A festive message from the Faculty Executive

18 Dec 2025

As we approach the end of another busy and productive year, read a short Christmas message from the Faculty Executive.

Dear All

It has been lovely to see campus bustling with graduates and their families and friends as winter graduations take place. It is always a wonderfully joyful way to end the calendar year ahead of the Christmas break. We hope those of you who have taken part in ceremonies have enjoyed them as much as we have, and we look forward to the final day of graduations tomorrow (Friday 19 December) with SoSS.

As we head towards the holiday period, we hope you are able to take some well-earned downtime. Whether you are working up to the end of Tuesday 23rd or have chosen to take some leave before the Christmas closure, please make the most of your time off. It has been a busy and sometimes demanding year, and we are extremely grateful for the commitment, adaptability and professionalism you continue to show across our Faculty.

Following our bicentenary last year, the launch of From Manchester for the world, our strategy to 2035, was a similarly significant milestone for the University, and one that sets out an ambitious vision for all of us. As we move into 2026, we are keen to work with you on turning that vision into practical action, and shaping the next chapter of our work in research, teaching, learning and social responsibility.

We have gathered some highlights from the past year in a short festive video, which gives a taste of the inspiring achievements and contributions across our Schools and Faculty teams. Of course, it can only capture a fraction of the great activity that takes place every day, but we hope it gets across the breadth and impact of what you do.

The festive season is a good reminder to take a moment to recognise someone who has made a difference to you this year, and a brief message of thanks or appreciation can go a long way. The Thank You scheme is also available for managers to give an individual or team a gift for doing something above and beyond.

Going a stage further, you can also nominate colleagues for one or more University awards. Three of these are currently open for submissions – Making a Difference Awards, Distinguished Achievement Awards and Rewarding Exceptional Performance.

Many of us feel tempted to push through an unrealistic to-do list before the holiday begins. Please be kind to yourselves and consider what can wait until the new year, especially as we will all have the benefit of the additional closure day on Friday 2 January, meaning that the University opens again on Monday 5th. We encourage everyone to prioritise rest and wellbeing so that you can truly switch off over the break.

Thank you once again for everything you have contributed this year. We wish you a peaceful, restorative Christmas and look forward to returning in 2026 with renewed energy.

Warmest wishes

The Faculty Executive