Supporting our students through the COVID-19 crisis

Amy McCall - Psychology

“Had I not received this financial support I would have had to consider postponing my Finals to 2021, which would have had a considerable impact on my future. I am truly grateful for the support I have received, and will remember the security it granted me during such a critical and uncertain time of my life.”

Hassam Khattak - Biochemistry

“I have only been able to attend the University of Oxford as a result of a scholarship and COVID-19 has caused further difficulties for me. The financial assistance available to me at College throughout this pandemic has made it possible for me to continue my studies, I am immensely grateful. The student support system at Magdalen allows students like myself to flourish, to be empowered to benefit society in a substantial way, and to look to the future with hope.”

Calum Haggett - Medicine

“The Student Support Fund has allowed me to focus entirely on my medical studies during these times of uncertainty. I am extremely grateful for the kindness and generosity of those who continue to contribute.”

Olivia Webster - Outreach and Access Officer

“Now, more than ever, it is essential that we to continue to expand the outreach provision that we provide to schools. COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on the education of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable students. Some schools are less able to move teaching or application support online and the disparity in young people’s home circumstances will be having a further effect on their education at this time.”

D H Robinson and Joe Sampson - The Deans of Arts

“Students and staff alike are deeply grateful for the generosity of our alumni, which is helping us to ride out this storm. And we thank you all again for your continued and indispensable support in the difficult months ahead.”

We are acutely aware that this pandemic has affected everyone in our community, and that some of our supporters are unable to give at present, or are giving towards other causes. But if you are in a position to do so, you can make a difference by making an online donation.

Our priority at Magdalen is the continued offering of vital financial and welfare support to our current students. In addition, we have all seen the economic disparity in society in the impact of this pandemic and so now, more than ever, we must push on with the development and delivery of our Access and Outreach Programme.

Prospective bright applicants from all backgrounds need our help to access the incredible opportunities a Magdalen education provides, and they in turn may rely on financial assistance during their time at Magdalen, as many of our current students do.

How you can help

The impact of COVID-19 will be felt for years to come, and necessitates extra support and resources.

To this end we are seeking the support of our community:

• provide needs-based financial assistance and welfare support to our current students who have been affected by the pandemic, to ensure that no student abandons their study due to financial difficulty; and
• help us be creative and innovative in our approach to the extended delivery of our outreach work within current constraints to ensure that our Access & Outreach Programme continues to open up Magdalen as a pathway for the brightest students from all backgrounds.

Why are we asking for help?

We are continuing to prioritise providing financial and welfare support to students, along with our Access and Outreach Programme – but we are reliant on donations to make this possible.

The impact of this pandemic on:

Student Support

Access and Outreach

Make a gift to Magdalen 

Make a gift

The College will continue to adapt to face these new challenges but this is only possible with the continued generous support of our alumni.

You can support our efforts during this crisis by making a donation online. As our staff continue to work remotely online donations are preferable. Please visit our online giving page to make a single gift (with the exception of US donors who should visit Americans for Oxford).

If you wish to make a regular gift, we would be grateful if you could direct this to either our Student Support Fund or Access and Outreach Fund. If you have any questions, please contact our Regular Giving Officer, Laura Moor at laura.moor@magd.ox.ac.uk. If you prefer to send a cheque and donation form, please contact the Development Office.

If you would like to discuss any of this further or alternative philanthropic opportunities, such as the University’s COVID-19 Vaccine Research please contact the Development Director, Heather Ebner at heather.ebner@magd.ox.ac.uk.