Solidarity with ALL staff facing redundancies at Chester.
Today I am joining #noredundancieschester virtually to show support. @ChesterUcu @ucu

I am a PhD student at @TRSChester @uochester. Here is a thread of my experience:

1. Chester was the right choice for me for 3 key reasons. First, my fantastic supervisor @DLClough, whom I had admired throughout my BA and MA.

2. Second, the abundance of diverse expertise available in that department, which likewise attracts a diverse array of students. Third, and linked to that, how *progressive* the department is in tackling key issues of TRS.

3. My department's commitment to education is inspiring. I could only have DREAMED ABOUT an A-Level webinar series at that age! I find this encouraging for future TRS generations, but also feel so proud in my department's own commitment to the future of TRS.

4. The inclusive and supportive nature of @TRSChester is AMAZING. @DLClough took the time to meet me on a trip to Durham; I was kept in the loop post-interview (and for well over a year); and encouraged to take a necessary break from my studies.

5. Now, during those studies, that inclusivity and support has only grown, in spite of those virtual COVID issues. We are encouraged to work and communicate not just at dept. level but also at Faculty Level, encouraging INTERDISCIPLINARY work.

6. Of all these experiences, one KEY thing emerges: that the STAFF at @uochester are its KEY asset. They are the ones whom attract a wealth of postgrad researchers, and are so committed to them.

7. The future of the amazing research occurring at the uni is down to the amazing research conducted by its staff, who juggle research careers, supervisions, teaching, administration, etc, AND their own lives. Their work is incredible. @ChesterUcu @ucu #noredundancieschester

8. There is no place for a redundancy in my department, or ANY department currently threatened. Each staff member is there by necessity, and any removal of expertise will hinder @uochester's reputation. #noredundancieschester

9. My INCREDIBLE postgrad experience is thanks to those amazing staff members - our mentors. Our research goes hand in hand with their security at the university. @uochester needs postgrads, but us postgrads need our departments to remain rich and diverse #noredundancieschester

10. That @TRSChester and other humanities and arts departments are under threat is heart-breaking. These types of degrees are world-class, and rely on our incredible departmental staff. That's why every day I stand with my department for #noredundancieschester @ucu @ChesterUcu