Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today. Below you can read her full message:

Hello, 

This week, we have been celebrating one of the most uplifting moments in the Sussex calendar, our summer graduation ceremonies. The Brighton Centre has been filled with proud families, smiling graduates, and a real sense of achievement in the air. It has been a wonderful week of celebration, reflection, and excitement for the future. 

To all our graduating students, I would like to say congratulations. You have reached a significant milestone, and we are so proud of everything you have accomplished. Whether you are stepping into new careers, continuing your studies, or taking time to explore what comes next, you carry the spirit of Sussex with you: curious, courageous, and ready to make a difference. 

For those of you still on your student journey, your time will come. One day, you will be crossing that stage too, cheered on by your peers and mentors. 

We were also delighted to award honorary degrees to individuals whose work has inspired and shaped public life, including comedian and activist Suzy Eddie Izzard, art historian and AIDS campaigner Simon Watney, and former MP and champion of equality Sir Ben Bradshaw. You can see just how special Sussex graduations are in the celebration gallery.  

Please read on for:   

• Working together for a greener campus 

• Exceptional circumstances  

• Resits — what you need to know 

• Sussex Connect  

• Have your say and win a £50 Amazon voucher! 

• Studying, Sussex & motherhood: IDS students open up about their experience 

• Double success for the Business School 

• See Sussex Differently  

Working together for a greener campus

With plans for a new dedicated sustainability manager, phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles in our fleet, and a range of water and waste reduction initiatives, with our new partners, OCS, we are putting environmental sustainability at the forefront of the new facilities management contract. Discover how this can enhance the student experience.

Exceptional circumstances

If something unexpected has affected your ability to complete resit assessments, you may be able to submit an Exceptional Circumstances claim. This helps us take into account how your situation may have impacted your academic work. 

Find out more and check deadlines here:

Exceptional Circumstances – Sussex Student Hub 

For advice, contact the Student Centre or the Students’ Union support and advocacy service.  

EC submission deadlines: 

Final Year Undergraduates: Monday 18 August 2025 

Other Undergraduates (including Foundation Year): Monday 18 August 2025 

Taught Postgraduates: Thursday 11 September 2025 

There is separate guidance for Online Distance Learning students.  

Resits — what you need to know

If you have been set any resit assessments by the exam board, make sure to check your module results on Sussex Direct so you’re clear on what is required.

Not sure what your results mean or what you need to do between 4–15 August resit period? Reach out to your School or Faculty Office as soon as possible.

Sussex Connect

Graduation may mark the end of studies, yet it is not the end of your Sussex journey. You can stay connected with fellow alumni, share opportunities, and continue to support one another through Sussex Connect, our dedicated networking platform. It is available for current students and alumni and makes sure that you can stay connected with the Sussex community, you can expand your network of global friends and even become a mentor to help other Sussex students.

Have your say and win a £50 Amazon voucher!

We're refreshing Sussex’s brand as part of our new Sussex 2035 strategy, and we want your feedback. Take just 10 minutes to complete our survey and help shape how we represent our future. You could win one of five £50 Amazon vouchers simply leave your details at the end.  

Survey for Undergraduates 

Survey for Postgraduates 

Studying, Sussex & motherhood: IDS students open up about their experience

What does it mean to navigate motherhood while pursuing a postgraduate degree? How do students balance identity, care, and academia in a world not built with them in mind? Listen to the new Podcast episode and discover our students’ perspective.  

Double success for the Business School

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of two students from our MSc Project Management programme who were recognised at the prestigious Association for Project Management (APM) Postgraduate Dissertation of the Year Awards 2025. Read the full story on the Student Hub.

See Sussex Differently

Dr Hope Wolf from the Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities has curated a new exhibition at the Towner Eastbourne, Sussex Modernism. The exhibition runs from 23 May to 28 September 2025. 

The show has been developed from Dr Wolf’s research and recent book of the same name, Sussex Modernism, published by Yale University Press in 2025. For the development and completion of this book on and around the themes of Sussex Modernism, which includes a chapter on the University of Sussex in the 1960s, Dr Wolf was awarded a Paul Mellon Mid-Career Fellowship in British Art for 2021-2022. Read more on the Student Hub. 

With best wishes,

Kate

Professor Kate O'Riordan

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

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