Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all undergraduate students earlier today:

I hope you are having a positive revision week and I want to wish you the very best for your assessments this month. Remember you can find lots of useful resources in the exams and assessments section on the Student Hub. Your tutors are here to support you, so do reach out if you have any questions about your assessments. You might also find our new Skills Hub page about generative AI in assessments helpful around this time – see more information below.

If you are particularly interested in AI, discover more about Sussex Artificial Intelligence, one of our Centres of Excellence, which draws together world-leading experts from across the University to carry out research and teaching.

Looking ahead to the next academic year, Friday 21 June is the deadline for submitting applications to the Student Loans Company (SLC) for financial support and tuition fees covering the next academic year, 2024/25. If you have not applied to the SLC for financial support for this academic year, remember you still have time until 31 May. Please read our update on the Student Hub and apply if you are eligible and have not already applied for this academic year's SLC funding. You can find out about who is qualified to receive SLC funding on the UK government website.

Last week I highlighted our role as the Higher Education partner for the brilliant Brighton Festival, which is running until 26 May. If you have not taken a look already, you can explore the festival programme, including what is on for free or under £10. Check the Brighton Festival page on Student Hub for more information and offers exclusively for Sussex students.

Please read on for your regular update, including: 

• A message from Vice-Chancellor Sasha Roseneil
• Reminder: accessing University support
• Help shape Sussex's future – tell us what you think of our draft strategy
• Help us enhance your digital experience and you could win a £100 Amazon voucher
• Artificial intelligence: using generative AI in your assessments
• Food takeover: a taste of the world on campus
• New Stagecoach bus route between Eastbourne and Brighton
• You could win an iPad in Santander Universities’ prize draw

A message from Vice-Chancellor Sasha Roseneil

Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil, wrote to you all on Thursday 2 May in response to an open letter about the University’s position on the Israel-Gaza/Palestine crisis. You can read the full message on the Student Hub.

Reminder: accessing University support

As I mentioned last week, the University offers advice and support on any issue that may be affecting you. The Student Hub has information on the wellbeing support available and you can access support and find answers to frequently asked questions using our My Sussex portal, where you can also make and manage appointments with our advisors.

You can also contact the Student Centre in person at the Welcome Desk or by phone (01273 075700).

You can find out more about money and funding support on My Sussex and the Student Hub. This includes information around how to get financial support through Hardship funding and short-term welfare loans.

Additionally, the University provides all students with access to Blackbullion, an easy-to-use online learning platform filled with short videos, articles and quizzes covering a range of financial subjects including budgeting, avoiding scams, and tips for international students.

If you are renting accommodation in the private sector, you can find helpful advice and guidance to understand your private tenancy agreement.

Help shape Sussex's future – tell us what you think of our draft strategy

The final draft for consultation of the University’s new strategy, ‘Sussex 2035 – Creating Progressive Futures’, is now available for you to read. We invite you to read the full strategy (log in with your usual Sussex credentials) and then respond through a short survey.

Survey responses from students and staff will help to create the final version of the strategy, which will be launched later this year. Thank you for helping to shape the future of Sussex.

Help us enhance your digital experience and you could win a £100 Amazon voucher 

We are dedicated to improving your university journey, and your input is crucial. Please take part in our web estate survey to help us enhance your digital experience. It only takes 10 minutes to complete. All your responses will remain confidential and will only be used for research purposes.

As a thank you for taking part, you will be entered for a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. The survey will close on Sunday 12 May. Thanks to those of you who have already shared your thoughts. 

Artificial intelligence: using generative AI in your assessments

A new page on using generative AI in your assessments has been added to the Skills Hub by the Library team, created with colleagues from across campus who support academic skills and academic regulations.

Learn how generative AI works and the issues with using it in assessments; discover what Sussex regulations do and don’t allow; and develop your AI literacy so that you can work with academic integrity.

You will also find recommended alternatives to generative AI: academic tools and skills you may not be aware of that give better results for particular tasks e.g. dedicated reference management software like Zotero

Find out more about using generative AI in your assessments.

Food takeover: a taste of the world on campus

Our catering partners have recently rolled out an exciting food takeover competition, inviting students to propose dishes from their home countries and challenging our chefs to prepare them. These food takeovers are an opportunity for you to bring a taste of your home to Sussex, sharing your heritage and flavours with students and staff.

Out of 19 tempting ideas submitted by students from around the world, Sussex Food staff chose three recipes – Ćevapi from Croatia, Jollof rice from Nigeria, and Feijoada from Brazil – which you will be able to enjoy at the Bramber House lawns throughout May. See the Sussex Food events page for details.

New Stagecoach bus route between Eastbourne and Brighton 

From Monday 13 May, Stagecoach will launch a new bus route, the 701, running between Eastbourne and Brighton via Seaford and Newhaven, which will stop close to Falmer campus. Tickets will start from £2 for a single journey, in line with the national bus fare cap. Check the Stagecoach website for more information and the full timetable.

You could win an iPad in Santander Universities’ prize draw

Our partner Santander is back with another prize draw! This time, they are giving away 25 iPad Pro tablets. All UK university students can enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students. You do not need to bank with Santander to get involved. Enter by 27 June for your chance to win.

With best wishes,  
   
Kate 

Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)