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University Updates
Welcome back to your regular University Updates.
In University Updates...
This week there’s information on mitigation, funding opportunities and the upcoming Virtual Careers and Opportunities Fair!
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccinations - more dates
We have another COVID-19 vaccination clinic taking place on Wednesday 17 November, 10am-3pm in the Exchange on the ground floor, in the street area.
If you haven’t already had yours, you can book onto this clinic, up to two weeks in advance. The clinic 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.
Run out of COVID-19 home LFD tests?
Regular testing is still really important to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and we expect our students and staff to keep testing twice a week every week. If you’ve run out of home tests, don’t forget to come and get another kit from one of our campus collection points.
Report your COVID-19 test results
It’s really important that you keep reporting your LFD results via the NHS website whether you test positive or negative. If you are positive, you must self-isolate and arrange a confirmatory PCR/HALO test within two days to confirm your result. You can book this at our campus test centres via the Rapid Response Hub, or you can order a free PCR test from the Government website.
Feeling unwell? Take a COVID-19 test and wear your face covering
If you have a cough or any other symptoms, protect yourself and others and arrange a PCR test via our Rapid Response Hub or order a free test via the Government website
You must self-isolate whilst you wait for your results and if you are positive – find out more about self-isolation and the support available for you during this time, on our website. You must also let us know you have tested positive by filling in the COVID-19 online results form.
If you’ve been vaccinated overseas and have been identified as a close contact
The current advice for anyone vaccinated outside of the UK, including EU and US students, is that you are legally required to self-isolate if you are notified as having had contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. Please ensure if you have been identified as a close contact, that you self-isolate – you can find more information, including the support available to you whilst you are self-isolating, on our website.
Flu vaccinations - protect yourself this winter
Vaccines are our best protection this winter and now is a good time to get a flu vaccination. If you are eligible for a free flu vaccination, your GP will contact you (please make sure you are registered). If you are not eligible, you can pay for a vaccination at local pharmacies or supermarkets with pharmacy departments. If you’ve had COVID-19, it’s safe to have the flu vaccine and it will still be effective at helping to prevent flu. Find out more on the NHS website.
Meningitis: be aware of the symptoms
Meningitis is a life-threatening condition, so it’s important to make sure you’re vaccinated and know the signs and symptoms. Symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. Early symptoms can include: fever with cold hands and feet, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and stomach cramps.
If you think you or someone you know has these symptoms call NHS 111 or your doctor straight away. If you or the person concerned becomes seriously ill, then dial 999.
The MenACWY jab protects against four types of meningitis and it is free for students from your local medical centre - if you’re unsure if you have already had the vaccine, please call your doctor.
Environment and Sustainability
Launch of COP26 Green Futures campaign
A new phase of the University’s Green Futures campaign is underway to support our academics critical work at COP26 in November – a UN conference that must deliver radical action to tackle the environment and climate emergency. New COP26 website content is live now as well as new videos promoting our work on two of the COP26 main goals on net zero and protecting habitats and communities. Sign up for events and look out for news and social media content throughout the next 4 weeks – share and get involved. More info: greenfutures@exeter.ac.uk
Your safety
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 and add ‘FX Plus’ as an organisation to make sure the app works on all of our campuses. This is quick and easy to do: once you’re logged in to the app using your University of Exeter credentials, go to “add organisation” and search for ‘FX Plus’. 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.
Stay safe
Now that the nights are drawing in, stay safe when walking home by sticking with a housemate and using well lit, busy routes. Please remember to maintain social distancing and give people space on paths and walkways. For more information on staying safe, check out our webpage.
Staying Safe Online
On Wednesday 27 October, 1-2:30pm, join our online event on how to stay safe from negative influencers in the digital environment. You can find out more and register for free here.
Your learning
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 Accessibility 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.
Need mitigation? Check out the changes
We know that sometimes at uni you might experience a situation that affects your ability to complete an assessment - such as an illness, or a family crisis. We have a mitigation process in place to support you during these times. There have been some changes to mitigation this academic year:
- For coursework assignments (not exams), you can add an evidence-free extension of one week directly within the BART submission system yourself. This option is available once per assessment. You can use it up to four times over a 12 month period (this is unlimited for students with ILPs supporting extensions). You may add an evidence-free extension before, or up to 24 hours after the submission deadline.
- For extensions of longer than one week, or if you’ve used up all your self-certification options on eBart, you will need to provide independent, supporting evidence to support mitigation requests.
- Extensions will be granted in weekly blocks, but please check whether your new deadline falls on a day when the Uni is closed (e.g. a UK Bank Holiday or University closure day). You can still submit on those days but there won’t be anyone on hand if you have an issue.
- You must apply for mitigation within 24 hours of your assessment deadline, and you can apply no more than one month in advance of your deadline.
- Some assignments aren’t eligible for self-certification because of the practicalities of the course, and/or because they must meet specific requirements (e.g. from professional, legal or regulatory organisations). If you can use self-certification, it will be noted on the BART link for the assignment.
Please read our mitigation webpages for more information. If you have any questions, please contact your Hub/Info Point.
Mid-term exams
Good luck to all of you taking Mid-term exams starting this week.
If you encounter any problems, such as IT issues during an online Mid-term exam, please contact the Assessment Helpdesk by emailing examshelp@exeter.ac.uk. From today you can telephone the Helpdesk on +44 (0) 1392 72 6800. The Helpdesk is open between 9am – 6pm on the days where Mid-term exams are running.
If your Mid-term exam is being held on campus and you have any queries, please contact your Hub Info Point.
Religious Observance
We make every effort to avoid holding exams on religious days or festivals, where commitment to the observance of their faith would otherwise cause students to miss the exam.
If you will be observing a religious day or event during the January assessment period, from 10 - 15 January 2022, please let us know by completing the form, by Friday 22 October at the latest.
Wellbeing
Check out this week’s connect and discover events!
- This week, Free Sports Access at the FXPlus Fitness Centre. Free access to Gym, Studio Classes and Multi-Use Games Area. Book here.
- Wednesday 20, 11 – 1pm, What to Do When Things Go Wrong: Using Discomfort As A Resource with the Doctoral College. Participants will be guided to find ways to accept and embrace the more uncomfortable moments of research. Book here.
- Wednesday 20, 2 -5pm, Drop-In Chaplaincy with Jan and light snacks. Join our chaplain at the cosy Penryn chaplaincy each week.
- Wednesday 20, 3 – 5:30, Pumpkin Carving with Residence Life. Come along to Koofi for a hot drink of your choice and join us for some pumpkin carving!
- Thursday 21, 3 – 5:30pm, Koofi, Glasney Café: Cake and Chat. Sometimes all you need is a chat, which is what we're here for!
- Monday 25, 12 – 2pm, Catholic Mass, Prayers and Lunch. Join the lovely Catholic chaplain Fran for Catholic Mass and prayers
Fika: Mental Fitness
Fika is a mental fitness platform designed to help you improve your Seven Skills of Mental Fitness.
Fika focuses on a different skill every month, but you can work through the extensive library of exercises across all skills at any time to suit you. All of the exercises are delivered in a 5-minute format, making it easier for you to fit it into your day. If you want some extra guidance with the exercises, the Fika trainers put on live streams via the app, where you can tune in and hear from experts and other users. As you work your way through, you can also earn endorsed certificates, which you can add to your CV, LinkedIn profile and other places.
Fika is accessible for free by searching 'Fika' and downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play Store; you can register using your university email address.
Silvercloud
Silvercloud offers secure, immediate access to online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programmes, tailored to your specific needs. The programme has shown high improvement rates for depression, anxiety and stress and also has a programme on body image. CBT helps you identify and change those thought and behavioural patterns that have a negative influence on how you are feeling, helping you to make changes for the better.
Mind Over Natter
As the days get shorter and colder, it can be hard to find the motivation to be active. But finding ways to engage in physical activity of any kind can have a big impact on our wellbeing and health.
Join Martin Corck, director of Athletes Inspire, as he returns to Mind Over Natter on Wednesday 27 October 12.45 - 13.30 to talk about how we can look after our wellbeing this winter by making small changes that help us stay active. Find out more and register for free here.
Funding opportunities
Anti-Racism and Gender Safety Projects
We have launched two new project funds for all students to apply for. You can apply for up to £5,000 to run a project focused on two themes:
- Student-Led Anti-Racism Fund
- Student-Led Gender Safety Fund
We recommend you watch this video and read the information on these pages carefully before completing your application.
The deadline for applications is Monday 25 October at 5pm.
If you have any questions, email us at educationincubator@exeter.ac.uk
Alumni Annual Fund – last chance to apply
Don’t forget the deadline to apply for funding from the Alumni Annual Fund is this 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.
Black History Month
October is Black History month – a time for us to reflect on and celebrate Black Brilliance and history.
Check out some of this week’s events:
Wednesday 20 October, 1 – 2pm, online, From Allyship to Solidarity: Moving Forwards an Inclusive Culture and Languages. Click here to find out more.
Wednesday 20 October, 1 – 2pm, online, Putting the Black into British History: New Perspectives' with Dr Angelina Osbourne. Find out more here.
Thursday 21 October, 1 – 2 pm, Recognizing & Acknowledging Racial Trauma. Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 934 6152 0799 and Password: 431672.
Thursday 21 October, 5 – 6pm, Afropean Theology - Proud to be a Nigerian/British Woman. Join via Zoom Link or click here to find out more.
To check out our full list of events for Black History Month, including events from your Students' Union, please visit our webpage here.
Support PHD research on chimpanzee conservation
A PHD student has set up a crowdfunder to raise funds for his PhD research on chimpanzee conservation in Sierra Leone. He will cycle from Bristol to the Lizard (200 miles) in 24hrs. You can find out more and donate here.
Student Focus Groups
During the academic year the University frequently runs focus groups with students to discuss a wide range of topics and test new ideas or propositions. They typically last one hour and students often enjoy the experience. As a thank you for participating students are rewarded with some high street vouchers. If you would like to put your name forward to participate in a forthcoming group, please click here.
Multi Use Games Area, (MUGA), Pricing Change
The Penryn Sports Centre have introduced new pricing for the MUGA:
- Happy Hour price: £5.50 per hour between 7:00am - 4:00pm.
- Peak price: £15 per hour for members and £18 p/h non-members between 4:00 - 10:00pm
To book, contact the Sports Centre Reception – 01326 370770.
Neat Productions presents: Halloween at the Stannary
Saturday 30 October. 21:00 to 02:00
Halloween drops at the Stannary with all the trimmings... including DJs, Halloween Bangers, Apple Sourz 'bobbing,’ ghostly treats and ghoulish walkabouts. Plus, you’ll have a chance to walk away with £200 cash in our best dressed competition!
Early bird tickets are £8, general release £12. Student ID is required. Get your tickets online now.
Virtual Careers and Opportunities Fair - Happening this week!
There are a wide range of organisations across many sectors, offering internships, placements, graduate opportunities, and postgraduate study. All students are welcome regardless of your year of study, subject or campus.
More than 55 companies, including The Estée Lauder Companies, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Aldi, Tropic Bioscience, London Film School, Mars, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and many more, have signed up and are keen to talk to you in group sessions and 1:1s. You can book your space in sessions at any time, up to the end of the fair.
Access to Internships (A2I)
Access to Internships (A2I) is now open for applications! We can help you arrange your own paid internship in the UK and provide information, support and generous funding for those who are eligible. All funding is issued on a first-come-first-served basis until Friday 13 May 2022 for internships at the University and Friday 10 June 2022 for all other qualifying internships. Please visit A2I for further information.
Wednesday 20 October, 12.00 - 13.00, via Teams. Celebrating Success, Overcoming Barriers as Black Researchers. Speakers will include three early career researchers: Ifraax Abdi-Osman, Tanimola Martins, Kaiyven Afi Leslie.
Wednesday 20 October, 1 – 2pm, online, From Allyship to Solidarity: Moving Forwards an Inclusive Culture and Languages. Click here to find out more.
Wednesday 20 October, 1 – 2pm, online, Putting the Black into British History: New Perspectives' with Dr Angelina Osbourne. Find out more here.
Thursday 21 October, 1 – 2 pm, Recognizing & Acknowledging Racial Trauma. Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 934 6152 0799 and Password: 431672.
Thursday 21 October, 5 – 6pm, Afropean Theology - Proud to be a Nigerian/British Woman. Join via Zoom Link or click here to find out more.
Wednesday 25 October, 6-7:30pm, Bioluminescent Baby – Collaborations in Publishing, online event via Zoom. Find out more here.
Wednesday 27 October, 12 - 1pm, via Teams, Being Black At Exeter, a fireside chat with CMH undergraduate students.
Wednesday 27 October, 1-2:30pm, online, ‘Staying Safe Online’. You can find out more and register for free here.
Saturday 30 October, 9pm -2am, Halloween at the Stannary, Tickets are on sale now.
Wednesday 17 November, 10am-3pm, in the Exchange on the ground floor, in the street area, COVID-19 vaccine clinic, please book here.
Black History Month events: To check out our full list of events for Black History Month, including events from your Students' Union, please visit our webpage here.
Tell us what you think of this newsletter:
Get in touch with your feedback or news stories at: studentcomms@exeter.ac.uk
