Supporting University events and student life : Our community : Staff Hub : University of Sussex

Get involved with the wider work of the University and our events for students.

Get involved in the University's wider work

Throughout the year, there are many ways to contribute to the broader work of the University. It’s a great chance to meet new colleagues, learn more about student life at Sussex, and try something different from your usual role.

If you're interested in participating, just take a moment to discuss it with your manager and then sign up through the opportunities that will be shared in our regular communications.

Clearing

Every August, during UCAS results day, staff from across the University help with the Clearing process. This involves speaking to prospective students, guiding them through the offer process, and answering any questions they may have. Full training is provided, so no prior experience is necessary.

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Open Days and Applicant Visit Days

We also value the support of staff during Open Days and Applicant Visit Days. At our Undergraduate Open Days prospective students and their parents are often visiting our campus for the first time. Applicant Visit Days offer another chance for prospective students to discover more about university life and the course they're interested in.

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Welcome Week and registration

Every September, staff help with Welcome Week and student registration, which happen just before teaching starts (Week 0). This is an exciting time to be involved, as you’ll be helping students settle into campus life during their first few days. Training is provided, and staff are encouraged to wear "Ask Me" badges to make it easier for students to seek help. Keep an eye out for more information in the summer term.

Graduation

Our summer and winter graduations are milestone events in the University calendar and a huge achievement for our students. There are over 13 different staff positions to choose from, ranging from assisting students with gowning to answering questions at the information desk.

You can also watch this video to hear from colleagues about why working at graduation is such a rewarding experience.

Being part of Graduation at Sussex

Video transcript

Video title: Being part of Graduation at Sussex

Music plays and the screen shows the outside of the Brighton Centre where Graduation is held, then fast forwarded footage of people filling up the auditorium.

Sally Porter, a Graduation helper, speaks into a microphone standing in front of groups of people chatting in the Brighton Centre.

Sally: “I really love the vibe of graduation. It has a real electric feel to it.”

Footage is shown of a Graduation helper fitting a student with their mortarboard hat before the ceremony.

Lynne Allen, a Graduation helper, is standing in front of the reception area of the Brighton Centre with lots of people sitting in the background.

Lynee: “It's really nice to see everyone's smiling faces when they arrive.”

Revathy Nair, a Graduation helper, is shown in front of a plain background.

Revathy: “I love seeing those emotions. I love seeing people being really friendly with their families, celebrating with their friends.”

Footage is shown of graduates having their photos taken and queuing up to cross the stage.

Sanjeev Bhasker, Chancellor of the University is filmed in an empty bar area with someone standing in the distance behind him. He is wearing full Chancellor robes.

Sanjeev: “This is a great place to work. Graduation's amazing. Even today, this is my 14th year, there were firsts on the stage and around. All I'm going to say the splits. Someone did the splits.”

Footage is shown of graduates crossing the stage and interacting with Sanjeev, including someone doing the splits.

Sajneev: “Come along. Enjoy yourselves. Come here. It's a great place to work.”

The Graduation officials are shown backstage making their way to the stage, with a Graduation helper dancing happily beside them.

Greg Toth, a Graduation helper, is shown in a room with lots of bunting and people in the background.

Greg: “Do it. It's really great to work with different colleagues from different parts of the University, and the food is really tasty.”

Someone is shown picking up a plate of food from a buffet lunch counter.

Matthew Oades, a Graduation helper, is filmed in the staff room with colleagues relaxing in the background.

Matthew: “It's fun, and it's a great way to meet other colleagues from across the University.”

A group of helpers in blue robes waves to the camera.

Olivia Connor, a Graduation helper, stands in front of a wall of graffiti saying ‘You belong here.’

Olivia: “Come and do it. It's a day out of the office. Something different to do.”

And yes, why not?

Graduates are shown dancing on stage with the Chancellor, and celebrating getting their degrees.

Sally: “I would say 100% do it. It's such a fun day. It's my favourite time of the year.”

A pink screen saying congratulations is shown. A bar person is shown filling up glasses of fizzy wine. A graduate spins around whilst crossing the stage.

Revathy: “It's really, really fun. Highly recommended.”

Graduates and the Chancellor are shown celebrating on stage.

The University of Sussex logo is shown to end the video.