Principal’s Update

Dear Colleagues,

Last week, University College Jersey students began their induction and Freshers. It’s always great to meet our new students and share with them the high levels of support and quality learning experience they can expect to discover here at the college.

Continuing the theme of quality, it was my pleasure to attend the Construction Council Awards 2024 together with colleagues from our construction team. It was the first time all of the shortlisted candidates for the Stars of the Future Award were women. A fine example of how the employment of women into a sector, which has traditionally been male dominated, is now harnessing a wider talent pool.

Last week I met with the principles of Guernsey College and University College Isle of Man to develop our agenda for the working year ahead. I will be meeting my peers in Liverpool next month to flesh out some of the opportunities for co-development of our colleges and staff.

This week, the scrutiny panel for Children, Education and Home Affairs will be visiting the college and we will be presenting an overview of the work we are doing in relation to education and skills. Also, as you’ve already been made aware, we will be walking around the campus on Wednesday afternoon to show our guests the spaces we have to work and learn in.

Also, this week I will be speaking at a Jersey Chamber breakfast debate on the topic of ‘Should there be a University in Jersey?’. This event starts at 8am at the Royal Yacht Hotel and I welcome attendance by any staff and students to attend with an interest in the area. It should be a lively debate.

As part of Democracy Week we have a number of states members presenting to students on the work they do representing the voters of Jersey. This is a great opportunity to continue our endeavour to educate our students about their rights and responsibilities as islanders.

A note about St Saviours Hill, please take care on exiting and entering the campus via this junction. There have been a few near misses on that bend with increasing traffic by multiple users of the site.

We are going into a particularly busy period with quality reviews, students settling into their Study Programmes, parents and carers evenings and the UCJ Graduation. Make sure that you take regular breaks and ask for support from your colleagues when you need it.

Have a wonderful week, with best wishes,

Jo