Our pledge
It is an extraordinary time to be part of the University of Sussex community. The global coronavirus pandemic means that now, more than ever, we all need to support each other, by behaving with mutual respect and care, and upholding the values of our University – Kindness, Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration and Courage. Sussex students, staff and visitors are already demonstrating safer practices and looking out for each other by taking regular Lateral Flow tests, wearing face coverings in all teaching spaces and confined spaces, and by washing/sanitising their hands regularly.
Collaboration and Integrity will be particularly important to our community as we work together and commit to this pledge by signing up online (either in name or anonymously).
The University of Sussex community pledge:
- Our values of Kindness, Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration and Courage help us to create an inclusive and safe community for everyone at Sussex. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sussex students and staff have demonstrated these values by having safer practices and looking out for everyone in their community. They’ve shown this by receiving both Covid-19 vaccinations if they wish to – knowing that the University strongly encourages those who can be vaccinated to do so, as it can help protect individuals and everyone else in our community from the virus. Students and staff are also taking lateral flow tests regularly, wearing masks in teaching spaces and confined spaces and washing/sanitising their hands regularly.
- I will follow Government and University guidance related to minimising the spread of Covid-19. I understand that this may change so I will take personal responsibility for ensuring I am up to date with the latest information.
- To minimise the risk of transmission of Covid-19, I’m aware that I’m expected to:
- wear a mask in all teaching spaces and other busy or enclosed spaces such as public transport, unless I am exempt from doing so
- wash or sanitise my hands regularly, especially before and after moving between rooms and buildings
- Take regular Lateral Flow tests every week
- If I begin to suffer with any Covid-19 symptoms I will report these using the processes within the University and follow guidance to self-isolate and request a PCR test. I accept the role that I have to play in making sure that the areas where we live, work, and study are as safe as they can be.
- I will show empathy, respect and due consideration to others – my friends and peers; my colleagues; my neighbours; all university staff and all of those who help me achieve my goals at Sussex. I know that this pledge sits alongside the University’s policies around Dignity and Respect [PDF 260KB] and that I have a duty to assist in establishing an environment in which others feel safe. I acknowledge that I may not know other people’s personal circumstances and that it’s therefore vital that I remain attentive, follow the appropriate guidance, and respond positively to the concerns of others.
- I will look out for my friends and those I live, learn or work with. If I have a concern about someone, I will raise this with an appropriate person (academic tutor, porter, Residential Life Connector; Building Manager etc.) so that help and support can be offered.
- I will be inclusive and supportive of those around me. If I see others behaving inappropriately, I will raise my concerns directly with those people in an open, constructive, and polite manner. Where I feel unable to safely challenge them, I will use the advice outlined within this pledge to raise my concern with specialist staff within the University.
- If I am challenged about my behaviour I will respond in an open, positive, and respectful manner – listening carefully to understand the concern, and changing my behaviour if I am able to. I understand and accept that wilfully and/or repeatedly breaching University guidance and policies is an act of misconduct and could lead to me being subject to disciplinary processes. If I see situations that are contrary to guidance, I will remove myself from those situations as soon as possible.
- I know that this is an ever-developing situation – one which requires everyone’s ongoing attention and vigilance. I commit to continuing to learn about the issues arising from this global pandemic and to do all that I can to ensure that everyone in our community has the best experience they can.
Raising a concern
If you have a concern about the behaviour of others but feel unable to raise this with them directly, please approach the staff member who appears to be responsible for the space in which this behaviour is taking place, and ask them to intervene. We will provide you with support and take the necessary steps to positively resolve the concern.
If the situation is urgent, or you feel that you are at risk of physical and verbal abuse, you can get support from the University Security team (on-campus) by calling 01273 873333 or the Police (off-campus) by calling 999 in emergency situations.
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Share your support for the community pledge on social media
Twitter:
"I support the @SussexUni community pledge and will play my part to keep our community safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. Show your support: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/coronavirus/community"
Facebook:
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