Message from the Vice-Chancellor: email on 12 March

Dear student,

We are seeing an increase of cases of Covid-19 in the UK and Europe, and current indications are that we will be facing the implications of coronavirus over an extended period of weeks, if not months. Although, at the time of writing, there are no cases of coronavirus either at the University, or indeed in Bath and North East Somerset, we must plan effectively for that eventuality.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the positive and calm way in which you have continued to look after yourselves and each other. It is entirely understandable that we will have concerns, particularly about anyone, including family and friends, who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

For the majority of those who will get the illness, we know the symptoms will be quite mild, like a cold or the flu. We also know that the virus primarily affects those with underlying health conditions, such as respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems, so I would encourage people who feel they are at risk to be especially careful in following public health guidelines. Of course, anyone with immediate health concerns should contact NHS 111.

It is by both individual action on infection control and hygiene, and by collective endeavours in taking care of one another, that we will succeed in tackling this outbreak over the months to come.

Secondly, I would like to say a word about how the University is planning and what actions we are taking at this time.

A University management team is meeting daily, closely monitoring official advice and planning for a number of eventualities with colleagues throughout our organisation. The efforts of our front-line staff, including our cleaners, who have stepped up the cleansing of surfaces using anti-viral products, will be reassuring to many in our community.

We are updating our dedicated information page for students on a regular basis. As you would expect, we are following official advice from the Government, NHS and Public Health England. I would encourage you to continue to check this page for guidance, where you will also find information about support available from the University for students who may need to self-isolate.

On the issue of travel, we understand this is a complex area and that some of you are making the decision about whether or not to travel to see family in different countries over the Easter holiday. The decision whether to travel outside the UK for personal reasons is one that only individuals can make. However, we ask that you are mindful of the potential for travel disruption and possible travel restrictions that may be imposed either in country or on your return. With this in mind, please ensure you are keeping up to date with Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice and information from Public Health England.

Finally, looking ahead to the next few weeks, we are working hard to prepare for possible further disruption to University life, including to teaching. We are putting contingency plans in place, in case we must move teaching of lectures online in the near future, or put in place alternative methods of assessment.

I would like to stress that we want to ensure you receive the education you deserve and we will be working very hard over the next few weeks to make that happen in a safe and effective way. We will, of course, keep you updated about any decisions in this area as this work progresses.

The UK Government’s emergency committee, Cobra, has met today. The University will closely monitor official advice and we will continue to update you via e-mail and our web pages.

Whilst the University is taking every step we can, none of us can foresee the exact course of events over the weeks ahead. However, what is within our control is how we respond and how we support one another. As a strong, inclusive community, I am confident that the kindness and support I see students display on a daily basis will help see us through the uncertainty ahead.

With best wishes,

Professor Ian White Vice-Chancellor and PresidentMessage from the Vice-Chancellor: email on 12 March Dear student,

We are seeing an increase of cases of Covid-19 in the UK and Europe, and current indications are that we will be facing the implications of coronavirus over an extended period of weeks, if not months. Although, at the time of writing, there are no cases of coronavirus either at the University, or indeed in Bath and North East Somerset, we must plan effectively for that eventuality.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the positive and calm way in which you have continued to look after yourselves and each other. It is entirely understandable that we will have concerns, particularly about anyone, including family and friends, who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

For the majority of those who will get the illness, we know the symptoms will be quite mild, like a cold or the flu. We also know that the virus primarily affects those with underlying health conditions, such as respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems, so I would encourage people who feel they are at risk to be especially careful in following public health guidelines. Of course, anyone with immediate health concerns should contact NHS 111.

It is by both individual action on infection control and hygiene, and by collective endeavours in taking care of one another, that we will succeed in tackling this outbreak over the months to come.

Secondly, I would like to say a word about how the University is planning and what actions we are taking at this time.

A University management team is meeting daily, closely monitoring official advice and planning for a number of eventualities with colleagues throughout our organisation. The efforts of our front-line staff, including our cleaners, who have stepped up the cleansing of surfaces using anti-viral products, will be reassuring to many in our community.

We are updating our dedicated information page for students on a regular basis. As you would expect, we are following official advice from the Government, NHS and Public Health England. I would encourage you to continue to check this page for guidance, where you will also find information about support available from the University for students who may need to self-isolate.

On the issue of travel, we understand this is a complex area and that some of you are making the decision about whether or not to travel to see family in different countries over the Easter holiday. The decision whether to travel outside the UK for personal reasons is one that only individuals can make. However, we ask that you are mindful of the potential for travel disruption and possible travel restrictions that may be imposed either in country or on your return. With this in mind, please ensure you are keeping up to date with Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice and information from Public Health England.

Finally, looking ahead to the next few weeks, we are working hard to prepare for possible further disruption to University life, including to teaching. We are putting contingency plans in place, in case we must move teaching of lectures online in the near future, or put in place alternative methods of assessment.

I would like to stress that we want to ensure you receive the education you deserve and we will be working very hard over the next few weeks to make that happen in a safe and effective way. We will, of course, keep you updated about any decisions in this area as this work progresses.

The UK Government’s emergency committee, Cobra, has met today. The University will closely monitor official advice and we will continue to update you via e-mail and our web pages.

Whilst the University is taking every step we can, none of us can foresee the exact course of events over the weeks ahead. However, what is within our control is how we respond and how we support one another. As a strong, inclusive community, I am confident that the kindness and support I see students display on a daily basis will help see us through the uncertainty ahead.

With best wishes,

Professor Ian White Vice-Chancellor and President