No images? Click here
University Updates
Welcome back to your regular University Updates.
This week in University Updates...
There's information on accessing your learning materials while self-isolating, and an update about the health services available to you. You can also find out about the next Mind Over Natter event.
COVID-19
Exceptional circumstances - COVID-19 and online teaching
We’ve had some cases where our teaching staff have had to self-isolate because they have COVID-19, or where they may be unable to provide in-person teaching because someone they care for is self-isolating. In these exceptional circumstances, teaching colleagues may still be able to teach online and wherever possible we’ll try to ensure online teaching takes place rather than cancelling your session. We try to give as much notice as possible if this is required but it can happen quickly, if a positive test has just come through. Please check your timetables regularly, as well as emails and texts. Thank you for your patience.
Wearing your face covering can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please keep wearing yours in all University buildings and indoor spaces. Remember, 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 sessions.
Accessing learning materials while self-isolating
If you’re self-isolating because you have tested positive for COVID-19, you can access some learning content through your module ELE pages. This may include lecture capture recordings of lectures and whole-module sessions.
For most programmes, we have returned to our pre-pandemic way of in-person teaching, so unfortunately aren’t able to provide full remote learning opportunities. Please attend the on-campus teaching in your timetable as soon as your quarantine ends.
Have concerns? Contact your tutor, module convenor, or Hub/Info point. Alternatively, you can talk to our Student Welfare advisors here or your Students’ Guild advice unit (please don’t attend in person during your isolation period but contact them via email).
If your academic needs to self-isolate, they will provide online learning materials to cover any in-person teaching sessions that they cannot attend.
Check out the online support if you’re self-isolating
We’ve updated the self-isolation and quarantine information on our student pages with everything you need to know about when you need to self-isolate and what support is available to you during this time. We’ve also created a guide with activities to keep you busy whilst you’re isolating, and ideas on how to keep connected with your friends and University community.
Remember, if you have symptoms you must book a test via our Rapid Response Hub.
More Pfizer vaccination clinics on Streatham
We are holding additional COVID-19 Pfizer vaccination clinics next week, for anyone who has not yet had their first or second jabs, and for anyone eligible for a booster jab.
Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 November, Innovation Centre, 10:30am-5pm
There is no need to book. If attending for your second dose, your first dose must have been Pfizer, and must have taken place at least eight weeks ago. If attending for your booster jab, it must have been at least 183 days since your second dose. Please ensure you bring your NHS number and details of previous vaccinations.
Safety
Alcohol Awareness Week
This week is Alcohol Awareness Week; the theme this year is alcohol and relationships. Many of us drink alcohol for various reasons, including to relax, socialise and de-stress. But drinking too much or too often can lead to problems for our mental and physical health, including damaging relationships with loved ones. It’s important to drink responsibly and be aware of the effects of alcohol on yourself and others.
Here are a few tips when it comes to drinking more responsibly:
- Know your limits and pace your drinks throughout the evening
- Eat before you drink so your body can better process the alcohol
- Don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know
- Avoid mixing different types of drink
- Supplement alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks throughout the night, especially if you’re feeling drunk
- Recognise the signs that you or one of your friends is drunk – slurred speech, blurred vision, losing balance
- If one of your friends has had too much to drink, make sure to get them some water and fresh air to help them sober up, and don’t leave them alone
If you need support with cutting down on drinking, please contact our wellbeing services.
Alcohol Poisoning
It is important to be aware of the signs of alcohol poisoning and what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing them. Signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning are:
- Confusion
- Severely slurred speech
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
- Irregular or slow breathing
If you suspect alcohol poisoning, call Estate Patrol on 01392 722222 (if on campus) or dial 999.
Drink Spiking
If you think your drink has been spiked (or you think someone else’s has) please let staff in the venue you’re in, know. All of the main clubs in Exeter and our own Ram bar, have plans in place and they will be able to help you. It’s important to also report it to the police as this provides vital intelligence and helps arrests to be made. All police patrol cars have testing kits on board.
You can read advice from your Students’ Guild on what to do if you think you, or a friend, has been spiked.
Remember you can collect your own spiking detection kits and personal alarms from halls receptions, the Estate Patrol Office in Northcote House, the Ram bar, the Sports Park, and the St Lukes SID desk.
Safety Guides
Devon is generally a safe place to live, study and work. In these two safety guides, you'll find lots of information about campus safety, securing your property and other helpful information about making the most of your time here safely.
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.
Health
Feeling unwell? Who to contact
If you are feeling unwell, please be aware there are a range of local health services available to you. The one you use should be dependent on the seriousness of your symptoms. Choosing the right service means you could get help faster and avoids putting extra pressure on our local health services:
- NHS website is always available for health advice and guidance.
- Self-care is the best choice to treat minor illnesses and injuries like a coughs, colds, small cuts or a sore throat. They can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest.
- Pharmacists can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, rashes, earache, cystitis, tummy trouble and aches and pains. Find your nearest pharmacy here.
- Doctor's surgery/Student Health Centre can treat all and recurring medical conditions and can refer you to other medical services for specialist treatment. They can also help with medical problems related to University life, including exam stress, and change in lifestyle. Both online and in-person appointments should be booked in advance and you must be registered to receive care. We strongly recommend you register with the Student Health Centre or a doctor's surgery near to where you live.
- Call NHS 111 if you’re feeling unwell, unsure or if you need health advice and guidance in non-life-threatening emergencies. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Walk-in centres provide non-urgent services for things like cuts, sprains, strain, bruises, itchy rashes, stings, minor burns and infections. Your nearest walk-centre can be found in Sidwell Street, Exeter.
- Visit A&E or call 999 for serious or life threatening conditions like severe bleeding, breathing difficulties, severe chest pain, severe burns, severe allergic reactions, major trauma and loss of consciousness.
If you have an accident or medical emergency while on campus, please call Estate Patrol on 01392 722222.
Protect yourself against infections
Make sure you are protected against infections while you are at Uni:
Measles Mumps and Rubella: Check you have had the two Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations. These are offered free at the Student Health Centre on Streatham Campus or contact 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.
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.
Your learning
January exams
Timetable
Your January exam timetable is due to be released via MyTimetable during the week commencing 22 November. If any of your exams are missing from your timetable, or you see one listed that you are not due to take, please contact your Hub info point immediately. All times listed are Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). If you are in a different time zone during an online exam, make sure you allow for the time difference. If in doubt, use a website like the time zone converter.
Handbook
Please remember to read the updated Student Handbook for Exams to learn more about how the different exam formats operate, submitting an online exam paper, and the support available to you during the January assessment period.
Have you discovered the right study space for you?
We have a wide range of study spaces for you to use. So, whether you like to study with friends, on your own or in a silent space, we’ve got you covered.
To find out more, including a full list of study areas, check out our study spaces webpages here.
Festival of Compassion – book up now!
Our Festival of Compassion runs from 19-28 November 2021, with activities online, on campus and in the city of Exeter. You’re invited to engage with the brilliant resources to experience and help shape a future in which compassion is celebrated. Will you join us?
There is an official opening event with our Vice-Chancellor, Lisa Roberts, on Monday 22 November at 12:30 pm live on Teams. Project lead Maarten Koeners will share the story behind the festival, how it came about and give you some highlights to look forward to. You can book here.
Update on recent University and College Union (UCU) ballots
UCU members were asked if they would be willing to take industrial action over the USS pension and pay and conditions. At Exeter, the turnout for the USS pension ballot was 47% and the turnout for the pay and conditions ballot was 47.2% - both are below the legally required 50% minimum threshold needed to support strike action and/or action short of a strike. On the basis of this outcome, no industrial action will be taken at Exeter in relation to either the USS pension or the pay and conditions ballots, however, we will keep you informed of any further developments.
Your Wellbeing
Wellbeing Talks and Activities
This week is Anti-Bullying Week, so we are focusing on the subject of bullying and harassment. The Wellbeing Road Trip will be at Peter Chalk Info Point with information on keeping yourself safe and the University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team. Members of Estate Patrol will be there to demonstrate the SafeZone service (2pm – 2:45pm), and Nightline volunteers will also be popping in to chat about safety (2:45pm – 3:30pm). We hope to see you there.
Overcoming panic attacks
This week also brings a new Wellbeing Webinar, on 'Overcoming Panic Attacks'. Panic attacks can be very unpleasant and can have a big effect on your day to day life. The webinar takes place on Wednesday 17 November from 2:30pm – 3:30pm; you can book your place here.
Revision and your wellbeing - Mind over Natter
Preparing for exams and developing good revision practices can be difficult, particularly when you’re balancing exam prep with coursework and the winter holidays. But there are strategies that you can use to make it all feel less daunting.
Join Study Zone’s Jennie Fox and Claire Davey-Potts for Mind Over Natter on Wednesday 24 November at 12:45pm, as they provide tips on looking after your wellbeing whilst balancing coursework, revision and Christmas. Sign up here.
Fika: Mental Fitness
Fika is a Mental Fitness platform designed to help you improve your Seven Skills of Mental Fitness.
In the Fika app, or web platform, you can work through the extensive library of exercises across all skills. All of the exercises are delivered in a 5-minute format, making it easier for you to fit it in to your day. If you want some extra guidance with the exercises, the Fika trainers put on livestreams via the app, where you can tune in and hear from experts and other users. As you work your way though, 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/Google Play Store, and registering using your university email address.
Together this Movember
This Movember, whether you grow a moustache, get moving, or simply check in with someone you care about, share the Movember message. If you need a safe place to share how you’re feeling, togetherall is an anonymous online community with self-help resources.
Housing and Community
Accommodation drop-in
Have questions about housing for next year? Come along to a drop -in session on Wednesday 17 November, 12 – 1pm, at G48 on our St Luke’s Campus. Your Students’ Guild Advice team, Student Community Wardens, officers from your Students’ Guild and members of the Residence Life team will be there to answer your questions and address any concerns. Find out more on the accommodation website here.
Connect and Discover with your Community Wardens
Meet your Student Community Wardens. They are keen to connect with those of you who might be preparing for life 'off campus' and can advise on a wide range of topics, from small things to dealing with household conflict and choosing flatmates next year or knowing when to take the rubbish out. You can find them in Forum Exploration Lab 1 (12-1:30pm) on Friday 19 November.
Keep your valuables safe from theft
The Student Community Wardens are offering a free security marking service every Tuesday on campus, starting on 16 November. They offer bike and small valuable security marking to deter thefts and make them traceable if they do get stolen. You don’t need to book - just come to Exehale room (1st floor in Devonshire House) between 4:30- 6pm every Tuesday and they’ll be happy to help. You can find out more via the Exehale Wellbeing page.
Foodbank
The University will be holding its annual Christmas foodbank donation day on Wednesday 8 December, at Streatham and St Luke’s campuses. In the past three donations, we have contributed over 4.5 tonnes of food and toiletries to our community in need. For further information on what to bring, click here.
Residence Life Events this week
Are you living in University residences? Looking to meet new people, try something new, or get some advice about Residence Life? Check out our events this week:
Monday 15 November, 6pm-7.30pm, Exe-Tour. Join us for a group walk introducing you to new parts of the city. The group will depart from the front entrance of Mardon Hall at 6pm.
Tuesday 16 November, 6pm-8pm, Baking in Spreytonway. Learn to bake or develop your baking skills. This event is free, but spaces are limited, so register here to avoid disappointment.
Wednesday 17 November, 6pm-7.30pm, Video Games and Board Games. Pop along to the Mardon Hall ResLife room to play some board games or video games.
Thursday 18 November, 7pm-8.30pm, ResLife Coffee Night: Second Year Housing Special. Have a free coffee and cake and enjoy the company of fellow students at iSCA Eats. This event is free, but spaces are limited, so register here to avoid disappointment.
Friday 19 November, 7pm-9pm, ResLife Quiz Night. Living in East Park? We're holding a quiz night just for you! Email residencelife@exeter.ac.uk to sign up.
Keep up to date with Residence Life events and information by following @ExeterResLife on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Divest, Invest, Engage
We’d like to remind you that everybody is invited to attend an open session on how the University invests responsibly. The session will provide a brief overview of how we have implemented our policy from Andrew Connolly, Chief Financial Officer, and an opportunity to hear from Rathbones Greenbank on their ethical investment approach. There will also be a Q&A session following these presentations. The session takes place on Wednesday 17 November, 4pm in the Alumni Auditorium, Streatham Campus, and will be streamed live using this Teams link. If you have any questions or wish to submit a question before the event, please contact Finance Services (adfm-admin@exeter.ac.uk).
Student Callers
Are you looking for a paid job next term? Why not join our Telethon team of students who call our graduates?
We begin calling on Monday 7 February 2022, and the campaign will run for a total of six weeks. Over the past 15 years, graduates have donated more than £4 million to our Annual Fund through the work of the Telethon teams of students. You’ll be given full training and matched with alumni you have something in common with (e.g. similar course). Check out the webpage for further details. Applications close on 1 December 2021.
Emergency Alert System – testing
The UK Government has set up and developed a mobile Emergency Alerting System to warn you of any emergencies within your area. They are due to test nationally later this month. The alert notification sent will sound an audible alarm on your phone and vibrate for approximately 10 secs. This will be a test, and NO ACTION is to be taken, but it may startle you if you are not expecting it.
Virtual Aspiring Educators Fair
The Virtual Aspiring Educators Fair, taking place Wednesday 17 November 2021, is a fantastic opportunity to find out about the different routes into teaching and training opportunities available from a diverse range of organisations. This fair is open to everyone, regardless of study year and subject. Exhibitors include Ark Teacher Training, Explore Learning, and Devon Primary SCITT. Book your place now to avoid missing out.
There will also be a Teaching Alumni event after the fair at 5pm with Exeter alumni in the education sector.
Tuesday 16 November, online, Postgraduate Open Day. Book your place at and find out more information about all levels of postgraduate study on our website.
Wednesday 17 November, 2:30-3:30pm, Wellbeing Webinar: Overcoming Panic attacks. Please book here.
Wednesday 17 November, 4pm, How we invest responsibly. The event will take place in the Alumni Auditorium, Streatham Campus, and online using this Teams link.
Wednesday November 17, 6:30pm, PRISM Speakers: Shining a light on the queer side of science for LGBTQ+ STEM day, Rougemont Room, Exeter Library or online. You can find more information and book your tickets here.
Wednesday 17 November, Virtual Aspiring Educators Fair. Don’t miss out – register now!
Monday 22 November, 12:30-1pm, Exeter Festival of Compassion Official Opening, via Teams. Book here.
Wednesday 24 November, 12:45pm - 1:30pm, Mind Over Natter: Getting the balance right, exam revision and coursework. Book here.
Wednesday 24 November, Enter Shikari are coming to The Great Hall as part of their UK tour.
Thursday 2 December, 10:30 - 2:30pm with a quieter slot from 10.30-11.00am, the Great Hall, Accommodation Fair. More information, support on private housing and the student pad site can be found on the accommodation website.
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.
Our Festival of Compassion runs from 19-28 November 2021; please see more information above.
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
