As the new academic year begins, Professor Richard Barnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster and Mark Bell, Overall Student President, have issued a joint message to students welcoming them to the University – and reminding them of their obligations as members of the university family.

“The start of the new academic year is always an exciting time for everyone at the University. We wish you well in your studies with us, and hope you will play an active role within the University and the Students’ Union during the forthcoming academic year.

“The University of Ulster’s vision is to be an institution with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement. We have a strong regional presence with four campuses throughout Northern Ireland, and members of the University community – both staff and students – play an active part in the lives of the communities in which those campuses are located.”

The message, which has been distributed to all 14,000 full time undergraduate students registered at the University of Ulster's four campuses – Coleraine, Jordanstown, Belfast and Magee, continues:

“As a University of Ulster student, you should be aware that you are a representative of the University both on and off campus, and carry with you the good name and reputation of the University.

“It is a regrettable fact that anti-social behaviour by a small minority of our students has, in the past, tarnished the good name of the University and its student body. The most common issues reported are noise related, including noisy parties and rowdy behaviour on streets.
“Accordingly, we ask that you be respectful and considerate of local residents and the communities that you live in, in order to protect the reputation of your University and foster good community relations.

“That said, we hope your time at the University will be rewarding and fulfilling, and that your studies with us are memorable – for all the right reasons.”