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From the Principal
I write this introduction to The Aularian with relief, pride, and optimism. “Relief” is possibly an odd word to start an introduction - but this is what I am currently feeling after an extremely challenging year (18 months) for the Hall community. Like everywhere, there has been a great deal of disruption to the lives of our students, staff, and academics, as there have been for all of you. But we have survived and begin the process of emerging from the pandemic restrictions in good heart, with much to be proud of in the way our community has responded, and much to look forward to. I also feel a sense of pride in this extraordinary place. Unlike many colleges, at Teddy Hall we kept our library open and our kitchens providing meals throughout the period of the pandemic, adjusting arrangements for seating and other matters as the rules changed. These facilities have been a vital factor in allowing our students to continue to live, work and thrive on site, and to enjoy the benefits of social interaction as much as possible. However, what has been lost from the student experience is so much more than just face-to-face teaching as you will read from the brief student
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reflections that follow on from my introduction. But the committed and responsible way our students have met the many challenges thrown at them and the “can do” attitude has been something to behold. It is a trait that I have come to realise that Teddy Hall students have in abundance – and from talking with many of you over the past year, I see this is a hallmark that remains for life! Coming third out of 41 colleges in the recent universitywide student satisfaction survey is also a testament to the incredible commitment of tutors and college staff to make sure we remained focused on the most important thing – the wellbeing of our students during the pandemic. Looking forward, I feel a strong sense of optimism. The complete refurbishment of the Besse building, which has continued apace despite the pandemic, is due to be finished by the end of August, three weeks ahead of schedule. This has provided total refurbishment of 54 rooms, over 70% of them en-suite. As well as improving the student experience, this work will enhance our environmental performance (and reduce our heating bills) and help us compete for the crucial conference and summer-school income which vanished completely during the pandemic. Plans for the new accommodation building in Norham Gardens are at also an exciting stage. This will be a real legacy statement, enabling us to accommodate all undergraduates, but also built to the highest environmental standards, setting a benchmark for how the university sector should respond to the climate change agenda in its own operations. Too many people will tell you that pushing at the boundaries of zero-carbon in both construction and operation is too expensive, or the market is insufficiently mature. Too many planning authorities talk
the talk on climate change then allow large developments with gas boilers, which are damaging for the environment and will almost certainly require expensive retrofitting in a few years as regulations evolve. Not Teddy Hall! I look forward to being able to share plans for this beautiful and innovative building with you soon. So, as we plan for the resumption of face-to-face teaching and our next new cohort of Aularians, I look forward to the new academic year with confidence. I see the next phase as one of hope and renewal – in all aspects of life at the Hall - and I look forward to sharing it with you all. Floreat Aula!
