Things to know this week - 21 June 2021

Posted on 21 June 2021

The weekly news summary for taught students.

Coronavirus update summary

We continue to see an increase in positive Covid cases on campus. Please follow the guidelines and take regular Covid tests. If you test positive, complete the self-isolation form to access support. If you are leaving York, make sure you don’t take Covid home with you - get tested before you leave. You can collect home test kits from any college reception.

1. Our newest college named

We’re delighted to announce that our new college will be named after Ugandan human rights defender and gay rights activist, David Kato. This reflects our admiration of, and solidarity with, human rights defenders across the world. David Kato came to the University in 2010 as a Protective Fellow on the Human Rights Defenders Programme at the Centre for Applied Human Rights (CAHR). He returned home to Uganda to fight the country’s controversial anti-homosexuality act but was murdered in Kampala in 2011. Find out more about David Kato, the new college, and our new University of Sanctuary status.

2. Tackling sexual violence

At the University of York, sexual misconduct - including sexual violence and harassment of any form - is never, ever acceptable. Our new Sexual Violence Steering Group is developing a University Sexual Violence Action Plan, based on insight from our Report and Support tool and student feedback. For our most recent progress, read our response to campaigning group, The Last Taboo.

3. Academic skills support over the summer

We know that, for many of you, there are deadlines and hard work to be done over the summer so the Academic Skills Community keeps going with workshops to help you along! We’re also ramping up our community group sessions in the coming weeks, so you can chat to other students about your work and get support from staff in a friendly environment. Find out more about the Academic Skills Community summer programme.

4. Coming soon: New multi-use spaces opening on campus

Looking for a private study space or room for a social event? Over the summer, we are opening two new bookable multi-use outdoor spaces, in addition to the existing ones near James College and the Piazza Building. Some spaces will be prioritised for student activity, whether that’s booking individual tables or the whole area. Take a look at our outdoor spaces information to find out more.

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.