Ukraine: Statement from the Interim Vice-Chancellor

Across the University of Wolverhampton, we are all hugely concerned about the dreadful conflict in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with members of our community who are affected by the current situation in Ukraine and surrounding countries. 

I know that ongoing events will be especially worrying to our Ukrainian and Russian students and staff with families and friends now caught up in the conflict. 

We have already been in contact directly with all Ukrainian and Russian staff and students to offer whatever help and support we can at this very difficult time – and we will continue to do so. We are also mindful of the wider impact on everyone in our university community, such events can affect us all in different ways. 

We are also in contact with Universities UK, who is working with the Home Office, Department for Education, and others in UK Government to support students in the UK, Ukraine, and Russia. I welcome the recent move to allow Ukrainians in the UK to have visas automatically extended or switched to other visa routes. 

Support for students and staff 

A simple gathering for students or staff directly affected by ongoing and recent military conflicts will be held at the Chaplaincy supported by Chaplains and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team on Friday, 4 March. 

If you are a student and would like to speak to somebody about any aspect of practical or emotional support, please contact ASK@WLV.  

The University has a number of support services available to staff. The University’s Staff Wellbeing Hub contains a range of resources, including our free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme.  

Everyone at the University can also access free online mental health support with Togetherall, any time, any day.  

I would like to ask everyone to be mindful of their fellow students and colleagues who may be affected by the ongoing situation. We must come together and help each other during these difficult times.  

Humanitarian support 

A number of charitable appeals have been set up should you wish to donate to organisations that are currently providing humanitarian support in Ukraine: 

• The British Red Cross is working with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support people affected by the conflict. Donations to the Red Cross go towards food, water, first aid, medicines, warm clothes and shelter. 
• UNICEF is working across eastern Ukraine to deliver life-saving programmes for children and deliver safe drinking water in areas heavily impacted by the conflict. 
• The UNHCR is working with local authorities and other partners in Ukraine to provide humanitarian assistance for refugees. 

We are proud to be an international university and recognise our responsibility to our diverse community and partners around the world. We are committed to peaceful co-operation, mutual understanding and tolerance across borders. We hope a peaceful resolution will be reached quickly, and we will continue to offer support to those affected throughout this crisis. 

Ian G. Campbell

Interim Vice-Chancellor