Have you seen our ‘We listen’ statements around campus yet? We’re showcasing recent improvements that have been made in response to student feedback. If there’s something that’s really benefitted your experience at Queen Mary, please get in touch – we’d love to tell your story.

You can take a look at more examples at www.qmul.ac.uk/tell-us.

Professor Stephanie Marshall, Interim Vice-Principal (Education), has been reappointed as chair of the judging panel for the prestigious Norwegian Centre for Excellence. Professor Marshall is also leading on our Going for Gold initiative.

A team of researchers led by Professor Adrian Martineau from the Blizard Institute found that Vitamin D supplements reduce the risk of potentially fatal lung attacks.

Our academic experts have also been featured regularly in the media sharing their views on Brexit.

Going for Gold profile
Going for Gold is a new strategy co-created by staff and students, which aims to deliver the vision of an outstanding, inclusive world-class education at Queen Mary. We spoke to Tom Longbottom (Students' Union Vice President Barts and The London), Professor Alastair Owens (Head of the School of Geography) and Emmanuel Nibo (Senior Project Manager in Estates and Facilities), who are leading on Going for Gold pillar four to enhance and improve the campus environment. Hear what they had to say.

Going for Gold debate followed by drinks reception
You're invited to attend the Going for Gold debate at the Whitechapel campus, part of a series of events to find out about the initiative. This will take the form of a Question Time-style panel discussion, followed by a drinks reception in the Griff Inn. The discussion will be led by your questions, which will be answered by members of staff and the Students’ Union Executive Officers who are leading or working within each Going for Gold pillar. Please send your questions in advance to gfg@qmul.ac.uk or ask your question on the day. Register now.

Could you lead the Students’ Union?
Nominations are now open for the Students’ Union Elections. This is your chance to choose who you think should lead your Union. There are many positions available, including full-time paid and part-time voluntary positions. If you want to lead the Union and improve the experience of students at Queen Mary, now is your chance!

Vote for the Octagon in the UK Wedding Venue Awards
The Octagon at Mile End has been shortlisted for the Best Historic Wedding Venue award for 2019. Vote online before Wednesday 13 February.

Next meeting of the Library User’s Forum
Join Library Services at the next meeting of the Library User’s Forum on Wednesday 6 February, noon-1.30pm. Over refreshments, you’ll discuss the new Library strategy, ‘Libraries of tomorrow – where would you like us to go?’, the forthcoming Library Infrastructure Project to improve our facilities in Mile End Library, and the new Library Discovery system coming in September 2019. You will also have the opportunity to raise any other issues you might have with Library Services.

First instalment of Queen Mary Bursary 2018/19 and new application process for Financial Assistance Fund
The first instalment of the Queen Mary Bursary 2018/19 will be paid on Wednesday 20 February into the bank account you have registered with Student Finance. If you’re not sure whether you should be receiving the Bursary, you can find out more on MyQMUL. You can now also apply to the Financial Assistance Fund online through MySIS. Funding is available for the current academic year to assist students in financial difficulties. Find out more.

Help with planning a budget
Through their short budget planning film, online guidance and funding guides, it’s easy to stay on top of your finances with the Advice and Counselling Service. Find out the benefits of budgeting and get your semester off to a good start.

Personal development workshops
The Advice and Counselling Service is hosting a number of personal development workshops over the next few months to help you improve your study habits and overcome study block, grow your confidence, and help you manage difficulties with sleep.

Sex and relationships month at the Students’ Union
There are still events to get involved in this January, including bystander training, a sex toy Q&A and panel event discussing forced marriage and domestic violence. Find out more.

Have you thought about postgraduate study?
Join us at our Postgraduate Open Evening on Wednesday 13 February to find out more about the courses and support on offer. As a Queen Mary graduate, you could get £1,000 off the cost of your masters. Find out more and register.