Posted on Thu 19 Mar 2020 at 14:45 by
Aurora Evans Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information which can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. I would also like to make you aware of additional services that can provide emotional and wellbeing support during this difficult time; you can use the CAM Messenger text service (Text CAM to 85258) and/or contact the Samaritans (Jo@samaritans.org or 116 123).
There is an air of uncertainty at the moment which is heavily felt and reflected within our Student population. The suspension of face-to-face consultations, Social Spaces and services across Campuses may result in some Students feeling social and physical isolation alongside confusion and panic. I implore all Students to keep up-to-date with Government guidance and to action it accordingly. It is also important that we reach out within our Student and wider community. Make a phone call, offer your neighbour some dried produce, send a postcard to a care home.. please use any opportunity you have to spread positivity and calm (whilst remaining safe).
As we are no longer expected to attend any campus events/activities it is important that you check your emails and canvas notifications regularly for course updates and information. Additional online support and resources are being put into place to ensure that Students have access to their course content, with the view of successful completion of the semester. Staff are receiving high volumes of correspondence from Students seeking information which has been available through Canvas announcements/emails. In the first instance check Canvas/emails for updates and guidance.
Within our Institute, and wider university, many of our Students have children and caring responsibilities outside of University which will be affected by the closure of schools. There are a number of online services who are offering free resources to enable parents to continue their child's education whilst the schools are closed. Such as Phonic Books (https://www.phonicbooks.co.uk/advice-and-resources/advice-and-resources-for-teachers/free-teaching-resources/) and Twinkl (https://www.twinkl.co.uk/).
We have many Students who have had their placement suspended, unknowing if/when they will be able to complete/progress their course. We have Students in accomodation told that they need to go home. We have assignments outstanding, deadlines set and a whole lot of waiting-in-suspsense before we find out what is going on. We are all in this together and while we're waiting... rest assured that SU and University staff are working tirelessly to ensure the safety, wellbeing and success of Students. As ever, we need the support of Students to enable us to provide the services that we need for the situation that we are now facing. Working in partnership is the best way forward for supporting all Students.
As always, you can email me at Aurora.Evans@wlv.ac.uk. I will be sending out emails to course reps regarding 'coffee drop ins*', with a focus on Student well-being and support. If you would like to 'attend' a drop in, then please drop me an email for an invite. If there any other methods of communication you think could be helpful to you during this time, please let me know.
Take care.
Aurora
*I've found a new best friend in Skype.