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. Below you can read her full message:

Hello,

In recent weeks new banners have been installed around campus to highlight the work of some of Sussex’s remarkable people. ‘This Is US’ is a celebration of students, academics and alumni, focused on the incredible contributions they have made to science, the arts and society, at Sussex and across the wider world. This includes award-winning journalist and author Clive Myrie, who spoke on campus about his memoir Everything is Everything as part of The Big Read earlier this week. I encourage you to explore the stories  – you might read something that inspires you, like Alice Clark’s journey into postgraduate research on biodiversity along the Sussex coast.

Alice’s research is just one example of activity that is helping us towards our goal of becoming one of the world’s most sustainable universities. One way we can all contribute to this is to find out about, and take part in, Recycle Week. More information can be found in the latest edition of Experience Sussex! Check it out to find interesting green opportunities, the ultimate guide to recycling on campus, students’ eco-friendly tips and much more.

Your positive actions can also gain you Spirit of Sussex Award points as part of the Environment and Sustainability category in the award platform. Build your points total through activities like joining sustainability societies, taking part in clothes swaps, and being involved in climate activism, including the Students’ Union’s Climate Assembly on 6 November.

Finally, yesterday was also World Food Day – catch up with this campus food vlog from Digital Media Creator Liv or learn about Dr Elaine Swan’s research on food security and food inequalities on LinkedIn.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Win £1,000 with the return of the Brighter Futures Grants programme
• Book your place for our annual Careers Fair
• Could you become a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador?
• National Hate Crime Awareness Week (12-19 October): information and support
• Get your flu jab at the University Pharmacy
• Become a Green Impact Project Assistant
• Reminder: explore your options at our PhD Open Evening (21 October)
• Paperless Parking is now active on campus
• Meet your friends and host your next activity at Eat Central
• Grab a bagel on campus and support a special cause.

Win £1,000 with the return of the Brighter Futures Grants programme

The Brighter Futures Grants programme is back! In collaboration with Santander, we are giving you the chance to win one of 10 grants, each worth £1,000, to support your academic journey. All students are eligible to enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students. You do not need to bank with Santander to get involved. Apply online by 11pm on 5 December for your chance to win. Read more on the Student Hub.

Book your place for our annual Careers Fair

Bookings are now open for our 2024 Careers Fair, which is coming up on Wednesday 6 November, 11am-3pm, at the American Express Stadium, Falmer. This is a brilliant opportunity to browse and speak to organisations offering graduate roles, placements, work experience and voluntary positions across a range of sectors. The event is open to students from all years and courses, and to recent graduates. You will need to book a time slot via Ticket Tailor to attend.

Could you become a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador?

This is an exciting opportunity for any international student to apply to join the UKCISA student network of global future leaders. As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador you would share experiences of studying in the UK and represent international students on a national level at events, conferences and meetings.  

If you would like to contribute to positive change, shape a quality international student experience and enhance your personal and professional development, see the UKCISA Student Ambassador Programme page for more details and to apply. The deadline for applications is 9am (UK time) on Monday 28 October.

As a reminder, the International students area of the Student Hub has advice to help you succeed at Sussex and practical information around visas, money and working in the UK. Visit these pages for answers to common questions and see how to contact our international student advisors for support if ever needed.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week (12-19 October): information and support

Hate crime is defined as “any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice”. Examples of this could be using racist or homophobic language during a physical assault, using a hate associated symbol in graffiti or using language in public that is likely to cause distress.

If you or someone you know experience a hate crime, the first thing to do is to make sure you are safe. Do you need emergency assistance? If so, call 999 and security if you are on campus on 01273 873333. 

Report and Support is a way for you to report any incidence of bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse, stalking, spiking or discrimination. Making a named report to Report and Support means an advisor can contact you to offer support. You can report anonymously if you just want the University to know about something. Find out more about Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Get your flu jab at the University Pharmacy

Have you considered getting a flu vaccination? The campus pharmacy offers a convenient location for students to receive their flu jabs. For those over 65, pregnant, or with certain medical conditions, the flu vaccine is available for free. For other students, the pharmacy also provides private vaccines. Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also helps safeguard your friends and coursemates from the flu.

The campus pharmacy also offers a range of other health services, including the C-Card programme, which is a way to access free condoms and lubricant to improve sexual health. The C-Card can be obtained from any pharmacy.

Become a Green Impact Project Assistant

We are looking for dedicated students to volunteer as Green Impact Project Assistants. In this role, you will work closely with a University School or department supporting their sustainability initiatives and helping them work towards a Green Impact award. Shape real-world sustainability at our University while building key professional skills. Find out more and apply using this form by 11.59pm on Sunday 20 October.

Reminder: explore your options at our PhD Open Evening (21 October)

On Monday 21 October (5-8.30pm) the Sussex Researcher School and our Postgraduate team will be hosting a PhD Open Evening on campus. The evening will feature a panel discussion on how to apply for a PhD, talks on funding and careers, and a question and answer session with current postgraduate researchers. Places are limited so if you are interested, make sure you book your place.

Paperless parking is now active on campus

Campus car parks went digital with paperless parking on Monday 14 October. Eligible students can still apply for a paperless parking permit via the new self-service portal. Here is what you need to know about the new system including information on how to pay for parking.

Meet your friends and host your next activity at Eat Central

Eat Central, our newly refurbished and largest campus restaurant, is now open for bookings until 9pm. With two areas available for bookings, it can accommodate up to 50 people, making it perfect for student societies or any group gatherings with friends. Check out the new look in this photo gallery.

Grab a bagel on campus and support a special cause

The University has launched a new project supporting the Down Syndrome Development Trust – ‘Relish’ the bagel van. The menu features fluffy bagels, with toppings including whipped cream cheese, mozzarella, tomato and pesto, banana and peanut butter, and more! Visit Relish at the Bramber House lawns between 10am and 2.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays throughout this term.

With best wishes,  

    
Kate

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