Student Update - 18 March 2020
Dear Students
Graduation Ceremonies
It is with great sadness that we have taken the decision to postpone the summer 2020 graduation ceremonies. This is not a decision that we have taken lightly, however these are exceptional times and the safety of our community must remain our first priority.
Students who are eligible will still be able to graduate In-Absentia (not in person) in the summer and receive their certificates by mail as proof of your qualification.
There will be an opportunity to attend a ceremony at a future point to mark your graduation, potentially as part of the November graduation ceremonies if we are in a position to hold them. We will provide more details about your options for graduation in due course.
Reduction in services
Yesterday we told you about the reduction of many University services including the closure of libraries and catering facilities. The University is moving rapidly towards almost complete closure and by Friday we expect that access to our Old Aberdeen campus and its buildings will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
In line with government guidance on reducing public transport we will be suspending the 9U shuttle bus service from the end of today (Wednesday) until further notice.
ASV & Rocking Horse closures
In addition, The Rocking Horse Nursery and Aberdeen Sports Village have made the decision to close (the nursery from close of business today and ASV from 8pm on Friday 20 March). Please contact Aberdeen Sports Village directly with any queries about your membership.
We are doing our best to manage this situation as well as we can, and so that you are supported in these challenging circumstances. If you have any concerns about your own health, information is available here to support you. We would like to make you aware that schools and nurseries in Scotland will be closing on Friday, and this will present further challenges to our staff as they migrate to home working. Please be patient as we all adapt to the new circumstances.
Once again, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support and patience. We know this is a difficult time and that you have many questions. Please visit our FAQs which are being updated daily, and if you can’t find an answer there, email coronavirus@abdn.ac.uk
Best wishes,
Karl & Ruth
Professor Karl Leydecker Professor Ruth Taylor
Chair of Coronavirus Steering Group Vice-Principal (Education)
Senior Vice-Principal
* Please do not direct any queries to the University’s Security team, they should be contacted in emergencies only – all Covid-19 enquiries should be sent to coronavirus@abdn.ac.uk.