I Have Just Received This Email

[Jackdaw33]

...which appals me.

My donations to my alma mater cease forthwith.

Message from the Vice-Chancellor of Durham University
Dear Mr Jackdaw,

I will be communicating with all of you soon on the new University Strategy that we hope to finalise later this year and I will take that opportunity to let you know about the many splendid achievements of our students this year in drama, music, sport and volunteering. I also have much good news to share about the achievements of our academics and all those who do so much to keep Durham University in the very top tranche of world universities.

Events, however, have overtaken this report and I need to let you know that the University Executive Committee (UEC) held a special meeting this morning to take stock of where we are following the EU Referendum result (‘Brexit’). As you can imagine, Brexit is causing great uncertainty across the UK, but especially in our case for staff members and students (current, prospective and doubtless past) from fellow EU countries.

At this early stage it is worth noting the following. For at least the next two years EU laws will continue to apply in the UK. Full details of the UK’s post-Brexit arrangements with the EU and the rest of the world will emerge through this period and beyond. While these are clearly matters for the government to decide, please be assured that Durham University will play a full part in pressing for future arrangements that best support its continuing ambitions to be a leading world and European University. We flourish because we are an inclusive and outward looking community. I and all UEC members are immensely proud of the contributions of all our staff members and students and I will be saying this very clearly at the 15 Congregation ceremonies we will be holding in the Cathedral this week.

Brexit was not the referendum outcome that British Universities sought. We now have to work hard to shape what it will come to mean. The University has today announced that it will guarantee that continuing EU students at Durham, and those entering Durham in 2016, 2017 and 2018, will complete their courses on the fee regimes set at their point of entry. I will share further information on our plans as they take shape, along with relevant external information. As ever, too, the Executive and I would welcome your thoughts on how best we can protect the interests and reputation of Durham University and its members going forward.

Kind regards,
Stuart

Stuart Corbridge
Vice-Chancellor and Warden

[Islay]

What's wrong with that?

[bednobs]

which particular part?

[ToraToraTora]

order up another truck load of sour grapes JD!

[Jackdaw33]

The bit which says that the result is not one that the university sought, implying that we should all be of the same mind.

[Tilly2]

It seems entirely commendable to me. Why are you appalled, Jack?

[pixie374]

It is a very negative way of looking at things.

[Tilly2]

This bit
Brexit was not the referendum outcome that British Universities sought.

Not 'the' university bit 'all'?

[Jackdaw33]

I am appalled that the university should embroil itself in a highly political matter which has split the country in two.

[Jackdaw33]

Come on, Tilly, the implication is clearly there.

[fiction-factory]

Seems reasonable to me. The university has to press for its interests to be looked after. They are expressing disappointment and asking for ideas.
Not everyone who pressed for remain should be treated with disdain in my opinion.

[pixie374]

They certainly shouldn't, Ff, but it's hardly professional to take one side and have a whinge...

[Islay]

Still don't see anything wrong with it!

[jno]

universities stand to lose a lot of money if foreign students are limited. Why shouldn't they stand up for their point of view? And where do they either say or imply that you should agree with them?

[Tilly2]

The implication is not clear to me. What I see is the University wanting to uphold its reputation, standing and good name and allaying any fears that its EU students might have, for now, and the future.

However, I am sure that you will let them know how you feel.

[Jackdaw33]

Do you know how difficult it is to get into Durham for home-grown students? Third only to Oxford and Cambridge.

[bednobs]

so the brexit should mean that less able (but british) students can get in - brilliant

[EDDIE51]

Cambridge is saying very much the same thing. It was on the news this afternoon. At the moment EU students are charged the same as UK students but that will end, once we are out of the EU, fees for non UK students will rise by 500%. At some Cambridge Universities over 75% of students are 'non UK EU' . Very few will be able to pay the new fees so they will go to universities outside the UK.Many UK universities are not going to survive. I personally think there are too many universities , but it will harm the UK's research facilities ( especially medical research) which are mainly in universities, and are dependant on students doing their PHd research.

[fiction-factory]

No, i'm one of the clueless that thinks everyone or every organisation has a right to have a view and I also though Durham was where the Pink Panther went to university.
It isn't going to try to block Brexit- it's just pointing out that universities will suffer and asking for advice. You are free to give them the advice you think appropriate and tell them what you feel. It'll probably me more effective than posting on here.

[Prudie]

I can see no reason why Brexit should have any effect on accepting foreign students whatsoever- we weren't forced to have them just because they were from the EU. And yes I do remember fron UCCA days that Durham was third. All British universities welcomed foreign students back then too.

[Everhelpful]

Jack,My Daughter was at Durham University in 1998-2001,when Peter Ustinov was Chancellor,she has not received an Email like yours,are you sure it is genuine?