On Tuesday 19 May, a panel of senior members of staff held the latest in a series of Q&As to answer questions submitted by colleagues from across the University.

The panel included the Principal, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli; Dr David Duncan, Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary; Christine Barr, Director of Human Resources; Rachel Sandison, Vice Principal, External Relations; and Ian Campbell, Executive Director of Estates.

 The full video is available on Youtube. We have included timestamps to direct you to specific questions.

The session addressed issues around the financial impact of the crisis on operations and jobs, safety and physical distancing, planning for a return to campus, and plans for the resumption of teaching.

On the subject of finances, the panel spoke about the how the University was working to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on jobs, and the role we are playing in lobbying government for additional support.

Ian Campbell, detailed some measures starting to be introduced to support increasing numbers of staff and students who will be returning to campus over the coming weeks and months, including efforts to procure PPE as well as implementing social and physical distancing measures in buildings and spaces.

Christine Barr encouraged staff to utilise the health, wellbeing and support resources currently online. The panel also noted the need for staff to continue to take annual leave.

On the subject if start dates for the new term, Rachel Sandison confirmed that SMG have agreed that 21 September will be the start date for most UG programmes, whilst there will be a stratified calendar of start dates for PGT courses to allow for travel for the high numbers of international students. More information and FAQs in this area published in due soon.

In an update on graduations, the Principal confirmed that all students will have a graduation ceremony, when the University can accommodate them, but that no decisions have not yet been made about whether Winter Graduations will take place.

First published: 20 May 2020

<< 21 May 2020