Actions being taken by universities in response to coronavirus

In response to the coronavirus, the way that universities deliver their teaching and other services has changed significantly.

Universities are prioritising student and staff wellbeing by:

• Helping to raise awareness in students and staff of risk factors and symptoms
• Reinforcing public health advice
• Providing students and staff who are self-isolating with clear guidance re: accessing support and care if symptoms persist and worsen.
• Providing students and staff with support regarding additional anxiety as a consequence of the pandemic
• Providing support for any students who may be experiencing harassment related to the pandemic.

Following the most recent guidance and advice, all universities in Wales have paused face-to-face teaching and assessment, and switched to carrying out as many of their functions as possible virtually and remotely.

Some of the measures we have seen across the university sector include:

• Shifting to online delivery of teaching and learning
• Closing the majority of buildings, except those delivering essential services or that hold equipment or research that requires attending
• Advising all students and staff to stay at home, with the exception of key or essential workers
• Postponing spring and summer graduation ceremonies
• Cancelling in-person open days
• Changing assessment arrangements

In all cases we know university staff are working to support staff and students to continue to work and study where it is practical to do so and provide access to resources remotely.

We are not aware of any universities that are planning to close. Most universities cannot fully close as they have commitments to students who live on campus, to certain research that must run around the clock and to maintaining infrastructure and other systems that cannot simply be switched off or left unattended.

Please visit our useful links page for the most up to date information and advice on coronavirus.