Dear Everyone
Following my message to you all on Monday evening it has become increasingly clear that the severity of the current situation being faced by us all cannot be underestimated. The statements by both the UK Prime Minister and Scottish Government First Minister, the lockdowns across the whole of the UK and the guidance and instruction from the Scottish Government for universities, means that we must make changes now to the on-campus access that we had planned from 11 January 2021.
In making these changes our priority has been the health and wellbeing of all of you and to give you as much clarity and certainty as is possible in this unusual and dynamic situation. How long these changes will have to be in place is unclear but we are continually reviewing how they are working for you and changes in the guidance from the Scottish Government, ensuring we place your needs, safety and wellbeing at the forefront of our decision-making.
We are committed to ensuring you can all successfully complete this academic year and will use all no detriment approaches available to us to ensure that no one is disadvantaged in assessment, progression and completion of their degree.
A more detailed communication will be issued shortly detailing the changes we are putting in place, how everything will work, the range of support available and how you can feedback to us about how it is working, so we can regularly evaluate and make enhancement were we can. What I wanted to confirm with you now is that from Monday 11 January 2021:
- All teaching continues online. There is no requirement for you to be in Glasgow or Forres;
- The Library and Digital Hub will be open for any students who have not changed household during the Winter Break. You should continue to use the booking system via Connect 2 to access.
- The Technical Support Department’s Bureau Service will be open for students. Use the booking system via Connect 2 to access.
And from Monday 18 January 2021 we are opening bookable studio space in the Reid Building available for all GSA students who are in Glasgow and who do not have safe or appropriate workspace at home during lockdown.
We understand and appreciate that this is a challenging, often frustrating and ever-changing situation for all of you. While on-campus access is currently restricted we are continuing to plan to be ready to, when the Scottish Government guidance and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Local Protection levels allow, resume and enhance safe on-campus access as we had planned and discussed with you.
Until then please stay safe, follow the Government instruction across all four nations of the UK and stay at home. If you have already returned or need to return to Glasgow or Forres (to address issues such as mental health concerns, parental estrangement or personal safety), you should follow the Scottish Government advice on quarantine and access the asymptomatic testing that we have made available for you at the University of Glasgow.
Please continue to check your GSA email, GSA Student Intranet and CANVAS on a regular basis for updates.
With best wishes
Penny
Penny Macbeth
Director
The Glasgow School of Art