Things to know this week
Things to know this week - 9 Dec 2024: Support over the winter break
Posted on 9 December 2024
UoY community update
Are you okay?
We know that sometimes things don’t always go as planned and can impact your studies. From next week, you may receive a phone call or email from our specialist support staff if we have noticed that you have lower engagement in your teaching sessions than expected. We’ll ask if there is anything the University can help you with and point you to sources of support. The phone calls will be from +44 (0)1904 809578.Last chance to get your carol service tickets
There are just a few tickets left for the carol service at Heslington Church on Thursday (12 December). This free event is a lovely way to get into the festive feeling with music and readings from staff and students.Keen to explore sustainable travel options?
Meet the iTravel York Team at the Ron Cooke Hub tomorrow (10 December) to find out more about sustainable travel options.Looking ahead: Welcome Back Week
We know you’re not thinking about this yet - but - we’ve heard on the grapevine details of some great events being planned for Welcome Back Week at the start of Semester 2! So, to get a sneak early preview of what’s going on, keep an eye on the York SU events page!
1. Support over the winter break
Whether you’re leaving York or staying on campus, student support continues over the winter break. We have tonnes of information on the website about:
- What’s open and what’s happening on campus over the break - including what to do in an emergency, events, building closures and changes to bus services
- Key information for those with a student visa - have you got your evisa?
- When you should return your library books
- Who is available to help
- Academic activities still taking place
- How to connect to campus remotely
See student support over the winter break for full information.
2. Switch off before you leave
Did you know that our annual utility bill amounts to a staggering £13 million! If you are heading off for the winter break, please complete our switch-off checklists to help us meet our energy and cost-saving targets.
3. How to revise and do an exam at York
The Common Assessment Period begins shortly after the winter break. Make sure you read the Student Guide to Examinations 2024/25 for information on what to do and what not to do during examinations.
Not sure where to begin with revision? Come to our online revision workshops on how to revise for science and maths and how to prepare for exams that have short answer questions or essay-type questions.
And if the worst happens? Sometimes things happen that can seriously impair your performance in an assessment or prevent you undertaking it at the scheduled time. If this happens to you, see information about exceptional circumstances affecting assessment.
4. Launch of Google Gemini
IT Services has made the Google generative AI tool Gemini available to all university users, and this is now our preferred GenAI tool. You must use it responsibly and in line with regulations on privacy and information handling. Please ensure you have read through the guidance on generative AI before using any GenAI tools.
5. Got an idea for the Library and fancy winning £500..?
Have you ever had a great idea to improve the Library, Archives & Learning Services here at York? Our LibInspo competition offers students the opportunity to work with the Library to shape their services. The winner receives a £500 cash prize, plus the chance to make your idea a reality! Enter the LibInspo competition by 6 January 2025.
Offers, competitions and paid opportunities
- Tell Cibyl about your career aspirations for the chance to win £500
- Buy official University of York Christmas cards
Log on to Handshake, our careers platform, for jobs and opportunities.
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.