Update 2: 8 July 2020
Between June 2020 and the start of Academic Year 2020-2021, which will commence as planned on 14th September 2020, the GSA said it would update students every two weeks with more detail on how the academic programmes and the campus will operate during Semester 1.
Although programmes will commence as planned on 14th September 2020 and students should enrol as normal, the GSA recognises that some students will be unable to be in Glasgow or Altyre for the start of the Academic Year. Plans for how programmes will be delivered are being designed to accommodate this, with a combination of studio, on-campus, in-city and digital working, allowing students to commence studies remotely and join us when able to during Semester 1.
Updates on our Plans
Re-enrolling as a returning student
The GSA wants students to be able to re-enrol as soon possible. Information will be sent from Registry (registry@gsa.ac.uk) to enable this.
Enhanced Digital Access
Enrolled students at the GSA for Academic Year 2020 – 2021 will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Zoom, allowing them both to attend and host meetings, so they can work collaboratively with fellow students and maintain connections and community with fellow students wherever in the world they may be.
Information on how to access Adobe Creative Cloud and Zoom will be posted on the GSA Student Intranet.
Students also have access to InfosmART, the GSA’s portfolio of online interactive modules in information and research skills, specifically designed for creative practioners; the GSA Library’s online resources; the digital resources within Archives and Collections; and the GSA’s Exhibitions Department. Enterprise Studio also has a range of resources and points of connection which can be accessed both digitally and in person.
Connecting with Programmes
Details of how programmes will run in September are still being worked out. It is important that the GSA adopts an approach which maximises the opportunities for digital delivery alongside maintaining studio, workshop, library and other student-facing access (while adhering to Government guidance on social distancing and any restrictions which may be in place in September).
The GSA recognises that studying here is as much about your learning and teaching as being within a highly concentrated, creative community of students and staff. This has always been incredibly important and will continue to be so.
As the GSA finalises plans for programmes, Programme Leaders are holding digital “drop-in” sessions for students who want to talk about September. Sessions will be announced locally and be emailed directly to GSA student email accounts.
Safe Campus
The Estates Team, with Programme Leaders and other staff from across the School, are working on ensuring that the GSA campuses are adapted as required to meet the Government guidance on social distancing and changes to academic programmes to accommodate this.
Information on GSA plans for a Safe Campus will be posted on the GSA Student Intranet as they develop and the GSA has also published early information on the GSA website.
In the 24 June update the work the city is also doing to ensure Glasgow is a safe city for everyone – including students was highlighted. The Spaces for People programme is moving forward apace with new cycle routes popping up across key active travel routes.
Getting to Glasgow
For some students returning to Glasgow from outside the United Kingdom and Ireland some travel restrictions remain in force. This situation is changing on a regular basis and we are keeping ourselves up-to-date with it including any requirement for students to quarantine on arrival in Glasgow.
The GSA is developing specific plans and guidance on quarantine, which will be developed in line with the UK higher education sector, and will keep students who may be impacted by this fully informed. We are also exploring with our sister universities across Scotland on how we might be able to support students to get to Glasgow, particularly from places like China where travel costs and flight availability may continue to be an issue.
Accommodation
It is important students have somewhere to stay arranged and in place before they arrive in Glasgow. Information on accommodation including GSA halls and private sector accommodation can be found on the GSA website.