Welcome, or welcome back to News in Brief, a newsletter for students of the University of Exeter. It comes out every 3 weeks and can be quickly scanned to find news relevant to you. You can also follow the University on Twitter or like our student Facebook pages.

Up in the world
The University of Exeter is now one of the top 200 universities in the world. The QS World University Rankings ranks us 182nd out of 2,500 universities, up from 207th place last year. The Times Good University guide ranks the University of Exeter at 10th for the second year running.

Satisfied students
This year's National Student Survey results are out today. The University of Exeter ranks 3rd among traditional universities for student satisfaction around the quality of our teaching and 5th for overall satisfaction. Exeter has maintained its top 10 position every year since the survey was launched eight years ago. Results are analysed in detail and student views are listened to, eg. students’ feedback has led to more money being spent on library resources, and a 3 week turnaround time for feedback being established. This is a really good result and we look forward to working with you to continue to improve the Exeter experience.

iExeter app launched
iExeter - the student smartphone and web app - is now available from the Apple, Android and Blackberry stores. iExeter is designed to make day to day life easier for all students across all campuses. It contains events, campus maps, Guild and sports info, PC availability, and Exeter and Cornwall teaching timetables and library access.

Your Career Zone
As the beginning of the new academic year kicks off make sure you go to the Career Zone and keep an eye out for important presentations and workshops to help with career planning. Some are compulsory and will be scheduled in to timetables but others should be booked online. Final year students should be aware that graduate jobs often have deadlines in October/November.

eXfactor
eXfactor is an award-winning employability and professional development course for all first year undergraduates. Two days of interactive professional development and recruitment activities will develop, reflect on and articulate the skills necessary to kick-start the career of your choice. Sessions are by discipline and will appear on your timetable.

International careers
This year’s International Virtual Careers Fair will be live online from Wed 10 – Fri 26 Oct. In addition, Mars Inc has chosen us as one of its 3 target universities to recruit into graduate positions in China. They will run drop-in sessions and presentations on Wed 10 Oct – more info online.

Wellbeing Centre
Reed Mews Wellbeing Centre has opened, and students can access an extended range of information, support groups and psychological therapies in a warm and welcoming environment. Drop in to find out what Wellbeing Services can offer, see the website or phone 01392 724381.

Socialising sensibly
During the first few weeks of term many students will be celebrating the start of the academic year. Thankfully, only a small number of students are brought to the University’s attention for engaging in anti-social behaviour. All students should view the revised ASB policy and protocol and be clear about the potential impact of irresponsible behaviour.

Student Community Guide
Students living in private accommodation will soon receive a copy of the new student community guide. The guide is delivered by the Student Community Wardens and contains everything you need to know about life off campus, from what you can recycle to how you can get involved in local community projects and initiatives.

Grand Challenges
The Grand Challenges programme is designed to provide all first year students with an exciting educational and social experience at the end of this academic year. Taster sessions will be running in Opportunities Week from 29 October. For announcements and to find out about the exciting Grand Challenges Campus Festival, ‘like’ Grand Challenges on Facebook and follow on Twitter. Contact: Kate Plunkett-Reed.

New student space
The first floor of Devonshire House has been transformed into the Activities and Volunteering. There are new offices for Exeposé and XTV and it gives a central location for societies and the campus volunteering groups RAG and Community Action to meet. There’s a new cafe but also students can bring their own food or use a communal kitchen.

St Luke’s update
Investments are being made by the Guild and University and Students’ Guild to improve the St Luke’s student experience. A Student Information Desk service in Cross Keys’ reception point has University staff and Guild student staff to answer queries and help students access support services, purchase tickets and NUS Cards, join societies and enjoy free tea and coffee. Nearly £40K has been invested in new equipment for the Gym, pay-per-use is cheaper, and opening hours have been extended. Cloisters Cafe has been redecorated and new menus introduced. A consultation exercise on travel arrangements between campuses will take place soon.

Cornwall campus update
The new £10 million learning, teaching and research hub at the Cornwall Campus – The Exchange – is now open and many services are in the process of being relocated into the building. The Exchange provides access to the full spectrum of academic and support services in one welcoming space for University of Exeter and University College Falmouth students and staff can study. Download a leaflet.

Ambassador application open
Student ambassadors play a vital role in the University’s activity with young people aged 13-18. Ambassadors are paid to help with campus tours, open days and host incoming school visits. Some ambassadors may also visit schools, giving presentations and helping to run workshops; others may attend higher education conventions and careers fairs. Apply now (deadline 2 Nov) or find more info online.

Sustainability opportunities
Last year around 50 students worked with the University’s Sustainability team on work placements and volunteering activities. Read some case studies online, and if you’re inspired register for the mailing list using your Exeter email.

Take sport to schools
The Sports Volunteering Scheme places Exeter students in local primary and secondary schools to coach a sport of your choice. No previous coaching experience is required and hours volunteered count towards the Exeter Award and help fund a coaching qualification. £10 to take part, includes a goody bag. Contact SVS or drop into the Athletic Union Office.

Get sporty
Intramural Sport is a chance to get together a team from halls, subject, club or society or to play recreational sport. It is open to all students and no experience is necessary. Sign up before Wed 3 Oct - more info by email. Or you can still sign up to any of the Athletics Union clubs. Either email the AU President Joe Batten or the relevant club captain.

Sports Park Development
Completed as part of the £8 million investment at the Sports Park, five of the new covered tennis courts and the new multi use pitch are now ready to play. To book visit the Sports Park Reception or call 01392 724452. Sports Park memberships can now be bought via the Sports Office website and a range of fitness classes are available. Car parking at the Sports Park is reducing to allow the new build to take place; drivers are advised to be cautious of road changes in the area.

IT self help
The IT Self Service portal contains many useful hints and tips to resolve common queries or issues without having to contact the IT Help Desk. Go online and click the Knowledge base icon on the far right.

My PGR improvements
My PGR, the online facility for the tracking of postgraduate research student progress, has new enhancements this year based on user requests. It can now record joint supervision meetings, include external supervisors and set monthly contacts. More info from your College PGR administrator.

Learn a language
Enrolment is now open for evening language courses starting in October in the Foreign Language Centre. Levels range from complete beginner to advanced conversation and 13 languages are offered. Student discounts. Info online.

Get your books
Blackwell’s has two pop up shops on campus for the first five weeks of Term 1 so you can buy academic texts. Find them opposite the Sanctuary on the Streatham Campus and next to the supermarket on the St Luke’s campus. You can also view your reading lists and buy books online at exeter.blackwell.co.uk for delivery or collection on campus. Separately, some former Exeter students set up national website Unishark to help students sell second hand books and compare prices.

Lafrowda landscaping
Fertiliser is being spread around the Lafrowda area in the next few weeks to ensure the success of shrub and tree planting in some of the final landscaping works there. The natural fertiliser helps plant roots establish but can cause an odour.

Sat 29 Sept
Cornwall Campus Open Day

Weds 3 Oct
Football Varsity match
University of Exeter men’s football 1st v Exeter City FC
Tickets from AU office or ticket sellers
Location: St James’ Park football ground, Exeter. 

Fri 5 Oct, 11am-3pm
Farmer’s Market
Location: Great Hall Piazza, Streatham Campus

Sun 7 Oct, 12-3pm
Second chance sign up event
Gives another opportunity to sign up to societies and sports clubs, buy stash and take advantage of promos.
Location: Cross Keys, St Luke’s Campus

Tues 9 Oct, 1pm
Exploring the potential of a multi-touch classroom to develop adaptive expertise in primary mathematics
Professor Steve Higgins (Durham University)
Location: BC114, St Luke’s Campus

Thurs 11 Oct, 5.30pm
Kieran Sweeney Memorial Lecture
Creating Health from Complexity
Sir Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer, Scotland
Location: XFi building, Streatham Campus
RSVP: Pam Gurney, Tel: 01392 722977 01392 722977

Thurs 11 Oct, 6.30pm
A Celebration of Hilary Mantel
Acclaimed novelist Hilary Mantel will read from Bring Up the Bodies, her sequel to the Man Booker prizewinning novel Wolf Hall, followed by a discussion of her work with Professor Helen Taylor.
Advance tickets £5 (students £2.50) from the Exeter Northcott Theatre 01392 493493
Location: The Forum, Streatham Campus

Weds 17 Oct, 1-2.30pm
Gaia - the Cabaret
Songs, sketches and surprises on the world view of Gaia Theory, performed to critical acclaim at the Science Museum in London, The Times Cheltenham Science Festival
Location: Great Hall Piazza, Streatham Campus or wet weather venue: M&D room, Devonshire House
To book your free place email Lucy

EXHIBITIONS

Now on
Marilyn Monroe exhibition
Exhibition of memorabilia marking the 50th anniversary of the death of the film icon
Location: Bill Douglas Centre for the History of Cinema and Popular Culture, Old Library, Streatham Campus

Until 5 Oct
A photographic journey through Kurdish history
Exhibition by Chris Kutschera
Location: The Street Gallery, IAIS, Streatham Campus

Fri 5 Oct -Wed 21 Nov
… the pattern is new in every moment
Exhibition of images, videos and 3D work created by artist Pery Burge during the course of her residency at the Thermofluids Lab in the Harrison Building.
This exhibition is supported by the Leverhulme Trust.

Exeter Northcott Theatre events

Weds 26 – Sun 30 Sept
Indian Tempest

Mon 1 Oct
Tim Key – comedy

Tues 2 – Wed 3 Oct
Lost and found - theatre

Sat 6 Oct
Claytime / Pinocchio
Family theatre

Tues 16 – Sat 20 Oct
Mansfield Park - theatre