The UCLan campus will look a lot quieter as all teaching moves online amid coronavirus fears.
AdvertisementStudents were informed last week that they would receive online teaching for all classes as of Thursday 19th March.
For many students doing practical based courses, their way of teaching will have changed, with many of the buildings on campus having closed.
Ellen Hardy, a second year student on Sports Therapy degree has said, “Online classes have been good, lecturers have been trying the best they can.
“I do a practical degree so it’s hard to do that online, but they are explaining things in a way that we understand.”
The University has also confirmed that all face to face assessments and exams taking place during the second semester will not take place face-to-face to help contain the spread.
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Student halls have remained open for students living on campus, and administrative buildings have also remained open, but many students have returned home.
Another student, on a masters course in counter terrorism, Florence Sheppard, said, “My course offers distance learning as part of the course so changes to online teaching was easy for us.
“The university has dealt with this correctly, by stopping people going in and shutting buildings.
“It would be good to have more information, but at the same time, we know as much as the lecturers know, so it’s not like they can do anymore than what they are doing right now.”
UCLan has also confirmed that if extensions (extenuating circumstances) are required for students who are dealing with child and caring responsibilities resulting from schools’ closures, they will be automatically granted.
A spokesperson from the university said, “In the interest of the health and wellbeing of its staff and students the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) ended face-to-face classroom teaching of all forms at the Preston, Burnley and Westlakes campuses on Thursday 19 March.
“Our priority is to ensure the continuation of teaching and learning for our student community, albeit in a different way. Therefore, teaching is continuing online until the term finishes for Easter on Friday 3 April.
“The majority of staff in academic and professional services have been asked to work remotely where possible until further notice.
“Students have been told they should return home to start their online learning but the University recognises that not all students will be able to do this and some are still living in halls or other local accommodation.
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“The University remains in touch with these students providing advice and support.
“A small number of staff have been asked to stay on campus to help deliver important University functions that need to continue while a small number of buildings also remain open for administrative purposes.
“Closing a number of buildings on campus is allowing the University to undertake a deep clean of the areas not being used and will support people’s health and safety with reduced numbers of people on campus.
“The University would like to thank its student, staff and stakeholder community for its continued patience and professionalism in these unprecedented and challenging times.”