Prof Jeremy Niven, Dean of the Doctoral School, wrote to all research students earlier today. You can read the full message below.

Dear Doctoral Researchers,

In this update, you can find information on:

• Getting tested if you are travelling over the holiday
• Face coverings
• Student families Christmas party
• Doctoral Researchers and becoming a Student Connector
• Here to support you

Getting tested if you are travelling over the holiday

As Doctoral Researchers, some of you may be getting ready to travel or go home for the holidays. Before you do so, we encourage you to take a covid lateral flow test to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to your family and friends without realising it. 
 
You'll also need to take a test before you come back to campus in January.
 
You can get a free box of lateral flow device test kits in one of the collection points on campus or order them online. 
 
If you're travelling abroad, please check the entry requirements of your destination country.
 

Face coverings

Wearing a face covering (such as a mask) in shops and public transport is now a legal requirement.
 
Please also ensure you wear a face covering in all common areas, such as corridors, study spaces and the Library or any other area of the university where you are asked to (unless exempt).
 

Student families Christmas party

The Students’ Union are putting on an event for student parents and their children in Falmer House Common Room on Friday 10 December from 16:00 to 18:00. If you'd like to attend, you can book your place on the Students' Union website. 
 

Doctoral Researchers and becoming a Student Connector

The Connector Programme involves students of all levels, including Doctoral Researchers, and staff working together to enhance the student experience at Sussex. We're looking for new connectors to work on different projects across the University, including:

• wellbeing
• supporting students with disabilities
• autism friendly university
• mature student community
• law marking criteria
• StreetLaw
• and more

This is your chance to make a difference at University, earn money and learn new skills in the process.
 
Find out more about the programme and how to apply on the Student Hub. Deadline 5 December.
 

Here to support you

The Student Hub is your first portal of information, including about health and financial support services. 

Student Support Service is also here to support you, so please do contact the Student Life Centre for help if needed.
 
If you've experienced bullying, sexual violence or discrimination, please let us know using the report and support tool, and an advisor will get in contact with you.
 
Thank you for all your understanding as we move through the three days of industrial action this week. I appreciate that the industrial action may be impacting you in multiple ways, which reflects the position of Doctoral Researchers within the university. However the industrial action impacts on you, I wish you all the best with your research as we approach the winter break.
 
With best wishes,
Jeremy

Prof. Jeremy Niven

Dean of the Doctoral School