Email to all EU students

Dear Students,

Last week the UK voted to leave the European Union and I know, from the many emails I’ve received since Friday morning, there are a number of people studying here who are concerned about the uncertainty this result brings.

This is not the result that UK universities had hoped for and I can assure you that we will be redoubling our commitment to our values and long-term vision to be a strong performing, internationally collaborative and diverse community that welcomes colleagues and students from all around the world.

I wanted to take this opportunity to write to you, as one of our EU students, to reassure you that I am working closely with sector colleagues and Government to ensure we are at the centre of the discussions that are taking place.

As you may know, yesterday, Jo Johnson, Minister for Universities and Science, 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. Earlier this morning, Jo Johnson also released a statement on higher education and research following the EU referendum which confirms there are no immediate changes to EU student status – you can read this statement in full online.

I realise that to many of you, it may seem 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. Exeter is a globally inclusive place to study and I am as committed as ever to ensuring this continues to be the case and that our existing values and ambitions remain steadfast.

We now need to come together to support each other and collectively find solutions to the new challenges we face. To enable you to participate in discussions and ask any questions you may have our Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education, Professor Tim Quine, will be arranging some open Q&A sessions for all students to attend in the first weeks of the Autumn term.

In the meantime if you have a general enquiry please email sid@exeter.ac.uk. Alternatively, if you have any immediate personal concerns or questions please do email Professor Tim Quine at timquinedvc@exeter.ac.uk so we can ensure you are fully supported during this challenging time for our community.

With best wishes and warm regards,

Steve

Professor Sir Steve Smith FAcSS
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

Date: 28/06/16