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University Updates
Welcome back to your regular University Updates.
This week in University Updates...
There's information on flu vaccinations and some job application tips from the Career Zone. You can also find out about this week's Mind Over Natter event.
COVID-19
Worried about Long COVID?
For the majority of people who have had COVID-19, their symptoms and any sign of the infection, will have gone within the first four weeks. However, the recovery time can be different for everyone and is not necessarily related to the severity of your illness. If your symptoms continue for longer than four weeks, this may be referred to as ‘Long COVID’ which is an informal term used to describe symptoms that persist or develop after an acute infection of COVID-19.
If you are concerned about any of your symptoms contact your GP – they should offer you an initial consultation and provide access to any further assessments or care that you might need. For more information on ‘Long COVID’ please visit the NHS website.
COVID-19 - confused about when to self-isolate?
Our website has a handy visual highlighting when you should self-isolate. You’ll also find a guide to self-isolation and quarantine, information on the support available to you during your isolation, and guidance for anyone arriving from overseas. It’s really important to follow the rules on self-isolation to ensure we stop the spread of COVID-19 – please help protect our University community.
Away for reading week? Take a COVID-19 test as soon as you return to University
If you’re away from University 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 the Heart reception.
Flu vaccination – protect yourself this winter
Don’t forget to get your flu vaccination – alongside the COVID-19 jab, this is our best protection this winter. If you are eligible for a free flu vaccination, your GP will contact you. If you are not eligible, you can pay for a vaccination at local pharmacies or supermarkets with pharmacy departments. Find out more on the NHS website.
Meningitis: be aware of the symptoms
Meningitis is a life-threatening condition, so it’s important to make sure you’re vaccinated and 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.
If you think you or someone you know has these symptoms call NHS 111 or your doctor straight away. 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 your local medical centre - if you’re unsure if you have already had the vaccine, please call your doctor.
Safety
Reports of ‘spiking’ incidents
We are aware of and concerned about the reports of incidents of alleged spiking, either in drinks or by physical means, both locally and across the country. Drink spiking is a crime, and where alleged incidents are flagged to the Police or to the University, these will be treated extremely seriously. We have published a full statement on our Speak Out webpages.
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 and using well lit, busy routes. Please remember to maintain social distancing and give people space on paths and walkways. For more information on staying safe, check out our webpage.
Staying Safe Online
On Wednesday 27 October, 1-2:30pm, join our online event on how to stay safe from negative influencers in the digital environment. You can find out more and register for free here.
Your learning
January 2022 examinations
The majority of January 2022 examinations will take place online, with some modules running as on-campus exams, where this is a requirement of the learning outcomes. Exams are being held on campus where invigilation is required, and submissions are difficult to capture online, such as formula-based/graphical exams, practical exams and oral exams.
Online exams will be delivered in one of two formats, called Options:
Option 1 - An open-book, non-invigilated paper that must be completed and submitted within 24 hours following the start time written on your paper and on your exam timetable.
Option 2 - An open-book, non-invigilated exam that must be completed and submitted within a fixed duration during a specified 24-hour period as defined on your paper and on your exam timetable.
For more information, please read the updated Student Handbook for Exams.
Exam adjustments – 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.
Wellbeing
Check out this week’s connect and discover events!
Wednesday 27 October, 2 -5pm, Drop-In Chaplaincy with Jan and light snacks. Join our chaplain at the cosy Penryn chaplaincy each week.
Wednesday 27 October, 3 – 5:30pm, Pumpkin Carving with Residence Life. Come along to Koofi for a hot drink of your choice and join us for some pumpkin carving
Monday 1 November, 12 – 2pm, Catholic Mass, Prayers and Lunch. Join the lovely Catholic chaplain Fran for Catholic Mass and prayers
Mind Over Natter
As the days get shorter and colder, it can be hard to find the motivation to be active. But finding ways to engage in physical activity of any kind can have a big impact on our wellbeing and health.
Join Martin Corck, director of Athletes Inspire, as he returns to Mind Over Natter on Wednesday 27 October 12.45 - 13.30 to talk about how we can look after our wellbeing this winter by making small changes that help us stay active. Find out more and register for free here.
Black History Month
October is Black History month – a time for us to reflect on and celebrate Black Brilliance and history.
Black History Month continues throughout October – a time for us to reflect on and celebrate Black Brilliance and history.
Check out some of this week’s events:
Tuesday 26 October, 5 - 6pm, 'Entrepreneurship for and by Black People' with Rachael Twumasi-Cors, co-founder of Afrocenchi. Register via Zoom Link or click here to find out more.
Wednesday 27 October, 1 - 2pm, online, Cross Cultural Leadership: Back to the Future Workshop. Click here to find out more.
Wednesday 27 October, 4 - 5pm, Being Black At Exeter, a fireside chat with CMH undergraduate students. Join via Teams here.
Friday 29 October, 1pm, BME Network Social. Join Teams site by filling in this form.
To check out our full list of events for Black History Month, including events from your Students' Union, please visit our webpage here.
Virtual Alumni Panel Event
This event brings together an exciting panel of black University staff and alumni, focusing on the career successes and challenges they have faced. Each panellist will speak about their career path, what strengths they have found in their diversity, and what Black History Month means to each of them. Don't miss out on the opportunity to ask them anything you might want to know about their careers; their experiences could help inform your own career decisions. Whether you are in the early stages of your studies or have already graduated, this could be the event to help you make those next steps in your career planning.
This event is open to all students. Panellists include:
Tina Verhaeghe – Inclusive Educator Project Co-ordinator and Race and Ethnicity Consultant, University of Exeter (BA Accounting & Finance 2011)
Bryan Knight – Journalist and Oral Historian (BA History 2020)
Cameron Taylor – Student Communications Assistant, University of Exeter (BA History 2019)
You can book your place on handshake. If you have any questions about the event or have problems booking, please email gradrec@exeter.ac.uk.
Book time with an expert to become a digital hero
The Digital Hub is here to support you, get the most from your computer or phone with digital skills support available online and in person. We help with:
- OneDrive and cloud storage
- Teams and Zoom
- Microsoft 365 and collaboration tools
- Virtual Desktops and specialist software for studying
Got a different digital challenge? Let us know, and we will always try to help. Book support via Teams or visit us in person 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you have a problem with your device, contact FX Plus.
Worktribe updates
For some modules, Worktribe is being used for new Research Ethics applications. On Monday 1 November between 5:30-7:30pm, Worktribe will be running an update and will therefore be unavailable for use. Please make sure you have saved your progress and logged out. If you experience any issues outside of this time, please continue to contact the IT helpdesk quoting ‘Worktribe’. Please continue to visit the Research Ethics webpages for guidance.
Student Focus Groups
During the academic year the University frequently runs focus groups with students to discuss a wide range of topics and test new ideas or propositions. They typically last one hour and students often enjoy the experience. As a thank you for participating students are rewarded with some high street vouchers. If you would like to put your name forward to participate in a forthcoming group, please click here.
The Seven Nightmares of the Career Zone
The most terrifying mistakes employers NEVER want to see in your job applications.
Applying for jobs is time-consuming and (whisper it) not always fun, so don't send your hard work straight to the recycling bin by making any of these easy-to-avoid horrors. 1) Spelling and grammar errors, many employers have a ‘three strikes, and you're out’ rule; 2) not writing up to the word limit on your application form answers; 3) starting your cover letter ‘Dear Sirs’; 4) making it all about you, without mentioning the employer; 5) not demonstrating commercial awareness; 6) not following the basic instructions on how to apply, and most horrific of all – 7) getting the employer's name wrong. Banish those nightmare mistakes with our 'Help with…' webpages.
Virtual Law Careers Fair
Join us on Wednesday 10 November, for our second Virtual Law Careers Fair from 11:30am-3:30pm. You can book your place from Wednesday 27 October on handshake.
Over 40 companies have signed up and are keen to talk to you about training contracts and vacation schemes in group sessions and 1:1s. You can book your space in these sessions at any time, up to the end of the fair.
Monday 25 October, 6 - 7:30pm, Bioluminescent Baby – Collaborations in Publishing, online event via Zoom. Find out more here.
Tuesday 26 October, 5 - 6pm, 'Entrepreneurship for and by Black People' with Rachael Twumasi-Cors, co-founder of Afrocenchi. Register via Zoom Link or click here to find out more.
Tuesday 26 October, 8 - 10pm, Stannary Café Bar, Quiz Night, 50p per person, max team size of 6, no need to book.
Wednesday 27 October, 12:45 - 1:30pm, Mind Over Natter talk : Let's get Physical this Autumn with Martin Corck, Director of Athletes Inspire. Book here.
Wednesday 27 October, 1 - 2pm, online, Cross Cultural Leadership: Back to the Future Workshop. Click here to find out more.
Wednesday 27 October, 1 - 2:30pm, online, ‘Staying Safe Online’. You can find out more and register for free here.
Wednesday 27 October, 4 - 5pm, Being Black At Exeter, a fireside chat with CMH undergraduate students. Join via Teams here.
Friday 29 October, 1pm, BME Network Social. Join Teams site by filling in this form.
Saturday 30 October, 9pm - 2am, Halloween at the Stannary, Tickets are on sale now.
Wednesday 17 November, 10am - 3pm, in the Exchange on the ground floor, in the street area, COVID-19 vaccine clinic, please 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
