Review of regional COVID-19 restrictions and our University operations
11 Dec 2020
The majority of our staff and students will be heading off for a break over Christmas, so we wanted to outline our plans for teaching, learning and research operations for the New Year
It is anticipated the regional restrictions for Greater Manchester (GM) will be reviewed next week, with any change in restriction level taking effect from 19 December.
Irrespective of GM regional restrictions, government guidance requires us to have a staggered return of students between 4 January – 8 February; with limited in-person, on-campus teaching during that period; and an offer of testing for all students. In support of the staggered approach, recommended return dates will vary between programmes and local teams are communicating this detail to students over the next few days. Students will be offered COVID-19 testing slots, in-line with their return.
Students who wish to return to campus for wellbeing reasons or to access libraries and study spaces will also have the flexibility to do so.
From 4 January, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons will operate 24/7 and Main Library will be open from 9am until midnight every day with social distanced requirements and cleaning in place.
This year has taught us that circumstances can quickly change; we are therefore planning on the following basis, but will only be able to confirm final arrangements subject to government guidance at the time.
1. If there are Tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions in GM
We anticipate moving to operate in-line with Department for Education (DfE) Tier 2 guidance, though still observing the government guidance on limited in-person, on-campus teaching for the first five weeks of the post-Christmas period, which would mean no actual change to our operations until 8 February 2021.
This would increase our level of in-person, on-campus teaching (compared to our current provision) from the beginning of Semester 2, provided that this is safe and feasible. Rest assured, however, that our rigorous COVID-19 safety measures will remain in place across campus.
2. If there are Tier 3 COVID-19 restrictions in GM
Our operations will stay as they currently are for the remainder of Semester 1, in line with DfE Tier 3 guidance. There is expected to be a further government review of regional Tier levels in January 2021, and we will continue to plan delivery of Semester 2 teaching from 8 February within DfE Tier 2, while keeping this under close review.
We should therefore be prepared to deliver an increased amount of in-person, on-campus teaching for all programmes, from 8 February 2021. At both Tiers research will continue as it has been doing.
Each faculty and directorate will communicate local arrangements for staff operations on campus at different tiers. Staff who are working from home should continue to do so unless otherwise advised by your manager.
Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students
Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility and Chair of the Campus Management Group