Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today. You can read the full message below:

With the conflict in Israel and Gaza still ongoing, and its repercussions being felt across the UK, as well as at Sussex, I wanted to make you aware of an all student communication from the Vice-Chancellor.

Last week, I said I’d let you know about the World AIDS Day activities occurring on and around 1 December, and I really hope that many of you will get involved in them. Taking part in this global event adds your voice in calling for an end to HIV-related stigma, and recognising those who have lost their lives to the virus.

The theme this year is ‘Let communities lead’, and there are lots of events and activities organised in our local community that you can take part in. On campus, the Students’ Union is offering free HIV test kits in the Falmer House reception area. The Chaplaincy has organised an event at the Quiet Room in the Meeting House from 12 noon to 2pm on Friday 1 December, showcasing the AIDS memorial quilt, the largest community arts project in history. Refreshments and art materials will be provided.

In Brighton, a candlelight vigil will be held in New Steine Gardens at 6pm on Friday 1 December. As I mentioned last week, there is a World AIDS Day concert at St Mary’s Church, Kemptown, from 7.30pm on Friday 1 December, which will raise funds for Lunch Positive. Lunch Positive is also running a community lunch at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church from 12.30pm on Sunday 26 November.

This past Monday (20 November) was Transgender Day of Remembrance. Read our news story for more information, including details of support for students and staff.

The latest edition of Flint magazine on Monday featured an interview with Lauren Banham, a second-year International Development student and passionate sustainability activist, who shared her insights and experiences on making a positive impact.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• What should our University look like in 2035?
• Tell us what you think of Sussex for a chance to win £200!
• Other ways to use your voice at Sussex
• Updated Exceptional Circumstances process
• Are you registered with a local doctor?
• Preparing for the winter holidays
• Don’t miss your chance to win a £1,000 Brighter Futures Grant with Santander Universities
• Reminder: Crip Camp documentary screening with free popcorn

What should our University look like in 2035?

We invite you to help develop our new University strategy. We want to hear about your hopes, ideas and aspirations for Sussex. Tell us what Sussex should look like, and what it should stand for, in 2035. You can be involved in shaping the future of Sussex, shaping our vision and thinking about the journey we need to take together over the next 10 years.

Have your say by taking part in our short survey, which asks questions about important elements of our strategy: our values, our mission and purpose, and our vision.

Tell us what you think of Sussex for a chance to win £200!

We want to hear what you think of Sussex for this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs). We’re collecting Whatuni reviews in person at the Students’ Union reception in Falmer House from 11am to 2pm on Tuesday 28 November and Tuesday 5 December.

Come and leave a review for Sussex and you'll get a free sweet treat. Plus, you’ll enter into the WUSCAs weekly prize draw to win a £200 voucher, where one lucky reviewer is pulled at random every week!

Not going to be on campus on those days? No problem – you can also leave a review for Sussex on the Whatuni website and you’ll still enter the weekly prize draw.

Other ways to use your voice at Sussex

We'd also love to know what's going well for you and how we can make the things that matter to you even better throughout the year. You have plenty of ways to give feedback to the University: from mid-module evaluations and other surveys to actively being part of positive changes.

Don't hesitate to contact your Student Rep if you have a suggestion to improve your course, your School or any other aspect of your student experience. Your Student Reps are elected by you to ensure your voices are heard in the decisions that will impact you at the University. In addition to helping make changes in your School, they can present your ideas and concerns to senior University staff at the Student Experience Forum. This meeting enables us to understand what students need and think, and makes sure that steps are taken to create the best possible student experience.

You can inspire and actively make change at the University by becoming a Student Connector too. The Connector Programme sees students and staff working as equal partners through co-creation, innovating, finding solutions and continuously improving the student experience at Sussex. 

The Spirit of Sussex Award was created to celebrate your co-curricular and voluntary achievements. By taking part in different activities, such as part-time work, societies or volunteering, you can gain points towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold Spirit of Sussex Award. These will be awarded at graduation.

Updated Exceptional Circumstances process

The University has updated the Exceptional Circumstances (EC) procedures for this academic year. During the course of your studies, you may experience a set of circumstances that may impact your academic performance for an upcoming assessment or examination. For example, you may suddenly become unwell just before you start your exam. When this happens, you may want the University to provide some additional consideration when reviewing your academic performance.

This updated process now includes an EC Policy, Procedural Guide and enhanced EC webpages on the Student Hub to assist users engaging with this process.

New changes to the process include: clearer guidance on the definition of EC, circumstances likely/unlikely to be accepted and the types of evidence required to submit an EC claim.

If you require any support or advice regarding the EC process, please contact support services.

Are you registered with a local doctor?

If you haven't done so yet, you should register with a doctor in Brighton and Hove or wherever you are living during term time. Please don't wait until you’re ill. The National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare for UK residents and some, but not all, overseas visitors. Check the Student Hub for information on how to register with a doctor and what free healthcare you're entitled to.

I also encourage you to make sure you’re up to date with all free routine NHS vaccines.

Preparing for the winter holidays

The Student Experience team has organised an online workshop running on 29 November and 6 December to unpack some of the challenges that some people may experience during the holidays. The workshop offers practical ways to manage any difficult feelings you may have around this time.

You can sign up for this and other wellbeing workshops via the University of Sussex Wellbeing team's Eventbrite page or by emailing therapy@sussex.ac.uk.

Don’t miss your chance to win a £1,000 Brighter Futures Grant with Santander Universities

You still have time to apply for one of 10 prizes of £1,000 we’re offering to current Sussex students in partnership with Santander Universities. Applying online only takes a few minutes and you don’t need to bank with Santander. Sign up by 30 November for your chance to win!

Read our news story to find out more.

Reminder: Crip Camp documentary screening with free popcorn

This year the Disability History Month theme is disability, children and youth. Join Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion), at the screening of the award-winning documentary Crip Camp next Wednesday, 29 November, from 12.30pm to 2pm. The film documents experiences at a revolutionary summer camp in 1970s America that helped create a new path towards equality for disabled people. Free popcorn and soft drinks will be provided. Book your place.

With best wishes,
  
Kate

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