Moray College UHI suspends face to face lectures but remains open

MORAY College UHI has ended face to face lectures for students but the college building is not completely shut down, as previously reported locally.

"We have now switched to online delivery and students will be taught remotely by our academic staff," said a spokeswoman.

Students and the public are no longer be able to use facilities in the college buildings. All of our support staff including admissions, student support and student guidance will continue to service the community and are available via email to help with any questions or queries.

In a joint letter to students, all 14 principals of the university and the colleges and research institutions which make up

our the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership, revealed they had met again on Wednesday morning to coordinate their response to the

current coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic.

"We are all acutely aware of the developing situation and advice from the Scottish Government. We know some students will already be affected by the outbreak, either directly or through your family.

"We understand some of you may be anxious and want to travel home.

"As a result, we have decided to suspend the delivery of compulsory face‐to‐face teaching."

And in advice to students, the statement added:

• You do not have to attend your campus.
• You do not have to attend classes in person unless you are told otherwise. This includes lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, seminars etc.
• In one or two course‐specific cases face‐to‐face teaching will still be scheduled during the rest of this week, but alternative arrangements will be made for students unable to attend. You will be contacted directly by your course team if this affects you.
• Students on placement should cease to attend their placement until further guidance is given, this excludes nursing and midwifery students
• Your local course leaders will be in touch to explain how this will affect you directly and to let you know how they plan to continue teaching and assessment arrangements. It is important that you keep in touch with your course contact.
• Please note that in some cases it will be next week before final plans are agreed, but course teams will still make initial contact with you by 5pm on Wednesday.
• You must keep an eye on your student email account and also www.uhi.ac.uk/coronavirus, where all the latest information will be posted as well as keeping an eye out for information from your local campus.
• No campus buildings, including residences, are closing at this present time and please check with your campus for local arrangements including computing facilities and online access if you do not have this at home.

The letter was from all 14 college heads, including David Patterson, principal of Moray College UHI.

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