I am feeling a little weary but fundamentally proud of the teams I meet across the University who are connecting so effectively with others. I am feeling that people have a strong sense of achievement in being part of our University that has, above all, worked so hard to fulfil to our wishes and responsibilities to support student learning and research. It is terrific that we have been able to achieve this together and assure those learning with us of the best opportunities for the future. I am grateful that next week we will again be running our Virtual Graduation Ceremonies for hundreds of graduates in three countries, a point of celebration for us all, and a massive achievement for the team that have organised these important events. I am feeling encouraged by the sight of light of vaccinations at the end of the long journey through to April. And I am excited by the opportunity to celebrate our 200 years of pioneering education together next year.
At today’s All Staff Executive Briefing I detailed some of the recent activities in campus operations and support for students in testing and arrangements for Christmas relating to students leaving to return home and, in Edinburgh, the many who will be staying through the whole vacation period – my thanks again to those of you who have worked so hard to respond and deliver support to students in these challenging circumstances. We also had discussion from colleagues in Dubai on their experiences of January degree start dates, Strategy 2025 updates on the development of the HWU Online initiative, and latest news on finances and the change programme. If you missed this, you’ll be able to watch the briefing on the Our Financial Challenge SharePoint site soon.
Following on from the excellent news about our quality assurance and enhancement review outcome last week, I caught up with Professor Martha Cadell, Director of the Learning and Teaching Academy, to talk about professional development and recognition in the form of holding a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Please join me in finding out why this is such an important accolade for colleagues and hearing the experiences of Craig Robinson from Edinburgh and Hind Zantout from Dubai in this video. Martha has also written a blog on the topic, which I encourage you to read.
Stay safe, and let’s be mindful of all that has been achieved in the last few months and hopeful for what lies ahead.
Professor Richard A. Williams
Principal and Vice-Chancellor