*Published on March 13, 2020*
In light of the ongoing developments relating to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the College will move to online and remote teaching and student support from Monday 16th March, 2020.
Having planned for this eventuality over several weeks, we have determined that now is the appropriate time to make the transition to online teaching to best protect our community while maintaining continuity of education and research.
We have based our decision on a range of factors. These include updates from the UK government, Public Health England, the NHS, and our university partners, as well as best-practice emerging in the sector and among peer institutions within our local community
Our key objectives during this period continue to be to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our students, staff and the broader community while continuing to deliver our educational experience and other services to our students.
Teaching
All teaching – including lectures, seminars, and tutorials – will be delivered via Zoom, in accordance with the existing timetable. Students can find guidance on how to use Zoom, including access links, on our Remote Teaching Information page on Moodle.
Students should access their classes by locating the Zoom link for the academic class leader, and accessing the Zoom link via their browser at the scheduled start time for the class, seminar, meeting or tutorial.
College Remains Open
For now, the College remains physically open to staff and students. If that changes then you will be informed.
Student Support
Student and Academic Services, including Student Wellbeing, will remain contactable via email and telephone.
Illness
All students must notify Student and Academic Services if they are unwell as usual and, in addition, if they have to self isolate, they will need to complete this form.
Tier 4 Visa Students
In the next few days, the College’s Visa Compliance Officer will be in touch with individual students studying in the UK on a Tier 4 visa to provide personalised guidance in this unique situation.
Events Postponed
We will also postpone all College events scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. Event organisers should contact their event attendees as soon as possible to minimise any inconvenience.
Visitors
Students and staff must continue to contact any visitors and advise them that they are required to complete this form in the 24 hours before they visit the College. Alternatively, you may choose to make arrangements for any non-critical meeting or event to take place remotely online, or to postpone it, if necessary.
Summative Assessment
We remain poised to respond quickly to changing circumstances, and have plans to move to online remote summative assessment, if necessary. We are awaiting the approval of our plans from our validating university partners.
Stay Informed
As of today, we have no evidence that COVID-19 has infected any member of the College’s community. However, we are focusing on delay and prevention, not just containment, by taking the practical steps necessary to minimise the risk of infection and community transmission.
We will continue to keep students and staff informed of any developments and changes, primarily via email. Other communications, such as text messages may supplement these communications.
You can also find the latest updates relating to the College’s actions relating to COVID-19 on our website.
We thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during this challenging time.