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University Updates
Welcome to the May edition of University Updates, filled with information and events for you in the summer term
Exams and mitigation
If you are taking exams at the moment, we hope they are going well. Take a look at our self-help and peer support web page to get tips on looking after your own and others' wellbeing this term.
If you feel illness or other adverse personal circumstances are affecting your ability to undertake an assessment you may be able to apply for an extension or a deferral via mitigation. Extensions approved in May might be shorter than normal, therefore deferral could be more appropriate. Arrangements for deferred/referred coursework will be issued by your department after the June Exam Boards. Deferring/referring an exam means that you will sit it during the August deferral period. All applications should be made before the deadline/exam, or within one working day afterwards. For more information, contact your nearest Info Point/Hub.
Exeter Respect on Campus - 30 & 31 May
You are invited to join a celebration of diversity and our commitment to equality and inclusivity at our second annual Exeter Respect Festival on Campus at the end of May. Working with the Students’ Guild, on Thursday 30 May a series of workshops, seminars and talks will be on offer at the Streatham campus to explore and share the work we are doing to make our campuses welcoming and diverse. There will be a variety of sessions on offer including updates on the Provost Commission and taster sessions on bystander intervention and unconscious bias. On Friday 31 May, come and join the festivities at the St Luke’s campus as we celebrate our diversity with music and performances from our students from mid-afternoon into the evening (minibus provided between campuses). Hold the dates in your diary and visit the Exeter Respect on Campus website which will be updated in the coming week.
Borrow up to 50 books from the library
Following a student idea to ‘increase the number of library books you can borrow’ all students will be able to borrow up to 50 books from the start of the summer term. The Library has heard student concerns and has taken action to more than double your loan allowance. Thank you to all the students who voted on this idea. Responding to student feedback is really important to us and we encourage students to share any views and ideas they have with their Library Champion.
Ramadan
Ramadan in the UK began on Sunday 5 May and ends on Tuesday 4 June. Our best wishes go to all our students who are observing Ramadan. For people not observing Ramadan, find out more about it and for those who are, follow some tips for getting you through your studies over the month in Aleeha's Students' blog post - A Guide to Ramadan.
Take up a Grand Challenge - sign up now
There’s not long left to sign up for Grand Challenges. Taking place 10 to 14 June, you will work in an interdisciplinary group on a topic you feel passionate about, and develop an innovative and creative project that tackles a real world challenge. Topics include climate change, food sustainability, gender inequality, mental health and global security. You get to work closely with leading academics, hear inspiring talks from external speakers and form new friendships along the way. Check out the guest speakers for your chosen Challenge on our website! The programme is unique to the University of Exeter and this year students from the University of South Florida are coming over to take part. You can take part FREE, places are limited and the sign-up deadline is 19 May.
Develop your potential with SPRINT (29 & 30 May)
SPRINT is a personal development programme designed for female students of all ages, backgrounds and at any stage in their lives and study. The programme consists of two consecutive days of activities, discussion and self-reflection addressing a range of topics including: personal values and strengths, self-management and identifying support, assertiveness, personal branding and making an impact. Find out more.
Online harm – tell us your experience
Unfortunately, we’ve had instances where members of our community have been subjected to online abuse, harassment, bullying and/or discrimination. We report unacceptable behaviour to the hosting company (such as Facebook or Twitter), but unfortunately often find they are reluctant to take action. That’s why we’re putting forward a formal response to the Government’s Online Harms White Paper. This proposes establishing in law a new duty of care towards users of social media and ways to help people manage their online safety. We want to gather experiences and views to help with our response and you can contact us – in the strictest confidence - at onlineharms@exeter.ac.uk. We’re also organising an Online Harms session within the Respect on Campus Festival on 30 May where we’ll also consider our own current procedures and guidance.
Please be assured we take reports of online abuse extremely seriously and will support you in reporting any criminal activity to the police. Reporting tools and the support available can be found on the Exeter Speaks Out website.
Filling out your Exeter Award Application? Use the Study Zone Writing Café
Have you been working on your Exeter Award but just can’t find the time to complete your online application form? New for this term, the Study Zone invites you to join their writing cafes on Thursdays between 13:00 and 16:00. You don’t need to book to attend a writing café, you can drop in at any time – it’s a great space to focus on getting your writing done in a supported environment. If you have specific questions about your Exeter Award or application forms more generally, please contact the Career Zone by asking a question online or check our FAQs.
Teaching Award Winners
Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Guild and FXU Teaching Awards. The best subject award was jointly awarded to Physics and Astronomy and Renewable Energy while Best Research Community went to Law. More than 1,000 nominations were submitted by students to recognise the support provided by colleagues and celebrate exceptional teaching and research. See all the winners.
Sports Park car park closure
Car Park B, located by the Sports Park on the Streatham Campus will be closed from Monday 3 June to mid September to enable construction work to take place to extend the car park. This work has been planned to take place over the summer to minimise disruption to you. Our car parks are generally quiet in the summer months so if you need to park on campus it shouldn't be an issue. It can be busier at the end of term in June, graduation week and in September as people arrive back.
Car Park B is being extended as Car Park D will be taken out of action in the future to build a new research and teaching building known as North Park. The vision for North Park is to create a space that is inspiring, collaborative, digitally enhanced for researchers, students and the public to use. It will include innovative teaching spaces as well as social/study areas in the heart of a world class research community.
If you have any questions about Project North Park or the extension of Car Park B, please get in touch at: northpark-project@exeter.ac.uk
Students on the move
Getting ready to pack up and leave your accommodation in the city? Did you know that throughout June and July the University pays for extra ‘grey’ (non-recycling) refuse collections for all students living off campus? There are options for extra collections for grey waste, information about how to recycle your glass and how to donate any unwanted items to charity too. We strongly urge you to take part in the scheme as it helps us reduce litter and any negative impact on the environment. You can find full details and instructions on how to take part on the website or email streetwise@exeter.ac.uk.
Bin forgetting?
Exeter City Council has a new reminder service that sends an email out to subscribers the night before bin day reminding them to put their bins out (and which one). It also sends messages about any changes to collections, such as bank holidays, bad weather, etc. Never miss bin day again!!
Arts & Culture survey - win £100 Amazon vouchers
Students are vital participants, collaborators, partners, and audiences for the new Arts and Culture Strategy at the University. We want to know how we can contribute to a positive student experience and support ideas-generation and problem-solving across all subject areas. We want to learn from a broad range of students – all views are welcomed. You will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win Amazon vouchers worth £100, or one of two vouchers worth £50. The survey will close on 24 May and you can complete the survey here.
Picture this!
Exeter University Optics and Photonics Society is seeking entries for its International Day of Light (IDL) 2019 Photo Contest. You could win up to £150 and have your images displayed at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. They’re looking for images that highlight the importance of light to our lives, in accordance with the aims of the IDL. The IDL is a global initiative that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. Send your entry to euops@exeter.ac.uk with the subject of the email as follows: IDL2019 Image Competition Entry. Closing date is this Friday 10 May. Read the competition entry rules.
Fund your project
Do you have an exciting project you’re looking to get off the ground? Do you need money for a trip or some new equipment? Could your Society do with some extra funding? Crowdfunding could be the answer! The University has its own crowdfunding platform which is free for students to use, meaning that your project will receive 100% of donations. Our fundraising team is also on hand to provide help and advice along the way and we will claim Gift Aid on your behalf, giving your fundraising an extra boost. There is also currently up to £500 of matched funding available for projects which close before 31 July! If you’re looking to raise some money then you can set up a crowdfunding appeal here or for more information please email annualfund@exeter.ac.uk
Beware of scams
Unfortunately, some criminals try to get money from students, particularly our international students through scams. Some of these scams are very authentic and persuasive and can be frightening. Please don’t give out any personal details, especially banking details. Examples of recent scams included criminals pretending to be from the Home Office and the University. If you’re contacted by someone and it seems unusual, unexpected or just odd, end the call/communication. If the person who contacted you is genuine they won’t mind you checking and then getting back to them. You can contact your Info Point who can offer advice. Read more here.
Fire safety in the home
It only takes a small mistake for a fire to start in your home. Read up on fire safety tips here. You’re more than seven times more likely to die in a fire in your home if there are no working smoke alarms so please test them regularly.
Check your contacts
Did you know that you can view, update and add your emergency contacts and home and term-time address online via the Student Record System (SRS)? Please take a minute to check that this information is correct by logging in to iExeter, clicking on the Student record & registration (SRS) tile; then select ‘Edit Emergency Contact information’ and 'Edit address' sections in the facilities box.
Take the plunge!
Don't forget the Cornwall House outdoor swimming pool at the Streatham Campus is now open for the summer. There's also an indoor pool at St Luke's which is open all year. You can find out further details about opening times on the website
New Fairtrade, locally roasted coffee on campus
The University's Catering and Retail team have designed a unique Fairtrade coffee, Barisca, roasted locally in Buckfastleigh. Barisca is being sold by the cup in campus outlets and in the Market Place Forum for use with a cafetiere. The name is a play on the word Barista, with 'Isca' being the Roman name for Exeter when it was founded in around 50 AD.
Graduation celebration and accommodation
You can now book a Celebration High Tea at Reed Hall during graduation week. The tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, home-baked scones and a variety of mini tea cakes, all accompanied by your choice of tea or coffee and a glass of fizz – perfect for toasting your Graduation and is available from 12.00 - 16.00 by advanced booking.
We also have a range of bed and breakfast and room only accommodation available on the Streatham campus during graduation week. Find our exclusive graduation discount code and book direct via the Event Exeter website.
Sell your books to Blackwell's
Blackwell's buys back second hand books and has just expanded the range of books they can buy back. Either bring books you would like to sell directly to the Blackwell's shop in the Great Hall Foyer and they'll check them for you, or send a list of the ISBNs to exeter@blackwell.co.uk and they will let you know which titles they can buy. Books can be bought back for up to 40% of the current new price if the money is put on to a Blackwell's Gift Card, or up to 30% if the money is put on to a credit or debit card.
Summer Recruitment Fair, Thursday 9 May, 11:00 - 14:00, The Forum, Streatham Campus
The final careers fair of the academic year featuring more than 25 organisations offering casual, part time and summer work, internships, placements, graduate roles and postgraduate study opportunities. Open to students of all degrees and disciplines, no need to book – just turn up. If you provide feedback at the fair, you can enter a prize draw to win a food and drink hamper worth £50!
Exeter Respect on Campus workshops, seminars and talks, Thursday 30 May, Streatham Campus
A celebration of diversity and our commitment to equality and inclusivity in partnership with the Students' Guild. These workshops, seminars and talks will explore and share the work we are doing to make our campuses welcoming and diverse. Sessions include updates on the Provost Commission and taster sessions on bystander intervention and unconscious bias. Hold the dates in your diary and visit the Exeter Respect on Campus website, further details will be added in the coming week.
Exeter Respect on Campus Showcase, Friday 31 May, St Luke's Campus
Come and join the festivities at the St Luke’s campus as we celebrate our diversity with music and performances from our students from mid-afternoon into the evening (minibus provided between campuses). Hold the dates in your diary and visit the Exeter Respect on Campus website, further details will be added in the coming week.
Teacher Training Open Day, Saturday 1 June, 10:15 - 15:30, St Luke's Campus
Becoming a teacher can lead to an exciting and rewarding career and choosing the right teacher training programme is an important step. At our open day you will learn about our Primary and Secondary PGCE, and School Direct programmes for 2019 entry as well as funding opportunities and how to apply. Book your place today.
Ben Goldfarb: The return of the beaver - why does it matter?, Monday 3 June, 18:00 drinks reception for 18:30 start, Alumni Auditorium, The Forum, Streatham Campus
There are now around 1000 beavers living in Great Britain, the beginning of a great recovery story for a species that was thought until recently to be forever lost from our shores. Join us for a free public talk with beaver expert Ben Goldfarb as we look at the science, the stories, the opportunities, challenges, and the sheer practical logistics of reintroducing beaver to our lands. Register for the event.
Social Mobility Conference, 17 June, 09:30 - 16:00, Alumni Auditorium, The Forum, Streatham Campus
Open to students, staff, academics and research fellows. The aim is to raise awareness of, and build, a whole institution approach to social mobility and about plans to improve the access, success and progression of Widening Participation students within Higher Education and specifically at the University of Exeter. Featuring interactive information sessions and workshops with staff and students as speakers and facilitators, and opportunities for discussion throughout. Attendance is free, book your place now.
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Get in touch with your feedback or news stories at: studentcomms@exeter.ac.uk
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