By Professor Robert Van de Noort
Here we are again at the start of a new academic year.
After a quiet period over the summer, it’s always nice to get a buzz around campus as it comes back to life with staff and students.
It feels like a thriving university campus should.
In the next few weeks, we will be welcoming thousands of new students to the University, as well as many others returning after a summer away from studying.
These students will come from all corners of the world and contribute to the rich tapestry of culture and diversity that we have here, both on campus and beyond.
As these students join us, either for the first time or as returning students, an important part of our welcome message is a reminder that, as an institution, we are very much engaged with our local community and expect our students to respect our neighbours at all times.
We have lots of support available to students to help them adjust to university life, including advice on how to be a good neighbour.
And while we are on the subject of being a good neighbour, I want to assure you this is something the University takes very seriously. On Tuesday, September 27, we will be hosting our first Community Forum since before the pandemic.
This is an invitation to local residents in neighbouring Reading and Wokingham boroughs to find out more about the University and RUSU’s community activity, share your feedback on our work and raise any challenges which can be addressed directly.
Hosted by myself, you will get the chance to hear about our plans to improve our community engagement and give feedback which will help shape the proposals.
Come along to connect with University staff and build stronger relationships that will encourage better collaboration between the University and the town.
The event, which runs between 5.45-8.30pm, includes a free hot buffet dinner and a free climate stripes mug, which will enable you to get discounted hot drinks on campus all year round.
There will also be the option of attending a tour of our new Health & Life Sciences building from 5-6pm.
This will give you a chance to see our world-class suite of teaching and research facilities, which are not normally open to the public, alongside our Cole Museum of Zoology.
This event is open to everyone in the local community, and I encourage you to join us and have your say.
Further details about the event, including how to register for your free ticket, are available online.
