Today, 9 July, the Vice Chancellor Adam Tickell wrote to all staff. You can read the full View from the VC below:
As a society, we’re becoming used to big transitions.
With the Prime Minister announcing this week the end of virtually all Covid-19 restrictions from 19 July, we are now on the cusp of the next one.
Even though it has been trailed for weeks, the news has made me reflect on how people have experienced the pandemic and how people are feeling now that society is opening up again.
This is pertinent for our university, of course, as colleagues are beginning to have conversations about returning to campus, supported by our new Remote Working Policy. And many staff are heavily involved in planning for the new academic year.
In a few weeks’ time, young people up and down the country will receive their A-level results and will be looking forward to enjoying a full university experience come September. It is certainly our intention to aim to honour that wish and we very much hope for the majority of our teaching to return to in-person. This is, naturally, dependant on government guidance and the evolution of the pandemic but it is important to state our ambition.
I do not pretend, however, that the transition will be easy for everybody
Some of the most routine things that once felt so normal, like getting the train, now feel like new experiences again. Going to the cinema, theatre or concert for the first time in ages is exciting, but can be daunting too. One thing is for certain, people’s views on re-engaging with society will vary and change, and we have to factor that into our planning.
For staff, we are putting on some ‘welcome back’ events at the ACCA and I would really encourage you to sign up, to get a feel for campus again after what has been a long time away. Please do also have conversations with your line manager about how you and your team can work best over the coming year and find a balance that works for everybody.
We also have a responsibility to do everything we can to meet the needs, including mental health needs, of young people who have been de-socialised for more than a year. I wrote a few weeks ago about opportunities we are creating for students this summer and at the start of term to prepare them for re-engaging with the world.
Now is the time to really listen to students about their experiences and help them to move on from the worst of the pandemic.
One colleague who knows more than most about the significance of people’s everyday experiences is Claire Langhamer, Professor of Modern British History at Sussex. As a trustee of the Mass Observation Archive, her research examines the feelings and experiences of ‘ordinary’ people in 20th-century Britain.
Some of you may have seen that Claire has just been appointed the next Director of the Institute of Historical Research. Sadly, this means she will be leaving Sussex after more than 20 years but I know she will be exceptional in her new role and I am delighted that her talent has been recognised. Congratulations, Claire.
Finally, Council met last week and a number of important issues were discussed. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to read the Chair’s summary published earlier this week.
With best wishes,
Adam