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University Updates
Welcome to your regular update
This week in University Updates...
This will be the last University Updates email of term one, so we would like to say a big thank you for your efforts to keep our community safe and for your patience with new ways of working. We hope that you have a happy, restful and safe winter break. As always, for Student Support and resources, please check our wellbeing website.
Preparing for Spring Term
Please make sure you continue to check your inbox for updates from the Registrar about arrangements for returning at the start of next term.
Teaching begins on 11 January 2021 and for many, following government advice, this will initially be online-only. The move of some live teaching from online to in-person will be staggered between 11 January and the week beginning 1 February.
Students who have travelled away for the winter break are advised by government not to return to their term-time accommodation until their in-person teaching is scheduled to resume, but must also leave enough time between arriving back at University and attending on-campus teaching sessions for two COVID-19 tests, separated by three days. We are offering tests in January and February 2021, using our existing test centres on the Streatham and Penryn campuses. Bookings will open soon and more detail on this will be shared via email and on the COVID-19 web pages.
- Degree programmes with placement or practical elements which cannot be delivered online will resume in-person teaching first. You should refer to your programme for individual arrangements
- New postgraduate taught (PGT) students will also begin their in-person teaching from the week beginning 11 January
- Other final year undergraduate students and returning postgraduate taught students will resume in-person teaching in the week beginning 25 January
- All other Undergraduate students will resume in-person teaching in the week beginning 1 February
- Postgraduate research students can resume their research from 4 January, and details of the facilities available during the winter break will be shared next week
Staying at University over the winter break
Each year a number of students stay with us over the winter break and this year will be no exception. Most of our facilities and services will be available as normal until Wednesday 23 December, and will re-open on Monday 4 January. Precise details of how to access individual services between now and the start of term 2 can be found on our winter break web pages. You can also find out about Christmas meals and the ‘Get Connected’ campaign being run by the Student’s Guild.
COVID-19 testing over the winter break
Our testing system has supported us throughout this year, delivering rapid test results and taking pressure from our local NHS testing teams. Now HALO testing is making it possible for students to travel internationally to visit loved ones over the winter break. Our HALO testing facilities will close on Friday 18 December, re-opening on Sunday 3 January. If you know you will need to take a test for travel purposes between these dates you can arrange to ‘pick-up’ a test from the Streatham Test Centre before Friday 18 December. Full details on how to access testing during the winter break, including for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, are available here.
Test and rest
The Arora Hotel Group offers a ‘Test and Rest’ service, which allows students to book a private PCR test and hotel stay at UK airports Heathrow or Gatwick. Upon arrival at the airport, you can get tested and will then be booked into an airport hotel overnight to relax until you receive your test result the following day. On receipt of a negative test result, students can then proceed to take their flight. Costs and further details of this service can be found on the Arora Group: University Test and Rest. This service may be of interest to anyone travelling after the University of Exeter have ceased offering on site testing on 18 December, or for anyone who would prefer to travel to the airport before being tested.
You said we did: new study spaces booking system
Thank you for your feedback on the study spaces booking system. We have listened to your concerns and are now launching a new booking system, which will allow you to book flexible time slots and to self-check-in and check-out. Study spaces will be reserved for 30 minutes after the start time of your booked slot, meaning that if you don’t check-in during this period, the space can be released for others to use. You can find out more and book here. Keep an eye on our library webpages for user guides coming soon and we welcome any feedback you may have.
Happy Hanukkah
Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish colleagues and students! The Festival of Lights is being celebrated from now until 18 December this year. For any information on local Hanukkah celebrations and other online services at the Exeter Synagogue, please contact Tony Reese (University Jewish Chaplain): A.J.Reese@exeter.ac.uk for Zoom codes.
Carols for all
Missing O Come all Ye Faithful!? Or seeking Once in Royal David's City? Why not tune into the University Chapel Choir's specially recorded Carol Service, bringing you all of the festive favourites for you to enjoy. The recording is available online from today (Monday 14 December) on the University of Exeter Chapel Choir Facebook Page, or on the website.
Togetherall
The holiday season may feel a bit different this year, but we can all be there for each other during this difficult time. Togetherall is an award-winning online support service which offers help and companionship 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Whether you want to speak to other members from around the world or a trained professional, there will be someone online every minute of every day. Sign up with your academic email address to get support, take control and feel better.
Treat yourself to Fika this Christmas!
Looking to improve your mental fitness? Why not treat yourself to Fika, which is a free app available to all our students? Fika focuses on a different skill every month, or 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. Fika is free to students – simply search and download it from the App Store or Google Play Store and register using your University email address.
Be safe be seen
As we approach the winter solstice, remember to be seen and stay safe. If you're walking, consider your walking route home; you are safest in well-lit and busy areas. 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. To stay safe when riding your bike during dark winter evenings, it’s a good idea to check your lights, to ensure you can be seen. For more information on staying safe, check out our webpage and find more resources on your Students’ Guild ‘Stay Safe’ page.
Bystander intervention programme
Dr Rachel Fenton, Senior Lecturer in the Law School, is developing a tailored Bystander Invention programme to deliver to 125 student leaders at Exeter later this year. We are looking for scenarios of experiences relating to sexual harassment and racism which can inform the training materials. If you are willing to share your experience, then further details can be found here.
The Rest of Us - Stories
Last week, an Education Incubator Project led by Professor Jerri Daboo in the Department of Drama launched ‘The Rest of Us - Stories’ magazine. The magazine is a collection of contributions by students of colour at the University through different forms of writing and photography. Some of the pieces are humorous, others are honest reflections on difficult situations encountered in the University and Exeter. (Trigger warning, readers should be aware that some of the articles contain references to racism, self-harm, violence, suicide, and the use of explicit language).
The richness and variety of contributions are to be celebrated, and we encourage everyone to read the magazine. Thank you to everyone who was involved in putting this magazine together, and particular thanks to the students who contributed.
Your reps need your feedback!
Next term your reps will continue taking your feedback to their SSLCs (Student Staff Liaison Committees). They need your feedback to promote change, so remember to give them some – you can find your reps here! Your feedback can be constructive, but it would also be great to hear some positives about your course too. This way, staff know what they can improve on, but also know what they are doing right as well! You can see previous feedback on our website in your subject’s Action Plan.
Exams update
Please look out for your final January examinations update email which will be sent to you toward the end of this week. It will include all of the up to date information you need to help you prepare and feel ready to complete your assessments.
Updates from Exeter Students' Guild
Here to Talk – Student Check-in
Your Students' Guild has called more than 700 students in the past few weeks, to have a chat about how they are feeling and finding life at University so far. They have given out information on the support and opportunities available, including the Get Connected events. They can't wait to continue this in the New Year; you might be receiving a call from them soon!
Officer Priorities
The Guild is also happy to announce their Officer Priorities! The Officers have been working hard on them for Term 1, with even more activity planned for Term 2 and 3. Each of your Full-Time Officers has a range of important manifesto priorities that they want to achieve for you, to enhance your student experience! Find out more here.
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 about if you have already had the vaccine contact the health centre.
New GWR train timetable
GWR has launched their new train timetable, which includes both weekend and weekday changes. Online timetable journey planners have been updated, and you can download copies of specific timetable booklets here. As with all current journeys, please check your journey before travelling and book in advance to reserve a seat, and for advice about travelling with confidence there is more information here. Unless you are exempt, please wear a face covering in train stations and whilst travelling by train.
Treasure Island
Shiver m’timbers me hearties – if you’re in Exeter over the holidays and head to the Northcott Theatre (located on the Streatham campus), you could end up walking the plank! Treasure Island is their seasonal comedy, with performances running from now until Saturday 9 January 2021. See their website for more details and booking information…if you dare! Please note COVID-19 restrictions in Tier 2 apply, so please check with the venue before booking.
Follow the yellow brick road
….and you’ll find yourself heading towards Oz with the Exeter Corn Exchange’s performance of the Wizard of Oz. Join Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion – and not forgetting the Wicked Witch of the West - on a special panto adventure. The performances take place from 19 December until 3 January 2021 and you can find out more on their website here. So why not click your shoes together and head on over? Please note COVID-19 restrictions in Tier 2 apply, so please check with the venue before booking.
Career Zone Seasonal Opening Hours
During the winter break we’ll be available to help you Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm up to and including Friday 18 December. We’ll reopen Monday 4 January, and we’ll let you know as soon as possible if this is going to be face-to-face or online only, in line with Government guidance. While we’re closed, you’ll still be able to access My Career Zone, and search for vacancies through Handshake.
If you’ve got any questions email careers@exeter.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to help. Finally, season’s greetings to all our wonderful students, colleagues and employers, and a very Happy New Year.
Interested in helping shape Employability and Careers support?
There are still places left on this exciting project where you can shape the employability support for underrepresented groups whilst having fun playing with Lego and getting a £10 voucher. The deadline has been extended to Friday 18 December. Find out more and register here.
All of the following events will be held online:
Wednesday 16 December, 1-5pm, The Peripheral Vision: Reimagining Regional Policy for a Greener Union. Find out speaker details and how to attend online here.
Thursday 14 January, 3pm-4pm - Postgraduate welcome event, online with the Vice-Chancellor Professor Lisa Roberts and representatives from the Students' Guild. Book your place here
Keep an eye on the Students’ Guild Website to keep up to date with upcoming events.
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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