Collective responsibility to keep our community safe

Collective responsibility

We have set out below what you can expect from us in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2020/21 academic year alongside what we expect from you in order to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our community. Our expectations of you are in addition to our normal student conduct regulations, and it is part of your conditions for membership of the University that that you adhere to them.

Our aim is to create a vibrant and active campus environment for you to live, study and socialise in, while protecting the safety and wellbeing of our whole community.

To do this effectively, we need to work together, as well as being flexible and considerate towards each other as we continue to adapt to the changing environment.

We must all remember that we have a collective responsibility not just for our own safety, but also for those around us.

Your personal health and wellbeing

We will:

Work with the relevant health authorities to prepare for and respond to any changes in the situation, locally or nationally
Provide advice and information before the start of term and throughout the year to help you take practical steps to protect your health and wellbeing, as well as that of those around you
Keep you updated with changing government and institutional advice, through these webpages and, as required, through your student email account
Offer academic and pastoral support through our Academic Tutors, Student Welfare Team and wider network of specialist teams
Provide appropriate support for students with underlying medical conditions.

You must:

Adhere to all UK government and university regulations and instructions and ensure you keep up-to-date to comply with new guidance as and when it is introduced
Make sure you know the symptoms of COVID-19 and how it is spread
Understand the steps you should take to minimise the risk of catching or spreading the virus, both on and off campus, including:
- using a tissue if you sneeze or blow your nose and dispose of it immediately
- washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser where this is not possible
- avoiding close contact (under 2 metres) with other people,
- avoiding inviting visitors inside your home (whether you are living in halls or private accommodation)
- regularly cleaning re-usable face coverings and responsibly disposing of single-use ones
Self-isolate (stay at home) if you are required to, whether that is because you have symptoms, someone in your household has symptoms, you have been advised to by NHS Track & Trace, or asked to for other reasons
Notify the University if you receive a positive test for COVID-19 using our online form (to be published here in September)
Ensure you understand your personal obligations to use the NHS Test & Trace responsibly, which includes making them aware of your connection with the University
Take responsibility for keeping a record of your activity, so you can co-operate with NHS Test & Trace and, on their request, be able to provide details of your activity and those with whom you have been in close contact
Keep your term-time address up to date on your RISIS record for contract tracing purposes
Be organised and plan appointments and meetings in advance.

If you have any concerns about your own wellbeing, or that of someone else you know, please contact our Student Welfare Team for advice.

Staying safe on and around campus

We will:

Undertake thorough and regular risk assessments for all areas of our campuses and activities
Adapt our campus facilities to adhere to government social distancing guidelines and minimise close contact between people, with signs to indicate one-way systems, designated entry/exit points, maximum capacities etc
Promote UK government face covering requirements, including encouraging everyone in our community to wear a face covering in teaching spaces and other areas where it is difficult to maintain a 2 metre distance from other people
Clean common areas and facilities regularly and thoroughly and provide cleaning materials for workstations and study spaces
Provide hand hygiene stations across campus
Let you know if there are any specific safety precautions you need to take in higher risk areas, for example in labs
Support any students who need additional precautions to be taken due to health conditions.

You must:

Maintain a 2 metre distance from other people outside of your ‘household’ whenever possible
Follow guidance about face coverings in confined spaces where you cannot maintain a 2 metre distance from other people. This includes retail spaces, take-away venues, museums, places of worship and on public transport, as well as any other areas such as teaching spaces and the Library
Follow all one-way systems, designated entry/exit points, and maximum room capacities
Make sure you know any specific safety precautions in buildings you use, for example in labs, the Library and SportsPark
Avoid congregating in enclosed areas by arriving promptly at the start time of your classes or other activities, and leaving buildings as soon as you have finished
Book in advance to meet support services on campus or use facilities (for example, SportsPark, the Library and some catering venues), where this is required
Clean your study space and computer equipment before and after your use using the cleaning materials provided
Comply with specific health and safety guidance within halls of residence
Be respectful of the preferences of those you live with
Let us know if you have any health conditions that may require additional arrangements, by contacting the Disability Advisory Service (DAS)
Speak to a member of staff (for example, your Module Convenor, SDTL or Support Centre) if you do not feel the arrangements in place are suitable to protect your health (there will be a process for you to report more formal concerns about behaviour, if required, which will be published by the start of term)
Report any safety incidents to us using our online form.

Respect and tolerance

Our #NeverOK campaign sets out our commitment to respect and inclusivity for all. We do not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination.

We will:

Foster a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students
Provide support through our Student Welfare Team and wider network of specialist services, so you always have someone to speak to about any difficulties you may be facing
Investigate reported incidents of misconduct and take appropriate disciplinary action.

You must:

Be courteous, respectful and patient towards all members of our community, including students, members of staff and neighbours, whether you are interacting in person, online using University systems, or on social mediaTake steps to protect the health and safety of those around you, being mindful that their concerns and preferences may differ to your own
Be tolerant that, at times, we may all make mistakes or get things wrong – you should feel able to raise this with people in a polite and supportive manner and, likewise, be understanding if someone alerts you to behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable
Remember that some people are not required to wear face coverings (for example, those with specific disabilities, which may be hidden) and these people should not feel they need to explain themselves to others.

Disciplinary procedures

Our health and safety measures are in place not just to protect you but all members of our community, including those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. It is essential that students and members of staff can safely study and work alongside one another.

We will take breaches of these arrangements seriously and major or repeated breaches, following investigation, may lead to disciplinary action being taken under our Student Disciplinary Procedures. Repeated or very serious breaches may result in the matter being escalated to Serious Misconduct under section 7 of these procedures.