The vast
majority of UK universities are
preparing to provide in-person teaching this autumn, a new survey
from Universities UK has revealed.
97% of
universities surveyed* confirmed that they will provide in-person
teaching at the start of term this year, with 78 universities
(87%), also stating that they will offer in-person social
opportunities to students, including outside events and sporting
activities, all in line with government and public health
guidance.
Across the UK,
the survey found that
· 78
(87%) universities are planning to provide in-person sporting,
fitness and wellbeing activities for students in autumn
2020
· The
full range of student support will be on offer at UK universities
– including mental health support; careers advice; study skills.
87 universities (95%) will deliver this using a mixture of online
and in-person services and 5 universities (5%) are planning
to deliver these services online
· Universities
across the UK are consulting with staff and students as they
develop their plans
· 83
(90%) universities have communicated their current plans to
prospective and current students; others will be doing so
imminently
· 75
(82%) universities are working with bars and cafes in the local
community as they develop their plans
Alistair
Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK,
said: “Universities across
the UK are well advanced in their planning to
welcome students this autumn and ensure they can benefit from a
high-quality, full and exciting university
experience.
“Following the
latest health guidelines, universities are continuing to develop
detailed plans for the new academic year and will be regularly
updating new and returning students over the coming
weeks.
“Although their
first term will be different from previous years, most students
can expect significant in-person teaching and a wide range of
social activities and support services. Universities are
committed to providing an engaging academic and social experience
for all while ensuring the safety and welfare of the whole
university community.”
ENDS
Notes
*92
universities responded to this survey. 89 universities are
planning to provide in-person teaching during the autumn 2020
term, the others will provide online
teaching.
1. This
survey includes responses from some institutions which already
under normal circumstances provide a significant proportion of
their teaching and learning
online.
2. EXAMPLES
of in-person teaching, learning, support and activities cited in
the survey include:
· University
of Gloucestershire: “There will be face to face small group
teaching; students will be able to use our specialist facilities
on campus; there will be engagement with personal tutors; we will
continue to provide all of our student services, including
welfare and wellbeing, helpzones;
counselling, libraries and learning support, pastoral care, and
employability and careers
support.”
· University
of Sunderland: “Our Welcome Week activities for new students will
be a combination of in-person and online. We are also hoping to
run sports and other activities.”
· De
Montfort University: “We will work to government and National
Governing Bodies for Sport (NGBs) and UK active on the guidance
they provide to ensure all activities are COVID-19 safe. We plan
on offering as much sport that is possible and a wide range of
physical activity sessions for all abilities.”
