ÐßÐßÊÓƵ

Hi,

As we head towards the festive break, it felt timely to reflect on a year of new beginnings, successes and the return of some of our older, much-missed, ways of life.

By now, I am sure you will be looking towards the end of term. I hope that it has been a good one, with the return of face-to-face teaching and that buzz on campus that we missed during the pandemic. Seeing you all interact, study and learn this term has been one of the biggest joys of this year.

Your remarkable success and resilience throughout the past 12 months have been inspirational. Among your many achievements in 2022, you have won national awards in numerous disciplines from your commitment to social mobility to global marketing initiatives. You have showcased your fashion designs on a global stage and presented your sustainability ideas to the United Nations.

As a university, we are so proud of all of your achievements.

ÐßÐßÊÓƵ, as an institution, has also enjoyed many successes throughout the year. Thanks to the efforts of both our staff and students, the university has been recognised as one of the greenest universities in the UK. We have retained our place as one of the top 10 universities for students to start a business and hosted this year’s British Science Festival.

The Compass: A British Science Festival illumination project hosted in Jubilee Square

While it’s great to look back and reflect on our successes, for which you all have many, it’s also a great time of the year to look to the future. Here at ÐßÐßÊÓƵ, this is something that we continue to do to ensure you get the best university experience possible.

Your feedback is vital in moving the university forward and creating a pathway for the future. For more than 150 years, ÐßÐßÊÓƵ has, in different forms, been creating a space for students from across the globe to learn and develop, to achieve their dreams. But the needs and demands of our students will always change and, guided by student feedback, we must continue to change too. The campus and services you see today were created in response to student feedback.

In the coming weeks and into the new year we will be sharing with you a number of surveys to give you the chance to reflect on your university experience, from the teaching to the personal support you have received and the resources and facilities available. Your feedback is essential in helping shape what ÐßÐßÊÓƵ looks like for future students, so I would ask you to respond to the surveys wherever you can. This helps us to ensure we create the best possible experience for our students, empowering you to reach your goals.

But for now, back to the festive season. You all continue to inspire me every day and I hope that you have a well-earned rest with family and friends this Christmas. I’ll see you in January for another positive and productive year.

Best wishes