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, 

Happy Year of the Snake to those of you who are celebrating the start of the Lunar New Year this week. I hope you enjoyed the festive activities organised in the Student Centre – don’t forget to log Spirit of Sussex Awards points for taking part!

Continuing on the theme of celebration - I am really pleased to introduce the brand-new Sussex Awards. These bring together the previous Education Awards and Research Impact and Culture Awards and celebrate the brilliant work of our staff and postgraduate researcher community who help to make your student experience the best it can be. 

The awards give you the chance to nominate those staff who you want to say thank you to for their contributions in making Sussex a great place to study. These can be academic or professional service staff from your Faculty, or wider University that have made a positive impact on your time here.

It’s quick and easy for you to submit a nomination, so please do so as soon as you can – check out the full list of awards and how to nominate on the Student Hub. The deadline for nominations is midnight Sunday 16 March. 

As teaching resumes this week, I hope you are looking forward to the new term and are able to make the most of the many opportunities available to you.

Please read on for your regular update, including: 

• There’s still time to apply for campus housing for next academic year
• Could you be an Eco Champion?
• Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation with Gary Younge
• Sussex students take on the Brighton half-marathon for suicide prevention charity 
• Talking about mental wellbeing during Time to Talk Day
• Access and Participation Plan thematic lunch: The Class Divide
• Your education matters: tell us about your assessment and feedback 
• Five months for the price of four with Sussexsport

There’s still time to apply for campus housing for next academic year

So far over 600 students have applied to live on campus next year to take advantage of the many benefits of Uni accommodation – including no deposit needed. If you’re still looking for accommodation for next academic year, it’s not too late to register. 

Applying is quick and easy – read more about the available housing and apply.

Could you be an Eco Champion?

Last year, the University generated around 1,530 tonnes of waste here on campus. We managed to recycle a third, but we want to get that total closer to 50% by the end of 2025… and we need your help!

We’re looking for Eco Champions who can spare an hour to encourage others to recycle and reuse in our campus cafés. You can gain five Spirit of Sussex Award points and a chance to win prizes if you take part!

Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation with Gary Younge

We have Professor Gary Younge, award-winning author, broadcaster and professor of Sociology, joining our next Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation event on Monday 10 February from 5.30pm-7.30pm. Gary will be discussing what the experiences of Black Germans in Nazi Germany tell us about systems of racial oppression - book your free place today.  

Sussex students take on the Brighton half-marathon for suicide prevention charity

Dozens of Sussex students will be joining participants in the Brighton half marathon for Grassroots, a suicide prevention charity. There’s still time to sign up and help make a difference, either as a runner or a volunteer.

Talking about mental wellbeing during Time to Talk Day

Time to Talk Day is on Thursday 6 Feb, it gives us all an opportunity to talk about our mental wellbeing. During the day, mental health support charity Shout will be joining the Wellbeing stall at the Student Centre and there will be events throughout the week to get the conversation started.

Access and Participation Plan thematic lunch: The Class Divide (Thursday 6 Feb)

Join the Student Engagement and Enhancement team alongside staff and students from across the university as they explore key themes relating to our new Access and Participation Plan.

Come along to find out how the class divide impacts on students’ education and the role of social and cultural capital in students’ career prospects. This session, facilitated by Class Divide, will also explore some practical steps we can take to better support students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Your education matters: tell us about your assessment and feedback

Between 12.45pm and 2.15pm on Wednesday 12 February, I will be speaking with students in the Student Centre. These sessions are an opportunity for you to ask questions, and for me to learn about your experience at Sussex and hear any suggestions you might have.

To book a 15-minute slot, email the Student Communications team at internalcomms@sussex.ac.uk with the subject “Open office session for students.” You can take part as an individual or bring a couple of friends (e.g. from your course or a society).

Five months for the price of four with Sussexsport

Sussexsport are offering all students the chance to get five months Gold membership with us for the price of only four! Purchase your membership before 28 February to be eligible. Memberships are available to purchase via their website or in person at reception.

With best wishes,
     
Kate 

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