Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today (Thursday 18 July). You can read the full message to undergraduate students below:

Hello,

Many of you will remember hearing about the annual National Student Survey (NSS) this year. Every year, we ask all undergraduate finalists to contribute to this and we really appreciate this important input. Last week the NSS 2024 results were published by the Office for Students and I am so pleased to share that Sussex has improved its positivity ratings in six out of seven themes. This includes a rise of 13 places to 50th for academic support. Additionally, 92.6% of Sussex students who responded said teaching staff are good at explaining their subjects, which is an exceptional result. You can find out more below.

I would also like to congratulate the University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) who had really strong results. They improved by 2.2% to 74.5% in the question, ‘How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?’ This is a rise of 14 places, from 68th to 54th, in comparison with others nationally.

This news comes at an exciting time as we prepare for five days of Summer Graduation at the Brighton Centre. I look forward to seeing some of you, alongside your friends and families, there next week. Our student blogger Similoluwa has also shared a lovely post about what might come next after achieving your degree.

Earlier this month, three Sussex science projects were featured in the prestigious Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition in London. This is an annual, free showcase of cutting-edge science selected by the Royal Society – the world's oldest scientific academy. Over on the Student Hub, you can read about these innovative projects and the researchers leading them, who teach on some of your courses too! Professor of Comparative Cognition, Gilly Forrester, and her ‘Me, Human’ team could also be found further afield, sharing their evolutionary development research at the iconic Glastonbury Festival in June.

I am also really looking forward to being part of the Brighton & Hove Pride community parade next month, with Sussex students and staff. If you are watching the parade on Saturday 3 August, please do wave, shout and cheer as we go by!

Please read on for your regular update, including:  

• Support around resit assessments
• Accessing University services during the summer
• The University donates almost £3,000 to charity on behalf of final year students
• Join the University Housing waiting list
• Celebrating student and staff collaboration at the Green Impact Awards
• Sussex named 30th in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employer 2024 list
• The Nature of the South Coast: exhibition at Phoenix Art Space
• Reflecting on the Hope, Wonder, Magic and Fun of Brighton Festival
• Read this year’s issue of Falmer magazine.

Support around resit assessments

The resit assessment period will take place from Monday 12 August to Saturday 24 August.

As you prepare, you might find the Skills Hub, Library pages or the Exams and assessments area of the Student Hub helpful. If you have queries about your resits, please contact your School Office.

If you are upset or anxious about resits or results, please remember you are not on your own. I encourage you to seek support from your School Student Experience teams. If you have non-academic concerns about your situation (i.e., wellbeing, financial or similar) you can also access all our advice and guidance services via MySussex or through the Student Centre. Find more information on how to access support services in the section below.

Accessing University services during the summer

University support services continue to be available during the summer months. You can go to the My Sussex portal for answers to frequently asked questions and to make appointments with our friendly advisors. We will be hosting some wellbeing events on campus this summer and, if you are based in the UK, you can also register for support from the University therapy service.

On the Student Hub, you can find information on wellbeing support, careers support and money advice, including how to apply for financial support through Hardship funding and short-term welfare loans.

You can contact the Student Centre in person at the Welcome Desk or by phone (01273 075700) too.

You can also check the Student Hub for information on opening times over the summer period. Some campus facilities may operate different hours from term time. There are still lots of options for where to eat on campus over the summer, including where to find the Sussex Saver meal.

The University donates almost £3,000 to charity on behalf of final year students

Thank you to all final year students who told the world about their time at Sussex through the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS).

We have donated £1 to charity for every final year student who took part in the survey. A total of £2,987 was split between charities chosen by students in a poll sent out in December 2023. As a thank you, eligible students who completed the NSS could also collect an exclusive class of 2024 t-shirt. Read more about the chosen charities and the sustainable approach to t-shirt production.

Join the University Housing waiting list

If you are a returning student to Sussex, we will have a number of rooms available in September 2024. We will also have a number of rooms for new Home postgraduate taught students (MSc and MA). Find out more and join our housing waiting list.

Celebrating student and staff collaboration at the Green Impact Awards

Over the course of the last year, we have been taking part in Green Impact, a programme organised by the charity SOS-UK to help organisations all over the country to create more sustainable working environments. Student volunteers supported staff teams to make positive changes by providing project management expertise, fresh insight and plenty of encouragement. 

The awards were announced on 20 June, with 15 School and Department teams getting gold, silver, and bronze awards, and five special awards being handed out to individuals who shone as sustainability champions.

Sussex named 30th in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employer 2024 list

The University has been awarded Stonewall UK Workplace Equality Index 2024 gold status, ranking it amongst the Stonewall Top 100 Employers for 2024. Sussex was ranked 30 out of 246 organisations that entered this year, acknowledging our commitment to eliminating inequalities for our LGBTQ+ staff and developing an inclusive culture at Sussex. Find out more.

The Nature of the South Coast: exhibition at Phoenix Art Space

Head to the Phoenix Art Space in Brighton between 11am and 3pm on Wednesday 24 July, for an exhibition highlighting stories from Sussex Bay, East Dean and Friston, and Stanmer Park. The exhibition combines science and art through a collaboration between Dr Chris Sandom from the University of Sussex and Daniel Locke, a graphic illustrator from Brighton. Book a free place.

Reflecting on the Hope, Wonder, Magic and Fun of Brighton Festival

For three weeks in May, thousands of people came together for the city’s annual multi-arts festival, now the largest in England.

As official Higher Education Partner for Brighton Festival, we put education at the heart of the programme, bringing academic expertise to the forefront, facilitating community arts, learning and engagement through student and academic-led events, and opportunities for students to have exclusive access to the festival. Check out our article on the Student Hub, which also features our student Digital Media Creator content and event photos.

Read this year’s issue of Falmer magazine

Falmer is the University’s annual magazine showcasing the world-changing contributions being made by Sussex alumni, students and staff. In its latest issue, academics from our new Centres of Excellence share their research on a wide range of topics – from exploring the science of consciousness, to listening to the health of our ecosystems, to helping children navigate wellbeing in a digital context.

With best wishes,  
   
Kate

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