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University Updates
Welcome back to your regular University Updates.
In University Updates...
This week there’s information on how to protect yourself from scammers, the Access to Internships scheme, an upcoming Instagram Q&A on housing, useful wellbeing resources and exciting events for you to get involved in.
Feeling unwell? Stay at home
If you are feeling unwell, make sure you get tested for COVID-19 – get a PCR test. If your results are negative and you have a non-COVID-19 cough or cold, stay at home if you can and don’t come onto campus to use study or social spaces. Keep wearing your face mask, using hand sanitiser and keep a sociable distance from others. This will help stop the spread of germs as well as the transmission of COVID-19.
Self-isolation – know the rules
If you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you’re at risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. You must self-isolate unless you’re exempt for the following reasons:
- you are fully vaccinated (UK Government/MHRA approved, and 14 days have passed since your second dose)
- you are below the age of 18 years 6 months
- you have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
- you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons.
If you have had COVID-19 before, this does not mean you are exempt from self-isolating
Please do not travel during your self-isolation period. If you do wish to return to your family home during this time, please do not use public transport and ensure you wear your face covering in private transport to reduce the risk of transmission. More information on when to self-isolate and the support available to you if you need to can be found on our website.
Don’t forget – if you’re self-isolating and can’t attend in-person lectures, report it
If you are unable to attend your in-person lectures because you’re self-isolating, you should report this via iExeter using the 'teaching and learning tools' tile. You should also speak to your tutor for advice on how to catch up on any missed classes.
Changes to international travel rules – a reminder
The rules for international travel to England have changed and are now based on a single red list of countries alongside simplified travel measures for arrivals from the rest of the world.
For countries and territories not on the red list, the rules will now depend on your vaccination status. If you are fully vaccinated you will now need to:
- book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test (to be taken after arrival in England),
- complete your passenger locator form
- take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 after you arrive in England.
For red list countries, the rules have not changed and you will still be required to self-isolate in a managed quarantine hotel, regardless of vaccination status.
More information can be found on our dedicated student travel pages.
Remember if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 then you must not travel but self-isolate and book a PCR test. If you receive a positive test result, you will be required to self-isolate for 10 days regardless of your vaccination status.
For a full list of FAQs and further details, please check out our dedicated Student travel web pages.
COVID-19 vaccinations – more drop-in dates
We have more COVID-19 vaccination drop in clinics taking place over the next month. If you haven’t already had yours, you can drop into any of the clinics listed below. The clinics will offer the Pfizer vaccine - you can get your first or second dose at the clinic – if it is your second dose, your first must have been Pfizer and must have been at least 8 weeks ago.
Streatham Campus, Innovation Centre – 10am-5pm:
- Wednesday 20 October
- Monday 8 November
- Monday 22, and Tuesday 23 November
Layer up to keep warm
Keeping windows open or mechanically ventilating indoor spaces is one measure we’re taking to minimise the spread of COVID-19 on campus. The more fresh air that is brought inside, the quicker any airborne virus will be removed from an indoor space. Keep windows open during the day and close them when you leave to ensure security and retain heat. The heating is on but as the weather gets colder, please wrap up and wear extra layers to keep warm and healthy. For more information and advice visit the Coronavirus web pages.
Flu vaccinations
The Student Health Centre will be running a flu vaccination session for eligible students with chronic health conditions on Wednesday 20 October. You need to be registered with the Student Health Centre to have the vaccination - visit our webpage here to register on line .
For information on who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine on the NHS see here. You will be invited by text to book yourself into our clinic using our online booking system if you are eligible.
Exam adjustments – apply NOW!
If you had exam adjustments in place at school or college, these DON’T automatically transfer to university. These adjustments likely included:
- extra time
- using a laptop
- taking your exam in a smaller room
- having a scribe
If you think this applies to you – or you aren’t sure – please get in touch with Wellbeing Services as soon as possible.
The deadline for arrangements for the January 2021 exams is Monday 8 November and you need to have sent your supporting evidence to Accessibility before this date. We recommend applying for exam adjustments as soon as possible, so they are in place before any Mid-term exams you may have scheduled.
Beware of scammers
Unfortunately, criminals do target students to try to get money and/or personal details, so please be vigilant. Scammers often target international students particularly, and appear genuine. If you’re contacted and it seems unusual, unexpected or just odd, please end the call/communication. You should then contact us so we can offer you advice on what to do next. If the person who contacted you is genuine they won’t mind you checking this and then getting back to them. Find out more on our web pages here.
SafeZone app
SafeZone is an app that helps us to help you whilst on campus, if you request it. To download the app please go to: www.safezoneapp.com and follow the instructions for your device. You will need to register with your University of Exeter email address. Find out more information about the SafeZone app online.
In the event of an emergency, we’ll be able to keep you updated, via text messages, should you need to be aware of any vital location-based information. Once installed, if you press Emergency, Help or First aid, your location will be sent to relevant staff on campus and allows us to keep you updated, via text message or notifications.
Free service to keep your valuables safe
Keep your valuables safe with our free security marking service. Your Student Community Wardens can help you register your items and provide advice. This service will improve your chance of getting your valuables back if they are lost or stolen in the future. We will be in the Exehale room soon - so watch out for dates here and on the Exehale webpage. You can contact our team communitywardens@exeter.ac.uk.
Have questions about housing for next year?
Follow our main Instagram account @uniofexeter for our housing Q&A from 10am on Tuesday 19 October. We'll be joined by the Accommodation Team, Residence Life, the Guild Advice service and officers from your Students' Guild. Check out our stories for the chance to submit your questions and have them answered! For more info on housing you can also find tips from the Students' Guild Advice service here and can reach out to the Residence Life Team here.
Bin having troubles with rubbish?
Have you moved into a house and don’t know how to dispose of your waste? Unsure when bin day is? Missing a bin? Contact the Student Community Wardens if your household is experiencing any issues with waste and we can advise you - communitywardens@exeter.ac.uk. You can also download the iExeter App to check when your bins go out. For more information on other community issues, please visit our webpages.
Student Check-In
During some or all of your sessions, your lecturer may share a One Time Code for engagement monitoring. At the moment, each course chooses whether or not to monitor your engagement this way, so don’t worry if your modules don’t all follow the same procedure. Using check-in information allows us to review engagement for welfare purposes and helps ensure Tier 4 visa holders meet their attendance requirements. Read more to find out how it works.
How does it work?
Your lecturer will share the code with you during your session - you’ll need to log into iExeter, input this code and register your attendance. If you don’t have a device for accessing iExeter or you have difficulty using the system, don’t worry, try refreshing your sessions or let your lecturer know so they can log in on your behalf.
If there has been a timetabling change or update, it can take up to 72 hours to be reflected in the check-in system, so you might need to log out and back in again. If you have any questions contact the Digital Hub or visit us in the Forum.
We recommend you read the full guidance on student check-in, including troubleshooting advice and screenshots, within the Digital Hub SharePoint.
Why should we check in to sessions?
Using check-in information allows us to review engagement for welfare purposes and helps ensure Tier 4 visa holders meet their attendance requirements.
Mind Over Natter
Struggling to strike a good balance between studying too much or too little? Join the study skills team for Mind Over Natter on Wednesday 13 October at 12.45pm to learn some time management tricks which can help you achieve success and improve your wellbeing.
If you have any suggestions for future topics, you can email us at studentcomms@exeter.ac.uk.
Exehale sssshhhhh
We’re really pleased that lots of you are using our new wellbeing space, Exehale. Please don’t forget this is a quiet space. The maximum capacity of the room is 6, so if it’s full you’ll need to wait until someone leaves before entering. Please can you leave the furniture in its original position after you have used the space. This is to allow wheelchair users to access the room freely. For more information please visit our webpage.
The Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group
The Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group is run by students for students struggling with their relationship to food, exercise and body image. The group runs meetings from 7-8pm every Monday and every other week on Thursday. Their Wellbeing trained facilitators create a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment for you to discuss whatever’s on your mind with others facing similar issues. Find out more about where meetings are held and further support resources on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
Settling into University Life online webinar
University life can be exciting but may bring challenges, especially in the pandemic. As many of us are on campus for the first time, or perhaps after a long time away, feelings may be mixed. This webinar is for everyone and is designed to help you identify and tackle some of the challenges associated with starting or resuming university life. It takes place on Zoom on Thursday 14 October from 2-3pm. You can join here.
Brush up on your skills
Don’t forget to sign up for one of our upcoming skill sessions. Each session is designed to aid your professional development and give you the confidence to apply your newly acquired skills in the workplace. Sessions include Time and Stress Management, Problem Solving and Leadership skills. To find out what’s running this week and to book your place, visit Handshake.
Celebrating Success, Overcoming Barriers As Black Researchers
This event will be held on Wednesday 20 October, 12:00-13:00, via Teams.
Speakers will include three early career researchers: Ifraax Abdi-Osman, Tanimola Martins, Kaiyven Afi Leslie.
Being Black At Exeter
Fireside chat with CMH undergraduate students Roseanne Offiah, Odera Dim, Otiti Oboh, Larai Bowers, led by Musa Daggash, Year 3 Neuroscience student. This event will be held on Wednesday 27 October, 12:00-13:00, via Teams. For more information on this CMH event, please contact Dr Musarrat Maisha Reza.
Exeter alumnus speaker event on The Black Power Movement
Bryan Knight is an Exeter alumnus and journalist, oral historian and podcaster focussed on British History and current affairs. Bryan will be joining us on Thursday 14 October, 17:00 – 18:00, to discuss the Black Power Movement in Britain. Read his most recent article about the inspirational achievements of Altheia Jones-Lecointe.
Register your interest for the event here(online Zoom/Teams link to be circulated via email before the event).
In Conversation with Sophia Thakur
Sophia Thakur is an award-winning, best-selling author and performance poet, with a mission to push the boundaries of poetry and literature. We’re delighted to have Sophia with us in person on Monday 18 October, 17:30 – 18:30, speaking on empowerment and self-expression, and performing a spoken word piece. Get your free ticket now.
To find out more about all our Black History Month events, visit our webpage here.
Call For Education Incubator Student-Led Projects 2021/22
Anti-Racism (SLAR) and Gender Safety (GS) Projects
The Exeter Education Incubator is looking for teams of students who want to work on projects that make the University anti-racist, as well as teams of students who want to work on projects to improve Gender Safety issues at the University. These projects are run in conjunction with the Provost’s Office and build on the projects run last academic year, which are on our website here.
You will be able to bid for up to £5,000 to run your project from October 2021 to July 2022. The application form is on Twitter and will be available soon. The deadline for applications will be at 5pm on Monday 25 October.
If you would like to discuss an idea or have questions, please contact us at educationincubator@exeter.ac.uk.
Pay for student staff
We value our students who work here. Our Postgraduate Teaching Assistants are now known as Postgraduate Teaching Associates. Most have moved to contracts from casual work arrangements and new paid time allowances for preparation have been agreed.
Student Art pass
Art Fund, a charity which supports UK museums and galleries offers a Student Art pass. Until December this costs £5 for a year and gives free or reduced-price access to arts experiences across the UK. Find out more on their website.
Events at the Ram Bar
There are some exciting events coming up at The Ram Bar:
- Quiz nights are back from 8pm every other Monday for this term starting on Monday 11 October. Entry is £6 per team, and you need to pre-book at the bar or pay on arrival (limited availability).
- A spooky Halloween party on the 29 October from 8pm - 11pm, with a live DJ and fancy-dress competition. Tickets are £3 and available to buy from the bar.
Intercultural Café – every Friday
Our weekly Intercultural Cafe is a way to meet new people and celebrate our different cultures and approaches. It takes place every Friday during term in Isca Eats (Cornwall House) on Streatham campus from 10.15am. Come and enjoy a free hot drink and pastry. Find out more here.
Sing with the Chapel Choir
The University Chapel Choir still has some places available. They meet and sing regularly to a professional standard and offer a scholarship of nearly £700 – have a look at their video to get a flavour of what they do.
The choir tours, records and gives concerts regularly and enjoys a great social life. For more information, email their Director Michael Graham, chapelmusic@exeter.ac.uk. You can also find out more by watching this video.
Ice Flows game
Join us at the Digital Hub for the launch of a new game, Ice Flows - set a high score and win prizes.
Dr Anne Le Brocq uses game-based learning to communicate complex physical processes in an interactive and easy to understand way. In her game, Ice Flows, you’ll learn how the ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland respond to changes in climate while interacting with penguins, polar bears and seals along the way.
Ice Flows will be available to play between 09:30 – 16:30 on Wednesday 13 October at the Digital Hub, Forum, Streatham Campus. If you’d like to find out more about science communication, game-based learning and ice sheets, visit between 12:30 – 13:30 when Dr Le Brocq will be on hand to answer questions.
Sidmouth Science Festival 2021
Some University academics are taking part in some of the events at this year’s Sidmouth Science Festival. The events are going ahead in person, with some COVID-19 measures, until Sunday 17 October. It promises something for everyone; adults, children and families including hands on activities, workshops and talks…and a dinosaur! Most events are free. Further information is available from their website here.
Get tickets for Red Roses international rugby and you could win a signed England rugby ball
We’ve teamed up with the Exeter Chiefs to give rugby fans the chance of tickets/a ticket for the start of the Red Roses four-game Test series. The first match kicks off at Sandy Park, Exeter on Sunday 31 October at 2.30pm, when England Women face New Zealand. By buying your ticket using the special code, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a rugby ball, signed by the England team.
To get your ticket/s:
- Go to https://tickethub.exeterchiefs.co.uk – tickets can be redeemed online only
- Input code UNIREDROS311021 in promo code box at the top of the homepage
- Tickets available in North Terrace wings or centre for the Red Roses (Sunday 31 October)
- Click the area wanted and ensure to choose the correct ticket from the drop down list of tariffs.
Parafootball taster session
EULFC and EUAFC are working with Exeter City Community Trust to increase parafootball opportunities, inclusive to any student with a disability. This starts with a taster session on Thursday 4 November from 2-3pm in the Streatham indoor sports hall. If you're interested sign up via this fixr link and any questions message @eulfc1 or @euafc. Parafootball is a game for everyone and beginners are welcome.
Alumni Annual Fund – deadline approaching
Don’t forget the deadline to apply for funding from the Alumni Annual Fund is just under two weeks away, on Sunday 24 October. If you have a student project why not apply? To be awarded funding, projects must demonstrate they will enhance the experience across our community, benefiting current and future generations of students and making Exeter an even better place to study and live. A wide range of projects are supported every year, including equipment for sports societies, academic conferences, community projects, and society speaker events.
For more information about the fund, including how to apply, visit the Alumni Annual Fund webpages.
Access to Internships (A2I)
Applications for this year's Access to Internships (A2I) scheme are now open. A2I can help you arrange your own paid internship in the UK. For those eligible, the scheme can provide information, support and funding. All funding is issued on a first-come-first-serve basis. The deadline for A2I for University-based internships is Friday 13 May 2022. For all other qualifying internships, the deadline is Friday 10 June 2022. For more information, including how to apply, please visit these webpages.
Career Zone Employability Schemes
When you think of the Career Zone, you probably think of careers advice, but actually, that’s only a small part of what we do. If you’re looking to develop your skills and experience, our Employability Schemes can add value to your time at Exeter.
Interested in a career in sustainability? Try ‘Green Consultants’, our award-winning programme. Thinking about teaching? ‘Aspirational Educators’ will help you get the necessary experience. Or perhaps you’d like an intensive training course with a week of paid work experience in a highly competitive sector? ‘Professional Pathways’ would be an ideal match. Find out more and get involved.
Tuesday 12 October, 2 - 3.30pm, Forum Marquee, Eating Well on a Student Budget: Join Wellbeing and Riverford Farm for an exciting practical session to learn about how eating well can really help improve your wellbeing. There might even be some free food!
Wednesday 13 October, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Wellbeing Webinar: Feeling Nervous about Presentations? Book your place here.
Wednesday 13 October, 12.45pm - 1.30pm, Mind Over Natter talk: Getting Productive and Feeling Good. Book your place here.
Thursday 14 October, 5 – 6pm, Bryan Knight - Exeter alumnus speaker event on The Black Power Movement. Register your interest for the event here (online Zoom/Teams link to be circulated via email before the event).
Monday 18 October, 5:30 – 6:30pm, In Conversation with Sophia Thakur. Get your free ticket here.
Wednesday 20 October, 12:00-13:00, via Teams, Celebrating Success, Overcoming Barriers As Black Researchers.
Wednesday 25 October, 6-7:30pm, Bioluminescent Baby – Collaborations in Publishing, online event via Zoom. Find out more here.
Wednesday 27 October, 12:00-13:00, via Teams, Being Black At Exeter, a fireside chat with CMH undergraduate students.
Every Monday and every other Thursday, 7-8pm, Eating Difficulties Support Group. Find out more about where meetings are held and further support resources on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
To find out more about all our Black History Month events, visit our webpage here.
Don't forget to also keep your eye out on events and activities run by your Students’ Guild.
Tell us what you think of this newsletter:
Get in touch with your feedback or news stories at: studentcomms@exeter.ac.uk
