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Hello
Firstly, I wanted to acknowledge the deeply distressing news about Professor Jason Arday. I know this will have direct impact for many of you. My colleagues David Ruebain, Bud Johnston and Gavin Mensah-Coker have shared reflections in this week’s Inclusive Sussex and through Black at Sussex. I also reaffirm my personal and our institutional commitments to addressing racism and in working towards a university in which Black students and staff are treated fairly and are able to flourish.
This month has also brought updated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) for service providers (including universities) for the first time since 2011. The new code came into force earlier in August. I am aware that the Code of Practice and the issues that it raises may impact members of the University community in a variety of ways, and I would like to assure you that the University remains committed to equality and inclusion for everyone, across all protected characteristics, including disability, gender reassignment, religion and belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Following a scoping exercise, the University is developing plans to provide appropriate toilets, showers and changing rooms for men, women, and all/any genders. Provision is already adequate in some buildings but remains challenging in some of the University's older buildings. We will update you as proposals are consulted on and rolled out.
I want to keep you informed about the financial challenges facing Sussex and the steps the University is taking in response. Like many UK universities, Sussex has been affected by lower student numbers and wider financial pressures, and we have been consulting with staff and trade unions about proposals to reduce our staffing base. The consultation has now closed, and while up to 192 roles could eventually be affected, no final decisions have yet been made.
Throughout this process, our priority remains providing you with an inspiring, high-quality education and supporting our staff and students. We are committed to maintaining the value of your Sussex degree and minimising disruption to your studies. I also want to reassure you that we are listening to student concerns, including around disability support and postgraduate research supervision, and will continue to keep you updated as decisions are made.
Please see below for updates on support available to those still studying on campus, changes to the University’s online meeting platform, and why you might want to consider giving blood this summer. Read on for more details of: |
Exceptional Circumstances claims: 24 August deadline Student Consultancy Programme: applications open 1 September Your Sussex journey does not end at graduation Reapply for your Student Finance funding for 2026/27 | |
Student Centre closure on Tuesday 25 August On Tuesday 25 August, the Wi-Fi at the Student Centre will be upgraded. As a result, the Student Centre will be closed to students and staff from 8am to 5pm.
The Student Centre help and advice phone line will be open as usual from 9am to 4.30pm on 01273 075700. You can also email studentcentre@sussex.ac.uk or raise an enquiry through My Sussex. General information and advice is also available on the Student Hub. There are many other spaces to study across campus available while the Student Centre is closed, as well as other water refill points.
| Student support during the summer months
While campus may be quieter over the summer, there is still a wide range of support available to you.
If you live in University-managed accommodation, you can speak to the Residential Life team, who offer welfare support and run a drop-in service on campus during the summer.
If you are an international student, you can also access support and advice on a range of topics, including visas and immigration, academic support, health and wellbeing, and working in the UK.
The Meeting House is home to the on-campus chaplaincy, offering support and services for a range of faiths and denominations. Every Monday, the chaplaincy hosts a regular emotional wellbeing service. Led by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, the drop-in offers you a chance to talk about your wellbeing and get advice and support.
| New food options at Eat Central
The Sussex Saver is returning to Eat Central. The Sussex Saver will be available as usual from 12pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Due to rising food costs, the meat option has increased to £3.95, while the vegetarian option remains at £2.50. If you like to start the day with a filling breakfast, there is also a new hot breakfast offer, available Monday to Friday from 7am to 9.30am.
As always, you can find Change Please Coffee in the Tuk Tuk in Eat Central. This social enterprise uses 100% of its profits to support people experiencing homelessness, providing barista training and practical support to help them move towards a more secure future. The café also offers a returnable cup scheme, helping you reduce waste when you grab your coffee.
| Microsoft Teams becomes the University’s main online meeting platform
From 5pm on Friday 4 September, Zoom will no longer be licensed for staff and students. Teams will be used instead. You will still be able to join Zoom-hosted teaching sessions and external Zoom meetings when necessary.
There is an exception for students experiencing online teaching and Online Distance Learning (ODL), who will continue to use Zoom for live teaching activities for now. If you have already scheduled a Zoom meeting to host on or after 4 September, you will need to reschedule it in Teams to make sure it can go ahead. The move to Teams is intended to provide a more consistent experience for online meetings and collaboration across the University.
| Give blood and help save lives
This autumn, the NHS Blood and Transplant campaign aims to highlight the urgent need for more blood donors, particularly people of Black heritage. Around 19,000 people in the UK are living with sickle cell, and many rely on regular blood transfusions. People of Black heritage are 10 times more likely to have the Ro blood subtype that can provide a closer match for some patients with sickle cell.
Giving blood can make a life-saving difference to people undergoing surgery, receiving treatment for serious illnesses or recovering from emergencies. Some people living with sickle cell may need blood from up to 100 donors each year, so regular donations are vital in helping ensure the right blood is available when it is needed. If you are able to donate, consider making an appointment this autumn. |
Exceptional Circumstances claims: 24 August deadline
If you are an undergraduate student and have experienced an unexpected situation that has negatively affected your ability to study, prepare for or complete an assessment or exam during the first semester, you may be able to submit an Exceptional Circumstances claim.
The deadline for submitting claims is 24 August 2026. Submitting a claim allows the University to consider the impact these circumstances may have had on your academic performance, and, where a claim is accepted, put appropriate support or remedies in place.
Find out more about Exceptional Circumstances, including how to submit a claim, on the Student Hub. | |
Student Consultancy Programme: applications open 1 September Looking to gain work experience while working flexibly around your studies? Applications for the award-winning Student Consultancy Programme open on Tuesday 1 September.
Work part-time over four weeks, supported by a Living Wage bursary, while tackling a real-life challenge faced by an organisation. You’ll gain experience developing a project, working as part of a team and presenting your findings to a client, all in a supportive setting.
The programme is open to final-year undergraduates and taught postgraduates.
Learn more about the Student Consultancy Programme on the Student Hub. | |
Reapply for your Student Finance funding for 2026/27
If you receive Student Finance funding and are returning to Sussex in 2026/27, remember to reapply as soon as possible. The application process differs depending on where you normally live, so make sure you follow the guidance for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Reapplying as soon as possible helps make sure your tuition fee funding is in place and can help avoid delays to your maintenance loan at the start of the academic year.
If you are returning after taking time out for personal reasons, you may need to reapply for funding. You may also need to apply for a Compelling Personal Reasons (CPR) allowance if you previously studied for more than a year before taking time out. CPR applications can take longer to assess as additional evidence may be required, so apply as early as possible.
If you are unsure about your funding or need help with your application, contact the Student Centre for advice and support. |
Your Sussex journey does not end at graduation As you approach the end of your studies, your connection with Sussex doesn't end at graduation. As a Sussex graduate, you can access a range of exclusive benefits and support to help you take the next steps in your career, continue learning and stay connected with the University community.
Job-hunting support after graduation The University and your alumni community are here to support you throughout your career, particularly in the early stages. This includes:
Careers and Entrepreneurship support: You can access support from our award-winning Careers and Entrepreneurship Team for three years after graduation. This includes one-to-one coaching, access to job vacancies, support for starting your own business and more.
Sussex Connect: Our online professional networking platform brings together thousands of Sussex alumni around the world. Use it to build connections, find a mentor, become a mentor or get advice from industry experts. Sign up to Sussex Connect using your personal email address, as you will lose access to your Sussex email account after graduation.
Scholarships and lifelong learning Graduating from Sussex also gives you opportunities to continue your learning, with a range of discounts and scholarships available to alumni:
Sussex Alumni Scholarship: Receive a £3,000 fee waiver if you return to Sussex to study an eligible Masters degree or MBA. This is available to previous Sussex students, regardless of how long ago you studied here.
| With best wishes, Kate Professor Kate O'Riordan
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) |  |
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Sussex students, staff and alumni enjoying Brighton & Hove Community Pride 2026
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Internal Communications, University of Sussex |
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