Broadcast: News items

We want to remind you that all the guidance on our Returning to campus pages will continue to be updated regularly as staff work in line with the Remote Working Framework [PDF 222KB] this term.

Measures to protect you

The University is helping to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission on campus through a series of health and safety measures:

• refreshed signage in high footfall spaces that face coverings are expected from 9am-5pm
• sanitiser stations in place across campus
• Perspex screens remaining in place where requested
• additional bins in teaching spaces
• QR codes to support the Track & Trace app
• ensuring ventilation systems and windows operate effectively
• the provision of red lanyards so staff can signal they’d prefer greater social distancing

Community Pledge and vaccination status 

If you’ve not already done so, please take a moment to sign the Community Pledge now and demonstrate your commitment to our Sussex values. When we live by these we can ensure that Sussex continues to be a friendly, caring and inclusive environment for all of us. The pledge has been updated in response to the relaxation of Covid rules and the roll out of the UK vaccination programme. 

You can also update your vaccination status on the MyView portal. It’s helpful for the University to know the likely levels of protection our staff have against the virus as we work to make campus as safe as possible. It is your choice whether you supply this information to the University, and you can update or remove this data at any time. 

Getting tested

All staff should get twice-weekly Covid-19 tests using the home testing kits that are easily ordered from the www.gov.uk website. Staff and students can also collect home testing kits from several campus locations. 

A reminder if you have COVID-like symptoms (such as a high temperature, a continuous cough, or a loss or change in your sense of taste and smell), you must self-isolate and arrange a PCR test.

This week we’ve made it clear to students on the Student Hub which tests they should take if they have a cough and cold:

• If you are feeling unwell with illnesses such as cold and flu (non-Covid symptoms) then an LFD test can still be taken (LFD testing page)
• If you do have illnesses such as cold and flu, please respect the community by avoiding the spread of illnesses. Please don’t attend in person teaching or meetings until you have tested negative for Covid and feel well enough to attend without making others ill.
• If you do have Covid symptoms (cough, high temperature or loss of taste/smell) please take a PCR test and read more on the Student Hub self-isolation and quarantine page.

Face coverings on campus 

We do expect all students and staff to wear face coverings, unless exempt, on public transport and in crowded and enclosed spaces on campus - including in all teaching spaces - and to follow the instructions indicated by signage. This signage will be very visible across the campus. 

We will remind all students during the term through regular communication, signage and our new Community Pledge that we do expect students to wear face-coverings in busy indoor spaces – such as the classroom. 

We know that some staff may be worried about how to broach instances where students are not wearing face coverings. Whilst it is not a legal requirement to wear face coverings, we are making it very clear that it is the expectation of our community. If a member of staff does have concerns following a teaching session, then please raise this with your line manager and we will find ways to support you. 

We do not expect face coverings to be worn in office spaces where staff are comfortable – although we do advise staff to consider avoiding having meetings with multiple people in crowded spaces. 

Adjusting to new ways of working

With colleagues spread across different locations it can prove challenging to make sure that everyone feels included in a meeting. We’ve worked with colleagues across Sussex to develop a list of top tips on how to have hybrid meetings, split into areas such as planning ahead, being considerate, sound quality, accessibility, and presenting.

The Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) team has also developed a programme of staff development webinars focused on effective online teaching and learning. The calendar of available workshops for 21/22 spans between now and late November. 

Parking 

Parking charges have applied on campus since 1 October. The cost of parking has not increased since the 2020/21 academic year. All staff seeking to park on campus during the 2021/22 academic year are eligible to apply for: 

• a parking permit: £30 per month pro-rate, paid via salary deductions 
• or a free pass to park: this allows the purchase of daily scratch cards - £20 per book of 10 

Staff who drive to campus only a few days each week may find that scratch cards offer a cheaper option than an annual permit. Scratch cards can currently be purchased from the Hastings Building reception weekdays from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm.