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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 a number of locations across our campuses, and there will also be a pop up collection point in the Forum on our Streatham Campus from 1 November. You can also pop into any of our LFD test centres.
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 the Student Health Centre on Streatham Campus or from your local doctor - if you’re unsure if you have already had the vaccine, please contact the health centre.
Safety
Reports of ‘spiking’ incidents
The University and Students’ Guild are aware of and concerned about the reports of incidents of alleged ‘spiking’, either in drinks or by physical means, from across the country. We fully understand the distress and alarm these reports may cause, and the safety and welfare of students and staff is always our highest priority. We have published a full statement on our Speak Out webpages.
Safer walking routes
Now that the nights are drawing in, stay safe when walking home by sticking with a housemate and using well lit, busy routes. If you ever feel unsafe while walking, Nightline offers a free confidential helpline in which someone will stay on the phone with you. You can call them on 01392 724000 (number is also on the back of your student card).
We have several designated well-lit ‘safe walking routes’ in Exeter to support everyone returning to their accommodation at night. These routes are marked with a dotted green line on our campus maps which are viewable here – Streatham and St Luke’s. For more information on staying safe, check out our webpage and find more resources on your Students’ Guild ‘Stay Safe’ page.
Night Bus service in Exeter
We’ve worked with Stagecoach to introduce a Night Bus service in Exeter which runs on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from late evening until 4am. The service incorporates the Streatham campus and is designed to support students returning from the city centre. You can use all Stagecoach network tickets on this service along with the discounted Unirider tickets. The single fare is only £2 as the University has subsidised the service to ensure affordability. You can download the stagecoach app here, to track the live location of the bus and buy tickets.
Staying Safe Online
This 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.
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. 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.
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
Wellbeing events on this week
Everyday: Sports Park Pitch up and Play activities, including Football, Dodgeball, Touch Rugby and Rounders. Lunchtimes. Book here.
Monday 25 October: Free Online Seated Pilates class: 4.00pm – 4.30pm. Book here.
Tuesday 26 October: Wellbeing Road Trip. Wellbeing stand with information about volunteering. 2-3:30pm. Amory Info Point.
Wednesday 27 October: Mind Over Natter talk : Let's get Physical this Autumn with Martin Corck, Director of Athletes Inspire. 12:45-1:30pm. Book here.
Reflect
An exciting space is opening in the Neil Cross Room, Forum Library Level 1. The new home of the Multifaith Chaplaincy, Reflect, is a place for students and staff to take some time out from a busy campus, to be quiet, relax and breathe. There are comfy chairs and sofas, privacy ‘pods’ with low sensory stimulation, and an open space where occasionally groups will meet for meditation, reflection, peer support, and Multifaith activities.
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.
Check out this week’s connect and discover events!
Tuesday 25 October, 5 – 7pm, Together Tuesdays with Residence Life at Mardon hall in the Residence Life Room.
Tuesday 26 October, 11 – 1pm, Connections Café with the Multifaith Chaplaincy, Streatham Campus, in the Neil Cross Room, Forum Library Level 1 with tea, coffee, and biscuits provided.
Wednesday 27 October, 10:15-11:30am, Intercultural Café , Campus History Walk. Meet at Isca Eats (Cornwall House).
Friday 29 October, 11 – 1pm, Connections Café with the Multifaith Chaplaincy, Streatham Campus, in the Neil Cross Room, Forum Library Level 1 with tea, coffee, and biscuits provided.
Intercultural Café
We'd like to invite everyone to the intercultural cafe: students and families. It's proving to be a space where everyone is welcomed and valued, where everyone gets to speak and listen. Why not come along and enjoy and a hot drink. Who knows who you might meet today and what you might learn? For more information, please visit our webpages.
Housing and Community
Free service to keep your valuables safe
Keep your valuables safe with our free security marking service. Your Student Community Wardens can help you register your items and provide advice. This service will improve your chance of getting your valuables back if they are lost or stolen in the future. We will be in the Exehale room soon - so watch out for dates here and on the Exehale webpage. You can contact our team communitywardens@exeter.ac.uk.
Bin having troubles with rubbish?
Have you moved into a house and don't know how to dispose of your waste? Unsure when bin day is? Missing a bin? Inherited waste from the previous tenants/builders?
Contact the Student Community Wardens if your household is experiencing any issues with waste, and we can advise you - communitywardens@exeter.ac.uk. You can also download the iExeter App to check when your bins go out. For more information on other community issues, please visit our webpages. (Please note if you live in private accommodation and are leaving for week 6, don't leave waste or bins outside.)
Black History Month
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' Guild, 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.
Become a Library Champion
Come and join a group of library enthusiasts who want to make change happen:
- Be responsible for a £1k budget to buy books requested by students in your college.
- Develop and manage your own project to improve the student library experience.
- Help shape the service by gathering feedback via polls or focus groups.
- Provide your College with library updates, and help promote new resources.
- Take part in workshops to develop your skills.
- Work towards an Exeter Award or Exeter Leadership Award and enhance your employability prospects.
We expect this volunteer role will involve about 20 hours over one year, but the time commitment is up to you. It’s open to undergraduate and postgraduate taught students. We are looking for one to two Library Champions per College. Click here to view the job description and to apply.
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, visit the Tech Experts at the Digital Hub.
The Study Zone offers drop-in sessions at the Forum Digital Hub every Tuesday, from 11:15am - 12:30pm.
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.
Famine Tales Exhibition
'Famine Tales' is a collaboration between researchers at the University, Jadavpur University and the British Library, exploring the cultural histories of famine and dearth in early modern India and Britain. From 9 - 11 November, you can experience a fascinating new exhibition linked to this international project in The Forum. Showcasing selected episodes of early modern famine, the exhibition features work by traditional scroll painters from the Naya village in West Bengal as well as modern interpretations by contemporary urban graphic artists from Calcutta. The project team will also be running a free reflective workshop exploring the project on Saturday 13 November. For more information, email faminetales@exeter.ac.uk or visit the event page.
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.
Students' Guild: Give it a Go
As part of the Students' Guild Give it a Go programme, there are a number of events and activities for you to get involved with this week, including another opportunity to meet some societies and sports clubs, pumpkin carving and crazy golf.
Get tickets for Red Roses international rugby and you could win a signed England rugby ball
We’ve teamed up with the Exeter Chiefs to give rugby fans the chance of tickets/a ticket for the start of the Red Roses four-game Test series. The first match kicks off at Sandy Park, Exeter on Sunday 31 October at 2.30pm, when England Women face New Zealand. By buying your ticket using the special code, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a rugby ball, signed by the England team.
To get your ticket/s:
- Go to https://tickethub.exeterchiefs.co.uk – tickets can be redeemed online only
- Input code UNIREDROS311021 in promo code box at the top of the homepage
- Tickets available in North Terrace wings or centre for the Red Roses (Sunday 31 October)
- Click the area wanted and ensure to choose the correct ticket from the drop down list of tariffs.
Win a Bose soundlink speaker & £25 iTunes gift card
Just like or follow our Eat & Shop Facebook (UoEeatandshop) or Instagram (@eatandshopexeter) page during October, and you will automatically be entered into the competition. The winner will be announced at the beginning of November. For more information, please visit the Eat and Shop webpage.
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.
Monday 25 October, 8pm, the Ram bar, Quiz night (every other week during term time). Entry is £6 per team, and you need to pre-book at the bar or pay on arrival (limited availability).
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, 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, via Teams, Being Black At Exeter, a fireside chat with CMH undergraduate students.
Friday 29 October, 1pm, BME Network Social. Join Teams site by filling in this form.
Friday 29 October, 8 - 11pm, the Ram bar, Halloween party, with a live DJ and fancy-dress competition. Tickets are £3 and available to buy from the bar.
Thursday 4 November, 2 - 3pm, Streatham indoor sports hall, parafootball taster session. If you're interested sign up via this fixr link. Parafootball is a game for everyone and beginners are welcome.
Wednesday November 17, 6:30pm, PRISM Speakers: Shining a light on the queer side of science for LGBTQ+ STEM day, Rougemont Room, Exeter Library or online. You can find more information and book your tickets here.
Every Monday and every other Thursday, 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.
Don't forget to also keep your eye out on events and activities run by your Students’ Guild.
Tell us what you think of this newsletter:
Get in touch with your feedback or news stories at: studentcomms@exeter.ac.uk
