID card, please visit the Student Centre Welcome Desk to collect.  Remember you will need to have uploaded a photo to the online registration system before you can get your ID card.

Win a £1,000 Santander Brighter Future Grant to support your studies

We are working in partnership with Santander Universities to offer awards of £1,000 to 10 current Sussex students this autumn. Sign up to the Santander Scholarships platform for your chance to win and find more information in our news story.

If you’re postgraduate student, you can also apply to one of the 50 research grants of £1000 that Santander Universities is providing for staff and students conducting any form of research at any UK university. Applications close on Thursday 12 October.

Last week, the University and Santander renewed our partnership agreement to support more students over the next three years. Santander Universities will provide £150,000 worth of funding and support in a range of areas, including student entrepreneurship and employability skills.

Study abroad – applications for first and second year students now open

If you would like to study abroad as part of your degree, you now have the opportunity to apply to study with one of our university partners.

First year students can apply for a semester abroad during their second year. Please note that some subjects are not eligible for a semester abroad.

Second year students can apply for a year abroad during their third year.

Applications for both options will close on 29 November, so please make sure you submit your online application on time.

Contact the Sussex Abroad team on outbound.sussexabroad@sussex.ac.uk for more information or to request the link to the application form.

Turner Prize 2023 is now open at Towner Eastbourne

The doors to the Turner Prize 2023 exhibition opened to the public on Thursday 28 September and will run until 14 April 2024.

The University is this year's Education Partner for the prize, which is visiting the south coast for the first time.

Visit for free on Tuesdays to Sundays; events will also be taking place on campus and you can keep up to date with the latest information on the Student Hub.

Celebrating Black History Month

During October, there will be a programme of events on and off campus to celebrate and acknowledge Black history and the Black experience, including a poetry workshop and film screenings (more on those below). The Black History Month flag will be flying above Sussex House throughout the month.

Are you registered with a local doctor?

If you haven't done so yet, you should register with a doctor in Brighton and Hove. Please don't wait until you’re ill. The National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare for UK residents and some, but not all, overseas visitors. Check the Student Hub for information on how to register with a doctor and what free healthcare you're entitled to.

I also encourage you to make sure you’re up-to-date with all free routine NHS vaccines.

The Coast is Queer Festival, 12-15 October

The University is once again supporting The Coast is Queer, Brighton’s annual festival of LGBTQ+ writing to be held at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts from 12-15 October. The festival aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ literature, creating a space for queer readers, writers and allies to come together in a celebration of the written word. University of Sussex staff and students have helped shape the festival and curate the programme, and you can read more and register for events.

Free Kung-Fu and Self Defence Classes for Women and Non-Binary Folk

Drop in at the Sports Centre at 9.30 on Saturday mornings in term for free Kung-Fu and Self Defence Classes for Women and Non-Binary Folk. No previous experience required, inclusive friendly group, you can either drop in on a casual basis or sign up for grading in the longer term if you are interested (Nam Pai Chuan based training).

Do you love social media and using your creative skills?

You also could join a group of Sussex students who create engaging content and share community and research stories on University channels. The Digital Media Creator scheme offers casual, paid roles with flexible hours, so you can earn extra money and develop your CV while you study. Apply by Sunday 15 October 2023.

With best wishes,
  
Kate

Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

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