UCL announces changes to teaching in light of Covid-19
Isobel Helme reports on the changes to study that UCL students will be facing next academic year due to Covid-19.
On 1st June a statement from Vice Provost Professor Anthony Smith confirmed that UCL will reopen on 28th September, but that the campus will “look and feel different from previous years as we adapt to living, working, and studying through the global coronavirus pandemic”.
The statement explained that, in accordance with UK Government guidance and expertise from UCL researchers in health, education, human behaviour, and infection prevention, a range of measures will be implemented to protect staff and students. These measures will include face coverings, deep cleaning the buildings, and implementing a one-way system onsite. Students will also be encouraged to check their temperatures at least daily, and to use soap and hand sanitisers provided on campus.
The statement detailed that online lectures will be offered, as well as interactive sessions both online and in person. Furthermore, social-distancing requirements permitting, small group seminars, lab practicals, and studio work will take place. For those unable to travel to campus, alternative content will be made available online, and libraries, including the Student Centre, will be open.
According to UCL, “Our flexible approach, which will be in place for Term 1, will also allow us to respond to the latest developments and official guidance. We will review our plans as the academic year progresses to ensure you receive the best education and university experience”.
Prior to the statement, members of the UCL community faced uncertainty about the upcoming academic year. UCL students spoke to Pi News about the lack of clarity provided by the university, with questions ranging from accommodation, tightly packed transport systems, fees, and the feasibility of online lectures.
Third year student Gabriel Roberts said: “Before the statement was released, the lack of information from UCL was really unhelpful, but I do understand that it's hard to predict what the pandemic will be like in a couple of months' time. Although we're yet to receive exact information tailored to specific courses, I think it's a positive sign that UCL has now clarified how we can expect teaching to be carried out in the autumn.”
“As I'm going into my final year, I'm grateful that libraries will be allowed to reopen as studying at home without those resources has been much more difficult. While I can now start to think about whether I'll live in London in September, I am slightly worried for the people who don't have a choice in the matter, like international students and those who need shielding. I’m also concerned about whether the alternative teaching will be an adequate substitute for the sessions in person.”
Despite the statement, students who are set to take a year abroad are still facing disruption. According to The Tab, some year abroad students have had their placements cancelled due to host universities calling off teaching. An email sent to those due to set off for a year abroad explained that Virtual Learning and delaying placements are being considered as alternatives. The email also advised students hold off on applying for Student Finance for the time being, due to a lack of clarity concerning future circumstances.
Shakhin Zamani, a second year French and German student, told Pi News, “It’s been a disappointment to say the least. We are uncertain, confused, and scared for our futures. We get drip fed very little information and there is a lack of communication, ensuring a chaotic preparation for arguably the most important year of a Modern Languages degree.”
UCL was amongst the 74 universities across the country to be affected by the UCU strike action, which saw 14 strike days take place over four weeks between Thursday 20th February and Friday 13th March. A second year Philosophy student commented: “With classes next year taking place online, then combined with the strikes, I will have had only the first year-and-a-half of my three-year degree properly take place, with the rest of it either being online or having been called off due to the strikes. Given everything that is happening, it seems a rather selfish thing to complain about, but it still really annoys me that I will have paid the full fees.”
The full statement from UCL concerning the next academic year can be found here, and a statement from Students’ Union UCL can be found here.