A statement from our Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Marshall:
Around the world, we have watched in horror and disbelief as events have escalated over the past few weeks in the wake of the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. The destruction and tragedy caused by such conflict is heartbreaking to see and is fundamentally at odds with our beliefs as a university to help people understand and learn from each other in order to build bridges, not increase division.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and our thoughts are with those affected at this time of crisis. We’re offering support to any University of Salford colleagues or students who have been impacted by these devastating events, or who may have family or friends in Ukraine or Russia.
For colleagues needing support at this difficult time, help is available through our Employee Assistance Programme that can be accessed via the Wellbeing page on the Staff Hub. And for students, practical and wellbeing support is available through the askUS service.
We are following the situation closely and are in regular contact with colleagues across the sector via Universities UK (UUK) exploring possibilities to actively help affected students and researchers in Ukraine. We will be working with the Council of At-Risk Academics (CARA) to identify opportunities to assist academics threatened in this conflict.
We agree with UUK that we do not support the application of blanket academic boycotts that prevent academics collaborating with other academics as a means of protest against the actions of their governments, and agree that decisions about whether to continue collaborations are made on a case-by-case basis, informed both by UK Government guidance and appropriate due diligence.
The Home Office has confirmed that Ukrainians who are on work, study or visit visas in the UK will have their visas temporarily extended or be able to switch onto different visa routes and have published updated guidance on the government website.
At a local level we are engaging with our partners including Salford City Council, and we have heard from colleagues across the University who are organising collections for those affected. More details will be shared as soon as we have confirmation of this activity on campus.
It is often hard to know what to do as individuals to make a difference during times of crisis and I’m sure you will already have seen appeals from many organisations that are taking donations. For anyone wishing to contribute, here are a few suggested links:
British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal
Disaster Emergencies Committee
International Rescue Committee
Save the Children UK | International Children's Charity
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.
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