NI students who breach covid guidelines face suspension from university

by Q Radio News

Ulster University and Queen's University students face being suspended if they breach covid-19 guidelines, according to the universities. 

The warning comes following complaints and police reports about house parties in the Holylands area of south Belfast. 

In the early hours of yesterday, police issued seven covid notices to young people flouting guidelines. 

Three prohibition notices were also issued at houses hosting house parties. 

In a statement an Ulster University said from the beginning of term on Monday, students reported for breaching coronavirus guidelines will receive an immediate precautionary suspension. 

They will then have to take part in 'Covid and Good Citizenship Awareness Training'. 

A university spokesperson said, “Ulster University has a clear expectation that every member of our community will actively follow public health guidance at all times, both on and off campus. 

"Anti-social behaviour of any kind, but particularly that which breaches COVID guidelines cannot be tolerated by Ulster University, by the local community or by statutory bodies such as the PSNI or Councils. 

"We continue to work closely with the PSNI and Belfast City Council to support them as they enforce the relevant on-street drinking, noise and anti-social behaviour legislation.

"University enrolment documentation has been extended to make provision for the standards of behaviour expected in the context of COVID 19.  Every student will need to conduct themselves in a way that does not undermine the safety of others and failure to do so will result in a sanction, up to and including expulsion from Ulster University.

"From beginning of term on September 21^st, every student reported for breaching COVID 19 regulations will receive an immediate precautionary suspension.  For those students, the University will deliver ‘COVID & Good Citizenship Awareness Training’ with a compulsory reflective submission must be provided before that suspension may be lifted."

Meanwhile, the President and Vice Chancellor of Queen's University issued a warning to students in a letter ahead of the new term. 

Professor Ian Greer, said that if the university "receives notification of a COVID breach from the PSNI, students will be suspended immediately for two weeks.

He also warned, "For students in professional subjects such as medicine and nursing, it is also important to understand that such breaches may trigger fitness to practice procedures for their future profession.

"This emphasises the importance of a responsible approach, which is in your best interests, both now and in the future."

Full statement from Professor Ian Greer:

https://www.qub.ac.uk/News/Allnews/UniversityStatementAnti-SocialBehaviour.html