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University Updates
Welcome to your regular update
This week in University Updates...
There's information on the Festival of Discovery and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. You can also find out about submitting your nominations for the teaching awards, collections from Students on the Move and more!
Exceptional Circumstances application deadline
If you feel exceptional circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted on your examinations and/or other academic assessments during this academic year, you can now apply for this to be considered. The deadline for applications is Friday 21 May.
Exceptional Circumstances differ from Mitigation because either the situation has continued over a longer period of time and/or has been more severe, which has caused a cumulative impact on academic studies. In other words, students applying under this policy will have had exceptional circumstances and for a significant period of time (four weeks or more in total, which can be across the academic year), and believe these have potentially had an impact on a number of examinations and/or other assessments.
If you think this applies to you, you can now submit evidence and an application to be considered by the Exceptional Circumstances Committee.
You may only apply once. There will be a subsequent opportunity to apply for Exceptional Circumstances later in the year for the August Referral/Deferral period, near to the PGT programme end date, and for January starters. Further information on subsequent application windows will be made available via the Frequently Asked Questions in due course.
The process does not apply to Postgraduate Research Students (e.g. those on PhD and other research degrees), who should continue to access the support services and advice provided by the Doctoral College.
This policy is known as ‘Exceptional Circumstances’ and is one of the individual student adjustment elements of our No-Disadvantage Guarantee. Full details are available within the FAQs, including a link to the application form.
Keep testing for COVID-19 as part of your routine
As more students return to University and more activities are now able to restart, it’s important to keep testing for COVID-19 as part of your regular routine. Whether you’re testing at home or at one of our test centres, if you get a positive result you’ll need a confirmatory HALO/PCR test – contact our Rapid Response Hub and we can book this for you. You’ll have the results within 24 hours and if it’s negative, you’ll be out of isolation quickly. More information and FAQs on testing can be found on the website.
Remember if you develop COVID-19 symptoms – self isolate and contact the Rapid Response Hub
If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms, including high temperature, new continuous cough or a loss of taste/smell, you must self-isolate immediately and request a HALO PCR test through our Rapid Response Hub.
Further easing of COVID-19 restrictions
From today there will be a further easing of the current COVID-19 restrictions, including permission for all students to return to on-campus activities. There are several other changes that we should all be aware of, and restrictions which remain which we must all follow. These include:
People will be able to meet indoors in groups of up to six, or as two households and outdoors in groups of up to 30 people
If you meet friends or loved ones you can make a personal choice as to whether to keep your distance from them, but still be cautious and respectful of their personal wishes at all times
Social distancing remains important with people who are not in your household or support bubble. The more distance you can keep from other people, and the less time you spend in close contact with them, the less likely you are to catch COVID-19 and pass it on to others
Pubs, bars and restaurants will be able to reopen indoors and indoor entertainment, such as cinemas and museums, will also be able to resume, where social distancing is possible
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs will allow overnight stays in groups of up to six, or two households.
At the University, fitness classes will resume from today and student sports club activity will continue.
With the Indian variant of COVID-19 now classed as one ‘of concern’ and with the risk from all variants still significant, please remain cautious and continue to be careful, in order to help keep everybody safe.
Please note that our COVID-19 safety policies remain in place, including face-coverings which must be worn inside University buildings and outdoors where social distancing is not possible. There have been no relaxations to the social distancing and safety measures in place across our campuses, and it is vital that we continue to follow these, alongside observing: HANDS. FACE. SPACE. FRESH AIR.
Students returning to our campuses for the first time are expected to get tested as soon as possible after returning and then regularly twice a week, every week. This is critically important now as we have all worked so hard to reduce transmission in our University community.
Festival of Discovery
As you near the end of your exams, we’d like to invite you to join us for the Festival of Discovery, on our Exeter campuses from Monday 24 May – Friday 4 June. With over 150 events on campus and more than 100 events you can join online, the festival will offer exciting academic and social events for you to attend including keynote speakers, sports activities, career support, society-led events, food stalls and entertainment, as well as the chance to reconnect with your friends and academic departments.
Bookings open this week. Find out more about the events and book your place here. For many events booking will be essential. Please remember to check your timetable before booking as some of your Department events may be timetabled.
Festival of Discovery: Employability event
As part of the Festival of Discovery, SRS Recruitment & Employability Experts will be delivering a mock assessment centre on the Streatham campus. SRS design and facilitate recruitment processes for a range of graduate employers. They use this experience to provide a realistic recreation of an employer’s assessment centre where you can learn and practise in a safe environment.
Participants will complete a group task, a pre-prepared presentation and a 1:1 interview. For each of these exercises, you will receive detailed and personalised feedback which will help you to become career ready. To find out more visit handshake here.
Exehale
If you're looking for a quiet place to escape amongst the stress of exams and revision, come and discover Exehale, a new Wellbeing space in Devonshire House. Situated on the second floor, Exehale is a relaxing space with Wellbeing resources and comfy chairs to relax and recharge, and is open seven days a week. When using the room, please don’t forget to ‘check in’ using the QR code on the door. This helps us to see how many people are using the room to demonstrate how useful it is.
For information on drop-ins and booking details visit our website here. If you have any questions or enquiries about using the space, please email us at exehale@exeter.ac.uk.
Wellbeing Survey - last chance to send your feedback!
As part of our ongoing effort to continuously improve our services and support, we would like to invite you to fill out our short survey on the Wellbeing Services at the University. The deadline to fill out the survey is Monday 24 May and completing it should take no more than 5-10 minutes. All data collected in this survey will be treated anonymously. More information regarding data protection at the University of Exeter can be found here.
Estate Patrol “Guardian Angel” service
Estate Patrol provides a “Guardian Angel” service to anyone who needs to walk alone after dark from any location on campus to any of the car parks, by using the CCTV system to monitor their route.
To use this service, call the Estate Patrol on 3999 when you're getting ready to leave your building to arrange with the duty supervisor to monitor CCTV cameras on the route that will be taken. Find out more on our webpage here.
Staying safe
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.
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.
Use SafeZone when working on campus
Everyone who is working or studying on our campuses can download and install the SafeZone app. SafeZone supports staff and students, especially those who are lone-working, and helps those who need first aid or assistance from our security team. It’s available through the Play/App store – search for “SafeZone” published by “CriticalArc Pty Ltd”.
If you don’t have a mobile device and you are working on campus, we recommend you install the desktop version by searching ‘Software Centre’ in the start bar, finding ‘SafeZone’ on the applications page and clicking install.
We recommend you check in and out of the app whenever you are lone-working on campus. If you are checking in using the desktop application, we ask that you note “(DESKTOP)” before your room number. You can find out more about SafeZone on our web pages.
Splash out less on sports membership
Fancy a dip? Don’t forget the outdoor heated swimming pool next to Cornwall House on Streatham campus is now open.
The Sports Park has released a fantastic Summer Membership, offering access to both the Russell Seal Fitness Centre and outdoor pool for just £25 for community members, with further reductions for students and staff. Head to their website for more information.
Online Module Change
Over the summer you will have the opportunity to request changes to your module allocation via the ‘Online Module Change’ process. The key dates are:
Business School Postgraduate January Starters 10 - 21 May
Undergraduate students returning in 2021/22 12 -19 July
Find out more on our Online Module Change web page.
Parties and noise
As exams finish and social distancing rules are relaxed from this week, you may understandably be planning to socialise. Please continue to be mindful of your neighbours, particularly those of you living in private accommodation near our campuses and surrounding areas, as you may have neighbours with young families, or early morning work commitments.
If arranging a gathering, it is important to socialise safely and considerately by consulting the noise section of the student guide (pages 24 and 25).
And remember - noise in the street can carry and have a big impact on all our community. Please consider those who need to sleep, particularly during the week.
Teaching Awards
Nominations for the Teaching Awards 2021 are open! These awards celebrate the incredible work of staff members across our Exeter campuses, in a number of categories. Have you received inspirational teaching this year, or has your personal tutor gone above and beyond to help you succeed? Nominate them now!
Let your Students’ Guild know your feedback!
The Students' Guild has launched Open Feedback for you! This is a new platform for any positive or negative feedback you may have on your course, University life, your education experience, and anything else. Your feedback helps your Students' Guild shape the future of your University experience. They want to support you throughout your time at Exeter, which is why they have created a forum for you to voice your thoughts, ideas, or concerns. Take a look and submit your feedback here now!
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be introduced soon
MFA adds an additional layer of security to your account, protecting valuable personal information and data. You have a choice of authentication methods including an app, text message or phone call.
Secure your virtual meetings
Making sure your virtual meetings are a safe and secure space for all is important to help keep us all safer online. Here are some quick tips for securing meetings:
- Teams: You can admit or reject individuals from the lobby using the tick and cross symbols - Zoom: You can lock the meeting once all your participants have arrived
- Teams and Zoom: You can minimise disruption by preventing participants from unmuting themselves.
Visit the Digital Hub to learn more about securing your Zoom and Teams meetings, or book time with an expert to learn more about meeting security.
Students on the Move 2021
We're excited to announce that Students on the Move will be returning this year for Term 3! The scheme allows students living in private accommodation to have non-recyclable waste collected for FREE - in addition to your normal bi-weekly collection. This scheme has helped to reduce fly-tipping and has taken the stress out of the busy moving out period.
Look out for our Student Community Wardens, who will be issuing 'Students on the Move' envelopes containing collection stickers for marking extra waste in the next few weeks. You can also collect these from the reception areas at Streatham and St Luke’s campuses. The stickers will allow you to mark your refuse for collection between your normal collection times. Please follow the instructions on the back of the sticker. For more information visit the Community page or email communitywardens@exeter.ac.uk.
Coat donation in Devonshire House
Need to get rid of stuff before the summer? Shrug off any unwanted coats to CoLab charity. As part of our ‘Students on the Move’ campaign, there is now a donation point on our Streatham campus for you to donate no longer needed coats. Your donations will be given to the CoLab team and will help homeless people and families in need. You can find the donation spot in Devonshire House (DH2 opposite the large meeting room near the Exeposé suite). For more information please contact communitywardens@exeter.ac.uk or visit the Community page.
Need help recycling your glass?
The hugely successful Glass Caddy scheme has returned to transport your glass waste to recycling points. This collection service is only offered to students living in private housing who don’t have access to a car or don't live within walking distance of a bottle bank. Find out more on our community page or contact communitywardens@exeter.ac.uk on available collection dates (June and July).
Drama Students Collaborate with the Northcott Theatre
From the 27 - 29 May, you can watch a rarely performed version of Antigone by Bertolt Brecht. Created exclusively for digital streaming by the Exeter Northcott Theatre, the performance includes a chorus of students from the University's Drama department. See the teaser trailer and find out more here.
The “i” in Ally
On Thursday 20 May, the Exeter Northcott is hosting two special performances of The “i” in Ally, for staff and students of the University. Written by Exeter Alumni Monique Day, produced & directed by Beyond Face, The “i” in Ally has been a response to conversations with staff and students at Exeter University and aims to be a piece of work that is a catalyst for conversation and debate rather than providing answers. To find out more and book your place please visit the Exeter Northcott website (in order to secure your free place enter the code UOEALLY during the booking process).
Participants needed for immersive experience study
Researchers from the Business School and College of Life and Environmental Sciences have teamed up with immersive content studio, Factory 42, to study user responses to mixed reality technology at Streatham Campus. An interactive dinosaur experience, powered by Magic Leap technology, will be available in the Peter Chalk Centre Hall 1 from today – Friday 21 May. Participants will have the opportunity to take part individually or with friends and all volunteers will enter a raffle to win one of eight £50 Amazon vouchers. Additional information (including COVID–19 safety measures and booking) can be obtained here. This research is organised by Dr Jonathan Bird: j.bird@exeter.ac.uk
Decolonising Methodologies summer school opportunity for MPhil and PhD students
The International Institute for Cultural Enquiry (IICE) is holding a 5-day summer school on Decolonial Methodologies from 28 June - 2 July 2021, with the support of the Exeter Decolonising Network (EDN). 15 places are available to doctoral researchers currently registered for an MPhil or PhD at the University (any campus). There is no restriction on your current discipline, but the proposed PhD topic should be linked to “cultural enquiry”.
Please visit our webpage for more info and the application form which should be emailed to culturalenquiry@exeter.ac.uk by 9am Monday 24 May 2021. Transport and accommodation will be provided for Cornwall participants. The course is free and lunch and refreshments will be provided. Any questions? Contact Professor Rob Gleave, Director of the International Institute for Cultural Enquiry via culturalenquiry@exeter.ac.uk.
Completing your studies in 2021? Review your HEAR soon
When you complete your studies this year, in addition to your Degree Certificate you’ll receive an enhanced, electronic transcript – your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR). As well as providing details of your academic results, it will include some of your extracurricular/co-curricular achievements from your time at university. You’ll have the opportunity to review these activities and report corrections, omissions and exclusions. All eligible students will get an email inviting them to review their HEAR later this week, and you’ll then have until 6 June 2021 to review your HEAR. You can find more information about HEAR on this webpage.
Some of the following events will be held online:
Monday 17 - Friday 21 May, an interactive dinosaur experience, powered by Magic Leap technology, will be available in the Peter Chalk Centre Hall. Please book here.
Thursday 20 May, The "i" in Ally. To book your place visit the Exeter Northcott website (for a free place enter UOEALLY during the booking process).
Monday 24 May, 18:30 – 20:00, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lisa Robers in conversation with author Sir Michael Barber. Please register here.
Tuesday 25 May, 18.30, BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and director Amma Asante MBE. Places are limited so follow the link for more info and to book.
Thursday 27 May, 5pm – 6:30pm, Panel Event: Can we live in harmony with nature? Please book here.
Thursday 27 May: The Career Zone will be holding their first Virtual Summer Recruitment Fair. Don’t miss out – register now!
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
