COVID-19: Manchester SU cancels gigs, club nights, and graduation ball

Manchester Students’ Union has cancelled “almost” all” gigs and club nights, as well as this year’s graduation ball, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an email sent to all students, a spokesperson said the SU building will remain open from 8am till 6pm Monday-Friday, although this is subject to change.

Any face-to-face advice appointments will now be conducted over the phone, while all SU-affiliated societies are being advised to cancel any upcoming events.

The full email is below:

“Following on from the University’s recent statement in suspending all physical face to face teaching (including laboratories, seminars and tutorials) as well as the closure of non-essential sites from 5pm this evening (Tuesday 17th March), we wanted to let you know which SU services will remain open as well as those that will be closed.

“The University of Manchester Students’ Union is and has always been more than just a building. We still want to hear from you and you will be able to reach us through emails as well as the SU’s social media. Our SU social media will be prioritising messaging related to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it will further impact SU services and related activities.”

Advice

“As of yesterday (Monday 16th March) we have moved all face-to-face scheduled advice appointments to telephone appointments and the team will be able to offer advice via email. If you already have an appointment, the advice team will be in touch. For students who wish to book appointments with the team, you can contact them directly via email [email protected].”

Societies & Activities

“As an SU we are in the process of advising societies to cancel their events. The SU activities team have been in touch with society committees informing them of this. Fund-It meetings have been cancelled and the money saved from this will be repurposed to help any societies that incur costs, as a result of any cancellations.

“The money saved is limited and we will do our best to ensure that we can meet the needs of as many societies as we can. If society committees have any further questions, you can contact them directly via email here.”

Gigs & Club nights

“Almost all gigs and club nights are now cancelled in line with government advice around large gatherings. If you have purchased a ticket, you will be contacted directly regarding cancellations, refunds and/or rescheduled dates.

“If you have any further queries regarding gigs and club nights, you can contact [email protected] and a relevant member of the SU team will get back to you as soon as possible.”

SU Building

“Whilst many University buildings will close at 5pm today (Tuesday 17th March) our intention is to keep SU building open 8am-6pm on Monday-Friday to create a small sense of normality for those that will continue to be on and around campus but that situation is liable to change depending on government advice.”

Major SU Events

“We have cancelled our SU awards ceremonies as well as our Graduation Ball and End of Year Glow-Up event.

“Whilst we know that will come as a disappointment to you, we want to ensure that your health and wellbeing is at the forefront of that decision.

“We are working on ways to ensure that we can celebrate your achievements over the course of the last academic year as well as the previous years of your time at University and more details will be announced soon.

“We want to reassure you that student health and wellbeing are an absolute priority to us. We understand that you may be worried about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and it is easier said than done to not panic.

“On a final note, we want to remind everyone to always treat each other with dignity, respect and care. Supporting each other when we are worried is all we can ask of you so don’t be afraid to ask questions for us at the SU.”