FAQ for students about Coronavirus

No, you do not need to get tested as you are not changing your address over the Christmas period.

No, you do not need to get tested because you are still living at your home address.

No, you do not need to get tested because you are still living at your home address.

Yes, you are encouraged to get tested. We will be in touch with you by Friday 27 November with further details.

Yes, you are encouraged to get tested. We will be in touch with you by Friday 27 November with further details.

Even if your stay is only for a few days, please contact your halls of residence manager as soon as possible to arrange a symptomatic test to be delivered to your room. Do not leave your room or speak to others face-to-face. We will help you to arrange safe travel home but if you do need to stay longer then SRUC will cover additional expenses.

On 25th September SRUC issued a statement to reassure students around the approach to Covid-19, and on 19th November posted a further update following the Tier 4 announcement. You can read it at the top of this FAQ.

Additionally, we support the statement issued by Universities Scotland regarding consistent care of students during the pandemic. You can read the statement here. 

Because we can’t be sure of how long things will take to start to properly return to normal, we have now informed students and teaching colleagues that we will continue blended learning until the end of the 2020-21 academic year.

We took the decision to adopt this model, prioritising the delivery of practical sessions on our campuses, at the start of the year.

Together with our ‘pay what you need’ accommodation model, it has meant that we were able to minimise risk and keep colleagues, students and the wider community safe.

We have gone further than other institutions by making the decision to continue blended learning now because we are all well aware of how quickly things can change and we want to ensure we continue to keep everyone safe.

Please contact your Tutor to log your requirements and we will investigate and implement appropriate solutions. For contact details, see ‘Local Email Contacts’ below. 

We will take reasonable adjustments in to account when making alternative arrangements. Please contact your usual support person or the Senior Tutor if you have any concerns. For contact details, see ‘Local Email Contacts’ below. 

We have developed online support via the SRUC Student Wellbeing area on Moodle. There you can find advice and guidance on a range of matters from coping with exam stress to accessing support to physical wellbeing.. You can also contact your usual support person or the Senior Tutor via the ‘Local Email Contacts’ below. 

Students experiencing hardship as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) will be supported by Scottish Government funding.

If students want to apply please email registryfunding@sruc.ac.uk.

All students at SRUC can now access free online support via our internal Togetherall platform. Whether suffering from study-related stress, struggling to sleep, or simply needing a listening ear, Big White Wall can help you get the right support, take control and feel better. You can also contact your usual support person or the Senior Tutor via the ‘Local Email Contacts’ below.

The SRUCSA Student Support and Student Space channels on Teams offer a range of ways to connect. There are also a number of external resources that you may find helpful:

• NHS One You: Every Mind Matters
• Samaritans Scotland
• Sane
• Student Minds

If you are ill or have caring responsibilities which are impacted by Coronavirus, please see above. Any other exceptional circumstances related to Coronavirus will be assessed on a case by case basis.

If you need to register with a GP you can do so by completing the form here. From there contact a GP practice and ask for their email address to send in your electronically completed form. ID is not a requirement but helps in registration and likewise could be emailed.

Being registered with a local GP is key to accessing healthcare support as you all know in particular if feeling unwell and feel you need seen. The website provides details of local GPs; if you have problems finding a GP please call 01382 425664 and they will inform you the practices you could register with.

As the National Guidance stands External Providers will still receive payments.

Students already assessed will receive their payments as normal. Any further applications received will be assessed based on circumstances and available funding left.

Programme teams will be entering results as per normal procedures and you will be able to access your results through the student portal as they are updated. The student portal can be reached via the following link: www.student.sruc.ac.uk. Once you access the page, you can login using your student email address (Sxxxxxxxx@student.sruc.ac.uk) and your usual password. The first page that appears lists the course you are enrolled on currently and you will then be able to click through to find your results.

Normally, exam results are hidden from students from the end of April until June. As we are not running exams this year, the results will not be hidden. Please note: all results will be provisional until they have been considered by the External Examiners and confirmed at the exam boards which are currently scheduled for late May. At this time, we are planning for these meetings to continue but will update you if there is any change to those arrangements.

Please contact your unit/module leader in the first instance to have a discussion. If you cannot reach them, then please contact your Programme Leader as an alternative.

You should immediately get in touch with your course contact at SRUC - this may be a lecturer, head of department or academic mentor. They will then inform the appropriate persons within SRUC.

The existing Student Attendance Policy makes provision for students unable to study in the event of illness or other good cause. In this instance, good cause will be extended to include self-isolation or caring responsibilities relating to Coronavirus. You must notify your Year Tutor and discuss your situation with them as per normal absence procedures in the first instance. If you are affected by caring responsibilities should complete the “Absence request form”, those who are required to self isolate or become ill should complete the self certification of sickness absence form. The approved self-certification period will be extended as appropriate in line with government guidance and a new form of alternative evidence to the current “fit note”, an “isolation note”, which is now available through NHS online. In these circumstances, the normal procedures for alternative assessment in the light of good cause will apply. 

If you would like to stay with us at Barony, Craibstone, Elmwood or Oatridge for the full term, you can do so on similar terms and fees as 2019/2020 academic year. 

If you want a more flexible arrangement you can book accommodation on a nightly basis at the same time as your group's practical session and workshops.  Please be assured that our Campus and Estates team are working closely with the Academic team to help your studies go as smoothly as possible. Whichever route you choose, accommodation will be available, and there is no rush to make a decision. You can find more information on our accommodation pages.

What if my campus doesn’t have a hall of residence?

If you are studying at our Edinburgh or Ayr (Riverside) campuses, we have information on our accommodation pages that can assist you in securing accommodation.

SRUC will pay half of the costs for student accommodation (up to a maximum of £200) for non-UK based SRUC students who need to self-isolate on arrival in the UK before beginning their studies. Please contact Registry@sruc.ac.uk for more information about the fund. For the latest information on countries requiring a period of self-isolation on arrival in Scotland please visit the Scottish Government pages covering international travel.

We have been working over the summer, planning a blended approach to delivery in which on campus teaching will focus on hands-on, physically-distanced, practical learning (e.g. in our workshops, farms, glasshouses, animal centres, the outside environment and laboratories etc.). As far as possible our other teaching (e.g. lectures, seminars and classwork) will take place virtually via Moodle. This will include regular touch points for you and your lecturers and instructors to come together - to learn together- to check on progress, to give feedback and to support learning.

Our on campus teaching tool provides more detail up until the end of December 2020. It will help you to see if and when you are likely to be on campus, so that you can plan any travel and accommodation that you might need, as well as look ahead to any work or caring commitments you might need to consider. This tool will not provide you with a complete timetable, which you will receive before your course starts.

• On-Campus Teaching Tool Aberdeen 
• On-Campus Teaching Tool Ayr
• On-Campus Teaching Tool Barony
• On-Campus Teaching Tool Edinburgh and Glasgow Botanic Gardens
• On-Campus Teaching Tool Elmwood
• On-Campus Teaching Tool Oatridge

Download the key dates and timetable information for 2020/2021.

Not all students from every course will be on our campuses at the same time, to make sure that you have a physically-distanced environment. Some courses will also be on campus more than others owing to the type of teaching they require. 

We've also been thinking about where our students are travelling from and planning on-campus time to take this in to account. This may mean that on-campus teaching times will be different at each campus, even for the same course. 

Please do keep checking the tool as we are still making changes and adding information. If we do need to make changes to when you need to come on campus, then we will aim to give you 4 weeks' notice so that you have time to make arrangements. We are still subject to Government advice though and may need to make changes quite quickly if the situation changes.

Assessor and review visits are slowly resuming with the agreement of your employer and where it is possible to do so within current and ongoing social distancing guidelines and risk assessment. The initial reviews will be important in determining how you may best progress through and complete your apprenticeship.

We have purchased a l number of devices available for loans to students over the Academic Year 2020/21. These will have to be returned to SRUC at the end of the Academic Year. Priority will be given to any student who has no, or limited,  access to a device at home. If you wish to be considered for one of these loan devices please complete the IT Resource Assessment form.

Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to postpone ERASMUS exchanges planned for Semester One to Semester Two. This is in line with Government advice for Biritish nationals against all non-essential international travel for an indefinite period. If you have any queries about ERASMUS exchanges, please contact Martina Bradacova.

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has reviewed its approaches to assessment for all qualification types, to help centres with the management of assessment under the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In light of this and the potential impact of increasing restrictions on the ability to complete all teaching, learning and assessment, SQA has taken the decision to remove the need to complete the assessment of Graded Units (exam-based and project-based) in HNC, HND and ACD Group Awards for the current academic session 2020-21. A small number of exceptions will be advised, for example where the qualification is linked with registration with a professional association or has mandatory responsibilities under a Qualification Partnership Agreement. Information about these exceptions will be shared as soon as we receive them.

For students this means:

• Grading will be determined by teaching staff directly involved in delivery and assessment using evidence generated during the completion of the units in an award.

• This will allow more time to focus on teaching, learning and assessment of the other units in your award.

• Less time will be spent on additional assessment(s) required for Graded Units

• You will receive a quality assured grade based on evidence generated during the completion of the units in an award

• You will be certificated for the full award

• There will be no change to the number of credit points you achieve.

Any further relevant information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

Following guidance from the Scottish Government, face coverings must now be worn inside SRUC buildings where maintaining physical distancing may be challenging. This includes corridors and communal areas. However, face coverings do not need to be worn in classrooms where physical distancing can be maintained or in areas designated for eating. Room capacities must always be observed. If physical distancing in a classroom or another area is a challenge due to the nature of the work then the risk assessment for that specific area must be followed.  

Face coverings are not a replacement for physical distancing and good hand hygiene, which are more effective at reducing transmission.

A “grab and go” menu of cold and hot food will be available at all SRUC campuses between 09:00 and 14:30. Catering will be available from the following dates.  

• Barony – available now. 
• Oatridge – available now. 
• Craibstone – Monday 7 September. 
• Peter Wilson Building – Monday 14 September. 
• Elmwood - Monday 14 September. 

BaxterStorey will be serving a rotational menu including paninis, potatoes, handheld snacks, pizza, morning rolls and pastries. Sandwiches and hot and cold drinks will be on sale. Vending machines will also be available. 

Vegan options will always be available.

Pre-ordering is not required, but if you have a specific dietary requirement you can contact BaxterStorey in advance of being on campus so the team can support your needs.

To contact BaxterStorey please email: OatridgeCatering@sruc.ac.uk for all campuses. 

Students staying on campus at Barony and Oatridge will be contacted about arrangements for catered accommodation before their arrival. 

Contactless payment will be used throughout. 

We are maintaining 2m physical distancing in the dine-in area and food can be taken outdoors if the weather allows. Additional spaces will be created for students if needed. 

Additional screens, one-way systems and signage is in place. We’re encouraging people to only handle items they want to buy.  

Arrangements will be reviewed regularly to consider national and local guidance as well as demand for services. 

SRUC has a process for restarting all research and trial activities, including Postgraduate Research projects. The initial step in restarting activity, at SRUC or partner location, is to discuss the completion of a Restarting Activity Proposal form with your supervisor. Your supervisor should complete the form for review by a panel from across the institution as a first step to restarting your research project. The process has a number of stages following the initial approval of the proposal, including ensuring there is an approved Risk Assessment in place for your health and safety. Your supervisor will be kept informed of the progression of the proposal and any additional information that may be required. Once all stages are completed, your supervisor will be informed that you can restart your research project on site, including lab, field and office-based research. The process will usually take around 3 weeks to complete so it is best to have these discussions with your supervisor and start the process as early as possible ahead of your planned return.

If you are unable to continue with your studies at this time, then you should discuss this with your supervisory panel and follow the guidance for your registered institution and as detailed in the SRUC PGR Codes of Practice on Moodle.

Your primary SRUC supervisor should be your first point of contact and you should continue to stay in touch with them and your other supervisors remotely. Research students are also encouraged to support each other during this time. A Teams site has been set up for the PGR student community to meet virtually and share ideas and resources which all SRUC PGR students have been invited to join. If you have not received an invitation to join the Teams site, or you have any other concerns please contact pg.research@sruc.ac.uk.

While work is continuing on your research project and you are not on an interruption to studies your SRUC funding will continue. If you are unable to continue working, you should discuss an interruption or extension request with your supervisors depending on the length of time you are impacted following the SRUC and registering university procedures. This should be sought as soon as possible. In the majority of cases of an interruption to studies would result in the clock being stopped on your studies with the expectation that no work on the project will be undertaken during this time. In these instances it is normal practice for the funding to stop during the time. If nearing the end of the studies and you cannot work during this time you may seek an extension to the target submission date of your thesis, which would be normally unfunded. 

Should you become ill during this time, you should advise your supervisors as soon as possible and consider if you require an interruption to studies or extension, following the procedures of SRUC and the registering University. For SRUC funded students there is a sick pay policy in place should your funding be suspended more details of which can be found in postgraduate SRUC PGR Codes of Practice.

SRUC Libraries will be open for limited hours for click and collect purposes with limited bookable spaces for study (booked spaces might be elsewhere on campus).

You will not be able to browse library collections or use the spaces without prior booking.

Our library staff will still be available to support you in your studying and with information services at a distance via sruclibraryhelp@sruc.ac.uk.

For information on how to use the click and collect system, please visit the Libraries Covid Arrangements webpage.

For information on when click and collect and bookable spaces are available, please see the table below:

	Click and Collect:	Bookable Spaces (on campus or in library)
Aberdeen	Open for collection Monday - Thursday. Must be booked 24 hours in advance.	Available for essential purposes only. Must be booked via Year Tutor or Academic Liaison Manager.
Ayr	Open for collection Monday-Thursday 10:00am-4:00pm. Must be booked 24 hours in advance.	Available for essential purposes only. Must be booked via Year Tutor or Academic Liaison Manager.
Barony	Open for collection Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm.	Available for essential purposes only. Must be booked via Year Tutor or Academic Liaison Manager.
Edinburgh	Open for collection Monday-Thursday noon. Must be booked by 4:30pm the night prior to collection.	Available for essential purposes only. Must be booked by 4:30pm the night prior.
Elmwood	Open for collection Tuesday and Thursday.	Available for essential purposes only. Must be booked via Year Tutor or Academic Liaison Manager.
Oatridge	Open for collection as needed. Must be booked 24 hours in advance.	Available for essential purposes only. Spaces will be within residences.

 

We’ve renewed all loans until 12 April 2021. If you have any questions about this at all, please contact us via our Helpdesk.

There is now a single email address which all our campus libraries are monitoring. Please get in touch at sruclibraryhelp@sruc.ac.uk which will be staffed office hours (Mon-Thu 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm, Fri 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm)  and somebody will be able to help you.

If you are able to visit one of the campuses to return your items that’s great, though please contact us first to arrange a time to do that. The best place to do that is via our Helpdesk, so that we can identify the easiest campus for you to visit. We’re in the process of contacting all 2019/20 completed students who still have items on loan. They will be directed to a service for returns if not able to visit a campus. If you haven’t yet been contacted and feel you should have been, don’t worry, you can contact us via the Helpdesk.

Please reserve the items you want to borrow and they will be collected by library staff and held at the front desk for you to pick up. You will receive an email to tell you the books are ready and you must then book a 15 minute slot at your campus library via the Libcal system.

If you are a student, it’s best to log in to Moodle as there are lists of links there for you to easily access resources online. The top link is to our catalogue and is accompanied by a guide on how to search it. Most (but not all) e-resources will be easily accessible from Moodle, although you may have to enter your username and password. Your username is your students number with an ‘S’ at the beginning (e.g. S300123456).