I hope you are all enjoying your summer so far and have been taking a well-deserved break. Following my last update to you on 4 July, today I’ll be providing you with a further update on the 2021/22 academic year and how you can continue to play your part in keeping yourself and others around you safe when you return to campus.
We expect to welcome all students to campus in September. However, if your circumstances mean that, for example because of travel restrictions or for health reasons, you are not able to start your course face-to-face, on campus, it is important that you let us know so that we can support you. When you complete online sign-up, you’ll be able to let us know your personal circumstances. If you are unable to travel to campus for the beginning of the academic year, you will be able to start your learning online.
Although Government restrictions have now been lifted, the health and safety of our College community remains a top priority. Many of the effective measures we have had in place over the past 18 months will remain, to help protect you, and everyone on campus. We will continue to strongly encourage the wearing of face coverings when moving around inside buildings, however they won’t be required outside or when you’re sitting down.
Regular lateral flow testing will continue to be available for the new academic year. Everyone will be expected to take a lateral flow test before travelling to campus, on arrival, and twice a week after that, either using our asymptomatic testing site on campus or an at home testing kit.
From the start of term (Monday 20 September), we will re-start the testing rewards programme. This will build on the success of the scheme which ran in the summer term whereby students who took lateral flow tests on campus could earn rewards and nominate some good causes to receive awards. As a result, our Royal Holloway Community Garden received £2,000, student-led volunteering projects received £1,500, the Students’ Union Clubs and Societies Hardship Fund received £1,000 and 18 of your clubs and societies were also supported with donations of between £50 and £250. Thank you again to everyone who took part in regular testing and for selecting one of the good causes.
I hope you continue to enjoy your break and I’ll be in touch again at the beginning of September. We can’t wait to welcome you back on campus.
Professor Paul Layzell
Principal