Ulster University preparing for online teaching in September

By Q Radio News

Ulster University’s Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew has today confirmed that the first term of academic year 2020/21 will commence on 21 September with plans to deliver lectures and other teaching online for semester one.  

Some on-campus activities will take place, following a robust local risk assessment and priority will be given to using campus spaces for practice-based learning activities including lab work. 

Staff who can work from home will continue to do so until at least the end of August and after the summer, the University will look to move to a phased, managed return of all staff within public health guidelines and with the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and students as its primary concern. 

In order to actively plan for the return of some campus-based activities, there will be a safe, phased return to campus for some staff in early summer and the University’s People & Culture team will be on hand to inform and support those colleagues through this transition.

Looking further forward, as staff and students return to campus over time, so too will the required support services, staff and contractors come back on site. 

Discussing the plans, Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said: “Throughout the various stages of COVID-19, the physical and mental health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, their families and the wider community has been central to our planning.

"The next academic year will be different, and whilst initially we may not all be together on campus as we once were, I am confident that together we will deliver a safe, vibrant, inspiring and productive time for our new and returning students and our staff. 

“As we move through the next phases, as a University community our plans are designed to ensure maximum flexibility and agility, enabling Ulster to swiftly respond to any changes should official guidance be adjusted.

"At all times we will make sure that every student will receive the academic and pastoral support they need to succeed.”