University freshers’ weeks ‘different’
University freshers’ weeks will be different this year amid concerns coronavirus could spread quickly among new students, the education secretary has said.
John Swinney said there had been extensive discussions around the return of students when the new academic year begins.
Further guidance for Covid -19 safety in higher education is due to be published today.
Mr Swinney was asked about freshers’ weeks events at the daily corona virus briefing yesterday. He said :“I do have concerns about freshers’ week, and there have been extensive discussions between government, the universities, colleges, student unions and with the NUS (National Union of Students) about the measures we’ve got to put in place to try to ensure that freshers’ week is undertaken in a different fashion to what most students would have experienced over time.
“We have to be conscious of the risks that come from largescale socialisation.”
He said universities would deliver teaching by “blend - ed learning” to reduce the number of students on campus at any one time.
Mr Swinney said: “I understand how exciting and thrilling the prospect of coming to university is for students and freshers’ week is very much par t of the character of that experience.
“But as we have laboured throughout this pandemic, this year is different and it has to be pursued in a safe fashion where we follow guidance and take steps to make sure that everyone is keeping safe.”