Dear colleagues,
As we move towards the summer months, we can all look forward to our June graduation ceremonies and the end of another significant, successful and rewarding academic year.
The University of Strathclyde is, first and foremost, a campus-based community. We thrive and succeed by working in a face-to-face environment as we collaborate in teaching, research and innovation.
Over the past two years we have missed this critical component of our working lives and, with COVID-19 infection numbers continuing to fall, we can look to the future with greater confidence and with the vast majority of Strathclyders back on our campus.
Yesterday, at both our Executive Team and Leadership Group meetings, we discussed our plans for a return to campus-based delivery of teaching and assessment in the next academic year.
Following discussion, we now have a clear expectation that all areas of the University – Faculties and Professional Services – will have an on-campus presence by the week commencing 20 June and plans will be put in place for those staff that have not yet returned to campus to do so. Those who have not yet returned will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns you have with your manager.
Until now, the return to campus has been measured and varied across the University. It is now important that the University sets clear expectations for all colleagues to help us rebuild the Strathclyde community.
Alongside this expectation, we are keen to retain the benefits that agile and hybrid working provides as part of our delivery of campus-based services and academic activities; as well as retaining our award-winning ‘Meeting-Free Fridays’ initiative.
The health, safety and wellbeing of the Strathclyde community will continue to inform our decisions and actions, and we will continue to monitor and review the impact of COVID-19 and take appropriate measures to protect our staff and students.
These include encouraging the continued use of face coverings and keeping a reasonable distance from others where possible. We recommend keeping approximately 1 metre distance, especially when indoors and in enclosed spaces. Colleagues are also reminded that hand washing, regular cleaning and maintaining good ventilation should continue.
The University also participates in the Distance Aware Scheme for those who would like others to take particular care around them. Further information can be found on our Safe Return to Campus webpages and our Wellbeing Hub is a source of support for a healthy work-life balance.
I look forward to meeting with many more of you again in person soon, and would like to record my thanks for and appreciation of your professionalism and resilience shown through the particular challenges we have faced together over the past 26 months.
Earlier today, guidance on completing Accountability and Development Reviews (ADRs) was distributed to colleagues across the University. As always, the ADR cycle begins with my own ADR which I have now completed with the Convener of Court, Dame Sue Bruce.
The ADR is an important opportunity to reflect on your individual contributions and progress over the last 12 months and set out your plans, ambitions and priorities for the year ahead.
Crucially, it also allows you to discuss your development needs with your line manager as you consider the next stages of your career, and any specific assistance you may need to enable you to achieve your objectives.
Please review the guidance you have received and take advantage of the support available whether this is your first ADR, you want to refresh your knowledge, or you are a reviewer.
Please also remember that the deadline for nominations for Strathclyde Medals closes tomorrow – Friday 20 May. If you have yet to submit a nomination please do so by the end of the week using this online form. It is important we celebrate our successes and acknowledge contributions from across all areas of the University and I very much look forward to presenting colleagues with their medals at the ceremony at the end of September.
Finally, our annual Giving Day campaign – 1796 Minutes to Give – took place last week and I am delighted to tell you that it raised the very impressive sum of almost £200,000 – an increase on last year’s total.
Giving Day engages with our global graduate community and asks them to support current students through the University's Alumni Fund. This fund supports: scholarships for disadvantaged young people; international experience opportunities; and, student-led international development and community projects.
The response from our 191,000-strong alumni community has been outstanding – and we expect this magnificent total to be bolstered further by several high-value donations. I would like to thank alumni, staff, students and friends of the University for their generosity and ongoing support.
Thank you for your continuing contributions – have a great weekend.
Best wishes,
Jim