REF:66-2011-7465705 - Email subject lines

Your comment: It would be helpful if emails began with the language in english, or at least had the subject line in english, especially or specifically for the english speaking students. During a busy schedule it is difficult to know which emails are important to read and which you can wait to reply to, it would be easier if we could read them without having to open them completely. Its wonderful to have a bilingual campus however this particular order of language in emails is not helpful and is slightly counterproductive. If they were switched so english was first and welsh second it would be much more helpful. Thanks so much

Our response: 

Universities in Wales are subject to Welsh Language legislation that came into force in April 2018. The legislation sets out standards for services that need to be provided in Welsh, and which are based on a central principle that the Welsh language must not be treated less favourably. Apart from the legislation in Wales, Aberystwyth University has a long-standing commitment to the Welsh language and I’m very glad that you support this point of view. To comply with a specific requirement in the legislation, the University’s communications are generally set out with the Welsh text on the left and the English text on the right. Where possible the University records communication language preferences, and endeavours to send out information in the language of choice of the recipient, be it Welsh or English. However, currently when we communicate messages for everyone these are sent bilingually and this includes the Subject line. Your feedback is appreciated and we will look carefully at how the Subject line is used while continuing to comply with the legislation.