This email is being sent to all returning taught undergraduate and postgraduate students
|
|
|
 |
Hello,
Campus is getting into the festive spirit this week, with seasonal food and drink served across cafés and venues. The holiday celebrations continue with the Lighting of the Campus Christmas Tree, from 4.30pm on Tuesday 2 December and the Candlelit Carol Service from 6.30pm on 8 December. These are special events that bring the community together to mark the holiday season. You can find all the details of festive food and drink across campus here: Celebrate the festive season with food and drink across campus.
Looking ahead, for anyone interested in postgraduate study, please join the Masters Virtual Open Day on Saturday (29 November) to explore courses, meet staff, and plan the next steps in your academic journey.
Please also come and meet me and Lewis Wilson, Students’ Union Education and Employability Officer, at an open office session.
Please read on for this week’s updates on: |
Tell us what you love about Sussex and win one of ten £25 Love2Shop vouchers
We are taking part in this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), the UK’s largest student-voted university awards, and to celebrate we are giving away ten £25 Love2shop vouchers to students who leave a review about Sussex on Whatuni.com by 5pm, on 11 December 2025.
Vouchers can be spent with over 50 retailers including ASOS, H&M, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Sports Direct, Aldi, and New Look, making them perfect for last-minute gifts or a treat for yourself, and if you have already left a review, you will be entered into the prize draw as well. Find out more on the Student Hub. |
Why climate obstruction is such a hot topic at COP30
Guy Edwards, a PhD candidate in International Relations, co-director of the LAC Research Network at Sussex and a scholar at the Climate Social Science Network, recently attended COP30 (Conference of the Parties) in Brazil.
Although Colombia’s government has pledged to stop granting new contracts for oil and gas exploration as part of its commitment to phase out fossil fuels, the decision has sparked fierce opposition in the national media. Read here about Guy’s experience of COP30.
|
Get involved in 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence
Tuesday 25 November until Wednesday 10 December 2025 marks 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based‑ Violence. In collaboration with the Students’ Union, we are hosting a number of events on campus.
The campaign runs every year and this year the theme is: UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.
Violence against women and girls affects one in three women worldwide. It is a serious human rights issue, and we are committed to helping bring it to an end. Discover how you can get involved on the Student Hub.
| Get connected with each other during Talk to a Stranger week
From Monday 24 November until Sunday 30 November, the Sussex Centre for Research on Kindness marks Talk to a Stranger Week, a global celebration with Genwell Foundation and inspired by research from Dr. Gillian Sandstrom, Director at the Sussex Centre for Research on Kindness. Her studies reveal that even brief conversations with strangers can boost confidence, reduce fear of rejection, and foster a sense of belonging. Find out more on the Student Hub.
| Socially Responsible Investment Policy update
Sussex has published an updated Socially Responsible Investment Policy following an in-depth consultation with staff and students. The policy is designed to support the University’s aim to invest in companies, organisations, and sectors that create positive environmental, social, and governance outcomes, consistent with our values of collaboration, courage, inclusion, integrity, kindness, and openness.
| November marks the start of Disability History Month
Disability History Month was founded in 2010 to recognise the struggle for equality and human rights. It runs from 20 November until 20 December 2025. This year the Students’ Union is marking the occasion with a tailored programme, events still to go include a pub quiz (Dec 1), a Know Your Rights workshop (Dec 2) an exhibition 'Celebration and Struggle of Disability History at Sussex' at the Debating Chamber, 11am-3pm (Dec 9). For a full list of what is on, visit the Students’ Union website.
| New health and wellbeing centre in the final stages
We are very pleased to tell you that your new health and wellbeing centre is taking shape. The scaffolding is coming down, utilities are being connected, and the inside of the building is now being decorated. Over the next few months, work will focus on finishing the building and improving the area around it with new paths, parking spaces and better links to existing routes. Find out more on the Student Hub.
| Help with creating scientific presentations
We are hosting two workshops on creating scientific presentations. You can join on campus (Wednesday 3 December, 1.30pm to 2.30pm) or online (Thursday 4 December, 1pm to 2pm). Learn how to plan and deliver clear, engaging scientific presentations. You will explore strategies for structuring content and communicating your findings confidently. Find out more. |
IT Service Desk temporary relocation
From Wednesday 3 December to Friday 5 December, the IT Service Desk will be temporarily relocating to the Library while essential mains power works take place in Shawcross. Find more information on the Student Hub. |
Open Office sessions, your education matters
You are invited to take part in an open office session with Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education and Students, and Lewis Wilson, (Students’ Union Education and Employability Officer). The session is a chance for us to hear directly from you about your experience, what you are enjoying at Sussex, and any ideas you may have to help improve the student experience. Spaces are limited, so book your place now.
|
| With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O'Riordan Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) |
|
|
|
 |
Ice skating is now open at the Brighton Pavilion until 4 January. |
|
|
|
|
| Sent by
Internal Communications, University of Sussex |
|
|
|
|
|
