Tomorrow (8 March) marks the first phase of the Government’s roadmap out of the national lockdown and will see a small number of final year students return to campus and resume timetabled face-to-face activities that require access to laboratories, specialist facilities and performance spaces. This is a positive step towards a gradual return to some level of normality. We are also making every effort to map out how we can offer a wider return for more students, as the restrictions are eased and in line with the Government’s requirement for a staggered return.
A limited return to timetabled, face-to-face teaching is positive news however, Government restrictions still apply and it’s more important than ever to ensure that we continue to follow the rules and guidelines currently in place.
For students who are not returning to face-to-face teaching from tomorrow, you should continue to study online for the remainder of this term, staying at your current address until any further dates are announced for opportunities to return to campus. As is currently the case, if you have a compelling reason to return to campus, you may do so. Compelling reasons include; if you are better able to study from campus, or because you believe that studying from campus would improve your wellbeing.
Please remember, if you are on campus, living in accommodation, or living locally and using campus facilities, you are required to
take part in twice-weekly lateral flow testing to help to control the spread of Covid-19. Lateral flow testing identifies those who are asymptomatic. By taking part in the twice-weekly testing, you will be reducing the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus to those around you and you will be helping to reduce the potential for multiple households to need to self-isolate across campus. Wherever you are; either studying on campus, living in the local community, or elsewhere, this is a challenging time to navigate and it’s vital that we all play our part; keep to the guidelines, and following the rules and guidance on social distancing and hygiene.
Paul
Professor Paul Layzell
Principal