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,
International Day of Women and Girls in Science was on Tuesday 11 February – a day where we recognise the achievements of women in science and other STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Maths) fields.
To mark this day, we shared the story of an inspiring alumna – Huyen Le, who graduated from Sussex with a Masters in Chemistry in 2021. Now a Materials Engineering PhD researcher Huyen was selected as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering 2024.
Huyen shares the benefits of doing a placement and how mentoring in particular helped her build her confidence. Read our interview with Huyen on the Student Hub.
Also, very excitingly, the Brighton Festival is back for 2025! This is a highlight of the year in the city’s calendar, and this annual celebration of the arts returns from 3–26 May. Once again, the University of Sussex is at the heart of the festival as its official Higher Education Partner, and there will be opportunities to get involved.
You can also try your hand at live coding music, celebrate Britain’s rave culture, and explore protest and resistance at our Festival of Ideas. Led by the Faculty of Media, Arts, and Humanities, this dynamic programme of talks, events, and activities is now in its fourth year as part of the official Brighton Festival programme.
Find out more about the festival programme and our partnership.
Please read on for your regular update, including:
- A2 exam timetable will be published 17 March
- Residential Life flatmate finder event, Tuesday 18 February
- Support for students with the termly fee collection process
- Discover the Library wellbeing area
- Funding applications for One World Week are now open
- High School Musical: on Stage! at the ACCA
- Find out about our Socially Responsible Investment Policy Review
- Arts Piazza’s local charity partners – as chosen by students and staff
- “This work is so vital”: Reflections on the Universities of Sanctuary conference
- Valentine’s playlist.
A2 exam timetable will be published 17 March
The A2 examination timetable will be published on Monday 17 March and will be available as usual via your Sussex Direct pages. This is an amendment to the previous publication date of Friday 7 March; any references to this date are incorrect and should be disregarded.
Residential Life flatmate finder event, Tuesday 18 February
It’s not all about love this Valentine’s Day - it’s flatmates who can make next year one to remember! If you’re still looking for people to live with, come to the Residential Life x Housing flatmate finder event to meet others also looking for next year’s ideal flatmates. Whether you are already a group looking for the last pieces of the puzzle or on your own, we can help. Tuesday 18 February 2-4pm Woodland 2 in the Student Centre. Pre-register on MySussex.
Support for students with the termly fee collection process
To support students with the termly fee collection process, the Finance team will be available for face-to-face appointments at the student centre every day between Tues 18 Feb and Fri 28 Feb between 10am and 4pm. Specialists will be available on a walk-in basis or through limited bookable appointments. To book an appointment email: Finance.appointments@sussex.ac.uk.
During this period there will be a limited Finance telephone enquiry service between 9am and 1pm, and 2pm and 4 pm, Mon to Fri on 01273 877172. This service can advise on making a payment, or if payment has been received – and deal with existing enquiries. Students can continue to email Finance. We aim to respond to all emails within three working days.
Information on fee payments can be found on the Student Hub.
Discover the Library wellbeing area
The Library is improving its wellbeing space, expanding its collection and hosting in-person events over the next term. The first event is on Tuesday 18 from 11am-6pm - come along to the space, make a bookmark and meet the connectors!
Follow the Library on Instagram for more updates.
Funding applications for One World Week cultural diversity celebrations are open now!
Run collaboratively by the University and the Students’ Union, One World Week is a celebration of the cultural diversity of Sussex. From promoting understanding and celebrating cultural festivals to raising awareness of global issues, it showcases the best of our campus community spirit. This year it will take place from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 March.
Do you have an event idea? this your chance to get creative and get involved. Apply for funding for an event that embodies the aims of One World Sussex. Applications close on 17 February.
High School Musical: on Stage! at the ACCA
Join the Sussex Musical Theatre Societies in entering the sparkling halls of East High. Based on the infamous Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical: On Stage!, follows the story of Troy Bolton, star basketball player and Gabriella Montez, the reserved new girl, as they work to break free from the norm! Get ready for show stopping numbers, and heartwarming moments, that will leave everyone wanting more.
The show will be opening at The Attenborough Centre of Creative Arts from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 February. Book your tickets now.
Find out about our Socially Responsible Investment Policy Review
The University is in the process of reviewing and updating its Socially Responsible Investment Policy. This policy outlines and informs how the University invests its funds.
Please read here for further information on this review and the 10 guiding principles that have been developed to underpin it, and details of how you can hear more about it, ask questions and provide feedback.
Arts Piazza’s local charity partners – as chosen by students and staff
Social Impact Coffee, Arts Piazza’s new coffee partner, makes sure 65% of the sales from the coffee beans we buy goes directly to support a local cause of our choice.
Earlier in the month, we asked you to vote for the causes closest to your heart, and results are now in! Find out which local charities Arts Piazza’s coffee will be supporting this year, making every bean count!
“This work is so vital”: Reflections on the Universities of Sanctuary conference
Did you know that Sussex is a University of Sanctuary, recognising our commitment to promoting a culture of welcome, safety and inclusion across our campuses and their wider communities? Law student Bee Aumeer recently attended the Universities of Sanctuary conference in York. We caught up with her to learn more about her experience and insights for your Student Blog.
Valentine’s playlist
This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating self-love, self-care, and positivity with a specially curated Spotify playlist - and we’d love for you to be a part of it.
Do you have a feel-good anthem that lifts your spirits and promotes self-love?
Submit your song suggestion here and help us create a playlist that spreads positivity across our University this Valentine’s Day.
With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)