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,

Now is your chance to nominate inspiring people to receive an honorary degree or fellowship from Sussex at a future graduation ceremony. We are particularly keen to recognise the contributions and distinction of our alumni and people contributing to our city and region, and those whose work relates to areas of academic strength and specialism at Sussex.

Next week we’ll also be celebrating Winter Graduation. Graduation is an end point for you as a student – it's the pinnacle of your time at Sussex and the result of your teaching and learning. It also marks a new beginning, whether that be further study or the next step in your career.

Whilst Graduation may be years away, or months away if you are a finalist, the achievements you celebrate there will be shaped not only by your ability to study and complete assessments, but also how you make the most of your student experience and the many opportunities we offer at Sussex.

These opportunities include the Spirit of Sussex Award, Students’ Union activities, the Student Rep scheme, events at our Student Centre and the Connector programme. These are just a handful of the initiatives you can get involved with to make the most of your time here, as you work towards your academic and life goals. We will keep you informed on these and other opportunities in my regular Student Updates, Flint magazine, via emails from your school, on the Student Hub and on social media. Find out more about how we communicate with you.

As you finish up assessments and think ahead to next term, you might also be interested in our coaching and academic mentoring programmes for students, where you can access one-to-one support with someone who can help with challenges you may be experiencing. Sessions are online, meaning you can access them wherever you are, without needing to travel to a location on campus. Applications are now open for the spring term.

With much talk in the media of ‘Blue Monday’ and the January blues, I want to share this fantastic video created by Manasi, one of our Digital Media Creators, highlighting some reasons to be cheerful this winter. From cosy warm meals to laughter-filled moments with friends, this uplifting video is a reminder that there’s still plenty to enjoy during the colder months.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Support for your assessments
• Wellbeing support for survivors of sexual assault, abuse or harassment
• Free talk: how ultra-processed food took over the world
• Sussex winners of the Santander Brighter Futures Grants
• Share your views on transport in East Sussex
• Try January with Sussexsport
• Sussex snapshot.

Support for your assessments

Make use of the tools provided by the University to help you achieve your best results. The Library has returned to 24/7 opening times, so you can study there whenever suits you. On the Skills Hub you’ll find useful resources to support you with your studies. Our Student Guide on submitting work and accessing feedback in Canvas will show you how to submit your work online and how to understand feedback from your tutors too.

Wellbeing support for survivors of sexual assault, abuse or harassment

The Survivors’ network is facilitating a peer support group for student survivors of sexual assault, abuse or harassment. The group will offer a safe, welcoming and trauma-sensitive space, with two sessions a month from January until March.

If you've experienced domestic violence, a hate incident, discrimination, bullying or sexual violence, please let us know using the report and support tool. An advisor will get in contact with you, if you indicate that you would like to speak with someone.

The University’s services also offer advice and support on any issue that may be affecting you. You can contact the Student Centre in person at the Welcome Desk, on the phone (01273 075700), or online via the My Sussex portal. You can now also use My Sussex to book an appointment to visit our friendly advisors.

Free talk: how ultra-processed food took over the world

Award-winning broadcaster, practising NHS doctor and leading academic Chris van Tulleken will be on campus on Thursday 25 January to talk about what ultra-processed food is really doing to our bodies and the planet. Find out more about this talk and book your free seat.

Sussex winners of the Santander Brighter Futures Grants

I'm excited to share an update on the Brighter Futures Grants prize draw we ran with our partner Santander Universities, through which 10 current Sussex students won £1,000 each. Read our latest story to find more information about this initiative, what our winning students plan to put the money towards, and other opportunities you can benefit from.

Share your views on transport in East Sussex

Do you live, work or travel in the East Sussex County Council area? Help the East Sussex County Council build their local travel plan and move towards net zero carbon by completing their consultation survey. Find out more in our news story on the Student Hub.

Try January with Sussexsport

One of our student Digital Media Creators recently shared an Instagram Reel showing us the wide-ranging group fitness classes available at Sussexsport. Find out more about the classes on our website.

Throughout this month, Try January is designed to support you to be active, with manageable bitesize challenges and ways to make exercise more accessible. You can also get a six-month Sussexsport membership for the price of four months if you sign up before the end of January. 

With best wishes,
 
Kate

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