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,

Best wishes to all of you who will be celebrating Hanukkah over the next eight days. We invite you to join the Menorah lighting event in Library Square hosted by the University Chaplaincy next Monday, 11 December from 4.30pm.

On 11 December the Chaplaincy will also be holding a carol service in the Meeting House. The service will start at 6.30pm with refreshments from 5.30pm. See below for more details about upcoming festive events on campus and check out the Visit Brighton website for what else is going on in the local area this month.

You might have already read Monday’s email from Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion), about freedom of speech and dialogue in times of disagreement, distress and conflict. If you haven’t done so yet, I recommend you take a look and please do join the community dialogue event on 16 January.

This week also saw Sussex ranked 8th in the UK and joint 26th in the world in the second edition of the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024. The rankings assess the ways in which universities are taking action to tackle the world’s greatest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. In the latest rankings featuring 1,397 institutions globally, Sussex has been recognised for our world-leading and world-changing research, education and institutional practice. Please get in contact with our sustainability teams at the University or the Student Union to find out more about getting involved.

If you’d like the chance to win a £50 Love2shop voucher before the end of term, find out more about submitting a Whatuni review for Sussex below.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Accessing University mental wellbeing support
• Your chance to win one of 10 £50 vouchers before the end of term!
• What should our University stand for in 2035?
• Reminder: important information regarding the Israel and Gaza situation
• Campus arrangements in the event of severe weather
• Railway industrial action (1-9 December)
• Festive events on campus and in Brighton
• Get a job as a Student Connector
• Celebrating international volunteering day (5 December)
• Seize the switch!
• Jesse Darling wins this year’s Turner Prize.

Accessing University mental wellbeing support

Remember, the University offers advice and support on any issue that may be affecting you. Find out how you can access the University’s mental wellbeing support.

You can also 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.

Monday's edition of Flint magazine included information on support around the winter vacation, and we’ll be keeping the Staying over the holidays page updated too. Remember, even if you normally look forward to the holidays, it’s normal to experience periods of stress or difficulty and there is support available.

Your chance to win one of 10 £50 vouchers before the end of term!

As part of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), we are giving away £50 Love2shop vouchers to 10 lucky students that leave a review about Sussex on Whatuni.com by 14 December.

Already left a Whatuni review? Don’t worry – you will still automatically be entered into the prize draw!

Find out more and read the terms and conditions of the prize draw on the Student Hub.

What should our University stand for in 2035?

Share your hopes, ideas and aspirations for Sussex and help develop our new University strategy. What should Sussex look like, and what should it 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.

Reminder: important information regarding the Israel and Gaza situation

I know that for many in our community this is a deeply distressing time as the events in Israel and Gaza continue. Please do access our student support services, including Wellbeing and Chaplaincy services, and please use the Report and Support tool as appropriate. 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.

We want to assure you that our 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. This includes social media as well as in person activity.

Campus arrangements in the event of severe weather

As extreme weather events in the UK become more common, there’s greater potential for campus activity to be disrupted by high or low temperatures, flooding, or stormy conditions. Check the Student Hub to find out how we’ll contact you in these circumstances. 

Railway industrial action (1-9 December)

Industrial action will continue to affect rail services until Saturday 9 December. Please check your journeys in advance because services will be running to different timetables each day. See more information from Southern Rail.

Festive events on campus and in Brighton

The University Chaplaincy is running seasonal events at the Meeting House, including a traditional Christmas carol service on Monday 11 December and a Christmas day Catholic Mass from 11am on Monday 25 December.

On Thursday 21 December, Brighton will celebrate the winter solstice with the Burning of the clocks. For more events in the wider Brighton area, explore the Visit Brighton website.

On Christmas day, students living on campus are invited to the Meeting House for an afternoon of board games, music and refreshments, taking place from 12 noon to 3pm.

You can also enjoy a nice hot drink and sweet treats across campus catering outlets.

Get a job as a Student Connector

The Connector Programme is now open for students. If you are interested in joining the community, developing your skills and the opportunity to apply for paid co-creation roles, please find further information on the Connectors Programme page on the Student Hub.

Celebrating international volunteering day (5 December)

I know many of you volunteer your time in local charities, mentoring other students or with the Students’ Union. Giving a small amount of your time is a great way to make a positive contribution, gain valuable work experience, build your confidence and develop your skills and experience.

Remember to log all your volunteering activities on the Spirit of Sussex Award platform. The Spirit of Sussex Award is a scheme at Sussex that celebrates your co-curricular and voluntary achievements during your time at university. By taking part in different activities, such as volunteering, you can build up points towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold Spirit of Sussex Award, which will be presented to you at graduation.

Check out the Student Hub for current volunteering opportunities and ideas.

Seize the switch!

Last week the University’s Sustainability team ran their annual campaign to help you reduce your energy consumption and help to combat the climate crisis. Find energy-saving tips for winter on their Instagram @SustainableSussexUni.

Jesse Darling wins this year’s Turner Prize

The winner of this year’s Turner Prize was announced on Tuesday – Jesse Darling. Read more about the announcement.

With best wishes,
  
Kate

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