The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched an inquiry into racial harassment in higher education. Queen Mary University of London and the Queen Mary Students’ Union support this inquiry because we share the Commission’s view that to address racial harassment we need to understand better the experiences of students and staff, the barriers inhibiting universities to respond to reports of racial harassment, and good practice that is out there.

This inquiry includes a survey, the results of which will support the EHRC to develop recommendations for addressing the issue. Please complete the survey by Friday 15 February, and watch this video for more information.

Thank you for your support.

Ella Harvey, Vice President Welfare, Queen Mary Students' Union

Professor Matthew Hilton, Chair of the Equality and Diversity Steering Group and Vice Principal (Humanities and Social Sciences), Queen Mary University of London

Student Survey Season

This week sees the launch of Student Survey Season for undergraduate students. One of the most powerful things you can do to make your voice heard is to engage with the student surveys. The National Student Survey (NSS) is open to final-year undergraduates, and the UK Engagement Survey (UKES) is open to all other undergraduates. Tell us about your experience and help us make positive changes at Queen Mary!

Celebrating our LGBT+ staff and students

February marks LGBT History Month in the UK. At Queen Mary, we are proud to embrace diversity and the wide range of perspectives and experiences it brings with it. Our Principal, Colin Bailey and the Executive Officers of Queen Mary Students' Union marked the start of the month by releasing a statement of support and commenting on the results of our recent submission to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2019. Check out all the activities aimed at raising the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as informative and fun events taking place at Mile End and Whitechapel throughout the month. 

Tales of BL: The tale of Whitechapel Library

The new video series by fourth-year medical students Rakin Choudhury and Mohsin Butt returns with its second episode touching on everything from Florence Nightingale to the Spanish Flu. Tales of BL can be found online on YouTube and Facebook. If you have any stories you would like to share, both old and new, please contact talesofbl@gmail.com.

Library report – Winter 2019

The winter edition of the Library report is now available to view on MyQMUL. Take a look to find out about the latest news and developments from Library Services.

National Student Money Week

This week is National Student Money Week, and Welfare Advisers from the Advice and Counselling Service will be running money pop-ups every lunchtime from 12.30-1.30pm at various locations across the Mile End and Whitechapel campuses. Find out more. Visit their website for information and self-help resources on planning a budget and managing your money.

Queen Mary Wellbeing Fund 2018/19

Undergraduate students who started on their first year with Queen Mary in 2018/19 and have been income assessed by Student Finance as having a household income between £20,000 and £42,600 can apply for a contribution towards the costs associated with participating in societies, sports or undertaking volunteering opportunities. Check the criteria and download an application form online.

Expeditions Fund 2018/19 – new online application

Continuing undergraduate and postgraduate students who wish to apply for financial help towards travel in the summer vacation can now apply for the Expeditions Fund 2018/19 online. The closing date for applications is Friday 26 April. More information on the online application process is available on MyQMUL.

Share the Valentine’s Day love with Library Services

The Library Teaching and Learning team for Science and Engineering will be dropping in around the Mile End campus this week and next to hear your feedback. This year’s events have a Valentine’s Day theme where you can tell us what you like about the Library (Valentine’s cards) or what you don’t like (break-up letters). There will also be a competition for the best decorated card. The cards and letters will be displayed on the ground floor of Mile End Library on Valentine’s Day (Thursday 14 February). Find out more.

Opportunities for study and cultural immersion in China

The Study in China Scholarship Programme is an initiative in association with the Chinese Scholarships Council to offer three full scholarships for students wishing to pursue further education in China. The application deadline is Monday 4 March at 4pm. Find out more. The Sichuan University two-week University Immersion Programme (UIP) 2019 is an opportunity for students to spend two weeks at Sichuan University, participating in 'cultural immersion'. The application deadline is midday on Thursday 28 February. Find out more.

Confucius Institute badminton doubles tournament

Queen Mary’s Confucius Institute and the Queen Mary Badminton Club invite you to compete in their second annual badminton tournament on Sunday 24 February at Qmotion, Mile End. It’s free to take part and there are prizes to be won. Grab a partner and sign up now.