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 and Welcome,

I wish you a very warm welcome to the 2023/24 academic year. Whatever year of study you are about to begin, I hope you find ways to connect or feel like you belong at Sussex.

It will take time to get used to your living arrangements, your new timetable or finding your way around campus. If you need assistance as you get settled please ask. If you don’t know who to talk to, look for people wearing orange Ask Me badges, they will be happy to help point you in the right direction.

As I touched on in my previous message, Welcome Week is an opportunity to make friends, find out about University services and facilities, hopefully have fun, and learn how you can make your time at Sussex the best that it can be. Last weekend our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil, shared more advice for new students in the Brighton and Hove local newspaper, The Argus, with a reminder to “keep reaching out and try to make new connections”. That’s what the start of the year is all about.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• My Sussex – your online portal for student support
• Nominate yourself to become a Student Rep before 9 October
• Do you love social media and using your creative skills?
• Student gym memberships and low-cost social sports activities
• Reminder: UK students, make sure you’re registered to vote
• Industrial action and marking information
• New monthly foodie forums and changes to campus catering
• Sussex snapshot.

My Sussex – your online portal for student support

Have you heard of My Sussex, your student support portal? Log in today to find answers to student queries, raise and track enquiries, support your wellbeing, and access student support from the right team. My Sussex will put useful information at your fingertips 24/7 and will make it easier to find what you need in one, easy-to-use portal. Find out more in our latest news story.

On the Student Hub you can also now find details of group sessions and workshops run by our Therapeutic Services. Upcoming sessions focus on topics including homesickness, the transition to university, stress control and managing your mental health with a long-term health condition.

Nominate yourself to become a Student Rep before 9 October

A great way to get involved, connect and understand how to make the most of Sussex is to engage directly with the University, including the Student Union. Student Reps are a really important part of our community and Student Rep nominations are open until 9am on Monday 9 October. Now’s your chance to represent your fellow students and help make changes in your school this year.

The Student Rep scheme is a collaboration between the Students’ Union and the University. Find out more and nominate yourself via the Students' Union website.

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.

Student gym memberships and low-cost social sports activities

We have a range of Sussexsport gym memberships available, starting from £12.08 a month. Membership gives you access to our two sports facilities on campus and over 15 different group fitness classes. Sign up for our Student Annual Gold membership now to be automatically entered into the annual prize draw and be in with a chance of winning a mountain bike!

Sussexsport’s social sport programme, ActiveUs, is also back for another year and the timetable is available now. Our low cost, inclusive, student-led sessions are the perfect opportunity to meet new people and try out a new sport. No previous experience is needed and all equipment is provided. View the timetable and book.

Reminder: UK students, make sure you’re registered to vote

Your voice matters and we want to ensure that it’s included in the decisions that greatly affect our world. If you are a new student or you have changed your address since last academic year, we recommend you register as part of the University’s annual online registration process. Find out if you’re eligible to vote and how to register.

Industrial action and marking information

The University and College Union (UCU) marking and assessment boycott ended on 6 September. If you are a returning student, please check my email about your results day (sent on Thursday 21 September) for further information.

UNISON, a union with members at the University of Sussex, has announced two days of strike action taking place on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 October 2023. Sussex is one of 21 universities in England and Scotland where strike action will take place over two days as part of an ongoing national dispute over pay.

Whilst the University respects union members’ right to take industrial action, we are doing everything possible to minimise the impact on your experience as a student.

More information about industrial action can be found on the Student Hub.

New monthly foodie forums and changes to campus catering

Check out the latest update on campus catering on the Student Hub. There are exciting changes underway, while favourites like the £2 Sussex Special meal will continue this year.

Want to have your say? Fill out this short form to express interest in our new monthly foodie forums. Students will have the chance to take part in free tastings, share feedback and help further shape and improve the food options on campus.

With best wishes,
  
Kate

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