Uni vice chancellors outline measures to ensure safe return

A JOINT message from the vice chancellors of Coventry’s two major universities has set out how students and staff will be returned safely to campus.

Thousands of pupils saw their academic year cut short as the country went into lockdown in the spring.

Lectures were moved online while graduation ceremonies for those completing their studies were cancelled amid ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

Now Professor Stuart Croft and Professor John Latham, vice chancellors of the University of Warwick and Coventry University respectively, have outlined how both institutions aim resume studies safely.

Students and staff are expected to return to campuses across Coventry and Warwickshire next month.

Addressing worries over the return, the vice chancellors said: “We understand that you may have concerns around the safe integration of students in our communities and, with that in mind, we want to reassure you that the safety of our students, staff and our regional community is our absolute priority.

“Like all organisations, we’ve been working hard to make our universities as ‘Covid-secure’ as possible. All of our actions align with or go beyond Government advice and we are ready to respond swiftly to public health issues whenever we need to.

“Crucially, we and our Students’ Unions are in regular contact with public health officials, local authorities and the police in Coventry and Warwickshireto ensure a ‘joined up’ approach. We have worked together to develop consistent messages so that all members of our university communities know what they need to do to keep themselves and others safe.”

Steps taken by the universities include the quarantining of students in university-owned accommodation who have travelled from countries where quarantine is required.

Those entering isolation will receive support from their institution for the duration of their quarantine.

Campuses have also seen alterations including one-way systems, new signage designed to keep people two metres apart.

Buildings have also been reconfigured to reduce capacity while increased ventilation and regular deep cleaning will be taking place.

With reduced building capacity, the numbers of students and staff attending each day will be lower than usual and kept to a minimum through reductions in the timetables and home-working where possible. Staff and students have been asked to attend campus only when necessary while lectures will remain online aside from teaching in smaller groups.

Both universities have extended their working days to ensure demand for public transport is spread out across the day. Cycling and walking to campuses has also been encouraged.

Finally, both institutions are working with the NHS with regards to test and trace programmes to identify those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

The vice chancellors went on: “We are fortunate that health is a core subject for both of our universities; we train thousands of health professionals every year, our students work in our local hospitals and they stepped up to help the NHS during the peak of the pandemic.

“We’re experienced in delivering public health messages to ourstudentsso we have excellent support infrastructures already in place, with dedicated health and safety and student support staff as well as existing relationships with public health officials.

“We know everyone is keen to get back to something approaching ‘normal’ as soon as possible. Just as schools need to reopen in the autumn to ensure a generation of children do not suffer, students need to get on with building their futures in our region, where so many people rely on them for their livelihoods.

“That said, we take our responsibility for the welfare of our students, staff and local communities incredibly seriously. We are committed to doing everything we can to minimise risks and make the return of students as safe as possible for everyone.”