Dear colleague,

Usually, in December, Vice-Chancellors will list the numerous University achievements of the last 12 months, and indeed it has been a year of progress and great individual and collective achievement. I hope we have paid real tribute to these successes in person and at the numerous events we have held with staff and students this year, including the wonderful graduations earlier this week, as well as in our Annual Report & Accounts.

My overwhelming wish at this time is simply to say thank you. Thank you to all those who have continued to put students at the heart of our University, and who have supported their learning, wellbeing and overall experience here at Bath. Thank you to those who have worked so hard in your areas of research and discovery to make a difference for the better to the world in which we live. Thank you to all those who enable the University to thrive, from staff who look after our campus and buildings to those who help us recruit the best staff and students.

On a personal level, I would like to thank you for welcoming Margaret and me so warmly into the University this year. It has been a privilege to meet so many talented and dedicated staff and students and to begin more fully to understand our organisation. Next year will be a crucial one for our University. As you will know, the external landscape brings uncertainty and challenge as well as real opportunity.

We have already started the process, through Our University, Our Future, of engaging with you all about the next steps for our University.

When we return in 2020, we will need to lift our gaze and focus on developing our next strategy, which will run from 2021 to 2026. I look forward very much to working with you to ensure the future direction of the University is clear and purposeful, and provides a sustainable platform for us all to contribute our skills with passion and pride.

In the meantime, I send my warmest good wishes to every member of our University community for a restorative break over the festive season and a very happy Christmas and New Year.

With best wishes,

Professor Ian White

Vice-Chancellor and President