Transcript: Vice-Chancellor's end of Hilary 2026 student message

Dear students, 

As we reach the end of Hilary term, I want to congratulate you on all you have achieved so far this academic year. Reaching this point is no small milestone, and I hope the Easter vacation offers an opportunity to rest, reflect and recharge before the final stretch of Trinity. Your energy, commitment and the many contributions you make - academically, culturally, in sport and within our local community continue to shape and strengthen our University. 

This time we’re filming at Oxford Lifelong Learning – a place that speaks directly to our core mission. Here, we create meaningful opportunities for study to students from all ages and backgrounds. 

From archaeology and philosophy to technology and contemporary global challenges, these courses extend Oxford’s teaching beyond traditional pathways. They demonstrate our commitment to making high-quality learning available to those with the curiosity and determination to take part. I am so proud of the work that goes on here.

Oxford Lifelong Learning is also the home of my Vice-Chancellor’s Colloquium. And this term, undergraduates have contributed considered thought to issues of global significance. This year’s programme brought together a new cohort from a range of subject areas to explore both artificial intelligence and climate. Supported by our wonderful DPhil facilitators, discussions have demonstrated impressive engagement with these themes, and I look forward to hearing more at next term’s celebratory event. 

These continue to be ever-challenging circumstances for many, with conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere impacting many members of our community in different ways. I know you share my concern for those affected – support for our students and staff can be found on our dedicated website. Please do reach out and support those in your departments or colleges who might be affected. These are indeed very troubling times for the world.

There has, as ever, been much to celebrate across the University since my last message to you, including the Chancellor’s special degree ceremony, that I was so delighted to be part of. This memorable occasion recognised honorary graduates whose achievements span public life, science, the arts and beyond. It offered a reminder of the breadth of excellence connected to Oxford - where you belong - and of the many different paths you will go on to shape in the years ahead. 

Hearing directly about the issues that matter to you the most has been so insightful. From JCR and MCR representatives, sport club presidents and the many students I have spent time on my dog walks with Geoffrey Biscuit, thank you for sharing your perspectives so openly. My congratulations to all our Dark Blues teams for coming together with such tremendous effort in Hilary’s varsity matches, too. 

This term’s Sheldonian Series offered an opportunity to reflect on the power of activism and the role of universities in shaping public debate. It was a wide-ranging discussion, and I am grateful to all who contributed. I look forward to continuing these important conversations and our commitment to free and inclusive speech, next term.  

Many of the themes students have raised with me this term are explored through our annual student surveys. So, if you are an undergraduate finalist, I encourage you to complete the National Student Survey, and postgraduates through the taught and research experience surveys. 

Your reflections help to inform ongoing improvements and shape our work across the University.  

If you need support at any point over the Easter vacation, a reminder that the University’s specialist Student Welfare and Support Services remain available. Out-of-hours support continues over the bank holiday fixed closure dates. 

Well whether you’re staying in Oxford or travelling elsewhere, I wish you a safe and restorative break, a Happy Easter and Eid Mubarak for those celebrating, and I look forward to welcoming you back for Trinity term.