Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students

Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, wrote to all taught students earlier today. Read the full message below:

Hello,

At this time of year, lots of us are thinking about our wellbeing, both mental and physical, and finding things to do now and look forward to. We have a wide range of information, activities and services that can help you with your wellbeing plans and needs at Sussex.

If you ever need support on wellbeing matters, you can access a range of resources through the University. See our Health and Wellbeing pages, which can help you get the information you may need. This section of the Student Hub has been freshly updated for this term, with improved content and accessibility.

Of course, should you need direct support, there is a variety of information, advice and support available online and in person via your Student Centre. This includes counselling, group workshops and drop-in clinics.

The University Chaplaincy service runs free mindfulness and meditation drop-in sessions multiple times a week as well.

This month, Sussexsport is running Try January, a scheme to help students and staff get active, try a new activity and make some time for ourselves. If you have never taken out a Sussexsport membership before, you can get a free two-week membership trial at the moment. Do have a look at what’s on offer!

This week’s update also includes:

• Some recent improvements for students
• Submitting assessments and exceptional circumstances
• Cost of living support
• Do you love social media and using your creative skills?
• Find out about paid summer research projects
• Help shape the student experience at Sussex

Some recent improvements for students

I want to let you know about some of the improvements made recently that you might like to know about:

• We introduced “grab and go” access points to support students if they have any temporary issues with the main wifi service in their University-supported accommodation.
• We updated aspects of the Library building, responding to student feedback and shifts in how many of you are wanting to work. This includes new study furniture, such as comfortable pods for quiet, individual and small group study, with a variety of power sockets.
• We created a wellbeing collection in the Library, featuring print books to support your mental and physical wellbeing, alongside comfortable seating, plants and artwork.
• The Library team worked with three groups of Student Connectors on projects around redesigning services, co-creating Welcome materials and co-creating the Library curriculum. Learn more about Connector opportunities and how to apply.

We continually look at these kinds of initiatives to help improve your experience as a student at Sussex. Find out more about how we use your feedback.

Submitting assessments and exceptional circumstances

Many of you will be submitting assessments online this week. Here is some key information to support you:

• Our guide to submitting work and accessing feedback in Canvas takes you through the process of submitting assessments online, as well as finding and understanding any feedback from your tutors you may have received already, which can guide you in future academic work.
• You might also like to revisit our Digital Learning Guide to Sussex Direct and Canvas, which was created by students.
• Our refreshed Skills Hub has lots of resources to help you with your studies, including support around referencing and revision.

In the unlikely event that you experience any sudden, temporary and unforeseen circumstance that directly impact your academic performance, please review our Exceptional Circumstances webpages. There are important deadlines that must be observed should you need to submit an application for consideration.

Cost of living support

As a starting point, visit the Money and funding section on the Student Hub to find financial advice and information provided through the University. You can read our previous update about cost of living support.

In addition, University staff run a weekly Finance drop-in clinic for current students experiencing financial difficulty who would like to meet an advisor in person.

The next session will take place on Wednesday 18 January in room Landscape 4, on the first floor of the Student Centre on campus. An advisor will be available from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Do you love social media and using your creative skills?

You 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 January.

Find out about paid summer research projects

The Junior Research Associate (JRA) Scheme is open to students in their second year of undergraduate study, or second or third year of a four-year degree. JRAs receive a bursary to undertake an eight-week, full-time research project over the summer months, working with academic supervisors to contribute to cutting-edge research across the university. You can register now for a briefing session on 14 February.  

Help shape the student experience at Sussex

Nominations are open for full-time and part-time roles in the Students’ Union’s spring elections. Your Students’ Union plays an essential role in gathering student feedback, promoting the student voice and, ultimately, creating a good student experience at Sussex. I really encourage you to have a look at the roles and consider putting yourself forward.

With best wishes,

Kelly

Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students