I was pleasantly surprised to receive a prize in the Colleagues who Craft funding raising draw (pictured above) this week. What a nice initiative this was, and thanks to the colleagues who are in the group, and for their fundraising for the University. I hope that you continue to enjoy creative camaraderie in the coming months.
This week I also had chance to review how funds raised for my Student Emergency Appeal had been used. Around £37,000 has been donated by staff, alumni, students and friends to enable support of students with needs across all our campus locations. Over 1,100 people have donated. It has been wonderful to see how both small and larger sums have made such a difference to the experience of students – there are many different examples of needs being met, such as for people trapped in travel crises, emergency food supplies, IT support and more. I was pleased we were able to work with the Student Unions and Associations in helping to identify needs and distribute funds. We will have opportunity to tell some of the stories from people who have appreciated the support in the future. It is an accolade to our personal sense of belonging and community that we were able to act in this way.
Across our University locations, different forms of restricted movement are in place, adding to the complexity of our personal and professional arrangement and to the mobility of students. I remain thankful to everyone doing their very best in these circumstances. There will be opportunity for an update together at our next All Staff Executive Briefing on 26 November at 9am UK time.
I am sure many of you were greatly encouraged by the recent news that the outcome of our Enhancement-Led Institutional Review (ELIR) was outstanding. ELIR is a review, conducted every four or five years, of our academic provision and student experience across our whole operation. I know the assessors were impressed with the integrated learning experience across all campuses and the effectiveness of the partnership working with the students. May I thank Professor Sawkins, the Directors of Learning and Teaching, and all the many academic and professional service colleagues for their great work here – particularly Dr Maggie King.
In my video conversations this week, I was pleased to discuss with Ruth Moir, University Secretary, her new role and her what priorities are on her to-do list. I hope that you enjoy listening about her past career and her vision for the future.
This week we have heard much about the UK Prime Minister’s future vision for the need to drive towards a net-zero target. This is most welcome, and relevant to the ‘virtual trip’ I took this week to Orkney to talk to Dr Jo Porter and Dr Sandy Kerr about life there, what this semester has been like, and future opportunities in the energy sector. We are busy trying to secure the final sign-off of a so-called ‘Islands Deal’ at present, that will bring new energy and marine resources research and business opportunities to Orkney and the wider University. You can expect to hear more about this soon.
Professor Richard A. Williams
Principal and Vice-Chancellor