University sets out plans for new year

St Andrews University has given the clearest indication yet as to what student life will look like when the new academic year gets under way in September.

In a message sent to staff and pupils, principal Sally Mapstone outlined the plans to take a “blended approach” to teaching, which will involve a mix of traditional, in-person classes, prerecorded content and live, interactive online provision.

Professor Mapstone said: “Wherever possible, we will default to traditional in-person teaching with remote delivery as back-up support for those students who require it.

“Larger classes, typically those in lecture format, will be delivered only online while public health restrictions remain in place.

“All our in-person classes will take place under physical distancing regimens. All our online classes will be recorded so that students can access them later if desired.”

Addressing concerns over the quality of teaching students will get via this approach, Prof Mapstone added: “We are calling this blended approach to teaching in St Andrews ‘dual mode delivery’.

“We will provide teaching this way only for as long as is necessary and as a stepping stone towards a comprehensive return to the traditional approaches to learning and teaching for which St Andrews is renowned.

“All students can expect the same high level of teaching quality, academic attention and support, whether online or in person.”

The university had previously announced the new term would get under way on September 14, with orientation week scheduled to begin on September 7 and halls of residence welcoming back students from August 24.

And Prof Mapstone had informed staff and students that the university was facing a £25 million black hole in its finances due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Professor Sally Mapstone.