We’re continuing to update our Returning to campus pages with advice on guidance as we work on and off campus for the 2021/22 academic year in line with our new Remote Working Framework [PDF 222KB].

Some recent updates to be aware of:

New Community Pledge

The University has updated its community pledge in response to the relaxation of Covid rules and the roll out of the UK vaccination programme.

Last year, more than 4,000 students and staff pledged to uphold the Sussex values of Kindness, Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration and Courage.

A key aspect of the pledge that we’re asking staff and students to sign is that as a community we are aware that to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid-19, we’re expected to:

• wear a mask in all teaching spaces and other busy or enclosed spaces such as public transport, unless exempt from doing so
• wash or sanitise hands regularly, especially before and after moving between rooms and buildings
• take regular Lateral Flow tests every week

Please consider taking a few minutes to read and sign the pledge.

Face coverings

We know that some staff may be worried about how to broach instances where students are not wearing face coverings. Whilst it is not a legal requirement to wear face coverings, we are making it very clear that it is the expectation of our community. If you have concerns following a teaching session, then please raise this with your line manager and we will find ways to support you.

We do expect all students and staff to wear face coverings, unless exempt, in crowded and enclosed spaces on public transport and on campus (including in all teaching spaces) and to follow the instructions indicated by signage. This signage will be very visible across the campus.

We will be reminding all students during the term through regular communication, signage and our new Community Pledge that we expect students to wear face-coverings in busy indoor spaces – such as the classroom. We do not expect face coverings to be worn in office spaces where staff are comfortable, although we do advise staff to consider avoiding having meetings with multiple people in crowded spaces.

Lanyards

The University is providing red lanyards so staff and students can signal they’d prefer greater social distancing. These are available for collection from the 19 locations where Lateral Flow tests are available as well as Sussex House reception.

Tests

The Bramber House testing centre has now closed, but all staff should continue to get twice-weekly Covid-19 tests using the home testing kits that are easily ordered from the www.gov.uk website. Staff and students can also collect home testing kits from several campus locations.

Sharing your vaccination status

It’s helpful for the University to know the likely levels of protection our staff have against the virus, as it will help us to refine our business continuity plans. We’ll also share the aggregated data with the local Public Health Director and their team to help their outbreak planning. 

You are now able to update your vaccination status on the MyView portal. It is your choice whether you supply this information to the University, and you can update or remove this data at any time. 

The data will be held securely with access limited to relevant colleagues in Human Resources, and only be held for as long as is necessary for these purposes.

Parking

Finally, a reminder that parking charges, which have been suspended in recent months, apply from today 1 October. The cost of parking has not increased since the 2020/21 academic year.