Latest student news
Your student update: Inspiring alumni. £500 prize draw. Voter registration.
Posted on behalf of: Student Communications
Last updated: Friday, 22 September 2023

Kate O'Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today. You can read the full message below:
Hello
This week I’d like to start by highlighting the story of Jamila Campbell-Allen, a University of Sussex Business School graduate who now works for the Editorial team at LinkedIn.
Jamila shows the importance of resilience when job searching. She also shares insights about the recruitment process and how her professional experiences so far compare to student life. If you’re interested, read the full interview on the Student Hub.
Sussex has a huge network of alumni, including leading scientists, politicians, executive directors, entrepreneurs, lawyers, journalists, authors, actors, musicians and comedians. You can connect with this international network online through the free Sussex Connect platform. As you can see, we have a global community making an impact across every sector, so I’m sure you will find someone to inspire you or support your own journey.
Our next Careers Fair will take place from 11am-3pm on 8 November at the American Express Stadium in Falmer – I'll share more information soon. If you’re looking for paid work or volunteering opportunities while you study, our Student Jobs and Volunteering Fair is coming up on 12 October too. You can book a timed slot through Eventbrite.
Please read on for your regular update, including:
- Industrial action and marking information
- UK students, make sure you’re registered to vote
- Inclusive Sussex: In conversation with Lela Kogbara and Jane Farrell (18 October)
- Don’t miss your chance to win £500 in this student prize draw!
- Welcome Week reminder
- Sussex snapshot.
Industrial action and marking information
As I mentioned last week, the University and College Union (UCU) marking and assessment boycott ended on 6 September. If you’re a returning student, you might have seen my email to you yesterday about your results day. Please, make sure you read it for more information.
Some staff who are members of UCU at the University of Sussex and 135 other universities may be taking part in national strike action during Welcome Week (25-29 September).
Whilst the University respects union members’ right to take industrial action, we are doing everything possible to minimise the impact on your experience of starting at, or returning to, Sussex.
We are regularly updating the Industrial action page on the Student Hub, so please check there for more details.
UK students, make sure you’re registered to vote
International Day of Democracy took place last Friday with the theme ‘Empowering the next generation’. Your voice matters and we want to ensure that it’s included in the decisions that greatly affect our world.
If you are a new student or you have changed your address since last academic year, we recommend you register as part of the University’s annual online registration process. Find out if you’re eligible to vote and how to register.
Inclusive Sussex: In conversation with Lela Kogbara and Jane Farrell (18 October)
Book your free place at the next Inclusive Sussex talk. On Wednesday 18 October, Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion), will be in conversation with Lela Kogbara and Jane Farrell about inclusive leadership.
Lela Kogbara was a senior leader in the public sector for 25 years and is the former director of Black Thrive Global. Jane Farrell is a specialist in inclusive leadership, unconscious bias, organisational change and cultural adaptability.
Don’t miss your chance to win £500 in this student prize draw!
Exclusively for UK university students, Santander Universities are giving away 200 lots of £500. All students are eligible including undergraduates, postgraduates, new and returning students. Enter by 31 October for your chance to win.
Welcome Week reminder
I hope you are looking forward to the start of the academic year. Whether you are a new student or coming back for another year of study, Welcome Week is an opportunity to make new friends, find out about University services and facilities, have fun, and learn how you can make your time at Sussex the best that it can be.
With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)