Monthly Archives: December 2020

Spring return update for staff – 31 December 2020

[05.01.2021 Please see latest update following the announcement of a third national lockdown which supersedes the 31 December update.]

From Alison Ross-Green, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development.

Dear Colleague,

I hope you have had an enjoyable and restful winter vacation.

You will be aware that the Government announced yesterday a further tightening of COVID-19 restrictions in England as result of the rising infection rates.

As part of these restrictions, the Government has requested that universities delay the return of the majority of students to campus after the winter vacation. The Government has stressed that university campuses are regarded as COVID-safe and this is simply an effort to reduce the number of people traveling across the country at this time.

This means that we have asked students not return to campus or to their term time address for the start of term unless they are studying medicine or social work or fall under the following exemptions including

being an international student who is unable to make reasonable adjustments to their travel arrangements
not having access to appropriate study spaces or facilities in their current location
requiring additional support, including mental health support
being on a placement where the provider is permitted to open under the current restrictions
being a postgraduate student and requiring specialist facilities for their work

You can read the email we are sending to students online.

The start of term remains 18 January 2021, and we have been asked by the Government to ensure that all teaching is online for the first few weeks. Students have been told that they are expected to attend all timetabled sessions.

While the latest position replaces previous plans for a staggered return to campus, I hope that the preparations that have already been made to move teaching online for the start of term will mean that we can comply with the Government’s recommendations without increasing workloads.

We have been informed that the return to campus will be paused at least until the week commencing 25 January. The Government will review this decision in the week commencing 18 January. We will update you shortly after.

We will continue to offer asymptomatic COVID testing for staff and those students who have to return to their term time address. Please be assured that there will be sufficient booking slots available for all those who need them once we are all back on campus.

University staff who are needed on campus to provide essential services continue to be regarded as essential workers and can travel to and from work. Please ensure you carry University ID (such as your Kent One card) on your commute. If you are working on campus, we strongly recommend that you book an asymptomatic COVID test on campus if you have not already done so,

I also wanted to flag that we are aware that that some staff will be impacted by the delayed reopening of schools in Kent. I would like to reassure you that the University has measures in place to support staff during times such as this and to ensure that your pay is protected as far as possible if you are unable to work due to the impact of COVID. If you are affected, please liaise with your line manager as soon as possible.

We will continue to keep in touch with staff and students over the next few weeks as we develop our plans in response to this latest change and will update the staff coronavirus webpages with new information as it becomes available.

My best wishes to you and your family.

Yours sincerely

Alison

Alison Ross-Green | Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Spring return update for students – 31 December 2020

[05.01.2021 Please see latest update following the announcement of a third national lockdown which supersedes the 31 December update.

01.01.2021 Please note – we have now received a letter to all students from Michelle Donelan MP, Minster of State for Universities which accompanies the update below.]

From Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience.

Dear Student,

I hope you have had an enjoyable and restful winter vacation.

You will be aware that the Government announced yesterday a further tightening of COVID-19 restrictions in England as result of the rising infection rates.

As part of these restrictions, the Government has requested that universities delay the return of the majority of students to campus after the winter vacation. The Government has stressed that our campuses are regarded as COVID-safe and this is simply an effort to reduce the number of people traveling across the country at this time.

This means that, if you left your term time address for the vacation, you should not return to campus or to your term time address for the start of term unless you:

are studying medicine or social work
are an international student who is unable to make reasonable adjustments to your travel arrangements
do not have access to appropriate study spaces or facilities in your current location
require additional support, including mental health support
are on a placement where the provider is permitted to open under the current restrictions
are a postgraduate student and require specialist facilities for your work.

If you have remained on campus over the vacation, please be assured that we will continue to provide our vacation facilities at both Canterbury and Medway. I would encourage you to stay on campus as much as possible. If you have not already done so, it is strongly recommended that you book an asymptomatic COVID test at one of the campus-based sites at Canterbury or Medway.

If you are a commuting student, please do not come to campus unless the above exceptions apply to you.

If you are among those who need to return to campus, you are strongly advised to take a COVID test before making the journey back to your term time address, if asymptomatic testing is available to you locally. If this is not possible, please self-isolate on arrival for 10 days, or until you are tested on campus.

The start of term remains 18 January 2021, and all teaching will be provided online for the first few weeks of term. You will be expected to attend all timetabled sessions.

This latest position replaces our previous plans for a staggered return to campus that I communicated to you before Christmas.

Whenever you return to campus, asymptomatic COVID testing will be available at both Canterbury and Medway and I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this as soon as possible on your return. If you have already made a booking but your return to campus is delayed it would be very helpful to staff if you could cancel that session. Please be assured that there will be sufficient booking slots available for all those who need them once we are all back on campus.

I will continue to keep in touch over the next few weeks as we develop our plans in response to this latest change. I know you will have many questions over this current situation, and we will update the website with new information as it becomes available.

We will be running a Web Chat on 6 January 2021 during which we will answer your questions about these latest changes as well as any others about the Spring term. The booking form is now open so please do sign up.

I realise this is not the news you may have wished to hear. Our priority remains to keep you and our community safe while still providing the highest quality teaching and student experience.

We know that this is a worrying time, and we are here to support and advise you wherever you may be. If you have any concerns or queries, please check our student Coronavirus webpages or email CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk and we will respond as soon as possible.

My very best wishes to you, your friends and your family.

Yours sincerely

Richard

Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

Scenic walks in Canterbury

Kent Union has published a guide to some of Canterbury’s most scenic routes for you to explore with a friend.

From local walks a stone throw away from the campus to scenic routes near the City Centre and a footpath that takes you through to Chartham – you are spoilt for choice.

There is also Marlowe’s Canterbury Walk. The aim of this walk is for you and one friend to explore the life of Christopher Marlowe, who is Britain’s best known playwright. The route takes you on a journey around the heart of Canterbury, visiting places he would have known, and offering an insight into his life.

Download the guide to find a route that suits you.

Photo credits: Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

Update on Tier 4 Covid-19 restrictions

From Alison Ross-Green | Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

As you will know, the Government has placed Kent in Tier 4 which means that all of those living in the county are subject to tightened Covid-19 restrictions.

Under the guidance, all those who are working at home should continue to do so. If your agreed way of working is on campus, please continue to come into work as usual as those who work in universities are classified as essential workers. We suggest that you carry your Kent One card (or equivalent University ID) with you as you travel to and from work.

The health and wellbeing of our staff and students continues to be at the forefront of our decision-making and we continue to follow government and public health advice. At present, there is no indication that being in a regional Tier 4 means we have to restrict the services we are currently offering on campus, but we are seeking further advice on this from our local public health team. We will update you as soon as we have a response.

The regional tiers will be reviewed by the Government on 30 December 2020, and we will further update you shortly after that date as well. Existing Government guidelines indicate that plans for a staggered return to campus after the Christmas vacation will remain in place along with the offer of asymptomatic testing for staff and students on both Canterbury and Medway campuses from 4 January 2021.

Meanwhile, we are aware that some of you who are working on campus may experience delays and disruption to your normal road journey to work due the closure of the Port of Dover, which has led to increased traffic on some key roads.

We are bringing forward the implementation of the Brexit Short Term Travel and Pay Policy to cover this situation. Under this policy, you will be expected to attend work in the normal way during any period of disruption and make all reasonable efforts to identify alternative travel routes. If agreed by your line manager, the University will consider claims for reasonable additional expenses if you have to use public transport instead of your normal road journey. If you are unable to get to work, please notify your line manager as soon as possible.

Once again, I thank you for your continued support at this challenging time,

Best wishes,

Alison Ross-Green | Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Tier 4 restrictions – student update

As you will know, the Government has placed Kent in Tier 4 which means that all of those living in the county are subject to tightened COVID-19 restrictions.

I am writing to let you know that, if you have not yet travelled home for Christmas, we have now had Government confirmation that you are still able to do so. This is the case whatever tier your family home is in.

Once you are home, you will be counted as part of your family household.

You will also be aware that additional travel restrictions are in place for those seeking to travel to and from the UK. If you are planning to travel outside of the UK, please check whether your plans will be affected by this.

If your plans have to change and you are not able to travel home, please be assured that we will be here to support you over the vacation period. We will also update the Student Coronavirus webpages later today with more information about Tier 4 restrictions and what they mean for those of us living in affected areas.

The Government will be reviewing the current situation on 30 December and we will update you shortly after.

Existing government guidelines indicate that plans for a staggered return to campus after the Christmas vacation can remain in place along with the offer of asymptomatic testing for students and staff on both Canterbury and Medway campuses from 4 January 2021.

Whether you are at home for the vacation or remaining at your term-time address, we are here for you. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk.

Thank you for working together to keep our University community safe.

University end-of-term update

From Vice-Chancellor and President Karen Cox and Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience

On behalf of all University staff, we would like to wish you, your families and loved ones a happy Christmas and best wishes for the festive season.

This has been an incredibly challenging year for many. However, here at Kent, there have been some wonderful examples of the student community supporting each other and working together to achieve great successes during these difficult times.

As we approach the end of 2020, we feel it is important to recognise your hard work, tenacity and willingness to adapt. We know how much our staff have appreciated your support and the way you have coped so well with the challenges you have faced as a result of COVID.

Thanks to a huge effort from many staff from across the University, and amid some very negative press reports relating to students’ return to campuses nationally, we have had relatively low numbers of cases of COVID-19 amongst our students and staff. This is a massive credit to you for the steps you have taken to help keep our communities safe.

Looking ahead to 2021, we feel optimistic that we will return to a more normal way of life in the not-too-distant future. It will be wonderful to see you able to engage fully in all aspects of University life once more.

Staff from across the University are busy planning for your return in Spring. There will be a wealth of events, activities and opportunities for you to develop your skills and to connect with other students. Please check out our Safe, Study, Social site for all we have planned and how we are improving your experience at Kent.

In your academic school, staff have been listening to your feedback and developing in the areas you care about most. This includes improving their systems for online teaching and ensuring you can access the resources and guidance you need to support your learning.

We will be running a Web Chat on 6 January 2021, during which we will answer all your questions about Spring term; the booking form for this is now open so please do sign up. There are lots of different events taking place next year, so make sure you check out the University’s Events Calendar.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Kent and for the start of the new Spring term on 18 January 2021.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year.

Karen & Richard

Professor Karen Cox | Vice-Chancellor and President

Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

Asymptomatic testing and spring return update

From Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience

I want to let you know about asymptomatic Covid-19 testing arrangements for the New Year. Asymptomatic testing is specifically designed for people who are not displaying symptoms of Covid-19. Please note that if you do have symptoms of Covid-19 you should follow our Isolate Test and Inform procedure for staff and book a PCR test via the NHS Coronavirus website.

For appointments at Canterbury please book via the University’s booking system. Tests are available from 5 January 2021.
For appointments at Medway please book your appointment via the Medway Council website. Tests are available now and you may book up to 7 days in advance so bookings for next term can be made in the New Year.

Please note you should avoid close contact with others before you are tested and until you have received your second test result.

In accordance with Government guidelines, we are recommending to students that they are tested before they attend their first face-to-face teaching session. To facilitate this, students are being provided with a recommended arrival and testing window.

We know this will not be convenient for all and we will support them whatever their travel arrangements and intended arrival date back to University.

Postgraduate students may of course return to campus to use specialist facilities whenever required. However, if possible, they should be tested before accessing laboratories.

If you have any problems with the University’s Asymptomatic Testing booking system, please email AsymptomaticBookings@kent.ac.uk.

For other questions about Covid-19 related health, welfare and support issues please check our Coronavirus webpages or email StaffWellbeing@kent.ac.uk.

Best wishes

Richard

Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

Canterbury asymptomatic testing and spring return update

From Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience

I am emailing to let you know that the booking system is now open for you to reserve appointments at our Asymptomatic Testing Site (ATS) on the Canterbury campus in the New Year.

Tests will be available between 5 January and 7 February 2021. Please note you should only book your testing appointments once you have reviewed your Spring timetable which is now available.

Please note – if your term address is nearer the Medway campus, you should consider arranging your tests at Medway instead.

What is asymptomatic testing?

Asymptomatic testing is specifically designed for people who are asymptomatic i.e. not displaying symptoms of Covid-19. The ATS provides Lateral Flow Tests which are different to the tests offered by NHS Local Testing Sites.

Please note that if you do have symptoms of Covid-19 you should follow our Isolate Test and Inform procedure and book a PCR test via the NHS Coronavirus website.

When should I be tested in the New Year?

The Government is advising that all students be tested before their face-to-face teaching begins in the New Year. Your timetable will indicate when your first face-to-face teaching session is. Please remember you should ideally be tested twice within 3-5 days before you attend. If you have not been tested in the first few weeks of term, please do so in the week beginning 1 February 2021 as the testing site will close at the end of that week.

If it is available, you are also advised to have a test local to your home address, prior to travelling.

Please note you should avoid close contact with others between your arrival and receiving your second test result.

Students arriving from overseas who wish to be tested at Canterbury and Medway are allowed to do so, but must first follow the relevant government guidance in full. Our testing programme is not a permitted alternative to completing the full 10-day period of self-isolation if arriving from a non-exempt country and cannot be used to reduce that period of self-isolation under the Government’s Test and Release Scheme.

When should I return to campus?

To help you comply with Government guidelines, we have set out the following suggested arrival and testing windows based on when your first face-to-face teaching is taking place.

First face-to-face teaching session	Recommended arrival window and testing
w/c 18 January	9-15 January
w/c 25 January	16-22 January
w/c 1 February	23-29 January
Anytime after 8 February	30 January–7 February*

*Please note – two tests are recommended 3-5 days apart and the last testing day is the 7 February.

These dates are designed to help you follow the Government recommendations. We know this will not be convenient for all of you and some of you may have already made other travel plans. We will support you whatever your travel arrangements and intended arrival date back to University.

If you are a postgraduate student, you may return to campus to use specialist facilities whenever you need to. However, if possible, you should be tested before accessing laboratories.

When will my teaching start in the new year?

Teaching begins on 18 January 2021 for all study programmes apart from KMMS. You should engage with all teaching sessions from this date. Your face-to-face teaching will be reintroduced over the first few weeks of term as shown on your timetable.

If you have any problems with the Asymptomatic Testing booking system, please email AsymptomaticBookings@kent.ac.uk.

For other questions about Covid-19 related health, welfare and support issues please check our Coronavirus webpages or email CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk.

Best wishes

Richard

Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

Medway asymptomatic testing and spring return update

From Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience

I want to let you know that you will be able to book appointments for asymptomatic testing in the New Year via the Medway Council website.

You should only book your testing appointments for 2021 once you have reviewed your Spring timetable which is now available. You can book your tests up to 7 days in advance, so you will need to book your appointments in the New Year.

Please be assured that, by arrangement with the local Health Protection Team, you may use the Medway Council booking site despite the content suggesting it is not open for students. Further information about the testing process and what you need to take with you on the day is available on our Medway asymptomatic testing webpages.

Please note – if your term address is nearer the Canterbury campus, you should consider arranging your tests at Canterbury instead.

What is asymptomatic testing?

Asymptomatic testing is specifically designed for people who are asymptomatic ie not displaying symptoms of Covid-19.

Please note that if you do have symptoms of Covid-19 you should follow our Isolate Test and Inform procedure and book a PCR test via the NHS Coronavirus website.

When should I be tested in the new year?

The Government is advising that all students be tested before their face-to-face teaching begins in the new year. Your timetable will indicate when your first face-to-face teaching session is. Please remember you should ideally be tested twice within 3-5 days before you attend.

If it is available, you are also advised to have a test local to your home address, prior to travelling.

Please note you should avoid close contact with others between your arrival and receiving your second test result.

When should I return to campus?

To help you comply with Government guidelines, we have set out the following suggested arrival and testing windows based on when your first face-to-face teaching is taking place.

First face-to-face teaching session	Recommended arrival window and testing
w/c 18 January	9-15 January
w/c 25 January	16-22 January
w/c 1 February	23-29 January
Anytime after 8 February	30 January-7 February

If you are a postgraduate student, you may return to campus to use specialist facilities whenever you need to. However, if possible, you should be tested before accessing laboratories.

When will my teaching start in the new year?

If you have any questions about Covid-19 related health, welfare and support issues please check our Coronavirus webpages or email CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk.

Best wishes

Richard

Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

Covid-19 update – 17 December 2020

From Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience

Testing across this term

As we approach the end of the Autumn term, I’d like to share with you our achievements in testing our students and staff for Covid-19. Our asymptomatic testing facilities opened on 30 November and closed on 15 December 2020. During this period, an incredibly 4155 tests have been carried out from 5197 booked appointments. This equates to a 79% attendance rate. I am pleased to say that the number of positive cases through our testing facilities has been incredibly low, with only 16 positives identified.

We are currently busy planning our asymptomatic testing programme for the Spring term. This will open on 5 January 2021 on the Canterbury campus for students and staff. I am pleased to say that the booking system is now available should you wish to make appointments to be tested at Canterbury. For staff based at Medway, testing is available through Medway Council and you may book up to 7 days in advance.

Tier 3 restrictions

Following the Government’s announcement on 15 December 2020, Kent and Medway are still within the Tier 3 Covid level. This unfortunately means that restrictions are still in place as we move into Christmas. We can however look forward to some respite over the festive period and I do hope you take the opportunity for some much-needed relaxation time with your family and loved ones.

With my best wishes for the festive season,

Richard

Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience