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Things to know this week - 20 November 2023: Your Check-In questions answered

Posted on 20 November 2023

Welcome to your postgraduate taught student news summary of key things happening this week.

UoY community update

Check-In: Your questions answered
Thanks to everyone who has given their feedback on the new Check-In system. We’re pleased that there were over 68,000 instances of students ‘checking in’ with their studies last week. Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on how we’re addressing your concerns and we’ll also bust some myths about the tool, too. In the meantime, check out our Check-In FAQs.

Unibattle final result
After topping the leaderboard for most of Unibattle 2023, we finished a still-worthy second place. Thank you to the hundreds of you who logged in to Blackbullion, the student financial education platform, and completed personal finance lessons in order to take us close to the top. Remember, Blackbullion can help with loads of financial stuff - including budgeting, how to pay off debt, recognising scams and understanding tax and pensions. Sign up for Blackbullion for free.

Do you know what to do if someone falls into the river?
Did you know that the risks of drowning are higher when you're less familiar with the area and also when you're on a night out? Come to our water safety event on Wednesday (22 November) to learn about what to do if the worst happens - plus you can enter a draw to win York Sport prizes.

1. Academic skills drop-ins @ Library foyer

Have a quick question about essay writing? Need some advice about referencing? Come to our academic skills drop-ins at the Library entrance foyer on Wednesday (22 November). Our dedicated tutors are on hand to answer any questions you may have - no question is too big or too small. We will direct you to the best resources and workshops available.

2. Disability History Month 2023

We’re holding events and activities to mark Disability History Month 2023 and we’re celebrating Masters student Natalie Curran, who was recently named a Shaw Trust Disability Top 100 person. If you have a disability, contact Disability Services to chat through your needs and they will recommend support options best suited to you. 

Everyone can benefit from assistive technology - whether that’s using mind map software for lectures, distraction-reducing software or reading assisting technology. Find out more about free tools to help you study with the Accessibility Skills Guide and the Learning Technology Practical Guide or come to the next Introduction to digital accessibility tools and features session for a guided tour through the tools available to you.

3. Success at York: do you know what you’re doing?

We’re half way through the first semester - do you know what you’re doing? Understanding and reminding yourself of goals you have set yourself, whether academically, socially or personally, can help you retain focus when you’re facing challenges. If things are a little unclear just now, use the Success at York Toolkit to explore your own sense of purpose, clarify your goals and remain focused on what you want to achieve.

4. GSA Events Hardship Fund

The GSA has relaunched its Events Hardship Fund for postgraduates who are unable to attend paid GSA events due to financial difficulties. If there's a GSA event you would love to attend, but cannot purchase tickets due to financial constraints, then check out the GSA Postgraduate Events Hardship Fund.

5. University of York Sustainability Plan Annual Report 2023

Sustainability remains at the heart of the University’s strategic aims and we continue to take positive progressive steps to enhance our existing work. The 2023 Sustainability Report details the extent to which we have been able to achieve the sustainability goals we first formally set in October 2021, through the launch of our Sustainability Plan 2021-2030, and showcases our steadfast commitment to its objectives.

Offers, competitions and paid opportunities

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Student news

Things to know this week is produced and distributed by the University's Internal Communications Team. Please email any feedback to university-internal-comms@york.ac.uk.