Dear Strathclyde Student,
In a statement made earlier today, the First Minister set out the expectations of the Scottish Government with regard to the return of students to university campuses and an extension to the period of restricted blended learning. The statement relating to this can be found here.
The Scottish Government statement outlines the expectation that University students will be taught online throughout January and February, with the vast majority not expected back on campuses until the start of March. This is part of a revised plan for the managed return of students to University campuses in light of the spread of the new variant of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Within this guidance, the University is able to continue with in-person teaching where attendance is time-sensitive to the course or assessment especially relating to the ability to graduate. Your Department or School will already have contacted you to outline the details of this, if this applies to you.
For the significant majority of you, learning and teaching will be online throughout January and February, in accordance with Scottish Government guidance. This will be kept under review and further information will be provided to you over the coming weeks.
Semester 2 will commence on Monday 11th January with Development and Consolidation week, followed by the commencement of teaching online during week commencing 18th January. Please regularly check Myplace for updates from your School/Department and Faculty on activities which are planned for you during Consolidation and Development Week and the start of teaching online.
We understand that some of you may need to return to campus or your term-time accommodation for wellbeing reasons. Please be assured that you are still able to do this within the terms of the Scottish Government guidance.
If you are returning to campus for essential on-campus teaching or wellbeing reasons, you should contact us to book a COVID-19 test to enable you to plan your return.
I am sure you will appreciate that this is an evolving situation and we will share additional guidance when received from the Scottish Government as soon as we can.
As always, remember that we’re here for you and if you have any concerns or worries, please do contact us on student.helpdesk@strath.ac.uk You can also find wellbeing advice and support on our website.
Please take care and stay safe.
Best wishes,
Jim
Professor Sir Jim McDonald
Principal and Vice-Chancellor