Newsletter sent to students on 23 July

Welcome to the final student newsletter of the academic year, and what a year it’s been! As we started 2020, with the promise of a new decade ahead, very few of us could have predicted the life changing events that we’ve all been living through over the last 16 months.  

The flexibility, patience, and new skills that you’ll have developed over this time will be invaluable in the future. Whether this is your final year, or you’re coming back for next academic year, thanks for your feedback, stay safe and we hope you enjoy the summer. 

If this is your final year, did you see the specific finalists newsletter we sent you? Read the newsletter now 


In Leeds over the summer? 

  • There’s the “Summer in Leeds” programme taking place, full of activities, tours, and free events for you to enjoy. See you there! 

  • With the end of restrictions, you may be going out more. We’ve put together everything you need to know about safety, all in one place

  • Why not get your culture fix, and discover how two young girls from Yorkshire fooled the world with fairies in a new exhibition at the Treasures of the Brotherton gallery. The gallery is based in the Parkinson Building and is free to visit - no need to book! Opening hours: 11am- 2pm, Tuesday - Friday. 


Coronavirus information for the summer and beyond 

The University is continually making plans, based on guidance from the Government, stakeholders and our own academic experts and these plans need to be flexible, with your safety our number one priority. We’re currently rebuilding the University’s coronavirus website, and this continues to be the place you’ll find what’s going on. 

Vaccinations and self-isolating


Exam results, resits and looking to the future 

Many of you will have received your assessment results at the beginning of the week. Congratulations if you were happy! However, if things didn’t go to plan, here’s information if you need to book a resit

If you're worried about the future, we're here to help. From graduate schemes to further study - we're experts in your next step! 
 
Book an appointment with one of our advisors on MyCareer - where you can also find placement opportunities, exclusive internships, part-time jobs, volunteering and more. 

If you’re a graduate – make sure you’re signed up to MyCareer 

Now is the time on to register as a graduate MyCareer – where you’ll get Careers Service support for life. This is your platform to book online guidance appointments with advisors, run through job applications, attend virtual events and workshops, and access grad jobs and exclusive opportunities


Share your views 

Belonging survey  

Please take a few moments to complete this brief survey to help us understand the barriers and opportunities for students to feel they are part of the University of Leeds and its student body. You can access the survey by clicking here 

The Big Leeds Conversation – Have you taken part?  

Over 2,200 engagements, ideas and suggestions have already been shared by students and postgraduate researchers in The Big Leeds Conversation – your opportunity to co-create the values and behaviours that will shape our future.  

“I urge everyone to get involved in this unique opportunity to steer the future of our University community. Together, we can leave a legacy!” says Aysha, Union Affairs and Communications Officer.   

“The website is easy to use and is accessible at any time. You can search for topics that you’re interested in, or simply follow the challenge questions to up vote or down vote ideas and responses.”  

Ready to have your say? Check your inbox (and clutter) for your login from our partners at thebigleedsconversation@clevertogether.com  

For support and more information, visit The Big Leeds Conversation website.  


New ways to get help and information 

What would you call our chatbot? In addition to our usual help and information support, we're adding a chatbot as another way to help get answers for your questions.  

It would pop up on the For Students website and needs a name. Vote for your favourite now.  

The chatbot would be able to provide automated answers to the most frequent questions you've been asking over the last 12 months. Initially it will have answers to 100 questions and expand over the next few months.  

We're also developing a live chat feature with trained advisers. 


Technical changes and improvements this summer 

Mediasite Upgrade 

 
Mediasite will be upgraded on Saturday 28 August, between 12am and 4am. During this period, the Mediasite Service should be considered at risk, but users should still be able to playback recordings. Content uploads are not advised as they may take longer than usual to process. You may also need to reload the Media area in Minerva if you access a catalogue as this upgrade is introducing Mediasite Channels. Read more about what's new in Mediasite

Minerva Upgrade 

Minerva is being upgraded to the latest version of Blackboard at the beginning of August. As a result, you won’t be able to access Minerva from 5pm on Friday 6 August until Wednesday 11 August. Please be sure to download any teaching materials you require for revision, before upgrade begins.  Access to other University systems, such as Outlook, OneDrive, and Student/Faculty Services, won’t be affected. 

Duo Authentication now protects your Minerva account 

Duo two factor authentication has already improved security for your Office 365 account, and we're now rolling it out to Minerva. When Minerva is upgraded in August it will be protected with Duo. 

What do I need to do? 

Whenever you log in to Minerva after the upgrade, you'll be prompted to complete Duo two-factor authentication in the same way as logging in to Office 365. You'll only need to complete Duo authentication when you are prompted for your username and password. 

If you haven't already signed up to Duo, make sure you do so now - don't leave it until the last minute. Find out more about Duo on the IT website

New Minerva Homepage 

An online guide ‘Navigating Minerva’ is available to students highlighting changes to Minerva following upgrade. 

Printing  

Microsoft have now fixed the global security issue that was affecting printing and MyPrint is now available. 

Unfortunately, some print services in the Faculty of Biological Science and part of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (ex- MaPS areas) are still unavailable due to the age of the servers. If you cannot use MyPrint, free printing is still available from the Print and Copy Bureau 


Remember... stay safe, be a kind neighbour, keep getting tested and book your vaccination now.