Oxford University college becomes first postgraduate College of Sanctuary

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 13:03 · Archive

Reuben College has become the University of Oxford's first postgraduate College of Sanctuary in recognition of its work supporting refugees and people affected by forced displacement.

Reuben College, located on Parks Road and established in 2019, has become the University of Oxford's first postgraduate College of Sanctuary. The college is the only new Oxford or Cambridge college since 1990. Its award recognises its commitment to supporting people affected by forced displacement.

Since welcoming students in 2021, Reuben has supported more than ten Sanctuary Scholars through the University's Refugee Academic Futures and Crisis Scholarship programmes. The college's founding president, Professor Lord Tarassenko, is the grandson of a refugee from Eastern Ukraine and devised the university's graduate scholarship scheme for Ukrainian refugees within weeks of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Professor Lord Tarassenko said: 'We are immensely proud to receive College of Sanctuary status. From Reuben's foundation, we have sought to build a community in which people from all backgrounds feel that they belong and can flourish.' He added that the recognition was 'an important milestone, but also a commitment to continue that work – alongside our students, staff and partners across Oxford – and to ensure that a culture of welcome remains at the heart of the college'.

The charity City of Sanctuary, which supports organisations and institutions welcoming those seeking sanctuary, praised the college's detailed responses and three-year plan for deepening work with refugees.

How it is being reported

• Oxford University college 'proud' amid first for graduate refugee workAn Oxford University college has said it is 'proud' as it is recognised in a first for its work around refugees and people impacted by forced displacement.Oxfordshire Guardian · 21 Oct, 12:30
• Oxford University college 'proud' amid first for graduate refugee workAn Oxford University college has said it is 'proud' as it is recognised in a first for its work around refugees and people impacted by forced displacement.Oxford Mail · 21 Oct, 12:30

In this story: Reuben College · University of Oxford · Professor Lord Tarassenko · City of Sanctuary · Ukraine

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