Autumn Term Arrangements

Following the UK Prime Minister’s announcement on Saturday of further restrictions aimed at managing COVID-19, I want to update you on the University’s response. The Government has said that, from 5th November, people should work from home where possible and that non-essential shops and services should close. Universities will remain open, but we have been asked to consider moving to on-line learning where possible. Following this announcement, the University has reviewed our current plans and COVID secure arrangements and made the following decisions:

• As a result, we have taken a decision that the University will move most teaching to on-line only, with effect from 4th November, until the end of the Autumn Term on 18 December. Only teaching for which a face-to-face component is deemed essential will be delivered in person.
• Academic departments are currently identifying any courses where it is absolutely essential for teaching to delivered face-to-face. If this includes your course you will be informed by 10am on Wednesday, 4th November.
• You will receive an updated timetable to reflect these changes. We will confirm as soon as possible this week when your updated timetable will be available. Your updated timetable will cover the rest of the Autumn Term.
• We are also reviewing what additional support the University can provide for any students who may be particularly disadvantaged by this decision and will provide further information later this week.
• I want to assure you that our campuses will remain open and that we will continue to provide permitted support and services to our campus community. This will include keeping learning spaces open and providing learning support. Bryn Morris, our Registrar and Secretary is currently leading a full review of the services we can continue to deliver on our campuses and we will share information about this with you later this week.

The Government has said that students should not move between their permanent home and student home during term time. We are expecting further guidance on this and we will share this when it is available.

I know this is a very difficult time and we will continue to support you in any way we can. Our Student Services Hub for Colchester, Southend and Loughton will remain open and can provide information on our  support services, including  mental health and emotional support services. The Students’ Union Advice service is also available.

If you need to quarantine and/or self-isolate at any point during the academic year, we have developed a full programme to support you. Please remember to let us know by email to ensure appropriate support can be provided at covid19@essex.ac.uk.