Earlier today, Kate O'Riordan, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Students, wrote to all taught students. You can read her full email below:
Hello,
Before I begin this week’s update, my thoughts are with those of you who have been affected by the tragic earthquake in Myanmar and the region. For those of you with a registered nationality or home address on Sussex Direct from the region, you should have received an email with information about support from the University earlier in the week. However, I appreciate many of you may have other connections to these events, and please do contact ourstudent support services if this would be helpful.
For the update this week, I want to talk about feedback opportunities at Sussex. There are two main forms of feedback. The first is the academic feedback that you receive and the second is the advice you give us about your experience. You will all be used to receiving academic feedback from your lecturers, tutors and other students, and I encourage you to spend time reflecting on the feedback you have received over your university career so far before we head into the assessment period. You may find these videos on the Skills Hub helpful. Reflecting on and responding to feedback will help you to reach your full academic potential.
The second area, is where you and your fellow students play a valuable role helping the University constantly improve by feeding back about your course, and your wider student experience. We sometimes refer to this as student voice. We ask you to provide feedback in different ways throughout the year, and each has its own purpose. This can include taking part in national surveys such as the National Student Survey (for finalists) or the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (for postgraduate students), completing module evaluations each term (currently open for Foundation Year, Year 1 and Year 2), or sharing ideas and opinions with your tutors, or your Course Reps to discuss with staff.
We are hugely appreciative of the time you spend giving us this advice. It leads to real positive change, for you and other students in your cohort, and for future students. Find out more on the Student Hub.
Lastly, I also want to remind you that students sometimes get approached by external organisations or media for interviews, either on campus or elsewhere. If you’re ever asked by anyone for videos or interviews, it’s important to find out who they are, what they are gathering content for, and remember that you’re always free to say no. Watch this video by Accalia, one of our Digital Media Creators, who shares more advice about this.
Please read on for your regular update, including:
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The Festival of Ideas is back, starting 8 April!
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Spring Careers Fair, 10 April
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How to build a social life as a mature student
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Explaining the student discipline process
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Are your vaccinations up to date?
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Origami and Sexual Health: Crafting Conversations
The Festival of Ideas is back, starting 8 April!
The Sussex Festival of Ideas is a dynamic and engaging programme of events, talks and activities from the Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities.
The 2025 Festival programme comprises a week of on-campus student-led activities between 8-11 April and seven events showcasing Sussex research as part of the Brighton Festival in May.
Check out a recent Instagram video made by our student Digital Media Creators, which gives you a taste of what is coming up in the student-led events next week.
Spring Careers Fair, 10 April
Don’t miss Spring Careers Fair 2025 on Thursday 10 April 12-3pm. Taking place in the Student Centre, meet organisations offering graduate roles, placements, volunteering & further study opportunities. Employers are excited to meet Sussex students and discuss their opportunities, so this is your chance to make valuable connections. Book your place now.
How to build a social life as a mature student
While younger students are diving headfirst into campus life, as a mature student you may have jobs and dependents to take care of, and many other responsibilities that pull you in different directions, you may also wonder if you'll find your place, your people, here at Sussex.
Whether you’re 21 or 75, mature student Dharma believes you absolutely can - it just takes the right approach. Read more on your Student Blog.
Explaining the student discipline process
The University of Sussex expects all students to adhere to the Dignity, Respect and Inclusion policy. The Student Discipline team considers if students have breached the following:
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causing actual or potential distress or harm to others
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causing actual or potential damage to the property of the University or others
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disrupting the normal operation of the University
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interfering with the work or study of someone at the University.
Anyone can submit a report, here, including students, staff and the public. Find out more.
If you would like support around what you have experienced, use Report and Support to be put in touch with an advisor. This is not formally reporting it to the University, but advisors can support you in deciding if you want to make this step.
Are your vaccinations up to date?
Have you checked you are up to date with all your childhood and adolescent vaccines? Students who are not up to date with all their vaccines are at increased risk of contracting serious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning), and measles as you mix with large numbers of new people, some of whom might be unknowingly carrying the disease and spreading it.
Find out more on the Hub and speak with your doctor to make sure you are up to date with your vaccines.
Origami and Sexual Health: Crafting Conversations
This is a fun and educational event where there will be paper folding (origami), learning, and talking all things sexual health! "Origami & Sexual Health" combines creativity with open discussions about anatomy, consent, pleasure, and safe sex. Find out more about this event, which takes place on Monday 7 April, 11am-1pm, Woodland 5.
With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)