Update: 19 March 2020
Dear PGR student,
As you are aware, the University is dealing with the unprecedented situation of the COVID-19 virus pandemic. This is a very fast-changing situation and the University is committed to respond to all Government and World Health Organisation information and recommendations quickly and appropriately. You will already have received communications from the University. Please ensure you carefully read all updates which are emailed out to you. What we have sent so far can be found in our Coronavirus students' web pages.
The University and our Strathclyde Doctoral School are considering how the current situation affects all our PGRs and, given the fast changing nature of the current situation, we are regularly reviewing how we can best support our PGR community and how we can work with you and your supervisors to mitigate the impact which the COVID-19 virus may be having on your studies. In this spirit, I felt it important to prepare information specifically written for our PGR community.
I hope this goes some way towards answering questions you may have. I am sure you will have other questions and, as we learn more, and gather more information, I will be back in touch with further updates.
First of all, I know that this is a worrying and anxious time. Many of you may be far from home and may be feeling isolated and not sure what to do. Please look after yourself and take the time to maintain contact with your friends, colleagues and neighbours. If you are experiencing particular difficulties, you may find the following resources helpful:
Throughout this period, the University’s Disability & Wellbeing Service will be available, through online services, to offer personal advice, information and support. The Health Advisor within the Disability and Wellbeing Service can be contacted by emailing: studenthealthenquiries@strath.ac.uk.
Secondly, at this time it is very important that your contact details are up to date – please log into Pegasus to ensure that they are. Can I also please ask you to make contact with your supervisor to let them know where you are and how you are doing? For international Tier 4 students please ensure you maintain ongoing continuous contact and review the guidance in the student FAQs on Visas and Immigration, available on our Coronavirus students' web pages.
You will be aware that the UK Prime Minister has now advised that people should start working from home where they possibly can. This advice is part of a range of measures, which also include limiting unnecessary travel and all non-essential contact with others. Given this, the University is now introducing new measures. These will be finalised in the next few days. Be assured, the University will seek to optimise the provision of our services and support for all our students, including PGRs, whilst ensuring the wellbeing of staff who will help us to maintain essential services.
Over the coming period, please continue to take note of the advice on what we all can do to help limit the spread of the virus. Guidance is available on our FAQs site as well as associated NHS guidance.
My thanks are extended to the whole University community for your commitment and support.
Best wishes,
Eleanor