Message from the Vice-Chancellor to students - 17/03/20

Dear student,

You will be aware that I wrote to you last night following the Prime Minister’s latest announcement in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The changes have caused concern and uncertainty and I want to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to support our students and staff in these extremely difficult and unprecedented times.

Things are changing constantly. I would encourage you to check the student intranet regularly as we are updating information as soon as we can.

I would like to reassure you that the University remains open but we’re changing the way we are doing things.

Our Major Incident Team met again today, and I want to provide you with a brief update in the following key areas:

Libraries

All libraries will close from 5pm today - Tuesday 17th March 2020.

From this time:

• Library provision is moving to increase e-resources and remote support
• All libraries sites will close, including Special Collections and Archives, the European Documentation Centre and Print Services
• Three hospital-based libraries: Brian Cooke, Velindre NHS Trust and Archie Cochrane, will remain open for NHS users, with remote support.

Library staff will be available for remote consultation to support students to undertake remote study and research activities, this will include providing access to additional e-resources which as far as possible will be equivalent to accessing the physical resources.

In addition, enquiry services will be managed via Ask a Librarian live chat, telephone and email at library@cardiff.ac.uk between 9am and 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm at weekends.

Because of these exceptional circumstances, we will waive any library fines; students should retain items that they currently have on loan. Loan periods will be extended to 20 April.

These services will be reviewed, and advice updated regularly.  Please regularly check the University’s intranet page and social media.

Halls of Residences

We can confirm that our Halls of Residences remain open.

It is vital that students keep up-to-date with the latest health advice – especially self-isolation in our halls.

More information is available on the student intranet and the Public Health Wales website.

We also fully appreciate that students may want to return home. Students who wish to return home should consider their options carefully. We will keep belongings safe if circumstances prevent return after Easter but students are advised to take learning materials home.

Decisions will need to be taken based on your own personal circumstances.

For those students in catered accommodation we will continue this service.

Sport facilities

As a precautionary measure we have taken the decision to close all of our sporting facilities and gyms at the close of play today – Tuesday 17^th March.

We will provide further updates as soon as we can.

Studies and assessments

You will be aware that we have already taken the decision to phase out face-to face teaching by the end of this week. The vast majority is now being delivered on-line.

You will receive information directly from your School about what alternative measures are being put in place for you. Further information about assessment will also be provided shortly. We are working to ensure all our students can graduate.

The key channel for you to get key information on programme level information will be Learning Central and via your school.

We have had a number of questions around extenuating circumstances. We are currently looking at this and will keep you updated as we develop a clear policy relating to this unprecedented situation.

Graduation

It is with deep regret that Cardiff University has decided to postpone the summer 2020 graduation ceremonies.

We appreciate this news will be disappointing, but we can assure you that this decision has not been taken lightly.

Our primary concern is the health and wellbeing of our students, their guests and our staff – especially in such difficult and challenging times.

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to say when the postponed ceremonies will run. As soon as we do, we will update this website and contact all students who were eligible to attend July’s ceremonies with the new arrangements. All students will have the opportunity to celebrate with us on a future occasion.

It is important to stress that our decision does not impact on the University awarding you your degree. Provided you meet the requirements of your course we will confer your degree.

We will make sure we get your award documents to you (i.e. your degree certificate and final transcript) in the normal way, as soon as possible after you receive your results.

Cardiff University Students’ Union

We remain in close contact with our Students’ Union. Inevitably some of their services will also change.

It’s important that you continue to keep up to date with any changes they will announce.

Finally, I just wanted to say how enormously impressed I am by the calmness of our students and the dedication of our staff at such a difficult time.

We will stay in touch and update you as fast as possible.

Look after yourselves and those around you.

Kind regards,

Colin Riordan

Vice-Chancellor