UK exit from the EU (Brexit)

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EU Referendum result: Vice-Chancellor talks/Q&As on Tuesday and Wednesday this week

Last week the UK voted to leave the European Union. I know from the emails I’ve received personally from colleagues since Friday morning, that many of you are understandably concerned about the uncertainty this result brings.

Although this is not the result that UK universities had hoped for, it is more important than ever before that we redouble our commitment to our values and long-term vision to be a strong performing, internationally collaborative and diverse community that welcomes people from all around the world.

I am working closely with sector colleagues and Government to ensure that the future of UK Universities, and ultimately our university, is not negatively affected by this decision. It may seem now as if the potential negative effects are insurmountable, but we are at least three years from changes being realised and I honestly believe that we have time to plan and adjust, and most importantly to influence the policy debates as we move forward. Today, Jo Johnson has confirmed that for current EU students, and those joining in the Autumn, there will be access to student loans for the duration of their studies.

We now need to come together to support each other and collectively find solutions to the new challenges we face. I would like to start this off by talking to as many of you as possible this week so I can provide you with an update and give you an opportunity to ask me any questions. I have therefore arranged to be at each of our campuses at the following dates/times:

  • Tuesday 28th June, 13:00-14:00, Penryn, Chapel Lecture Theatre (video-linked to the Knowledge Spa, F08)
  • Wednesday 29th June, 10:00-11:00, BC114 St Luke’s
  • Wednesday 29th June, 12:00-13:00, Streatham Court A

I realise this is short notice but many of you have asked to talk to me about this issue and I therefore wanted to arrange for these sessions to take place as quickly as possible.

If you are not able to attend one of these sessions, the Team Brief Live sessions will be taking place at all campuses next week as planned. These sessions will provide you with a further opportunity to talk about this topic and discuss any questions you may have.

Just to reiterate, please be assured I will be personally working on your behalf to ensure our concerns are heard and understood during any future negotiations so we can continue to be a strong, inclusive and world-leading university.

Best wishes

Steve

Professor Sir Steve Smith
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive
University of Exeter

Tel: 01392 723000
PA: Rachel Hucker (r.l.hucker@ex.ac.uk)

Date: 27/06/16