COVID-19: updates and information

• Everyone who can work or study from home should do so.
• Clinically vulnerable people (including those who may not be on the shielding list) must complete a risk assessment with their faculty representative before making an essential trip to campus. You will be advised of any specific face-to-face learning requirements by your faculty.
• Students can complete this semester fully online.
• The Scottish Government has produced extra guidance to help students make sense of the current guidelines and the plan for returning to University. You can read the latest FAQS on the Student Information Scotland website.

• Teaching and learning, for most undergraduate students, will remain fully online until 13 April 2021. For most postgraduate taught students it will remain fully online until 16 April 2021, when classes are scheduled to finish ahead of the exam period.
• 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 it is permitted and is safe to do so. The Scottish Government anticipate that from mid-May universities will be able to carry out more in-person teaching and, as details and official guidance on this becomes available, we will get back in touch about what this means for specific courses. 

• Travel within the UK is permitted for any purpose.
• Students who have not yet returned to term-time accommodation should remain in their current household until Government restrictions are eased, as far as is possible. If, by exception, any student meets the criteria for essential travel (please refer to the  Government’s website) you should inform the University of your plans by emailing accommodation@stir.ac.uk and book a free no-symptoms test via the website.
• Students should only return to campus in exceptional circumstances: for critical attendance/placements or for serious wellbeing reasons. 
• International arrivals should be delayed if possible.
• International students can return to their accommodation if their travel arrangements cannot be changed.
• If you are travelling directly from overseas to Scotland or the UK please see our information on travel and quarantine requirements. 
• 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.

• Student accommodation is open.
• The Students’ Union services and Officers are available for all students remotely. You can contact the Union at theunion@stir.ac.uk or visit their website. The Union Shop in the Atrium is open Monday to Friday 12noon-3pm. The Union online shop is also open. Students can also order their free period products on the Student's Union website.
• The library is open 8am-8pm, Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm, Sat and Sun. A click-and-collect service for hard-copy materials remains in place and study spaces must be booked in advance.
• Catering outlets – Scran, Refresh and Nourish are open for take away collection indoors and also operate a sit-in service. See the opening times and more details.
• The Atrium seating areas are open.
• The Study Zone in the Atrium is open 8am-8pm, Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm, Sat and Sun. Study spaces must be booked in advance.
• Airthrey Park Medical Centre and Right Medicine Pharmacy are both open. 
• Co-op in the Atrium is open 8am – 10pm daily.
• The University’s Sports Centre and pool are open for individual gym and swimming sessions. See how to book a session.

• 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.

The restrictions mean changes to hospitality provision on campus.