Student Update - 19 March 2020
Dear student, we are all still coming to terms with the enormity of what coronavirus means for the world, our University, our own work and our personal lives.
As a University we are committed to the wellbeing, health and safety of our students, and supporting you to achieve your full potential. In the immediate short term this means completing the rapid transition to remote study for our students.
We appreciate this brings both practical and psychological challenges. As a community we have been working hard to acknowledge and address those challenges, and that will continue. In practical terms, we expect almost everyone will be studying remotely by the end of today, or tomorrow at the latest. From Friday evening, access to the buildings on the Aberdeen campuses will no longer be permitted except for a very small number of PhD students for a limited period with express authorisation from your Head of School.
We are working hard to ensure the continuity of your education, and staff have worked tirelessly in the rapid shift to online teaching and assessment. We are making every effort to ensure this transition is as smooth as possible and to support our students, whatever their needs.
Social connection
We pride ourselves on the supportive community that exists at the University of Aberdeen and we want to provide reassurance that we will continue to support you as you adjust to studying remotely. If you haven’t already done so, we urge all students to follow the Student Life Facebook page where you’ll find regular updates, advice and information to help you through this challenging time.
While the Government has advised that people should no longer socialise in person, please use this page to continue your social interaction with the wider university community, supporting each other and trying to bring some fun and normality to each other’s lives.
We understand you might be worried about coronavirus, and that being asked to stay at home or avoid other people might feel difficult or stressful. Our dedicated FAQs contain further advice on support for mental health, but if anyone is feeling overwhelmed then please contact our student support team who can provide assistance and advice.
Some practical updates and quick reminders
Some practical advice to support remote study is available here.
Click here for the latest health advice, including what to do if you or anyone in your household falls ill.
If you are or fall ill, please report your sickness absence as normal through MyAberdeen. Further information is available here. If you need to self-isolate you should NOT come onto campus or go to your doctors’ surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
Our FAQs are being constantly updated, but if you see anything that doesn’t look right or for any other enquiries please email coronavirus@abdn.ac.uk.
Study Group students
We are aware that some aspects of our updates may affect our Study Group students differently – if you have any questions about this, please contact your Study Group advisors.
Future students
With all UK schools set to close on Friday and May and June exams (including A-levels and GCSEs) cancelled, we have today issued a message on social media to let our future students know we are working closely with schools and colleges to support our applicants. We are also working with the wider university sector and government to respond to the cancellation of exams and support our future students. Study Group students should contact their advisors to see how today’s update affects them.
Future students (Scotland)
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament earlier today, Deputy First Minister John Swinney stated the view of the Chief Examining Officer that, with the support of the wider education system, a credible certification model can be put in place in the absence of the exam diet to ensure that young people in Scotland’s schools and colleges who are unable to sit exams, are not disadvantaged. It is anticipated that this model will use coursework, teacher assessments of estimated grades and prior attainment as the basis of certification.
Student funding (Scotland)
Also, as part of this statement, Mr Swinney stated that on student funding, the Student Awards Agency Scotland have robust business continuity measures in place to ensure their business services remain functioning. He added that the Scottish Government will endeavour to continue to fund students on time and will keep students updated throughout.
Library resources and services during library closures
We updated you via email earlier today on the provision of digital library services following the closure of our physical libraries. Click here for a reminder.
Further advice
We hope this update helps reassure you that the University is doing everything it can to keep you informed, and that our measures are helping you navigate the challenges presented by coronavirus. Our FAQs are being updated daily but if you have any questions that aren’t answered here please email coronavirus@abdn.ac.uk
Best wishes,
Karl and Ruth
Professor Karl Leydecker | Professor Ruth Taylor |
Chair Coronavirus Steering Group Senior Vice-Principal | Vice-Principal (Education) |