The University of Bolton plans to open in September with airport-style temperature checks and compulsory wearing of face masks for student...
The University of Bolton plans to open in September with airport-style temperature checks and compulsory wearing of face masks for students and staff.
In a glimpse into the future of campus-life, there will be strictly observed social distancing and bikes available for students so they can avoid crowded public transport.
The raft of safety measures was announced by Vice Chancellor and President Professor George Holmes yesterday, and also include a one-way system and providing social distanced tutorials.
It comes as universities face a potentially £760bn funding black hole as a fifth of prospective students say they may defer their studies for a year due to the impact of coronavirus.
The study, by the University and College Union (UCU), shows up to 20 per cent could defer for a year, which would mean there would be 120,000 fewer students joining in autumn.
Experts from consultancy firm London Economics said that even a 17 per cent drop in prospective students would cost the sector £763m in lost tuition fees and teaching grants, The Guardian reported yesterday.
The University of Bolton said under the new measures it would 'provide a 'Covid secure' working and learning environment for you'.
The raft of safety measures was announced by Vice Chancellor and President Professor George Holmes yesterday, and also include a one-way system and providing social distanced tutorials
In addition to the temperature-style temperature checks - that are currently being trialled by Heathrow Airport in Terminal 2 - a new scheduling system will limit the amount of students on campus at any one time.
There will also be 'additional sanitiser stations' and 'café-style takeaway food and drink stations to minimise queues'.
In a statement on the website, Professor George Holmes added: 'Workshops, laboratories, studios etc. will all be adapted over the summer to ensure they can be used, while at the same time observing the correct social distancing requirements.
'The University of Bolton prides itself on its student-first approach. Transforming its campus and creating a safe and happy environment to ensure you enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe.
'In the meantime, please stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you on campus in September.'
It comes as The University of Manchester was the first to announce that all its lectures would be online for the autumn term.
The University of Edinburgh is planning to use 'a hybrid approach' - a blend of on-campus teaching with online elements - as travel restrictions may prevent some students from being on-site.
Cyclists and pedestrians move along Trinity Street past St Johns College, University of Cambridge (file photo from 2014)
Glasgow University said it is planning to restrict the numbers in lecture theatres, classrooms and laboratories in the autumn.
The start date for some postgraduate courses could be delayed but the university expects most undergraduate students to start in September. They anticipate courses to involve a 'blend of remote and on-campus teaching'.
It comes after Nicola Dandridge, chief executive at the Office for Students, urged universities not to make any promises to students that everything will be back to normal in the autumn if this is not the case.
Addressing a virtual Education Select Committee on Monday, Ms Dandridge said students should be told what kind of experience they will receive when they accept a university offer.
The Russell Group, which represents 24 leading institutions in the UK, has called for the UK Government to work with other governments to ensure there is a global recognition of online courses.
Some countries do not recognise international degrees with significant elements of online learning, which can be an issue for overseas students studying in the UK, the organisation has warned.
Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), said: 'Universities are worried about loss of income and students being poached by other institutions.
'The Government needs to step in and underwrite income lost through fees and teaching grants and, in response, universities must promise to work together on plans for safely reopening and when to recommence face-to-face teaching.'
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