Welcome Week and Registration are taking place from 16-20 September marking an exciting time for our new and returning students. As you may remember, if you went to college, university or when you started a new job, induction is important - and first impressions count. The first few days in a new environment, or returning to university after a break, can be daunting and we want to do everything we can to make sure students truly feel that they belong at Sussex straight away.
We aim to make sure all new and returning students feel supported and welcomed into our community as soon as they arrive. We know that a positive welcome and induction, or transition, will help students starting or continuing their journey to remain at Sussex and reach their academic and personal potential during their time here.
Staff are a key part of this welcome and this is a call out asking you to get involved and support our Welcome Week and Registration activities.
Getting involved and interacting with students during this exciting week can be a rewarding experience for staff. Students are often very grateful for the help and guidance during their first few days at university, and a friendly face can make all the difference. The impact you can have is so important to our students as every interaction matters. You can hear more in this short video where we asked them to tell us their thoughts about staff at Sussex.
How you can help
We need your help to support a range of important activities on campus on throughout Welcome Week and Registration during 16-20 September. Tasks include:
- welcoming and guiding students on arrival
- helping students find their way to the right service in the Student Centre and across campus
- giving out ID cards to students who have registered.
Will you be briefed in advance?
Yes - you will receive a full briefing before you begin and support during the day, so all you need to bring with you is energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to help!
We recognise this is a busy time of year for many colleagues. If you can spare a day, half a day or even a few hours to help it would be appreciated as this is very much a team effort.
How to sign up
You can sign up via the Welcome Week and Registration form.
Please do speak with your line manager to agree times when you can volunteer.
What’s happening during Welcome Week
Teams across the University are working together to develop a fantastic programme of events for this year’s Welcome Week. For the first time, we will be hosting Welcome Ceremonies for all students on Friday 20 September. These ceremonies are designed to bring our community together, celebrate the start of the academic year and foster a sense of belonging between students.
A range of activities will be hosted by the Students’ Union across campus showcasing our societies, sports offering and more. Students will also have an academic induction within their Faculty/School and get the opportunity to meet their peers and tutors for the first time.
During Welcome Week, we will also be asking staff to be proactive by wearing an ‘Ask Me’ badge so students know they can approach and ask a question if needed.
We will share more information about our Welcome Week 2024 programme soon. Thank you for your help in making our students’ first few days at Sussex as friendly and welcoming as possible.