These are the measures being implemented by Liverpool Hope University to help students and staff during the Coronavirus crisis.
And whether it’s extending deadlines, moving to online teaching, or issuing daily updates, University leaders have moved to reassure students of the solutions being found to keep courses on track.
While students and lecturers are currently progressing remotely, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Penny Haughan says everyone at Hope is working tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain forward momentum.
Dr Haughan explains: “We’re living through unprecedented times.
“And to keep pace with these national developments, Liverpool Hope University is taking unprecedented measures to safeguard the mental and physical wellbeing of our students and staff, while also securing their futures.
“We’ve been touched by the many letters of support we’ve received from students, as we work together to move forward over the coming weeks and months.
“And while we maintain open channels of dialogue we also aim to address any and all concerns that may arise in the future.”
Here’s a run-down of some of the steps Hope has already taken in the face of Coronavirus disruption:
Daily updates:
The health and welfare of students and staff is a top priority for the University. A Coronavirus Working Group has been convened, with the aim to ensure minimal disruption possible. Hope’s team have access to regular updates from bodies such as Public Health England and Liverpool City Council. And students are being issued a letter daily with all relevant news and advice.
Online teaching:
While ‘face-to-face’ teaching has been suspended, all seminars, lectures and one-on-one meetings with tutors have simply moved online instead. Tutors have been working overtime to prepare online resources while hosting online teaching sessions remotely. Tutors are also available separately on email to answer any questions that students might have.
Skills sessions:
Alongside online teaching, Hope will continue to provide writing and study skills mentors to keep students on track - with the exception of during the Easter break. For academic writing support, students can contact peeracademicwritingmentor@
Exams:
Hope has decided that for this academic year, alternative forms of assessment will replace all traditional exams. Each school has put in place specific plans for each given course, and these assessments will meet the requirements of any relevant professional bodies. Hope will aim to complete the assessment process during the published examination weeks.
Deadlines:
Tutors are actively working with students to extend deadlines wherever possible, or to find solutions to issues such as data collection for assignments. If students are feeling unwell, they can ask for an extension. And for those supporting other family members, or have children at home, extensions are also available.
Published results:
While the July graduation has sadly been postponed and moved to early December, Hope aims to publish degree results in the early Summer for anyone who has completed their studies. The University will also publish a second tranche of degree results for the cohort who have been unwell etc and have needed to submit their work later.
Online resources:
Hope’s libraries might be temporarily closed, but students can still access online resources through OneSearch. Hope has removed limits on the vast majority of e-books, ensuring everyone can access them at the same time. The University has ensured that the Adobe Creative Cloud is now accessible for staff and students working remotely. Meanwhile all library loans have automatically been extended into the next academic year, with all fines being waived. Library staff can be contacted through askalibrarian@hope.ac.uk, and are available to answer any questions.
Student wellbeing:
Hope recognises that a climate of uncertainty can have negative impacts on emotional wellbeing - which is why the Counselling and Mental Health and Well-being teams remain in operation, providing help and support to all students during normal business hours, Monday to Friday, during term-time. The Learning Support Team is also still operating, providing help and advice to students during normal business hours. Although face-to-face support is not available at present, each wellbeing service is able to provide advice and support appointments via telephone or video chat. To access counselling or mental health support, simply email sdw@hope.ac.uk. To access help from a Learning Support Adviser, simply email learningsupport@hope.ac.uk.
Accommodation:
Students are being asked to return home during the Easter break if appropriate. But measures are in place to keep Halls of Residence open to those who need them. Anyone remaining in Halls is asked to inform the University, either through the central email address sdw@hope.ac.uk - please provide a phone number on which you can be called back.
Prospective students:
In this time of apprehension and concern, Hope wants to offer some reassurance and positivity to any prospective students looking to join Hope. Anyone who hasn’t applied for a course beginning this autumn can still do so - via the usual UCAS channels. Meanwhile a decision was taken last week to change existing conditional offers to unconditional for the vast majority of courses. Hope will also let students register on campus early so that they can familiarise themselves with formal study after what may be a long period of time away. That measure will be free to the student - including accommodation costs. Students can also choose to transfer to a degree with a foundation year if they don’t feel ready or prepared to go straight into the first year of degree.