Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (1926 – 2022)

Information for staff and students
Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022)
QUEEN ELIZABETH II (1926-2022)

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday 8 September. The date of her State Funeral has been announced as Monday 19 September. This day has been designated as a Bank Holiday and the University will be officially closed, so normal Bank Holiday access arrangements will apply. This means that buildings will only be open to those with swipe card access, while student facilities – apart from those included within the links below – will be closed. All facilities will reopen on Tuesday 20 September.
However, as this day falls on what would have been the first day of Welcome Week, there will be a small student support presence on campus, focused on the Library and Student Hub, ensuring support is available to both new and returning students if needed.
Below are more details of how the University is responding to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
GENERAL INFORMATION

What is the University doing to mark the Queen’s death?
Following Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s death, the following activities have been undertaken:
  • A message from our Vice-Chancellor was posted on our website and social media channels
  • The flag next to the Rolle Marquee was lowered to half-mast
  • A formal letter of condolence to His Majesty King Charles III and the whole Royal Family was sent by the Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Board of Governors
  • A communication was sent to staff to signpost them to opportunities to sign the various Books of Condolence
  • Messages and condolence signposting are being added to our digital screens around the campus
  • The Funeral will be screened in the Students’ Union on our main campus and we will also advise where the local authorities are providing screenings.
  • Senior members of staff will be participating in a variety of ceremonial events between now and the Funeral
Can I pay tribute to the Queen anywhere on campus?
We are not encouraging staff and students to leave tributes on our campus, however there are various locations where that can be done. The Royal Family has set up an online Book of Condolence, while a number of local councils have published details of how those living, or studying at our campuses, across Devon and Cornwall can show their respects:

What support is available to staff and students?
Our Pastoral and Spiritual Support Services are open every day from 10am to 4pm. However, 10am to 11am each day at 1 Kirkby Terrace, University of Plymouth (the home of the Pastoral and Spiritual Support Services), will become a dedicated time for staff and students to be welcomed in to pause and reflect and come together to support each other.

Will public events still be taking place on campus?
Yes, although as they are taking place in a period of national mourning, there may be some changes to the format of events, and some events will be postponed or cancelled, so it is worth checking updates to our Events Calendar. Any events that were scheduled for Monday 19 September will be cancelled.