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University Updates
Welcome back to your regular University Updates.
This week in University Updates...
We have the latest updates on COVID-19 measures, information on the upcoming SU Elections and the National Student Survey!
COVID-19
Covid 19 Latest update
The Government has announced that the Plan B measures brought in to reduce transmission of the Omicron variant, will end on Thursday 27 January. Full details of how this affects us at the University are in your Registrar email from 21 January.
Main changes:
Face-coverings will no longer be a legal requirement. However, to help keep everyone safe we strongly advise you continue to wear them in all indoor spaces, including teaching spaces because there are still high case numbers in the local area.
The 2m teaching zone will remain in teaching spaces.
Venues and events will no longer be required by law to use the NHS COVID Pass. Event organisers can still choose to use this if they wish, so please check before attending.
If you do need to show an NHS COVID pass you can get full details, including information for anyone with vaccinations taken overseas, on the Government website
Rules on self-isolating have not changed:
If you test positive for COVID-19, you need to self-isolate and inform the Rapid Response Hub. We appreciate this can be a worrying time, so please remember to look after yourself and others. Find out where to get help on our Student wellbeing pages.
More vaccination clinics
We are holding another COVID-19 vaccination clinic at The Exchange, Penryn Campus tomorrow, Tuesday 25 January, 10-5pm. The clinic will be providing first and second doses as well as booster jabs for anyone that is eligible. It’s really important to get your booster vaccination because two doses don’t give you enough protection from the Omicron variant. More information on vaccinations can be found on our website
Please book a vaccination slot online for this clinic. You will need to Click on ‘Activities’ and choose the date of the pop up vaccination clinic you’d like to attend, then book a time slot for ‘Covid-19 vaccination’.
Covid vaccine clinics also continue this week in the Falmouth Town Council offices on the Moor. Walk-ins are welcome. Click here for more information.
Meningitis: don’t assume it’s COVID-19
Meningitis is a life-threatening condition, so it’s important to 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.
Meningitis is a medical emergency, so it’s vital that you act fast. If you, or someone you know, contracts symptoms don’t assume it’s COVID-19 or flu, call NHS 111 or your doctor immediately. If you or the person concerned becomes seriously ill, then dial 999.
The MenACWY jab protects against four types of meningitis and is free for students. Find out more from Wellbeing Support or your local doctor - if you’re unsure as to whether you have already had the vaccine, please check with your doctor first.
NHS Vaccine Study
The NHS are recruiting participants aged 18-30 years old for a study which compares COVID-19 vaccine doses when used as a third dose. You may be eligible to take part in the study if you:
• Are aged 18-30 years old
• Have received 2 doses of Pfizer or Moderna at least 3 months ago
• Have not yet received a booster
They will reimburse you up to £225 for your time and travel (depending on the total number of visits you attend). The total study participation time is up to 8 months.
Find out more and check whether you’re eligible on the Cov-Boost website or contact rde-tr.cov-boost@nhs.net if you have any questions.
National Student Survey
The National Student Survey (NSS) is now open for final year undergraduate students and we encourage you to complete it. This anonymous survey, run by independent agency Ipsos MORI, is your opportunity to feedback about your entire University experience. Your valuable feedback helps to shape your University in the future, just as responses in previous years helped to shape your experience. The survey is open until 30 April. You can complete the survey here.
Find out more about proposals for changes to our University structure - Teams live Q&A
We’d like to hear your thoughts on the exciting changes being proposed to the way our University is structured. The proposed changes will have many benefits for the University as a whole, including a more consistent service focused on providing you with a better student experience. The changes being proposed will not impact on your studies, progression or graduation, but may affect where your subject or department is located from September 2022. To find out more you are invited to attend a talk and Q&A, which is taking place on Tuesday 25 January, 6:30-7:15pm. Access the Teams live event here.
You can also read about the proposals, and contribute your feedback via our Shaping our future structures webpages.
Safety
Erase the Grey when it comes to gender-based violence
TRIGGER WARNING: violence and sexual violence.
Unwanted verbal or written communication of a sexual nature is sexual harassment; it can’t be justified as banter. Erase the grey when it comes to gender-based violence. Find out more here.
We appreciate that some of these messages are powerful and may evoke unsettling or distressing memories for some people; if you need it we strongly encourage you to reach out for support from our support and wellbeing teams or the Students’ Union Advice Service.
Be aware of scams targeting international students
Criminal groups sometimes target students in the UK through phone or email fraud.
International students might be targeted by calls or emails from someone falsely claiming to be from the Police or Home Office. The scammer might demand money to correct a piece of paperwork, or threaten to cancel your VISA if you do not pay.
If you’re contacted by someone and it seems unusual, unexpected or just odd:
Do not transfer any money.
End the call or communication.
Contact the international student support team who can give you advice on what to do next. If the person who contacted you is genuine they won’t mind you checking this and then getting back to them.
You can also report the incident by calling the Police on 101.
Find out more on how to protect yourself from scams on our webpages and on the stop fraud website here.
iExeter
iExeter is your convenient, pocket size guide to the Uni in one handy app. If you’re not already using it, hop on to iTunes App Store or Google Play and search for iExeter. It has many useful features including:
Your personalised timetable and email account
Links to the help, support and feedback channels available to all students
Access to teaching and learning tools such as ELE, Teams, BART submissions, absence reporting and past papers
Booking study space on campus
Accessing your library and Career Zone accounts
Transport, events food and retail around campuses
Maps of all campuses, allowing you to get directions using GPS
Falmouth & Exeter Students' Union pages
Check and update your contact information
You can view, update and add your emergency contacts and home and term-time address online via the Student Record System (SRS). Please take a minute to check that your personal information is correct by logging in to iExeter through your mobile app or the website. Click on the Student Record & Registration (SRS) tile; then select the ‘Edit Emergency Contact information’ and 'Edit address' sections in the facilities box.
Email and authentication changes
Over the next few weeks Exeter IT are making changes to improve your University of Exeter email security.
If you use iExeter or Outlook to read your email you will not be affected. However, if you use a different email app, or the default mail app on a smartphone or tablet, there’s a chance your access to your University of Exeter email could be affected.
Please look out for more information by email from your College or refer to the Digital Hub’s guidance: University email and modern authentication (sharepoint.com)
Writing Support
Got an essay crisis? Want to talk to someone about how to improve your writing?
Email Anna Wilson, our Royal Literary Fellow to book an appointment.
Free Creative Writing Workshop
“One of the biggest novels to come out of Cornish poetry in an exceedingly long time” can we say where the quote is from?.
British Novelist and Sunday Times bestselling author Patrick Gale launches his latest Book, Mother’s Boy, in a three-day event hosted by The Charles Causley Trust based in Launceston. Between the 4th and 6th of March, The Trust will host an array of events, including a workshop for students led by Patrick Gale, book talks and signings, the launch of the Causley Young Person’s Poetry competition and much more! For an in-depth weekend itinerary and more information about how to book tickets, see the website.
The SU President Elections 2022
Here's a quick round up of all things President Elections and how you can get involved! Over the next two weeks, we'll be running sessions on what to expect from a year as an SU president and giving you the chance to experience scenarios that the SU presidents face on a daily basis. SU staff are also hosting sessions where you can learn more about the roles and what it's like to work in the SU. So, what are you waiting for? Nominate yourself now and take the courageous step into student elections!
Penryn Campus mural design winner announced!
Abby Mundell, third year Illustration student at Falmouth University has been selected as the winner for the mural design competition and will be painting the mural at Penryn Campus in upcoming weeks. The judging panel said Abby's design was energetic, colourful and inclusive, truly reflecting the values of your students' union.
You can check out the full article on the SU website.
2022 Graduate Yearbook - Calling all Finalists!
The Alumni team is working with GradFinale to produce the official yearbook for the Class of 2022. Full of individual profiles, photographs and stories that will capture your Exeter experience, it will be something to cherish, reminding you of your student days. Register here to be included and follow the easy submission steps. All contributions will be collated into a FREE online book. Contributions will also be collated and professionally published. These can be collected at your graduation ceremonies in 2022 (or posted out afterwards). You can order the printed book for £27.00. Any queries, please contact @admin@gradfinale.co.uk
Paralympian Issy Bailey – live talk
Join Issy Bailey, fresh from her second Paralympic Games in Tokyo where she represented team GB in shooting, as she shares advice on adaptive sport and keeping a positive mindset.
University of Exeter alumna Issy Bailey made her Paralympic debut at Rio 2016, two years after joining the Shooting Para sport squad.
This week join her online in our regular series Mind Over Natter. She’ll share her journey to the Paralympics and how she has looked after her wellbeing while competing at the top level. Register here for the event which takes place on Wednesday 26 January 12.45 - 13.30.
Sustainability Café now 100% vegetarian and vegan
In response to student feedback, the Sustainability Café is now 100% Vegetarian and Vegan.
The Food and Drink team actively engages with suppliers to reduce the environmental impacts of its operations and uses south-west suppliers wherever possible.
The updated menu includes, for example, Homity Pie, Mediterranean Pie or gently spiced Chickpea and Spinach Vegan Pie, baked by Devonshire bakers, Peck and Strong. Organic vegan/vegetarian soup is made by Rod and Ben’s in Exeter. Plus, there are freshly prepared local Prima rolls with flavoursome fillings that are plated with seasonal salad and crisps.
New Milk Refill Initiative
The Sustainability Café is running a new sustainable milk refill initiative. Buy a litre of Cornish Trewithen Dairy semi-skimmed milk in their branded glass bottles for £3, then bring back your clean, empty bottle and re-fill it each time for £1.10.
Veganuary specials
Hot vegan specials are on offer in the Stannary and Fox Café in January as well as an exclusive Stannary offer of a small hot box value vegan curry for £2.50.
Mobile catering on Penryn Campus
Bangers on the Go are on campus every Tuesday and Thursday. (Their only break is 17 to 24 Feb).
Enjoy handcrafted burgers, gourmet hotdogs, slow roasted BBQ pulled pork, dirty fries and vegetarian and vegan meals all from their festival themed trailer. Pick up a loyalty card or bring your old one.
Panchi food van will be serving bubble teas and freshly made sweet crepes on Wednesdays and Fridays and are open from 11am - 4pm.
What’s On in the Stannary
Regular events have now returned to the Stannary Café Bar
Quiz night: every Tuesday starting 18 January from 8pm just 50p per person, the winning team receive the jackpot.
Student Night: every Wednesday from 5pm until late starting 19 January. Happy hour is 5pm till 8pm and the night includes cheap drinks, bar games and music.
Pints and Pool: every Sunday 15:00-17:00 from 23 January. Join in the Sunday afternoon pool tournament for just £1 cash entry. Soft drinks, snacks and TV is also on hand.
Live Music Night: Mondays from 7pm starting 31 January
More details on these and other events at Penryn Campus can be found online.
Flexsi Fitness
Don’t forget that in January Flexsi Fitness are offering 12 months for the price of 9 and a free studio class or gym session using the code ‘Gymbuddy.’
Call 01326 370777 or visit: Sports Facilities – FX Plus
Researching Resistance Exhibition arrives on campus
The Researching Resistance exhibition of work by investigative artist Simon Ryder illustrates that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an issue that goes beyond disciplinary, societal and national boundaries. The 15 captivating 3D photographic portraits showcase the people & research behind the University of Exeter Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Network.
Researching Resistance will be on display in the ESI Creative Exchange, Penryn Campus until April 2022.
The exhibition can also be viewed online via the Arts and Culture website.
Inaugural Lecture: Places as Paradigm Shifters
Caitlin DeSilvey’s Inaugural Lecture “Places as Paradigm Shifters” will take place on Monday 31 January 16:00-17:00.
Caitlin DeSilvey is a Professor of Cultural Geography, her research has contributed to a gradual paradigm shift in conservation and heritage practice by exploring how cultural value and significance can be generated by working with natural processes of change and transformation, rather than against them.
The event has been organised by the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) and The Centre for Geography and Environmental Science (CGES). Find out how to book here
Undergraduate Research Showcase returns this week
The Undergraduate Research Showcase returns today and runs until Friday. The Showcase is an annual exhibition of research completed across disciplines by students. For the first time ever, the Showcase will feature displays on ESI Café, Penryn Campus.
The display will also be available online where you can vote for your favourite entry as part of our ‘Most Popular Entry’ competition and view the amazing posters and abstracts produced by our students. Visit our website for more information about viewing our on-campus and online exhibitions.
Let us help with your career planning!
We get it; when there’s a lot going on making plans for your future can feel like hard work. But this week we’ve noticed a lot more of our lovely students (that means you!) asking us for careers advice. If you’re feeling more positive about how things are going, and up until now you’ve been putting off planning for life after Exeter, now’s a great time to come and talk to us. We’ve got the information and advice you need to plan for a brighter future.
Digital and Coding Week, 31 January – 4 February
Join us to find out more about the variety of roles available in the IT sector. Jobs in the IT sector are available to all graduates who have an interest in technology and who are prepared to up-skill themselves.
Throughout the week we will be running a range of sessions to help you decide whether this is a sector you wish to explore further. Sessions include a Q&A Panel, as well as some special episodes of the Career Zone podcast. For more information visit our website.
Looking for a paid internship over Easter or Summer?
Access to Internships (A2I) is here to support you in creating a paid internship with a UK small to medium sized company, charity or with the University. We can provide funding for those who are eligible to support a £9.50 - £11.09 per hour internship. All funding is issued on a first-come-first-serve basis. Get in touch at A2i@exeter.ac.uk or browse our website to see how we can help.
Tuesday 25 January, 10-3pm, The Exchange, Penryn Campus, Vaccination Clinic. Book a slot.
Tuesday 25 January, 6:30-7:15pm, University Structure Q&A. Access the Teams live event here.
Wednesday 26 January, 12.45 - 13.30, Mind Over Natter with Paralympian Issy Bailey. Register here.
Monday 31 January 16:00-17:00, Places as Paradigm Shifters lecture
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
