Transcript: Vice-Chancellor's start of Hilary 2025 student message

Dear students,

Happy New Year from the wonderful surroundings of the Weston Library’s ‘floating stacks’ above Blackwell Hall. A place that supports our academic mission of research and teaching as well as allowing the public to enjoy our outstanding collections through the various exhibitions our wonderful staff curate.

I do hope that you have had some time to rest and recharge over the Christmas break and are ready for the new term - I know I certainly am.

Some of you might have listened to my Guest Edit for Radio 4’s Today programme during the break. My theme was hope and kindness through the lens of my former research and what universities do in the world. Let us all have hope for the coming year and let us show kindness to one another in whatever way we can. And we have our new Chancellor to welcome this term who will be installed on February 19th. I am in regular contact with William, who is raring to get going and will be wonderful to work with as we take this great University forward. I know that you will all give William a very warm welcome.

Every term at Oxford brings new opportunities, and I really encourage you to make the most out of your time here, whatever your year of study, to thrive and grow. Take advantage of the exclusive internships available to you as Oxford students, both in the UK and abroad, and don’t miss the Creative Careers Festival in 4^th Week, and the Crankstart and Diversity Careers Fair in Week 7.

Hilary term will also see the opening of Oxford Edge: Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at 37 St Giles; the latest addition to Oxford's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. In collaboration with the University's entrepreneurship hub, EnSpire Oxford and Said Business School, the Centre will provide a dynamic space for all of you aspiring entrepreneurs, to collaborate with business leaders and academics to share ideas and explore the opportunities available.

Everyone in your college, department and the University is here to support you, both academically and personally. Support is available to all students, regardless of your course or college, including individual counselling, group workshops, disability assistance, peer support, chaplaincy services, and help from the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service. Please do reach out if you need to.

Now, as global conflicts continue into this new year, my thoughts remain with everyone in our community who is affected. It is essential that we continue to work together to contribute to Oxford’s inclusive environment, and that we treat all in our community with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind here at Oxford, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. In recognition of ongoing events and to help ensure Oxford remains inclusive for all, please contribute to the University’s new task and finish group on student racial and religious inclusion if you would like to share your experiences or ideas.

I am thrilled that so many undergraduates will take part in my Vice-Chancellor's Colloquium on Climate starting in 1^st Week. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in taking part in this second round of the programme. I can’t wait to see how you’ll collaborate and connect with students beyond your core subject area, developing new skills and thriving under the guidance of our world-class academics and DPhil facilitators. All students are invited to attend the next event in my Sheldonian Series event on 11 February on the theme of ‘Life.’ in all its forms. This series that was launched last term is designed to promote good dialogue, reasoned and respectful debate as well as inclusive inquiry.

Many of you are already using the MyOxford student app to help you navigate university life here. If you haven’t already downloaded or accessed it online, the app enables you to quickly and easily access your calendar and emails, update your details on Student Self Service, and view academic documents, Canvas, SOLO and more. New features and functionality have also been added based on your feedback.

If you’re a final year undergraduate, the National Student Survey opens this term for you to share your feedback about your Oxford experience. Other students will be surveyed in the second phase of the Student Barometer Survey later in the year. These are important surveys to help amplify your student voice, so please do have your say. You also all have the opportunity to stand - or vote - in the upcoming Oxford SU elections. Elected sabbatical officers will have the chance to lead the transformed SU next academic year and play a part in shaping Oxford.

I wish all of Oxford's teams and individuals success and strength in the upcoming Varsity Blues series. I am so proud of your dedication and efforts to represent Oxford – go Dark Blue. Please do let me know about any other events you have planned for your clubs and societies; I would love to come along and support your activities if I can. Also - a reminder that Active at Oxford provides options for everyone to get involved with beginner-friendly, low commitment and social sport opportunities.

For now, I look forward to seeing you around the city, walking with Geoffrey Biscuit, or in your colleges and departments and I send my very best wishes to you for Hilary term.