Dear All,
In view of recent developments, the University has decided that its education, research and administrative functions will all now operate online and remotely with immediate effect. The University is strongly supportive of all government guidelines and understands the urgent need for increased social isolation.
This means that the University site will be closed until further notice to all students and all but essential staff. These include those required for University maintenance and those who are part of our major Covid-19 research effort, involving both clinical and laboratory science.
Many of you are already adapting to online education as it beds in this week. We are open to feedback and have welcomed your Unitu comments. Hearing your perspectives is immensely valuable for identifying needs and anxieties to address. Staff are working hard on the matters you have raised.
The Library and computer rooms are closed. However, Library staff are now working remotely and will continue to support the information needs of all our students, staff and NHS staff between 9am and 5pm from Mon to Fri. Please check the website at www.library.sgul.ac.uk or email the team via library@sgul.ac.uk for any query you may have relating to the provision of, or access to, information. They will get back to you as soon as possible.
Halls will stay open. It is a key priority to maintain support for students based there, aligned with government guidance.
A reminder of the latest health guidance
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 remain at home and follow government advice on social distancing.
Anyone with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for at least 7 days. If you live with other people, then all household members should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home. If you are ill or need to self-isolate, please contact your supervisor to let them know.
Support available to you
As I said in my message to you last week, the challenges we are facing in our community and indeed globally are unprecedented. Please don’t hesitate to pursue any of the support and help open to you, as shared in my message to you on Friday.
Best wishes,
Jenny Higham
Principal