The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that life and study for all of us have changed in the UK. We have spoken with Simon Rawstron, Education Services Manager at the School of Maths to understand a bit better what measures have been put in place for students within the School for the new academic year.
What should students expect in September?
For semester 1 and very likely for semester 2, the School will be providing teaching activities online via QMPlus, Blackboard Collaborate, MS Teams, with an option for some campus-based activities for those students who are actually on Campus. Undergraduate modules will typically have 4 online activities per week and at least 2 will have some live online component. Postgraduate modules will typically have 3 online activities per week and at least 1 will have some online live component.
How will the Education Services team at the School of Maths support the students during these unprecedented and challenging times?
From the start of term, the Education Services team will be back on Campus in the School Office, working in teams of two, alternate days. The School will have strict social distancing guidelines in place which we'll all adhere to, but the Education Services team will offer face-to-face, day-to-day, support for students in a wide range of administrative, academic and general areas. We’ll be able to offer advice on timetables, module selection and assessments.
What services will be available to students?
The safety of our students and staff is paramount. The School is aiming to open facilities, with strict social distancing guidelines in place to ensure student and staff safety. Student study spaces will be open, for instance, although with reduced capacity and the need for students to book a desk. Face-to-face chats with the School Office will be by appointment, but the team will be on hand to deal with your queries via a variety of methods online. There will be one-way system signs in operation across the building to enforce social distancing, and sanitisers will be available throughout. Staff and students will need to wear face coverings when moving around the building. Some academics will be back on Campus so students will be able to get advice, should they need it, but they will also be available online to support you in your studies. We will be offering an inclusive blended learning approach, with a mix of campus-based study and distance (online) learning. Our world-class online provision will be supplemented by face-to-face campus-based educational activities. Guidance will follow on how you can use the Maths Building, but we are keen to help you settle into life at the School.