By Leah Conway
Mid-March saw Universities suspend face to face teaching along with the closure of other public spaces due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When universities closed many resorted to forms of online teaching, whether it be through Zoom, recorded lectures and PowerPoints, either way, learning and teaching faced a challenge and had to change.
Teaching in September
Some universities such as Cambridge are moving all learning online in the 2020-2021 learning year.
Some are opting to have the first term online and adapt to the situation as the year progresses.
However, most universities are taking a ‘blended learning’ approach. Blended learning is a mix of face to face and online learning.
It is the approach of having things like lectures online but having seminars and tutorials, which involve small groups, to be face to face.
This approach gives universities the mechanisms to be able to move everything online in the face of a second wave but also give students that essential interactive experience too.
The University of Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield is preparing to take a ‘blended learning’ approach. They are currently preparing to welcome back students and staff in September safely.
Will campus be open in September?
To achieve ‘blended learning,’ the University is making plans to be able to welcome staff and students back safely.
They are constantly checking and adapting plans in relation to government guidance.
What steps are being taken?
Preparations for September include implementing: one way systems, enhanced cleaning regimes, new rules for communal areas and learning spaces, hand sanitizer will be available in all buildings, and people must wear facemasks unless you are exempt under government guidelines.
What facilities will be open?
Currently, the library was opened back up on the 10th of August. Opening hours will be limited to summer vacation hours for now.
In addition, there will be limited occupancy and distanced furniture. Along with self-clean stations, one way systems, and limited occupancy on study rooms.
Borrowing books is still allowed, but there will be a quarantine system for returned items. There will also be ‘touched but not taken’ trolleys in which books will quarantine for 72 hours.
Catering outlets on the campus will only be takeaway.
The student shop will be open and adhere to the guides that other shops have been adhering to, i.e. Facemasks.
At the moment, the gym and sports hall will remain closed.
The University of Huddersfield has stated that it will use the NHS track and trace system. They will be complying to its guidelines and will share details when it is necessary and lawful to do so.
What will happen with student accommodation?
The National Code website states that: “In moving into a new house or flat students are forming a new household and therefore social interaction within the household is allowed.
“This means that interactions with others outside of the household must follow the guidance issued in respect of visitors. This will change over time, but social activity with other houses, flats or parents falls under guidance for visitors.”
This is a ‘Bubble scheme’. It is the approach that most universities are taking. However, Leeds Beckett University is considering ‘Study bubbles’ – which is the idea of students living with people on the same course as them.
Accommodations will also be implementing systems such as one way systems, social distancing signage, and phased check-in appointments.
What will Fresher’s Week be like?
Fresher’s week has become a staple of university life, but of course, it will not be the same experience for many Fresher’s this year.
Many universities will be adapting Fresher’s week into a virtual event, some having the odd social distanced event too.
The University of Huddersfield’s Student Union is working on a ‘Welcome Week’. They aim to create events and activities, which will help new students get in contact with each other and classmates.
There will also be a virtual fair in which students can explore the clubs and societies.