Important Message to our 2022 graduands from the Vice-Chancellor & President

Dear Graduand,

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, who died yesterday at the age of 96.

On behalf of the whole University community, I extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, to all in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth and to the wider global community whose lives Her Majesty touched.

The government will confirm the length of national mourning, which will lead up to the Queen's funeral, the date of which is still to be confirmed but expected to be 19 September.

Over the coming days the University will not be publishing regular content on our communication channels, with external activity aligned with the national mourning period.

However, all University business will continue as planned during this period, including the Graduation Ceremonies for 2022 graduands on 13, 14 and 15 September. The University will close on the day of the state funeral. Please check your travel arrangements prior to your ceremony, and allow extra time as there may be some disruptions with more people than normal travelling to London during this period.

It is important that the celebrations and congratulations for our deserving graduands are not muted and that we offer our thanks and appreciation for the support of families, friends and colleagues in the significant and successful journey our graduands have been on, particularly as this has encompassed the period of the global pandemic. At the same time, we will be extending heartfelt gratitude for a lifetime of service by Her Majesty The Queen: sharing memories of the Queen Elizabeth II during the Graduation and will honour Her Majesty with one minute's silence as part of this.

With best wishes,
Amanda

Professor Amanda J. Broderick
BA (Hons) PhD DipM DipMRS PGCTL FRSA MBGS FCIM PFHEA
Vice-Chancellor & President