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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, bike repair kits on Campus, last chance to apply for exam adjustments and this week's wellbeing events.
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.
Upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics:
- Wednesday 17 November, ground floor, Exchange building, Penryn campus, 10am – 3pm.
- Tuesday 23 November, outside Drawing Studio, Falmouth campus, 10 am – 3 pm.
- Wednesday 8 December, ground floor, Exchange building, Penryn campus, 10am – 3pm.
You can book here and bookings will open 2 weeks ahead of each clinic. 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: Close Contact/ Household self isolation form (office.com).
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 in the area 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 and healthy 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.
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.
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.
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.
One Chance Left campaign
Poetry by leading climate scientists and health professionals warned of “last chance” to act on climate crisis ahead of COP26. Leading health professionals and climate scientists are using poetry to warn of the catastrophic impact of the climate crisis and that there is “one chance left” to act during and after COP26. You can read the poems in an e-book, One Chance Left, available online via our Green Futures website, and the poems are displayed around the Penryn Campus.
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 available in most bike shops. Find out more about the bike shops near our campuses and discounts for students in the 'Further information' tab.
Bike repair kits are available across campus; these include a bike pump, park tool tyre lever, multi-tool, chain rivet extractor and puncture repair applications. These are located at Glasney Lodge, ESI, Bike User Group and the Security and Information building by the barrier. You can also check out our cycling page for more information, where you’ll also find the Penryn Campus Active Travel Map which gives information on changing facilities, covered and non-covered bike storage areas.
FREE drink spiking test kits and personal alarm
While our campuses are 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 Glasney Lodge, the Compass Helpdesk, Students' Union Office, the Security Information Building and the Stannary Bar.
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 and add ‘FX Plus’ as an organisation to make sure the app works on all of our campuses. This is quick and easy to do: once you’re logged in to the app using your University of Exeter credentials, go to “add organisation” and search for ‘FX Plus’. 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.
Stay safe
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. For more information on staying safe, check out our webpage.
Asda Shopping Trollies
We seem to have accumulated a large supply of shopping trollies at Penryn Campus with no means of returning them to Asda. Please do not take shopping trollies away from Asda or bring them back to campus or the local area and remember that there are shuttle buses and home delivery services available for when you need to do a big shop.
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.
Academic English seminars for international students
If English isn’t your first language and you have any concerns about your course work, the Languages EAP Team are running weekly Academic English seminars to guide you through challenges and provide feedback on your assignments. You can also book tutorials to discuss individual pieces of work. Check the Study Hub Languages pages for details.
Wellbeing
Stress and wellbeing workshops
This course is designed to help you get a better understanding of what stress is, what causes stress and what keeps it going. Over the course of four sessions you can learn to manage your own stress better, in order to enhance your wellbeing and overall health.
These workshops run fortnightly on Wednesdays – to find out more and book your place, visit the FX Plus website.
Peer support groups on campus
There are a variety of peer support groups available to you on campus:
Man Down Cornwall – fortnightly meetings on Wednesdays from 7pm until 8.30pm, from Wednesday 3 November, in the Chaplaincy.
A very informal, safe and relaxed environment for men who are struggling with any kind of mental health issues. The sessions are designed to be as inclusive as possible with no judgement, only support and understanding from people who can be there to listen and support you. (More information about Man Down Cornwall here.)
Intercom Trust – fortnightly meetings on Thursdays from 6pm until 7.30pm, from Thursday 4 November, in the Chaplaincy.
A safe space to discuss LGBTQ+ student life in Falmouth and Penryn, a social and peer supportive environment to develop connections across subject areas and social and housing groups to improve your university experience. (More information on the Intercom Trust here.)
Georgia’s Voice – fortnightly meetings on Tuesdays from 6pm until 7.30pm, from Tuesday 9 November, in the Chaplaincy.
Small, confidential support groups for young women with mental health concerns. Offering a safe place for you to come and talk, listen or just be. (More information on Georgia’s Voice here.)
Many Rivers – fortnightly meetings on Thursdays from 7pm until 8.30pm, from Thursday 11 November, in the Chaplaincy.
Facilitated groups with fortnightly themes agreed by the BAME group attendees. A safe space to explore individual and group experiences and feelings.
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.
Sports Centre – Facility price changes
Following the highly successful Flexsi Wellbeing Week, when all the Sports Centre facilities were made available for free, the sports hall and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) prices will now be reduced permanently.
(MUGA) Hourly Rates
- Off-Peak (weekdays 7:00am - 4:00pm, weekends & bank holidays) £5:50.
- Peak (weekdays 4:00pm - 10:00pm) £15 member & £18 non-member.
Sports Hall Hourly Rates
Off-Peak (weekdays 7:00am - 4:00pm, weekends & bank holidays)
- Badminton £5:50;
- Table Tennis £2:75;
- ½ Hall £11:00;
- Hall £22:00.
Peak (weekdays 4:00pm - 10:00pm)
- Badminton £6:75 member / £8:00 non-member;
- Table Tennis £3:50 member / £4:00 non-member;
- ½ Hall £13:50 member / £16:00 non-member;
- Hall £27:00 member / £32:00 non-member.
Events
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 you place at one of these activities and find out more information about all levels of postgraduate study on our website.
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.
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 which will include activities online and on our campuses. These events 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.
Celebrating Biodiversity on Campus
Four new biodiversity signs have recently been installed across our Penryn Campus to highlight the variety of natural habitats on our campus, the unique ecologies that they support, and the conservation plans that are in place to help protect and enhance these spaces. The signs have been installed as part of the University's biodiversity initiatives under the wider sustainability agenda. It is hoped that these information signs will help educate our community about the high levels of biodiversity across our campus and the action we are taking to enhance this.
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.
Get the Handshake app and 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.
Fortnightly on Wednesdays from 7pm until 8.30pm, from Wednesday 3 November, in the Chaplaincy. Man Down Cornwall – an informal, safe and relaxed environment for men who are struggling with any kind of mental health issues. More information here.
Thursday 4 November, 1 – 2pm, The Race to Zero. Read more and sign up here.
Fortnightly on Thursdays, 6 - 7.30pm, from Thursday 4 November, in the Chaplaincy. Intercom Trust meeting: A safe space to discuss LGBTQ+ student life in Falmouth and Penryn. More information here.
Monday 8 November, 1 – 2pm, Protecting People and Planet. Find out more and register here.
Fortnightly on Tuesdays, 6 - 7.30pm, from Tuesday 9 November, in the Chaplaincy. Georgia’s Voice confidential support groups for young women with mental health concerns. Find out more here.
Fortnightly on Thursdays, 7 - 8.30pm, from Thursday 11 November, in the Chaplaincy. Many Rivers facilitated groups with fortnightly themes agreed by the BAME group attendees.
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, 10am - 3pm, in the Exchange on the ground floor, in the street area, COVID-19 vaccine clinic, please book here.
Wednesday 17 November, 10am – 3pm, ground floor, Exchange building, Penryn campus, COVID-19 vaccination clinic, you can 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 17 November, Virtual Aspiring Educators Fair. Don’t miss out – register now!
Tuesday 23 November, 10 am – 3 pm, outside Drawing Studio, Falmouth campus, COVID-19 vaccination clinic, you can book here.
Wednesday 8 December, 10am – 3pm, ground floor, Exchange building, Penryn campus, COVID-19 vaccination clinic, you can book here.
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
