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Scottish colleges and universities set for phased return


By Jonathan Clark

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Elgin's Moray College annouced an emergency closure for their Moray Street campus on Tuesday January 14 2020 following overnight storm damage. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Elgin's Moray College annouced an emergency closure for their Moray Street campus on Tuesday January 14 2020 following overnight storm damage. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

SCOTTISH colleges and universities are gearing up for a phased campus return for the next academic year as lockdown restrictions are slowly lifted.

The third phase of the Scottish Government’s route map through and out of the coronavirus crisis would see universities and colleges return next term.

Most will be planning for an initial combination of digital and blended learning with public health measures, including physical distancing, in place.

Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead, who is the minister for further education, higher education and science, has written to the country’s college and university principals outlining the measures and changes relating to their institutions as they prepare to welcome domestic and international students.

Mr Lochhead said: "I am immensely proud of the huge contribution our colleges and universities, and their staff and students, have been making in the fight against this global pandemic, and their efforts to adapt so quickly.

"They have demonstrated their substantial contribution to the national response, for example supporting covid-19 research and testing, donating personal protective equipment, and students and staff volunteering for front line roles in health and social care. This shows an impressive collective ability to step up to these unprecedented challenges.

"Preparations are now under way for Scotland’s colleges and universities to have a phased campus return in the new academic year, with the safety of students and staff of paramount importance.

"While next year will undoubtedly be different, studying with our institutions will continue to be world class, attracting students from across the globe, and anyone thinking about studying in Scotland should apply without delay."

Elgin's Moray College annouced an emergency closure for their Moray Street campus on Tuesday January 14 2020 following overnight storm damage. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Elgin's Moray College annouced an emergency closure for their Moray Street campus on Tuesday January 14 2020 following overnight storm damage. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said: "Recruitment and application processes for the next academic year in the college sector are already under way, and a college forum has been established to explore how best our colleges can deliver for their learners and staff, including developing the curriculum to be delivered effectively online and remotely.

"We will continue to be guided by the latest public health advice – as the overarching priority is the safety and wellbeing of students and staff in the sector – and it is initially likely there will be a blended approach with both on-site and digital learning. While the timing and specific nature of current restrictions being eased is not yet defined, we will be prepared across the country for the new academic term and our new and continuing students.”

Professor Andrea Nolan, convener of Universities Scotland, added: "Universities are working hard to adapt so they can continue to offer students a high quality learning experience and wide range of support services in the autumn.

"Universities have sought to keep their students safe and informed throughout the pandemic and have stayed in touch with offer holders. Universities will confirm their individual start dates for next year as soon as possible; some have already done so.

"Next term's teaching will include a flexible blend of digital learning and safe on-campus provision. Universities are drawing on their years of experience of different approaches to teaching to ensure this meets learners’ needs and continues to deliver the high quality learning for which they are renowned.

"Scotland’s universities have long been a beacon for students from all over the world and that is still an important part of who we are as a country. The Scottish Government will be working closely with the university sector to ensure that remains the case."

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