Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students

Hello,

Last Saturday, I had a lovely time celebrating Diwali in Falmer House. Thank you to the South Asian Student Society for hosting a wonderful festival again and to all of the students who showed off their incredible talents in the performances. These kinds of events are examples of how multiculturality and diversity make Sussex so special.

As a university, we're committed to ensuring that all students find their place within our community. On Thursday 10 November, we'll be running several student and staff focus groups as part of our ongoing efforts to improve inclusion for all at Sussex. If you are a member of a racially-minoritised group, please consider taking part. We want to know what your experience at Sussex is like. The sessions will be facilitated by two experienced external professionals and all feedback will be anonymised.

This week’s update also includes:

• Increase to Student Hardship funds and other support measures
• Get Started events
• Using Canvas to submit work and make the most of feedback
• Meet with your Vice-Chancellor
• Spiking information and support
• Find out about our research on sustainability at SSRP Week
• Get a free ticket for KindFest
• Bonfire Night information
• This week’s Sussex snapshot

Increase to Student Hardship funds and other support measures

To reflect the increases in the rising cost of living, the University has introduced some new measures, including an increase in the Student Hardship funds available for the 2022/23 academic year. Find out more in this news story.

We are now also a Real Living Wage employer – meaning that all our student employees, such as our 275 Connectors and Ambassadors, will receive the living wage for work carried out in these roles.

Get Started events

Come along to the Student Centre, on Wednesday 9 November, for a series of Get Started events about student life and support available to you as a Sussex student. We’ll be providing a free lunch and dinner between sessions.

You can come and go throughout the day, but make sure you book a place on the specific workshops and sessions you’d like to attend.

Using Canvas to submit work and make the most of feedback

The middle of term is a good time to read through our guide to submitting work and accessing feedback in Canvas. It takes you through the process of submitting assessments online, as well as finding and understanding feedback from your tutors.

You might also like to revisit our Digital Learning Guide to Sussex Direct and Canvas, which was created by students to help you.

Meet with your Vice-Chancellor

Between 10am and 11.30am on Wednesday 16 November, students are invited to meet with Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor of the university, in the Student Centre. It’s an opportunity to talk about your experience and ask questions. Find more information and how to book a slot.

Spiking information and support

Everyone should feel safe to enjoy themselves without worrying about being spiked. I want to share some information with you that may help to keep yourself and others safe, while reminding you that drink spiking is a serious crime in the UK.

Find out about our research on sustainability at SSRP Week (7-11 November)

The Sussex Sustainability Research Programme team has organised an exciting week packed with free events showcasing how Sussex research is contributing to achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Check the programme and book your free place.

Get a free ticket for KindFest

We are proud to partner with KindFest, the world’s largest online festival of kindness. The programme returns with a fantastic line-up of speakers and performers on Friday 11 November. Students can book free tickets – see the festival website for more information coming soon.

Remember, remember...

This Saturday (5 November) is Bonfire Night. See our news story for information and check out Brighton’s event calendar for firework displays and activities near you. Please remember that for safety reasons, fireworks and bonfires are not permitted on campus.

With best wishes,

Kelly

Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students