Colleges moving online
Colleges and universities across the country have been told to strictly limit the number of people on campus as part of new restrictions on third level.
NPHET has recommended every course that can be done online should be for the next three weeks.
Public health officials are trying to limit the amount of people traveling across the country as third level institutions start the academic year.
Minister Simon Harris says all third level institutions will be asked to provide as many classes online as possible over the next few weeks as they start. NPHET particularly concerned about opening of third level pic.twitter.com/zcSG00XmVQ
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) September 25, 2020
The Irish Universities Association says:
Arising from the request from government, all IUA universities will make further provisions as follows:
Universities will use discretion when deciding between onsite and remote for the scheduling of particular activities and favour remote delivery if feasible during this period.
- On-campus provision will be minimised with priority given to teaching and learning that can only take place on-site.
- This will include small group teaching and research in laboratories, practical tuition and workshops.
- It will also include limited planned on-site attendance for other priority student cohorts. This may include small tutorials and elements of first-year orientation / induction which cannot be undertaken on line, so long as these are conducted on a staggered basis to avoid congregation or large on-site attendances.
- University libraries will remain open with strict social distancing protocols and entry registration.
- All research activities will continue as normal.
- Social / club activities on-campus will be suspended until further notice.
- Universities will also enhance any protection measures such as more extensive wearing of face masks in certain settings.
This is very last minute news for students who have just started college or are due to start on Mon, especially those who have paid for accom & Gov must step in to help. If you haven’t moved to college accom, maybe consider if it’s best for you to stay home. Full statement below. https://t.co/BSKzJlEzOA
— Lorna Fitzpatrick #EducationForAll (@Lornafitz3) September 25, 2020
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris today said he wishes he could provide more certainty for third-level institutions, but it isn’t possible at the moment.
