Sheffield Hallam has updated their latest coronavirus guidance for their students.

In an email sent to the entire student population, they released details regarding exams, placements, library access, and more.

The email says: “We are taking the steps we can to ensure that you can continue to study safely, and progress towards completing your degree.

“There is clearly a lot to work through, so we will aim to communicate decisions in a clear and logical order.”

Here is what we know so far:

Returning to campus

Only courses in allied health professions such as nursing and midwifery will have face-to-face sessions and are being advised to keep checking Blackboard for updates on whether these are going ahead.

All other courses will be “delivered entirely online until the middle of February at the earliest.”

However, despite “you should only return to campus if you need to” being the official guidance from Hallam, there are some exceptions.

For example, those with scheduled face-to-face teaching activities and those who do not have access to an adequate or safe study space where they live may return to campus to access facilities.

Exams and Assessments

Sheffield Hallam says “most semester one exams are taking place online” following their approach of “combining on-campus and online teaching” during the first semester.

In regard to semester one support they said: “We have put in place assessment support which is designed to ensure you can access support tailored to your individual needs.”

This support apparently includes:

• Provision for extensions to deadlines
• Streamlined arrangements for requests to repeat assessment attempts

“The overall support offer is enhanced for students with a Learning Contract or with caring responsibilities,” Hallam says.

For semester two, the university has “reviewed arrangements with the Students’ Union and will provide more details of this ahead of the start of semester two teaching.”

Placement

For courses such as Health, Teacher Training and Sandwich degrees, placements are integral and will continue as planned.

Students studying courses that require a placement are being told to attend unless you are specifically told otherwise.

“You will receive communications from your course in the coming days on any changes. Please follow any instructions given by your course or employer for placements.”

Libraries

“Your libraries will continue to provide bookable study spaces 24/7, click and collect and access to Hallam Help points for bookable appointments.”

The cafés in the Owen Building (Hallam Central) and Robert Winston will be open weekdays 8:30am – 3pm for takeaway service.

Also, the University Print Shop will be providing a reduced service on campus and are introducing a mailing to home service if students need printing materials.

Postgraduate students

Postgraduate students are being told to “work remotely online unless you need to access essential specialist equipment, facilities or laboratory space for conducting research.”

They are advised to check Blackboard for communications and updates.

Wellbeing and support

Students have continued access to their three main support advisers. Information on who that is, what they can help with, and how to book appointments can be found on Blackboard.

The Careers and Employability team remain available for virtual services and Hallam Help is available with a “wide range of wellbeing support during the pandemic.”

Asymptomatic testing

As well as encouraging students to “always follow government guidance by wearing a face covering, washing hands regularly and maintaining two metres social distancing”, testing is also available.

For all students who need to return to campus for any reason, testing is available from 11 January 2021.

Hallam says: “It is recommended that you take two tests, three days apart. If you choose not to be tested you should self-isolate for ten days before you come to campus.”

You can book your tests here.

“If you are arriving from abroad, you will need to quarantine for ten days and do not need to take part in the testing programme.”

We understand the impact the latest restrictions may have. If you need support please contact Samaritans on 116 123 or your university wellbeing service.