Welcome to Student News in Brief, a round-up of news from the University. We’re trying out a new email newsletter that we hope will give you useful information, and we want your feedback about the content and the format. It will pop into your inbox about every 3 weeks, and aims to keep you up to date without taking too much time to read.

Term dates decision
The academic year is changing from 2009-10 onwards, with an 11-week first term, a 12-week second term and a 7-week third term. The Guild negotiated with the University some changes to the original proposals agreed in 2006. Revised proposals were put to a referendum in which 1,477 students voted. A clear majority (951) voted in favour. This means that term dates for 2009-10 will be 5 Oct-18 Dec, 11 Jan to 1 Apr (2 Apr is Good Friday, but students may stay in accommodation until 3 Apr), and 3 May to 18 Jun. Graduation ceremonies will be w/c 12 Jul.

National Student Survey 2009
Final year undergraduates will receive emails from Mon 2 Feb asking for feedback in the National Student Survey. The confidential survey is a Government-led, nation-wide initiative that finds out how universities support the student learning experience. It is of great importance as it gives us an impartial, detailed picture of what we do well and where we can improve. Students’ feedback from previous surveys has been used to develop teaching in each academic school. See The National Student Survey website.

More satisfaction stats
The University’s top ten position for student satisfaction has been reinforced by the latest Student Experience Survey published by Times Higher Education magazine last week. Exeter is in 7th place compared to 4th in the last National Student Survey. In the THE survey Exeter was the most improved University, moving up from 21st place last year.

Crunching the recession
If you’re concerned about finding work during the recession, particularly if you are a final year student, the Careers and Employment Service is here to help. Please take advantage of the activities on campus to make yourself as employable as possible. Think about Masters programmes (your Schools are currently putting on Open Days, and can discuss them and our Fast Track application system with you). Talk to a Careers Adviser. Our skills programme includes such things as intensive interview training (and don’t forget the Exeter Award). Plus support if you want to start your own business. We also run a high quality work placement programme for new graduates in the Exeter area called Graduate Business Partnership (GBP). If you don’t have a job to go to, this could be the answer. See the Employability website.

Studentships
The University is offering 100 PhD Studentships and 80 PhD Bursaries for 2009 entry, in a wide range of subjects. Studentships cover all fees for three years plus an annual maintenance grant (Research Council-equivalent). Bursaries are worth £7,000 a year for three years and include the opportunity to teach (80 hours per year required). The awards are offered full-time, however it may also be possible to study part-time with prior agreement. Details will be available from 5 February on the Postgraduate Study website.

Community Wardens
A new scheme offers support for second and third year students living off campus in Exeter. A team of Community Wardens will deliver key information about living responsibly within the community and help to resolve community issues. 10 students have been appointed as Wardens for St James, Pennsylania, St Davids, Polsloe and Newtown. They will be working directly with student and permanent residents. To highlight community issues for the Wardens call the StreetWise helpline anytime on 01392 264686 or speak to Rory Cunningham on 01392 263721 or r.j.cunningham@exeter.ac.uk

Go for Business
City planners have approved an application for a new building for the University’s Business School, which is based on the Streatham Campus. The project will cost £18 million and is part of a wider £25 million investment in the School over the next 3 years. A new entrance and reception for undergraduates has opened as phase 1 of these developments.

Plan for Cornwall
A masterplan for the future development of the Cornwall Campus has been approved by Kerrier District Council.

Exeter’s PC
Police Constable Dave Dalziel – aka Diesel - has been appointed to the new position of Neighbourhood Beat Manager for the University’s Exeter community. He aims to help students stay safe and liaise with local residents and hall tutors. Call: 08452 777444 or email Dave Dalziel.

Look out for your laptop
In order to encourage students not to leave valuables, staff regularly inspect libraries for unattended belongings, leaving alert cards on left items. If you do store your files on a laptop, you are advised to make use of the University U-drive file space. This means that if your laptop is broken, lost or stolen they will be backed up on the University filespace. Either save work to the ‘My Documents’ folder on an Open Access PC Cluster Computer, or upload it via the ‘My Files’ section of the Portal. Contact the IT Help Desk on 01392 263934.

Recycle to win
Exeter-based students who put the right rubbish in the right bin, on the right day, could win a prize. Over weeks 4 and 5, recycling officers will be checking green bins on collection days, and noting down houses which have recycled the correct materials. This is a joint campaign between the Students’ Guild, Exeter City Council and the new Streetwise! Scheme. The Guild, Waterstone’s and Domino’s have donated prizes.

Remembering John
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Professor John Usher will be held on Thurs 12 Feb at 3pm at Exeter Cathedral. John, who died in September, was Head of the Law School. If you would like to attend, please notify Hanan Price H.Price@exeter.ac.uk.

Paddon 09
The Convocation-run Paddon Award is taking place, open to Exeter students, staff and alumni. Historically it has been a poetry competition, but this year entrants are asked to make a 5 minute short film. All information, including details of prizes, can be found on the Paddon Award 2009 webpage.

Thank you for reading. Please send news and events for future editions and any feedback to Abigail Dixon: Abigail.Dixon@exeter.ac.uk.

Sun 1 Feb - Chinese New Year
3-10pm Chinese snacks and astrology, karaoke and comedy
4 -5.15pm Dragon and lion dancing parade
6pm Firework display
Hosted by Chinese Student Scholars Association, supported by the Self Catered Association, International Student Support Office, INTO, Chinese Embassy, StreetWise, Wang Ping Travel, Asian Society and Imperial China Restaurant
Location: Cornwall House area, all free.

Mon 2 Feb, 8.30pm
Café Scientifique
Darwin Anniversary Cafe: Modern Living and Evolution
Timothy Clack (Oxford)
Location: Exeter Phoenix

Thurs 5 Feb, 1-1.45pm
Art History Lectures
Surrealism
Location: Queens LT1
See PDF of Winter Art History Lectures flyer

Sat 7 Feb, 11am- 6pm
Embercombe Tour
A sustainable living project, charity and social enterprise close to Exeter.
Learn about sustainable living and growing your own food
Home grown organic lunch Workshop
Pick up from Exeter St David’s station, £4 donation suggested.
077 067 616 22
Contact: johannes@
embercombe.co.uk
See embercombe website.

Wed 11 Feb
The Wurzles
Location: The Lemon Grove;
Visit the Guild website for more details.

Exeter Northcott
See: Northcott Theatre website.

3-7 Feb
The Vagina Monologues starring Jesse Wallace, Linda Robson and Grace Kinsglene. By Eve Ensler. See Northcott Theatre website.

6 Feb
SE Drum and Bass awards
Location: The Lemon Grove
Visit the Guild website for more details.

17 Feb
Bellowhead
Location: The Lemon Grove
Visit the Guild website for more details.

19 Feb, 1-1.45pm
Art History lecture
Art of the Sixties
Location: Queens LT1
See PDF of Winter Art History Lectures flyer

27 Feb-3 March
Folk Festival: Great Hall.
Kate Rusby, Demon Barber Roadshow, and many other bands, ceilidhs, workshops.
Energetic and friendly atmosphere.
Weekend ticket available from £13 Visit the Inter-Varsity Folk Dance Festival (IVFDF) website for more details.