Union calls on vice-chancellors to move learning online

This follows updated guidance for England around the four week lockdown that said universities should 'consider moving to increased levels of online learning where possible' and after repeated calls from UCU and Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), for a move away from in-person teaching.

UCU has collated over 35,000 cases of Covid on campuses across the UK. It has also launched a legal challenge to the government's decision to ignore advice from SAGE to move learning at universities online.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'Following updated guidance from the Westminster government, we are calling on vice-chancellors in England to exercise their autonomy and move all non-essential activities online now. Universities must not risk the health and safety of staff and students by allowing non-essential in-person activities to continue.  Reducing the amount of in-person teaching and travel to and from campus will minimise the spread of Covid-19 and keep people as safe as possible.'
 

*Letter to VC's in England

Dear Vice Chancellor,

Following the announcement of a four-week lockdown in England, and new government guidance stating that 'universities and adult education settings should consider moving to increased levels of online learning where possible', I am writing to ask that you exercise your autonomy as Vice Chancellor to move all non-essential in-person teaching online now as some institutions are doing, such as Sheffield Hallam, Essex and King's. 

We are all invested in lowering the R rate as quickly as possible. This virus moves when people move, and the government's own modelling showed that in-person teaching is a key risk area. Reducing the amount of in-person teaching and travel to and from campus will minimise the spread of Covid-19 and keep people as safe as possible. 

Best wishes

Dr Jo Grady
General Secretary, University and College Union