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University Updates
Welcome back to your regular University Updates.
This week in University Updates...
There's information on COP26, upcoming Career Zone events, how to protect against bike theft, last chance to apply for exam adjustments and this week's wellbeing events. There's also an update on the Accommodation Fair in December.
COVID-19
Returning to Uni after reading week? Take a COVID-19 test as soon as you return
If you’ve been away for reading week, it’s really important to take a COVID-19 test as soon as you return to your term-time accommodation. This will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and ensure we can keep life moving on our campuses. If you’ve run out of home test kits, you can collect more from a number of locations across our campuses, and there will also be a pop up collection point in the Forum on our Streatham Campus all this week. You can also pop into any of our LFD test centres.
Vaccination clinic this week – Monday 8 November
We’re hosting another vaccination clinic on our Streatham Campus, on Monday 8 November. The clinic will take place at the Innovation Centre from 10am - 5pm. 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.
Are you a close contact of someone with COVID-19?
If you live with someone who has tested positive, or have been contacted by National Track and Trace (NTAT) as a close contact, the action you need to take depends on your personal circumstances, including your age and vaccination status. Further information to help you determine what you need to do can be found on the Government website.
If, having read this guidance, you need to self-isolate, please let us know so we can provide you with further information and support. Please complete this form: Student self isolation notification form.
Good ventilation is key to staying healthy on campus
Ensuring good ventilation in indoor spaces is just one important measure on our campuses to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
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. Teaching spaces that have some form of mechanical ventilation have clear signs and posters if they are required to be open to work with mechanical ventilation systems.
As the weather gets colder, it’s a good idea to wrap up when you are on campus and wear extra layers to keep warm in ventilated indoor spaces. The heating is on to make it more comfortable. For more information on how we’re protecting against COVID-19 in our spaces, please visit our webpage here.
What is COP 26?
COP26 is the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). It is taking place in Glasgow, starting yesterday (Sunday 31 October) and finishing on Friday 12 November.
We are proud to be at COP26, helping to address the climate emergency by working with others across an ecosystem of disciplines, voices, and solutions. We are home to the UK’s five most influential climate scientists and – with environmental expertise that spans all our academic Colleges – are constantly working on the solutions to deliver the impactful, transformative change that will help us reach net zero.
Watch our video below to see Billie Eilish, Rainn Wilson and a whole host of famous faces join forces with Arctic Basecamp and the University to share an urgent message and encourage our world leaders to be courageous, stand together and take urgent action during the UN Climate Change Conference and beyond.
How can I get involved?
A delegation of our students and staff are attending COP26, and we are running a range of free digital events during COP26 for you to get involved in. You can access the following events online:
Wednesday 3 November, 1-2pm, Green is Good: How the financial sector can secure net zero.
Our expert panel will discuss ways we can finance initiatives, how we encourage investment in a green future and how economic growth and environmental action can work hand in hand. Find out more and register here.
Thursday 4 November, 1 – 2pm, The Race to Zero: join us as we talk to experts from science and industry about some of the ways we can achieve net zero. Read more and sign up here.
Monday 8 November, 1 – 2pm, Protecting People and Planet: join us as we talk to a series of experts about how we can mitigate against some of the effects of climate change. Find out more and register here.
You can also attend many more events virtually, by signing up on the COP26 website here. Make sure to keep an eye on our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts for more updates.
Green Futures
As a world-leading university in environmental sustainability and climate change, we are working hard to identify progressive solutions and stimulating research to help achieve the UK’s 2050 net zero climate goal. Our Green Futures campaign brings this together and showcases the work our experts are taking to COP26, alongside the many environmentally impactful projects and programmes based at the University. Find out more about our Green Futures campaign here.
Safety
Clocks fall back in autumn
Please be aware that yesterday (Sunday 31 October) the clocks changed to move back one hour. This means that we have moved from British Summer Time (BST) back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). If you haven’t had chance already, please make sure that all your watches and devices are up to date with the new time zone.
Bike safety
As the evenings draw in, make sure you’re visible when cycling. LED cycle lights are a good way to ensure others can see you at night. Remember to use a D lock to secure your bike, as well as using the locked cycle facilities at Streatham (Sports Park, The Forum, Nash Grove) and St Luke's (Club Alley and College House). Contact Estate Patrol for the access codes.
If you live in Halls, you must have your bicycle registered and tagged. Registration may prevent impoundment, and aids in the recovery of lost or stolen bicycles. You can find out more here.
Would you like to better protect your bicycle from theft?
The Exeter Neighbourhood Team are holding Bike Marking events where you can get your bike marked to deter bicycle theft. Find out more via the Exeter Police Facebook page.
The Community Wardens will also be holding security marking events every Tuesday on campus from Monday 15 November - 7 December, so don’t worry if you can’t make the earlier dates! We offer bike marking and small valuable security marking. You can find out more via the Exehale Wellbeing page.
Safer walking routes
Now that the nights are drawing in, stay safe when walking home by sticking with a housemate or friend and using well lit, busy routes. 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 (number is also on the back of your student card).
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 you can view 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.
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.
FREE drink spiking test kits and personal alarm
While our campuses are generally 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 Estate Patrol office (in University reception at the top of the Great Hall piazza), the Ram Bar and across accommodation receptions.
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 - spiking can be very dangerous and could result in criminal charges. Find out more here.
SafeZone app
SafeZone is an app that helps us to help you whilst on campus, if you request it. To download the app please go to: www.safezoneapp.com and follow the instructions for your device. You will need to register with your University of Exeter email address. Find out more information about the SafeZone app online.
In the event of an emergency, we’ll be able to keep you updated, via text messages, should you need to be aware of any vital location-based information. Once installed, if you press Emergency, Help or First aid, your location will be sent to relevant staff on campus and allows us to keep you updated, via text message or notifications.
Your learning
Exam adjustments – last chance to 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 Wellbeing Services as soon as possible.
The deadline for arrangements for the January 2022 exams is Monday 8 November and you need to have sent your supporting evidence to Accessibility before this date.
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.
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.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing road trip
It's Safer Gambling Week, so this week the Wellbeing Road Trip will have information on gambling support including links to some useful online resources. Find us at Building One Info Point on Tuesday 2 November 2 - 3.30pm.
Healthy sleep workshop
Having a healthy sleeping pattern is very important for our overall wellbeing, however many people have difficulties with sleeping and feeling tired, which can be very frustrating.
This free online workshop aims to give you a number of different techniques and strategies based on the cognitive behavioural therapy approach to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. You can register here for the workshop on Wednesday 10 November 2:30 – 3:30pm.
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.
Events
Season of Remembrance events
All Soulstide Evensong
Wednesday 3 November, 5pm, Mary Harris Memorial Chapel. This will include the reading of names of loved ones who have died and the opportunity to light a candle. If you would like a loved one remembered at the service, email their name to anglicanchaplaincy@exeter.ac.uk.
Act of Remembrance for Armistice Day
Thursday 11 November, 10.55am-11.05am. Gathering in Mary Harris Memorial Chapel (Streatham Campus) or St Luke’s Chapel (St Luke’s Campus) for a short act of Remembrance and to mark the silence together.
Remembrance Sunday service
Sunday 14 November, 7pm, Mary Harris Memorial Chapel. Faures Requiem with words of reflection and a reading of the University’s roll of honour. The preacher is Sarah Mounoury MBE.
Come and enjoy the Festival of Lights
The Asian and Hindu Societies are pleased to invite everyone to their vibrant Diwali celebrations on our Streatham Campus on Sunday 14 November, 2.30-7.00pm. Following a traditional Puja, get a henna tattoo, join a dance workshop, paint a diya, learn about Diwali and enjoy some delicious traditional Indian food. The societies are planning a spectacular performance in the Great Hall at 5.15pm and the event will finish with fireworks at XFI at 6.45pm. Come for some, come for all, just don't miss out!
Events from your Students' Guild
From Monday 1 - Friday 5 November it’s UK Parliament week, and we’ve got lots of events for you to give democracy a go! Come along to one of our letter writing sessions, read about the experiences of Exeter alumni and attend our Q&A with Labour MP for Exeter Ben Bradshaw. Find out all the details here.
Nominations for NUS Delegates at National Conference next year are now open!
Could you represent Exeter and vote on issues affecting students in unions across the UK? Head to your Students' Guild candidate hub for all the info.
Connect and Discover
Connect and Discover is a series of extra-curricular events aimed at enhancing your University experience. You'll be able to Discover sports, clubs, wellbeing services, college events, potential career pathways, volunteering opportunities in the community, and local heritage. All events are free and there is something for everyone. Whether you need important next steps advice or just want to connect with other students and staff in a relaxed environment, have a look at the events on offer here.
Accommodation Fair
It’s that time of year where many of you will be thinking about where and who to live with next year. We will be running an Accommodation Fair on Thursday 2 December in the Great Hall from 10.30-2.30pm with a quieter slot from 10.30-11.00am. You can come along and see what choices are available to you and find out more about specific accommodation. There is no rush to make a choice now and it is important to take your time. More information, support on private housing and the student pad site can be found on the accommodation website.
Postgraduate study and online open day
If you're still deciding what you want to do next, you might want to consider a postgraduate degree here at the University. We offer a wide range of Masters programmes, many of which can be studied without a background in the subject, giving you the chance to change direction. Our research expertise is vast and we offer over 100 funded PhD studentships annually in addition to advertised PhD projects and the opportunity to create a PhD thesis of your choosing. Current University of Exeter students also get fee reductions and fast track applications.
We are running an online Postgraduate Open Day on Tuesday 16 November and Postgraduate Subject Information sessions from Wednesday 3 November – 7 December. Book your place at one of these activities and find out more about all levels of postgraduate study on our website.
Festival of Compassion volunteers
Would you like to help others while simultaneously gaining valuable professional experience? If yes, please apply for a student volunteer role to help run the Festival of Compassion this November.
The Festival of Compassion is a 10-day event from 19 - 28 November 2021, hosting activities online, on our campuses and in the city of Exeter where we will explore how we can promote and encourage a community to be compassionate, to be sensitive to suffering in ourselves and others and commit to trying to alleviate and prevent it where we can. See our timetable of Festival of Compassion events for more information about the kind of activities you could help to run!
Key roles
- Help set up venues for the festival or clear up locations
- Set up, be on duty at and close down themed Cafes, e.g. check furniture is in place, refreshments are in place, assist at tea/coffee station etc
- Giving out information and directions to the attendees
- Chaperoning keynote speakers/facilitators
- Stewarding (e.g. providing hand sanitiser, masks etc)
- Co-hosting events (welcoming speakers etc)
- Putting together surprise envelops (“goodie-bags”) and send them out
- Social media before and during the festival
- Managing event feedback.
To apply please send an email with your preferred role(s) and preferred event location(s) and availability to: FestivalofCompassion@exeter.ac.uk.
Find out how we invest responsibly
Find out how we invest responsibly and how we work with our investment manager, Rathbone Greenbank, to make ethical choices in our investment process. We’re running an open session, with a live video link, which all students are invited to attend or watch online. The session will provide an overview of our policy from Andrew Connolly, our Chief Financial Officer, and an opportunity to hear from Rathbones Greenbank, and to ask questions. The event takes place on Wednesday 17 November, 4pm in the Alumni Auditorium, Streatham Campus, and will be streamed lived using this Teams link. If you have any questions, or wish to submit a question prior to the event, please contact our Finance Services team.
Win Enter Shikari tickets
Live events are back and we are incredibly excited that Enter Shikari are coming to The Great Hall as part of their UK tour. The gig will take place on Thursday 24 November and we have 2x tickets to give away and 10 signed CDs. For your chance to enter just head to our Facebook Page, look for the pinned post and tag a friend that you think would love to come with you. Competition closes at 5pm on Wednesday 10 November 2021.
Join us to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is taking place next week, Monday 8 to 14 November, and is the world's biggest celebration of entrepreneurship with 180 countries taking part. As part of GEW, the Career Zone will be hosting a range of events to inspire and help you explore the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to go freelance, be self-employed, start-up your own business or to become an entrepreneurial employee. Keep up to date with what events are running on the GEW webpage.
Use Handshake app to move your career planning forward
You probably already know that Handshake is our new careers platform where you can find everything from part-time jobs, to internships and graduate roles. But did you know that once you’ve claimed your account you can download the app and have all that extra functionality at your fingertips? With the app you’ll be first to hear about the freshest jobs and events, plus you can connect with employers, book into skills sessions and fairs, and build your profile - perfect for killing time in the coffee queue! Search the Google Play Store and Apple Store for ‘Handshake’ and get scrolling.
The Exeter Award is now on Handshake!
The Exeter Award is a fantastic way to boost your employability, giving you recognition for taking part in activities during your time at university and developing a range of skills to take forward into the graduate job market. You can register here and access the Exeter Award. If you started the Award in My Career Zone then your progress has been transferred across to Handshake.
Access to Internships (A2I)
Start securing your paid internship this term with the help of A2I. For those eligible, the scheme can provide information, support and funding. All funding is issued on a first-come-first-served basis. The deadline for A2I for University-based internships is Friday 13 May 2022. For all other qualifying internships, the deadline is Friday 10 June 2022. For more information, including how to apply, please visit these webpages.
Virtual Aspiring Educators Fair 2021 – Book now!
The Virtual Aspiring Educators Fair 2021 is now open for bookings! This event will take place on Wednesday 17 November 2021 and is a fantastic opportunity to find out about all the different routes into teaching and training opportunities available from a diverse range of organisations. This fair is open to all our students, regardless of year of study, subject or campus. Exhibitors include Camp America, the Department for Education, and Devon Primary SCITT. Don’t miss out – register now!
Wednesday 3 November, 1-2pm, Green is Good: How the financial sector can secure net zero. Find out more and register here.
Thursday 4 November, 1 – 2pm, The Race to Zero. Read more and sign up here.
Thursday 4 November, 2 - 3pm, Streatham indoor sports hall, parafootball taster session. If you're interested sign up via this fixr link. Parafootball is a game for everyone and beginners are welcome.
Tuesday 2 November, 2 - 3.30pm, Building One Info Point, Wellbeing Road Trip will have information on gambling support including links to some useful online resources.
Wednesday 3 November, 5pm, Mary Harris Memorial Chapel. All Soulstide Evensong.
Friday 5 November, 4:30 - 5:30pm, XFI Henderson, What is it really like being an MP? with Ben Bradshaw. Find out all the details here.
Monday 8 November, 10am-5pm, the Innovation Centre, COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
Monday 8 November, 1 – 2pm, Protecting People and Planet. Find out more and register here.
Tuesday 9 - Thursday 11 November, The Forum, 'Famine Tale' is an exhibition exploring the cultural histories of famine in early modern India and Britain. Visit the event page.
Wednesday 10 November, 2:30 – 3:30pm, Healthy sleep workshop. Register here.
Thursday 11 November, 10.55am-11.05am. Act of Remembrance for Armistice Day. Gathering in Mary Harris Memorial Chapel (Streatham Campus) or St Luke’s Chapel (St Luke’s Campus).
Sunday 14 November, 2.30-7.00pm, the Asian and Hindu Societies are pleased to invite everyone to their vibrant Diwali celebrations on Streatham Campus.
Sunday 14 November, 7pm, Mary Harris Memorial Chapel. Remembrance Sunday service.
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, 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!
Thursday 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.
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
