As the year draws to a close and Christmas holidays get ever nearer, I’m writing to thank you all for your many and varied contributions to the University’s success in 2011.
Sunday Times University of the Year 2011/12, Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2011, Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative (SUEI) Gold Award, shortlisted for three THE (Times Higher Education) awards, and the West of England Employer of the Year (travel plans). These are just some of the accolades we received in the last year and there are many more institutional, departmental and individual marks of esteem I could have mentioned.
We’ve had a lot to celebrate this year and a lot to be proud of. I believe these successes reflect the high standards that colleagues across campus are setting themselves. Student satisfaction levels – sixth highest in the National Student Survey (NSS) - prove that these standards are being achieved and are very much appreciated by our students.
I’d particularly like to thank everyone who contributed to making our first Saturday Open Day such a success. With new fees coming into effect in 2012, it’s essential that we present the strengths of our University effectively to prospective students. Our current applications suggest that our messages about employability, a supportive learning environment, and our friendly campus community are compelling.
Looking ahead to 2012, we have various events planned in the build-up to the London Olympic & Paralympic Games. These will start with a ‘Gold Rush’ day on 27 January, marking exactly six months until the start of the Games, when colleagues will be invited to find out more about our role in London 2012. You’ll be able to hear from a leading Olympian who’s been there, done it and brought home a gold medal; and you’ll have an opportunity to take part in the ‘Gold Challenge’. We’ll be publishing further details of this and other events early in the New Year.
January 2012 will also see the launch of our new Internal Communications Campaign. Responses to the 2011 Staff Survey indicated that we need to work harder on our internal communications. Effective two-way communication is important for both the efficiency and wellbeing of our community; achieving this will be a priority for 2012. We’ll also be publishing further details of this campaign in the New Year.
It’s likely that 2012 will present fresh challenges but if we continue to treat these as opportunities to excel then I can say with some confidence “bring it on”!
It just remains for me to wish you and your families a very happy and peaceful Christmas, and all the very best for the New Year.
Glynis Breakwell
Vice-Chancellor