The Master of Selwyn, Roger Mosey, has responded to criticisms of Cambridge over its admissions policy – and other recent media stories about the university. In a speech to parents and students, he argued that the university has a good story to tell about the progress it is making.

At this time of year we remember all members of this college who died in conflict. The names of the fallen in the First and Second World Wars, which are inscribed in our war memorials, are read out on Remembrance Sunday; and there is music and poetry in chapel for people of all faiths and none.

We were particularly saddened to read an item from Haileybury School about a young man who died 100 years ago.

The University of Cambridge has launched a campaign to promote zero tolerance of sexual misconduct.

Called ‘Breaking the Silence – Cambridge speaks out against sexual misconduct’, the campaign will highlight a range of new prevention, support and reporting measures coming into effect in 2017.

The actor Hugh Laurie visited Selwyn on September 25^th and took part in a question and answer session with students. Hugh is a Selwyn alumnus (SE 1978) who studied archaeology and anthropology, and he is now an Honorary Fellow of the college.

Selwyn’s new students took part in the matriculation photograph in Old Court on October 2^nd to mark the start of the academic year. Freshers were formally welcomed the previous afternoon by the Master and Senior Tutor, and this week they have induction sessions in the college and across the university.

Selwyn has a tradition in Japanese studies through its former Master, Professor Richard Bowring, and also retired Fellow Haruko Laurie. We’re therefore particularly pleased to welcome Dr Vicky Young to the Fellowship this autumn. She is the newly-appointed University of Cambridge Kawashima Lecturer in Japanese literature and culture.

Our freshers arrive at the end of September, and in the past few days we’ve confirmed the places of those who’ve been accepted – and they’re now getting all the information they need about the new academic year.

Selwyn has an extensive outreach programme to show young people from all backgrounds that Cambridge could be for them. We visit schools across the United Kingdom, and we host a number of groups who explore the college and the city. Much of the activity is focused around years 11 and 12, but we also welcome younger children for their first experience of what a university is like.

Our catering manager Bill Simmonett will be retiring next month, and people from across the college
came to a lunchtime party to mark the occasion.

The Selwyn choir's tour of California began in the spectacular setting of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. There was a large audience for a concert that ranged from Tallis to Mealor, and included the North American premiere of James MacMillan's One Equal Music.