What's happening?

Welcome back to the What’s happening series, where you can find out all the changes that have happened at the University. There’s been a lot of changes in the past year, and this way you won’t miss a thing! 

Please note: These changes are a result of previous NSS feedback.  

What's happening Series 2-Episode 1 Highlights

  • You can now change your module selection up to the second week of teaching. You just need to fill in the Optional module change request form.
  • If you’re studying Midwifery, you can now receive off duty with 4 weeks’ notice.
  • There has been a variety of physical space improvements, including neurodiversity friendly ergonomic chairs in the library Calm Zone.
  • The Wellbeing team have introduced HER, a Women's Health and Wellbeing group to provide support to students navigating women's health issues.
  • With the SafeZone app you can send an emergency alert directly to the 24/7 Security Control Hub, request first aid and access wellbeing information.

What's happening Series 2-Episode 2 Highlights

  • There are drop-in careers appointments every Wednesday during term time right outside the SU shop from 12-2pm, and you don’t need to book in advance, just turn up.
  • Students in the School of Computing and Engineering get careers support with guest speakers and graduate career tools. The School is also launching a STEM Careers Fair to help you connect with employers and explore future opportunities.
  • For students with disabilities, there is a section on the students’ website to help you navigate accessible and level routes easier. There are also more accessible parking spaces on campus, available free of charge.
  • ActiveHud converted the top floor of the gym into The Mezz, a women's only training space including privacy screens.

What's happening Series 2-Episode 3 Highlights

  • There is an anonymous feedback box outside the Dean’s Office in the Business School, so you have an easy way to say what is working and what could improve.
  • There are now relaxed graduation ceremonies, designed to be particularly helpful to neurodivergent students, students with social anxiety or those who would rather experience something more informal.
  • You can now easily pick an alternative GPA session to attend if the one you were scheduled is not convenient.
  • Library Search now has an AI Research Assistant to provide additional user-friendly way to find information.
  • To make sure BSc Nursing students feel heard, there are now student voice meetings monthly. For year 3 students, these run weekly from January-April.
  • Student reps and a Students' Union representative attend a termly meeting with the BSc Nursing year lead and course leader to co-construct, review and update the course plan.

What's happening Series 2-Episode 4 Highlights

  • There is a new Academic Skills Brightspace module with over 60 self-guided, interactive resources focusing on study skills to succeed. 
  • Roastology brings a Yorkshire-based, more affordable and sustainable coffee to campus.
  • Business courses include field trips, connecting what you study with real organisations and environments.
  • The University prioritises compassionate and student-centred communications. We recognise that if you’re engaging with complaints, appeals, academic misconduct, fitness to practise, extenuating circumstances and conduct procedures, you might be dealing with challenging personal situations. So, intentional efforts are made to help you understand complex procedures and the options available to you.
  • For students with disabilities, to ensure your assistive technology uses AI appropriately, there is now a Guideline for Assistive Technology Users on this webpage.

What's happening Series 2-Episode 5 Highlights

  • ActiveHud has created a bespoke gym in the Daphne Steele building and added privacy blinds to the sports hall in Student Central, ensuring privacy for women's only weekly activities.
  • If you’re studying English, there are new innovative modules that embed global awareness, social intelligence, and employability skills at the heart of academic study.
  • Business school modules have guest lectures and critics to help you further develop industry engagement.
  • The Academic Skills team has a coordinated offer for international students, from pre-enrolment to conversation classes, a conversation ‘buddy’ scheme and skills workshops. 
  • Final-year students studying Computing and Engineering courses now get the chance to showcase their work directly to local employers at the SCE School Showcase

What's happening Series 2-Episode 6 Highlights

  • Music and Music Technology students - your assessment briefs will now allow your research projects to be presented in a range of media formats including podcasts and vlogs. 
  • There is now a pre-production room next to Phipps Hall to enhance the usability and functionality of the space for your live music and recording.
  • Performance workshops now have dedicated support from the technical team to facilitate front of house and monitor mixes.
  • A new Extenuating Circumstances system has launched. It is linked to your student profile, so you can easily let the University know your circumstances in a quick and accessible way.
  • If you’re wondering what jobs your degree will lead to, Graduate Career Explorer (GCE) uses the latest jobs data to show you which jobs have been advertised across the UK that relate to your degree.