Following yesterday's email from the Vice-Chancellor, we have now received a letter from the Minister of State for Universities. This confirms that universities will remain open during the lockdown, which is due to start on Thursday 5 November.
We will continue with the blended learning approach that we have taken to date. The only exception would be if either the students in the group or the staff were unable to continue to come in. At that point we would make local adjustments to ensure that everyone still gets the learning that they need albeit in a different format.
The government is asking students who live in halls not to leave their term time address until 2 December to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.
I know the announcement about a second lockdown has raised understandable anxieties and concerns, with many of you worrying about work, the cost of living and the impact on your health and wellbeing. This is an incredibly challenging time and we will do everything we possibly can to support you over the coming weeks.
How we'll support you
We would like you to continue with your studies as usual, but we recognise there may be times when this may not be possible.
We will be flexible and will provide additional support where you need it. Please speak to your personal tutor or faculty team about any concerns you have in relation to your course.
We will step up what we do to support you in several areas:
- From next week there will be extra study spaces available for you on all three of our campuses
- While our gyms will need to close, our libraries will remain open
- We will be running additional online study skills sessions to provide you with extra opportunities for learning and developing key skills
- We will also be providing more support to our academic staff to provide the best possible online teaching experiences
- We will continue to make information available on Student News, please check the portal regularly
All student services delivered by Greenwich Students' Union will be available online, including a huge range of social clubs, societies and activities. Information is available through GSU and GKSU websites as well as Instagram stories. The GSU Digital tribes will continue to bring together activities too, by students for students.
The Lower Deck on Greenwich Campus will close from Wednesday evening, but The Village Shop at Avery Hill will remain open throughout lockdown, as will Dreadnought in Greenwich and the Deep End at Medway, without bar services.
Please remember that the university's support services are available for you to use. You can find the details of the Student Wellbeing Service and the Students' Union Advice Service on our website.
Financial support
If you have concerns about your financial security, you can apply for our Greenwich Hardship Fund where you will be assessed for financial hardship. Support available includes additional IT equipment if needed.
In addition, new undergraduate students from low-income households will be assessed for our Greenwich Bursary. Further information about financial support is available on our website.
Keep safe and well
When you are on campus it remains essential to observe social distancing and wear face coverings. If you have symptoms of Covid-19 (a new continuous cough or a high temperature or a loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell), have had a positive test result, or are otherwise required to self-isolate, please let the university know.
If you have symptoms of Coronavirus then you must have a Covid-19 test and you and all members of your household must self-isolate until you have a negative test result.
Please take care of yourselves, and each other, and contact a member of university staff if you have any concerns.
Chris Shelley
Director of Student & Academic Services
