Student Update: Learning online, self isolating during Covid-19 and face coverings

Please be aware that this information was shared with students by email and correct at the time of sending. For the latest Covid-19 guidance, please visit our coronavirus webpages: www.wlv.ac.uk/coronavirus. If you are a student who has a query or needs support, please log a helpcall with ASK@WLV in e:Vision (www.wlv.ac.uk/evision).

This academic year continues to be very different for everyone, and I recognise that this is an extremely unusual time to be a student. I want to thank you for everything you are doing to help stop the spread of the virus and protect our University community.

What to do if you prefer to access your learning wholly from home

We are keen to ensure that all students can access their teaching sessions in the way that best suits their needs at this difficult time. We recognise that not all students will be able to return to campus and some may feel more comfortable continuing to access their learning from home. On many courses, it is possible for students to learn without coming on to campus if they prefer. For example, rather than joining a session in person on campus you could instead join a live online version at the scheduled time. Obviously, this will not be possible for all classes as some of them, such as laboratories or studio work, require students to be there in person.

If you would prefer to receive your teaching online, please contact your Faculty Student Services via the e:Vision Helpdesk as soon as possible. You must let us know if you will not be attending your on campus teaching, this is to help the University meet its requirements for Test and Trace and ensure our teaching spaces remain safe. It also helps us ensure appropriate groups sizes on campus, to maintain the best student experience.

Access your e:Vision

Covid-19 and Self isolating

Self-isolation is when you do not leave your home because you have or might have coronavirus. Protecting our University community requires everyone to play a part by being socially aware and individually responsible to help reduce the spread of the virus. There may be a time during this semester when you need to self-isolate, and this guide will help you know when and how to isolate, how to inform the University and the essentials you'll need to engage with your learning and access support when required.

If you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or have tested positive, you should self isolate immediately. Please refer to our Covid-19 Reporting Procedure for the action needed to inform the University.

Self-isolation means you must stay at home or in your residence and not leave for up to14 days. It is very important that you follow this advice even if you feel well, as symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear. Self-isolating in this way will help protect your family, friends and our University community.

Self isolating during Covid-19 Guide

Learning Online

We are committed to ensuring all our students have the best learning experience possible this year, whilst keeping the safety of our University community at the heart of everything we do.

For the majority of students, the core content of your course has not changed, although how it is being delivered is different. While large group lectures are online, small-group teaching, laboratory and practical work are taking place in-person where it is possible to do so safely and securely.

We recognise that not all students can return to campus and where possible, we are making on-campus teaching also available online. If you would like to move to online teaching, you should contact your Faculty Student Services as early as possible via the e:Vision Helpdesk to ensure we have the right support in place for you to access your learning.

You can access our Learning Online guidance using the button below - you'll find top tips, links to essential resources and virtual backgrounds which you can download and use during your online face to face teaching sessions.

Student Guide for Online Learning

Face coverings on campus

In line with the latest Government guidance on the wearing of face coverings in higher education settings, these are now mandatory in all communal areas on campus and in accommodation blocks. This includes corridors, stairwells, social areas and when entering the library or catering outlets. Once seated in learning and teaching spaces which have social distancing measures in place, or in your accommodation household, face coverings are optional.

When on campus, please ensure you have brought your face-covering with you to wear in applicable areas.

More information on face coverings

Local Alert Level Restrictions

On Wednesday 14 October the UK Government introduced a new system called the local Covid alert levels which set out information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do in the event of an outbreak in their area.

Education settings, including universities, schools and nurseries, remain open. For a break down of the restrictions across our region visit our Local Restrictions web page.

Local Restrictions

Using a Test Centre

If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, you should book a free NHS test immediately. Coronavirus symptoms are a high temperature, a new continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

You can watch this video for a step by step walkthrough on what it is like to use a test centre, and top tips to stay safe.
Find your nearest centre and book your test at nhs.uk/coronavirus

Using a Test Centre

View this flyer, which includes a map with the location of the new Faulkland Street test centre in Wolverhampton and top tips for keeping safe.

Thank you, and stay safe.