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. Below you can read her full message:
Hello,
Today we celebrate International Volunteers Day. I know many of you volunteer your time in local charities, mentoring other students or with the Students’ Union. Don’t forget to log all your volunteering activities on the Spirit of Sussex Award platform. The Spirit of Sussex Award celebrates your co-curricular and voluntary achievements during your time at university. Check out the Student Hub for current volunteering opportunities and ideas.
As well as donating their time, last year many students helped to raise funds for a range of charities chosen by fellow students as part of our National Student Survey campaign. For each survey completed by a finalist, the University donated £1 to charity. As a result last year the University donated £2,987. Read about how you can vote for your preferred charity below.
Finally, I previously mentioned that current students can continue to live on campus after their first year – applications are now open to live on campus next academic year! There are lots of benefits to living on campus, including cheaper living costs as your bills are all included, it’s quicker and easier to get to your lectures, and groups of up to eight students can also apply to live together. It’s quick and easy to find out more – check out the Student Hub page to read more details and apply for housing.
Please read on for your regular update, including:
- Which charity would you like to see receive our National Student Survey donation?
- Support and events available to students during the winter break
- Complete the Student Spaces Survey for a chance to win prizes
- Last chance to apply for the Big Ideas Contest
- Plans for a new temporary car park on campus
- Grief Awareness Week
- New website to support people with HIV experiencing memory challenges
- Cosmic Explosions - 2024 Sussex Astronomy Christmas Lecture.
Which charity would you like to see receive our National Student Survey donation?
From 27 January until 30 April 2024, final year undergraduates will be able to take part in the National Student Survey (NSS). The University will donate £1 to charity for every Sussex student that participates in the NSS. We will split this donation between charities that have been chosen by students.
All students are invited to vote for your preferred charity using this form. Please cast your vote by Monday 13 January.
You can visit the Student Hub for more information about the NSS at Sussex.
Support and events available to students during the winter break
We have organised a complete programme of activities for those of you staying on campus during the winter break. You can also check out the next edition of Experience Sussex! going out on Monday for more fun events and activities during the festive season.
Check the Student Hub for information on the services available on campus during the break. Some facilities might be closed or operating on different hours.
Complete the Student Spaces Survey for a chance to win prizes
Complete the 2024 Student Spaces Survey by 8 December for a chance to win a £50 Munch Money voucher or one of five £10 Munch Money vouchers to spend in campus cafés.
Your feedback in previous surveys, Foodie Forums, and other activities has resulted in lots of catering improvements around campus. Eat Central has undertaken an impressive refurbishment for example, and SussexUniFood menus have become even more inclusive!
Last chance to apply for the Big Ideas Contest
We have partnered with UC Berkeley to bring the Big Ideas Contest to our students. You have until Wednesday 11 December to submit your idea for a better world.
The 'Sussex winner' will win a trip to California to pitch their idea at a Grand Final for the chance to win £10,000 launch funding, plus they will also receive a further prize of £2,500. Find out more on the Student Hub – click the red button for resources and more within CareerHub.
Plans for a new temporary car park on campus
The University is seeking planning permission for a new temporary car park on campus. You can find out more information on the Student Hub or visit our display in the Library between Tuesday 10 December and Monday 16 December – you’ll find it near the café. You can also come along and ask questions at our drop-in event on Wednesday 11 December between 2pm and 4pm in the Library or email bettercampus@sussex.ac.uk if you have any queries or comments.
Grief Awareness Week
Grief Awareness Week, observed annually from December 2 to December 8, offers a crucial opportunity to discuss and reflect on the emotional, physical, and social impact of bereavement.
Brighton and Hove offer a wide range of grief support resources. From counselling services to community groups, these avenues provide solace to those coping with loss. Read more about the support available.
New website to support people with HIV experiencing memory challenges
As we do every year on 1 December, we recognised World Aids Day to raise awareness of issues affecting people living with HIV and help end HIV stigma. To mark the day, researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), in partnership with service users from The Sussex Beacon, have launched MemoryHIV.org, a new website to support people living with HIV who are experiencing memory or thinking problems. This resource addresses a growing need for accessible information and support on brain health for individuals with HIV.
Cosmic Explosions - 2024 Sussex Astronomy Christmas Lecture
Join us next Thursday 12 December at 5pm in the Jubilee Lecture Theatre for a special Christmas edition of the Sussex Astronomy Lecture. In this talk suitable for ages 8+, Professor Stephen Wilkins will present Cosmic Explosions: The Biggest Bangs in the Sky and showcase images from the James Webb Space Telescope and other state-of-the-art observatories. Book your free seat.
With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)