from the principal ....

This is the time of year when we celebrate the academic achievements, energy and creativity of the students of the University - a time to highlight our credentials as a place of education and learning and a place which encourages the development of key professional and personal skills.

In the next few weeks we look forward to the degree show at Duncan of Jordanstone, College and School prizegivings and of course six graduation ceremonies involving nearly 3,000 students and almost 15,000 parents, friends, partners, family members and children. These occasions highlight the individual achievements of our students, encourage their aspirations and say a great deal about the commitment of staff and the educational excellence of the University.

But this is only part of the story. In the run up to the Easter break I was fortunate to get a glimpse of the many other student activities:

• the Blues and Colours awards ceremony which celebrated the work of the Sports Union with 2,000 members in 45 clubs and national success in fencing, badminton and water polo
• the Grand Final of the Dundee University Debating Union's Open Competition attended by competitors from across the UK who argued on a motion whose topicality has heightened in recent weeks: This House Would Restrict the Media to Fight the War on Terror
• the recently formed Politics Society which is developing a following among staff as well as students through tackling key issues of interest
• the 'enterprise gym' where almost 1,000 students are developing their business and personal skills and their employability - an initiative now regarded nationally and internationally as an example of good practice
• the honours projects in physics and electronic engineering which were of a very high standard and reflected the University's emphasis on 'interface' science, pooling the talents of physical scientists, biologists and medics, and
• the DRIVE team - the University's first group to tackle 'Formula Student', a global competition to design and build a small racing car with a maximum cost of £20k.

These are only a few personal examples of the wide range of University clubs, societies and activities which enrich the student experience in Dundee and add interest to our main educational programmes. Others include Dundee University Music Society's uplifting spring concert, the annual charity parade through the city centre, theatrical productions by Lip Theatre Company, the students' fashion show …Behind each of these examples there are student leaders who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to ensure success and, often at a respectable distance, members of staff who can provide guidance, support and encouragement when it is required.

The executives of the Dundee University Students' Association and the Sports Union serve the wider student body extremely well and I am grateful to them all for the work that they do. As we move towards the end of a very busy and sometimes very tense academic year, we should celebrate both the collective and the individual achievements, energy and creativity of the class of 2007.

Alan Langlands
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
April 2007