Broadcast: News items

Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor

On Monday 2 October, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil, emailed all taught students. You can view the message in full below.

Dear Student,

As teaching begins this week, I would like to warmly welcome you, either as you begin your academic journey at Sussex, or as you return as a continuing student for the new year.

It is wonderful to see the return of the hustle and bustle, the conversations, and the energy that you all bring to our beautiful green campus. There are so many places here to gather with others, over a coffee or a meal, and spaces to reflect, think and enjoy some quiet time too.

I love our unique location on the edge of the South Downs National Park, just 10 minutes from the centre of Brighton & Hove, and over the past year – my first at Sussex – I have hugely enjoyed walking on the Downs, sea-swimming, and exploring the city. I hope that during your time here you will explore and enjoy all the exciting activities the University and surrounding areas have to offer.

The vibrant community that is Sussex is very special. It is created by our shared connections, and the relationships that we build with each other. It takes time to create those connections and relationships, and I really encourage you this year to reach out to new people and to take some chances that you have things in common that you haven’t yet discovered.

Sussex is a university rich in diversity, with people coming here from all over the country and from around the world, with a huge range of life experiences, beliefs, and identities. Meeting people who are different from us, who hold differing opinions, and who are from different backgrounds is a big part of what university is about. As a member of the Sussex community, your views matter, as do the views of others. Respecting the diversity of beliefs and identities of everyone at Sussex is critical if we are to learn, grow and contribute to expanding knowledge – this is what it means to be part of a learning community like Sussex.

To conclude, I would encourage you to make the most of your university experience. Please do follow these links if you are looking at ways to earn money and develop your career, find a buddy or mentor, or if you need support for your wellbeing. If you have not already, do explore the Student Hub to find out more about what Sussex has to offer you.

I will be in touch with you all from time to time, and Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), will send you weekly student updates, full of essential information about life at Sussex and about your teaching and learning.

Before I sign off, if you see me on campus, please do say hello. I’d love to hear about how you are finding things at Sussex. Good luck with the start of the year!

Wishing you all the very best,

Sasha

Professor Sasha Roseneil

Vice-Chancellor and President