Kate O'Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today. You can read the full message below:
Hello,
Yesterday marked the International Day of Education, which focused on ‘learning for lasting peace’. The United Nations (UN) notes that the “foundation of more peaceful, just, and sustainable societies is laid through education”. As difficult as that connection might seem right now, in what feels like a time of rising injustice and conflict, it is important to hold on to a belief that we can contribute to that foundation.
That hope seems possible because I have been reminded this week of the creativity, international reach and energy of all students at Sussex through attending our Winter Graduation ceremonies. This was my first graduation as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), and it was really inspiring to see so many talented individuals cross the stage and to hear about achievements across all subject areas. Follow @SussexUni on Instagram to see some highlights from the ceremonies.
As teaching resumes next week, I hope you are looking forward to making the most of the many opportunities it offers you, now and for the future.
Back in December, Jesse Darling was announced as the winner of Turner Prize 2023, the world’s leading prize for contemporary art. As Education Partner for Turner Prize 2023, we have been working in collaboration with Towner Eastbourne on an inspiring arts education programme, including a series of in conversation events on campus during the autumn term. You can also read about how Art History student Elle Batehub helped create a visitors’ pack for the exhibition.
Now we’re offering free tickets to Sussex students to upcoming events with each of the Turner Prize 2023 shortlisted artists. Find out how to get your free ticket below [anchor link]. You can also visit the main exhibition for free at Towner Eastbourne until 14 April 2024.
Please read on for your regular update, including:
- Rail strike – Tuesday 30 January
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date
- Reminder: Refreshers fair (30 January)
- Book your slot for the Summer Jobs Fair (15 February)
- Holocaust Memorial Day exhibition
- Free Turner Prize event tickets for Sussex students!
- Celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller heritage and culture (30 January)
- Win a MacBook Air with Santander Universities
- Sussex snapshot.
Rail strike – Tuesday 30 January
A rail strike is planned for Tuesday 30 January, which will affect Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Great Northern services. There will also be reduced train services from 29 January to 6 February inclusive, so remember to check the train timetable if you need to come to campus.
Brighton & Hove buses will be circulating as usual. You can check the bus timetables on the Brighton & Hove Buses website.
Last term, many of you experienced delays using local buses. Brighton & Hove Buses has confirmed that more bus drivers have now been recruited and trained, reducing the impact of the driver shortage, so we are optimistic that there will be less disruption this term. We will continue to talk to Brighton & Hove Buses and monitor service levels.
As mentioned last week, you can also have your say on the future of transport in East Sussex by taking part in a local consultation.
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date
The UK Health Security Agency is raising awareness of increasing measles cases. Measles is a viral infection that spreads very easily by coughs and sneezes. It can cause serious problems in some people.
Speak to your doctor or the on-campus NHS health centre 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) – for female students, free for those under 25.
You may be able to get these free of charge if you register with a doctor.
You might also consider a vaccination for meningococcal group B (MenB). You can only get this vaccination privately at certain pharmacies or travel clinics, unless you have certain chronic conditions.
See more about vaccinations and medication on the Student Hub.
Reminder: Refreshers Fair (30 January)
Your Students’ Union has organised a week of activities to celebrate the beginning of Semester two, from Taylor-Swift craft events to films and live music, and of course the Refreshers Fair. This is another chance to discover and sign up for societies, meet new people and find lots of ways to enhance your student experience at Sussex!
Book your slot for the Summer Jobs Fair (15 February)
Our Summer Jobs Fair is coming up on Thursday 15 February. It will take place from 11am-3pm at the Student Centre on campus. This is your opportunity find summer work experience and speak to employers offering part-time work, internships and volunteering positions both on campus, in Brighton and across wider areas of the UK. Book your timeslot now via Eventbrite to attend.
Holocaust Memorial Day exhibition
This Saturday, 27 January, is Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) – a time to reflect on the atrocities of the past and promote tolerance and understanding. Our annual HMD event, taking place at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts on Wednesday 7 February, will feature a powerful talk by a holocaust survivor and a film taster. The event is now fully booked to attend in person, reflecting the strong interest of our community.. Please email events@sussex.ac.uk if you’d like to receive a link to watch a live stream of the event.
You will also be able to engage in meaningful conversations by visiting the Remembering The Roma Holocaust multi-media exhibition. Find the exhibition in Woodland 3 at the Student Centre from 2-3pm on Friday 9 February.
Free Turner Prize event tickets for Sussex students!
Towner Eastbourne is offering free tickets to Sussex students for upcoming events with each of the Turner Prize 2023 shortlisted artists, as part of our Education Partnership.
This year’s shortlisted artists are Ghislaine Leung, Rory Pilgrim, Barbara Walker and Jesse Darling – who was announced as the winner on 5 December.
There are 50 free places at each event available to Sussex students – read about each event and find the links to book on the Student Hub.
Celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller heritage and culture (30 January)
No matter your background, we invite you to learn more about Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities through a fun and interactive session in the Student Centre on Tuesday 30 January. Pop in between 12 noon and 2pm to experience making your own Romani Tea, tasting a traditional Romani snack, and getting creative with our arts and crafts. You can drop in on the day or book a slot.
Win a MacBook Air with Santander Universities
Our partners at Santander Universities are giving away 10 brand new MacBook Air laptops. All students at UK universities can enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students. You don’t need to bank with Santander to get involved. Enter by 29 February for your chance to win.
With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)