On-campus teaching set to continue
BOTH Nottingham universities have said they will not stop on-campus teaching at the moment to move entirely to online learning despite coronavirus cases soaring in Nottingham.
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the University of Nottingham started this academic term with a “blended approach” to teaching with lectures and seminars taking place both online and face-to-face where possible.
This is set to continue even though Nottingham is now the fourth worst affected area nationally and although a figure has not been provided by NTU, the University of Nottingham has confirmed that 425 students have tested positive for Covid-19.
Universities in other badly-affected areas - such as the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the University of Sheffield have said they would move to online teaching until at least the end of October.
One of the Nottingham institutions has said it is seeking to continue students’ access to services such as the library and sports facilities, instead of operating entirely remotely.
A University of Nottingham spokesperson said: “The class of 2020 has already faced significant disappointment and disruption to their education, friendships and social life this year during the pandemic and we all knew that as a result this was not going to be an ‘ordinary’ university experience for them.
“The government has asked that Nottingham, alongside all universities reopen our campuses to students to ensure they receive the best possible university experience, albeit in the challenging circumstances that the wider country faces.
“And while putting plans in place to allow this to happen, we have put what is best for our students’ long term wellbeing and happiness at the heart of everything we have done.
“Being on campus in a Covid-secure environment supports students’ education by being part of a community of peers and being able to access our libraries, sports facilities, social activities provided by the Students’ Union and other services.
“With positive cases on campus, and some students being asked to self-isolate, we understand people will feel anxious. However, unlike the majority of universities, our asymptomatic testing is identifying cases ahead of the official statistics that otherwise would remain undetected.”
The Covid rate in Nottingham increased to 496.8 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to October 4, rising dramatically from 94.3 the week before.
An NTU spoksperson added: “NTU is following all Government guidance in relation to this pandemic. The university is undertaking a mix of on-campus teaching and online learning and there are a range of comprehensive and robust safety measures in place across all our campuses.
“NTU – like many other universities – has a number of students who are in self-isolation. We are in contact with all of them regularly and we are providing them with comprehensive advice and support, access to health and wellbeing services and practical assistance.”