Transcript: Vice-Chancellor's start of Michaelmas 2026 student message
A message to Oxford students for the start of Michaelmas term.
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Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey on the roof of the Clarendon Building
Welcome to the start of Michaelmas term and the 2026-27 academic year
Dear students,
A very warm welcome to you all as we all begin a new academic year at Oxford. If you’re just starting your studies with us, I hope you quickly feel at home, find your communities and discover the many opportunities Oxford offers. And to our returning students, whether you have been here over the summer or are returning for Michaelmas, it is wonderful to have you all here.
As you can see, I’m starting the year from a rather unusual vantage point – up on the roof of the Clarendon Building, alongside one of its nine extraordinary muses.
The hard hat is a reminder that caring for Oxford’s remarkable buildings takes constant work and investment, like these muses that have been restored. Up here you also get a wonderful perspective on the University – both the extraordinary heritage we steward, and the people and ideas that keep Oxford moving forward.
And as the new academic year gets under way, there is already plenty to celebrate, and I am delighted, thrilled, speechless almost to begin this year with Oxford once again ranked number one in the world by Times Higher Education, for a record 11 consecutive years — reflecting the talent and dedication of our whole University community, and that includes you. Congratulations to one and all.
We continue to see the impact of Oxford’s world-leading research, with important progress in our work on an Ebola vaccine — another example of Oxford addressing some of the most serious challenges around the world.
I recognise that you are beginning this academic year at a time of considerable change and uncertainty in the world around us. Here at Oxford, we all have a part to play in maintaining an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to thrive. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind, and equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing remain key priorities.
All students starting a course are required to complete our Harassment and Sexual Misconduct training, and I strongly encourage returning students to do so too.
Oxford is a place where we can come together to explore and discuss the complex issues shaping our world and this term, my Sheldonian Series returns for its third year, bringing together a range of voices and perspectives. Amid rapid technological change, political polarisation and contested histories, questions of personal, national and cultural identity feel more important than ever. Join me at the Sheldonian Theatre on Tuesday 10 November, where we’ll explore personal identity in the digital age.
Support for all students is also available throughout your studies from your college, department and specialist University services. This includes our Disability Advisory Service, which I encourage you to contact early if you would benefit from support, particularly with exam arrangements.
I also encourage you to make Careers part of your Oxford experience. Whether you know where you are heading or are just beginning to explore, you can build skills and experiences, meet employers, access internships and get advice throughout your time here.
Artificial Intelligence is increasingly part of how we study, work and live, and Oxford provides free access to secure AI tools through your SSO login. Please follow the University’s guidance and training, as well as the specific expectations for your course. Do use the MyOxford app for easy access to essential University and college systems, too.
And later this term, applications will open to undergraduates and this time postgraduates to take part in my Vice-Chancellor’s Colloquium on Climate and AI. I hope many of you will take part.
I encourage you to make the most of the ideas, experiences and opportunities around you, while looking out for yourselves and for one another, and I look forward to meeting many of you over the year ahead. Whether over a breakfast at your college, on a walk with my dog Geoffrey Biscuit, or at one of your events.
But for now, I wish you all a rewarding Michaelmas term and a wonderful academic year ahead.
