As we prepare for Campus Unity Week (14-20 October), and in the week of the launch of our new RH2030s strategy, we want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our shared University values. Being Open, Respectful, Daring and Innovative is intended to guide everything we do as a community at Royal Holloway. We’d like to thank the voices of students, colleagues and alumni who helped shape our values. They are a true testament to the strength of our University community and our role as a University of Social Purpose.
Campus Unity Week is a vibrant celebration of diversity and community, encapsulated by our Festival of Languages and Cultures next Thursday (17 October), but it is also an important reminder of the serious and ongoing work we must continue to do to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported. In recent times, we have seen a disturbing rise in conflict, violence, and divisive rhetoric across the world. At Royal Holloway, we are nevertheless proud to be part of a multicultural, global community. As a University and as a Students’ Union we want to make it unequivocally clear that there is no place for racism, Islamophobia, Antisemitism, or any form of hate in our community. We are united in our commitment to fostering and maintaining an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and respected.
This upcoming week is therefore more than just a celebration—it is a call to action for us all to live out our values, with a particular focus on being open and respectful. Our campuses are places where we challenge ourselves to make a positive difference, and we encourage you to listen with empathy, engage with openness, and act with kindness. Every one of us plays a role in shaping the culture of our University. Together we can ensure that everyone feels welcome at Royal Holloway. The University senior leadership team and your Students’ Union will continue to refresh our training and our understanding on these issues. We will continue to listen to and respond to your concerns as well as to the ideas you have for bringing our community together in positive ways throughout the academic year.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by racism, Islamophobia, Antisemitism, or any other form of discrimination, we urge you to seek support and report if you can. Our Wellbeing team, the Multifaith Chaplaincy, and the SU Advice Centre are here for you.
Thank you for your continued commitment to living our values. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that our community is one where diversity is celebrated, differences are embraced, and every voice is heard.
Julie and Sharanya
Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Sharanya Sivarajah, Students’ Union President 2024/25