Friends Society
Welcome to the Friends Society
The Friends Society is a group of former and retired colleagues and governors who have chosen to continue remain part of the University of Hertfordshire community. The Friends provide the opportunity for members to keep in touch with the University through regular news stories and events, and stay in contact with friends and former colleagues.
Through events and newsletters the Friends Society celebrates the huge contribution members have made, and indeed continue to make to the University. It is a wonderful way to continue the many warm friendships made over the past 60 years at the University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield Polytechnic, Hatfield Technical College and all our predecessor colleges.
We are always looking for new members so please keep in touch with the University of Hertfordshire and join our friendly community!
As Honorary Patron of the Friends Society, I am delighted to welcome you to our friendly group of former staff and governors who have chosen to remain engaged with the University of Hertfordshire. Your valuable support has made us who we are today, and we are delighted you have chosen to continue to be a part of our University community. I look forward to meeting you at a University event soon.
Professor Quintin McKellar CBE
Vice-Chancellor
Friends' Society Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is the Friends’ Society?
A The Friends’ Society (subsequently referred to as the Friends) is a loose-knit group of people who wish to maintain a link with the University.
Q Who can join the Friends?
A The Friends is open to all former members of staff and Governors of the University of Hertfordshire whether they have moved on to other posts or have retired.
Q How much does it cost to join the Friends?
A Membership of the Friends is free, as are the coffee mornings and University-organised events.
Q How is the group organised?
A A small organising committee works closely with the the University's Development team to organise events. Offers of help are always gratefully received. Please email us if you would like to get involved.
Q What does the Friends offer?
A The Friends organises coffee mornings three times per year (normally once per academic term) as social events open to all members. The Friends also works with the University’s Development team which arranges invitations to regular events such as the Vice-Chancellor’s Lecture, the Chancellor’s Lecture, and occasional events such as tours of new campus facilities.
Q Where are the coffee mornings held?
A Coffee mornings are usually held in the Fielder Centre, the University’s Conference Centre, just off Hatfield Avenue.
Q Where are other events held?
A This varies, but they are generally either on the College Lane or de Havilland Campuses of the University.
Q Does the Friends have any subgroups?
A A theatre trips group is currently run by one of the Friends, with 3 or 4 visits organised each year. The Friends is always open to ideas for new subgroups, but it is dependent on people with the relevant expertise/enthusiasm to run them. If you would like to discuss setting up a new subgroup, please contact us.
Q How will I know about upcoming events?
A The University’s Development team emails the Friends on a regular basis with details of upcoming events. In addition, there is a Friends WhatsApp group for discussion between members and a separate WhatsApp group for those interested in the theatre trips.
Q Do the University’s emails contain other information?
A Yes, the Development team include selected items of University news.
Q Are there ways in which I can contribute to the University?
A There are always opportunities to volunteer, and occasional opportunities for casual employment. The Friends has also established the Friends’ Fund. Donations and legacies are entirely voluntary and 100% of any monies donated goes into the University’s fund supporting students in financial difficulty. Make a one-off or regular monthly donation.
Q How do I join the Friends?
A Complete the application form here. The Development team will come back to you with any questions and process your application.
The Friends’ Society Organising Committee
