EU Referendum: A statement from the Vice-Chancellor
Posted on 25 June 2016
The outcome of the referendum is now known but the implications of that decision and the timescales by which the UK will navigate its ultimate exit from the EU remain unknown. It seems likely that there will be a period of volatility and uncertainty as the UK seeks to redefine its relationship with other European countries. This University will continue to work intensively with groups such as Universities UK, the funding and research councils and the Russell Group to understand better how the decision will impact on the University and to make any necessary plans to respond to the outcome of the Referendum.
The University of York was founded on a principle of inclusivity. We are determined that students who can gain from a York education should be able to do so, regardless of their background. We have always been an institution with a global outlook, focused on contributing to the world beyond our campus. This has been reflected in the diversity of our student and staff population, and in our passionate desire to contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through our teaching and our research, we will continue to demonstrate the value of collaboration. We value the tremendous contribution of all our staff and students, and I am convinced that the diversity of experience you bring makes York a truly special place.
I want to reassure all York staff –and especially those from outside the UK – that barring any unilateral action from the Government, the vote to leave the European Union will not lead to any immediate material change to the immigration status of current and prospective EU students and staff, nor to the University’s ability to participate in EU-funded programmes such as Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+. If Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is invoked, a two-year (or longer) negotiation process between the UK and other member states will commence, during which the terms of the UK’s exit from the European Union will be decided.
The University Executive Board will work hard to respond constructively to the challenges and opportunities that may lie ahead. We will keep you informed as further details emerge on the pathway towards an exit from the EU. In the meantime, I thought you would find it helpful to see the early guidance issued by Universities UK.
With best wishes,
Koen Lamberts
Vice-Chancellor
Guidance from Universities UK for York staff and students
EU Staff
Your immigration status has not changed as a result of the vote. This will remain the case until the Government decides otherwise.
Current EU Students
Your immigration status and associated fee status, as well as your access to the student loan book, have not changed as a result of the vote. This will remain the case until the Government decides otherwise.
EU Students with a place to start in academic year 2016/17 and 2017/18
At this stage, there is no reason to assume any change to your immigration status or access to the student loan book.
EU Students studying in the UK under the Erasmus programme;
Your immigration status has not changed and you continue to be eligible for your Erasmus grant until at least as long as we remain a part of the EU – and could well be extended beyond this.
UK Students studying in the EU and elsewhere under the Erasmus programme
Your immigration status has not changed, and you continue to be eligible for your Erasmus grant until at least as long as we remain a member of the EU and could well be extended beyond this.
All staff currently undertaking EU funded projects
The UK’s status as a full participating member of the Horizon 2020 programme has not changed as a result of the referendum vote – existing project grants and contracts will be honoured unless or until advised otherwise.