As more of you prepare to return to campus, I want to share a few bits of practical advice
and provide some reassurance. First of all, it's great to be back on campus today to record
this message. I've been here quite a bit as have those students and members of staff who
have been allowed on campus because of the subjects they are studying or teaching. It's
been very safe throughout with as far as we understand no recorded cases of on-campus
transmission of the virus.
My name is Dean Fraser, I work in our Student Journey Department here in the Gateway enquiries
team at the University. We're thrilled to be back seeing students and staff on campus.
We have opened our enquiry desks both at our city campus and our Sir Tom Cowie Campus at
St Peter's. We're seeing more students and staff come in every single day and we're thrilled
to see people enjoying the facilities that we do have on both campuses.
Now of course for all of us this has been the most extraordinary time, it's odd isn't
it to think how much has changed? And how seemingly small things like shopping now seem
like quite a big deal. As an example at the university being able to talk to staff in
our cafe when I pick up a coffee or join students on campus in a lecture or a laboratory. These
are things that I would have just taken for granted over a year ago but never again as
I have found a newfound appreciation of the preciousness of such moments when we are together.
Hey everyone, I'm Georgios your International Officer here at the University of Sunderland,
and it's great to be back on campus. I have to say that I'm so grateful to be back on
campus because I'm going to see people again. I have to say that the University took all
the safety measures, I feel so safe to be back. Just to remind everyone you still need
to wear your facemask when you're moving around the campuses and you need to carry your card
because our buildings will be only card access. Now that we're back on campus you can walk
in either to the SU or here at the university when you need help or have a question, just
walk in and we will be more than happy to help you.
I know that for some that the return to normality cannot come soon enough. For others though
the change might trigger feelings of uncertainty or even anxiety. All of that is to be expected.
We have been through a great deal of change and at times that can feel quite overwhelming.
Let me assure you though that there are people to help you and as I suggested earlier we
have all kinds of measures in place to keep you safe. Now, please continue to do your
part too just as you have been doing throughout the pandemic.
You know they've got all the precautions in place you know masks, social distancing, all
the washing and the way the practicals are set out we're never near anybody for over
15 minutes it's literally just passing by. So you can't fault anything, so I've been
absolutely fine coming on campus, I really enjoy being actually able to get in, so yeah
I don't mind at all.
It is so much of a point that they make to make sure that our students are safe that
they have people regularly going around checking that everybody's wearing a mask, social distancing
measures are upheld and students themselves are actually doing a really good job in making
sure that their person next to them is doing that as well.
Follow our safe campus guidance, there are signs all around to help you. Although I think
we're all quite used now to the hands, face, space mantra. Frankly, that has served us
well and overall we have seen comparatively low infection rates in our university community.
To really make a difference now we also need you to add testing to the list of things you
do. Regular testing particularly when you do not have symptoms will help to identify
anyone who could, all be it unknowingly, infect others with Covid-19. Taking a test is actually
quite simple and there are now more ways to do it. Before you come onto campus for the
first time, you need to arrange and have three tests at a testing centre. That could be the
one that we have here on the city campus at Sunderland or one close to where you live,
whether that's in Sunderland itself or in London. Look at your local council website
where you will find details. Once you had your first three tests, you can test at home
if you prefer. There are lots of ways to get hold of test kits along with information on
how and where to report your results. Look out for details on About US and in the weekly
emails.
Hi, I'm Kayleigh, I work at St Mary's Childcare Centre, which is the nursery based at the
university on city campus. We've been open since September and I was really happy to
come back. Before we came back we had to put policies and procedures into place, we also
carried out risk assessments just to ensure that it was safe for the staff and children
and also the parents. Also having the testing in place, staff at the nursey are doing that
twice a week and I think that gives everybody a little bit of peace of mind and reassurance
and that makes us all feel a lot safer within our working environment as well.
For up to date information on your course and timetable be sure to look at your programme
pages on Canvas which our programme leaders are updating regularly. Please, please stick
to your face to face teaching timetable, this has been designed to meet your academic needs
and ensure that there are never too many students in an area at once. Sticking to your timetable
teaching rather than popping in and out of other sessions will mean that we can keep
everyone safe and secure. Now that said, do make use of the facilities that are open to
you, including our libraries, cafes or City Space fitness. You can also arrange to meet
with the Students' Union, The Gateway or the Wellbeing teams to get any kind of support
you need. Just remember your swipe card as you'll need this to open doors all around
the campus.
I will end by saying as I always say. We are delighted that you have chosen to study with
us. We are hugely impressed by the resilience you have shown over the last year and all
that you have achieved even in the face of such challenging circumstances. Now though
let's continue with the progress we have made, embrace the gradual reopening, and return
to campus, welcome back.