Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today. Below you can read her full message:

Hello,

I am looking forward to welcoming all of our new and returning students as we approach a new academic year. From continuing your studies, diving into new modules, or reconnecting with your community, this is a moment to focus and engage. Next week marks the start of Welcome Week, campus will be buzzing with students making friends and diving into everything Sussex has to offer. From society fairs to free food and socials, there’s so much to get involved in! All the details, events, and info you need can be found here.

We are also proud to launch Sussex 2035, Creating Progressive Futures, our new strategic vision for the next decade. Built around three transformational themes, Environmental Sustainability, Human Flourishing, and Digital and Data Futures, Sussex 2035 reimagines what it means to be a university in a changing world. It is a bold commitment to wellbeing, innovation, and global responsibility, with students at the heart of every decision.

This week marks Bi Visibility Day, a time to celebrate bi+ identities and ensure our campus continues to be a place where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. Look out for events and resources that spotlight bi+ voices and experiences.

• New academic personal tutoring launched
• Watch BBC or live TV? You’ll need a licence
• Help protect yourself and others from illness
• Sussex Students' Union annual general meeting
• Step into Sussex’s story: check out the Work in Progress exhibition
• Caroline Lucas joins the School for Progressive Futures
• Drop-in wellbeing sessions
• Free activities from Sussex Sport

New academic personal tutoring launched

We have launched a new framework for Academic Personal Tutoring (formerly Academic Advising), which aims to provide greater consistency for everyone to get the to get the most from your course at Sussex.

It focuses on areas like using your assessment feedback; recognising strengths and successes; identifying transferable skills and experiences in your course; and building connections with and within the University community. You will start to see 'Academic Personal Tutor' (APT) being referred to as a key academic contact for you (continuing students will see this in place of 'Academic Advisor'.

Details of your APT are available on Sussex Direct. The framework is being rolled out for the start of the new academic year for all Undergraduate students as a minimum. Some Faculties will see more changes than others, and further information will come from your Faculty or School (or APT).

Watch BBC or live TV You’ll need a licence

If you want to watch or record live TV, whether it’s on a television or streamed live online, you need to be covered by a TV licence. Same goes for watching or downloading BBC programmes on demand, like catch-up shows on BBC iPlayer. It does not matter what device you are using, TV, laptop, phone, tablet, games console, it all counts.

Here’s how it works depending on where you live:

• If you are in student halls, you need your own TV Licence to watch BBC or live programmes TV in your room.
• If you are in a house or flat share with separate tenancy agreements, you need your own licence.
• If you are in a place with a joint tenancy, one licence can cover the whole household.

Basically, if you’re watching live TV or BBC iPlayer, make sure you’re covered. It’s one less thing to worry about later! Find out more.

Help protect yourself and others from illness

Before you arrive at Sussex, please make sure you have had all your free NHS vaccines. They can help protect you from serious illnesses like meningitis, measles, and more. Find out how you can protect yourself and others.

Sussex Students’ Union annual general meeting

The Students’ Union is holding its General meeting on Friday 26 September at 4.15pm in Mandela Hall, and all Sussex students are welcome.

It is a chance to have your say on some proposed changes to how the Union works, including updates to its core rules (called the Articles of Association).

The aim is to make things more flexible, fair and inclusive, like lowering voting thresholds, adding an independent Returning Officer, and reshaping the Executive to better support part-time officers and underrepresented groups. If you cannot make it in person, you can still vote by appointing a proxy.

The first fifty people through the door get a free drink voucher, for one free drink at Falmer Bar.

Step into Sussex’s story: check out the Work in Progress exhibition

Drop by the newly opened Library Gallery during Welcome Week to explore the University’s Heritage Collections including vintage posters, campus photos, and quirky ephemera from the archives at The Keep and the Library.

Visit the exhibition:

• Mon 22 – Fri 26 Sept, 10:30am–4:30pm
• Mon 29 Sept – Fri 3 Oct, 11am–3pm

It’s a great way to connect with Sussex’s past and get inspired for what’s ahead.

Caroline Lucas joins the School for Progressive Futures

Caroline Lucas, former MP for the Brighton Pavilion constituency and former leader of the Green Party, has been appointed as the University’s first Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability. Caroline will commence the new role in the newly established Sussex School for Progressive Futures on 1 October 2025.

Drop-in wellbeing sessions

Come and have a chat about your emotional wellbeing and any difficulties you may be experiencing. Some of the difficulties we can support with include: low mood, anxiety, problems with sleep, stress, homesickness and loneliness. However, you are welcome to come and speak with us about any other concern. Find out more.

Free events from Sussex Sport Ready to kick-start your term?

Sussex Sport is bringing the energy with loads of free and fun activities, check out what’s on. You can also come and explore our brand-new gym at the Sports Centre and discover Active Arches, our brand-new wellbeing studio right next to the Student Centre. And heads up: our early bird membership deal won’t stick around forever, so grab it while you can!

With best wishes,

Kate Professor Kate O'Riordan

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)