Plans for Spring term
We are monitoring and adjusting our plans dependent on government advice related to COVID-19. We will continue to update this page with new information as and when we can, however please refer to the government website for the latest guidance.
Spring Term teaching and learning
- Students are being urged to remain where they are and not return to university, unless they are studying specific subjects, until at least mid-February. This means the majority of students should remain in the homes they travelled to before Christmas.
- The Department for Education guidance makes it clear that students can also return by exception if they don’t have the facilities to study online where they are, or they need to return for health or safety reasons. For more information, please read our communications sent to students.
- All staff who are not needed to keep essential services running on campus are working from home.
- The University is still running a ‘Lateral Flow’ testing centre on campus, so that any staff or student members can get a test before they return to permitted teaching activities.
Campus facilities
- We know local residents have enjoyed using the campus during these challenging times and we encourage people to continue enjoying the green space for exercise, however people must follow the government guidance.
- The majority of campus facilities are closed, with catering outlets running a takeaway service. The SportsPark will remain closed and outdoor group exercise, including the sports fields and grass pitches, is also prohibited under the current lockdown.
- The Co-operative store on Whiteknights campus is currently closed. The Co-op tell us they intend to re-open on 8 February, dependent upon staff resource. The University is liaising with the managers of the store and supporting them to re-open as soon as they are able to do so.
Support for the local community
- The Community Relations Team can provide advice if you have any concerns or need to report a neighbourhood complaint. We have a new member of staff supporting the team, Liz Butler, who is working alongside Debbie Hobbs to manage complaints from local neighbours. Please email community@reading.ac.uk or call 0118 378 6813 if you need advice.
- The University’s Covid-19 support hotline has reopened and is available from 9:15 - 16:30 on weekdays. If you have specific questions related to the University and how we are managing the impact of the pandemic please call 0118 214 7813.
- We are continuing to meet with Reading and Wokingham councils, Thames Valley Police, the NHS and other agencies to share information and work together to reduce the risk of transmission.