INTO This Week 95

The £48 million development boasts a new Student Services Centre, an extended and refurbished Library, new technology-rich learning spaces, a 400-seat lecture theatre, retail and catering outlets, and a new reception, ensuring the University of Exeter offers an outstanding experience for students.

After touring the site, The Queen and Prince Philip watched music and theatre performances by students and found out about some of the cutting-edge research being carried out by the University. Maria Liu, Yiting, an International Foundation student from China studying Economics, Finance & Management said, "It was very special to sing for the Queen as part of Ex-Tunes, the campus choir. I really enjoyed the whole day; it was such an amazing experience."

There were around 60 students and another 30 members of staff watching the Queen from the INTO Exeter Centre, with many others in the crowd waiting the Queen's arrival.

"It was an enriching experience to be part of such an exciting event. The meeting with the Queen was the highlight of the afternoon and it was my honour to represent INTO in the opening of this fantastic new development." John Koh, International Foundation in Humanities, Law & Social Science.

The Forum will directly benefit students currently studying the great range of courses available at INTO University of Exeter while offering a fantastic resource to those prospective students looking to begin their studies in the near future.

University of Exeter Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive David Allen summed up the day's celebrations: "This remarkable new development will provide so many opportunities for everyone associated with the University of Exeter, for many years to come. Staff and students from across the University worked together to make the visit a success: from the cleaners, maintenance and grounds staff who ensured the campus looked stunning, to the chefs who cooked a wonderful lunch for our royal guests, to our students who gave a number of fantastic music, dance and drama performances."

To see more pictures and reaction from Her Majesty's visit go to theINTO University of Exeter Facebook page.

For more information on the Forum as part of a £350 million development programme across the University's campuses in Exeter and Cornwall, visit the page on the University of Exeter's website.

"This growth is testament to the hard work, resilience and vision shown by staff members from all levels of the organisation."

In what will be the first of many people-focused INTO This Week articles, Ruth explains how a strong internal communications policy, openness and transparency, and the collective wisdom of our international partners will ultimately lead to a shared vision of what we're all trying to achieve.

"INTO is a place of opportunity and development for those who want to be part of a global movement." She continues, "We are building a framework that should offer many exciting opportunities for staff members to expand their knowledge, internationalise their expertise and influence how the organisation is run across our growing network."

Ruth is currently preparing a five year plan that should enable every employee to take ownership over their futures and make decisions that will impact the lives of not only students but also those key decision makers who believe in what INTO is trying to do around the world.

"Just as the INTO model changes, depending on the location, so does our employee structure. We're working hard to help people share their knowledge, experience and how they communicate their thoughts across the organisation."

More details regarding the five year HR plan will be made available soon but as a first call to action for improved communication, Ruth is asking any and all employees who would like to contribute to the development of a staff intranet to contact thisweek@into.uk.com with their thoughts and ideas.