Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, wrote to all taught students earlier today. Read the full message below:

Hello,

I’ve been at Winter Graduation over the last couple of days. I’ve loved seeing thousands of graduands cross the stage at the Brighton Centre to celebrate their well-deserved achievements. It’s a taster of what’s to come at our week-long Graduation in the summer, where many of you will be. I will share more highlights next week.

I also recently filmed a short video with Taylor and Sam, two students who work as Digital Media Creators for the University. Watch the short clip at the end of this email to hear the questions they had and find out more about the work I do for you as students at Sussex.

Read on for this week’s update, including:

• Nominate inspiring staff for the Education Awards
• Refreshers events this week
• Make friends and discover the local area
• Looking after your wellbeing
• Holocaust Memorial Day events
• Help create One World Week – funding available!
• Pitch for the Planet – £30,000 funding to bring your climate change innovation idea to life!
• Apply for a £30,000 Santander scholarship by 31 January
• Upcoming Industrial Action
• Remember to book for the Summer Jobs Fair

Nominate inspiring staff for the Education Awards

You can now send in your nominations for this year’s Education Awards, which recognise members of staff – both academics and those in professional services – who truly embody the spirit and values of the University. Please consider putting forward the staff who are making a difference to your experience as a student. Find out more.

Refreshers events this week

This week your Students’ Union has been running lots of activities to celebrate the beginning of Semester Two, including the Refreshers Fair that took place on Tuesday. I hope you’ve had the chance to discover student groups, meet new people and find more ways to have a great time at Sussex. There are still events coming up, like Postgraduate Speed Friends and Karaoke night at Northfield Bar.

Make friends and discover the local area

The Residential Life Connectors host a wide range of different events for students living in university-managed accommodation, including workshops, socials and visits to local attractions. It’s a great way to make friends and see the local area. You can stay updated by following their Instagram @ResLifeSussex or signing up to their mailing list.

Looking after your wellbeing

The Student Support services have organised a series of workshops and events to support your wellbeing this term, including a homesickness workshop next Wednesday 1 February and a four-week course to help you manage your mood. Email therapy@sussex.ac.uk to book your place.

Remember that if you ever need support on wellbeing matters, you can access a range of resources through the University. See our Health and Wellbeing pages, which can help you get the information you may need. This section of the Student Hub has been freshly updated for this term, with improved content and accessibility.

Holocaust Memorial Day events

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on 27 January is a national commemoration day in the United Kingdom dedicated to the remembrance of Jewish people and others who suffered in the Holocaust under Nazi persecution. You are welcome to attend a number of events being held across campus as part of the Holocaust Memorial Week Programme.

Help create One World Week – funding available!

Each year we collaborate with the Students’ Union to run One World Week, where students and staff can share aspects of their own culture with others, promote cultural understanding and explore global issues. In 2023 One World Week will take place from Monday 13 March to Sunday 19 March. Find out how you can host an event or activity and apply for funding.

Pitch for the Planet – £30,000 funding to bring your climate change innovation idea to life!

Do you have a prize-winning plan to create a more sustainable world? Enter the Pitch for the Planet student innovation competition by Wednesday 8 February for the chance to win a share of £30,000 and a coveted spot in our summer accelerator programme to help you develop a sustainability idea.

Find out more about the competition and how to apply on the Student Hub.

Apply for a £30,000 Santander scholarship by 31 January

Our partner, Santander Universities, has developed a new scholarship programme aimed at breaking down barriers for the current undergraduate home students who are most likely to face challenges when accessing higher education. This exciting new programme provides consistent funding through to graduation, alongside training opportunities. Find more information in our news story on the Student Hub.

Upcoming Industrial Action

You may be aware Sussex is one of 150 universities where University and College Union (UCU) members have voted in favour of industrial action over pay, working conditions, and one of 67 who are striking in relation to the USS pension scheme. This is a nationwide industrial action that will take place between February and March (see all dates on the Student Hub) and some staff may exercise their legal right to strike. We will do everything possible to minimise the impact on your studies and the running of University services during any industrial action. The first strike action day is next Wednesday 1 February.

We’ve made sure there is a range of information available to you on the Student Hub. These pages will continue to be updated regularly, so please look there first if you have any queries.

Remember to book for the Summer Jobs Fair

The Summer Jobs Fair is taking place in the Student Centre on Thursday 16 February (12 noon to 3pm). Book your place now on Eventbrite to meet employers offering a wide range of opportunities that are open for applications. You’ll hear about flexible jobs, volunteering opportunities and internships, based on campus, in Brighton and elsewhere in the UK. It’s a brilliant event to help you think about options for the year ahead.

With best wishes,

Kelly

Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students