Thursday 14-09-2017 - 11:00

Dear Students

 

A very warm welcome to the new academic year, which marks the 10^th anniversary of QMU’s relocation to the campus at which we are based today.

 

Starting out at QMU

If you are a new student, you are embarking upon what can be one of the most significant and satisfying experiences of your life. Even at this stage, we think of you as the Graduating Class of 2021 (in the case of new first year undergraduates) and then, as alumni, lifelong members of the Queen Margaret community. My colleagues and I look forward to helping you succeed.

 

But I am conscious that whilst starting at university can be a very exciting experience, it can also be somewhat daunting.  We aim to provide a friendly and welcoming community in which to learn, and there are many people here to help ease the transition for you. These include student guides, whom you can catch in the main atrium in the first two weeks of semester, to the Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) assigned to you; and from Learning Resource Centre Helpdesk staff to the Student Counselling Service. As the posters currently on campus say, “It’s OK not to feel OK” and help is at hand. To find out more about any of the support services available to you, see the Student Guide to Services at QMU, available from Student Services reception or online at Student Services Booklet. You will also find the Student Services section of our website useful.

 

Returning students

If you are a returning student, I hope that you have had an enjoyable summer that brought opportunities for personal development, earning, and relaxation.   I know that many of you have made excellent use of the time, including the 11 students who have completed overseas projects this summer through the Vice-Chancellor’s International Travel Fund, the 27 students who have participated in paid summer internships funded by Santander Universities, and also a number of students who successfully bid for Student Development Fund awards for summer projects in the UK.  

 

Recent news on QMU graduate employability

Over the summer, figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) showed that QMU has the highest graduate employment rate of any Scottish university and has the third highest employability rate amongst all UK higher education institutions. 98.2% of those graduating from a full time undergraduate degree course here go on to employment or further training within six months of graduating. My colleagues and I think that underlying this statistic is our focus on giving you skills and knowledge preparing you for a career, not just your first job, and our aim to provide the optimum combination of theoretical and practical teaching.

 

But we are certainly not complacent.  We are determined to provide you with the very best student experience possible, and, to inform developments, we welcome your feedback at any time. Class Reps play a key role in working with academic staff to address students’ views on their learning experience. Find out who your Rep is or you could consider being one this year. We also run a number of surveys including the National Student Survey to collect feedback on your experience. For more information, see https://www.qmu.ac.uk/current-students/feedback/ .

 

Keeping informed

If you would like to be kept informed of news from QMU, I encourage you to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also find lots of useful information on our new website, which I hope that you enjoy.

 

Seize opportunities

Your time at University is precious.  Alongside developing academically and personally, you will be building lifelong friendships and memories.

 

I encourage you to seize opportunities to enrich your university experience, for instance through voluntary work, involvement in the Students’ Union and participation in clubs and societies.  

 

Do look out for opportunities to apply for internships, scholarships and other awards in the course of the year, through ‘Moderator’ messages and other routes.  

 

Please also explore the options for international exchanges that are available within a number of our courses. You will gain a huge amount personally and professionally by taking advantage of all opportunities to broaden your cultural horizons.

 

In your academic and personal life, do ask for help with any problems at an early stage.

 

I wish you all the very best.

 

Yours,

Petra

 

Professor Petra Wend PhD FRSA FRSE

Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

EH21 6UU

Tel:  0131-474 0483


Fax:  0131-474 0001

Email:  ilister@qmu.ac.uk
http://www.qmu.ac.uk