Provost's view

The success of any university hinges on building strong relationships with its alumni and supporters. You are our greatest ambassadors and a driving force behind achieving our mission.  And like with any solid relationship, it’s crucial to listen and adapt.

Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of being able to meet with and listen to alumni all over the world: from Boston to Beijing and beyond. Wherever I am, and whoever I am speaking with, there is always something for me to learn, whether that’s about what you’ve gone on to do since you graduated or your strong views on Jeremy Bentham’s new abode.

As UCL prepares for its bicentenary, I’m particularly interested in listening to how you’d like to engage with UCL, what you’d like to hear from us, and how you’d like to support us. What connects you to UCL? Do you enjoy our newsletters, our events, this magazine? Would you like to give back to UCL – and how?

Our community of alumni and supporters is vast – so, it’s appropriate that we give you lots of ways to share your feedback.

In October 2024, we're conducting alumni focus groups both here in London and virtually around the world. If you’d like to join in, book your place.

Later this month, UCL will be conducting an alumni survey to learn more about your views on the university. Keep an eye out for an email inviting you to participate!

The conversations that we’re having through these projects don’t stop when a survey closes or focus groups finish; throughout the year, our alumni receptions are an important forum for discussion and discovery. Come along to one of our next events and tell us how you’d like to engage with UCL. And if you can't attend in person, you can always email alumni@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is on the cusp of its 200^th anniversary; to move into our third century in the best possible position, your involvement is essential. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dr Michael Spence is President & Provost of UCL.