Kelly Coate, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students

• Marking and assessment boycott update 
• Hardship fund: summer applications open until 31 July 
• Discover the exciting research done at Sussex  
• Men’s Health Week, 12-18 June
• Practical workshops to help you with your dissertation 
• Get involved with Sussex Student Action for Refugees 
• Take part in the Clubs and Societies committee elections 
• Brighton Festival 2023 – that’s a wrap! 
• Your chance to win an iPad Pro 

Marking and assessment boycott update 

A trade union representing some University staff (University and College Union or UCU) is currently taking industrial action in universities across the country, including Sussex. While the University respects union members’ right to take industrial action, we are doing everything possible to minimise the impact on your studies and graduation while also maintaining our academic standards. 

On Tuesday 6 June, we sent all students an email update about the marking and assessment boycott. The boycott means that while all your exams and assessments will be marked, in some cases this will take longer than usual. Some exams and assessments might not be marked until the boycott ends.  

Last Friday 9 June, we provided more information on summer graduation for final-year students. 

Yesterday, 15 June, we sent an update on finalists’ results to all final-year students. 

We are keeping the industrial action and graduation information on our website up to date. There are updated answers in the frequently-asked questions (FAQs) section on the Student Hub’s industrial action page, including information on how the marking and assessment boycott might impact you if you are applying for jobs or a Masters course, so please read through these. You may find it helpful to bookmark this page in your browser and check it regularly. 

The University of Sussex has also written a letter for finalists affected by the boycott that you may wish to download and share with prospective employers. Download the marking and assessment boycott letter for employers [PDF 114KB].

Some of you who are in your final year may have received results that were not what you were expecting because of missing marks, due to the boycott taking place. You may therefore have some questions and queries based on your individual circumstances if this is the case. A webpage has been put in place to guide and support you through this set of circumstances, which includes links to other areas should you have further queries. I strongly advise that you review this page in detail as it may help you through this period, and return to it regularly as we will keep updating it.  

We recognise that you may wish to communicate your individual concerns about this period to the University. You can find out how to submit a concern here. 

If you’re not a finalist, we will provide more information to students continuing on the same course once the assessment boards for continuing students have met later this month and ahead of publication of results on 3 July. 

Hardship fund: summer applications open until 31 July 

Hardship fund support will be available to students who are struggling financially during the summer term or vacation. I strongly encourage any students who would like to be considered for financial support to make an online application through the Hardship fund pages on the Student Hub. 

Any award received does not need to be repaid to the University. You can find full details and eligibility criteria on the Student Hub. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact studentfunding@sussex.ac.uk. 

Discover the exciting research done at Sussex  

Our first Summer of Research 2023 is now underway! Taking centre stage in late June and early July is our new Sussex Beacons Series, proudly celebrating research excellence at Sussex. 

Come along to these bite-sized TEDx-style talks find out more about great research from across the University and the influence it is having locally, nationally and globally. The Sussex Beacons Series is open to all – everyone is welcome. 

Men’s Health Week, 12-18 June 

Men’s Health Week, organised by the Men’s Health Forum, is happening from 12-18 June. This annual event aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems that disproportionately affect men and encourage them to seek information, advice and support. 

Some men may find it difficult to reach out for support, for many reasons. If you’re a male student at Sussex and would like support, there are different options that could help.  

Read more about Men’s Health Week and the support available on the Student Hub. 

Practical workshops to help you with your dissertation 

In June and July, the Library is offering a programme of research skills sessions for postgraduate students undertaking dissertations. Workshops will focus on research skills for dissertations including subject databases, referencing, evaluating information sources, working with primary sources and provide introductions to reference management tools. View full details and sign up to sessions.

Get involved with Sussex Student Action for Refugees 

Did you know that the University of Sussex is an official University of Sanctuary? This recognises our commitment to promoting a culture of welcome, safety and inclusion across our campuses and their wider communities. 

Sussex STAR (Student Action for Refugees) has committee positions available for next academic year, including President, Treasurer, Welfare Officer, Campaigns Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator. 

You have until Tuesday 19 June at 10am to nominate yourself. You must be a member to nominate yourself, and you can now get free membership in order to do so. 

If you have any questions, contact the current Sussex STAR co-presidents, Erin and Hattie, at star@societies.sussexstudent.com. 

Take part in the Clubs and Societies committee elections 

Are you a member of a Students’ Union sport or society club? You have until tomorrow at 10am to nominate yourself to represent your society or club in the Societies/Club committee.  

Each committee consists of eight members from all across sports clubs/societies, who represent their societies category or allocated sports teams in decisions on the groups, allocation of funding, new clubs/societies applications and much more. 

Voting will be open from Friday 16 June at 12 noon until Friday 23 June at 12 noon. Find out more. 

Brighton Festival 2023 – that’s a wrap! 

As Higher Education Partner for Brighton Festival, we have seen thousands of people ‘Gather Round’ in an ambitious celebration of community, collaboration, and the joy of shared experiences. We invite you now to ‘Gather Round’ one last time and look back at some highlights on the Student Hub.  

Your chance to win an iPad Pro 

Our partner Santander Universities is giving away 10 iPad Pro tablets. All students in higher education in the UK can enter, even if you don’t bank with Santander. Enter by 13 July for your chance to win! 

These giveaways are the latest in a series of opportunities from Santander Universities designed to enhance your university experience and make sure you have the tools you need to succeed in your studies. Find out more in this news story. 

With best wishes,

Kelly

Professor Kelly Coate, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students