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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 may affect 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 the Penryn Info Point team in Peter Lanyon.
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.
We want you!
Our marketing team are looking for students to tell us about their experience, either as a Postgraduate, or as a student who came to the University of Exeter through Clearing. This is to provide authentic student insight and advice to prospective students. If you are happy to write a few words and have a photo taken, please contact Rachel Caunter
Take up a Grand Challenge - 10 to 14 June
This year sees the launch of The Case for Earth, a Grand Challenge designed especially for students on the Penryn Campus, with keynote speakers Natalie Bennett (former leader of the Green Party), Hugo Tagholm (Chief Executive of Surfers Against Sewage) and Shane Holland (Executive Chair Slow Food UK). During the week, 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. You get to work closely with leading academics, hear inspiring talks from external speakers and form new friendships along the way. Sign up now for The Case for Earth Challenge or take a look at the other Challenges available in Exeter. Places are limited and the sign-up deadline is 19 May.
Develop your potential with SPRINT (22 & 23 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.
Graduates boost student volunteers
FXU has received £2,000 through a successful bid to the University’s Alumni Annual Fund. Funding is to be invested in the union’s existing ‘Legends’ platform; an online system that provides student volunteers the opportunity to connect with external community volunteering partners, record all their volunteering hours and receive incentives and recognition. So far, nearly 500 students have logged over 32,000 hours this academic year.
Domestic abuse help and advice sessions
First Light is holding support and advice drop in sessions surrounding domestic abuse in the Exchange on Friday 10 May (room 6) and Friday 24 May (room 7) from 10:00 - 12:00. It's open to all students so please feel free to drop in, or you can be signposted via Student Services. Alternatively contact Anne at saferfutures@firstlight.org.uk. The helpline number is 0300 777 4 777.
Bibliotherapy
Mental Health Week begins on 13 May and in support of this, the Counselling and Library team is highlighting the Bibliotherapy/Self Helps books and electronic resources collection and the ways in which they can be searched for in the Library Catalogue (a quick way is to use the word 'Bibliotherapy' in the search).
As part of this, Falmouth University Illustration students have produced 13 beautiful images and Jade Newlin, Third Year Illustration, has used them to create a Zine themed around issues related to mental health.
The whole Library collection has been reorganised to make finding resources much easier and both the student Zine and the books will be on show from Monday as part of a ‘Bibliotherapy’ exhibition at Penryn and Falmouth campuses.
Summer works in the Exchange
This summer, the group study and helpdesk area of Penryn Campus Library will be transformed. This will increase the number of study spaces for collaborative working and bring the Compass Service to the first floor of the Library. There will also be a new space for Archives & Special Collections on the ground floor of the Exchange. The Compass Service will relocate from the lower Exchange to the lower level of the Student Services Annex from June to September.
The library will remain open during the summer with reduced access as follows:
- The Reading Room on the Penryn Campus will be closed from 20 May to 16 September.
- Most print journals will be unavailable from 20 May to 16 September.
- Journal articles will be available on request only – please email library@fxplus.ac.uk
- Special Collections will be available on request only – please email library@fxplus.ac.uk
- Archives may be available by appointment depending on packing status – please email archives@fxplus.ac.uk
Planning to make a systematic review of any print journals, special collections or archives this summer? Please let the library know as soon as possible so that we can make special arrangements.
New Penryn library catalogue
On Monday 17 June, we will launch a new Penryn Campus Library Catalogue. During the transfer all online and physical resources will remain available. In the week of 10 to 17 June you may experience minor disruption to services including:
- Unable to request resources
- Unable to renew resources or check your account
- Limited borrowing facilities at weekends and overnight.
Exeter Library Search shows all the e-resources you have access to. Please do get in touch with the library@fxplus.ac.uk if you have any questions. All communications about this project will be posted on the New Library Search web page.
Update on Peter Lanyon refurbishments
The Multimedia lab will be available for use again from Monday 13 May. This is available to all undergraduate students when not being used for timetabled teaching. Card access is required.
Unfortunately, the IT study hub will now not be ready for use until 24 May, due to a delay with furniture. Alternative quiet study space can be found in the Library, the learning lounges and DDM IT Suite 3.037. Remember that laptops are available for loan, should you need one. More details about this service are online.
Work continues on the first floor of Peter Lanyon to allow for the ongoing expansion of languages, humanities and politics at Penryn. PhD students will be moving into the new PhD office on 10 May.
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.
Printing price changes
The prices of printing have been changed due to feedback from students that the price of colour printing was too high so this has been reduced. We have slightly increased the cost of black and white printing at the same time. The new prices are displayed at the printers and have been agreed by the FX Plus Board.
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.
Make a meal of it
Got an idea for a tasty meal for the Stannary? If so, just pop it into the ideas box there and we’ll see what we can dish up!
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 Penryn Info Point who can offer advice. Read more here.
Beach Bonfires
You may not realise that there are by-laws in place which mean that open fires aren’t allowed on Falmouth’s beaches, in order to keep them clean, safe and tidy for all users. In the case of Gyllyngvase for BBQs, there is a designated area to the left-hand side of the beach (look for the signs when coming onto the beach). Please dispose of any used BBQs and other rubbish responsibly. This all helps support the hard work that goes into ensuring that Gylly retains its valued Blue Flag status, by reducing the debris on its sands.
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.
Shared Services Survey - you could receive a £250 voucher!
The 2019 Shared Services Survey runs until 24 May. It helps to tell us what’s working and what we need to improve and is open to all students and staff. Please take a few minutes to fill it in and you could be in with a chance of winning a £250 voucher – there are two up for grabs.
Lost something?
The Lost Property Service, formerly provided by Security, has been taken on by the Halls team at Glasney Lodge. This service will be 24 hours and items can only be kept for one week, unless by special arrangement via halls.help@fxplus.ac.uk. In the case of identifiable items (e.g. student cards, passports, driving licences, bank cards etc), an email will be sent to the owner if at all possible and they must be collected as soon as possible. Uncollected clothing and non-official items will be recycled, official items will be sent to the relevant body, and bank cards will be destroyed after one day.
Waste and recycling
Maybe you are moving somewhere new next term or just packing up to leave your accommodation for the summer? Moving in and out can create a lot of waste and we strongly urge you to recycle as much as possible and be aware of your bin collection dates to reduce the impact of rubbish on our environment. You can find out more about our waste and recycling services on campus here including how to easily donate clothes, books and CDs to the British Heart Foundation.
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.
Cashless campus survey results
Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer the Cashless Campus survey - we had more than 500 responses. Following the feedback we will continue to accept cash across most outlets but will be trialling card-only payments in areas of low volume/low impact where cash usage is already very small. This will be introduced from the new academic year and students will be given plenty of notice.
If you have any financial concerns you can get support from the University or FXU Advice Service or call FXU on 01326 255861.
Ahoy m’ hearties – Falmouth’s Sea Shanty Festival needs you!
Shiver m' timbers - Falmouth's International Sea Shanty Festival is on 14 to 16 June. Over 60 shanty groups will be performing more than 350 hours of shanty singing. The organisers are looking for volunteers to support the festival during the event and in advance from 8 June. Help is needed for selling programmes and raffle tickets, promoting the reuse of plastic glasses, marshalling and many other things. If you're interested, please email Fred Chadburn, Volunteer Co-ordinator.
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.
Discounted Truro Leisure Centre Membership
You are now eligible for the Corporate Membership rate at Truro Leisure Centre; for students this is £28.50 per month on a Direct Debit. Memberships include Gym, Pool and Fitness Classes, and full use of all the Better Leisure Centres in Cornwall.
You are able to look around the centre and take advantage of a free 3 day pass before you commit to a full membership. Contact GLL Truro on 01872 261628 for further information.
Slip n slide '19, Tuesday 21 May, 13:00 - 16:00, Tremough House Lawns, Penryn Campus
A FREE fun-filled afternoon of Slip n Slide on an incredible inflatable 100m course, sponsored by FXU, your Students' Union and the University giving you some end of academic year fun. Keep the look out for small pop-up events happening in and around the Slip n Slide on the day too. Don't forget your towel!
The Big Alumni Meeting, Saturday 18 May, 09:30 - 15:00, Lower Stannary, Penryn Campus
A chance for you to meet with Cornwall Campus graduates (alumni) who have graduated within the last 5 years. Graduates who have previously held leadership roles within the Students' Union will be answering any questions you have about how to find a job and tell you how they used their experience gained in the Students' Union to help them with their careers. Find out more about The Big Alumni Meeting.
Penryn Raft Race, Saturday 18 May, from 16:00, Exchequer Quay, Penryn
Your Students' Union (FXU) and Penryn Town Council invite you to witness sustainably sourced, homemade rafts and their enthusiastic teams battling it out over a 500m race course. Stalls and local businesses will be open, providing refreshments to spectators as they witness the spectacle. Keep an eye on the website for the most up to date information.
Garden Party, Friday 24 May, 11:00 - 15:00, Falmouth Gardens, Falmouth University Woodlane Campus
You are invited to attend this Garden Party where two Falmouth University students will be displaying artwork based on their love of nature and involvement in the 'Potager Garden'. Community Wardens will be able to take you around the displays and there will be workshops on seed bomb making, upcycling of flower pots and macrame plant hangers as well as various games and refreshments. Contact sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk for more info.
Careersfest, Tuesday 28 May to Friday 7 June, Penryn Campus
Two weeks of career and personal development activities. You can get your CV into shape, sort your LinkedIn profile, find out how to get last minute work experience and more. There will also be sessions running for students completing their Exeter Award or Leaders’ Award. All sessions are open to any year group, undergraduate or postgraduate. Once you’ve attended a Careersfest session you can enter the FREE Prize Draw for a hamper of goodies. Find out more and book a session here.
Teacher Training Open Day, Saturday 1 June, 10:15 - 15:30, St Luke's Campus, Exeter
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 in Exeter 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.
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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