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University Updates
Welcome to your February newsletter, full of information, events and reminders
NHS Senior Mental Health Practitioners
Three NHS Senior Mental Health Practitioners are now based on the Streatham campus, in order to provide direct support to students. The pioneering new initiative is understood to be one of the first of its kind at a UK university. It sees the Senior Mental Health Practitioners from Devon Partnership NHS Trust working with students with complex needs and who may have episodes of crisis, at the Wellbeing Centre. Students who've needed this level of support have always been able to access it through GPs but the appointments have taken place across the city. This new service allows students to meet with the specialists within the familiar environment of campus. The Practitioners will also travel to the St Luke’s campus for appointments there. It also enables the University’s wellbeing team, the Senior Mental Health Practitioners and GPs from the Student Health Centre to easily sit down together to discuss appropriate care and treatment.
Mental Health lunchtime talks
Alex Williams, one of the new Senior Mental Health Practitioners is running a series of lunchtime talks open to all students based on a range of issues which can affect anyone:
- Mending a broken heart: how to overcome a break up: Wednesday 13 February, 12.30-1.30pm, Baring Court 112, St Luke’s
- Mending a broken heart: how to overcome a break up: Thursday 14 February, 12-12.30, Auditorium, Streatham campus
- Creating a home away from home: Dealing with loneliness and homesickness: Wednesday 20 February, 12.30-1.30pm, Baring Court 112, St Luke’s
- Creating a home away from home: dealing with loneliness and homesickness: Thursday 21 February, 12-12.30, Auditorium, Streatham campus
- Being your best friend: silencing your inner critic: Wednesday 27 February, 12.30-1.30, Baring Court 112, St Luke’s
- Being your best friend: silencing your inner critic: Thursday 28 February, 12-12.30, Auditorium, Streatham campus
- Turning ‘failure’ into success: Wednesday 6 March, 12:30-13:30, Baring Court 112, St Luke’s
Your safety: protecting your home from burglars
Exeter is generally a safe place to live but we have recently had reports of burglaries in the local area. You can take some simple precautions to prevent burglary in your home:
- Always lock your windows and doors
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Security-mark your valuables - write your name and home postcode with a UV pen or ask your Community Warden for a mark-up pack. Register your items for free at www.immobilise.com - so they can be traced back to you.
- Don't keep spare keys 'hidden' anywhere obvious - that includes the shed and the garage as well as the disused flowerpot by the front door.
- Take valuables home with you over the holidays, put them in secure storage or ask a friend to look after them.
You can read more about home security on the Police website.
National Student Survey
The National Student Survey (NSS) is now open for final year undergraduate students and we encourage you to complete it. This anonymous survey, run by independent agency Ipsos MORI, is your opportunity to feedback about your University experience and help shape future plans. The survey is open until 30 April. You can complete the survey here.
Keep your appointment
Winter’s a busy time for the NHS and so if you no longer need your appointment with the Student Health Centre, or other medical services, please let them know as soon as you can. That will ensure they can offer the time to someone else.
Win a £20 Amazon voucher and improve digital learning at Exeter
The University is looking to enhance Digital Education for all students through a new project called EdTech Exeter. As part of the project we’re exploring ways of improving our current systems and what new technology we can use to better improve your learning. Complete this short survey on how you want to learn for the chance to win a £20 Amazon voucher.
You can also attend one of our workshops or drop in sessions later this week where you can find out more, experience new technology and give your feedback. The sessions and workshops are listed here, please come along, we would really value your feedback. Follow the project on Twitter @EdTechExeter
Choose a module from another discipline
Interested in enrolling in modules from other disciplines? The online module fair runs from 11 to 29 March, offering you the chance to view all the modules available to you across the University. Whether you want a learn a language, gain workplace experience, or expand your subject knowledge and skills, the online module fair is here to help connect you to the modules that will diversify and enhance your University experience. For more information, email academicskills@exeter.ac.uk
EHRC Racial Harassment survey for students & staff
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched an inquiry to understand the types of racial harassment experienced at UK higher education institutions, how these are reported and how effectively they are dealt with. Students and staff who have experienced, witnessed or helped in an incident of racial harassment from September 2015 onwards are invited to complete their online surveys by Thursday 28 February. The surveys are available here. Professor Janice Kay is leading a Provost Commission so that we can implement new approaches, events, initiatives and policies to create an open, diverse and safe University community for all. If you have experienced or witnessed any form of harassment, bullying, intimidation or discrimination we would encourage you to report it and get support through our Exeter Speaks Out webpages
Exeter cements position amongst top 200 best employers for LGBT staff
Exeter has maintained its position as one of the top-200 best employers in Britain for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff. We are positioned 181st in the high profile rankings, published by leading charity Stonewall in January. The ranking, now in its 15th year, celebrates the efforts of leading organisations to create inclusive workplaces and is based on a range of key indicators which includes a confidential questionnaire of staff. Find out more online.
Home Sweet Home - a collaborative project with the RAMM
Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) would like to invite students to come and share their thoughts and stories around the theme of 'the home' and 'welcoming people to your home' for a community photography project. For more info email ruth.gidley@exeter.ac.uk or maya.herbolzheimer@exeter.gov.uk
Want to improve your proofreading skills?
From Tuesday 19 February, Study Zone will be offering proofreading workshops. To find out more or to book a place, email studyzone@exeter.ac.uk by this Friday (15 February). There are limited places so booking is essential. Visit the Study Zone website for upcoming workshops and more Study Zone events.
Get help with your study skills
1-1 Study Skills support now available in the Forum and Harrison. Visit www.exeter.ac.uk/studyzone to request a 1-1 appointment.
What materials are missing from the library?
Does the library need more reading material for your subject? Library Champions have access to a significant resource budget and made 596 extra resources available to Exeter and Cornwall students in the last academic year. You can email your Library Champion to place an order or to share your feedback on library services.
University College Union members' ballot
You may be aware that the University College Union (UCU) is currently balloting its members for strike action, with the ballot closing on Friday 22 February. This ballot followed the rejection by UCU of the nationally agreed 2% pay increase for staff.
Since the ballot was announced in January, we’ve been taking steps to prepare for any potential industrial action and have been working closely with the Students’ Guild and FXU to ensure the measures we put in place are the right ones for you and your course.
Dependent on the outcome of the ballot, UCU must notify the University 14 days before any industrial action begins. We will let you know of any planned action as soon as we can, along with the measures we will put in place to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum and that your academic outcomes are protected.
Careers health checks
There's plenty of careers activity to get underway this term regardless of whether you are a 'Decider', 'Planner' or are 'Competing' for opportunities. If you're on campus (any campus!) come in and see us for a quick 'health check' or to book a more in-depth conversation with qualified, experienced professionals. If you're not often on campus, do check out our enhanced online resources at My Career Zone Digital. There's really no reason not to engage with careers activity, even if you've already secured a role when you leave, there are still things to learn - remember: Your Career Starts Here!
The Work Shadowing scheme
The Work Shadowing Scheme provides an opportunity for you to shadow a professional in their workplace for a day in April 2019, either in the South West or in London. These opportunities are a brilliant way to get a valuable insight into a sector, company or job role. Opportunities are awarded on a competitive, first-come first-served basis so please apply promptly to avoid missing out. Applications open 18 February, visit the website for further information
Student Internship Opportunities
The University of Exeter Internship Schemes provide internship opportunities for current students, all roles are paid and are part time during time so are a great opportunity if you are looking for paid work, or if you are looking to gain some work experience to enhance your skills. The Student Business Partnership offers roles with local companies across a variety of sectors. The Student Campus Partnership offers the chance to work for the likes of SID and the Career Zone or on exciting projects. Find out more here.
Teacher training open days
Becoming a teacher will lead to an exciting and rewarding career. Quality teachers are highly sought after, and choosing the right teacher training programme is an important step in ensuring a successful career. Come to our Teacher Training Open Day on Saturday 23 February and visit our campus; meet our tutors and some of our trainees/graduates; and learn more about our Primary and Secondary PGCE and School Direct programmes. Book your place today
Considering postgraduate study?
If you're considering postgraduate study why not find out more about what we offer at Exeter? Join us for our Postgraduate Open Day on Wednesday 6 March - this small and friendly event gives you the chance to hear from current postgrads, talk to staff and find out about scholarships, loans and funding. Exeter students progressing to postgrad study in 2019 will receive a scholarship and can use the fast track application system. Book your place today
Soapbox Science
Join top female scientists as they take science to the streets in Soapbox Science. The deadline to apply is Friday 1 March and Soapbox Science Exeter takes place in Princesshay on 29 June. Engage the public with your research, inspire the next generation and promote women in STEMM. Find out more on the website.
International Women's Day
We're excited to be hosting a joint event with NHS Digital and the Environment Agency. The day will have speakers from the Environment Agency, a session on unconscious bias and more. We're aiming to achieve a balance in genders for the event and would encourage all female, male and non-binary students to attend. You can read more information here.
Had help from a graduate? Why not nominate them for an award?
Have you or your Society benefited from the time and support of an Exeter graduate? Is there someone you would like to see recognised for their fantastic help or who deserves an extra special thank you? The University’s Alumni Volunteer Awards 2019 is open for nominations. We’ve made nominating quick and easy as we’d love as many of you as possible to get involved. Find out more and nominate online.
Tree-mendous benefits
A recent tree survey has found that our mature trees have an annual economic value of over £46k. The survey, which took place as part of our on-going tree management programme, recorded over 5,274 trees (including groups) across our campuses, and found that University trees remove over two tonnes of pollutants each year and store over 3,000 tonnes of CO2. Our trees also divert 5,460 cubic meters of storm water run off away from local sewer systems annually which is worth over £8k each year
New University Global Strategy
We’ve launched our exciting new Global Strategy, setting out how we will become more international, offer more global opportunities to our students, and be one of the world’s best universities. Find out more online.
Evensong
Want to escape the Brexit blues? Fed up with the weather? Leave your cares behind for a while at Evensong, a beautiful service of about 30 minutes led by the Chapel Choir, every Wednesday at 5pm in the Mary Harris Chapel, Streatham Campus. Refreshments served afterwards in the Old Library. Everyone is welcome, of any faith or none.
Valentine's Day roses for the National Autistic Society
A group of students taking part in an entrepreneurship challenge will be selling Valentine's roses this week, with all the profits going to the National Autistic Society through Raise and Give (RAG). For all the information and to order your rose, see the J'Adore Facebook page.
The Exeter MBA Speaker Series: John Elkington, Thursday 14 February 6.15pm, Henderson Lecture Theatre, Building One: The Business School, Streatham Campus
The Exeter MBA invites you to Capitalism - does it have a future in a challenging world? - by John Elkington. John is a world authority on corporate responsibility and sustainable development, writer and co-author of 19 books. John coined the terms "triple bottom line" and "people, planet & profit". Sign up to the event.
Celebrate the Year of the Pig on campus, Sunday 17 February, 1 - 6.30pm
Our Chinese New Year celebrations are the biggest in the city and are regularly attended by more than 2,500 people. Celebrations take place on Sunday 17 February from 1-6.30pm. The festival will include Dragon and Lion traditional dancing in the city and on campus, Chinese displays, craft stalls, food and more! Please visit our website for more details. The celebrations are presented by the Chinese Student Scholars' Association (CSSA) and supported by the University, Students’ Guild, Streetwise Fund, Bristol Airport and InExeter.
The Big Fix 2019, Saturday 23 February, 10am - 4pm, Belmont Chapel, Western Way, Exeter
Bring along your broken items to be repaired for free. This will be Devon's largest ever Repair Cafe. The aim is to break the current UK record for the most items repaired in one day whilst raising awareness of Repair Cafes and encouraging people to fix things and reduce waste. Fully insured volunteer menders will be fixing everything from phones, laptops, clothing and bags for free. This is a free event run by Exeter Repair Cafe alongside Devon County Council. Further details about the Big Fix on Facebook.
Special Guest Interview with Madame Ouided Bouchamaoui, Nobel Peace Prize Winner in 2015, Monday 25 February, 6pm, Newman Blue, Peter Chalk, Streatham Campus
This event provides an outstanding opportunity to hear directly the views of Nobel Peace Prize winner Madame Bouchamaoui, about her involvement in creating change in Tunisia, and the events that led-up to her award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015. Attendees will also hear Madame Bouchamaoui’s views on the current political situation in North Africa and what the future holds for the region. Everyone is welcome. Sign up to the event online.
The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland (QUEX) HealthTech Hackathon, Friday 29 to Sunday 31 March
Open to students from all disciplines, this event will see you tackling a real-world health-related problem in society. The event is over 60-hours - Exeter students will develop the project during the day and University of Queensland will continue throughout the night. The aim is to produce a tangible solution that will be pitched to our sponsors (IBM and Géant) and representatives from the NHS. Find out more information on Facebook, register your interest or email Louise Baker with any questions.
Tell us what you think of this newsletter:
Get in touch with your feedback or news stories at: studentcomms@exeter.ac.uk
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