Sasha Roseneil, the new Vice Chancellor

Today, Sasha Roseneil, our New Vice-Chancellor sent an introduction message to all students. You can read the full message below

Dear student,

I’m Sasha Roseneil, your new Vice-Chancellor and I’m delighted to become a member of Sussex’s hugely talented, vibrant, and diverse community of students, staff, alumni and supporters. It’s wonderful to begin working today on this beautiful campus, on the edge of the South Downs, close to the sea and the dynamic and exciting city of Brighton and Hove. Below is a short introduction film you can watch to find out a little more about me and why I am so pleased to be joining you all at Sussex. After you’ve watched the film please read on to find out about some key aspects of my role, our bright future at Sussex and opportunities for us to meet.

Sasha Roseneil - Greeting video from University of Sussex on Vimeo.

What does the Vice-Chancellor do?

As your Vice-Chancellor, I am responsible for setting the direction, strategy, and objectives of the University to ensure that it delivers an excellent education and experience for all students and undertakes the highest quality research, as well as making positive contributions to our local community and society.

Responsible for University Management

As the Vice-Chancellor, I am responsible for the overall management and leadership of the University. I am supported by the Vice-Chancellor's Office and advised by the University Executive Group. 

Chief Academic and Executive Officer

As Vice-Chancellor and President of Sussex, I am the University’s chief academic and executive officer, and a member of Council, the University’s governing body, and Chair of Senate, the University’s academic body.

Representing Sussex

I represent the views of the Sussex student and staff community to a range of local, national and international organisations and stakeholders, such as Brighton & Hove Council, Parliament, the UK government and higher education and funding organisations.

A bright future for everyone at Sussex

This is an exciting time to be a student at Sussex, with the recent opening of the brand new Student Centre, and the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) identifying 89% of our research as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. This summer has also seen improvements in Sussex's 2022 National Student Survey (NSS) results in areas such as assessment and feedback, learning communities, and student voice, and I am delighted that Sussex is ranked first in the country, with 100% satisfaction, in both English Language and Linguistics, and Art History.

So, as we mark Sussex’s 60th Anniversary there is much to make us proud. We continue to be radically global in outlook, and we have a distinguished track record in boldly innovating to make the world a better, more equitable place. In scientific discovery and creative endeavour, developing global policy and pushing forward technological innovation, Sussex academics are making a crucial difference to humanity, now and for the future
 
Sussex has inclusivity and diversity at our heart, and I am committed to embedding and extending this spirit even further. Only in a richly inquisitive environment which fully embraces diversity of thought and belief, background and identity, and in which everyone has a voice and a welcomed place, can learning and discovery thrive.

Opportunities for us to meet 

From the start of the new academic year, I will be meeting with Students’ Union officers and representatives from clubs and societies, touring the campus, and visiting schools and departments so that I can talk to as many of you as possible.

I want to understand Sussex through the widest possible range of perspectives, and your experience and thoughts are important for me to hear. I am keen to learn about how you think student life and teaching at Sussex can be improved, and how the whole Sussex community can work together to tackle the urgent problems that the world faces, particularly the climate crisis that has been so in evidence this summer in the UK and Europe.
 
Thank you for reading my first message to you. I hope that over the vacation you are able to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation with your friends, family, and loved ones, and I look forward to meeting you in the autumn.

With my warmest wishes,

Sasha

Professor Sasha Roseneil
Vice-Chancellor