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Things to know this week - 9 May 2023: Industrial action and your exams

Posted on 9 May 2023

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

UoY community update

Industrial action update: questions during exams
We know that many of you are soon going into exam season. If you have a question during your exams (either online or in person), it’s possible that staff may not be available to answer in the way they normally would because of industrial action. 

Our advice is to ask the question as usual and, if you don’t get an answer to your query, answer the exam question as best you can and explain the assumptions you have made in order to make the question understandable. For further guidance, see our industrial action information for students.

Cost of living support
Are you getting all the support you’re entitled to? We increased the amount of money available for student assistance funding this academic year so, if you’re struggling, please submit an application. 

The Student Support Fund helps students who are experiencing unexpected financial difficulty due to an unforeseen change in their circumstances. It's available to:

  • full-time current students
  • UK and international 
  • undergraduate and postgraduate

Eligibility will vary according to your circumstances and what type of student you are. 

If you're in financial difficulty and need help with your essential living costs, check what support you may be able to apply for by looking at our cost of living hub or getting in touch with one of our friendly Student Support and Advice Team, who can talk you through all your options.

1. Need motivation to study or revise?

Come along to the Academic Skills Community Writing Retreat every Friday between 1-4pm in LFA/144. It’s a space for you to work quietly with other students and a writing tutor is on hand for advice when needed. It’s a really friendly, effective and fun way to work. Book your place at a Writing Retreat session via the training sessions featured on the academic writing online guide.

2. Working with data or applying for a graduate scheme?

The Maths Skills Centre offers a range of support. If you’re working with surveys, data or statistics then we have a series of sessions and resources that will help you find the right digital tools to work with your results. And if you’re applying for a graduate placement or scheme then you’ll probably be asked to complete a numerical reasoning test - our numerical reasoning workshops this term will help you prepare. Find out more about maths skills support.

3. MORE placements and opportunities

Another week and yet MORE forthcoming opportunities to develop your skills and your CV, support worthy causes or try out different sectors for your future career:

4. Has a staff member gone above and beyond?

Nominations for the 2023 YUSU Excellence Awards are now open! These student-led awards recognise staff members across the university in nine categories - including the Sustainability Champion category. Submit your Excellence Awards nominations.

5. How to make reading online easier

Do you really need to print that document? IT Services has a new guide on alternatives to printing, including ways to make working and reading online easier. The guide also includes some helpful tips on reducing printer costs and wastage if you do still need to print.

Offers, competitions and paid opportunities

Log on to Handshake, our careers platform, for jobs and opportunities.

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.