Rising to the Covid-19 challenge in our community

It is hard to imagine anything less in keeping with the essence of Kellogg than the concept of ‘social distancing’.

After all, as Oxford’s most international college, bringing people together from across the world is at the heart of what we do. Providing an environment that encourages and supports the exchange of academic ideas and the pursuit of excellence in learning and research, is at the heart of what we do. Fostering a community spirit, hosting lively and stimulating events, having those dynamic exchanges and debates as we dine, socialise, and share our different experiences – is at the heart of what we do.

Though the current global pandemic sets the College many challenges, we’ll be working harder than ever to ensure that both new and returning students continue to receive the guidance and support they need, and benefit from the unique Oxford experience.

Although eight of our Fellows did contract Covid-19 (including HRH the Prince of Wales), all have recovered fully, and we have had no cases of staff suffering from the virus. Despite being Oxford’s largest college in terms of student numbers, no confirmed cases have been reported among our students (and many have continued to live on-site at Kellogg throughout the lock-down, happily and safely).

So, both online, and whenever we return to direct contact, we’ll continue to use all the resources at our disposal to make you welcome, help you achieve your goals, and stay safe. As we work to provide that learning and living space we’ll continue to be mindful of the Covid-19 risk, and learn from best practice nationally and globally, to make our College as safe as it can be.

Across the world the impact of Covid-19 has been felt, and countries have responded with a variety of measures to control and combat the virus. The University of Oxford is in the vanguard of global research to understand and find a vaccine for Covid-19. College members are part of that effort to understand the vaccine, how it spreads, and what therapies might be developed to treat and protect against it. Our in-College measures are informed by that wealth of knowledge within the University, and every decision we make is made with the safety of College members in mind.

This is underpinned by our long experience in remote learning, part time study, and the particular needs of graduate students internationally and at home.

So while the College buildings are currently closed, our College community is not! Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in at the beginning of the new academic year, we’ll be planning events to involve you in College life, build your network of friends and collaborators, and whet your appetite for your eventual arrival in Kellogg and being part of the academic global leader that is the University of Oxford.