St Andrews lectures after spring break could all be moved online because of coronavirus

The University of St Andrews has issued new advice to student regarding the recent Covid-19 outbreak.

The University has advised that students leaving St Andrews should take all “equipment and materials that you would require in order to be taught and supervised remotely.” They have warned that “it is possible that over Spring Break, the University may have to move to deliver all teaching online.”

The Principal, Professor Sally Mapstone, has said that new steps must be taken “in light of the rapidly evolving pandemic of coronavirus”. She has said that the University has been able “to plan carefully for what may lie ahead” in the wake of the virus.

They have changed the advice they are giving students and have asked that those travelling abroad for Spring Break to be aware that they will probably have to “self-isolate on return, whether you stay in University halls or private accommodation.”

Halls of Residence will remain open, but will only have limited facilities to provide managed self-isolation for students. Students self-isolating will be unable to leave their room except to go to the toilet.

However, the Principal has confirmed that “the University is not preparing to close and will not close.” Instead, all classes and assessment will continue, whether that is in person or online.

This new advice offers more extreme measures compared to previous guidelines sent out by the University. Whereas the former guidelines said that they hoped to “maintain business as usual in St Andrews, and that includes planning for exams taking place as normal”, new guidelines stipulate that teaching provisions may change.

The University has stressed that both teaching and assessment will continue to be delivered “to the best of our ability”.

For more information, you can contact the Coronavirus Helpdesk in the Advice and Support Centre, North Street, or by emailing [email protected]. 

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