COVID-19: updates and information

The current lockdown restrictions are designed to reduce the movement and interaction of people as much as possible. These heightened Tier 4 restrictions mean changes to study, work and campus facilities. We will update this guidance as/when the rules change. The current restriction implications are summarised by area below. 

Studying and working from home

• Everyone who can work or study from home should do so.
• Staff and students on the shielding list should not come to campus at all.
• Clinically vulnerable people (who may not be on the shielding list) must complete a risk assessment before making an essential trip to campus.
• Students can complete this semester fully online. (There are some formal exceptions outlined below).

Learning and teaching

• Postgraduate teaching is due to commence on 1 February 2021 as scheduled.
• The vast majority of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching will be online until at least the end of February, with a strong possibility this will continue into March. 
• There will be limited in-person teaching and essential placements for a small number of students, mostly on vocational courses. Students will be contacted directly about these arrangements. 
• Timetables are subject to change because of the shifting restrictions. It's essential that students check their timetables regularly for any updates. 
• Postgraduate research students can continue their research activity, where essential. Students should follow the COVID-19 protocols and guidance, for both laboratory and fieldwork. Building and laboratory access needs to be approved by your Dean.
• The intention is to return to face-to-face teaching when this is possible.  

Travel to the University and returning to accommodation

• Students who have not yet returned to term-time accommodation should remain in their current household until at lease the end of February as far as is possible.
• Students should only return to campus in exceptional circumstances: for critical attendance/placements or for serious wellbeing reasons. 
• Students should not travel to Scotland until at least the end of February, or until restrictions are lifted. International arrivals should be delayed if possible.
• Internation students can return to their accommodation if their travel arrangements cannot be changed. 
• From 18 January there are no longer any travel corridors. All international arrivals will need to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, regardless of their country of origin or pre-departure test. 
• Passengers travelling to Scotland from abroad will be required to have proof of a negative test taken a maximum of 72 hours before travel. This should be a PCR or another highly reliable test. This does not substitute or replace travel restrictions or the need to quarantine. Those coming from countries not on the quarantine exemption list will still be required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Find out more about pre-departure testing.
• Check with your airline or other passenger carrier about UK entry requirements and ensure you have all your paperwork before travelling.
• Students who cannot travel back to their term-time accommodation will be entitled to an accommodation credit. Student tenants have been contacted directly with information about this. 

Facilities

• Student accommodation remains open.
• The Students’ Union services and Officers remain available for all students remotely. You can contact the Union at theunion@stir.ac.uk or visit their website.
• The Library remains open, with restricted hours in place from Thursday (January 7): 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday; 10am – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday. The click and collect service is in operation for print materials and study spaces must be booked online or via the University of Stirling app.
• Some on-campus catering outlets are closed, others remain open for takeaway/delivery only. Due to new COVID regulations, we are unable to serve takeaway orders indoors.
• Airthrey Park Medical Centre and Right Medicine Pharmacy are both open. 
• Co-op in the Atrium remains open 8am – 10pm daily.
• The Atrium study space is closed.
• The Sports Centre remains closed.
• The Students’ Union shop in the Atrium, as well as its online service, will remain closed until the situation allows them to reopen.

University staff

• The Kindergarten will be open only for children of University staff classified as key workers.
• Staff should work from home if possible. Buildings and offices are closed and can only be accessed by approval from your Dean/ Executive Director. 
• Only essential research work may be undertaken in laboratories and other research facilities.