Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor

On Monday 26 September, Vice-Chancellor Sasha Roseneil emailed all students to welcome you this academic year. You can read the message in full below.

Dear Sussex Student,

As teaching begins this week, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of you, both new and returning students. It’s wonderful to see campus buzzing with life again with so many of you here today.

For some of you, campus is still unchartered territory, and you are learning to navigate around what might seem like a huge place. Those of you who are returning are probably used to the well-trodden paths across campus, certain of your direction and destination. What may have seemed like long distances in the past are now just a short walk away.

I can relate to feelings of unfamiliarity with the Sussex campus, as I only started my role of Vice-Chancellor last month. In my time here so far, I’ve found the university to be full of incredibly friendly people, and I have been delighted by the beautiful countryside around the university (on walks with my dog), by my explorations of Brighton & Hove, and by some wonderful sea swimming (my absolute passion!).

But even more important than Sussex’s fabulous location and open spaces, our university’s most precious feature is our community. Every one of us is part of this community, and we create and re-create it every day, through our interactions with each other.

As term unfolds, there might be times when you find yourself feeling on the edge, or even outside, this community. Such moments can be very challenging. But I want to assure you that you are not alone in this, and that there are many people – both staff and fellow students – who want to meet you, talk with you, and include you. Every individual’s membership of the Sussex community matters. If you are feeling alone or like an outsider, please do reach out to someone today. I am certain that you will find someone keen to talk with you, to spend time with you, and who cares about how you are doing.

As a member of the Sussex community, the university wants to support you in achieving your academic potential. We want to ensure you have an excellent university experience, that you are able to develop your career aspirations, and that we are committed to providing support for your wellbeing.

So, whether you are a new or returning student I encourage you to make the most of this new academic year, seeking out the many opportunities that are available to you as a Sussex student. I encourage you to be a full and active part of our community, in ways that might even result in you receiving an award.

Over the coming weeks you will receive regular student communications from Professor Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, and I will also keep in touch with you from time to time. And if you see me as you walk across campus, please do stop to say hello and tell me how things are going for you.

Meanwhile, I wish you all the very best for the coming year.

With my warmest wishes,

Sasha

Professor Sasha Roseneil
Vice-Chancellor

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