Today Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, wrote to all taught students. You can read her message below:

Dear students,

As a university, we're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where all members of our community have equal and fair opportunities to fully meet their potential. 

As part of this commitment, in November last year, we launched our Antiracist Pledge.  Now a new initiative that aligns with our Pledge has been launched – the Santander Union Black training course. It enables all students and staff explore black cultures in Britain, dispel myths, challenge and contribute to the antiracism agenda. 

I hope that you will complete the course and in doing so you will have the chance to win one of 50 £500 Santander Development grants to support you in your studies. 

Read on for more essential student information on:

• Keeping campus safe

• Final year students Undergraduates’ NSS stall in Library square

• Language open courses
• COP26 Climate leader prizes

Keeping campus safe

Next week we'll welcome most of you back on campus to resume in-person teaching in Semester 2. This is a reminder for you to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test before you travel. 

Once on campus, please follow our covid-19 guidelines so that together we can help to keep campus safe. Check the Student Hub page on a regular basis as we will update the guidelines following changes to UK Government Covid-19 rules.

Final year students Undergraduates’ NSS stall in Library square

Last week, I let you know that the National Student Survey (NSS), one of the most influential sources of information about Higher Education in the UK, it’s now open for all final-year undergraduate students to complete.

For two weeks from Monday, there will be a stall in Library square where final-year students can find out more about the NSS. This will also be a chance to decide which charity, from the four shortlisted by final year student reps, will get a donation from the University of £1 per completed NSS survey. Last year the University donation was made to Student Minds. 

Final year undergraduates who complete the NSS online by 28 February, can also opt in to a prize draw for one of five graduation packages including two guest tickets, hire of a gown and photo package, worth £150 each.

Language open courses

Make your CV stand out with a second language. The Sussex Centre for languages offers 12-week courses in more than 10 languages. You'll also have access to the centre's resources, including films, tv, newspapers and magazines, as well as a Rosetta Stone account.

All courses are online and open to everyone. Find out more.

COP26 Climate Leader Prizes

Finally, we're looking for current students who showed climate leadership in the run-up to and after the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow. If you're interested in climate change activism, apply now for the chance to win one of our three £3000 prizes. 

Submissions are open until 1 February.

With best wishes,

Kelly

Kelly Coate

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students