I think it would be fair to say that no two weeks are quite the same, especially at the moment, but days do seem to merge into each other. Someone commented to me that the definition of the new normal is “a future that cannot be defined”. This has shades of reality but for our University community our future direction is clearly informed by the ethos of our Strategy. Our strategy is all about shaping the future!
This week the University Court met to hear updates on the welfare of staff and students and the future operational and financial plans of the University as we respond to the current circumstances. Normally at this time of year the Court would be signing-off the budget for next year but, as you may have read in my recent letter to all colleagues, we have pushed this back a month to enable us to get a more accurate picture of student enrolment prior to agreeing the budget for 20/21. If you have not had a chance to read my letter please visit our SharePoint site where it can be accessed. The Court were also keen to discuss and focus on ensuring our values-led approach would be mainstream in the challenging year ahead. The ‘Values Award’ event last week (with 600 people nominated) reflects the importance of our collective commitment to express our work and behaviours through the way we inspire, collaborate, belong and celebrate. Speaking of celebration, what a delight to enjoy the Graduation Show 2020 at Galashiels, this year being online using a variety of embedded media forms. Please do take a look. Amidst the wide range of works, I especially liked the contemporary interpretations and new textile technologies used in creating modern tartan wear.
This week, we continue to have conversations – constructive ones – about the difficult topic of racism. As an institution, we need to be more open and make it a topic that people are more comfortable to raise and call out where needed and I’m looking forward to sharing work we’ve commissioned from our archivist team. Ahead we will be exploring a range of ways to build a more valued and engaged community and lead out in shaping and framing debate.
Heriot-Watt was the first University to appoint its own Chief Scientist to lead the national and international debate in areas where we have notable expertise. This week I had an informative chat with Professor Michel Kaiser. Do listen and find out what he has been doing to empower the marine and fishing communities across Scotland and internationally. It has been pleasing to see the marine sciences team and Lyell Centre having such influence and building links with our colleagues and other partners in Dubai and Malaysia.
Malaysia and Dubai have been leading the way in a range of Virtual Open Days and this weekend it’s the turn of the Edinburgh Campus and Scottish Borders Campus who will be hosting their first major Virtual Open Day. Thanks to everyone who has been involved in creating materials, welcoming students from across the world and enabling them to experience a taste of life at Heriot-Watt. The virtual platform will provide information on the programmes we offer, and the unique student experience Heriot-Watt can provide. A range of interactive webinars will happen on the day, and Instagram Live events will be hosted on the day by the Students Union and Sports Union. And further webinars will follow in the coming two weeks, providing engagement opportunities with academic staff and support services. Important too is the new and updated Information for Parents and Carers session. This is a great example of how we are having to adapt our ways of working now, while still thinking ahead to our 2021/22 intake. Please invite your own friends, family and neighbours to attend.
Professor Richard A. Williams
Principal and Vice-Chancellor