Published on 08 January 2021
The University of Sunderland has outlined its teaching plans for the coming weeks in line with recent Government guidelines.
With a new lockdown now announced, the University is asking students to follow the below advice:
Students on the Sunderland campus:
From now,, teaching will be online unless programme leaders advise differently. This is in line with Government guidance and will be reviewed in mid February.
All face-to-face teaching will be restricted to the following subject areas:
- Medicine
- Subjects allied to medicine/health
- Education (initial teacher training)
- Social work
Students are being advised that even if their course is continuing face-to-face teaching because it is in the list above, they should not attend campus unless advised by their tutors.
Even if students are called back to attend campus for face-to-face teaching, or any other reason, they must have:
- self-isolated for ten days, or received a negative lateral flow/PCR test (restricting social contact while awaiting the test results);
- no COVID-19 symptoms;
- not been told to self-isolate through NHS Test and Trace
In terms of testing, students have been informed of how and where to book a test, beginning with those on the above courses. This service will take place on City Campus.
Students enrolled on all other courses will study online only until at least mid-February. This includes students on other practical courses not in the list above.
Unfortunately, there can be no access to any on-campus specialist equipment, facilities, resources or staff during this time for these programmes. All teaching, learning, assessment and academic support will be provided online.
The University is committed to offering the best possible student experience under these very challenging circumstances. Specialist facilities will reopen as soon as the government permits it.
The University also remains strongly committed to the best possible outcomes for students. The principle of a ‘grading safety net’ remains in place. The institution is now consulting with the Students’ Union about current academic regulations. These will be amended to fully take account of this change in circumstances for many programmes and will be published as soon as possible.
Library services - both Murray and St Peter’s libraries remain open on a self-service basis.
In regards to the CitySpace building - Elior will continue to provide a take-away hot and cold food and drinks service in The Studio café.
Prayer spaces – the spaces at City and Sir Tom Cowie campuses are open for individual worship and private reflection.
St Mary’s Childcare Centre remains open for nursery children.