Broadcast: News items
Your student update: supporting you to reach your potential
Posted on behalf of: Student Communications
Last updated: Thursday, 16 February 2023

Professor 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,
Next Tuesday (24 January) is the International Day of Education. This year’s theme focuses on prioritising education to accelerate progress towards all the Sustainable Development Goals.
At Sussex we recognise the value and power of education’s role in building a sustainable world – and we’re truly international, with students and alumni from nearly every country. I hope that you too recognise the value of your Sussex education in achieving your goals and desires to create a better world.
Proof of our commitment to sustainability is the recognition of Sussex as third in the UK for sustainable institutions and 55th in the world for overall sustainability performance – something I hope you are proud of and will take an active role in too.
Finally, this Sunday (22 January) marks the beginning of Lunar New Year. I want to wish a very happy Year of the Rabbit to all our Southeast Asian students, staff, family and friends!
This week’s update also includes:
- Final-year undergraduate? Tell the world about your time at Sussex
- Low-cost ways to get moving with Sussexsport
- Refreshers events next week
- Book your place for the Summer Jobs Fair
- Reach your potential via our new coaching programme
- Music, films, performances and culture on your campus
- Cost of living support – watch out for scams
Final-year undergraduate? Tell the world about your time at Sussex
The National Student Survey is an external survey, independent of the University, that gives you the chance to tell the world about your time at Sussex. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
There are lots of great reasons to take part in the NSS: by sharing your views, you’ll leave a legacy that will help future students choose where to study, we’ll make a donation to a charity chosen by students, you’ll get a free tea/coffee voucher as a thank you, and you could even win one of two £1,000 cash prizes!
Complete the survey online today.
Low-cost ways to get moving with Sussexsport
The new Active US timetable offers a low-cost, inclusive and diverse range of social sport activities designed by students for students. Get a five-month Gold membership for the price of four at both gyms on campus – this deal expires on 3 February.
Sussexsport is also 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 currently get a free two-week membership trial.
Refreshers events next week
Your Students’ Union has organised a week of activities to celebrate the beginning of Semester Two, from food markets to vintage stalls, and of course the Refreshers Fair. This is another chance to discover and sign up for societies, meet new people and find lots of ways to enhance your student experience at Sussex!
Book your place for the Summer Jobs Fair
A summer job is a great way to increase your income and gain valuable employability skills. The University’s Careers and Entrepreneurship teams have organised a Summer Jobs Fair to help you secure work.
The fair will feature employers offering a wide range of opportunities that are open for applications now. You’ll be able to meet organisations offering casual jobs, volunteering opportunities and internships. These are based on campus, in Brighton and elsewhere in the UK.
The Summer Jobs Fair is taking place in the Student Centre on Thursday 16 February (12 noon to 3pm). Book your place now on Eventbrite.
Reach your potential via our new coaching programme
Did you know that coaching can help you develop action plans, reach your goals, become more employable and build your resilience? Our Coaching Programme is open to all taught students and brought to you by staff focused on your student experience. Apply to take part by Thursday 26 January.
Music, films, performances and culture on your campus
Take advantage of our own cultural centre right on campus and check out the new programme of events for this term, including the installation The Sentinel Self, by Danish artist Sissel Marie Tonn, on display this week. This interactive artwork reflects on the entanglements between human immune systems and environments increasingly polluted by microplastics.
Cost of living support – watch out for scams
Please be aware of fraud and scam attempts. You can find updates and advice on the Student Hub, as well as our latest news story about money mule scams, featuring information from HM Revenue and Customs.
Visit the Money and funding section on the Student Hub to find more financial advice and information provided through the University.
With best wishes,
Kelly
Professor Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students