University of Bolton's message for students about their next step amid coronavirus

Prof George Holmes has penned a special message to young people and their parents about the measures being taken to ensure students are safe in continuing their education.

He says: "One could be forgiven for believing that the word ‘unprecedented’ has been overused in 2020, but I would argue that it is the most apt description of the situation we face during this pandemic.

"Our public health resources and economy have been and continue to be affected like never before.

"Of course, education is one of the sectors that has been impacted.

"It has sparked a number of articles in the national media, some valid and some way off the mark, about the effect that Covid-19 will have on higher education in general and universities in particular.

"As A-level results day fast approaches, I want to reassure those young people and their families that in spite of many of the worrying speculative stories about some universities facing financial ruin, they are overstating the position.

"The University of Bolton it is in the best place possible to continue to provide the best possible environment to study for a degree in September."

(University of Bolton)

Prof Holmes said that the university was in a good financial position and was not reliant on revenue from international students to ensure its future and he outlined "ambitious and innovative" measures in place to reopen the 'covid-secure' campus to all students next month.

"From the beginning of the new academic year in September we will also provide a Covid-secure working and learning environment, ensuring that all full-time students will have access to a fully operational university campus and be able to study and engage in person with other students and staff," he said.

The University of Bolton has again been voted number one for student satisfaction in the North West and joint fourth in the country.

"This demonstrates that our strategy to ensure that the whole university experience is the best it can possibly be for our students is a successful one," said Prof Holmes, "To ensure the best environment for our students in September, we have instigated widespread changes to create a ‘new normal’ on campus."

This includes:

* Providing Covid-secure face-to-face tutorials, laboratory experience, access to arts studios and specialist facilities.

* Implementing an effective scheduling system, limiting significantly the number of staff and students on campus at any one time.

* Dividing sessions on campus into set times per day.

* Strictly observing recommended social distancing guidelines at all times.

* Installing sophisticated temperature and mask scanners at every building entry.

* Making bicycles available free of charge for long term loan by students, enabling them to avoid public transport.

* Carefully managed one way walking routes.

Said Prof Holmes: "These measures will enable students to physically attend the University campus safely for approximately 12 hours per week at specified sessions, whether that is to work in labs, studios, workshops, attend tutorials, or converse with their tutor, on top of continuing their learning online."

Workshops, laboratories, studios etc are being adapted over the summer to ensure they can be used ­—while at the same time observing the correct social distancing requirements.

"I have been determined from the moment it became clear that Covid-19 was going to pose a significant issue that the University of Bolton was ahead of the game in transforming its campus to create a place where all students feel safe and happy," said Prof Holmes, "For many, working remotely 100 per cent of the time can be a real challenge, depending on their living accommodation and arrangements.

"The economy has been severely impacted by Covid-19 and the employment market this year and next will be extremely challenging for everyone. Travelling abroad for a ‘gap’ year is also fraught with uncertainty as it depends on global infection rates. I want our students to be able to make the most of their experience of Higher Education and you should feel reassured that the University of Bolton is in the best position to provide a safe, secure and happy environment from September."