Dear All, [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
Late this afternoon, the Prime Minister announced new measures to tackle the outbreak of Covid-19. [[[NBSP]]] People should now work from home where possible and everyone should stop non-essential contact with others. [[[NBSP]]]
In line with this guidance, we encourage all students to base themselves at home. Our halls of residence will stay open and we will continue to support students who remain there. [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
If you are pregnant, aged over 70 or have a health condition which would make you at risk of more severe effects of the virus, you must not come into the university. [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
The latest health advice is: anyone with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for 14 days. Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also do this. [[[NBSP]]]
The university remains open and we will keep you informed about any changes to core services. [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
Teaching and assessment [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
As has been shared in previous updates, we have been working intensely on a model for delivering lectures and other face-to-face education activities remotely. While we make final preparations, all teaching will be suspended until Monday 23 March. From Monday, we aim to move to online teaching and support. Please check your emails and Canvas for updates from your programme team. [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
The graduation and progression of our students are of course key priorities for the University. Assessment plays a key role. We are working through details of arrangements for assessments and coursework and will be in touch with details. However, we will not be requiring students to take assessments on site this academic year. [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
PhD students [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
We recognise the unique position of PhD students in relation to this advice and will be in touch with you directly with specific guidance. [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
I realise you will have questions and appreciate there will be frustration that we cannot offer all the answers. Thank you all for bearing with us and for pulling together through an uncertain time. We will continue to keep in touch as the situation develops. [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
Best wishes, [[[NBSP]]] [[[NBSP]]]
Professor Jenny Higham