Updated Coronavirus (COVID-19) Student Frequently Asked

Questions

Last updated 21 July 2020

1. Accommodation

2. Assessments

3. Campuses (UK)

4. Current UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and advice

5. Discrimination and abuse report and support

6. Equipment and internet access

7. Extensions and Extenuating Circumstances

8. Graduation and other events

9. Healthcare placements

10. Medical centre

11. Mental health and wellbeing

12. Practice placements

13. Research

14. Study Abroad

15. Travel, international student advice and student visas

16. Tuition, fees and study

17. What to do if you feel unwell

18. What to do if you must self-isolate

19. Where I can find further information and support

1. Accommodation If I live in UCLan accommodation, do I have to pay my final hall payment?

No. We know this is a worrying time for many of you financially as many of you have lost part

time work. Therefore, we have made the decision to waive your final hall payment for next

term, whether you stay in halls or have already moved out. You are not expected to pay your

final accommodation instalment on Tuesday 21 April.

What if I have already paid my rent in full?

The student accommodation team will contact you to arrange a refund. If you have

instalment agreements, the student accommodation team will contact you to agree a

balance that excludes the April instalment.

I cannot go home, can I still live in halls?

Yes, we know that some of you will need to stay in halls; either because you are an

international student, have vulnerable relatives at home, or you are in self-isolation and

cannot leave your room or flat.

My accommodation is through a private provider. Can I also get my final semester

accommodation fees waived?

Whilst we cannot make the decision for private third-party providers, we have written to them

to make them aware of what we have done with our own accommodation, in the hope they

can do the same. However, they are private companies, and some are very small

businesses so will need to make their own decisions.

2. Assessments Will there be any changes to or cancellations of assessments as a result of the

Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation?

To ensure we maintain the quality and standards of your degree, all planned assessments

such as coursework and online examinations will take place as expected, where possible.

Some other assessments, such as practicals and face-to-face exams, may need to be

modified so they can be completed remotely. On-campus examinations will now be replaced

by online assessment (unless you have been advised otherwise by your School).

Scheduling of submission deadlines will be staggered as far as possible. All coursework

deadlines (including dissertations) are now extended by five days automatically, and you do

not need to apply for this. Feedback will be provided as usual, but online.

Will there be any detriment, disadvantage or damage to our assessments as a result

of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation?

Assessment Boards have a great deal of experience in dealing with extenuating

circumstances and ensuring that all students are treated fairly. We already have a set of

marks for all students that we can use to make well-informed judgements on classification or

progression and Extraordinary Circumstances Regulations enable Assessment Board Chairs

to ensure there is no detriment or disadvantage to students as a result of the COVID-19.

These rules will continue to apply to the affected assessments in future years when

determining degree classifications.

What is the university doing in response to the No Detriment Policy/Safety Net

Petition?

The university has received a petition asking us to ensure there would be no detriment to

students’ performance due to COVID-19 during their final exams. Before receiving this

petition, we had already acted within the University’s Academic Regulations to declare

Extraordinary Circumstances, which means there would be no detriment to any student

because of the position you are in.

What does the ‘no detriment’ policy mean?

The no detriment policy acts as ‘safety net’ to ensure that by attempting your assessments,

students obtain at least their average grade up to the start of COVID-19, or a better grade

depending on the results of assessments and exams in the coming weeks. This applies to all

subject areas across the university but how these adjustments are applied will differ by

course, professional body requirements and circumstances – your individual course tutors

will explain any differences to you. It is therefore important to continue preparing for your

assessments and exams as these results could not only help improve your grades even

further but are also core to your learning and future success on the course or in your chosen

career.

For our final year students, we know these assessments and exams will be a culmination of

years of learning and we are determined that this global crisis will not be detrimental to your

final qualification and you will be able to become a graduate as planned. Therefore, please

be reassured that, provided assessments are attempted, no individual students’ performance

will be judged any less than it has been in previous assessments or against any previous

cohort.

We also recognise that for students in years one and two, achievements this year could

potentially affect future classifications in final years. Please do not worry, because if the

pattern of performance dips during this period, we will still be taking this into our

considerations in future years even if the COVID-19 situation is then a distant memory.

We want to reassure you that UCLan is focussed on ensuring that your learning continues

and that we are committed to ensuring that the current COVID-19 situation does not

disadvantage you and your studies.

What happens if I am a non-final year student who, due to the current situation, will

not have the opportunity to demonstrate that I fully meet all learning outcomes

intended for my current year of study?

In this situation, we will make sure you can meet these learning outcomes during the

remainder of your course. You will be able to progress by successfully meeting the

remaining agreed learning outcomes for this year of your course.

What if I fall ill and am not able to study?

We know that some students will fall ill over the coming period or be dealing with difficult

family circumstances; we will deal with these circumstances and others flexibly and

sensitively and will do everything we can to support you to complete this academic year

successfully. If this applies to you, you should let your course leader know as soon as

possible so they can help you.

I am an architecture student who is finalising my final piece of assessment, which is a

model house, how do I submit this?

Your module tutor will advise you.

I have an exam from the previous academic year that I have yet to sit. What happens

about this?

Your module tutor will advise you and normally this will be via online assessment.

Will my degree be predicted if I only have one resit exam outstanding?

Assessments Boards have a great deal of experience in dealing with extraordinary

circumstances and ensuring that all students are treated fairly. The board will use the

results available to make well-informed judgements on classification or progression. The

regulations enable Boards to apply ‘no detriment’ provisions.

Will the alternative assessment that I take remotely consider rest breaks that I am

usually entitled to?

Provision will be made for any reasonable adjustments that have been agreed with students.

Your module tutor will advise how this will work for your assessment.

My children are now off school, how will I do the alternative assessment as I am the

main carer?

Where possible we encourage you to try to attempt the assessment. If this isn’t possible, or if

the attempt is impacted by your circumstances, you should submit Extenuating

Circumstances.

I am an overseas student who has gone home, what will I do about my exams?

Like other students, you would be expected to undertake the alternative assessments

remotely. If you have problems accessing technology, you need to advise your course

leader or module tutor as soon as possible and well before the assessment date.

Should I be doing anything different when studying or revising?

No, please do keep studying and revising as it is important to try and do things as you

normally would. We appreciate that online teaching and learning is a different way of

working for most of us and to help, we have put together some tips for studying well online,

as well as advice on revising and studying during challenging times.

3. Campuses (UK)

When will we be able to return to campus?

Online learning and teaching methods will continue for the remainder of this semester. We

are making plans for your safe return to campuses and will provide more information as soon

as we can.

4. Current UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and advice

What is the current UK situation regarding Coronavirus? A significant number of people in England have tested positive for Coronavirus COVID-19 and there have been a significant number of deaths in the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. As a result, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from moderate to high. Public Health England and the UK Chief Medical Officers are continually updating their information at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public The UK government has introduced social distancing measures, these are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19). They are to:

• Avoid contact with anyone outside of your household

• Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough

• Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible

• Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information

• Do not gather in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.

• Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media

• Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

• Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is practicable.

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19) and what are the symptoms?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of Coronavirus. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. However, as we have seen all over the world, people with no underlying conditions have contracted coronavirus and died, so no one is immune.

Where is the best place to go for advice? You should regularly check the Student Support News page dedicated to coronavirus for general advice. Additional advice can be obtained from your local GP, NHS 111 or official sites:

• NHS - Coronavirus Information

• gov.uk/guidance/novel-coronavirus-information

• NHS 111 online

How to avoid catching and spreading Coronavirus (social distancing) NHS Guidance: Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus. You should only leave the house for very limited purposes:

• shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

• one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

• any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

• travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home Important These reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are two metres (six feet) apart from anyone outside of your household. How to stop infection spreading There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with coronavirus. Do

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available • wash your hands as soon as you get home • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you

cough or sneeze • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards • avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus

• regularly clean surfaces • avoid sharing food, drink and utensils • drink plenty of fluids and eat healthily – NHS advice. • order your shopping online to be delivered to your home • if you share your home with others, please follow the advice sheet on home isolation • Read the NHS Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus

(COVID-19) infection Don't

• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Is UCLan providing health checks?

No, we are following the advice of Public Health England and are advising those who feel unwell and have symptoms of Coronavirus COVID-19, however mild, to stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started (if you live alone), or 14 days if you live with someone who has symptoms (The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in your household/flat became ill.

For further advice see section 18 what to do if I must self-isolate.

Who can test people for Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Please note the NHS no longer routinely test for coronavirus unless symptoms are severe.

Should people wear face masks?

The official advice from the World Health Organisation states if you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected coronavirus COVID-19. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly. It is a recognised custom for Asian communities to wear face masks to protect themselves and others from the possibility of infection. It is very important that we recognise and respect this custom and we would encourage all members of our community to be inclusive and supportive of what is a personal choice.

5. Discrimination and abuse report and support What should someone do if they feel like they are being discriminated against?

The university promotes a welcoming culture of equality, diversity and inclusion for our

diverse community, where everyone can feel safe, valued and supported.

Any student who thinks they may be being discriminated against, harassed or mistreated as a result of this situation should visit Report and Support or the Students’ Union Advice Centre.

What should someone do if they are subjected to domestic abuse at home or in their

accommodation?

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone by anyone and can include emotional, psychological,

physical, financial and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.

Any student who thinks they are being subjected to domestic abuse should visit Report and

Support or the Students’ Union Advice Centre for advice or call 999 if they feel unsafe.

6. Equipment and Internet Access What happens if I have no access to the Internet or I don’t have the equipment or

facilities to study from home?

If online learning and assessment is a new part of your course as a result of the changes we

have had to make, and you cannot do this as you have no access to internet or hardware,

please inform your course leader by email as soon as possible.

We have a limited supply of laptops and dongles, which will being distributed to students

who do not have any alternatives and who need them the most urgently.

7. Extensions and Extenuating Circumstances What is an Extension?

An extension is when you have a temporary unexpected circumstance that means you are

unable to complete an assignment.

We announced on 25 March that all assignment deadlines will be automatically extended by

five days, without you needing to apply. However, if you feel you need longer, you can apply

for an extension up to a maximum of 10 working days.

In order to do this, you need to raise a hand through Starfish, giving a clear statement about

what has happened, information about how this has affected you, and the number of

additional days that you would need to enable you to complete the assignment (up to a

maximum of 10 working days). Extensions must be made prior to the submission date as

extensions cannot be given retrospectively. You are not required to provide any evidence.

What are Extenuating Circumstances (ECs)?

These are required when students face significant unplanned and unforeseen events in their

personal life, which have a greater impact on their studies than cannot be solved using an

extension. EC applications are submitted via MyUCLan, and they must be done no later

than three working days after any examination or assessment submission date. You can find

out more in this guidance.

Unlike extensions, you are required to provide evidence to support your application (No

evidence is required for COVID-19). You will be advised what you need to do regarding your

assessments. For example:

• You may be given an extended deadline

• An assessment may be rescheduled to a later date

• You may be advised to interrupt your studies for a period

• You may be granted a reassessment

• You may be given a different form of assessment

I have already applied for a (10 day) extension and I am awaiting a response from the

hub. Do I need to apply again via the new system in Starfish?

If you have already applied for a 10-day extension and are awaiting a response from your

Hub then you do not need to apply again via Starfish.

I already have an extension, do I get an extra five days on my new deadline?

No, if an extension has already been granted no further extension will be given unless you

are applying for Extenuating Circumstances

Does this extension apply to all modules this year? For example, year-long modules

with deadline in July and August

The extension applies to all modules that have started this year, for example year-long

modules with deadlines in July and August.

Does the extension apply to Semester Three Modules that have not started yet?

The extension does not apply to semester three modules that have not started yet.

Does the extension apply to reassessments and in-module reassessments?

The extension applies to reassessments and in-module reassessments.

Does the five-day extension include students from partner colleges, for example

Runshaw or Myerscough?

Yes

Does the five-day extension include distance learning students?

Yes

Does the extension include dissertations?

Yes

I already have Extenuating Circumstances, do I get an extra five days on my new

deadline?

If you already have ECs, you will not get an extra five days on your revised deadline.

I have symptoms of Coronavirus, do I have to apply for Extenuating Circumstances,

and will I have to provide evidence?

You will need to apply for ECs through myUCLan and evidence will not be required. You can

find more on the student support website

I have got ECs which are not related to COVID-19. Do I apply through the normal

channels?

Yes, you apply through myUCLan, together with your evidence. You can find more on the

student support website

8. Graduation and other events Have the summer graduation ceremonies been postponed?

Yes, like many other universities, we have decided to take the difficult decision to postpone

the summer graduation ceremonies. The ceremonies have been rescheduled for December

2020 when winter graduation will be extended into a two-week celebration. Once the

revised dates are confirmed we will let everyone know. This was not an easy decision nor

was it taken lightly, but we have done it to protect the safety and wellbeing of our graduates,

guests and staff.

Is the Burnley graduation ceremony still going ahead?

The graduation ceremony for Burnley students is still planned for September but we will

continue to review this, given the current situation.

Have any other university events been cancelled or postponed?

Most planned events at the university have currently been cancelled or postponed. This

includes the Lancashire Science Festival and the graduate fashion show, which have been

deferred for a year and will return in 2021.

9. Healthcare placements Are healthcare placements continuing considering the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak?

Nursing

We are continuing to follow the latest national guidelines, therefore you should continue your placement unless you are personally in the identified at risk categories or if you have close family members who are affected. We are keeping in regular contact with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Health Care Profession Council to ensure we are keeping up-to-date with national advice.

The hospitals along with Government are monitoring regularly the risk of Coronavirus to nursing staff, and mitigations are in place to reduce the spread of the virus. As a student on placement you will not come into contact with a patient who is known to have Coronavirus without appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. As you will be aware the process for Coronavirus suspected cases, is that they do not present at hospital without first seeking guidance from NHS 111 and most people are asked to self-isolate in their own homes. For those being checked for the virus, special pods are being used and a drive through system, which you will not be expected to be part of during your placement.

Whilst on placement you will be expected to follow the guidelines from the Trust you are working for and maintaining a good level of hygiene with regular hand washing strongly advised.

Medical

As in line with many UK medical schools, all medical students have now all been taken out of placements in order to free up the clinical teaching staff for service delivery. This situation is a rapidly changing one, and we will keep you updated should the position change.

10. Medical centre Can I still contact or visit the student medical centre? The student medical centre is now closed with all staff now working at St Mary’s Health Centre in Penwortham. Students can still call the medical centre on 01772 214800 and a telephone appointment/triage will be completed. Same day appointments will be provided at St Mary’s Health Centre if the doctor believes this to be necessary after the triage appointment. The address is: St. Mary's Health Centre Cop Lane, Penwortham, Preston, PR1 0SR, Telephone: 01772 214800 Web: https://www.stmaryshealthcentre.co.uk/

11. Mental health and wellbeing What can I do if I’m feeling apprehensive, anxious or I am concerned about my mental

health?

The university can help, advise and support you. Please be assured that you are not alone,

and we have a wide range of help, support and services that you can access.

The counselling, mental health and wellbeing team at UCLan is available with appointments

offered through video calls or telephone to ensure that the university can still support you if

you are struggling. If you have an appointment already scheduled, an advisor will be in

contact soon to arrange alternative communication with you. Please continue to use the self-

referral form or email the team at wellbeing@uclan.ac.uk if you want support.

We are also running weekly mindfulness sessions every Wednesday for students and have

collated advice, videos, links and more on the looking after your mental health page on the

student support news site.

Is there any help available for students who are worried about money?

If you are worried about your finances during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there

is support, help and advice available nationally and from the university. Although most

services are now online or over the phone, it is still important to manage your money and

budget well and seek help or speak to someone if you are worried. You can get some tips

and find out what support is available on the managing your finances during the coronavirus

page on the student support news site.

What can I do to stay healthy and look after my wellbeing?

Drink plenty of fluids and eat healthily. Follow the NHS advice. If you are worried about hygiene at this time, follow the PHE advice which includes:

- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands - Avoid close contact with people who are sick - Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin

• Order your shopping online to be delivered to your home

• Do not go on public transport or in public places

• If you share your home with others, please follow the advice sheet on home isolation

• Speak to a friend by text or telephone every day. If they don’t hear from you at the agreed time, ask them to advise the Safety and Security Team on 01772 892068

12. Practice placements What does my regulatory/professional body advise?

We work with three regulatory bodies who accredit our various programmes of study. The

Nursing and Midwifery council (NMC), the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and

Social Work England (SWE).

These bodies are clear about the application of the Code and Standards of Conduct and

ethics during this time and have released guidance to inform colleagues.

NMC guidance re: Coronavirus

HCPC guidance re: Coronavirus

SWE guidance re: Coronavirus

Additionally, the professional bodies continue to support members with updates:

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Royal College of Occupational Therapists

College of Paramedics

Royal College of Nursing

Royal College of Midwives

I have not been fitted for a ‘COVID mask’ and am concerned about my safety as there

are patients with suspected COVID-19 in my placement area.

Under the health and safety at work act, placement organisations are responsible for

introducing reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of employees. Under

revisions to the act in the 1980s, this includes students on placement.

In summary, the Act requires organisations to;

- assess the level of risk, - avoid that risk wherever possible, - reduce the risk where avoidance is not possible and to - review the risk on an ongoing basis.

In the case of COVID-19, evidence to date suggests that we are now in the stage of

community transmission, with carriers of the virus infective yet asymptomatic for up to five

days. This is no longer confined to those who have recently travelled who had been required

to self-isolate.

We also know that the route of transmission is via mucous membranes (i.e. the eyes, nasal

passages and mouth). Therefore, the most effective measures to reduce the risk of transfer

of the active virus (whether in the community or hospital setting) is by good hand hygiene,

avoiding touching the face with unclean hands and by remaining two-metres away from

people suspected or confirmed as having the virus to reduce the risk of transmission via

droplet spray from talking or coughing.

In the case of health services, staff coming into direct contact with patients identified as

having suspected or confirmed Coronavirus within the two-metres suggested ‘safe zone’ are

advised to wear PPE, with staff being fitted for specialist masks and visors.

For each individual clinical area, risk assessments are ongoing to establish the roles and

responsibilities of different staffing groups and therefore whether those staff fall into the

‘avoid’ group (good hand hygiene and remaining two-metres away from patients suspected

or confirmed with COVID-19), or the ‘reduce’ (fitting for and provision of specialist PPE) risk

management group.

Individual clinical areas and trusts will be able to advise the clinical protocol developed for

their area and provide suitable training where required to meet these clinical protocols.

You are reminded of the importance of detailed clinical handover to ensure you are fully

briefed of the risk status of patients to ensure that ‘avoid’ measures are implemented

robustly throughout placement experiences where you have been categorised into this group

of staff.

I am pregnant, suffer from a health condition or share a home with someone with a

health condition. I am concerned that I am in an ‘at risk’ group or may expose

someone in an at risk group. What should I do?

Practice placements are an assessment requirement of your programme of study and

therefore academic regulations apply to practice placement in the same way as any other

assessment. The assessment handbook details how academic regulations are applied to

assessment opportunities.

In light of guidance from Public Health England, if you or a member of your household

has a chronic condition listed on Public Health England guidance below or you are

pregnant do not go to placement.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-

vulnerable-people

Please ensure you inform practice of the reason for your non-attendance and record your

absence on your timesheet. The reason for your absence should be documented on your

timesheet to ensure an accurate record (use the notes section if using P@RE).

My child’s school has closed, and I have no other childcare available while I am on

placement.

Practice placements are an assessment requirement of your programme of study and

therefore academic regulations apply to practice placement in the same way as any other

assessment. The assessment handbook details how academic regulations are applied to

assessment opportunities.

If you find that they are unable to attend placement due to childcare arrangements/schools

no longer being available, you should gather evidence of this and apply for extenuating

circumstances in relation to none attendance at their placement experience.

Please remember that in accordance with the regulations, evidence must be submitted to

enable staff to make informed decisions and this may mean a delay in programme

completion in order to meet professional and regulatory body standards.

I am concerned that I will ‘carry’ COVID-19 and infect vulnerable family members

You are advised to follow the infection control guidance issued by your host organisation in

relation to hand hygiene, uniform laundering and any additional measures.

If you wish to access alternative accommodation during your placement, you should contact

the Academic Lead for Work Based Learning for the Faculty Mandy Dunbar explaining the

reasons for this request. You will need to be eligible to apply for NHS excess

accommodation support.

The placement I am currently allocated to has changed delivery methods and they feel

they cannot offer the learning experience required at this time.

You should initially contact your PEF team to discuss and liaise with the named educator for

their placement (link lecturer/academic assessor/visiting tutor) who will work to establish if

any modification of learning approaches could facilitate access to learning opportunities.

If it is agreed that learning opportunities are not enough to meet the required provision at this

time, you will be advised to withdraw from the placement by academic staff, who will liaise

with the Work Based Learning Team in trying to seek an alternative placement experience.

I am not on placement currently due to the COVID-19 pandemic and am concerned

that I will not achieve my required number of hours in order to progress on the

programme or qualify

The current minimum clinical hours set by Regulatory and Professional bodies for each

programme still apply, something that under current law we cannot deviate from.

The global situation that we currently find ourselves in is unprecedented and concern

regarding minimum clinical hours is one that many will share as this health emergency

unfolds.

Please be assured that we are working hard to communicate with all professional and

regulatory bodies, engaging with Government advice and working with Health Education

England to appreciate the full scale and impact of these difficult times. As and when new

information becomes available, we will share this with you.

We are not able to offer individual solutions at present, simply because we do not yet have a

clear picture of the scale of the challenge nor any nationwide solutions which may present.

The university’s academic regulations allow for extenuating circumstances to be applied

(please review the assessment handbook) and the dedicated UCLan coronavirus update

page.

Additionally, we are working with regional and national colleagues in exploring solutions for

students to access the practice learning activities required to meet the requirements of their

programme. Please be patient and assured that we are absolutely committed to supporting

all our students on their journey to qualification and working round the clock in response to

this situation.

13. Research

What is the impact on research programmes and research activities?

As the university has now moved to online learning and delivery, if you are a postgraduate researcher you should contact your Director of Studies to discuss how you will plan your research activities for the immediate and foreseeable future. If you are conducting research activities in specialist spaces on campus or you are using specialist equipment, access to these are currently under review.

You should have already been contacted with further information and guidance by your Director of Studies or Research Degree Tutor, if your research activities are likely to be affected. Supervision meetings, annual assessment of progress meetings and transfer vivas will now take place remotely using Microsoft Teams.

Can I apply for authorised interruptions or extensions to research degree programme

submission deadlines?

The university will work to support the continuation of your research activities and

programme of study, although this may mean that you need to adjust your plans to prioritise

non-campus-based activities for the time being. Your supervisory team will remain available

to you remotely.

In the event that you cannot continue with your research activities, whether in part or

completely, please discuss with your Director Studies the options of applying for an

authorised interruption to studies (in which case you will suspend your research degree

programme for an agreed period of time and then resume once your research activities can

continue) or an extension (where your research degree programme and activities continue,

but you have an agreed period of additional time). You will need to discuss which of these is

most appropriate in your circumstances and we will work with you to ensure that you are not

disadvantaged by the current disruption.

How do I submit my thesis or complete corrections?

Please now submit documents electronically by emailing a PDF version to

researchexams@uclan.ac.uk and this will be accepted as your submission.

I have a viva scheduled or due to be scheduled

We will be in contact with you regarding the arrangements. Viva examinations will be

conducted remotely using video though Microsoft Teams.

What is happening with graduate research school training events?

You can still book on training events, but these will now be delivered remotely, rather than

face-to-face. Where you have booked onto a training session, the PGR training co-ordinator

will be in contact to confirm the arrangements. You can also contact

training4research@uclan.ac.uk if you have any queries.

Is there any advice for international postgraduate research students?

If you have returned overseas you will not be withdrawn from your programme. If you are an

overseas student your visa status will remain unchanged and you can continue with your

programme, supported by your supervisory team.

If you have returned overseas, please do the following:

• Email help4researchstudent@uclan.ac.uk so that they know where you are.

• Continue to engage with your programme remotely, following the advice of your Director of Studies, and check your UCLan email account each day.

• If you do not have a device or internet connection to continue your research degree programme remotely, please inform your Director of Studies.

14. Study Abroad

Is the study abroad programme going ahead?

All semester 1 study abroad/ISEP/Exchange/ERASMUS+ has been postponed until

semester 2 2020/21.

We have been closely following the Foreign Commonwealth Office and Government advice

to help inform our decision making with your safety as the key priority. We have also been

closely monitoring the effect on the necessary requirements to allow you to travel overseas:

the availability of flights, health checks, access to visa issuing centres/embassies,

comprehensive insurance cover, entry bans for UK residents to certain countries, potential

quarantine regulations on your arrival and the risk of further lockdowns requiring you to be

repatriated. Additionally, we have been in constant contact with our partner university

networks and a significant number of partners in all study destinations have now withdrawn

from mobility schemes for semester 1 20/21.

Given all the above issues, our advice would be not to continue with your study abroad plans

for semester 1. However, we are mindful that some of you have already bought flights,

arranged visas and made arrangements with partner universities and we will therefore

support you to continue with your plans as far as we can. This of course will depend on the

country you are intending to study in and whether it is possible to travel there.

For those who have not already made any plans, we hope we can work with you to look at

options for semester 2 depending on the global situation at that time.

What do you need to do next?

• If you are planning to travel you need to have a completed risk assessment to make

your insurance valid. This will need to be signed digitally by your head of school.

Please contact Saadia Morse to make this arrangement.

• Please make sure you understand the quarantine arrangements and Covid19 testing

requirements for the country that you intend to visit before making your final plans.

• If you have already made plans or want to travel in semester 1 please contact Saadia

Morse with the details so we can support you as far as possible. If you are planning

to travel to South Korea you will be required to quarantine for 14 days at an

additional personal cost of £1,030.

• If your intention is to study abroad in semester 2 please contact Saadia Morse by 7

August 2020.

• If your period abroad involves two countries, you will be asked to give a preference

as both may not be possible.

• Once you have confirmed your intention to Saadia, study abroad will contact the

relevant partner institutions to try to rearrange your placement and will contact you to

finalise your plan.

What do I do about insurance?

Once you have completed the risk assessment you will be covered by the university

insurance standard cover.

What will I be able to do in semester 1 if I am not travelling?

You will be able to attend final year classes in semester 1. By the start of October, the

university will make a decision on whether study abroad is possible in semester 2. Should it

not be possible to go overseas due to the ongoing Covid19 situation, you will be enrolled in

the final year and will continue with your studies.

Will my student loan for the year increase if I only do a one semester placement?

UCLan will honour the reduced full year study abroad fee. This means that if you are a

sandwich year student your fee will be £1000. If you are a year abroad student the fee will

be £1350.

Should it become clear in semester 1 that it is not possible to go on the period abroad due to

the ongoing Covid situation, you will be enrolled full time for the year and would need to

apply for full fees.

I do not want to travel for just one semester, do I have any other options?

If you do not want to study in semester 1 20/21 and travel overseas in semester 2 20/21,

your other options are to:

• Continue straight into year 3 of your degree. This means that you would not have a

study abroad period as part of your degree

• Defer for one year (no study) and return to take your year abroad in 21/22

Please note that you will NOT be able to extend your study over two academic years (i.e.

semester 2 20/21 and semester 1 21/22).

I have already spent money on health checks and visa applications. Will UCLan

refund this?

If given our advice, you now decide not to continue with your plans for semester 1, UCLan

will pay associated costs related to visas and health checks. You should refer these to

Saadia Morse with receipts in the first instance.

Will I be able to go to the same partner I was due to visit in semester 1

The study abroad team and your course and subject leaders will do their utmost to rearrange

your semester abroad at your original partner for semester 2, if this is what you want.

However, this may not be possible as some partners have withdrawn from mobility schemes

all year.

15. Travel, international student advice and student visas

Are there travel restrictions for students wanting to travel home? To help stop the spread of coronavirus, the UK Government has indicated that students should not travel from halls of residence whether UCLan or private, other rented flats or shared houses, etc., to their usual out of term home. If I am a current international student and am not allowed to travel home when the term ends in June, can I still stay in the UCLan halls of residence free of charge? If you live in UCLan halls of residence, we will still accommodate you after the term has ended until flight restrictions are lifted. You will remember that we have waived the final semester payment fees for all UCLan contracted halls of residence. We want to reassure you that no additional payments will be required, even if you need to still need accommodation after the term has finished, until flight restrictions are lifted. Please contact the accommodation team by emailing studentaccommodation@uclan.ac.uk to confirm your plans. What will I do If my private accommodation is not available beyond the end of term, and I cannot fly home because of Government restrictions? If you need any general advice on your accommodation that is not UCLan contracted, our student services team will be able to advise, so please email privateaccommodation@uclan.ac.uk I can’t make my final payment instalment that was due on 20 April. Could I delay my payment? Given these unprecedented circumstances, any student seeking support or advice regarding extensions should contact the Accounts Team by emailing caaccounts@uclan.ac.uk I am concerned about my student visa – what should I do?

All concerns and questions around student visas should be referred to the University’s Student Immigration and Compliance Team (SICT) for advice: SICTSupport@uclan.ac.uk

16. Tuition, fees and study Is the university open?

Whilst all buildings on our campuses are closed, the university is open and is delivering all

lectures, teaching, learning and support online. We are fully committed to continuing your

education - we are just having to change the way we do things.

Help is available on the Student Support site to access:

- Software

- Blackboard

- Online Library services, books and journals

- Careers

Will there be an effect on students’ learning?

No student will be disadvantaged as a result of moving to online teaching, learning and assessments. We have completed business continuity plans to ensure that students can learn remotely and can continue their learning.

Why should I pay my tuition fees if university buildings are not open?

Whilst it is a different form of learning for all universities now, teaching, learning and support

does continue online, and you will continue to get your qualifications without having to

extend your study timescales.

As teaching and learning continues, you will still receive the tuition fees loan and the

maintenance loans and/or grant from Student Finance, along with all other UK university

students.

We are working with you to support you as best we can and to enable you to get through the

coming months of study in order to obtain your qualifications in the time frame you that you

expected.

17. What to do if you feel unwell What are the symptoms of coronavirus? Initial symptoms of coronavirus usually start up to 14 days after catching the infection and are like a severe case of the flu and include:

• Fever / high temperature.

• Recent onset of a new continuous cough

• Shortness of breath

• Breathing difficulties What should I do if I feel unwell or someone in my family or flat is unwell?

If you have these symptoms, however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started (if you live alone), or 14 days if you live with someone who has symptoms (The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in your household/flat became ill. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Use NHS 111 online. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home. Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home. Read the NHS Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after seven days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

18. What to do if you must self-isolate

What happens if I must self-isolate in university halls because I or someone in my flat has symptoms?

If one person in any household has a persistent cough or fever, that person must self-isolate for 7 days. Everyone else living there must stay at home for 14 days this will also apply to students in shared flats.

• Notify student accommodation at StudentAccommodation@uclan.ac.uk if you live in university owned/leased halls so they can respond directly to you.

• If you are in private halls also contact student accommodation at StudentAccommodation@uclan.ac.uk but please give consent for them to share the information with the hall provider and flatmates so a holistic support can be offered.

• The university will provide specific information to students in self-isolation and will contact you daily to reinforce the comprehensive advice in the guidance, e.g. a rota for kitchen and bathroom use, any access to UCLan wellbeing service needed, no visitors, update on food supplies (that may warrant a food parcel) and so on.

• Also, please let coronaenquiries@uclan.ac.uk know if you are self-isolating or you are unwell and suspect coronavirus.

• Advise your course leader by email. If you are feeling well and want to continue studying, ask your course leader for materials you can access online.

• If you feel that you might need extenuating circumstances or an extension follow the instructions on this webpage.

• You will be advised to tell family members, who should ring/support as appropriate each day

• UCLan residences officers will ring or email you each day to check on you, they will not visit in person

• Students in the same flat will not be offered a room move. This is based on PHE advice that confirms this would spread the infection more quickly.

• You should be able to get food deliveries from stores like Morrisons.

• Students can receive a UCLan food bag which will be left outside their door, which should contain sufficient dried food stuffs for 14 days.

What is the advice if I must self-isolate at home?

The essential information on self-isolation is available from Public Health England.

Please follow the general tips for staying at home.

Do

• try to keep at least two metres (three steps) from other people in your home, particularly older people or those with long-term health conditions

• ask friends and family and delivery services to deliver things like food shopping and medicines – but avoid contact with them

• sleep alone if possible • regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds • try to stay away from older people and those with long-term health conditions • drink plenty of water and take everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen,

to help with your symptoms Don't

• have visitors (ask people to leave deliveries outside) • leave the house, for example to go for a walk, to school or public places

Urgent advice: Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home • your condition gets worse • your symptoms do not get better after seven days

Only call NHS 111 if you cannot get help online.

19. Where I can find further information and support? The latest student advice will always be posted on the Student Support news page.

National advice can be found at:

• Public Health England – Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice

• Public Health England - Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19) • Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) travel advice

The University provides a high-quality information and support service, accessible to all students through The Student Information and Support Centre the <i>.