Dear Strathclyde Students,
As you will be aware, on Wednesday the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced new measures aimed at halting the rise in Covid-19 infections in Scotland.
It is clear that whilst we are not going back into lockdown, universities will remain open with blended learning in place. The new measures introduce more stringent restrictions for the central belt and these commence today until 25 October, at which time they will be reviewed.
Yesterday afternoon, the University Executive Team met to discuss the new measures which will impact on our students and staff. Taking into consideration a range of factors - most importantly the health, safety and wellbeing of students and staff - the Executive Team decided that it was appropriate to adjust plans for the transition to blended learning, by rephasing the commencement of the transition phase by two weeks. This means that the transition phase to blended learning will commence from week 6 onwards.
The approach we have taken in planning for the start of the academic year was designed to give the flexibility to adjust to whatever external circumstance emerged during the national phased recovery from lockdown. While we are continuing with our plans for the transition to blended learning this semester, we are now using this flexibility in the interest of our university community.
I would again like to thank you for the positive way in which you are adapting to the latest government guidance as Scotland strives to break the chain of coronavirus transmission. We are proud of the way Strathclyders have adopted the Scottish Government safety rules to date. We need to stay focused on playing our part individually and institutionally as cases across Scotland are rising sharply, and it is imperative that we work together to keep our community safe.
Your Faculty/Department/School will contact you today to outline the adjustments for your course and the arrangements for teaching in the coming fortnight.
Best wishes,
Jim