An update on our strategy and Christmas wishes

Read a message from Professor Nicola Innes, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience sent to students on 3 December.

As this is a copy of an email sent to students, the links within are on the student intranet and require logging in to access.

Dear students,

I hope you’ve had an enjoyable first semester and are looking forward to the Christmas break in a few weeks.

Our future, together

You may know that our ambitious strategy sets out what kind of university we want to be by 2035, and how we get there. Many of you contributed ideas through Y Sgwrs Fawr - the Big Conversation, for which we’re very grateful.

To make the strategy a reality, as a university we must transform. We are in the early stages of this journey, which we are calling ‘fixing the fundamentals’, focusing on how we offer you the best student experience possible while ensuring our long-term academic and financial stability. Ongoing Students’ Union contributions to decision-making have been vital, as is their membership of the groups governing these changes.

Immediate impact of strategy for you

You may have seen the staff voluntary severance scheme that has been open since the summer. I want to reassure you that staff will only leave through this scheme where there is minimal, or no, impact on your student experience.

To make sure we continue to offer an excellent educational experience – for you and future students - we are also reviewing the degree programmes we offer. This means that while modules will not end whilst current students are studying them, they may not be open to new students in our next intake.

Longer-term strategy and its benefits

Although some of these changes are difficult, they are necessary to help us become a university that co-creates and shares new knowledge and helps deliver a better world for future generations. It will put us in a better position to offer an excellent educational experience for students of all backgrounds, be a genuinely inclusive, and an anti-racist university.

I’m looking forward to starting this journey with you and seeing the benefits it will bring for you.

Exam timetables

On a more practical note, your exam timetable should now be available on the student intranet. Exams and assessments can be stressful so please reach out for support as soon as possible if you need it. Look out for a special Student News email in January with lots of top tips, helpful support and reminders on assessment and feedback guidance.

Nadolig Llawen

Despite the colder temperatures, it’s been great to see Cardiff come to life for the festive period and I hope you have a chance to enjoy some of what the city has to offer at this time of year. Whether you are staying in Cardiff or heading somewhere else over the break, make sure to check what university services you can still access, events to get involved in and how to find support if you need it.

Have a great festive break and I look forward to welcoming you back in 2025.

Best wishes,
Nicola