As you may be aware, we have experienced hurricane-force gusts of wind this morning.

There has been damage to some buildings and trees have come down in some areas.

The wind has now died down but we are urging all staff and students to remain vigilant and to report any concerns to campus security on 2900 | 01970 622900.

Security and maintenance staff are carrying out a full inspection of all sites and we may need to close some buildings.

We understand that the Police have closed a number of roads in town as a result of damage caused.

Please also note that we are expecting a high tide around 10pm this evening and we urge everyone to be cautions when near the seafront.

We will keep you updated throughout the day so please monitor your emails closely for at least the next 24 hours.

In the meantime, all teaching will continue as normal unless we inform you otherwise.

To recap, stay safe and report any issues to 2900 | 01970 622900.

Rebecca Davies

Pro Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer

Adverse Weather - Snow

Published 12:00pm, Tuesday 13 January 2015

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow in Ceredigion during the day today, Tuesday 13 January. We are monitoring the forecast and we will be issuing updates and guidance to students and staff, as necessary.

The University will continue to monitor the forecast and issue further updates and guidance to staff and students as necessary. All updates regarding severe/adverse weather will be sent via email and appear on the University’s website at http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/important-info/ as well as via the University’s social media channels. Students and staff are advised to continue to monitor these communication channels for relevant announcements.

Guidance for staff

The Adverse Conditions Policy provides guidelines to managers and employees on what procedures to follow in the event of such conditions: http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/adverse-conditions/ .

Guidance for students

The University expects examinations to continue as planned. However, if you are unable to make it to your exams due to the weather, please contact your academic department immediately.

The University will be deemed to be open for examinations unless a specific announcement is made via email and on the website http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/important-info/. Updates will also be provided to Radio Ceredigion, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru.

It is your responsibility to allow sufficient time to reach the examination venue; however, the University does not expect any student to put themselves at risk, either at the University, or in travelling to the University.

If you are prevented from attending an examination due to severe/adverse weather conditions, you should inform your academic department as soon as possible by email or telephone call.

If you are unable to take an examination due to severe/adverse weather conditions you should complete a special circumstances form, available on our website at http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/academic/special-circumstances/ and submit this to the designated member of staff in your department or departments.

Many thanks for your co-operation; please take care.

The Universities and College Union (UCU) has asked all of its members to take part in a marking boycott from April 28th 2014 if a national dispute over pay is not settled.

Aberystwyth University is disappointed by the threat of the boycott and any concerns this causes our students.  Talks are still ongoing at national level so we cannot yet confirm whether or not there will be a boycott. However, if a marking boycott does go ahead we will take every possible action to minimise its impact on students.

As this proposed boycott is part of the national pay dispute, we are also mindful of the advice of UCEA, the employers’ negotiator, which is looking for a sector-wide response to the boycott, if negotiations fail.

FAQs

Q       Why is there industrial action taking place and who is involved?

A        Decisions on pay increases for staff at publicly-funded universities in the UK are taken at a national sector wide level. Pay is not negotiated locally at Aberystwyth University. UCEA, the Universities and Colleges Employers Association, negotiates pay with the unions on behalf of most universities.

Q       So what kinds of pay increases have staff had?

A        As a member of UCEA Aberystwyth has agreed that the outcome of this year’s pay negotiations should be payment of a 1% increase to all employees. Following a further recommendation from UCEA, Aberystwyth made this payment to colleagues at the end of January 2014, backdated to August 2013.

While the UCU are suggesting that salaries have been devalued, there have in fact been regular annual pay increases. During the 2012/13 and 2013/14 academic years increments, contribution points and promotions have represented an increase of 2.3% over and above the 1% national pay increase. This means that on average, pay at Aberystwyth University has increased by 3.3% for the last two academic years.

In addition to the 1% increase, many staff receive annual increments, which means their pay increases because they have worked with us for a further year, so they progress one point up the salary scale.

Aberystwyth University has also taken a number of decisions independently over the past two years, which now mean the promotions process for academic staff can recognise excellence in teaching as well as research as the main grounds for promotion. All staff are now also able to apply for an Additional Increment or Contribution Point, which also brings an increase in pay, if their annual development review indicates they have been making an exceptional contribution.

These changes are all aimed at ensuring that our excellent and committed academic and support staff, who are so important to the positive experience students have here, are rewarded for their work.

Q       Why can't Aberystwyth University management sit down with the unions to resolve?

A        As the Trade Unions and the University are part of the national negotiation framework, we are unable to come to a local solution that would avert strike action.

Q       What is Aberystwyth doing to address this proposed boycott?

A        The proposed boycott is part of ongoing industrial action by UCU which has seen staff at Aberystwyth and other universities strike over pay issues. There have been six strikes across the UK since October 2013. At Aberystwyth, strike disruption has been minimal. The majority of staff are not members of the Union, and not all Union members choose to take strike action, so the impact of the marking boycott – if it does go ahead – will vary at different universities and is difficult to predict.

There have been marking boycotts in the sector in the past and we can rely on past experience in formulating and agreeing ways of managing marking so as to keep any impact to a minimum. We have mechanisms in place to agree different ways of working very quickly if we need to, and everyone is committed to ensuring that we prioritise the cases of students who are due to graduate in the summer.

Q       Do I still hand in my work?

A        Yes, the marking boycott is not scheduled to start until 28th April and the University welcomes the continued discussions between UCEA and the Unions. You should hand in all work as usual, including dissertations.

Q       Will my exams happen?

A        Yes, exams will continue as scheduled. We acknowledge that this planned action could take place during the exam marking period and that this is worrying for some of you. We hope that agreement can be reached to avoid the proposed boycott.

If not, and the boycott does go ahead, the University and Students’ Union will work together to take every possible action to minimise its impact on those students who may be affected.

Q       I'm in my final year- will I be able to graduate?

A        Graduation dates are being set now, and we look forward to welcoming you to the celebration of your achievements. Please note that the University does not know how many staff will choose to take part in the marking boycott and that we are working actively on possible solutions should the boycott go ahead.

As with all previous industrial action, our priority is to reduce disruption and ensure the continuation of business as usual and in particular services for students wherever possible.

This boycott is part of the national pay dispute and as such we are also mindful of the advice of UCEA, the employers’ negotiator, which is looking for a sector-wide response to the boycott, if negotiations fail.

Q       How will I hear what's happening next?

A        We will notify you of any developments via email and plan to hold Question and Answer sessions for students, and we expect to be in touch in early April.

Issued 08:20, 13/2/14

Dear Colleague,

Campuses and buildings will reopen at 8.45am this morning.

Please note that due to fallen trees, the International Politics car park will be closed until further notice.

Paths on all campuses have some debris and some roads will have diversions in place as the clean up operation gets underway.

Should you need support, please contact the University’s 24 hour helpline on 01970 622900.

Please take care and thank you for your continued support and assistance. 

Rebecca Davies
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student and Staff Services)

Professor John Grattan
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Student Experience)

Issued 20:41, 12/2/14

Dear student,

Weather update

We are pleased to inform you that it is now safe for students in seafront facing rooms within Seafront Residences to return to their accommodation.

Please remember that the sea continues to be dangerous, and areas of the Seafront may be dangerous whilst the strong winds continue. 

If you live in University accommodation on the Seafront, please only use the rear entrance/exits for the Seafront residences until further notice.

Penglais Campus

The International Politics car park will be closed in the morning as staff work to remove fallen trees.

Colleagues in Campus Services will be working across Campus to ensure that all fallen trees are removed safely.  We do not anticipate any disruption to lectures or teaching activity, although we may need to ask you to access buildings using different doors/access routes, as we assess any damage caused overnight.

Should you need any further support with your accommodation, or experience any damage to your property, please contact the University’s 24 hour helpline on 01970 622900.

Thank you to all students, staff and volunteers for your support and cooperation.

Rebecca Davies
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student and Staff Services) 

Professor John Grattan
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Student Experience)

Issued 20:27, 12/2/14

Dear Colleague,

Thank you for your continued support and assistance. 

Our most recent information indicates that the damaging winds will ease overnight.

We are grateful to Campus Services staff who have been working tirelessly to secure buildings and ensure the safety of our staff and students.

However, we will not know the extent of the damage on campus until tomorrow morning so to assist our colleagues, the campuses and buildings will not reopen until 8.45am.

Please note that due to fallen trees, the International Politics car park will be closed until further notice. Also, inaccessible, is the Pantycelyn footpath, running parallel to Penglais hill. It is also possible that some diversions will be in place.

We request that you check your email before setting off in case the situation has changed.

We will continue to monitor the weather forecast. Should you need emergency support, please contact the University’s 24 hour helpline on 01970 622900 or email staffemergency@aber.ac.uk

Please take care.

Rebecca Davies
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student and Staff Services)

Professor John Grattan
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Student Experience)

Issued 17:01, 12/2/14

Dear Student,

Further to our email earlier today, we are pleased to say that current information indicates that we do not need to fully evacuate Seafront residences or private sector accommodation in the town centre. 

However, based on advice gained from Natural Resources Wales to keep away from seafront areas due to the debris and high winds, we are taking a precautionary measure to close sea-facing bedrooms and kitchens.

No access to the sea-facing rooms or bedrooms will be allowed from 6pm to 9pm over the period of high tide.

If you live in a seafront facing bedroom in one of the University Seafront Residences or in private accommodation, move to friend’s room or kitchen away from the sea facing side of the building.

For any student who is unable to do this, a mini bus service will be available from the car park of Tŷ Gwerin to Tamed Da on the Penglais Campus. Buses will be available to transport you at 5:30pm from Tŷ Gwerin car park and will return you to the seafront around 9pm. 

Please help us to help you by not entering any sea-facing bedroom or kitchen from 6pm until 9pm.

For residents in non-seafront facing bedrooms:

We will be keeping in touch with Ceredigion County Council and Natural Resources Wales and will be in touch again should the situation change. 

In the meantime, please take care and stay indoors.

If you are a resident in one of the Seafront Halls, please continue to use the rear entrance/exits of the residence as the Met Office forecast winds of 100mph this evening. 

Whilst we do not foresee a need to evacuate overnight, we recommend that you prepare an overnight bag ready, should the situation change and you need to leave your property quickly.

Please be assured that we continuously monitor the situation. 

Should you need any further support, please contact the University’s 24 hour emergency hotline on 01970 622900.

Please take care.

Rebecca Davies, Pro Vice- Chancellor,
Student and Staff Services

Professor John Grattan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Experience and International

Issued at 13:22, 12/2/14

Dear Students and Colleagues,

Red Weather Warning

There is currently a red weather warning for Ceredigion area. Please see link below.

The Storm in expected to hit between 13:30 - 21:00 today.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/#?tab=warnings&regionName=nw

The University is monitoring the situation and will release updates once we have more information.

Further updates will be issued this afternoon upon receipt of updates from Natural Resources Wales.

Please also be aware that Network Rail has suspended travel on the Machynlleth-Aberystwyth line until at least 20:00 this evening.

If you are planning to travel this afternoon/evening, please take care.  Equally, please keep well away from the Prom and the sea front.

Please ensure that you continue to check your University email on a regular basis.  Updates are also available at www.aber.ac.uk/en/important-info/notices, on the University’s Facebook pages www.facebook.com/aberystwyth.university  or by following the University’s Twitter account @AberUni / www.twitter.com/AberUni .

Should you need emergency support, please contact the University’s 24 hour helpline on 01970 622900 or visit Campus Reception on Penglais Campus.

Please take care.

Many thanks

Rebecca Davies
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student and Staff Services)

Professor John Grattan
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Student Experience)

Issued 15:41, 12/2/14

Dear Staff/Student,

Update

Students who live in University accommodation are requested to return to their accommodation and remain indoors until the strong winds have abated.

Please ensure that you close all curtains and windows in your room and communal areas, and keep them closed as winds of this strengthcause damage to the windows and strong wind may set off the fire alarms.

Students who live in sea front accommodation need to monitor emails carefully as we may need to contact you before high tide this evening.

In the meantime, please take care, and keep away from the seafront.

All staff and students who can’t get home, please make your way to Tamed Da.

Should you need any further support, please phone the University’s 24 hour helpline on 01970 622900. You can also email weather@aber.ac.uk

Take care,

Rebecca Davies
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student and Staff Services)

Professor John Grattan
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Student Experience)

Issued 14:45, 12/2/14

Dear colleague/student.

The RED warning for strong winds is still in force along the coast, and is likely to remain so until 9pm tonight.

We are advising staff and students to leave our campuses as soon as you can so that you arrive home before dark. Library services will be closing at 3:30pm and all academic buildings, the Arts Centre and Sports Centre will be closing by 4pm. Please take care as you make your journey home.

We are aware that a tree has already fallen on Penglais hill, as is the case in other parts of the county.

Before commencing on any journey, please check the latest traffic and travel information at http://www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/midwales

Ceredigion County Council has advised us that schools along the coast are inviting parents to come and collect their children earlier than usual. We are aware that some staff and students have caring responsibilities for children at the school and may need to leave early this afternoon.

Staff who need to leave early must contact their Head of Department or nominated representative as soon as possible.

For further information go to http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/#?tab=map&map=Warnings&zoom=5&lon=-3.50&lat=55.50&fcTime=1392163200

Please take care.

Rebecca Davies
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student and Staff Services)

Professor John Grattan
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Student Experience)

Communication 7

Issued: Monday 3 February at 11.45am

Dear Student,

We are pleased to inform you that it is now safe for students in Seafront Residences to return to their accommodation.

If you are still at home, or away from Aberystwyth, it is now safe to return to the University.  However, as some of the stormy weather continues to affect various areas of the UK, we advise that you check with local train/bus operators and road news before commencing on your journey.

Please remember that the sea continues to be dangerous, and areas of the Seafront may be dangerous whilst Ceredigion County Council manage the clean-up.

If you live in University accommodation on the Seafront, please only use the rear entrance/exits for the Seafront residences until further notice, whilst the Council manage the clean-up. If you were provided with alternative University accommodation, you must return your key to Penbryn reception before returning to the Seafront.

For information, during the weekend, the University was notified that immediate action was required due to tidal flooding which would have required the evacuation of Seafront Residence students to a place of safety on at least four separate occasions over the weekend; Saturday morning (7am), Saturday evening (10pm), Sunday evening high tide and for 8.30am Monday morning. This would have resulted in repeated evacuation of students.

As a thank you for your support and cooperation, we are pleased to extend the weekend meal package for relocated students to this lunchtime, after which it will cease.  Lunch is served in Tamed Da between 12-2.  If you require assistance in traveling back to the Seafront, a bus has been arranged and will be leaving the Penglais Campus bus stop at 1.30 today.  The 03 bus will also be running as normal.

Should you have any questions regarding the relocation, and would like to speak to a member of staff, please call in to Medrus 4 between 12 and 1.30 today.

All teaching activities will return to normal tomorrow (Tuesday).

Please remember that the sea continues to be dangerous, and areas of the Seafront may be dangerous whilst Ceredigion County Council manage the clean-up.

Should you need any further support with your accommodation, please contact the University’s 24 hour helpline on 01970 622900.

Thank you to all students, staff and volunteers for your support and cooperation during the past few days.

Rebecca Davies
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student and Staff Services)

Professor John Grattan
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Student Experience)

Communication 6

Issued: Sunday 2 February at 12.30pm

Dear Student,

Weather update - Sunday 12.30pm

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation during this weekend’s high tides and stormy weather.

We expect some further high tides, which are significantly higher than those in early January, and strong winds this evening, therefore the Seafront Residences remain closed today.

University staff are currently assessing the damage of last night’s storms and are making repairs.  We would like to reassure you that none of your bedrooms have suffered any damage.

If you are currently away from Aberystwyth for the weekend, and are a resident of one of the University Seafront Halls, we request that you do not travel back to Aberystwyth until tomorrow afternoon (Monday).

Taking into account the weather forecast and tidal range, we are planning that you will be able to return to your University Seafront Residences on Monday afternoon.  All teaching activity will return to normal on Tuesday.

We anticipate that the next email update will be sent to you mid-morning tomorrow. Please ensure that you continue to check your University email on a regular basis.  Updates are also available at www.aber.ac.uk/en/important-info/notices, on the University’s Facebook pages www.facebook.com/aberystwyth.university or by following the University’s Twitter account @AberUni / www.twitter.com/AberUni.

Should you need emergency support, please contact the University’s 24 hour helpline on 01970 622900 or visit Campus Reception on Penglais Campus.

Please take care.

Rebecca Davies

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students and Staff Services)


Professor John Grattan

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience and International)

Communication 1
Issued 10:30am, Thursday 30 January 2014

Dear Student,

This message contains an update for all students on cancellation of all teaching activities and highly important information for students living on the seafront that requires action.

Following advice from Natural Resources Wales and Ceredigion County Council and forecasted high tides and high wind for Friday 31 January and into the weekend, the University has taken the decision to cancel ALL teaching activities on Friday 31 January and Monday 3 February 2014.

Please note that the high tides and high winds forecasted are likely to make the Prom area a hazardous place this weekend. Please keep away from the Seafront during this weekend.

Important information for students living in University Residences on the Seafront, or living in private accommodation directly on the sea front, or on the road just behind is detailed below:

To ensure your safety during the high tides and stormy weather, the Seafront University Residences will close at 4pm on Friday 31 January until you hear differently, which could be Monday 3 February.

The University’s main priority is to ensure your safety, and, if you are a student living in the affected area of the seafront you will need to inform the University of your choice for alternative accommodation by noting one of the following in an e-mail to weather@aber.ac.uk:

• I would like the University to provide me with alternative accommodation and meals on Penglais campus;
• I will make my own arrangements to stay with friends or family in the Aberystwyth area and won’t be requiring meals;
• I will make my own arrangements to stay with friends or family in the Aberystwyth area and will be requiring meals on Penglais campus;
• I intend to travel away from Aberystwyth this weekend.

Please make sure that you note your decision/intention by e-mail to weather@aber.ac.uk by 1.00pm today (Thursday 30 January) so that members of staff can make the necessary arrangements.

Please do not send your questions to the above e-mail. FAQs will appear shortly online at www.aber.ac.uk/en/important-info.

If you live in the affected areas and decide to travel home or away from Aberystwyth this weekend because of the weather, you can plan your journey using the Traveline Cymru website www.traveline-cymru.info which offers the latest bus and train timetables.

If you are able to buy your own ticket (to another unaffected location within the UK), please do so, and keep all receipts as we will facilitate reimbursement of travel costs associated with the evacuation of Seafront Residences.

If you are unable to afford to travel, and need assistance, please make your way to Penbryn Reception where a member of staff will be able to assist you to purchase your ticket.

We will be in regular contact with you during the weekend to notify you of when it will be safe to return to your accommodation, which we will do as soon as possible.  Please make sure you check your University email regularly.

Updates will also be provided by University e-mail, online at www.aber.ac.uk/en/important-info, on the University’s Facebook pages www.facebook.com/aberystwyth.university or by following the University’s Twitter account @AberUni / www.twitter.com/AberUni.

If you need urgent assistance at any point, please contact the University’s 24 hour emergency number on 01970 622900.  Please enter this number into your mobile phone now.

Please take care.

Rebecca Davies, Pro Vice- Chancellor,
Student and Staff Services

Professor John Grattan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Experience and International

Communication 3
(Issued 15:20pm, Thursday 30 January 2014)

Claim for Travel Expenses for students living in University Seafront Residences/private accommodation in the affected area due to inclement weather to another, unaffected, part of the UK on Thursday 30 January 2014 or Friday 31 January 2014 only.

Inclement Weather Travel Claim Form

Communication 2
(Issued 12:15pm, Thursday 30 January 2014)
(Last updated: 3.30pm, Friday 31 January 2014)

I have an alternative place to stay, do I need to tell the University?

Yes, please inform the University by emailing weather@aber.ac.uk.  In the event of an emergency this will ensure that we are aware of the location of your nominated alternative accommodation and will also help the Accommodation Office to plan how many additional beds are required.

If I take up the offer of University Accommodation will I have to share a room with other students?

The majority of the emergency accommodation that we are able to provide will either be in shared bedrooms or dormitories, depending on the number of students requiring accommodation.

Where are the dormitories located?

The dormitories will be situated in the AU Sports Cage.

I want to take up the offer of accommodation and meals and would like to share with a friend?

Please indicate this in the email response to weather@aber.ac.uk, along with the full name and AU username of the friend that you want to share accommodation with.  Please ensure that they also nominate you as the friend that they would like to share with.

When will I know which accommodation I have been allocated?

The Accommodation Office will be responding to the emails sent to weather@aber.ac.uk in the order that they are sent.  You will receive an email from the Accommodation Office confirming arrangements as soon as possible. 

I have an alternative place to stay but I don’t want to have to ask my host to cook for me too - what can I do?

Please email weather@aber.ac.uk and inform us that you require the weekend meal package.  If you choose this option we will email you details of meal times and how to claim your meal allowance. All meals will be provided at Tamed Da situated in Penbryn, on Penglais Campus.

What do I need to pack?

Please pack a small bag, as if you were going away for the weekend.  If you have a sleeping bag, please ensure that you bring it with you.  Please make sure that you pack any medication and important documentation that you may need at a later date.  We have limited secure storage facilities so please keep your packing to a minimum.  At this stage we are anticipating that it will be at least Monday until you are able return to your accommodation.  Important - You will not be allowed back into the residences during the evacuation period to collect any belongings that you have forgotten to pack.

Do I need to bring my own bedding?

If you have a sleeping bag, please bring it with you. If you don’t, the University will provide sheets, pillows and duvets.

What time do I have to vacate my room by on Friday?

All University Residences on the Seafront will be closing at 4pm on Friday 31 January until further notice.  Please ensure that you have made alternative arrangements and left your room by this time.  Please remember to close your curtains (if you are in a sea facing room) and lock your room door.

When will I be allowed back into my University Residence?

We are unable to give you a definitive date and time that you will be able to return to the Seafront accommodation.  We are working closely with Natural Resources Wales and Ceredigion County Council and will be monitoring the situation on an hour-by-hour basis.  The weather and tidal forecasts predicts stormy weather and tidal flooding conditions for the whole weekend and into Monday 3 February.  We are unable to predict the possible damage caused by the high tides and stormy weather, but are taking reasonable steps to ensure student and staff safety.  Please monitor your University email account regularly and check for updates on the University’s website at: www.aber.ac.uk/en/important-info/

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/aberystwyth.university

Twitter page: @AberUni / www.twitter.com/AberUni.

Why is all teaching being cancelled on Friday and Monday?  I don’t live on the Seafront and all my lectures are on Penglais.

A significant proportion of our students live on the Seafront and in private accommodation within the town.  Some University staff also live in the areas that may be affected by the high tides.  To ensure that all our students have access to the same lectures and seminars, we will be providing details of the catch-up lectures/seminars in due course.

How do I claim for my rail/bus ticket?

If you are able to buy your own ticket (to another unaffected location within the UK), please do so, and keep all receipts, as we will facilitate reimbursement of travel costs associated with the evacuation of Seafront Residences.  If you are unable to afford to travel home, and need assistance, please make your way to Penbryn Reception where a member of staff will be able to assist you to purchase your ticket.

I don’t have any money, and can’t afford to go home?

Please contact a member of staff at Penbryn Reception to arrange alternative accommodation in Aberystwyth.  A weekend meal package will also be provided at Tamed Da.

If I go home on Thursday/today will the University still pay?

The support to travel home is only available for travel on Thursday and Friday (30/31 January) for those living in private accommodation and University Residences on the seafront.  Please ensure that you keep all receipts associated with your travel.  A University travel claim form will be sent to you in due course.

Will you pay for my fuel to go home?

The support to travel home is only available for travel on Thursday and Friday (30/31 January) for those living in private accommodation and University Residences on the seafront. A University travel claim form will be sent to you in due course.

Is it safe for me to travel by train on Friday?

We are encouraging students to travel as early as possible on Friday to ensure their arrival at their destination. Please check for travel and weather alerts by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews and www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/today.aspx

Please take care and notify a friend of your travel plans.

I’m not sure what to do...

If you have any questions or require support, please call in to see the Accommodation Office team in Penbryn. If you need emergency support, please call our 24 hour emergency number on 01970 622900.

Communication 4b
(Issued 11:30am, Friday 31 January 2014)

If you are at a loss what to do this weekend, there area number of events that you may like to attend. 

The Hugh Owen Library is open 24 hours from Friday 31 January until Monday 3 February

Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Friday:

Trio Valore – live music in the Great Hall 8pm www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/music/trio-valore

Chinese New Year Festival – entertainment including singing, dancing, instrumental, stalls, performed and programmed by students   6pm – 8pm in the theatre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/festivals/chinese-new-year

Film screenings - Hunger Games 5.45pm and Nebraska  8.15pm

www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/film/hunger-games-catching-fire12a      

www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/film/nebraska-15

Saturday:

Six Nations Rugby

All Six Nations Rugby games will be shown in the bar.

Aberration – LGBT event, live music, cinema screenings, performances, lots of lively activities and everyone welcome all evening! www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/music/aberration

Film screenings - Hunger Games at 2.30pm and 5.45pm and Nebraska at 8.15pm.  

Sunday:

Music Club recital at 3pm www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/classical-music/music-club-clwb-cerdd-5   (free entry for students)

Snow Queen storytelling performances 2pm & 4.30pm www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/family/snow-queen

Bolshoi Ballet live screening in the cinema 3pm www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/dance/bolshoi-ballet-lost-illusions

Six Nations Rugby

All Six Nations Rugby games will be shown in the bar.

Plus all the Arts Centre’s exhibitions, the café is open till 8pm, and the bar till late on Friday/Saturday.  The café is open from 12.30 – 5pm on Sunday.  There are student discounts for lots of these events.

Students’ Union

Thursday night:

The Big Quiz – lots of prizes, lots of laughs.

Friday day:

An all-day movie marathon and transfer deadline day.

Friday night:

#Predrinks - Some amazing tunes to silence the storm alongside Friday feeling drinks deals.

Saturday day:

Starting from 12.45, we are showing the Westham V Swansea match, followed on by both 6 Nations rugby games - all on the big screens, all accompanied by our brilliant food and drinks deals throughout the day!

All day offers: Free Chips and Garlic Bread at Half-time during the 6 nation games, Carlsberg & Gaymers @ £1.79 a pint, Beer & Burger @ £3.99 (Plain or Cheese, Beef or Chicken), Fosters Gold @ £1.

Saturday night:

Jelly Wobble hits the decks on Saturday night featuring Ed Solo, Rigdiculous, Soluable Sounds  + more for a night of extreme musical talent, freebies and more! Head to the facebook group for the full line-up.

Sunday day:

West Brom V Liverpool + Arsenal V Crystal Palace, and another 6 Nations match thrown in for good measure!

Sunday night:

The crescendo of this day is the SUPERBOWL at 23.30! With food and drinks deals extended into the early hours of the morning, there is no better place to watch the Superbowl event!

All day and night offers: Free Chips and Garlic Bread at Half-time during the 6 nation games, Carlsberg & Gaymers @ £1.79 a pint, Beer & Burger @ £3.99 (Plain or Cheese, Beef or Chicken), Fosters Gold @ £1.

Monday day:

The Students’ Union’s annual Refreshers week starts with the Trade Fair – lots of FREEBIES and FREE FOOD for all students! It’s your chance to catch up if you missed out in Freshers’ week.

All day offers: 10% off Starbucks @ The Cwtch, Carlsberg & Gaymers @ £1.79 a pint, Beer & Burger @ £3.99 (Plain or Cheese, Beef or Chicken), Fosters Gold @ £1.

Communication 4a
(Issued 11:30am, Friday 31 January 2014)

Student letter: accommodation in a twin room

Dear Student,

Thank you very much for your support and co-operation in relocating from your accommodation on the Seafront this weekend.

You have opted to take up the offer of alternative accommodation at the University.  We are able to offer you campus accommodation in a twin room. Please come to the Accommodation Office in Penbryn Reception between 10am and 2pm to collect your room key. If you have chosen to share a room with a friend, please come together to ensure that we can facilitate this request. Rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

The Terms and Conditions of your current Licence Agreement will apply to your temporary accommodation, by signing for your key you are agreeing to take up occupation of your temporary accommodation on these terms.

If you are unable to attend the Accommodation Office during the designated times  (10am and 2pm on Friday) please email weather@aber.ac.uk to let us know when you will be able to come and pick up your key / sign in.

If you have a car, you will be allowed to park in Hafan car park free of charge for the duration of the time that you are accommodated on campus.

Catering provision for relocated students

Relocated students who have requested the weekend meal package, will be given a unique wristband which will allow them you to have breakfast, lunch and dinner served in TaMed Da on Penglais Campus. Please show your wristband at the till.

Opening times for meals are:

Breakfast: 8.00am - 11.30am
Lunch: 12.00pm - 2.30pm
Dinner: 4.30pm - 7.30pm

For your meals we are pleased to provide the following:

Breakfast
Full cooked breakfast from servery
Cereals/fruit/yoghurt
Toast
Drinks from dispensers

Lunch/Dinner
2 course meal with either soup or a desert
Main meal from the hot counter to include vegetables or salad from salad bar
Drinks from dispensers

Student letter: weekend food package

Dear Student

You have opted to take up the offer of a weekend food package.    Please come to the Accommodation Office based in Penbryn Reception between 4pm and 5pm to collect your wristband.

If you have a car, you will be allowed to park in Hafan car park free of charge during meal times

Catering provision for relocated students

Relocated students who have requested food provision, will be given a unique wrist band which will allow them to have breakfast, lunch and dinner served in TaMed Da on Penglais Campus. Please show your wristband at check-out.

Opening times for meals are:

• Breakfast: 8.00 - 11.30am
• Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm
• Dinner: 4.30 - 7.30pm

For your meals we are pleased to provide the following:

• Breakfast
• Full cooked breakfast from servery
• Cereals/fruit/yoghurt
• Toast
• Drinks from dispensers

Lunch/Dinner

• 2 course meal with either soup or a desert
• Main meal from the hot counter to include vegetables or salad from salad bar
• Drinks from dispensers

Further Information

Should you need any further support with your accommodation, please contact us in person at Penbryn Reception or on the University’s 24 hour helpline on 01970 622900.

Regular updates will be available at www.aber.ac.uk/en/important-info/notices, on the University’s Facebook pages www.facebook.com/aberystwyth.university or by following the University’s Twitter account @AberUni / www.twitter.com/AberUni.

We appreciate your continued support and assistance.  For details of activities and support, including extended library opening hours, please visit the FAQ page found here: www.aber.ac.uk/en/important-info/notices. 

Many thanks,

The Accommodation Office Team

Swyddfa Llety - Gwasanaethau’r Campws
Accommodation Office - Campus Services
Prifysgol Aberystwyth University
Penbryn, Penglais, Aberystwyth, SY23 3BY

Ffon/Tel (01970 62) 2984
Ffacs/Fax (01970 62) 2983

Communication 5
Issued: 3:30pm, Friday 31 January 2014

Dear Student,

Thank you for your continued support and assistance.

We are continuing to monitor the situation on an hour-by-hour basis and our most recent information indicates that in addition to the exceptionally high tides, strong winds are forecast for Friday evening and during the weekend.

We are extremely grateful for your support and for understanding the need to cancel all teaching. Students within Seafront Halls, who are choosing to stay in Aberystwyth, will be relocated to accommodation on Penglais Campus this afternoon.

The Old College
Please be advised that in response to the University flood evacuation contingency arrangements, the Old College will close to all users from 4pm Friday 31^st January – Sunday 2^nd February 2014 inclusive. Any room bookings during this time have been cancelled and the individuals responsible for the booking have been informed. All staff and students will need to leave the building by 4pm, and no access will be permitted during this time.

The Old College will be open as usual on Monday 3^rd February. However, as we do not know what the impact of the weather is likely to be, all bookings for spaces are cancelled.

Sports Cage and Sports Centre
The Sports Centre is open; however, the Sports Cage continues to be closed until further notice.

Hugh Owen Library
The Hugh Owen Library will be open 24-hours a day from today, Friday 31 January to Monday, 3 February, to provide secure study spaces for students evacuated from sea-front residences due to the high tides. You are more than welcome to use the Library’s collections, study spaces, computers and printer/copiers.

If you are at a loss what to do this weekend, there are a number of events that you may like to attend. We have listed them here.

We will continue to update you by email so please check it regularly. Updates will also appear at www.aber.ac.uk/en/important-info/notices, on the University’s Facebook pages www.facebook.com/aberystwyth.university or by following the University’s Twitter account @AberUni  www.twitter.com/Aberuni

Should you need emergency support, or assistance with your accommodation, please contact the University’s 24 hour helpline on 01970 622900 or email weather@aber.ac.uk

Please take care.

Rebecca Davies
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students and Staff Services)

Professor John Grattan
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience and International)