FAQs

Thank you for considering donating to the College. You can make your gift online by visiting the Give Now page, where you’ll find the different ways to support Brasenose; whether with a one-off donation, a regular gift, or through other giving options that work best for you. You will also find information here about tax-efficient giving from the UK and overseas. If you are thinking of making a substantial gift, please get in touch with us at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk. We are always delighted to discuss your gift with you.

You can find step-by-step instructions on how to set up a regular gift on the Give Now page. Regular gifts are especially powerful because they provide Brasenose with a dependable source of income. This stability allows the College to plan ahead with confidence, ensuring that essential teaching costs and student support are sustained year after year. Thank you for considering supporting Brasenose in this way.

We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support of Brasenose. If you’d like to increase, decrease, or change the frequency of your regular gift, we’ll be delighted to assist you. Please contact us at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk, and we will guide you through the simple steps.

If you give to the College monthly, quarterly or annually, and your bank details change, this may affect your giving. In some cases, you may need to re-register your gift so that your support can continue without interruption. Our team will be glad to help you make any updates quickly and smoothly – please contact us at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk

Yes, you are welcome to choose how your gift is used. When giving online (including setting up a Direct Debit), you’ll be prompted to select from one of the College’s priority funds. If you’re giving by cheque, simply download, complete and return this donation form to indicate your preference.

If at any time you would like to change the area your gift supports, please get in touch at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk. Your choice ensures that your support reflects the aspects of Brasenose that matter most to you, while making a direct difference to our students and community.

Absolutely. We are happy to guide you in choosing how your gift can have the greatest impact at Brasenose whilst reflecting your interests. Whether you are interested in supporting scholarships, student opportunities, teaching, College facilities, the endowment or other priorities, our team can provide information and suggestions to match your philanthropic goals. Please contact us at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk to discuss the options and find the right fit for your generosity.

Yes, you can choose to make your gift anonymously. If you would like your donation to remain private, please let us know when you make your gift or contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk, and we will ensure your wishes are respected.

Brasenose is grateful for the generosity of our supporters which enables us to fund both the College’s day-to-day activities, such as teaching, scholarships, and student support, and key redevelopment projects that enhance the College experience for current and future generations. To see our current priorities and the areas where your gift can make the greatest impact, you can read more here. You are welcome to get in touch to discuss donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk

The Annual Fund is created and sustained by the generosity of the Brasenose alumni community. It provides vital support for both undergraduate and graduate students throughout the academic year. Gifts to the Fund are put to work immediately, helping to provide scholarships, enhance learning opportunities, and enrich the student experience across all subjects and levels of study. To see the impact of the Annual Fund, click here.

If you are based outside the UK, you can still make a gift to Brasenose in a way that is tax-efficient in your country. For detailed guidance and options, please visit our Giving page or get in touch donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk

If you relocate, your method of giving may need to be updated to ensure your support continues smoothly. For guidance on making your gift tax-efficient from your new location, please visit our Giving page or contact us at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk. We are grateful for your ongoing generosity, and our team is happy to help you maintain or adjust your support so it continues to make an impact.

When making your gift, please indicate if Brasenose can claim Gift Aid on your donation(s). You can also update your Gift Aid status at any time by emailing us at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk. Claiming Gift Aid allows the College to increase the impact of your gift at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit our Giving page.

Leaving a gift to Brasenose in your Will is a meaningful way to support the education of future generations of students. You can explore the different options and find detailed guidance on our Legacy page. We would be delighted to discuss your plans and answer any questions, please contact us at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk.

All donors to Brasenose receive an Annual Statement of Donations after the end of the tax year. If you would like to check your giving at any other time, please contact us at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk, and we will be happy to assist you.

Brasenose can receive gifts through Payroll Giving, a simple and tax-efficient way to support the College directly from your gross salary. For guidance on how to set this up and make the most of this giving option, please visit our Payroll Giving page.

Yes! If you’d like to make your gift over the phone, please contact the Development Office at +44 (0)1865 287 275. Our team will be happy to assist you with your donation.

Please send your cheque, made out to Brasenose College, with a completed donation form to:

Development Office
Brasenose College
Radcliffe Square
Oxford OX1 4AJ
UK

Envelopes addressed this way will reach us safely, and our team will ensure your gift is processed promptly.

We are grateful that alumni and friends may wish to support Brasenose through non-monetary gifts. If you are considering this, please contact the Development Office at development.office@bnc.ox.ac.uk so we can discuss your gift and ensure it is used to maximum impact.

Absolutely! In addition to financial gifts, your time and expertise can make a real difference. We are grateful to volunteers who serve as Year Reps, host events, or advise the College on a variety of initiatives. Every contribution, big or small, helps strengthen the Brasenose community and support our students.

We’re grateful that you’re considering supporting the College’s academic community in this way. As space in the Library is limited and primarily dedicated to serving the needs of current students, the Librarian begins by reviewing a catalogue of any prospective donation. Sharing a list of the titles in your collection will help us understand what might be a good fit and what we are able to accommodate. If you would like to explore a possible donation, please contact the College Librarian at library@bnc.ox.ac.uk. While we may not be able to accept all collections, we very much appreciate your generosity and your interest in contributing to the College’s scholarly life.

For all generous gifts we are delighted to offer the flexibility of an instalment payment option, allowing you to spread your contribution over an agreed time frame.

We celebrate and recognise your support because it is at the heart of Brasenose’s story. Each and every benefactor is recorded, if they wish, in the Brazen Nose, the annual College record, ensuring their support is recognised amongst their peers. Major donors are acknowledged and celebrated through a range of activities and opportunities, both within College and the wider University. You can read more here.

Brasenose’s endowment is managed with a long-term strategy designed to protect and grow its value over time, keeping pace with inflation and more. Each year, the College draws a percentage (currently 3.5%) from the average value of the endowment over the past five years – a prudent and sustainable approach recommended by the Charity Commission. However, it is important to understand that the endowment is not a limitless resource. The annual draw provides only around half of what the College needs to operate each year. Philanthropy plays a crucial role in bridging that gap, ensuring we can continue to offer an exceptional education while planning confidently for the future.

Yes, Brasenose offers opportunities to name rooms, desks, or other spaces as part of your support for the College. Naming gifts help sustain our teaching, student programs, and facilities for current and future generations. To discuss available options and how your gift can make a lasting impact, please contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office at donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk

Yes, we’re happy to help! Please contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office at development.office@bnc.ox.ac.uk, and a member of our team will be glad to assist you.

We regularly share how your generosity makes a difference through annual reports, newsletters, and special communications highlighting the students, programmes, and initiatives you support. If you would like more personalised updates, please contact donations@bnc.ox.ac.uk and we will gladly provide further information about the impact of your gift.

A regular gift is a recurring (monthly, quarterly, annual) or one-off donation that supports the College’s ongoing needs, such as student opportunities, teaching, or day-to-day operations. These gifts can be modest or substantial but are typically part of the Annual Fund.

A major gift is a larger, often transformational donation that can fund scholarships, fellowship, facilities, or other long-term priorities. Major gifts may be made as a single contribution or pledged over multiple years, and donors are often offered opportunities for recognition and engagement with the College community.

We look forward to welcoming you back for your Gaudy. We expect the following year groups to be invited to their Gaudy in the coming three years, although please note, these may be subject to change.

2026 – 1988-1989, 2000-2001, 2014-2015

2027 – 1967-1969. 1977-1979, 1986-1987

2028 – 2002-2003, 2020-2011, 2016-2017

Gaudies take place every 7 to 10 years and your first Gaudy will be held about 7 years after graduation. Please be aware that, due to Covid, the schedule was pushed back by two years.

Invitations are sent by post two/three months in advance. If you haven’t received your invitation then please contact us sharing your current contact details including postal address. You can also update your address online, but this information will need to be received prior to mailing of invitations.

A Gaudy is a reunion and to make sure as many as possible are able to attend, we are not able to extend invitations to partners or guests. We do, however, want to ensure that everyone feels welcome and able to participate fully, so if you have caring responsibilities or specific access needs, please let us know and we will do our very best to accommodate you. Contact us alumni.events@bnc.ox.ac.uk

Absolutely. We want all alumni and friends of Brasenose to feel welcome at College events. When registering for the event, please let us know of any access requirements you may have and we will do everything we can to ensure your needs are met.

If you need have the need of a carer, let us know and we will accommodate you and them as best we can, drop us a line at alumni.events@bnc.ox.ac.uk or phone us on +44 (0)1865 287275.

Where we have availability, we are pleased to offer double or twin rooms for alumni bringing a guest to an event. If you would like to request this, please note it under “Special Requests” when registering. Accommodation is charged per person rather than per room, and please be aware that there are only a limited number of double rooms in College so requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Your room will be equipped with fresh bedding, towels, and basic amenities to make your stay comfortable. Please note that we do not provide hairdryers, and as a College guest, you will be staying in rooms that typically accommodate students rather than a commercial hotel; rooms may be simple and may not necessarily include ensuite facilities. Some rooms are accessed by steep stairs, especially in Old Quad; please let us know if a ground floor is necessary for you to enjoy your stay.

Guests are welcome to check in after 2:00pm on the day of their booking, with a standard check-out time of 10:00am. Keys can be collected and returned at the Porters’ Lodge, where the Porters will be happy to help you.

We’re sorry you won’t be able to join us, but we understand that plans can change. Refunds can be claimed up to one week before the event, simply contact us at alumni.events@bnc.ox.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to assist you. All refunds must be made to the same account or card you used for the booking.

Brasenose is delighted to welcome a wide range of events, whether personal or professional. Our Conference Office is happy to help you plan your event in a way that takes full advantage of the College’s unique spaces and historic atmosphere. Read more here.

We would be delighted to host your wedding at Brasenose. Find out more here.

Many of our speaker events are live streamed so alumni and friends can participate, no matter where you are. Please check the Events listing here for the latest schedule and joining details.

Introduction
1. Brasenose College does not tolerate any form of harassment or victimisation and expects all members of the College community (including visitors and contractors) to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration.

2. The College is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all members of the College community are respected.

3. The College aims to:

Promote a positive environment in which people are treated fairly and with respect
Make it clear that harassment is unacceptable and that all members and visitors of the College have a role to play in creating an environment free from harassment
Provide a framework of support for staff and students who feel they have been subject to harassment
Provide a mechanism by which COMPLAINTS can wherever possible be addressed in a timely way. Complaints to be directed to Development Director, Brasenose College, Oxford, OX1 4AJ or email development.director@bnc.ox.ac.uk
4. All senior members of the College have a duty to implement this Code of Conduct (as reflected in the College’s Harassment Policy (2016)) and to make every effort to ensure that harassment and victimisation do not occur in the areas for which they are responsible and that, if they do occur, any concerns are investigated promptly and effectively.

5. All members of the College community and visitors have the right to expect courteous behaviour from others, and a have corresponding responsibility to behave courteously towards others. All members of the College community and visitors are expected to:

Treat others with dignity and respect
Discourage any form of harassment
Support any member of the College or visitors who feel they have been subject to harassment, including supporting them to make a formal complaint if appropriate.
Definitions
6. A person subjects another to harassment where they engage in unwanted and unwarranted conduct which has the purpose or effect of:
Violating another person’s dignity, or
Creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for another person.[1]
The recipient does not need to have explicitly stated that the behaviour was unwanted.

7. Bullying is a form of harassment and may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.

Behaviours
8. Harassment may involve repeated forms of unwanted and unwarranted behaviour, but a one-off incident can also amount to harassment.

9. The intentions of the alleged harasser are not always determinative of whether harassment has taken place. The perception of the complainant and the extent to which that perception is in all the circumstances reasonable will also be relevant.

10. Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs or otherwise intoxicated is not an excuse for lack of courtesy or rudeness.

11. Harassment can take a variety of forms:
– Through individual behaviour face to face, either verbally or physically or electronically directly to the person concerned, or to a third party
– Through a prevailing culture which tolerates harassment or bullying, for example the telling of homophobic or racist jokes
12. Examples of behaviour which may amount to harassment include:
– Insulting, abusive, embarrassing or patronising behaviour or comments
– Unwanted physical contact, ranging from an invasion of space to an assault, including all forms of sexual harassment, including: inappropriate body language, sexually explicit remarks or innuendo, unwanted sexual advances and touching.
Offensive comments or body language, including insults, jokes or gestures and malicious rumours, open hostility, verbal or physical threats: these include all forms of harassment and abuse on the grounds of disability, race or sexual orientation
Alcohol
13. Alcohol is often served in College. All visitors to College are advised to drink responsibly and, further, are responsible for their own health and behaviour whilst on College premises at all times. At the discretion of College staff, if you are clearly under the influence of alcohol, drugs or otherwise intoxicated, then you may be refused entry.

BNC thanks you for your understanding and support in ensuring that this Code of Conduct is adopted for all College functions and events.

March 2019

[1] Statute XI: University Discipline

As an alumnus, you are always welcome to return to Brasenose. As College events run throughout the year, it’s best to check with the Development Office or the Porters’ Lodge before you arrive. You are welcome to bring guests, but please share their details with us in advance. Please note that the Chapel and Hall are generally unavailable for visits between 12:00pm and 1:00pm on weekdays; the Porters will be able to inform you of any specific restrictions during your visit.

The best way to enjoy dining in College is by attending one of our events, which offer a wonderful opportunity to experience College life and connect with fellow alumni. You can find upcoming events and their dining opportunities on our Events listings.

If you would like to dine at High Table, you are welcome to do so and bring one guest. Please contact development.office@bnc.ox.ac.uk for prices and availability.

Yes! You can check the availability of B&B rooms on our website: Link to Bed and Breakfast part of private hire section. We have an alumni discount code that you can use for booking, which is available on request. As an alternative, when rooms are not available at Brasenose, you might find accommodation in other colleges through the University Rooms website here: www.universityrooms.com.

Visits to the Library and Archives are welcome by appointment. Please contact the College Librarian at library@bnc.ox.ac.uk or the College Archivist at archives@bnc.ox.ac.uk to arrange a suitable time.

All members of the College community including alumni are always welcome to join services in the College Chapel. For service times and further details, please visit the Chapel section of the College website. Insert link here

We would be delighted to help you reconnect with your contemporaries. If you’re trying to reach an individual, please email us at development.office@bnc.ox.ac.uk, and we can either forward a message on your behalf or share your contact details with them. To contact fellow alumni from your matriculation year, you can also reach out to your Year Rep. More information about the Year Rep scheme is available on our website, or you can contact the Development Office to be put in touch with your Year Rep.

Please update your contact details using this form. Please note that the University’s and the College’s records are not linked, so you will need to update your details separately with the central University office at www.alumni.ox.ac.uk.

You can request your Oxford Alumni Card directly through the University by visiting www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/my-oxford

If you would like to stop receiving printed publications, please email us at development.office@bnc.ox.ac.uk to update your preferences. You can continue to enjoy our latest news, stories, and updates online by viewing our publications.

We love hearing from you! Whether it’s an award, a personal achievement, a new baby, a job update, or just how life is going, we would be delighted to include your news. To be considered for a future issue of Brazen Notes or Brazen Nose, please email us or use our submission form.

We take your privacy seriously. You can read full details on how we collect, store, and use your data in our Privacy Policy [LINK] https://alumni.bnc.ox.ac.uk/privacy-policy?srctid=1&erid=1648482&trid=1563f709-0d60-4064-bfd8-0d8b9310357c

If you missed graduation at the end of your degree, and would like to book a graduation ceremony, please contact the College Office at college.office@bnc.ox.ac.uk. They will talk you through the next available dates and the booking process.

In Oxford, the status of Master of Arts is a mark of seniority within the University which may be conferred 21 terms after matriculation. Please note the Oxford MA is about reaching a new status within the University and not an upgrade of your BA or an additional qualification.

If you have completed a BA or BFA you will be eligible to take an MA in or after the 21st term since you matriculated (ie seven years after matriculation). This is not an automatic process and to obtain your MA you must apply to graduate at a degree ceremony (either in person or in absentia).

Unfortunately, you are not eligible to have an MA conferred if your undergraduate degree is an undergraduate Masters degree (MBiochem, MChem, MCompSci, MEng, MMath, MMathCompSci, MMathPhil, MPhys, MPhysPhil).

If you would like to book your MA conferral, please contact the College Office at college.office@bnc.ox.ac.uk.

Please contact the College Office college.office@bnc.ox.ac.uk. They can check and advise on next steps and arranging a conferral, if you would like.

Yes, you can order a new hard copy certificate via the University’s online shop. Please note that there is a charge for this service set by the University administration.

If you would like an electronic version, please register for the University’s eDocument service.

For Oxford students and alumni, the eDocuments service provides electronic versions of your academic documents. These can be downloaded in support of employment or further study applications and shared with third parties (e.g. verification companies, prospective employers, and other Higher Education Institutions).

Importantly, the documents provided through this service are embedded with modern security features in an ongoing effort to protect students from any fraudulent activity.

Please note that if you matriculated before 2008 or completed a research degree, you will not be able to use this E-Document service and will instead need to contact the College Office college.office@bnc.ox.ac.uk.

Gillman & Soame have been our trusted photographers for matriculation photos since 1950. Please visit their website here to order a copy.