Start of term message from Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell

Monday, 18 September 2017

Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell has this morning written to all staff with an update on key developments at the University of Reading.

A copy of the message is as follows:

Colleagues

I hope that you enjoyed the months of July and August; ostensibly summer but, as we all know, working life continues apace here at the University. Now, as the autumn term begins, I would like to update you on a few key developments.

2017 Staff Survey update

I wrote to you all on 4 September with an update on progress against the 2017 Staff Survey results. To recap, we will be holding a second round of focus groups over the autumn – dates and booking information will be shared over the coming weeks.

A report on feedback, recommendations and an action plan will be presented to the University Executive Board (UEB) today, and will be made available on the 2017 Staff Survey web pages shortly. Keep an eye out for further updates and details of the action plan.

If you have not already done so, please take a look at the Diversity and Inclusion report, which is now available to read (your University log in will be required). Actions in these areas are underway via our LGBT+ action planning group, Athena SWAN implementation team and our work towards becoming a member of the Disability Confident Scheme.

Medical School proposal

We have been giving careful consideration to the possibility of developing a medical school proposal with our local NHS partners. As you will appreciate, there are many factors in play and no final decision has yet been made. More to come in the period ahead.

Support Centres

Our Support Centres are now open. They are staffed by colleagues who can offer help, advice and support on a range of topics including module queries, timetabling, coursework and exams, and more. If students have any queries or are unsure of who to contact, please direct them to our Support Centres.

Library and study spaces

As you already know, one of the significant projects within our 2026: TRANSFORM capital investment programme is the £40 million refurbishment of the University Library. Key benefits will be the introduction of additional study space, better access, and an improved service for borrowing and returning books. The project is expected to be completed in 2019.

Currently, the Library building remains open for borrowing books, while study spaces, Café Libro, Study Advice, Maths Support, and the IT Service Desk have been relocated to the nearby URS Building. You can find full project details and information on study space across the Whiteknights and London Road campuses at the Library refurbishment project page.

We will keep you updated with further developments regarding this, and other capital investment projects, throughout the year.

Co-op shop on the Whiteknights campus

Our shop on the Whiteknights campus has been refurbished this summer and re-opened as a Co-op. The new shop boasts a wide range of fresh produce, an in-store bakery, healthy foods, hot foods, meal ideas and other essentials. NUS Extra card holders also receive a 10% discount on all goods.

Week 6 Fireworks Display

I am delighted to announce that at the end of Week 6, on 3 November, we will be hosting a Fireworks Display on the Whiteknights campus, open to all students and staff. Some of you may remember the popular display we put on back in autumn 2015. I can promise an even better event this year, so put the date in your diary now.

All staff briefing sessions

I will be discussing the above, and more, at my staff briefing sessions later this month – these take place as follows:

25 September (1-2 pm) – Nike Theatre, Agriculture, Whiteknights
27 September (10-11 am) – National Grid, Greenlands
27 September (1-2 pm) – L022 (G01), London Road

All staff are welcome to attend, and I look forward to seeing you then.

Kind regards.

David

Sir David Bell KCB

Vice-Chancellor, University of Reading