SU News Bulletin
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Mitigating Circumstances Update:
We understand that the loss of a fellow student, Samaria Ayanle will have a profound impact on many of the wider SOAS community. During this difficult time, we want to remind all students that support is available to help you cope with any challenges you may face academically and well as with personal wellbeing.
If you have been affected by the loss and feel unable to fully prepare or complete your assignments or exams, we want to reassure you that you can apply for mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances (MC) allow you to apply for an extension up to 23:59hrs on the day your assessment is due. Alternatively, you can make an MC claim for deferral up to 7 calendar days after the due date if you won't be able to hand in your work and need to defer the assessment to the next opportunity.
If you aren't able to sit an exam because you are "Unfit to Sit", you can make an MC claim up to 7 calendar days after the day of the exam. Considering the current situation, SOAS will be accepting any requests for extensions or deferrals that are requested due to bereavement without the usual requirement for further evidence.
We encourage students to reach out to the Students Union Advice service, or to the SOAS student support teams including the SAaW (Student Advice and Wellbeing) team who can help to signpost you to both internal and external resources to support with your individual mental and physical wellbeing.
Don't forget that if you need any additional support or advice during your studies, you can self-refer to Support to Study (sharepoint.com) Staff will help you navigate and access all the support options available to you, and come up with a plan to help you stay on track with your studies if required.
As we as a community collectively grieve we wanted to make sure you have information about what support is available to you:
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, which means someone's life is at risk of you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe call 999
- If you are experiencing mental health issues, call NHS 111 or visit the NHS website for more information here
- Gower Street Health Centre provide a 24 hour duty doctor who can be contacted on 020 7636 7628
- SOAS University Student Counselling Service, to access the service log a ticket on SID or call on 0207 074 5015. If you would like to speak to a counsellor, the Student Advice & Wellbeing team has put in place additional sessions that can be booked by emailing studentadviceandwellbeing@soas.ac.uk or visiting the Student Advice and Wellbeing office on campus.
- Samaritans provide a 24/7 listening and befriending service, which can be accessed by calling 08457 909090, emailing jo@samaritans.org or visiting their website www.samaritans.org
- Spectrum Life is a free student assistance programme providing emotional and practical support and is accessible 24/7. It can be accessed by calling 08000318227, or by the website soasuol.spectrum.life. To register enter your SOAS email, a password and the SOAS org code which is SOASUoL.
- SOAS Students’ Union Advice Service can provide independent advice and appointments can be booked through SOASunion.org/getadvice. SOAS SU Advice Service will be holding a drop in today, Monday 18th March from 2pm-3pm in the Hussain Choudhary Room. All students who would like support are encouraged to attend.
Closure Dates:
The building closesure dates are:
Thursday 28th March
Friday 29th March
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Join us for a night full of culture and regaton music
Join us for an evening full of lively celebrations that embodies the rich culture of Latin America.
Embody yourself in a night full of regaton and Latin American music.
Join us for the final late licence of the term for a night at the SU Bar filled with drinks, good company, and live DJ.
10:30pm - 2am
Last entry is at 12am.
Ticketless Entry for SOAS Students anytime prior to 10:30pm
Entry after 10:30pm requires a free Student Ticket
All SOAS students will need to get their free ticket or arrive before 10:30pm.
Please bring your photo ID, SOAS student card and ticket/QR code
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Maryam (Co-President of Activities and Events):
Mondays and Wednesdays
Location: Office 1, New SU Space
Time: 1-2:30pm
Reem (Co-President of Democracy and Education):
Fridays
Location: Office 1, New SU Space
Time: 2pm-4pm
Jamal (Co-President of Equality and Liberation)
Thursdays
Location: Office 1, New SU Space
Time: 2pm - 4pm
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Securitisation Survey
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We're eager to hear from you!
Securitisation was set as one of the SU priorities at the beginning of this sabbatical year; with all three officers advocating behind the scenes during term one to address the challenges our community faces due to increased securitisation.
Now, it's your turn to share. Take our survey to tell us about your experiences and suggestions. Your input will inform our report to the university, pushing for the improvements we all want to see.
Click here for the questionnaire.
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Fundraiser Memorial for Ibrahim Amin
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In remembrance of our fellow student, Ibrahim Amin, his family have partnered up with One Nation in order to honor him. This will be done through raising funds in order to carry out life changing projects that will help countless others for decades.
The proposed projects include: Water wells, Qur'an distribution, Share in hospital, Jummah Feed, Hifdh sponsorship, Masjid projects, and Orphan sponsorship.
Click here to donate.
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Extractivism and the energy
Hamza Hamouchene will be speaking about his latest book, Dismantling Green Colonialism: Energy and Climate Justice in the Arab Region, providing a decolonial examination of the climate crisis.
Date: 21st March 2024
Time: 5:00pm
Venue: Khalili Lecture Theatre
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23rd Annual Lecture on Jaina Studies
The Centre of Jain Studies has invited Christine Chojnacki (University of Lyon) to share her careerlong expertise on the literature and history of Jainism
Date: 22nd March 2024
Time: 6pm - 7:30pm
Venue: Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre
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From the Wild Strawberries to the Sunflower movement: Dialouge with Jiho Chang on the 10th anniversary of
This open-to-public event is a open-dialogue event with the Keelung City Councilor Chang, Jiho about his firsthand experiences on Taiwan's Wild Strawberry Movement (2008), Sunflower Movement (2014), as well as his political careers in Taiwan.
Date:22nd March 2024
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Location: BG01
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Gender as Affect: A cross cultural aesthetics of gender
This talk will bring together Japanese Aesthetics and American Pragmatism to demonstrate gender as an affective quality that emerges from the integration of embodied habits.
Date: 22nd March 2024
Time: 4pm
Location: Online
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Africa Unveiled Series
Join us for our second session in the Africa Unveiled Series - Politics and Democracy in Senegal: A New Social Contract?
Led by Dr. Rama Salla Dieng, (lecturer at the Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh, and adjunct senior lecturer at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance), this session will delve deeper into Senegal's political landscape, exploring its evolution, challenges, and triumphs. We will hear about the pivotal role of civil society, electoral processes, and governance structures in shaping Senegal's democratic journey.
As all eyes look towards the upcoming elections in Senegal, is a new social contract on the horizon?
Secure your virtual seat now and be a part of this timely conversation!
Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/africa-unveiled-politics-and-democracy-in-senegal-a-new-social-contract-registration-863134918777
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As you will be aware, exams will take place on campus – in person – between 6 and 31 May 2024.
Some of you will recall that during the pandemic we were unable to host exams in person, due to government restrictions set out at the time. This year we will complete the transition back to in-person exams, following the mixed exam model in place last year.
How will exams be organised?
Most exams will be conducted digitally, on your own laptop, under exam conditions and in an invigilated exam space.
There are four different exam formats in 2024:
- Digital, open book
- Digital, closed book
- Paper-based, open book
- Paper-based, closed book.
The formats have been pre-set and it is not possible to change these. To find out more please see the Examinations and Assessments on MySOAS for Students.
What happens next?
Before the end of January we will be in touch to confirm the format of each of your exams.
We will confirm the process for requesting a SOAS loan device for any digital exams you may have, if you do not have access to your own device for the exam period.
Learning Teaching and Enhancement guidance on the support available for exams will also follow.
Your questions about exams
We have set up a resources page on MySOAS for Students to answer frequently asked questions. You can find this in MySOAS for Students.
If you have module-specific questions about an exam, please contact your module convenor.
If you have other questions about exams, please contact your College Administration and Student Support Services.
For any questions about re-sits, please contact the Assessments and Progression team via SID.
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Student Voice Focus Group
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?? Let's Spice Up SOAS! Join the Student Voice Focus Group! ??
Dear SOAS Students,
We’re hosting a Student Voice Focus Group to gather insights on improving your university experience. ?? We want YOUR voice to be the heartbeat of SOAS, so join the conversation and drive positive change!
Pick a session that fits your schedule and sign-up:
Session 1
?? Date: Wednesday 13th March
? Time: 1.30pm - 2.30pm
Session 2
?? Date: Friday 15th March
? Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Session 3
?? Date: Monday 18th March
? Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
Did we mention FREE snacks and refreshments?
Plus, just by sharing your thoughts, you're automatically in the running for one of six £25 Love2Shop vouchers in our prize draw! ??
Sign up now using this link: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90684022/Student-Voice-Focus-Group-Sign-Up
Let's make SOAS into a positive space for all ??
If you have any questions please contact Esther on ea21@soas.ac.uk
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Royal African Society 'Film Africa Festival' Submission
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Film Africa, London’s celebration of African and African diaspora cinema presented by the Royal African Society, is delighted to announce that in 2024, Film Africa will take place from Friday 25 October until Sunday, November 3. The festival will continue its mission of highlighting African and African diaspora filmmaking.
Submissions will close on 30 June 2024, with the selected films notified by 30 July 2024.
Presenting another high-quality and wide-ranging film program to venues across London, this will be accompanied by a vibrant series of events, including director Q&As, talks, and discussions; professional workshops and master classes; school screenings and family activities; parties
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Santander Brighter Future Grants
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The University are working with Santander to bring you the Brighter Future Grants worth £1,000. These grants have been created to support students through their university experience. All students can apply.
I have included an image and copy and a link for you to include on social media.
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Peer Mentoring and Collaborative Student Learning
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The University are looking for students across all years (undergraduate and postgraduate) to become Peer Mentors, helping new students navigate London and life at SOAS! New students can really benefit from meeting other students and getting tips from your SOAS experiences. Peer Mentors will receive a SOAS certificate and a session with the Careers team. To sign up, please email peermentoring@soas.ac.uk with your name and degree.
Want to use your academic skills to help others? The Collaborative Student Learning scheme is a great opportunity for students who want to improve their organisational and communication skills and gain experience to add to their CV by facilitating ‘study buddy’ sessions and learning from other students. CSL Facilitators will receive a SOAS certificate and a session with the Careers team. If you’re an undergraduate student and want to sign up, please email CSL@soas.ac.uk with your name and degree.
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Societies and Sports Teams Updates
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Student Gym Membership
UCL have opened up their gym to all University of London Students. Check out the poster for further information.
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Congratulations SOAS Taekwondo!
BUCS Taekwondon Spring Championships. They took gold (in male WTF rules sparring) and silver (in female WTF rules sparring)!
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External Opportunities, Events and Updates
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Sounds and Space are hosting their next People’s Session this Thursday, at Peckham Levels at 8:00. Come and witness our favourite multi-story car park transform into an intimate gathering space set for musical discovery and connection. SOAS Students can receive a 50% discount, making the tickets only 2.50!
The Line Up
Salt Moon is the brainchild of Maya McCourt, a cellist, singer, guitarist and general mixer-upper of traditions old and new. Her influences pull from the repertoire of the Flotsam Sessions global orchestra, which she runs alongside Swedish musician Moa Papillion (and Sounds & Space and SOAS alumni)! As Salt Moon she plays a beguiling mix of blues, folk, jazz and classical, which weaves in her deep love for traditional songs from across the globe. Her cello playing & singing can be found on a variety of projects, including the award-winning Mediaeval Baebes.
Lea Mondo, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by way of Manchester, and now settled in North London, is a young singer-songwriter and guitarist who enjoys a plethora of eclectic influences. Léa’s musical output is a smorgasbord of experimental styles fusing aspects of soul, high life, bossa-nova, jazz and reggae. Drawing inspiration from reggae icon Bob Marley, and Malian artists such as Fatoumata Diawara and Rokia Traorè, as well as Nigerian-born UK soul superstar Sade, her music largely talks about life, love, peace and freedom while reflecting on the state of the world.
Register your tickets here before they’re gone: https://linktr.ee/soundsandspace. Use the promo code: SOASFRIENDS at the checkout for 50% off. Don't forget to get connected through Instagram, Facebook and Eventbrite: @soundsandspace. Get in touch if you want to be part of the project. ??
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New Wave Fine Art Competition
Artists - chance to have work displayed at the 2024 Bloomsbury Festival.
The Art Competition is open to current undergraduate or postgraduate students of Fine Art and related courses at London universities, colleges or professional training schemes for artists. Submissions can be new or existing artwork but must relate to the 2024 Festival theme of Human.Kind. The winning artist will be selected by a panel of experts including the Duchess of Bedford, the Festival's Director Rosemary, and the Head of the Visual Arts at City Lit. The successful artist will receive a £300 cash prize and will be given a chance to create and display an exhibition of their artwork for the duration of this year’s Bloomsbury Festival (18 - 27 October) in City Lit’s foyer gallery space.
The deadline for submissions: Thursday 25 April 2024.
Apply Here
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National gallery
The Gallery reopened in June 2023 with a new and dynamic exhibitions and events programme, ranging from group exhibitions and retrospectives to related talks, tours and weekend workshops. We also offer £5 exhibition tickets for under 25s, so hopefully lots there that might be of interest to you.
Click here for tickets
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Royal Opera House Ticket Scheme and Upcoming Events
There are two special Young ROH Nights coming up (Swan Lake on 21 March and Carmen on 1 May), where every seat in the theatre is for 16-25 year olds, with tickets priced between £1 - £30.
Click here for more information
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The Mindfulness Network for People of Colour
The Mindfulness Network for People of Colour is a small not-for-profit community interest company that runs mindfulness activities for people of colour. (www.mnpc.co.uk).
Their next signature event in 2024 is a symposium at Birkbeck College on 27 July on the theme of 'Belonging'. Open to all
The key speakers on the Saturday will be Professor Rhonda Magee from the US, making a rare visit to London, author of "The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing ourselves and Transforming our Communities through Mindfulness", and described by 'Mindful' as one of the "12 Powerful Women in the Mindfulness Movement". And Dr Cathy-Mae Karelse, an alumni of SOAS (PhD in Mindfulness) who is a public speaker on race, difference and belonging.
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Legal & Humble AI - David King
David King is a a LLB Law Graduate from SOAS and is currently completing a masters in AI and Dat Science.
He has recently launched a new book called 'Legal and Humble' which has an unwavering commitment to technological equity. His suggestions in the book are in line with those commitments and believes that specific laws should be designed for the AI age.
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