Your student update: Will we retain our varsity title for the ninth year? Ramadan at Sussex, and more
Posted on behalf of: Student Communications
Last updated: Thursday, 27 February 2025
Earlier today, Kate O'Riordan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, wrote to all taught students. You can read her full email below:
Hello,
Tomorrow marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan, in which Muslims across the world will be fasting from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan Kareem to all students and staff, and to the wider Muslim community across Brighton and Hove.
Ramadan is a special time for reflection, community, and bringing people together. Last year, Digital Media Creator Aisulu put together a brilliant video about managing her studies alongside fasting and at Sussex University we are committed to supporting our Muslim students and staff during this period. The Meeting House and Chaplaincy are here to provide a welcoming space for everyone. Additionally, Sussexsport is offering special support for those observing Ramadan. More information about this can be found further down this newsletter.
Speaking of our inclusive community, Sussex’s own One World Week starts on 10 March. Run collaboratively between the University and the Students’ Union, One World Week is a celebration of the diversity of cultures in our community. Applications for event funding has now closed, so keep an eye on your inbox over the next couple of weeks to discover some of the fantastic events being planned.
Please read on for your regular update, including:
- Make your impact – Students’ Union Spring Elections are here!
- Improve your academic skills with our workshop series
- Win prizes and take control of your finances during National Student Money Week
- Win a £50 gift card by answering a quick three-question survey!
- Sustainability by design – help develop the University’s sustainability solutions
- Creating Voice workshops – sign up for FREE
- Getting ready for online option module choice
- Find out about our Socially Responsible Investment Policy Review
- Sussexsport supporting members who are observing Ramadan
- Varsity 2025
Make your impact – Students' Union Spring Elections are here!
Your students' union is led by students, for students - now you have a chance to shape its future. Nominations are open for Full-time (paid) and Part-time Officer roles, Student Trustees and society and sports club committees. Whether you want to run for a position or vote for who represents you, this is the time to make a lasting impact.
Voting opens on 25 March, so please get involved, have your say, and help create a Students’ Union that delivers for you. Find out more about the process and even nominate yourself. Anyone can be an Officer, so whoever you are, make your impact now!
Improve your academic skills with our workshop series
Enhance your learning and academic skills with a range of workshops on essay writing, presentation skills, dissertation writing, time management and revision strategies. Whether in-person or online, these workshops offer practical advice and support to help you boost your academic confidence. Attend and earn points toward the Spirit of Sussex Award!
Register today and discover how to improve your academic skills with our workshop series.
Win prizes and learn how to increase your income
Next week, the National Association of Student Money Advisers and Blackbullion are partnering to bring you a week of learning during National Student Money Week.
There will be chances to win cash prizes and to learn how to side hustle, earning your way through learning.
As a Sussex student you get free access to the easy-to-use Blackbullion learning platform.
Win a £50 gift card by answering a quick three-question survey!
The Spirit of Sussex Award team are giving away £50 gift cards to three students who complete this survey, gathering student feedback on the Spirit of Sussex Award scheme. The survey is only three questions long and will take only a couple of minutes to complete.
Also – if you are a finalist undergraduate student, the deadline for logging Spirit of Sussex Award points is on Tuesday 1 April – check out this Student Hub article which shares 10 simple ways to reach an award level before graduation!
Sustainability by design – help develop the University’s sustainability solutions
Do you want to feed directly into the design and development of the University’s sustainability solutions?
Sign up for our collaborative session Tuesday 4 March or join the drop-in on Thursday 6 March to have your perspectives shape our long-term plans.
Creating Voice workshops – sign up for FREE
Looking for a creative way to have your voice heard and make your mark?
Sign up for Student Engagement and Enhancement’s free, professionally run workshops throughout March on a range of creative practices including drama, music, photography and creative writing. Learn new skills, or refine old ones, and have the opportunity to display your work in a public exhibition.
Getting ready for online option module choice
If you are a continuing undergraduate or part-time postgraduate student in your first year you will soon be able to select your option and elective modules for the next academic year. For the week commencing Monday 3 March you will be able to browse the option and elective modules available to you in Sussex Direct – this is an opportunity for you to explore and find out more about the modules you will be able to pick from. You will be able to make your actual module selections during the weeks of the 10 and 17 March - we will update you next week with the detailed schedule of when you can make your choices.
Find out about our Socially Responsible Investment Policy Review
The University is in the process of reviewing and updating its Socially Responsible Investment Policy. This policy outlines and informs how the University invests its funds. Please read here for further information on why the review is happening and the 10 guiding principles that will underpin the new policy. Feedback on the principles is welcomed by the end of February.
Sussexsport supporting members who are observing Ramadan
From Friday 28 February to Sunday 30 March, student and staff Silver members will be able to access the gym at both facilities at peak times for no extra cost. Plus, student and staff Bronze members will be able to access both our gyms at peak times at off-peak rates.
Please come to either of the Sport Centre receptions to request special access for this period.
Varsity 2025
Varsity is back on Wednesday 12 until Sunday 23 March 2025. Sussex will take on the University of Brighton in over 10 sports - but will we retain our overall title for the ninth time? Tickets are available on the SU website now.
With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)