Top updates from across the University.
1. The crisis in Ukraine
We understand that the invasion of Ukraine will be distressing for many people in our community and we are here to support you.
Our immediate focus has been on supporting affected students and staff. We have suspended all affected exchange programmes and have been supporting the safe repatriation of all affected students. We value our exchange partnerships but we have a responsibility to act in the best interests of our students and to take decisive action when there are concerns for safety and wellbeing.
We are working closely with students to minimise the impact of any disruption to their studies and to provide alternative placements. Ukrainian and Russian students who have been impacted financially can apply for hardship funding and their applications will be prioritised for assessment and payment.
More information can be found on our dedicated webpage which will be regularly updated: statement on Ukraine
2. Reminder on Covid guidance
At the end of February the First Minister announced that all legal restrictions in Scotland are expected to be lifted from 21 March. We continue to engage with the Scottish Government on the implications of this change for our University and the sector as a whole.
We expect a further update from the First Minister today, following which updated guidance will be made available.
Please continue to follow the guidance that has been circulated previously:
Measures for controlling the risk of Covid-19
General Teaching Rooms Operational Plan
What You Need To Know SharePoint site
3. Learning and Teaching planning assumptions
The publication of the Scottish Government Strategic Framework and discussions that continue between universities and the Scottish Government give us the opportunity to set out our planning assumptions for learning and teaching in the new academic year. We will keep these under review.
We will continue to review the Covid-19 Guiding Principles and supporting guidance. We will also continue our engagement with Public Health Scotland.
We will be working to ensure that contingency plans remain in place and that we are prepared for different scenarios related to the pandemic.
As we finalise the details, these will be published on our What You Need To Know SharePoint site to assist staff with planning, before full details are published on our student webpages: What You Need To Know SharePoint site