Message to Staff from the Principal - 20 February 2020
Dear colleagues,
The outbreak of coronavirus continues to affect much of China, and we are learning of more and more countries with confirmed cases.
Naturally this is a time of worry – particularly for our staff and students with loved ones in China.
At this time, I wanted to get in touch to remind you all of the support available to both staff and students. If your students are concerned about relatives or friends back home and it is having an impact on their studies please direct them our Student Support Services. Equally, if you have any concerns please contact Sharon Cassidy, HR Partner at this email address sharon.cassidy@abdn.ac.uk.
The University of Aberdeen has a strong tradition of working with Chinese partners and proudly welcomes hundreds of Chinese students each year, and we will continue to do so. I am saddened to hear of cases of racial harassment in the UK; there is no place for such behaviour in our University, or indeed our society. Inclusiveness is a central pillar of our Aberdeen 2040 strategy. The University of Aberdeen has a zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination or harassment and I would urge anyone who experiences this to contact our student support service or HR team.
Updates on coronavirus are being shared regularly by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and the Gov.uk website. On both websites you will find the most up-to-date advice for international students, including information on UK Visas and immigration. The University is also monitoring the situation, and will update you as developments arise.
With best wishes,
George Boyne
Principal & Vice-Chancellor