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,
If you are looking to refresh your wardrobe or pick up a new read, the Library is hosting a books and clothes swap in March.
Drop off any unwanted clothes and books at the Library Service Desk during staffed hours between now and March 21. In exchange for each item you bring, you will get a token. On Tuesday 25 March you can come to the Library’s Open Learning Space between 11am and 3pm and swap your tokens for items for a new look or a new favourite book. A fun way to shop that’s sustainable and budget-friendly, while clearing out your unwanted items.
I want to thank everyone who came to the last open student drop in for giving up your time and sharing your experience. I really appreciate you doing this. It was also wonderful to see so many students enjoying the Valentine’s at Sussex festivities on the same day at the Student Centre. From cuddles with goats (everyone asked about the goats!), to arts and crafts, there was a real variety of activities, and a great feeling of community. You can catch up on some of this from our student Digital Media Creators on Instagram.
This is a good point in the year to look again at the feedback you have received on previous academic work. Make sure you have identified strengths and areas where you need support, ahead of preparation for your next assessment. Talk to your teaching and academic advising staff, and make use of Skills Hub.
Please read on for your regular update, including:
- It is not too late to get your vaccinations
- Finalists! Win a £150 graduation package
- Book a place for the spring Masters Open Day
- Hear from inspiring alumni in our Make it Happen events in March
- Say thank you to a staff member by nominating in the Sussex Awards
- Sustainable fish and seafood on campus
- Experience West Slope from above
It is not too late to get your vaccinations
Speak to your usual doctor (through the on-campus NHS health centre if you are registered there) to make sure your vaccinations are up to date. The main vaccinations you should consider cover:
- measles, mumps and rubella (the MMR vaccine)
- meningitis
- HPV (human papillomavirus) – free for those under 25.
If you are a UK or overseas student under 25 years of age and you have not been vaccinated yet, you can get them for free on the NHS. Find out more about vaccinations.
I urge you to read the full update on the Student Hub.
Finalists! Win a £150 graduation package
If you are in the final year of your undergraduate course, please take a few minutes to complete the National Student Survey (NSS). The NSS is an external survey, independent of the University, that gives you the chance to tell the world about your time at Sussex.
Complete the survey online for the chance to win one of 10 graduation packages worth £150! Each prize will cover the cost of gown hire, two guest tickets and a basic photography package.
Book a place for the spring Masters Open Day
Have you thought about what you might do after your Undergraduate course, but are not sure where to start? Deciding to take the next step and study a Masters can be a big decision, but there are a range of benefits associated with studying beyond undergraduate level. Book a place for our Masters Open Day on Saturday 15 March and find out how to access Masters study, how to fund your course, and the support available to you.
Hear from inspiring alumni in our Make it Happen events in March
Make it Happen is a series of events in March 2025, featuring panels of alumni speakers working in a variety of sectors and backgrounds. Open to all students, you will hear from graduates at the beginning of their post-university journeys to those who have worked their way to the top, sharing their experiences and giving valuable insights and tips about working in their industry.
Find out more about the different events in the series and book your place on the Student Hub.
You can also read this blog written by a student, who shares what she learned at one of the Make it Happen events last year.
Say thank you to a staff member by nominating in the Sussex Awards
Nominating a staff member or team from your Faculty, or the wider University in the Sussex Awards is a great opportunity for you to say thank you to those people who have had a positive impact on your time at Sussex.
Plus – you can log five Spirit of Sussex Award points in the ‘Co-creation and Evaluation’ category under the question: ‘Have you provided voluntary formal feedback on academic or professional matters on a one-off basis?’.
It is simple to nominate someone – just fill in a short nomination form, naming the person or team you wish to nominate, the category, and why you think they should receive the award.
Nominations are open until Sunday 16 March – read about the different categories and fill in the nomination form on the Student Hub.
Sustainable fish and seafood on campus
Last year we achieved a 91% score in the Sustainable Restaurant Association Accreditation, including an impressive 97% in the fish and seafood category. Our commitment has elevated our campus food offer, with initiatives such as our Friday fish and chips special featuring freshly and sustainable North Atlantic haddock. Michael King, Sussex Uni Food’s Executive Chef, has written a blog about his lifelong love of fish and the ethos that we have adopted as a result.
Experience West Slope from above
Watch our latest ‘SeagullPOV’ video to see West Slope take shape from the sky! The video showcases the ongoing development of the new Health and Wellbeing Centre and student accommodation, both set to open next year, along with the plans for more buildings to come.
Explore the latest progress and improvements happening across Better Campus this term.
With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)
[MB1]Waiting for article to be published on Thursday morning