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,

Did you know that Sussex is a research-intensive university? This means that many of your lecturers and tutors are also active researchers who are often globally recognised in their areas of expertise and cited by other researchers across the world. They bring this specialist knowledge to your classes.

Last week, four Sussex professors – Dave Goulson (Life Sciences), Ian Scoones (Institute of Development Studies), Anil Seth (Engineering and Informatics) and Benjamin Sovacool (University of Sussex Business School) – were once again recognised as world-leading researchers in the Highly Cited Researchers list. This annual list recognises researchers across the globe who have demonstrated significant influence in their chosen field.

You can visit the University website to find out more about our diverse research, or watch this video showcasing three of our 12 Centres of Excellence to hear from some of our inspiring researchers about how they are tackling ‘impossible until they are done’ challenges. We also offer opportunities for undergraduate students to become researchers, in final projects in your third year and through the Junior Research Associate (JRA) scheme for second year students. Applications for this will open in February. 

In this week’s update I am looking ahead to the holidays with reminders about support for your wellbeing, festive food offerings and events happening on campus.

Finally, in case you missed it earlier this week on Instagram (@sussexuni), alumnus Sam Thrussell, guitarist and vocalist in the band Dutch Criminal Record, shared tips on pursuing your musical passions.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Resits in the January 2024 assessment period
• Results of semester one assessments
• Railway industrial action (1-9 December)
• Important information for all students regarding the Israel and Gaza situation
• Wellbeing support for the festive period
• Festive food on campus
• Upcoming events at the Meeting House
• Get up to date with your free routine NHS vaccines
• Student Drug and Alcohol Awareness week: how and where to access support
• Private renting advice and upcoming events
• Update your access card before 1 December
• Reminder: what’s on for World AIDs Day
• Turner Prize-winner unveils brand new artwork on campus
• Sussex snapshot.

 

Resits in the January 2024 assessment period

All details of resits scheduled for the January 2024 assessment period (A1 and A1+) will be available to view on Sussex Direct by the end of Friday 1 December. If you are expecting a resit in this period and don’t yet know the dates/times, please visit Sussex Direct for further information. If you are expecting to take an examination in the A1+ period (22 to 27 January) the exam timetable will be published on Sussex Direct on Friday 15 December.

Students expecting to submit a Take Away Paper (TAP) for Business School modules during the A1 period will be given an update on their deadlines by the end of term.

 

Results of semester one assessments

You will be able to view the provisional results and feedback from your semester one assessments by Monday 19 February 2024. At this point, the marks are provisional and are subject to the University’s quality assurance and marks assurance processes.

 

Railway industrial action (1-9 December)

Industrial action will affect rail services over the next week. Action will take place on:

• Sunday 3 December (Thameslink and Great Northern)
• Wednesday 6 December (Southern and Gatwick Express).

Journeys between Friday 1 December and Saturday 9 December will be affected. Please check your journeys in advance because services will be running to different timetables each day. See more information from Southern Rail.

 

Important information for all students regarding the Israel and Gaza situation

On Thursday 23 November, Vice-Chancellor Sasha Roseneil sent a message to all students regarding the Israel and Gaza situation, which I reiterate here.

We know that for many in our community this is a deeply distressing time as the events in Israel and Gaza continue. We want to assure you that our number one priority is keeping all students and staff safe, and ensuring your wellbeing and sense of security on campus.

That is why we will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia or any form of racism, harassment, or discrimination at Sussex.

It is very important for all students to understand that this zero–tolerance approach includes social media activity. Please read the Vice-Chancellor's message in full for more detail.

If you've experienced a hate incident, discrimination, bullying, or sexual violence, please let us know using the Report and Support tool, and an advisor will get in contact with you if you have indicated that you would like to speak with someone.

The University offers advice and support on any issue that may be affecting you. You can contact the Student Centre in person at the Welcome Desk, by phone (01273 075700), or online via the My Sussex portal. You can also use My Sussex to book an appointment to visit our advisors. The Student Hub is your first point of information, including details of group sessions and workshops run by our Therapeutic Services.

Antisemitic incidents can also be reported to the Community Security Trust. Jewish Students can contact the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) for support via their welfare hotline on 02074 243288.

You can report Islamophobic incidents to Tell MAMA, which offers a free counselling service that can be accessed via counselling@tellmamauk.org.

You may also find the Chaplaincy to be a useful resource, both as a welcoming space and in relation to specific services and staff.

 

Wellbeing support for the festive period

While the holiday season can represent joy and togetherness, it can also be associated with family or financial pressure, loneliness or anxiety. If you're worried about the holidays, join the Student Experience team's online workshop on 6 December to meet others in a similar position and discuss some ideas and tips for coping with them.

As part of the University's mental wellbeing support, all students also have 24/7 access to Togetherall, an online community where people share with and support one another anonymously. Sign up to access self-guided group and individual courses, a library of useful articles and resources, and one-on-one therapy delivered through web appointments. 

As mentioned previously, the University offers advice and support on any issue that may be affecting you. You can contact the Student Centre in person at the Welcome Desk, by phone (01273 075700), or online via the My Sussex portal, where you can book an appointment to visit our friendly advisors.

 

Festive food on campus

Look out for a great selection of festive treats across campus catering outlets, including:

• The Big Christmas Quiz at Eat Central (Tuesday 5 December, 6pm-8pm)
• festive roast dinners at Eat Central (Tuesday 5 December to Thursday 7 December)
• Christmas cheesecake pop-up at The Veg Bowl (Wednesday 6 December, 12 noon to 3pm).

On the Student Hub you can also find out about exciting changes coming soon to our cafés. You can expect a new look for the Library Café, the café space at the Student Centre and at Doctor’s Orders in the new year.

 

Upcoming events at the Meeting House

The University Chaplaincy is running seasonal events at the Meeting House, including:

• Make a Christmas tree decoration, Wednesday 6 December, 1.30pm-4pm (refreshments provided)
• Traditional Christmas Carol Service, Monday 11 December, 6.30pm (refreshments from 5.30pm)
• Christmas day Catholic Mass, Monday 25 December, 11am.

Students living on campus on Christmas day are invited to the Meeting House for an afternoon of board games, music and refreshments, taking place from 12 noon to 3pm on Monday 25 December. We’ll be updating the Staying over the holidays page with more information soon.

 

Get up to date with your free routine NHS vaccines

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and leading meningitis charities are urging students to ensure they are up to date with all free routine NHS vaccines. At University you will mix with large numbers of new people, and if you are not up-to-date with all your childhood and adolescent vaccines, you’re more at risk of serious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning), and measles.

You should also learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia even if you’ve been vaccinated, as it could help save a life.

Check the Student Hub for information on how to register with a doctor and what free healthcare you're entitled to.

 

Student Drug and Alcohol Awareness week: how and where to access support

This week (27 November to 1 December) is Student Drug and Alcohol Awareness week. It’s run annually by SOS-UK to encourage awareness and discussions of student substance use, with a focus on reducing harm and improving student health and wellbeing. Visit the Student Hub to see what our Wellbeing team has planned and how to access support if you need it.

 

Private renting advice and upcoming events

This Friday (1 December) the University is launching private sector properties to rent next academic year on the Sussex Studentpad site. The Housing Team will be available at the Student Centre between 10am and 4pm to answer any questions. I recommend you following University private renting advice and guidance before committing to any property. Find out more.

 

Update your access card before 1 December

As part of ongoing maintenance, the SALTO access card system on campus is being updated. If you have an access card, you will need to tap an activation point before Friday 1 December, as your card may not work correctly without this update. Find out more information on the Student Hub.

 

Reminder: what’s on for World AIDs Day

World AIDs Day is tomorrow, Friday 1 December. The theme this year is ‘Let communities lead’. There are lots of events and activities organised in our local community that you can take part in to add your voice in calling for an end to HIV-related stigma, and recognising those who have lost their lives to the virus.

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, 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. There is a World AIDS Day concert at St Mary’s Church, Kemptown, from 7.30pm, which will raise funds for Lunch Positive.

 

Turner Prize-winner unveils brand new artwork on campus

A brand new artwork by Turner Prize-winning artist and Sussex alumna, Helen Cammock was unveiled on campus last week.

The new text-based artwork can be found on a wall at the University's Student Centre. This is the first new permanent piece of public art on the University of Sussex campus in decades.

If you’re on campus, head over the Student Centre and check it out. Read more about the artwork on the Student Hub.

 

With best wishes,
  
Kate

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