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,

There are a lot of activities this week and coming up that I want to share with you.

Firstly, tomorrow (17 November) is International Students’ Day, which exists to promote education and reminds us that studying brings people together from all over the world. Did you know we have an area of the Student Hub dedicated to providing information and support for our international students? You can find help around topics including visas and immigration, academic support, living in the UK, money, working, and your health and welfare.

This whole week is Trans Awareness Week, which will be followed by Transgender Day of Remembrance on Monday 20 November. We are flying the Transgender pride flag above Sussex House on campus. Read our news story for more information, including details of events and support for students and staff.

World Aids Day is also coming up on Friday 1 December. The theme this year is ‘Let communities lead’. I hope that many of you will engage with the events and activities that will be occurring in the Brighton and Hove community – I’ll share more details with you all next week.

If you haven’t already been, please check out First Contact: Black@Sussex at our very own on-campus space, the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts. This free photography exhibition held for Black History Month 2023 will close its doors on Sunday 19 November.

I know the Israel-Gaza crisis continues to intensify and for many this is a deeply distressing time, particularly for those who have personal connections to the region. Please do access our student support services including Wellbeing and Chaplaincy services and please do use the Report and Support tool as appropriate. The current situation gives rise to a depth of feeling and to very real disagreement amongst us. At the same time, we will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia or any form of racism, harassment, or discrimination. Please read more about our Vice-Chancellor, Sasha Roseneil’s communication about this. 

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Do you know how to access mental wellbeing support from the University?
• Support if you experience harassment
• Our fourth annual sustainability report is out now
• Come along to the Crip Camp documentary screening
• 'Us Girls Can' Week with Sussexsport and ActiveUs
• Curating the Turner Prize
• Be a hero! Register as a stem cell donor      
• The Period Experience for Every Body
• Children’s fiction workshop
• Sussex snapshot.

Do you know how to access mental wellbeing support from the University?

Our mental wellbeing affects how we feel about all areas of life. Just like physical health, there are things you can do to help support your mental health and wellbeing, even when you’re not experiencing difficulties.

The University provides easy to access mental wellbeing advice and support. All the information you need can be found on the Student Hub.

If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out. The Student Centre offers help and advice through email, telephone, and pre-booked appointments. In addition,you can now access My Sussex, our new online student support portal.

Support if you experience harassment

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust and L'Oreal have joined forces to offer Sussex students a free hour-long online training session at 6pm on Tuesday 5 December, as part of the 16 days of action against Domestic Violence campaign. The session aims to empower bystanders in defusing harassment situations, discouraging harassers and supporting victims. Book your place.

Remember that the University’s services offer advice and support on any issue that may be affecting you. You can contact the Student Centre in person at the Welcome Desk, on the phone (01273 075700), or online via the My Sussex portal. You can now also use My Sussex to book an appointment to visit our friendly advisors.

If you've experienced domestic violence, a hate incident, discrimination, bullying or sexual violence, please let us know using the report and support tool, and an advisor will get in contact with you, if you have indicated that you would like to speak with someone.

Our fourth annual sustainability report is out now

We recently published our fourth annual Sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals report, celebrating the important work of students, staff and stakeholders from all across the Sussex community. The report explores our sustainability research, teaching, external engagement, and operational practices, and covers all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Check it out to hear how our Sussex community has been working together towards becoming one of the most sustainable universities in the world, and how you can get involved.

Come along to the Crip Camp documentary screening

Today (16 November) starts Disability History Month and this year's theme is disability, children and youth. Join Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion), at the screening of award-winning documentary Crip Camp from 12.30pm-2pm on Wednesday 29 November. The film documents experiences at a revolutionary summer camp in 1970s America that helped create a new path towards equality for disabled people. Free popcorn and soft drinks will be provided. Book your place.

'Us Girls Can' Week with Sussexsport and Active Us

‘Us Girls Can’ is back from 20-26 November. Sussexsport and ActiveUs are running a week of activity and wellbeing sessions for all self-identifying women. Join in with group fitness classes, women's health workshops and sport-specific sessions. Highlights include Taylor Swift-themed circuits, weightlifting for beginners and a free self-defence class!

Sessions are £1 (except self-defence, which is free) and bookable in advance. View the full programme and book sessions.

Curating the Turner Prize

On Wednesday 22 November from 6.30pm, Noelle Collins, Dr Sarah James and Hammad Nasar will talk about their experiences curating the Turner Prize with Dr Francesco Ventrella, Senior Lecturer in Art History at Sussex. Students can book concession tickets for £3.

Be a hero! Register as a stem cell donor       

Brighton and Sussex Marrow will be in the foyer of BSMS on Wednesday 22 November between 10am and 3pm, signing students and staff aged 16 to 30 up to the Anthony Nolan Stem cell register. Joining the stem cell register only takes 10 minutes, and you could save the life of a patient with blood cancer or a blood disorder.

The Period Experience for Every Body

Dr Chi Eziefula, Senior Lecturer at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), and guest speaker Jane Dancey, Somatic Health Practitioner and Educator, will be having a fun and frank discussion about menstrual health on Friday 24 November at 12.30pm in the Meeting House. There will be time for questions and answers, and questions can also be submitted anonymously to the panel during the event. This event is free and open for all, but places are limited. Find out more and book now.

Children’s fiction workshop

If you’re interested in writing children’s fiction, the School of Media, Arts and Humanities is organising a workshop on Saturday 25 November between 10.30am and 3.30pm with Sussex graduate and award-winning children’s author Ross Montgomery. No writing experience is necessary. The event is free but spaces are limited. Book your place.

With best wishes,
  
Kate

Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

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