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University Updates
Welcome back to your regular University Updates.
In University Updates...
This week there’s information on mitigation, safer walking routes and the upcoming Virtual Careers and Opportunities Fair!
COVID-19
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 or if you prefer, you can attend one of our LFD campus test centres for an assisted LFD test.
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.
Going home for reading week? Take a COVID-19 test before you go
If you’re heading home for reading week, it’s really important to test before you go and to only travel if you have a negative result. This will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. You can collect a COVID-19 home test kit from a number of locations across our campuses, and we have a pop up collection point in the Forum on our Streatham Campus all this week. You can also pop into any of our LFD test centres. Details of both can be found on our 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.
Vaccination clinic this week – Wednesday 20 October 10:00-17:00
We’re hosting another vaccination clinic this week at the Innovation Centre, on our Streatham Campus. 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.
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.
St Luke’s LFD test centre moving
From today (Monday 18 October), our St Luke’s LFD test centre is moving from the Haighton Library to Baring Court 01. Opening times will be 8am-3pm – you can book your test online or pick up a home test kit to test yourself regularly at home.
Flu vaccinations
The Student Health Centre will be running a flu vaccination session for eligible students with chronic health conditions this Wednesday 20 October. You need to be registered with the Student Health Centre - visit our webpage here to register online. You’ll be invited by text to book yourself into our clinic.
If you’re registered with a different health centre and are eligible for a free flu vaccination, your doctor will contact you. If you aren’t eligible, you can pay for a vaccination at local pharmacies or supermarkets with pharmacy departments. Find out more about eligibility 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 the Student Health Centre on Streatham Campus or from your local doctor - if you’re unsure if you have already had the vaccine, please contact the health centre.
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
Safer walking routes
Now that the nights are drawing in, stay safe when walking home by sticking with a housemate and using well lit, busy routes. If you ever feel unsafe while walking, Nightline offers a free confidential helpline in which someone will stay on the phone with you. You can call them on 01392 724000 (number is also on the back of your student card).
We have several designated well-lit ‘safe walking routes’ in Exeter to support everyone returning to their accommodation at night. These routes are marked with a dotted green line on our campus maps which are viewable here – Streatham and St Luke’s. For more information on staying safe, check out our webpage and find more resources on your Students’ Guild ‘Stay Safe’ page.
Exeter Student Nightline – here to listen
Run by fellow students, who are trained volunteers, Nightline offers you a confidential and anonymous listening service. It might be you’re walking home after a night out and want to talk to someone on the way, have academic worries, or something else – in short you can call about anything. Their number is on the back of your student card or you can get details on their web pages here.
If you want to learn more, why not listen to the Exeplore podcast, which was recorded last term with then Co-President, Lily Margaroli (now your Students’ Guild President). You can hear it on Spotify or Apple.
Night Bus service in Exeter
We’ve worked with Stagecoach to introduce a Night Bus service in Exeter which runs on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from late evening until 4am. The service incorporates the Streatham campus and is designed to support students returning from the city centre. You can use all Stagecoach network tickets on this service along with the discounted Unirider tickets. The single fare is only £2 as the University has subsidised the service to ensure affordability. You can download the stagecoach app here, to track the live location of the bus and buy tickets.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 this Friday 22 October.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing events on this week
Wednesday 20 October: Wellbeing Webinar: 'I've Got to be Perfect'; 2.30pm - 3.30pm. Bookable here.
Wednesday 20th October: Wellbeing Nature Walk and Community Garden visit, 12.45pm - 2.30pm. Meet outside Innovation Centre. (Please note, some parts of this route are not fully accessible, please email e.r.doyle@exeter.ac.uk if you require any adjustments).
Wellbeing road trip week 5 - event today
One of the Five Ways to Wellbeing tips is 'Take Notice'. This week, the Wellbeing Road Trip is at St Luke's Quad today Monday 18 October from 2 -3.30pm, with information on Wellbeing support, and self-guided information on the St Luke’s Tree and Biodiversity trails to inspire you to take notice of your beautiful surroundings.
Wellbeing Activities: Week 6
Do you have health conditions or mobility issues? Have you previously found exercise too hard, uncomfortable, not fun? Try a seated Pilates class for fun accessible exercise for people living with chronic pain, fatigue and mobility issues.
Free Online Seated Pilates class: 4.00pm – 4.30pm, Monday 25 October
Seated Pilates requires just a dining type chair (with flat bottom) and a cushion or Pilates ball. Gentle guided exercise followed by relaxation. Leanne, our lovely instructor, is also offering a free one to one if you wish to follow up after this taster session. Book here.
Check out this week’s connect and discover events!
- Monday 18, 2 -3pm, The Quad, St. Luke's, Wellbeing Road Trip.
- Tuesday 19, 5 – 7pm, Together Tuesdays with Residence Life at Mardon hall in the Residence Life Room.
- Tuesday 19, 11 – 1pm, Connections Café with the Multifaith Chaplaincy, Streatham Campus, in the Neil Cross Room, Forum Library Level 1 with tea, coffee, and biscuits provided.
- 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.
- Friday 22, 10:15 – 11:30am, Celebrating Diwali Intercultural Café at Isca Eats (Cornwall House).
- Friday 22, 11 – 1pm, Connections Café with the Multifaith Chaplaincy, Streatham Campus, in the Neil Cross Room, Forum Library Level 1 with tea, coffee, and biscuits provided.
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.
Housing and Community
Have questions about housing for next year?
Make sure you're following our main Instagram account @uniofexeter for our housing Q&A from 10am tomorrow (Tuesday 19 October). We'll be joined by Residence Life, the Guild Advice service and officers from your Students' Guild.
Check out our stories and you could still squeeze in a question!
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.
University of Exeter signs agreement with city partners to drive economic and social change
The University has signed a landmark Civic University Agreement with city partners – the first in the South-West – to improve opportunity, prosperity, wellbeing and the environment for local communities. Exeter City Council, the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter College and the University of Exeter have set out their joint mission to improve the lives of the local community. Agreements for wider Devon and Cornwall are also being developed. Read the Exeter Civic University Agreement and watch a video by city leaders on why it matters.
Campus tour – Student Community wardens
Explore our historic campus through walks, photos and anecdotes. Which is your favourite part of campus? Let us know about the historic parts of your home town/university. Traditions on campus/walk around campus; Reed Hall (orangery from Impy used to be attached), Mardon, the rock, etc. The walk will take place this Friday 22 October and will start at 10:15am in Isca Eats (Cornwall House). You can find more information 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
Black History Month continues throughout October – 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, 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' Guild, please visit our webpage here.
BUCS is back!
After a long year of no competing in BUCS, students across the University are back playing in one of our 51 sports every week. Success has already come for student Kitty Brewer, who placed first in the BUCS Women's Surf championship. If you are wondering around campus this Wednesday, catch one of our teams in action, or even sign up for a sport today by heading over to the Sport Website.
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.
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.
Season of Remembrance
Weds 3rd November, 5pm, Mary Harris Memorial Chapel. All Soulstide Evensong, with the reading of names of loved ones who have died and the opportunity to light a candle. If you would like a loved one remembered at the service, email their name to anglicanchaplaincy@exeter.ac.uk
Thurs 11th November, 10.55am-11.05am. Act of Remembrance for Armistice Day. Gathering in Mary Harris Memorial Chapel (Streatham Campus) or St Luke’s Chapel (St Luke’s Campus) for a short act of Remembrance and to mark the silence together.
Sun 14th November, 7pm, Mary Harris Memorial Chapel. Remembrance Sunday service. Faures Requiem with words of reflection and a reading of the University’s roll of honour. The preacher is Sarah Mounoury MBE
Rt. Hon Ben Bradshaw MP - Being a Gay Christian in Politics, Mary Harris Chapel, Sunday 24th October
As part of our Sunday evening speaker series, Ben will talk about his experiences of being a gay Christian in politics, followed by a question and answer session.
Following a career in journalism, Ben Bradshaw became a Labour MP for Exeter in 1997, and served as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport from 2009 to 2010. Ben was the first Cabinet Minister to be in a civil partnership, and has spoken in favour of legalising same-sex marriage within the Church of England. He is a member of Parliament's Ecclesiastical Committee. For more information, visit our Facebook page.
Looking for Pumpkin to do?
Why not take part in the Students’ Guild’s fang-tastic Give It a Go pumpkin carving event?
St Luke’s campus - Wednesday 27 October opens at 2pm
Streatham campus – Thursday 28 October opens at 2pm
PS Don’t forget you can’t use open flames like candles, in student halls and most private accommodation.
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.
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, 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.
Monday 25 October, 6-7:30pm, Bioluminescent Baby – Collaborations in Publishing, online event via Zoom. Find out more here.
Monday 25 October, 8pm, the Ram bar, Quiz night (every other week during term time). Entry is £6 per team, and you need to pre-book at the bar or pay on arrival (limited availability).
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.
Friday 29 October, 8-11pm, the Ram bar, Halloween party, with a live DJ and fancy-dress competition. Tickets are £3 and available to buy from the bar.
Thursday 4 November, 2-3pm, Streatham indoor sports hall, parafootball taster session. If you're interested sign up via this fixr link. Parafootball is a game for everyone and beginners are welcome.
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
