Kate O'Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students

This article was edited on Friday 2 February with updated information on the changes to academic appeals regulation.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today (1 February 2024). You can read the full message below:

Hello,

I hope the first teaching week has gone well. As you get back into the routine of lectures, seminars or lab sessions, you might like to explore the latest edition of Flint magazine. It’s full of opportunities to help you get the most out of your student experience in the weeks ahead. On Monday I emailed to welcome you to another term at Sussex. If you haven’t had a chance to yet, I encourage you to take a look at that message for additional reminders of opportunities and academic and wellbeing support available to you.

Applications are now open for the annual Startup Sussex competition – find out more below. This entrepreneurship programme gives you and your fellow students the chance to win up to £10,000 to fund your business or social enterprise idea, alongside access to high-quality support. Previous Startup Sussex winners include Darren Tenkorang, founder of mobile barber TRIM-IT, who was also an Entrepreneur in Residence here. You can read more about 2023’s winners on the Sussex Innovation website.

If you’re in the final year of your undergraduate course, you’ll have started hearing about the National Student Survey. This is your chance to help future students and tell the world about your time at Sussex – you could even win a graduation package. Completing the NSS only takes around five minutes online. Find more information in our latest news story.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Changes to academic appeal regulations
• Community dialogue helps build understanding at Sussex
• Get £10,000 for your business or social enterprise idea
• Time to Talk day – mental wellbeing stall (1 February)
• BBC news journalist and presenter Ros Atkins in conversation at ACCA (6 February)
• Help with managing your money from Blackbullion
• Spirit of Sussex Award – log the points you’ve earned

Changes to academic appeal regulations

We've listened to your feedback and, with input from Students’ Union, faculty and professional services staff, the University has made some changes to the academic appeals process. I wanted to highlight the following important aspects for you:

• Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to resolve your issue via Informal Resolution. This option could help with obvious mistakes that can be easily corrected. e.g. incorrect mark input.
• In addition to being able to submit a Formal Appeal you can also ask for your Formal Appeal Outcome to be reviewed by an expert panel.
• The deadlines for Appeals are longer. You now have 10 University working days to either request an Informal Resolution or a Formal Appeal.

The Student Hub web pages have been refreshed and I very much encourage you to read both the summary information and, if you do need to use the academic appeals process, to read the full regulations as well.

Community dialogue helps build understanding at Sussex

Recently the University held a community dialogue event for students and staff who wanted to listen to and share their thoughts and feelings on the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine.

Those who took part told us afterwards that the group spoke with respect, honesty and courage, sharing grief, hopes and fears. Participants also felt it important to continue the dialogue to help create mutual understanding, especially during times of conflict and trauma.

We will continue to seek to develop spaces where we can listen and share lived experiences at Sussex, taking into consideration the views of those who attended and our wider University community. You can find out more about the event and our aim to support dialogue between those with differing views.

Get £10,000 for your business or social enterprise idea

Startup Sussex is an annual competition that gives students the chance to win up to £10,000 to fund your business or social enterprise idea and access high-quality support. Applications opened on Monday 29 January and will close on 6 March.

Come to the Startup Sussex launch event on 6 February and learn about Startup Sussex, how the competition works and what you'll be required to submit.

Time to Talk day – mental wellbeing stall (1 February)

To mark this year's Time to Talk day the University’s wellbeing team will be joined in the Student Centre atrium by staff from the SHOUT mental health text service between 12 noon and 2pm today. You can stop by for a friendly conversation and find out more about support available.

BBC news journalist and presenter Ros Atkins in conversation at ACCA (6 February)

Next Tuesday lunchtime, Ros Atkins will be at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) discussing his recent book, The Art of Explanation: How to Communicate with Clarity and Confidence. The talk will draw on Ros’ many years of experience in news reporting for the BBC. As a Sussex student, you can book a free place.

Help with managing your money from Blackbullion

Invest in yourself by growing your money skills and knowledge to empower your future. The University provides all students with access to Blackbullion, an easy-to-use online learning platform filled with short videos, articles and quizzes covering a range of financial subjects including budgeting, avoiding scams, and tips for international students. You can find out more about money and funding support on the Student Hub.

Spirit of Sussex Award – log the points you’ve earned

Whether you’re already signed up to the Spirit of Sussex Award or are planning to join the platform, make sure you log points for your activities, such as taking part in societies, volunteering or paid work. Following Tuesday’s Refreshers’ Fair, run by your Students’ Union, you might have interesting new activities lined up for the term already!

Bronze, silver and gold Spirit of Sussex Awards are presented at graduation, which makes for a really special moment. Looking ahead, an award can enhance your future career prospects by giving you a way to showcase all that you’ve achieved during your time as a student.