Latest student news
Your student update: New Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) appointed
By: James Horrocks
Last updated: Thursday, 20 July 2023

Earlier today, Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, wrote to all taught students. You can read her full email below:
Hello,
This week we are celebrating graduation, which has always been one of my favourite annual events at Sussex.
While the ceremonies have been a bit different from previous years, I do hope those of you attending take the time to reflect on and celebrate everything you’ve learnt, the amazing friends you’ve made and the unforgettable experiences you’ve had at Sussex.
You might be finishing your time here, but you will always be part of the University community. Please do join our Alumni Network and enjoy free membership services, such as careers support and our online mentoring and networking platform, Sussex Connect.
This summer’s graduation will be my last, as I will be leaving the University next month. I’m pleased to share that Professor Kate O’Riordan has now been appointed as our next Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students). Kate is Professor of Digital Culture, and is currently Dean of the School of Media, Arts and Humanities (MAH). Kate will take up this role from 1 August.
Read on for this week’s update, including:
- Marking and assessment boycott information
- Grow your money skills and gain financial confidence for life
- Taking a sustainable approach to catering
- Meet the Turner Prize shortlist: Rory Pilgrim
- Sussex snapshot.
Marking and assessment boycott information
We are continuing to update the industrial action page on the Student Hub when there is new information. Please check this page to stay up to date and see answers to frequently-asked questions about the impact of the marking and assessment boycott. You can also find information there on how to submit a complaint if you have been impacted by the industrial action.
If you have concerns and need extra guidance or support, the University has services available that provide advice on a range of subjects. You can access these services via the Student Centre.
Grow your money skills and gain financial confidence for life
Our partner Blackbullion provides useful resources and guidance on a range of financial topics (such as budgeting, debt and saving), to help you maximise and manage your financial resources. For further information and advice about student money and finances, check the Money skills page on the Student Hub.
Taking a sustainable approach to catering
Our strategic goal is for the University of Sussex to be one of the most sustainable universities in the world as we work to being net zero by 2035. This includes providing sustainable food on campus and helping everyone to make sustainable food choices every day.
Nearly 70% of those of you who took part in our catering survey last autumn said that it was very important or important that our catering partners share this same vision.
Find out more about our sustainable food commitments and how our catering partner Chartwells will help us meet them.
Meet the Turner Prize shortlist: Rory Pilgrim
As Education Partner for the Turner Prize 2023, the world’s leading prize for contemporary art, we have been taking a deep dive into the artist shortlist announced in April of this year.
This week we are shining a spotlight on Rory Pilgrim – a multidisciplinary artist working across a wide range of media including song writing, composition, films, texts, drawings, paintings and live performances.
Read more about Rory Pilgrim in our article on the Student Hub.
With best wishes,
Kelly
Kelly Coate, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students