Today the UK government has formally confirmed that it is moving into the ‘delay’ stage of its coronavirus (Covid-19) plan. A pandemic is unprecedented in our lifetimes and now, more than ever, we need to work together to protect the health and wellbeing of our whole community.
We have been preparing for this ‘delay’ phase and our plans have included the delivery of lectures and other teaching and learning support online as far as possible. Next week we expect to give you more details on those plans.
In the meantime, we would encourage you to continue to attend in order that you have the maximum benefit from your classes, the library and other academic services.
I would like to take this opportunity to reassure students living on campus that even if the government moves to announce the closure of schools, colleges and universities, you will be able to continue living in your room and, if you live in catered halls, your meals will continue to be provided for you.
If you are an overseas student and you decide to go home you must inform
student-administrationroyalholloway.ac.uk so that we are aware you have left the country which will help to reduce any possible visa issues on your return to the UK. You should be prepared to return to the UK for the start of summer term which starts on 27 April. Whether you remain on campus or choose to go home you must continue to engage with your studies even if we move to online teaching.
If you are UK student and you wish to go home before the end of term (27 March), you should consider the impact this may have on your studies. If you decide to go home, you must inform
student-administrationroyalholloway.ac.uk.
The situation is developing and may require alternative arrangements for examinations and assessments. You should continue to prepare for these on the assumption that they will go ahead. If there is a need to make alternative arrangements we will contact you with the necessary information.
I appreciate this is an unsettling time and that events are moving quickly. We would ask for your patience as there will inevitably be some disruption over the coming days and weeks. Please continue to look at
the intranet for updates and follow @RHCampusLife on Twitter and Instagram and if you have specific questions related to coronavirus, please email
supportingyouroyalholloway.ac.uk.
Professor Paul Layzell
Principal