₦airaland Forum

PtBlank:
I got an offer from Salford but undecided about them yet

Tolextonia:
Hello house,

Please just wanna ask If there are any Sheffield Hallam University hopefuls and current students here? Kindly identify please.

Thanks

Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance and support
Part of Education and childcare during coronavirus
Department for Education
Guidance
Higher education: reopening buildings and campuses

Published 3 June 2020

Introduction

The higher education system in the United Kingdom has a world class reputation. During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and with great agility, it has adapted to online teaching and learning, while universities have continued with some activities on campus, especially in their contribution to the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19) and the development of a vaccine.

This document is designed to help providers of higher education in England to understand how to minimise risk during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and provide services to students, keeping as many people as possible self-isolating and out of educational settings if they are symptomatic, practising good hand and respiratory hygiene and keeping 2 metres apart from those they do not live with. We hope it gives you freedom within a practical framework to think about what you need to do to continue, or restart, operations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We understand how important it is that you can work as safely as possible and support the health and wellbeing of staff and students in the current public health emergency. We hope this guidance will help those in settings that are already operating as well as helping people think about how to prepare for the reopening or restarting of premises or activities. This will ensure that providers can demonstrate that campuses are once again ‘open for business’ for forthcoming academic years, while minimising the risk to staff and students.

In the same way that you are making plans for academic year 2020/21, prospective and continuing students will be making important decisions about their academic future. In spite of ongoing uncertainty, it continues to be important that you provide students with the right information at the right time. This includes making prospective and current students aware of any potential for changes at the earliest opportunity. We expect providers to ensure continuing and prospective students receive the clear, accurate and timely information needed to make informed decisions. It is important that consumer protection law obligations continue to be met, including in relation to information provision, terms and conditions, and complaint handling.

We expect higher education providers to be open for academic year 2020/21, although there may be some differences from previous years, reflecting the measures that you are putting in place to ensure that you are minimising the risks to students and staff, in accordance with public health guidelines. This guidance may therefore be updated in future, depending on the scientific advice at that time.

The Office for Students (OfS), the regulator in England, has committed to protecting the interests of students - both domestic and international - throughout the present crisis and has produced guidance on practical ways in which students can complete their studies whilst ensuring quality and standards are upheld. This Guidance for providers about quality and standards during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is clear that standards must be maintained. We are also working closely with the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education to ensure that students continue to leave university with qualifications that have real value, reflect their hard work and allow people to progress.

The key message of the government to the public is clear: we all must stay alert in order to control the virus and save lives. Guidance on how to protect yourself and others can be found at Coronavirus (COVID 19).

The government’s strategy for recovering from coronavirus (COVID-19) is available at The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. This strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a measured way that minimises the risk, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.

How to use this guidance
Higher education providers are autonomous institutions and we expect you to make your own judgements about provision based on the latest public health guidance. This guidance is intended to help you make decisions about how you can make your facilities and other provision available in a way that minimises risks to all students - both domestic and international - and staff, in line with the government roadmap and guidance.

We set out below the range of advice and guidance we expect you to be taking into consideration when making decisions on when and how to reopen your campuses and buildings, as long as that can be done in line with public health advice at the time.

Each HE provider will need to translate this into the specific actions you need to take, depending on the nature of your business, including the size and type of business, and how it is organised and operated.

We expect all providers to set out clearly what provisions you have made to ensure that students and staff can return confident that steps have been taken to reduce the risks to their university experience, in accordance with government guidance. To help you decide which actions to take, you should carry out an appropriate coronavirus (COVID-19) risk assessment, just as you would for other health and safety related hazards.

Principles for higher education provision
Although some buildings and parts of campuses have physically closed in response to the outbreak, education has been ongoing. In considering action to reopen buildings and campuses, we recognise that a great deal of work is currently being undertaken by providers on planning for reopening the higher education estate to staff and students. We encourage all institutions to share practice in order that there is a consistent approach to reopening that puts the health and safety of all students and staff at its heart and also recognises the importance of providing access to the high-quality provision that typifies our HE providers.

We expect that HE providers will take account of the need to avoid disadvantaging:

students or staff who may be shielding or are more likely to be at risk: there is general guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as clinically extremely vulnerable. For students in residential settings (halls of residence or houses of multiple occupation), this guidance on isolation for residential educational settings may be helpful
international students who may have returned home: when reopening settings you should pay particular attention to those international students who have returned home and have been unable to return to the UK. They should not be disadvantaged when it comes to teaching provision, exams and other core elements of the learning experience
all students who may have been released from accommodation contracts and would have nowhere to stay if needed on campus
Higher education provision
Reopening laboratories
We are aware that universities are keen to resume research work quickly. We published guidance on Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), including in laboratories and research facilities. The same considerations might apply to laboratory science teaching as well, if it can be done in a way that reduces risks to those using the facilities.

This guidance includes advice on carrying out a risk assessment to assess the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the need to protect clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals. It points out that the Health and Safety Executive may take action to improve control of workplace risks if needed, e.g. through the issue of enforcement notices to help secure improvements.

Reopening other buildings
It would be for HE providers to assess the risk of opening other buildings and to implement suitable precautions. It may be appropriate to consider reopening low-density buildings first, for example computer laboratories, as a phased way of extending access to the campus while safeguarding the needs of staff and students. Depending on the nature of facilities, the guidance on Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) provides examples appropriate to HE.

Libraries are currently required by law to cease their business during the emergency period (regulation 5(1) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020). However, they are allowed to provide services for orders made via website or on-line communications, telephones and text messaging, and post. You might therefore consider how to make library services available in line with those methods.

Social distancing on campus
In order to determine what level of attendance is appropriate in HE settings and in conducting open days, outreach activity, and the assessment of prospective students on campus, particularly in the forthcoming academic year, you should conduct risk assessments in order to understand:

the number of learners and staff likely to be included in a learning space and whether they can be accommodated as safely as possible
the availability of staff, including contingency plans should individuals be shielding or self-isolating
supporting services required in increasing the number of individuals on-site (for example, catering) and how they can be provided as safely as possible
what measures in addition to those that have already been undertaken during the current lockdown will need to be in place to accommodate additional numbers (including additional cleaning required of spaces and equipment following use)
Settings should implement a range of protective measures including increased cleaning, reducing ‘pinch points’ (such as at the start and end of day), and utilising outdoor space. You may find the general guidance for safe workplaces, particularly managing entrance to, exit from and movement around buildings, as well as signage, a useful resource. Any additional costs would be funded from existing budgets. Staff and students will be eligible for testing if they develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), as will members of their households if they become symptomatic. A negative test will enable staff and students to get back to their education. If they test positive, you will need to take measures to protect other students and members of staff. New workplace guidance on the test and trace programme will be relevant to providers.

We recognise that, for many courses, online teaching and learning is working effectively and has a high degree of learner engagement (while it will also benefit those who are not able to physically attend, for example those with family members who are shielding). You should identify the appropriate mix of online and face-to-face content for each subject, reflecting what will maximise learning as well as supporting more vulnerable learners, and enabling the provider as a whole to minimise transmission risk.

Certain types of course, for example in the performing arts, have involved a degree of practical face-to-face teaching and assessment. Some providers have found alternative methods during the current period of lockdown. You might consider how to encourage new ways of delivering in-person teaching and assessment that adhere to guidelines on social distancing, so that all students can receive a high-quality educational experience in a way that protects both students and staff.

Some providers will have programmes designed for “elite” athletes (for example, who are on elite development pathways). In such cases, the guidance on returning to training for elite sport will be of relevance.

In considering allowing people back onto campus, you should take account of public health guidance on staying safe outside one’s home and in public spaces. The public health guidance is to avoid crowds and maintain safe social distancing. Providers will find relevant guidance at:

Staying safe outside your home
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
Risk assessments
As part of the process of opening up buildings and campuses to staff and students, you should produce risk assessments for both working and communal environments, which will vary significantly based on the needs and circumstances of individual institutions. We encourage HE providers to share examples of best practice.

Transport
Transport will be important for students, and for many staff, who need to travel to the campus. Providers may also arrange transport. You will therefore want to have regard to the guidance for passengers and operators. The current advice is to avoid public transport where possible or to take precautions where social distancing is not possible:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
International students and social isolation
Institutions and students will need to have regard to guidance that relates to residents or visitors travelling to the UK, who will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and complete a contact detail declaration from 8 June.

Students will also need to have regard to pre-existing transport guidance to ensure that they are safely travelling from their entry port to their accommodation (see further advice on using transport safely above). While it is for institutions to decide how they support international students, we believe it is important that you make every effort to welcome them to the UK and your responsibilities should start as soon as a student lands, if not before.

Similar to the advice provided for students - both domestic and international - who isolated during the lockdown, you are responsible for ensuring students are safe and well looked after during the 14 day self-isolation period. Existing guidance is available at isolation for residential educational settings.

You should also consider the needs of students, including international students, who may be suffering hardship or be without the ability to travel as a result of the outbreak.

Accommodation
In advance of the next academic year, you will want to prepare accommodation for students. Some of this accommodation has been used for housing students who were not able to go to family homes during lockdown. Where students have contracted coronavirus (COVID-19) while in student accommodation, rooms and other facilities will need to be cleaned, following guidance on cleaning non-healthcare settings.

DfE has issued guidance for students and providers about how students may safely collect belongings left in student accommodation in a safe and managed way.

Guidance published on moving homes may also apply to students collecting belongings to move to other accommodation and also students moving into accommodation in the new academic year. The moving home guidance sets out specifically that “moving home” is now a valid reason to leave home. Point 6 in this guidance “Moving your belongings” also sets out protocol for those moving home/ moving belongings.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance on consumer contracts, cancellation and refunds affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). This sets out the CMA’s view on how the law operates to help consumers understand their rights and help businesses treat their customers fairly. Students may be entitled to refunds from accommodation providers depending on the terms of their contract and their particular circumstances. If students need help, organisations such as Citizens Advice offer a free service, providing information and support.

Staff and student wellbeing
Student mental health and suicide prevention are priorities for this government. Minister Donelan wrote to the OfS in March to highlight a need to focus on mental health and wellbeing across HE.

We continue to work closely with the HE sector to promote good practice and support students and providers during the outbreak. HE providers are autonomous bodies, independent from government and have a responsibility to support students with mental health conditions. It is for you to determine what welfare and counselling services you need to provide to your students to offer that support. You are experts on your own student population and, therefore, best placed to identify the needs of your student body.

We recognise that many students are facing additional mental health challenges due to the disruption and uncertainty caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We have worked closely with the OfS to help clarify that providers can draw upon existing funding to provide hardship funds and support disadvantaged students impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). You are able to use the funding, worth around £23 million per month for June and July, towards student hardship funds, including the purchase of IT equipment, and mental health support, as well as to support your access and participation plans.

There may be a need for continuing support as campuses start to reopen and the protective measures to keep people safe while away from home take on even greater importance. There is guidance on mental health and wellbeing at COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing.

Legal responsibilities of providers in taking steps to reopen
Providers already have duties of care towards staff and students, including under the Health and Safety at Work Act and Equality Act 2010. Providers will need to continue to comply with those obligations.

gsk4reality:
Yes they requested for my transcript.
I have a copy with me for these kind of applications.

Hubbysluv:
@justwise and other gurus here please help me clarify this.

My husband will be my dependant, and he is the one sponsoring me. Will they ask me questions about the money in my account or how i was able to make such money?

Also do i need to include my husband business document or bank statement apart from the total money in my account when submitting his application because i am confuse or just our marriage certificate, chats, pictures etc.

Amylew:
Looks like most schools want to hear from the students and gauge their plans before deciding whether to go fully online or not at all.

Two of the 6 schools I applied to lol, Birbeck and Nottingham Trent University sent me mails to do survey and win a chance to win 50 pounds and 100 pounds respectively.

The questions centred on how important is library facilities, how important is online classes, what is my financial capacity, has anyone had corona in my house had corona, have I had it or symptomatic, am I high risk, is one in one teaching important, do I plan to defer, will corona affect my plans to school? etc.

pittoilet:
Guys I just remembered something and want to know if it will affect my visa application.

My bachelor degree certificate is laminated.

Will it affect my application?

pittoilet:
Guys I just remembered something and want to know if it will affect my visa application.

My bachelor degree certificate is laminated.

Will it affect my application?

ELff:
Please does name arrangement on certificate affect ones application?

For instance if a name is arranged on all documents as Aisha Deola Okoro but the BSc certificate carries Deola Aisha Okoro, would this affect me though I have conditional offers already.

But this has been bordering me for quite a while now.

sherilycious:
Please i want to apply for Food science and Biotechnology, please i want to know if its a lucrative course in the UK. My Bsc is in Biochemistry.

SnowdropO:
Hello. Anyone here gotten admission from University of Nottingham?

prittian:
Nottingham trent university, it's in the neighborhood

justwise:
You don't need to worry about your husband's bank statement, if asked tell them that your husband is the sponsor

beautyfoch:
Good morning guys.

If a student puts to bed while studying, can she apply for her mum to come over and assist with the baby? No, unfortunately mum is not considered as dependent

If yes, what type of visa will be issued to the mum and what's the duration? Mum can apply for a visit visa, but she cannot live in the U.K.. She can only visit for a short period of time. There’s 6 months visa, 2 years visa, 5 years visa & 10.
What of the student’s partner? Is he/she unavailable to help with the baby?

beautyfoch:
Ok. Thank you

The couple have 2 Kids and the husband intends working and assisting with the kids while the wife studies. So it's gonna be a bit stressful when the baby arrives.

Another question please, will the baby be eligible for citizenship by birth? How does it work in the UK?

beautyfoch:
Ok. Thank you

The couple have 2 Kids and the husband intends working and assisting with the kids while the wife studies. So it's gonna be a bit stressful when the baby arrives.

Another question please, will the baby be eligible for citizenship by birth? How does it work in the UK?

beautyfoch:
Good morning guys.

If a student puts to bed while studying, can she apply for her mum to come over and assist with the baby?

If yes, what type of visa will be issued to the mum and what's the duration?

vester2020:
Good day house, I got an admission to the University of Aberdeen last year but I deferred it till this academic session. I was glad to hear the announcement late last year about the 2year Post study work visa. Please I would like to know if it has been implemented?!. Thank you

LagosismyHome:
Citizenship by birth in UK can occur in either
1. If at least one parent has Indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship

2. The child gets to 10 years and has always lived in UK. Then regardless of the parents nationality Or status. That child can apply for citizenship based on been born in UK and have lived here for 10 years

mimilyrics:
It is scheduled to launch next year for students who have successfully completed a course of study in any subject at undergraduate level or above at an approved UK Higher Education Provider at the time. This includes the 2020/21 intake of students.

adeniyy01:
Good day house, i humbly appreciate all good advice here, @ prince, u've done well. I heeded to your advise nd i ve gotten offer from four uni now. Thanks

House kindly help me out, i have problem of choice
,
I have my offer in:

University of Chester with £10,450, deposit 3k (Msc Management)

University of Hertfordshire with £12500, deposit 5k ( msc Management)

University of Stirling with £12950, deposit 2k ( Business and Management)

Robert Gordon University with £13000 deposit £4420 ( Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship)

The issue is my pocket.

Please who knows better about this schools, the state, cost of living, student jobs status, nd so on.

I will really appreciate your candid advice.

Thanks.