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University Updates
Welcome back to your regular University Updates.
This week in University Updates...
You can celebrate Lunar New Year with a wish on the wishing tree, join Paralympian Issy Bailey in our Mind Over Natter talk, and get the detail on how to take part in the National Student Survey. We also have the latest COVID-19 information including where to pick up tests on campus and locations of vaccination clinics.
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.
NHS COVID pass - update to rules
From Thursday 27 January, 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 either download the NHS app or use the online NHS COVID pass service, but you must be registered with your GP and have a valid NHS number in order to do this. Full details on requirements for the NHS COVID pass, including information for anyone with vaccinations taken overseas, can be found online.
Testing
You can get an assisted LFD test at our test centres below:
Streatham Campus, Car Park B, Monday-Friday 8-3pm
St Luke’s Campus, Baring Court, Mondays and Thursdays, 8-11am
You can also pick up LFD test kits to use at home, at collections points across our campuses. Please ensure you check the instructions carefully and report your results.
Please keep testing twice a week, every week, and before socialising with friends, coming to campus, taking part in sports activities or engaging in research with others. This will ensure our spring term continues as planned.
Vaccination clinic at St Luke's
We’re hosting a pop up vaccination clinic on our St Luke’s Campus, on Tuesday 25 January in the main campus car park. The clinic will provide first and second doses, and booster jabs for anyone 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.
We have a new pop-up vaccination clinic on our St Luke’s Campus:
Tuesday 25 January, (times TBC) in the main campus car park.
There are also clinics at the Innovation Centre on Streatham Campus:
Friday 28 January, 10-4pm, Forum Piazza
Monday 7 February, 11-5pm, Innovation Centre
Monday 28 February, 11-5pm, Innovation Centre
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.
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 Thursday 27 January, from 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 support we strongly encourage you to reach out to our wellbeing team or the Students’ Guild 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.
Night Bus service
The Night Bus service runs on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from late evening until 4am. You can find the timetable here. The service incorporates the Streatham Campus and is there to get you home safely. You can use all Stagecoach network tickets along with Unirider tickets. The single fare is only £2. You can download the stagecoach app here, to track the live locations of the bus and buy tickets.
Share your crime-busting ideas
The Community Sparks Fund will award small grants, of up to £250, to support ideas which prevent crime and make our community safer. All that’s required is that your project has a positive impact on the local Exeter community, helps people feel safe and increases the sense of belonging in the neighbourhood.
Simply apply by either
Filling in the application form
Writing a summary (around 250 words)
Filming a short video on your phone or device
Remember to include details of the project, who will manage it, where it will be delivered, the funding requested and how it helps create a safer Exeter. Email your application to: sce@exeter.gov.uk. The deadline is 5pm on 31 January 2022. Proposed projects must take place in the area covered by Safer Central Exeter funding. They must be completed by 31 March 2022.
You can apply online here. More detail on Safer Central Exeter can be found here.
Free security marking available
The Student Community Wardens will be offering a free security marking service every Tuesday on campus in the next few weeks. If you've brought 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. There’s no need to book, just come along and they’ll be happy to help. The next session is:
Tuesday 25 January, 4.30-6pm
Exehale room (1st floor in Devonshire House) Streatham Campus.
Talking rubbish
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. Whether by 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.
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
Students' Guild and Athletic 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)
Have you downloaded the 'Exeter Sport' App?
This app is a game-changing social, fitness and wellness app that revolutionises 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! Available on iTunes App Store and Google Play
Meet new people and develop new skills with Residence Life
- Monday: Baking in Spreytonway 6pm-8pm; Birks Coffee Night, outside Ross House reception 6.30pm-8.30pm
- Tuesday: Video games and board games, Cornwall House ResLife room and Lopes Common Room 6.30pm-8.30pm
- Wednesday: Crafting Night, Cornwall House ResLife room 6.30pm-8pm
- Thursday: Cookery School, Spreytonway, 6pm-8.30pm; iSCA Coffee Night 6.30pm-8pm
- Friday: Quiz Night 6.30pm-8.30pm
Booking in advance required for baking, cooking and quiz. Get your tickets here.
Bring in the Lunar New Year with a bang on 1 February
Join us in the Forum, 11-2pm, 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!
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.
book a 1-1 appointment with a Study Skills Adviser for tailored advice.
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@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.
Queer science competition
You may have heard of gay cryptographer Alan Turing: there’s been a film made about his life, a building named after him at Exeter Science Park, and he even features on Bank of England £50 notes. But why don’t we know more LGBTQIA+ people in STEMM? PRISM Exeter is challenging all students across Exeter to discover lesser-known LGBTQIA+ scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians, and medics and to celebrate their life and work.
Share whose life and/or work you find inspiring by submitting a short video or written entry for the chance to win £100. One winner and two runners up will get an invitation to speak at a Pride Month celebration event at the University in June.
For more information, including a guide on where to start your search visit prismexeter.com/qsc
Eat and Shop January Offers & Events: Veganuary
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
some amazing vegan specials in La Touche and Cross Keys
We also have vegan ‘pop-ups’ from Proper Cornish with free tasters of their hot vegan range on Wednesday 26 January and at the FFF counter in the Forum on Thursday 27 January.
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, 2.00pm – 3.30pm, Wellbeing Road Trip, Amory Hub Info Point
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
Tell us what you think of this newsletter:
Get in touch with your feedback or news stories at: studentcomms@exeter.ac.uk
