2 minute read
Foreword
One of the best things that came out of 2020 was a restructure of the General Committee, led by then President and Vice-President, Lily Collins and Oscar Bird. The new restructure was terrific—Lily and Oscar had sought to bring a very outdated structure to better reflect the changing times. There was only one role on their new restructure that seemed to be missing to me. ‘What if you added an Academic Convener?’ I asked. As we discussed the roles on their spreadsheet, they acknowledged that academics had been such a given of what the college did that they had not thought about it as a student leadership role. But after discussion, they decided it was necessary. I was delighted that Amelia De Smet was appointed as the first St Hilda’s Academic Convener, and an academic committee was gathered around her to drive academic initiatives.
2021 started brilliantly. The ‘normal year’ that we all had longed for in 2020 was looking fantastic—until lockdown #4 in mid-Week 12 of our first semester. Amelia’s role as Academic Convener was then not just a bonus but necessary: all 222 students had to pivot to have all their exams online. Each student would need a tutorial room for their exclusive use during their exams. Amelia did all of that work and kept everyone going throughout the exam period.
Semester 2 began in lockdown #5, then lockdown #6 followed our 10 days of freedom. Again, the students were online. The academic convener and her team have ably mentored, encouraged, ensured rooms and support for all our students during this very stressful time. On top of this work, they decided to add yet another wonderful gift to our college: what if they could produce an academic journal full of contributions from our students? The journal, named The Whitby, is a nod to our academic heritage.
Our college is named after Hild, the royal princess of Northumbria, and later the first abbess of Whitby Abbey, founded in 657. The abbey was a centre of learning. Our Fellows, St Hilda’s most esteemed alumni, lead an academic series for our top students called The Whitby Series. Therefore, The Whitby is an appropriate name for this academic journal of our students’ work. We are so very proud of all of our students, and this sample of their work demonstrates both the depth of academic strength and also our diversity. Congratulations to our inaugural Academic Convener and her excellent committee for this great initiative!
