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University Updates
Welcome back to your regular University Updates.
This week in University Updates...
You can join our vaccine question and answer session TODAY, a Mind Over Natter talk with Laura Penhaul, team leader of the first all-women crew to row the Pacific and find out how to get your questions answered.
COVID-19 Vaccine event - TODAY with new joining link
Have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, join our online COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A with experts from the University and NHS - from 17:00-18:00 TODAY Monday 27 September.
To join the session, all you need to do is click on this link using your University email address. The link has changed from last week's University Updates, so please ensure you use this one. During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to put questions to the panellists.
The event will be recorded, so if you’re not able to join us, you’ll be able to access the recording by clicking on the event link (above) a few days after the live session has ended.
COVID-19 case numbers
The daily numbers of confirmed positive cases for students and staff can be found on our COVID-19 statistics web page. The data shown uses a 7 day rolling average and provides the last date for which case numbers have been collated.
The overall rate of positive results on our campuses remains low - to ensure we continue to protect our University community, we must all continue to follow Government advice – test regularly, wash hands, wear a face covering and use the NHS test and trace app. Alongside the vaccination programme, following this advice will help us to keep case numbers low and keep our University life moving.
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.
Face coverings
Please continue to wear your face covering in our indoor spaces, unless you are exempt. This will help protect yourself and others and keep University life moving. Don’t forget to read and respect our ‘Safe Community Charter’ which sets out the personal commitments we must all make, alongside our commitment to managing the risk presented to us all by COVID-19.
Have a question and don’t know who to ask?
We’re here to help!
If you’re new to the University and don’t know quite know where things are or how things work, don’t be afraid to ask for help! No question is a stupid question!
The first port of call for most academic queries is the Info Point, which is in the Peter Lanyon building. The Compass can also offer advice and support for more general student concerns. Alternatively, you can raise a query via SID online
For pastoral/more specific concerns relating to your course, we suggest getting in contact with your personal tutor.
If your issue is wellbeing related, our Wellbeing Services are open and available to support you, wherever you are. The ResLife Team is also able to provide support for students living in halls. They can be contacted directly via their Facebook page @FXResLife.
Other useful resources:
- The Students’ Union Advice team can provide free, independent and confidential advice on a range of topics such as finance, housing and academic support.
- If you are an international student who is seeking advice on visa applications and living in the UK, our International Student Support Team is here to help!
- Our Multifaith Chaplaincy is here to support students of all faiths and none.
- New students can connect with your peers and ask questions in our Freshers Facebook group.
- If you have a specific learning difficulty/difference and/or need extra learning support, please contact our Accessibility and Inclusive Learning teams.
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 (see below).
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.
Stay Safe
Falmouth and Penryn are generally safe places to live but it’s always best to be aware of how to stay safe and who to contact for help. Our Exeter Speaks Out safety pages, which can be found here, provide information, advice and guidance on how to have fun, stay safe and be respectful.
Changes to SafeZone
We introduced SafeZone earlier this year. The app is now being rolled out to all campus users in Cornwall. SafeZone is an online app that helps us help you whilst on campus if you request it. The app is available for you to download and sign in to if you wish. Please find more information on our coming to campus pages.
New and existing users will need to make a slight change to the settings on your app. You’ll need to add ‘FX Plus’ as an organisation to make sure the app works on all of our campuses. This is quick and easy to do: once you’re logged in to the app using your University credentials, go to “add organisation” and search for ‘FX Plus’. You can find help on how to do this online.
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 your local medical centre - if you’re unsure if you have already had the vaccine, please call your doctor.
Complete our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Consent training
All students are expected to complete our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Consent training. This training is an important step in ensuring everyone feels welcome and included at our University and you are central to this. We realise that some students will already have deeper knowledge about the topics covered but these are introductory modules designed to ensure all our students have a foundational understanding of these key issues. There will be opportunities to further explore these important topics throughout the year.
Wellbeing support with Togetherall
Did you know that all our students have free access to Togetherall?
Whether you’re struggling to sleep, feeling low, stressed, or unable to cope, Togetherall can help you get support, take control and feel better. You will have access to a 24/7 online global community and professional support from trained professionals.
If you do not quite feel ready to participate in the community, there are a wealth of online courses & resources dedicated to your mental health journey. From managing anxiety to improving your sleep. To join, simply go to Togetherall and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your academic email address.
You can find out more about all our wellbeing services on our support pages here.
Mind Over Natter Talk
Our wellbeing talk series, Mind Over Natter, resumes this Wednesday 29 September with an online talk from Laura Penhaul, team leader of the first all-women crew to row the Pacific. Join her at the usual time of 12.45 for tips on facing the unknown and living in shared accommodation. More information and free ticket sign up can be found on Eventbrite. Mind Over Natter is a regular, 45-minute lunchtime talk series, with a range of speakers sharing information and tips on a wide range of wellbeing topics.
Need funding for a student project?
Every year thousands of Exeter graduates and supporters donate money to support a wide variety of student projects. This may include equipment for sports societies, academic conferences, community projects, and society speaker events. There are a couple of options available for students looking for funding:
The Alumni Annual Fund
Funded by donations from alumni and supporters, the Alumni Annual Fund supports a variety of projects every year. To be successful, projects must demonstrate that they will enhance the experience across our University community, benefiting current and future generations of students and making Exeter an even better place to study and live.
For more information visit the Alumni Annual Fund webpages. The next deadline for applications is Sunday 24 October 2021.
Crowdfunding
We also have a dedicated crowdfunding platform that is free for students to use, meaning that projects receive 100% of the money they raise. It is quick and easy to use and you will be supported every step of the way. For some projects, match funding may be available. For more information, please visit the crowdfunding webpage.
The role of the arts in COVID-19 – new podcast episode
While the medical and science communities were in the frontline of the physical fight against COVID-19, arts and humanities played an important role in helping maintain mental health and connection within communities.
As the Principal Investigator for ‘The Pandemic and Beyond’, Professor Pascale Aebsicher oversees over 70 research projects exploring the importance of the arts, humanities and creative industries in understanding and addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this episode of Exeplore, we discuss the significant contributions these industries make to public health and the economy, explore some key misconceptions, and consider the long-term innovations that have happened as a result of COVID-19. Listen here on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
Finding your way around
Hopefully you’re now starting to find your way around campus. We hear you’re struggling to find the IT Suite in DDM (Daphne Du Maurier). From the first floor of the library, turn right after the librarians’ office and it is down the corridor on the right.
Also, the Exchange Courtyard – which is a new area and not yet on our campus map. You can get to it from the top level of the Exchange (go outside and in the next door you come to), or by walking up the steps to the right of the SU office and in the door at the top on the right.
Language courses
The FX Plus Languages Team is offering Arabic (new for 21-22!), French, Italian and Spanish online evening courses with a discount for students and staff. Courses start the week of 4 October with details and you can register via the StudyHub Languages pages or email.
Academic and Professional English seminars
There is a range of language development opportunities for any students for whom English is a second language. From Academic English seminars and Professional Communication workshops to colloquial English for the everyday, the sessions are a great way to adapt to studying in a second language and to meet other students from around the world. Details on the StudyHub languages pages or email languages@fxplus.ac.uk
Language Exchange and Connect
With 70+ languages and 120+ nationalities represented by students, researchers and staff across the campuses, Language Exchange and Connect provide opportunities to learn new languages or contact others who speak the same language(s) as you. Let the Languages team know your interests and they’ll do their best to put you in contact with others who share them.
Food and Drink Discount Vouchers
If you haven’t got one already, don’t forget to grab a food and drink discount voucher pack from any of our campus catering outlets. The pack includes a wide variety vouchers for hot drinks, smoothies, meals at the Stannary, reusable water bottles and much more.
Vouchers are valid until 8 October 2021. See voucher pack for full Terms and Conditions. One voucher pack per person.
Sports Centre class timetable
The Sports Centre has now published the 2021/22 class timetable and price list. Find out what’s on offer online.
Green Consultants programme now open
The award-winning Green Consultants programme is now open to all students who are interested in a career in sustainability, undergraduates and postgraduates.
Green Consultants is open to all in 2021, including undergraduates and postgraduates, and is suitable for anyone who wants to work in sustainability. You will learn about careers in sustainability consulting, project management, environmental impact assessments, BREEAM, ISO14002, BCorps and many skills that employers in this sector need. Head to the Green consultants' page to access the training. Everything you need to be successful is in the training and you can take as long as you need to complete it. When you have finished, you can apply for an on-campus project and internship.
Take a deep-dive into Handshake
You probably already know that Handshake is where we post all the vacancies that employers send us; that means part-time jobs, vacation work, placements, and graduate jobs. But Handshake does more than that. Once you’ve claimed your account you can build your profile and begin networking with employers looking for Exeter students. Our careers fairs, employer events and skills sessions are via Handshake, as are most of our appointments. Handshake really does add value to your time at Uni. Claim your account then download the app - search ‘Handshake’ on the App store or Google Play.
Monday 27 September, 5pm-6pm, online – COVID-19 Vaccine Q&As. A chance to ask questions about the COVID-19 vaccines with academics and a panel member from the NHS.
Wednesday 29 September, 11:30am-1pm, online event, Catalysing Institutional Reform: Creating an inclusive learning environment for British Muslim students, with Dr Zain Sardar.
Wednesday 29 September, 12:45-1:30pm, Mind Over Natter: How to cross your own pacific with Laura Penhaul.
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
