The Journal
FROM THE SENIOR TUTOR where they can work productively, and we welcome their continuing residence during periods of lockdown.
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In a few pages’ time, the former Bursar has written in detail about the College’s institutional response to the COVID crisis. As in every area of life it has been enormously complicated, changeable, and organisationally time-consuming. We have made many decisions, and great stamina has been required from many staff in working out the policies which set out those decisions clearly and the protocols which enact them as fairly as possible. But the key decisions themselves have often been easier than might be expected, despite the challenges of co-ordination between colleges and University, the rapidly shifting public health situation and the constantly evolving legislation and guidance. We have been guided quite securely by principles which reflect the widely-shared ethos of the College. It helps that we – and our predecessors – have said these things before. We were founded as a community that recognises the power of education to transform lives: so we do not forget that however disruptive the pandemic, however imperfect the year, this is that time of transformation for many of our current students as their course begins, continues or concludes, and we have a responsibility to support them as fully as we possibly can, whatever the circumstances. We always work hard to ensure that College membership is available to people whatever their social or economic background and wherever they come from: so we hold in mind that for some of our students College is home, or for others the only home
We have seen, for generations, that the best education equips individuals with the critical and adaptable skills necessary to tackle the most serious and urgent problems, and that research, across the disciplines, can discover solutions when they are most needed: so we continue to foster the work of our undergraduate and graduate students whether near or far, more than ever in 2020 when those problems are so evident and so acute. And while alert to very real current concerns about inter-generational fairness, we recognise our responsibility, as the present trustees of the institution which has fostered this ethos for a century and a half, to be mindful of the interests not only of current members of the College but also of their successors for generations to come: so while we strive to enhance bursary support for students struggling at a time of extreme economic disruption, we are proportionate in our admissions decisions in order not to deny opportunities to the succeeding year group, and closely attentive to the severe financial consequences of the year’s disruptions, working to mitigate their lasting effects on the College’s ability to support future students. The pandemic has demanded resilience from everyone, and our students, led and supported brilliantly by very active JCR and MCR committees, have shown great adaptability and fortitude. Supervisions, lectures and the various usual forms of pastoral support have of course remained available, albeit online for long periods. I am deeply grateful for the tireless work my colleagues have put in to supporting and inspiring our students near and far throughout this time. Of course, despite strenuous efforts to improve accessibility, online activities are not always equally effective for all participants, and we try to ensure arrangements are flexible and responsive in such circumstances. The year’s pressures have reinforced the need for a further enhancement of the support available (in the College and across the University) for student wellbeing and mental health. Certain groups of students experienced particularly upsetting circumstances during the year, notably the series of killings which prompted the Black Lives Matter protests. Sadly but inevitably, many members of College suffered bereavements as a
