Student views matter
More than 1,000 international and 2,400 UK students responded to the annual ‘barometer’ survey of University of Exeter recent graduates. They report high levels of satisfaction in their overall experience– 88% of international students (up 1%) and 90% of UK students (up 2%) – making us number one among our competitor universities in the 1994 group and ninth in the UK for international students. 78% of international and 80% of home students would recommend Exeter to others thinking of applying. Satisfaction has increased in areas of careers advice, multicultural experience, personal learning and English language support. The survey highlights concerns about contact hours for undergraduates, and tackling PGR students’ feelings of isolation. The University is working to address these concerns.

Impact award winners
The inaugural Impact Awards ceremony took place last night, celebrating research across the University. The Student Impact category was won by Tim van Berkel and Martin Holland for their Heart of Borneo Project. A Cornwall team won the Outstanding Regional Impact award for marine renewable energy research.

New ESI Professors
Three professors, all renowned in their fields, have been appointed to the new £30 million Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) in Cornwall. Prof Stuart Townley (Chair in Applied Mathematics) has recently taken up his post while Profs Katrina Brown (Chair in Social Science) and Robbie McDonald (Chair in Natural Environment) follow soon. These are the first of 23 planned appointments.

Funding for PhD study
Exeter’s research reputation means we are able to offer PhD fully funded studentships across a wide range of subject areas. Many studentships have now been confirmed particularly within Humanities, Social Science and Business areas and additional awards will made available in the New Year. If you think you may be interested in a PhD in 2012, we recommend keeping your eye on our PhD studentships webpage for the latest information.

January exams timetable now available
The timetable for exams taking place 9-14 Jan on the Cornwall Campus is now available, Students are advised to check the timetable carefully and read the Guidance to Candidates before sitting any exam. Queries or questions about the exam timetable (or exams in general) should be emailed to the Cornwall Exams Office.

Internet downtime
Planned maintenance work will affect access to the internet (including for users on the Cornwall Campus) on Sat 17 Dec and Tues 20 Dec. More details online (scroll down page).

Festive neighbourliness
We encourage students to celebrate the end of term responsibly. Remember that noise from premises and in the street can cause significant disturbance to other residents. A Christmas card or visit to your neighbours would spread a little festive cheer and build relations for the New Year.

Property care
The Police recommend taking valuables home over the Christmas period or storing them in a lockable room. Lock all windows and doors to avoid giving burglars an opportunity. The Police offer free home security surveys if you have concerns about the security of your premises - ring 101 to arrange a visit.

Traffic-free paths
A series of new, traffic-free, walking and cycling routes have recently been completed, linking the Cornwall Campus with Penryn town and Penryn College. Sustrans, the charity that enables people to make more of their everyday journeys by foot, bike or public transport, has worked with Cornwall Council and the University of Exeter and University College Falmouth to provide a network of routes.

My Career Zone update
Since its launch in September, the My Career Zone portal has been used over 8500 times by 2500 students. They have had access to 633 advertised jobs, and careers consultants have been booked for over 400 appointments. My CareerZone lets you access targeted information relevant to your course and your future ambitions. Over the coming year many more services will be added, with part time vacancies available soon.

Student Campus Partnerships
As one of Europe's fastest growing companies, the University of Exeter has the potential to offer employment internships to students across each campus. The Student Campus Partnership scheme can provide valuable work experience essential for personal career development, ranging from short-term business and administrative support through to long-term project management.

SW Doctoral Training Centre launched
The ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) is an exciting new partnership between the Universities of Bath, Bristol and Exeter to form one of the UK’s largest centres of postgraduate research training for social scientists. It draws together the established research excellence of more than 770 academic and research staff at the three institutions.

Academic Services puts Customers First
Academic Services has been accredited with the Customer First Standard in recognition of excellent customer services offered to students and staff on the Exeter and Cornwall campuses. The Assessor commented that it is unusual to find such a large organisation compliant after the initial assessment and commended the department on its excellent staff morale and commitment to customer service.

Safety alert
Although it happened in Exeter, you may wish to be aware that a serious assault took place on the University’s Streatham Campus in the early hours of Weds 7 Dec. The University is working closely with the Police, who are investigating the incident, and increasing our security presence. It is worth us all remembering to look out for friends and avoid travelling alone late at night. Read more on Facebook.

£250 prize for Paddon Award
Student film-makers, writers and composers are invited to enter the 2012 Paddon Award, established in memory of two graduates with a keen interest in the arts. The theme is Your Exeter, Your University. The winner will receive £250. Deadline is 30 Jan. See full entry requirements.

Photography competition
The Sustainability Photography competition is open to all students and aims to document the issues of sustainability across the campuses and the wider community. The deadline for submission is Fri 23 March 2012. For more information, check out the competition website or contact Finn Woodhill.

Ocean of life
A Christmas conservation lecture today, Thurs 8 Dec at 4pm, sees Callum Roberts from York University speak on ‘The Ocean of Life’ in the Chapel lecture theatre.