Transcript: Vice-Chancellor's end of Michaelmas 2025 student message

Dear students,

Welcome to the beautiful chapel of Merton College.

As Michaelmas term ends, I know what a busy time this term has been for you all. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our great University. If this is your first year at Oxford, I hope you are feeling settled and at home. I’ve enjoyed meeting so many of you across all years of study at various gatherings, and I look forward to seeing more of you as the academic year goes on.

Thank you to all of you who continue to play your part in ensuring Oxford remains a welcoming and inclusive place. I'm delighted that Oxford SU's first cohort of community and equity officers are here to represent and support your diverse student communities.

Our Sheldonian Series continued this term, with a vibrant exchange of ideas and a range of views expressed on ‘cancel culture’. Look out for Hilary’s event, which will explore ‘activism’ and continue our efforts to model freedom of speech and inclusive inquiry.

It's been great to see so many of you taking up the GenAI training on-demand through Canvas, and in group sessions through your department or college. That support will continue and there's more on the way.

A reminder now of the importance to complete the University’s Information Security and Data Protection training. Everyone is responsible for data protection, and the course reminds you how to keep yourself and your data secure, and what to do should you encounter a cyber security threat. The devices and services you use can all be targeted by those seeking to harm the collegiate University – so please keep the software on all your devices up to date.

Well the vacation will bring a change in routine, and for some, additional stress. Support from Student Welfare and Support Services remains available during this time, except over the University’s Christmas closure dates. If you're staying in Oxford over the break, check with your college welfare team for details of activities you can get involved with.

And if you are staying in Oxford, or heading out to celebrate the festive season before heading home, do please, please, do take care, and avoid going near the city’s waterways, especially if you’ve been drinking alcoholic beverages.

Well, I hope you have the opportunity to take a well-earned rest to recharge, and return in Hilary term ready for all that 2026 has to offer. I extend my very best wishes to those who will celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas, and I hope you can all enjoy spending time with friends and family. Stay safe, stay well, and have a peaceful New Year. It now gives me great pleasure to hand over to the wonderful and my beloved Merton College Choir.