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University Updates
This week in University Updates...
Welcome to your University Updates. In this week’s newsletter you can find out about this week’s wellbeing events, a talk on the proposed changes to our University structure, information on our upcoming gender safety campaign and updates from your Students’ Guild.
Changes to our University structure - Teams live Q&A
We’d like your opinion on proposed changes to the way our University is structured. These changes will not impact on your studies, progression or graduation, but may affect where your subject or department is located within three proposed faculties from September 2022. All current disciplines and programmes will be retained and each faculty would be represented in Cornwall.
Making these proposed changes will provide you with a more consistent service focused on giving you a better student experience. Find out more about the proposal and how to have your say on our webpages. There is a talk and Q&A about this taking place on Thursday 27 January, from 6:30-7:15pm. Access the Teams Live event here.
Lord Myners
We were deeply saddened yesterday to hear the news of the death of Lord Myners, who was our Chancellor from 2016 until he stepped down last year.
Paul was a proud Cornishman and a great supporter of the University, who presided over the graduations of 20,000 students, celebrating their successes and always encouraging them to "go out and live purposeful lives."
Having begun his working life as a teacher, Lord Myners went on to have a long career in business, finance, media and politics, where he was instrumental in the government’s response to the financial crisis of 2008. He was made a CBE in 2001 and in 2003 received an Honorary Doctorate in Laws from the University. Tributes have flowed in from prominent figures including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
During the five years he held the position of Chancellor of the University of Exeter he played a prominent role in our fundraising and alumni relations and his support and enthusiasm for students as they graduated and began the next steps of their lives, coupled with his twinkling sense of humour, was an inspiration.
He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, and our thoughts are with his family.
Regular LFD testing on campus
To ensure our spring term can continue as planned, it remains really important that we keep testing regularly to stop the spread of infection. We have Assisted LFD Testing Sites on our Exeter campuses, available throughout January. If you would like an assisted test, please visit our test centres listed below:
- Streatham Campus, Innovation Centre, Monday-Friday 8-3pm
- St Luke’s Campus, Baring Court, Mondays and Thursdays, 8-11am
We are also operating a roaming LFD test centre this week in the following locations:
- Monday – Forum
- Tuesday – Xfi study space
- Wednesday – Sports Park
- Thursday - Forum
- Friday – Sports Park
We also have many collections points across our campuses where you can pick up an LFD home test kit – this will allow you to continue testing yourself in your own home before you visit campus. Please ensure you report your results.
Vaccination planning – reminder
You can still support vaccination planning by filling in the Office for Students online questionnaire regarding your vaccination status. This information will also support our work with the Devon and Cornwall Clinical Commissioning Groups (these are the NHS’ representatives in Devon and Cornwall) in their planning of vaccination clinics.
Completing the questionnaire is not mandatory and your responses will be completely anonymous. You do not need to share any personal data. The data collected will be reported to the Office for Students and will be shared with the NHS to help plan their delivery of vaccinations to you and our community over the coming months. You can find out more about vaccinations on our website.
More vaccination clinics on Streatham
We have more vaccination clinics coming up at the Innovation Centre, Streatham Campus. The clinics (listed below) will be providing first and second doses as well as booster jabs for anyone eligible. If attending for your second dose, your first dose must have taken place at least eight weeks ago.
There is no need to book and doses will be given on a first come, first served basis.
- Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 January, 11-5pm
- Monday 7 February, 11-5pm
- Monday 28 February, 11-5pm
You must wear your face covering - let’s protect each other
Face coverings must be worn inside all buildings on campus unless you are exempt. Please continue to wear your reusable face covering to protect our University community and ensure our spring term can continue as planned. We have created a video of some well-known University faces explaining why it’s important for them to wear their face coverings. Visit our website to watch the video and for more guidance.
Self-isolation times reduced for those testing negative
From today, if you have tested positive for COVID-19, you will only need to self-isolate for five full days, as long as you have a negative lateral flow device (LFD) test on day five and a negative test at the start of day six of your isolation. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you can end your self-isolation. The LFD test results must be reported after taking each test. This also applies to anyone who is already in isolation.
The default self-isolation period continues to be 10 days, and you may only leave self-isolation early if you have two negative LFD results and do not have a temperature, in line with Government guidance.
It is crucial that anyone isolating with COVID-19 waits until they have received two negative LFD tests on two consecutive days to reduce the chance of social mixing while still infectious. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. For example, if you are positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on day 6 and day 7 to release from isolation, or if you are positive on day 6, then a negative test is required on days 7 and 8, and so on until the end of day 10. You do not need to take any more consecutive LFD tests after the 10th day of your self-isolation period and you may stop self-isolating after this day unless you have a high temperature, where you should continue to isolate and contact your GP. Please continue to test regularly, twice a week, every week, and before coming to campus.
Those who leave self-isolation on or after day 6 must continue to wear face coverings and are strongly advised to limit close contact with other people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, study from home if they can do so and minimise contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19.
For anyone needing to self-isolate, we have a range of support and digital hampers available for you. Details can be found on our website.
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 it is free for students from the Student Health Centre or from your local doctor - if you’re unsure whether you have already had the vaccine, please contact the health centre.
Erase the Grey – gender safety campaign
TRIGGER WARNING: violence and sexual violence
This week sees the launch of the “Erase the Grey” campaign. Originally launched by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and being run by the University of Exeter under licence from GCU, the campaign conveys key messages which challenge stereotypical attitudes and behaviours and reiterates a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence. Find out more here.
Expect to see impactful messages displayed around campus, on social media and in newsletters over the coming months, to encourage people to change attitudes and behaviours and raise awareness of a wide range of issues.
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 wellbeing team or the Students’ Guild Advice Service.
SWaN - Safety of Women at Night
In partnership with other organisations, we have been awarded funding to tackle crimes against women at night. One of the initiatives under this partnership will be a free 'Train the Trainer' pilot course starting on Monday 24 January 2022.
We are looking for women who feel strongly about making a difference to their community to apply to help develop and deliver a course to their peers and contacts to improve the safety for women at night.
You would need to:
- Be available for six 'Train the Trainer' sessions over a six week period, each lasting two hours.
- Be able to co-facilitate and deliver a 2 hour session to your peers to become a SWaN Ambassador.
You will:
- Have the opportunity to give your input on the course content and then as a SWaN Ambassador go on to deliver this course to your peers and contacts.
- Make a difference to your community.
- Empower women to be game changers.
There are a limited number of places for this course, please send your expressions of interest including a short statement (no longer than one side of A4) as to why you would like to be involved in this project to swan@morepositiveme.co.uk. Please submit your expression of interest before the deadline on Thursday 20 January.
Free security marking available in new term
The Student Community Wardenswill be offering a free security marking service every Tuesday on campus in the next few weeks. If you're bringing back valuable items from winter holidays, this is a good opportunity to keep them safe.
They offer bike and small valuable security marking to deter thefts and make items traceable if they do get stolen. You don’t need to book - just come to the Exehale room (1st floor in Devonshire House) between 4:30-6pm on Tuesday 18 January and they'll be happy to help.
Bin Audit
Are you a student living in the city? Our Community warden team will be knocking on doors in your neighbourhood over the next few months to help keep your street clean. Help can include offering advice for missing bins or how to dispose of waste properly to supplying a seagull deterrent bag for your household. We also offer a free bin stencilling service (bins with stencilled house-numbers are less likely to be stolen!) If you have any queries look out for our team or email: communitywardens@exeter.ac.uk.
Keep your contacts up to date
Did you know that 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.
Mitigation
Mitigation is a process which can support you through unexpected situations that affect your ability to complete an assessment, such as illness.
There are two Mitigation pathways:
- Evidence-free extensions directly on eBart (summative coursework assignments only). These extensions are for 1 week. You will have 4 available each year (if you have an ILP that supports extensions these will be unlimited).
- Evidence-based Mitigation. Firstly, complete a mitigation application form a maximum of one month prior to, or 24 hours after, the assessment deadline. You then need to provide independent, supporting evidence to the hub within 10 working days of the assessment deadline. This evidence must be dated within one month of the assessment deadline. If you are requesting evidence from the Student Health Centre/Wellbeing or Heavitree GP Practice, there is a separate evidence form that you can complete, and send to the relevant support service, and once they have completed this they will send it directly to the hub.
Study Zone support for dissertations and final projects
Are you completing a dissertation or final year project? Find advice and guidance on Study Zone Digital, from choosing a topic and planning your structure to analysing data and writing up. Drop in to our Writing Café every Thursday 1pm-3pm (in Study Zone or online) for writing support, or book a 1-1 appointment with a Study Skills Adviser for tailored advice.
Adjustments for summer exams – 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’re not sure – please get in touch with Wellbeing Services as soon as possible.
The deadline for arrangements for the May 2022 exams is Monday 14 February and you need to have sent your supporting evidence to Accessibility before this date.
Religious Observance for summer exams
We make every effort to avoid holding exams on religious days or festivals, where commitment to the observance of their faith would otherwise cause students to miss the exam.
If you will be observing a religious day or event during the May assessment period, from 7 May – 1 June 2022, please let us know by completing the form, by Friday 28 January 2022 at the latest.
English Language Development programme
The Insessional English Language Development programme is a University of Exeter funded programme designed to help you improve your academic and general English and make the most of your study experience in Exeter. An extensive range of courses workshops and one-to-one learning opportunities are available. To find out more email insessional@exeter.ac.uk or visit our website here.
Masters scholarships available
The Aziz Foundation is now accepting Masters scholarships applications for 2022/23. The first application cycle is open from now until 31 March with awards being announced from April onwards.
Scholarships are being awarded through 19 partner universities and in six subject areas: Media and Journalism, Law, Policy, Technology, Sustainability and Environment, and Creative Content.
The Aziz Foundation team is very much looking forward to reading applications and speaking with candidates once again this year. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over 400 scholarships, amounting to an investment of £5.7m in British Muslim communities.
To apply and for more information, please visit our scholarships application page.
Wellbeing team updates
Get the new year off to a good start! Come and see us in the Wellbeing camper van for information on support available to all students. We will be outside the Forum on Tuesday 18 January from 12pm - 2pm.
Also this week, if you feel in need of a pick-me-up after Christmas, why not come by your College Info Point and pick up a 5 Ways to Wellbeing leaflet. These handy tips will help you to feel more positive and motivated for the term ahead. We look forward to seeing you!
Check out our website to find out more about our upcoming wellbeing talks and webinars.
Don't forget - if you have any questions about managing your health and wellbeing alongside your studies, you can message the Education Welfare Team on our instant chat, live every weekday lunchtime from 12.30pm - 2.00pm. Find the link on our webpage here.
Mind Over Natter with Paralympian Issy Bailey
In our first Mind Over Natter of 2022, we are excited to be joined by Paralympian Issy Bailey. Issy is a University of Exeter alumna who made her Paralympic debut at Rio 2016, two years after joining the Shooting Para sport squad. Issy was the sole representative in pistol shooting for team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and competed in the women’s 10m air pistol SH1 and mixed 25m pistol SH1 at this year’s Games.
Join us on Wednesday 26 January 12.45 - 13.30 as Issy shares her journey to the Paralympics and how she has looked after her wellbeing while competing at the top level. You can register here.
Supporting you
The wellbeing webpages contain useful resources which you can access at any time throughout your studies. Here are a few:
- Silvercloud - offers secure, immediate access to online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programmes, tailored to your specific needs such as anxiety, stress and many other areas.
- Togetherall - provides safe, anonymous online support with trained healthcare professionals 24/7. You can share your experiences anonymously with your peers at any time of the day or night and find support from those experiencing similar difficulties.
- The Fika app is available to students to download. Fika is an app designed to improve your mental fitness and you can access from your app store and register with your University email.
- Workshops & Webinars - Wellbeing Services offer a number of interactive online workshops that allow you to participate and learn new ways to approach different areas of your life. Some previous webinars have focused on dealing with exam stress and improving sleep
Want to know what help is best for you? Please check out this summary leaflet.
Refreshers' week
This week is Refreshers’ week – a great opportunity to try something new, or join that society or club that you meant to last year. They’ve got a whole host of events throughout the week for you, including a Sports Fair, new societies Fair, pub quiz, pizza night and more. Take a look at what’s on here.
Your Officers will also be at St Luke’s on Tuesday for a Spill the Tea session, where you can have a chat and grab a free hot drink and vegan brownie.
Looking for flatmates? Come along to your Students’ Guild flatmate finder events
Come along to DH2 (enter Devonshire House and go up the stairs) on Tuesday 18 January at 6:30pm, for games and a chance to meet your future housemates. No ticket needed, just come by! Find out more here.
You can also come along to a flatmate finder event on Thursday 27 January at The Depot. Find out more here.
New Exeter Sport app
'Exeter Sport’ is a new game-changing social, fitness and wellness app that revolutionizes home workouts, booking systems, Intramural sport, AU Club Activity, and priority tickets to Timepiece social events. Download now to find out what activities we have on offer at the University!
You can download the app via the App Store or Google Play
Exeter Sport membership offers
For a limited time period Exeter Sport is offering fantastic reductions on some of their yearly gym memberships.
The Premium Membership is now just £200 until the end of the academic year, and will get you access to two campus gyms, classes and swimming pools, plus more! These prices are now cheaper than two termly payments, so bag yourself a membership before our offer ends on Sunday 23 January. Find out more and sign up here.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with us
Join us in the Forum, 11-2pm on Tuesday 1 February to celebrate Lunar New Year, the Year of the Tiger. Collect one of our 1000 ‘red packet’ envelopes including a gift, witness some traditional calligraphy or try your hand at the beautiful art of Chinese knot work. Why not make a wish on our wishing tree, try some dim sum or learn more about Vietnamese traditions at this time of year? We encourage everyone to wear something red on the day to bring prosperity and luck to the new year.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the firework display at 6.30pm at XFI as we bring in the new year with a bang! Find out more here.
Chaplaincy Carol Service
The University of Exeter Anglican Chaplaincy would like to welcome you to their Epiphany Carol Service on Saturday 22 January at 7pm at the Mary Harris Chapel on our Streatham campus. Free tickets can be booked here.
The season of Epiphany goes from the birth of Christ through to Candlemas and offers the opportunity to dispel your January blues and keep on singing your favourite carols!
This year we will include some lovely readings as well as stunning music sung by our Chapel Choir by composers such as Poulenc and Tallis.
As well as being a great event, this service offers a great opportunity to meet new faces and make some new friends.
Sunday evening church services
Our Sunday evening services at the Mary Harris Chapel, on our Streatham campus, are contemplative and co-led by our Anglican and Free Churches Chaplains with music sung by our University Chapel Choir and invited Speakers. Starting at 7pm, the service last 30 minutes and is followed by refreshments and a speaker.
On Sunday 23 January, Frank Allen presents ‘What does it all mean? Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism on an international journey of faith.’ We do hope you can join us.
Sign up for Future17
Future17 is a new global initiative which aims to support you to develop the skills needed to collaboratively tackle global challenges, working in virtual teams to create solutions to real-world issues associated with one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Successful completion will be recognised through an accreditation awarded by QS, which could then be translated into academic credit as part of your degree. We will be running a pilot of Future17 from late January to May 2022 and you can now apply to be part of the program (the application deadline is 9am on Monday 24 January).
If you’re interested in finding out more about how to take part in this innovative new initiative and helping us shape its future, let us know by filling in this form.
You can find out more details at the following link, where you can sign-up for an online Q&A session: Information for Exeter students. Contact the Future17 Academic Lead: Stewart Barr or the Project Manager: Re Oakley for further information.
Sign up for Grand Challenges
Interested in making real change at the University or around the globe? Looking to develop your transferable skills? Want to meet like-minded people?
Grand Challenges is a unique, high-energy week that gives you all of that and more. Taking place in June, you will work in an interdisciplinary group on a topic you feel passionate about and develop an innovative and creative project that tackles a real world challenge. You get to work closely with leading academics, hear inspiring talks from external speakers and form new friendships along the way. Sign up now via our website.
Eat and Shop January offers and events
This month we are celebrating Veganuary with some great offers and specials across our outlets. These include £1 off certain items at iSCA Eats and The Ram Bar, 5% off selected non-dairy hot drinks, 10% off the Proper Cornish hot vegan range in the Market Place, new loyalty cards, and some amazing vegan specials in La Touche and Cross Keys. We also have vegan ‘pop-ups’ from the FFF counter in the Forum on Thursday 20 and 27 January, and Proper Cornish with free tasters of their hot vegan range on Wednesday 19 and 26.
Access to Internships (A2I)
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 18 January, 11-5pm, Innovation Centre, Streatham, Vaccination Clinic.
Tuesday 18 January, 4:30-6pm, Exehale room, Devonshire House, Free security marking.
Tuesday 18 January, 12pm – 2pm, the Forum, Wellbeing camper van.
Tuesday 18 January, 6:30pm, Devonshire House(DH2), Flatmate Finder Event.
Saturday 22 January, 7pm, Mary Harris Chapel, Epiphany Carol Service. Book free tickets here.
Wednesday 26 January, 12.45 - 13.30, Mind Over Natter with Paralympian Issy Bailey. Register here.
Thursday 27 January, 6:30-7:15pm, University Structure Q&A. Access the Teams Live event here.
Tuesday 1 February, 11-2pm, the Forum, Lunar New Year celebrations on campus. Find out more here.
Tuesday 1 February, 6:30pm, XFI building, Lunar New Year fireworks display. Find out more here.
Monday 7 February, 11-5pm, Innovation Centre, Streatham Vaccination Clinic.
Every Monday and every other Thursday, during term time, 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.
Keep an eye on the Students’ Guild Website to stay 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
