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,

You may have seen Sasha Roseneil’s email sent to all students earlier today (Thursday 26 October) about the situation in Israel and Gaza, and you can also find it on the Student Hub. Please do read this if you haven’t already, it contains important information on the support available for students who need it during this challenging time, and reinforces our commitment to providing an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment for everyone.

Last week we announced our exciting plans to enhance the accessibility to the Library. These include a new lift and a gently inclined ramp, and aim to create a universally accessible main entrance.

Our ultimate goal is to ensure an inclusive experience for everyone at Sussex. We’re committed to making our campus a place where every member of our community feels secure, valued and able to participate fully in their academic experience.

Our campus is generally a safe place and we need your help to keep it that way. It is also good to be aware of where to find help if you think that you or someone else is at risk. We have shared some key ways to stay safe on campus on the Student Hub, including tips for feeling safe after dark, the campus emergency phones and how to report anything you are concerned about.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Revisit Welcome support with Belong at Sussex
• Book your slot for the Careers Fair
• Beware of rental scam targeting university students
• 'Freedom of Speech – Can you Draw a Line?' lecture
• Road changes impacting bus routes on campus
• One-to-one writing support
• Turner Prize winning Sussex alumna returns to campus
• Gain skills and drive sustainability change at Sussex
• Sussex snapshot.

Revisit Welcome support with Belong at Sussex 

Join Belong at Sussex on Wednesday 1 November, for events and activities to help you explore or re-explore the support and opportunities available to you as a Sussex student. 

There will be lots of events to enhance your skills, activities to boost your wellbeing, and information stalls to provide you with any support you might need. 

Activities will take place on Wednesday 1 November between 11am-3pm in the Student Centre. 

Book your slot for the Careers Fair

Don’t forget to book a two-hour time slot to attend the Careers Fair 2023, coming up on Wednesday 8 November, 11am-3pm, at the American Express Stadium, Falmer.

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!

Beware of rental scam targeting university students

There has been a rise in the number of scammers preying on students with unpaid accommodation fees. If you live in accommodation managed by the University of Sussex and you haven’t paid your rent yet, make sure to pay via Sussex Direct as soon as possible.

If you are unsure about making a payment, please contact our Student Accounts team for advice by emailing them at studentaccounts@sussex.ac.uk or calling them on 0800 849 4979.

'Freedom of Speech – Can you Draw a Line?’ lecture

From 5-6pm on Wednesday 15 November, ⁠Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion), will be exploring issues and complexities around freedom of speech and its boundaries in a lecture first given at King's College London earlier this month. This event is open to everyone, but spaces are limited so please ⁠book via Eventbrite.

One-to-one writing support

As part of the Royal Literary Fund’s fellowship scheme, the Library hosts three professional writers who offer free one-to-one tutorials during term-time for any student who wishes to improve their writing. You can book an appointment (in person or online).

Located on the top floor of the Library, the RLF Fellows can help with any aspect of the writing process, including planning, drafting, constructing an argument, and editing. They can comment on the writing style of work in progress, enabling you to improve your work before submission. They can also work with you on feedback, helping you to understand how you can improve your marks.

You can find more helpful writing and study resources on our Skills Hub. The Library also offers group workshops on topics like note-making, essay writing and effective revision, which you might like to try.

Turner Prize winning Sussex alumna returns to campus

Don’t miss your chance to join Turner Prize winning Sussex alumna, artist Helen Cammock on Thursday 2 November at 6.30pm, at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.

The sociology graduate and co-winner of the 2019 Turner prize is coming back to campus to talk about her work with Dr Malcom James (Co-Director - Centre for Cultural Studies, University of Sussex).

University of Sussex staff, students and alumni are eligible for £3 concession priced tickets to the event – book your place.

Gain skills and drive sustainability change at Sussex

Apply to become a volunteer Green Impact Project Assistant, and develop skills in project management, communications and leadership, helping to shape sustainability implementation.

You'll work with staff teams for a few hours a month, supporting them to improve the sustainability of their department. It’s flexible around your other commitments and you’ll get a digital badge at the end of the academic year to demonstrate your experience.

The role is open to all students and training for successful applicants will be held on Wednesday 8 November, 2.30-5pm. Fill out the application form by Thursday 2 November, or contact sustainable@sussex.ac.uk to find out more.

With best wishes,

  
Kate

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