Thursday, 15 October 2020
The Vice-Chancellors of the City's two universities have released a joint statement on how their institutions are responding to the latest restrictions
Professor Shearer West, of The University of Nottingham, and Professor Edward Peck, of Nottingham Trent University said:
"We have reached a critical moment in the coronavirus pandemic. We all share a personal responsibility in helping to turn the tide and reduce the spread of the virus in the city and region we are proud to be part of.
"Nottingham's two universities, along with council leaders and public health colleagues, continue to urge our students and staff to protect themselves and others by adhering to the new restrictions announced by the Government. Covid-19 is a challenge that we can overcome, but only if we work together.
"Teaching, research activities, and support for our students will continue as blended provision, with some activity on campus and some online, as Government has encouraged universities to do. We will keep this under review as Government interventions evolve but we remain confident that our campuses are safe.
University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West
"In the meantime, we continue to extend our range of responses. Next Monday Nottingham Trent University will join the University of Nottingham’s asymptomatic testing programme which identifies cases earlier and faster than the national scheme to control any outbreaks that may occur in student accommodation.
"We communicate daily with all members of our university communities - staff as well as students - so they are clear on the rules. We also support students to ensure they self-isolate effectively and incentivise them to socialise within their households at home or on campus.
"We have been explicit about the behaviours we expect from our university community. We are proud that the vast majority of our students are doing the right thing. However, under our Student Codes of Conduct there are serious consequences for those students who do not, including disciplinary action and fines in addition to any penalties imposed by the police."
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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