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University Updates
Welcome back to your regular University Updates.
This week in University Updates...
There's information on upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics, our new strategy launch, changes to international travel rules, an examinations update, wellbeing events and more!
COVID-19 vaccinations – new dates for drop-in clinics
We have more COVID-19 vaccination drop-in clinics taking place on our campus over the next month. They 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.
Bookings can be made two weeks prior to each clinic – please book here.
- Wednesday 13 October, 10am-3pm – The Stannary, Penryn campus
- Wednesday 17 November, 10am-3pm – location tbc
COVID-19 vaccine Q&A – follow up questions and recording
Thanks to everyone who joined our question and answer session about the COVID-19 vaccine last week. A recording is available by clicking the link from the event (which you can find in last week’s Uni Updates or our website). There were a handful of questions we didn’t get to and you can find those answers on our website http://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/
Self-isolation rules
Make sure you are clear on the Government rules for self-isolation. If you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive (this includes people you are living with), you are at risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. This means you must self-isolate unless you are exempt for the following reasons:
- you are fully vaccinated (UK Government/MHRA approved, and 14 days have passed since your second dose)
- you are below the age of 18 years 6 months
- you have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
- you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
If you have had COVID-19 before, this does not mean you are exempt from self-isolating
Please note that for students on healthcare programmes, there is no requirement to self-isolate if you have been a close contact unless you test positive, however, students will not be able to attend placements until the 10-day incubation period has finished.
Reporting absence if you are self-isolating
If you are unable to attend your in-person lectures because you are self-isolating, you should report this via iExeter using the 'teaching and learning tools' tile. You should also speak to your tutor for advice on how to catch up on any missed classes.
Remote study for international students who have to quarantine
If you’re unable to attend in-person teaching because you have arrived from overseas and are required to self-isolate, you do not need to apply for remote study, as long as you are able to return to on-campus teaching by Friday 8 October 2021.
If you are self-isolating after 8 October, you will need to put in an application for remote study (if this is available on your programme). Please see our dedicated Remote Study web pages.
In the meantime, you will be able to access some learning content through your ELE pages and you should ensure that you are keeping up with this and associated work whilst in quarantine. Please attend the on-campus teaching in your timetable as soon as your quarantine ends and seek any clarification about content of sessions missed.
If you hold a Tier 4/Student visa we will be able to monitor your engagement through your use of online learning materials, so there will not be any negative consequences for your immigration status if you are unable to attend in person teaching.
Changes to International travel from 4 October – what you need to know
The rules for international travel to England have changed today from the red, amber, green traffic light system. There is now a single red list of countries and simplified travel measures for arrivals from the rest of the world. The rules for travel from countries and territories not on the red list will now depend on your vaccination status.
If you are fully vaccinated you are now required to:
- book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test – to be taken after arrival in England
- complete your passenger locator form – any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in England
- take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 after you arrive in England
If you are arriving from a red list country, the rules have not changed and you will still be required to self-isolate in a managed quarantine hotel, regardless of vaccination status.
Remember if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 then you must not travel but self-isolate and book a PCR test. If you receive a positive test result, you will be required to self-isolate for 10 days regardless of your vaccination status.
For a full list of FAQs and further details, please check out our dedicated Student travel web pages
Let the fresh air in
Windows in indoor spaces should be opened to let the fresh air in and minimise the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses. Windows in occupied areas should be kept open during the day and closed at the end of the day to ensure security and to retain warmth overnight.
As the weather gets colder we encourage students to come to campus prepared with extra layers of clothing. The University will be turning the heating on from Monday 4 October and it will be scheduled to start early in the morning to warm areas and make it more comfortable.
Keeping indoor spaces well ventilated is just one measure we are taking to minimise the transmission of COVID-19, other measures include enhanced cleaning, encouraging the use of face coverings, regular testing, and support for students and colleagues to engage with the Government’s vaccination programme. For more information and advice visit the Coronavirus web pages.
Reducing the spread of coughs and colds
As well as COVID-19, there are coughs and colds around at this time of year. If you do get a cough or cold, or have any symptoms of COVID-19, such as a temperature or a loss of taste/smell, please self-isolate and get a PCR test. If your test is positive, you must continue to self-isolate for 10 days from the start of your symptoms. If your result is negative, please continue to wear your face covering indoors to help stop the spread of general coughs and colds.
Help reduce COVID-19 transmission - keep wearing your face covering
Wearing your face covering is just one of the ways we can help reduce the risk of COVID-19. Please keep wearing yours in all University buildings and indoor spaces.
We’re strongly encouraging everyone to use their own re-useable cloth face covering but if you forget, break or lose yours, or you would like to wear a 3-ply face covering whilst on campus, you can collect a disposable face covering from a number of locations – some of these are listed below; you can view the full list of locations on our website under the 'Face Covering Station Locations' link.
Penryn Campus:
Penryn Info Point, Peter Lanyon
Protect yourself against infections
Make sure you are protected against infections while you are at Uni:
Meningitis and Measles Mumps and Rubella: Check you have had the Meningitis ACWY vaccination and two Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations. For more information, please contact Penryn surgery or your doctor
Flu (influenza) vaccinations are also free on the NHS for patients with certain chronic health conditions - please check the NHS website for eligibility and speak to your health centre about how to book an appointment.
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccinations: Women aged 25 years and under are eligible for the HPV vaccination - if you have missed any or all of the doses which protect against genital cancers and genital warts, contact the Student Health Centre or your doctor.
FREE drink spiking test kits and personal alarm
While our campuses are safe places to live and socialise, for those who would like them we have free personal alarms and drink spiking test kits. They’re available from the Glasney Lodge, the Compass Helpdesk, Students' Union Office, the Security Information Building and the Stannary Bar. We also recommend you download the Safe Zone app.
Drink spiking is the act of adding unwanted chemicals or alcohol to someone’s drink. Remember - don’t leave your drink unattended and never accept a drink if you haven’t seen it being poured/opened, or accept a drink from someone you don’t know or trust. If you think your drink’s been spiked, get help straight away. Drink spiking carries a maximum 10 year prison sentence - adding something to a friend’s drink may seem like a bit of fun, but it can be very dangerous and could result in criminal charges. Find out more here.
January 2022 examinations
The majority of January 2022 examinations will take place online, with some modules running as on-campus exams, where this is a requirement of the learning outcomes. Exams are being held on campus where invigilation is required, and submissions are difficult to capture online, such as formula-based/graphical exams, practical exams and oral exams.
Online exams will be delivered in one of two formats, called Options:
- Option 1 - An open-book, non-invigilated paper that must be completed and submitted within 24 hours following the start time written on your paper and on your exam timetable.
- Option 2 - An open-book, non-invigilated exam that must be completed and submitted within a fixed duration during a specified 24-hour period as defined on your paper and on your exam timetable.
To give you all of the information you need for January 2022, we will be publishing new guidance and an updated student handbook on our exam webpages later this month. We will also be publishing a table of information for each exam, including whether it is on campus or not. Please look out for these updates in future editions of Uni Updates.
Other examinations
Outside of the main examination periods and throughout the academic term, your module may have other examinations; these are known as Mid-term exams or in-class tests. These will either be sat on-campus or online within teaching ELE using the Option 1 or 2 formats detailed above.
Mid-term exams
Mid-term exams are scheduled by the Exams Office and will begin on Monday 18 October. Mid-term exams appear on your exam timetable, which you can access via MyTimetable from Wednesday 13 October.
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 Monday 18 October you can telephone the Helpdesk on +44 (0) 1392 72 6800. The Helpdesk is open between 8 am – 8 pm on the days where Mid-term exams are running.
If your Mid-term exam is sitting on-campus and you have any queries, please contact your Hub Info Point.
In-class test
If your module convenor sets their exam independently, it is known as an in-class test; you may have already taken one of these this term. In-class tests will not appear in your timetable, and all of the information you need to complete them, including dates, will come directly from your module convenor.
Please be aware that the Assessment Helpdesk will not be able to provide support for these examinations, and any queries you have about your in-class test should be directed to your module convener.
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.
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.
Having an essay crisis? Want to improve your academic writing?
Book a free, confidential service with our resident Royal Literary Fund Fellow, Anna Wilson, to help you improve your writing skills. Anna offers free, confidential one-to-one sessions, and students of any discipline, at any level of study (from first year to postgraduate) are welcome to book a 50-minute slot.
Anna can be found in the Peter Lanyon building, room 168 B, Level 1 on Thursdays and Fridays in term time. Whether you’re not sure where to begin, or you’re revising an essay to improve your marks, coming along to a session can help.
To discuss your requirements and book your place, please email Anna:anna.wilson@rlfeducation.org.uk.
Please note that RLF Writing Fellows do not undertake proofreading or EAP tuition.
Mind Over Natter: Getting productive and feeling good
Struggling to strike a good balance between studying too much or too little? Join the study skills team for Mind Over Natter on Wednesday 13 October 12.45 - 13.30 to learn some time management tricks which can help you achieve success and improve your wellbeing.
Join Sophie Wonnacott and Jennie Fox from Study Zone as they demonstrate how digital tools and a flexible approach to time management can help you take back control of your time. Find out more and register for free here.
Wellbeing workshops
Stress and Wellbeing Workshop
This course is designed to help you get a better understanding of what stress is, what causes stress and what keeps it going. Over the four sessions you can learn to manage your own stress better to enhance your wellbeing and overall health. You can find out more here.
The next sessions start on Wednesday 13 October 2021 1pm-2.30pm. Please click here to register your place: Stress and Wellbeing Booking Form
Adjusting to Uni Life
The pace of student life isn’t easy for everyone and you aren’t alone if you have feelings of homesickness or isolation. If you can, try not to dwell on this and instead, find ways in which you can become more involved.
University also provides space for personal self-development alongside your academic studies. To help you explore the different aspects of your wellbeing, we offer our Adjusting to Uni session. Wednesdays 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm. You can find out more here.
New strategy launch
We are very excited to be launching our new ten year strategy today. Hopefully you were able to join our Vice Chancellor, Professor Lisa Roberts at 13:00, if not you can catch up by watching a recording of the event online.
After months of collaboration, we have come together to co-create our vision and ambition for the next ten years.
Our new strategy framework, which places our people, our place and our partnerships at the centre of all that we do, outlines our strategic priorities and commitments for the decade ahead. Our focus will be to use the power of our education and research to lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis, to make key breakthroughs to transform human health and wellbeing, and to lead progress towards creating a fair, socially just and inclusive society.
We are also delighted to share our new values - Discovery, Respect, Excellence, Inclusion and Community. You can find out more about our values and all of the key themes on our website here.
Our People are central to our Strategy
Our People are central to our success and form one of the five themes. We value our colleagues and we know that our students value them too. The University has been working with local trade unions to discuss staff pensions, reducing casual working including contracts and improved pay for our Postgraduate Teaching Associates, and working to achieve equality, diversity and inclusion.
Black History month
October is Black History month – a time for us reflect on and celebrate Black Brilliance and history. Read our Black History Month newsletter and get involved with a fantastic variety of events and activities compiled by students and staff at the University of Exeter. You’ll also find great resources, such as film and book recommendations, as well as opportunities to learn more about black heritage and culture all year round.
Call For Education Incubator Student-Led Projects 2021/22
Anti-Racism (SLAR) and Gender Safety (GS) Projects
The Exeter Education Incubator is looking for teams of students who want to work on projects that make the University anti-racist, as well as teams of students who want to work on projects to improve Gender Safety issues at the University. These projects are run in conjunction with the Provost’s Office and build on the projects run last academic year, which are on our website here.
You will be able to bid for up to £5,000 to run your project from October 2021 to July 2022. The application form will be launched this week on Twitter and will be available soon. The deadline for applications will be at 5pm on Monday 25 October.
If you would like to discuss an idea or have questions, please contact us at educationincubator@exeter.ac.uk.
Real Time Space Checker
As well as the study spaces available on the Penryn and Falmouth Campuses, you can use teaching rooms when availability allows.
Availability of rooms is shown regularly on screens in the teaching buildings and is also available here.
Student Voice Elections 2021/22 - Voting Now Open!
Voting for the Student Voice elections within the Students’ Union are now open! Student Voice Elections include elections for Student Council, Subject Chairs, Department Reps, EDI Reps and Course Rep positions. Voting is open until 12 noon on Thursday 7 October. For more info, including how to vote, please click here.
Polite request
Please be mindful of how your actions may affect others in the community. For example, those that have brought cars need to park courteously and legally, and avoid blocking driveways and ensure access for emergency vehicles. We’ve had few complaints about noise, which is mostly from coming home noisily after a night out. Our neighbours may need to get up early for work or school, so please do try and keep any noise to a minimum late at night. Thankyou.
Asda Shopping Trollies
We seem to have accumulated a large supply of shopping trollies at Penryn Campus with no means of returning them to Asda. Please remember that there are shuttle buses and home delivery services available for when you need to do a big shop.
Do you have a student project or initiative that requires funding?
Funded by donations from alumni and supporters, the Alumni Annual Fund supports a number of projects every year. To be awarded funding, projects must demonstrate that they will enhance the experience across the University community. For more information about the fund, including how to apply, visit the Alumni Annual Fund webpages. The next deadline for applications is Sunday 24 October 2021. The University of Exeter has its own dedicated crowdfunding platform which is free for students to use, meaning that projects receive 100% of the money they raise. For more information, please visit the crowdfunding webpage.
Global Biobased Businessplan Competition (G-BIB)
G-BIB is an international competition to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation among university students. Teams of 2-6 are asked to develop a bio-based chemical, material or fuel and pitch it to the judges. The winners get financial support to further develop their business idea. Undergraduate and postgraduate students can register for free from October 2021.
Career Zone Virtual Casual Jobs and Internships Fair 5 October
Our Virtual Casual Jobs and Internships Fair is on Tuesday 5 October, 11am-2pm via Handshake, our new careers portal. We’re hosting organisations from multiple sectors all of which are either advertising part-time and/or casual jobs, vacation work, and internships. Our Fair is also open to agencies working on behalf of employers. All University of Exeter students are welcome regardless of your year of study, subject or campus. Employers include, Step One, Cornish Gems, Sporty Stars, Complete Events, Exeter Rugby Club, Nurse Plus, TikTok, Sense, and University of Exeter Internships. Find out more here.
Virtual Careers and Opportunities Fair Opening for Bookings!
After you’ve finished at The Virtual Casual Jobs and Internships Fair on Tuesday 5 you can book on to The Virtual Careers and Opportunities Fair, opening for bookings on Wednesday 6 October – this Wednesday! Secure your space in a group session or 1:1 with PepsiCo, Aldi, the NHS Leadership course, Newton Europe, Teach First and many more. Don't delay as there is limited capacity! Be sure to keep checking back too as more employers update their schedules and availability.
Exeter Student Ambassador Scheme
Applications are now open for the Exeter Student Ambassador Scheme. Student ambassadors work on a wide variety of paid jobs and can increase their employability and skills while doing so. To find out more and to apply please visit our webpage here. The deadline for applications is Friday 8 October at 17:00.
Tuesday 5 October, 11am-2pm via Handshake, The Virtual Casual Jobs and Internships Fair. Find out more information on how to attend via your Handshake account here.
Every Wednesday during term 1, 3-4:30pm, ‘Adjusting to Uni Life session’. You can find out more here.
Wednesday 13 October, 10am-3pm, The Stannary, COVID-19 drop-in vaccination clinic, please book here.
Wednesday 13 October, 12.45 - 13.30, online, Mind Over Natter: Getting productive and feeling good. Find out more and register for free here.
Don't forget to also keep your eye out on events and activities run by your Students' Union.
Tell us what you think of this newsletter:
Get in touch with your feedback or news stories at: studentcomms@exeter.ac.uk
