Message from the Vice-Chancellor on pro-Palestine protest - 15/5/24

Dear All,

I am writing to make you aware that a group of pro-Palestinian protestors have set up a camp on Main Building’s Horseshoe Drive.

As I have written before, I fully understand the strength of feeling provoked by the devastating toll of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

As a University we must support the right to take part in lawful, peaceful and respectful protest. At the same time, it is important that all members of our community feel safe, respected and are free from harassment.

We are monitoring the situation while also working to minimise disruption to staff, students and visitors to our campus.

Main Building remains open but all staff and students will need to show ID cards to access the building, and to enter the building via Park Place.

Support for staff

I recognise that the Israel-Gaza War is deeply upsetting for many members of our community.

Staff are able to access support from Vivup (previously Care First) and we would encourage all staff who have been impacted to get in touch with their line manager or Head of School/Professional Services department.

We also offer pastoral and spiritual support to all members of the university community regardless of whether you hold any explicit faith. You can contact one of the chaplains and they will arrange a time to meet with you, or we can put you in contact with a representative from your own faith.

Support for students

Students can contact Student Connect at the Centre for Student Life to access any of our student support services, including counselling and wellbeing advice.

Students can also access independent advice from our Students’ Union. You can contact Student Advice in the Students’ Union for free, confidential and impartial advice via email at advice@cardiff.ac.uk or by calling +44 (0)29 2078 1410 or by visiting them in person, Monday to Friday 09:30 to 16:30 on the third floor of the Students’ Union.

If a student is concerned about the impact of recent events on their studies, they can contact their personal tutor and discuss our extenuating circumstances policy.

I will provide updates on this situation as required by the circumstances.

With best wishes,

Wendy