Student Update- 20 March 2020
Dear Student,
We realise you have received a great deal of information over the last few days and weeks and it may feel like information overload - particularly when the world around us is changing all the time. That is why we thought it would be helpful to provide a reminder of the key messages you have received this week together with some new updates.
Mental health and wellbeing
These are unprecedented times and the pace of this rapid change to daily life will be completely overwhelming for many.
It is important to remember that people all over the world are going through this change at the same time and you are not alone in feeling this way.
Now more than ever we need to ensure we are looking after our mental health and wellbeing. Our support services are available for you in these uncertain times. This can include offering advice on any financial concerns you may be having, concerns about your mental health and other issues that you may be experiencing.
Students struggling with mental health issues can also get free online support with Big White Wall - which is designed to help people get support, take control and feel better. It provides round-the-clock support with trained online counsellors. This service is safe and anonymous, so no one will know you have chosen to use it unless you tell them. If you would like to get support, simply go to Big White Wall and enter your University of Aberdeen email address.
If you have not already done so, we urge you to follow the University’s Student Life Facebook page where you’ll find regular updates, advice and information that could help you during this challenging time.
Social distancing is the term that has been used to describe the strategy to stop the spread of the disease – but this is perhaps not a helpful name for it. While we are being asked to physically distance ourselves, we can still use technology and other communication methods to stay close socially and emotionally and we encourage you to do this.
Alternative Mode of Assessment
We informed you that on-campus exams are not taking place in this academic year (2019/20) and that you will be assessed through alternative methods. We undertook to contact you today with information about the alternative mode of assessment for your exams. Given the extent of the work that has been taking place to support the learning experience, we are still in some cases reviewing the approach to alternative assessment. If you haven’t yet heard from your School, please don’t worry. We will be in touch with you next week with further details.
Student Information Scotland website
The Scottish Government’s new Student Information Scotland website is providing up to date information and advice on coronavirus, tailored for students in further and higher education.
The website is designed for students, parents and carers on matters of education, funding and finance. As well as advice on coronavirus it includes tips and resources to help you manage your finances, key dates for your diary, and advice on transport and accommodation.
AUSA guidance
Just a reminder to keep an eye on AUSA’s Coronavirus pages for guidance on all sorts of issues from events to a reminder about public health guidelines.
Graduation ceremonies
We informed you with much sadness of the decision that we had to take to postpone the summer 2020 graduation ceremonies. 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. To graduate In-Absentia, eligible students should email graduation@abdn.ac.uk to request a form.
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.
Library
As we informed you all libraries on our Aberdeen campuses are now closed. Colleagues in the Library have been working hard to provide additional support for both students and staff – you can see more details here
Travel
As we have urged in previous communications, if you are planning to travel - even in the UK - you should do so without delay. We have been communicating separately with research postgraduate students. Given extensive travel restrictions being imposed around the world we are also accelerating efforts to ensure that all students overseas return to their usual place of residence if it is safe to do, if they have not already done so. Students in this situation are being contacted directly.
Contacting staff
Should you need to contact a member of staff, please use email as your primary method of communication because of our move to home working.
Stay connected
This is an unsettling time for us all but we are here to help you stay connected to the University. We also understand you will have concerns about coronavirus for a variety of reasons, and that being asked to stay at home or avoid other people might feel difficult or stressful.
Please keep a check on our FAQs and Updates for any inform that might provide reassurance and if you can’t find the answer you need please email coronavirus@abdn.ac.uk
Stay safe and best wishes
Karl & Ruth
Professor Karl Leydecker | Professor Ruth Taylor |
Chair Coronavirus Steering Group Senior Vice-Principal | Vice-Principal (Education) |