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,

I want to reinforce the message from our Vice Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil yesterday. The events that are unfolding in Israel and Gaza are deeply distressing, and this is a very worrying time, particularly for those who have family, friends and loved ones in the region, and for Jewish and Palestinian students.

We have reached out directly to those students who we know are from Israel and Gaza, to offer advice, and practical and wellbeing support, and I would like to remind you all about our support services.

As we shift into autumn proper, we are also experiencing seasonal change. While it can be a more melancholic time of the year, and these feel like challenging times, the beauty of the changing season and the campus is also something to appreciate.

On campus we also have plenty of events for thinking around and beyond your course. Starting at 5.30pm on 18 October, our Inclusive Sussex series returns for a conversation with Lela Kogbara and Jane Farrell, discussing inclusive leadership, and the importance of inclusion. They will be joined by a panel of Sussex staff to talk about how equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is used in leadership roles. Check the Inclusive Sussex webpages to explore the work the University is doing to meet our goals in this area.

Have you seen the Flint magazine in your Sussex inbox too? Published every other Monday in term-time, news and opportunities are gathered in Flint to help you make the most of your experience at Sussex. You can view the 9 October edition and find previous editions on the Student Hub.

Student successes, big or small are always important and you might be interested to read about Kirsty, a Business and Management student recently named ‘Intern of the Year’ at Siemens Mobility.  If you are interested in thinking about graduate roles, vacation work, placements, work experience and voluntary positions, whatever stage of study, please do come to the Careers Fair 2023 (details below).

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Report and Support tool
• Book your slot for the Careers Fair
• Remember to complete your registration
• Apply to be one of our Digital Media Creators by 15 October
• UK student? Make sure you’re registered to vote
• Marking Black History Month
• Join our Turner Prize events on campus
• Join Money Mondays with Blackbullion
• Sussex snapshot.

Report and Support tool

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of our community. By knowing what is happening in our community, we can best support you and direct resources where they are needed.

If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse, discrimination or spiking, you can let us know using the Report and Support tool.

If you disclose an incident through Report and Support and provide your name and contact details, an advisor can talk you through options for support and/or further action. This is the best way to seek expert advice and support if you need it, but it won’t trigger a ‘formal’ report to the University. If you wish, you can anonymously provide information.

You can also find our Dignity and Respect policy on the University website.

Book your slot for the Careers Fair

Careers Fair 2023 is coming up on Wednesday 8 November, 11am-3pm, at the American Express Stadium, Falmer. You will need to book a two-hour time slot to attend.

This is your opportunity to browse and speak to over 95 employers from a wide range of sectors offering graduate roles, vacation work, placements, work experience and voluntary positions.

Many employers will be targeting students from any degree discipline, so it's an excellent way to start exploring your options!

Remember to complete your registration

New students – if you’ve not already completed your online registration, you can find out how to register on the Student Hub.

Continuing students – don’t forget to re-register for the new academic year. Log into Sussex Direct and click the blue Register button at the top of the screen. If you are in receipt of a maintenance loan, your re-registration will trigger any loan payment you may be expecting.

Continuing students can read more about re-registration on the Student Hub.

Formal registration closes on Friday 20 October 2023. If you’re not registered by this date, you will not be a University of Sussex student and we will remove your access to University systems.

Apply to be one of our Digital Media Creators by 15 October

This is your last chance to join our 2023-24 team of Sussex students creating engaging content and sharing 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.

UK student? 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.

You can also register via the government’s website.

Marking Black History Month

You are very welcome to join our remaining events at the Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts (ACCA). For a more sustained recognition of the centrality of Black History throughout the year, and a focus on inclusion and antiracism in our community, do also think about engaging with the Union Black Anti-Racism programme, available to all students and staff.

Join our Turner Prize events on campus

 The doors to the Turner Prize 2023 exhibition are now open at Towner Eastbourne until April 2024.

 As the official Education Partner, the University of Sussex is hosting a series of public events at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) to bring the prize to life for staff, students and everyone in the region.

The series of events begins on 17 October with an introduction to the Turner Prize and is just £3 for students – don't miss your chance to join us! 

 Read more on the Student Hub.

Join Money Mondays with Blackbullion

Money can be a source of stress and anxiety for so many, especially right now when times are particularly hard. That’s why our partner Blackbullion has launched Money Mondays – a 20-minute webinar series and money check-ins to support you through each week and help you build healthy financial habits for life too.

Sign up to the webinars on Eventbrite.

With best wishes,
  
Kate

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