Students set for return to Uni

Reassurance given on new term safety measures on campuses

LOUGHBOROUGH University has confirmed its campuses will be operational in October and measures are being put in place to make sure students can study and socialise safely both on and off campus.

Information on the arrangements for the start of term is being communicated to new and returning students and key partners in the local community to provide reassurance that campuses will function in line with government coronavirus guidance for higher education institutions.

Both the London and Loughborough campus operations moved largely online in March when the country moved into lockdown, although a small number of staff continued to support students who were unable to return home.

The university says the academic year was successfully completed in June.

Throughout the summer planning and preparations have been under way to prepare for the easing of lockdown and the reopening of the campuses.

This has included detailed work with partners at Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire Police and Public Health England.

Key features of the arrangements for include:

• Socially-distanced

arrangements.

• A blend of online and

person welcome activities.

• Social distancing measures

for venues such as Loughborough the start of term arrival in

Students’

sports facilities.

• The operation of household

“bubbles” for new students in halls of residence.

• A mix of online and face-toface teaching and learning.

• Use of protective screens,

Union and provision of hand sanitiser and enhanced cleaning regime in all buildings and in-house contract tracing system.

• Social distancing measures in all buildings on campus.

• Provision of advice for students about the need to follow social distancing and government guidance at all times.

Plans have been drawn up to quickly respond to and deal with any local issues to ensure the safety of students, staff and the community are maintained.

Commenting on the work that has taken place over the summer Richard Taylor, chief

operating officer, said: “As lockdown measures have eased, colleagues across the university have worked tirelessly to create an environment on campus that is welcoming but meets all the national guidance to allow us to operate safely.

“We look forward to welcoming our staff, new and returning students back to Loughborough later this year.”

Councillor Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I am pleased to see the steps being taken by the university to make sure students and staff are safe on and off campus. We look forward to welcoming students back and taking one more step towards getting back to the ‘new normal.”

New students will arrive in

Loughborough between Saturday, September 26 and Wednesday, September 30, with the academic year officially beginning on October 5.