Page 3 - Jesus College Strategic Plan 2017-21

The achievements over the past ve years, described at the outset of this document, show that it is a plan built on rm foundations.At
the heart of this Strategic Plan is our academic mission, a mission that seeks to excel in teaching and research; a plan that places the success, welfare and happiness of our College community at the heart of everything we do. It is set in a context in which the University is proud to nd itself at the top of The Times Higher Education Global Ranking.This is the rst time a UK University has topped this most prestigious of league tables.
This success is hard won but not surprising. In my rst year as Principal I have been struck time and again by the outstanding quality of the people here at Jesus College; students, Fellows, lecturers and staff. It is a truly collegiate environment and one that promotes interdisciplinary thinking.
The genius of College life is the daily interaction between subjects that arises as students and academics teach, learn, research and socialise together.The mix of disciplines and scholarship at Jesus College supports the creation of new knowledge and teaching that is world class.
The previous Plan was written at a time of substantial change.The last ve years have seen the introduction of increased student fees.The current £9,000 charge covers half the annual cost of an undergraduate education at Oxford. The College and University are only able to offer a world leading education because we invest in each and every one of our students.
We can do this thanks to the generosity of benefactors past and present.The College
will continue to offer, and seek to expand, fee waivers and bursaries so that the best students can attend Jesus College irrespective of means. We will only be able to do this in the future if we build on our existing nancial strength.
This plan contains exciting ambitions to develop the College. In particular, we are looking substantially to enhance Northgate House, a property that is adjacent to the College.This will enable us to accommodate increased student numbers resulting from our introduction of Computer Science and an expansion of postgraduate places; deliver improved space for students and staff; and
provide more access to the work of the College. It will include an innovative Digital Hub designed to promote interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange.This will foster productive interaction between real and virtual forms of communication, and facilitate engagement with the latest developments in computational tools, methods and techniques across the disciplines that Jesus College supports.
The last plan was framed at a time of nancial uncertainty in global markets.The College
has emerged stronger than might have been anticipated, but there are new uncertainties. We have to chart a way forward following the EU Referendum result. Jesus College is
an international institution that embraces
free academic exchange and welcomes the participation of academic and non-academic staff and students from across the globe. Involvement of EU staff and students and partnership with EU countries have been vital parts of our academic life for many years.We will do all in our power to help ensure that this rich and proud history of intellectual exchange and collaboration continues undiminished.
There are increasing economic pressures on Fellows and staff. Oxford is an expensive place in which to live and work.We must ensure that our remuneration enables us to attract and retain the best talent. Our plan sets out ambitious proposals to address these, but we will need to strengthen further our existing, sound nancial base to ensure we have the resources to
deliver them.
The College has outstanding Fellows and staff. It attracts the very best students and has the loyal support of Old Members who offer their time, energy, expertise and nancial support. We are also appreciative of the new friendships we have forged with those who have not had
a previous relationship with the College, but who nevertheless share our excitement for the ambition and vision of the College and the wider University.This is an outstanding College with a great history and a wonderful future. It is a community that values and cherishes all its members and those who support its mission.
Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, Principal of Jesus College, Oxford
Strategic Plan, 2017 – 2021 3