A catering team from the University of Edinburgh has been awarded its 8th sustainable food recognition award.
The Accommodation, Catering and Events team from the university has picked up another bronze ‘Food For Life Served Here’ award, branding its consistent effort from 2013 towards providing healthy and sustainable menus.
Catering to 2,000 students in catered halls daily and producing over 100,000 meals a year, the award is a testament to the continuous efforts made towards serving ethically sourced ingredients and produce.
Soil Association, the charity behind the Food For Life Served Here programme, recognise a bronze award when catering teams guarantee three key quality standards; the environment, the local economy, and the health benefits for pupils and students.
This includes a pledge that a minimum of 75% of dishes are prepared from unprocessed ingredients and that cultural and dietary needs are catered for. While also making the most of seasonal produce, as well as ingredients being sustainably sourced and free from trans fats and additives.
Sue Howlett, Inspector – Food for Life Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to certify the University of Edinburgh to the Bronze Food for Life Served Here award.
“During my inspection, I was impressed to find that the catering team source local produce via reputable, direct Scottish suppliers, with high standards – providing a positive boost to the local economy.
“They also serve a wide range of sustainable fish on the menu, and an excellent range of seasonal veg – again, sourced locally where possible. Sustainable choices are a key part of the Food for Life Served Here certification – and the University of Edinburgh has strongly demonstrated this ethos in practice.
“Congratulations to the University of Edinburgh – we’re pleased to be working with you!”
Ian Macaulay, Director of Catering at the University of Edinburgh said: “The team is absolutely delighted to have met the standard again in our annual renewal of the Food For Life Served Here award for all meals served to students in catered halls”
“It’s been a really difficult year and this achievement shows that we are still fully committed to keeping our accreditations and awards as part of the Good Food Policy and providing students with healthy, sustainable, and quality food.
“University managed accommodation creates a sense of reassurance for new students, and we are taking that extra step in being transparent about where our ingredients come from and what produce we use, thus helping our students trust our team, and feel at ease.”
The catering team assure that no endangered fish are served, and genetically modified ingredients are not used, ensuring that all the meals served meet UK welfare standards and Scottish Government Nutritional Requirements.
The University of Edinburgh Accommodation, Catering and Events team support the residential welfare of 10,000 students.
One University managed accommodation, Pollock Halls, provides students the option of picking catered accommodation, making a stressful transition that bit easier.
With round-the-clock student support, through its Residence Life welfare initiative and flexible leases, the university is working towards helping students amidst these uncertain times.
Carers Trust Scotland and The Open University in Scotland have joined forces to help improve support to thousands of student carers in Scotland, who are studying alongside providing unpaid care for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.
Carer Aware is a new online training module which has been developed by Carers Trust Scotland and The Open University in Scotland with funding from The Scottish Funding Council. The module will help university staff to better understand the challenges faced by many student carers and provides guidance on how to improve support for these students at university.
Research by Carers Trust found that:
Student carers are four times more likely to drop out of college and university than those who are not carers;
84% of student carers find keeping good mental health while studying to be a challenge;
87% of student carers can find concentrating on assignments and work at home challenging.
Together, Carers Trust Scotland and The Open University in Scotland are calling on all Scottish universities to use this free resource to help their staff better identify, support and report on their student carers.
Scott Lafferty, Development Manager for Carers Trust Scotland, said: “Carers Trust Scotland is delighted to have worked with The Open University in Scotland to launch Carer Aware at University, an online module for university professionals.
“It aims to raise awareness to the challenges that many student carers face and offers guidance on how universities in Scotland can provide improved support to student carers, so that they have a fair chance to be successful in their own education and achieve their true potential in all aspects of their lives.”
Student carers can greatly benefit from dedicated support from their university and the Carer Aware at University online module should help improve outcomes for student carers after study.
Shona Littlejohn, Depute Director, Student Experience & Widening Access, at The Open University in Scotland, said: “Carer Aware at University is built around the stories of student carers as they share their experience of caring for a family member or friend, and the impact that has on their university studies.
“Huge thanks go to the many student carers who contributed to the course. This makes it a very compelling resource and really helps university staff better understand the challenges student carers face in juggling their unpaid care role alongside studying.”
This new resource complements existing work being undertaken by both organisations to raise awareness, improve identification and ensure adequate support is in place to give student carers a fair chance to be successful in their own education.
Since 2017, Carers Trust Scotland has been rolling out Going Higher for Student Carers Recognition Award, a scheme to assist and encourage all 19 of Scotland’s universities to develop their policies and practices to improve support for student carers, and award good practice. The Open University in Scotland achieved the award in 2020 demonstrating their commitment to improving their support for student carers.
Many student carers remain unidentified and unsupported at university and continue to be a hidden group.
There are student carers in every university trying to successfully complete their course to the best of their ability just like their peers. Yet, they often experience additional challenges because of their unpaid caring responsibilities and do not always receive the support they need to successfully complete university.
This prevents students with caring responsibilities from reaching their full potential, maintaining good health and wellbeing, and having equal access to the opportunities open to other students.
Additionally, due to the impact of the current Coronavirus pandemic, we know that many student carers are taking on additional caring responsibilities, therefore increasing the need for support at university.
The Carer Aware at University module was developed with partners in the University of Stirling, Heriot-Watt University, Glasgow Caledonian University and the College Development Network.
Students experiencing hardship as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) will be supported by £20 million of Scottish Government funding. A further £10 million has also been allocated to universities and colleges for income lost in providing rent rebates.
To complement the additional £30 million, the Scottish Funding Council is also repurposing £5 million of student support funding towards discretionary funding for FE students in the college sector.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The impact of the pandemic on students has been significant. Not only has there been disruption to their education, we know that many students face financial difficulties with accommodation, associated costs or challenges in getting jobs. This additional £20 million will help to alleviate the financial pressure and stress facing many of our students.
“We are also supporting institutions, many of which have lost revenue by giving students rent refunds or rebates, with an additional £10 million.
“This announcement builds on the £37 million package of support the Scottish Government has already provided to support students during the pandemic.”
Matt Crilly, President of NUS Scotland, said: “NUS Scotland welcomes this crucial support from the Scottish Government at a time when students are struggling. We know many of the traditional sources of student income have been decimated during the pandemic, so it is a relief to know there will be additional funding for those experiencing hardship.
“This support is essential in helping Scotland uphold its commitment to fair access to education. While Scotland has made important advances in recent years towards widening access to further and higher education, the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and threatens to erode this progress. This funding helps ensure we are not only supporting students from all backgrounds into education, but also helping them stay in education.”
Shona Struthers, chief executive officer of Colleges Scotland, said: “We welcome any additional funding to support college students across Scotland at this incredibly difficult time.
“Many of our students are learning from home and with additional financial hardship caused by the pandemic – we are sure that the much-needed additional funds from Scottish Government will prove beneficial to students during this lockdown period. Colleges Scotland will work on behalf of the sector to highlight ongoing challenges.”
Details on how this £20 million assistance for students will be distributed will be confirmed shortly.
More information on the support available for students is available online.
Over two thirds of student renters (69 per cent) are concerned about their ability to pay their rent
A third of students believe that they would not be allowed to leave their tenancy agreement early due to the pandemic
57 per cent of those who have been self-isolating have not received any support from their accommodation provider
22 per cent of students have been unable to pay their rent in full over the past 4 month
Over two thirds of student renters (69 per cent) are worried about their ability to pay rent with around a quarter having been unable to pay rent (22 per cent) or bills (27 per cent) during the pandemic, a new survey from NUS (National Union of Students) has found. International students and students of colour are most likely to be extremely concerned.
Almost half of students live in rented accommodation of some sort, with around a third believing they would not be allowed to leave their tenancy agreement early due to the pandemic.
These problems are likely to be exacerbated with the most recent lockdown announcement that has left the majority of student renters still liable to pay for accommodation that they are not allowed to access.
The Coronavirus and Students Survey phase III took place in November and involved over 4,000 students, building upon the previous research issued by NUS in April and September 2020. A quarter of students have had to self-isolate during last (Autumn) term, or are currently self-isolating, while a small proportion have had to lockdown.
57 per cent of those who have been self-isolating have not received any support from their accommodation provider. Students have called for more regular check-ins, financial support and food deliveries to support them.
The proportion of students living with parents/guardians has gone up since September, now representing 30 per cent of students compared to 21 per cent. Prior to the pandemic a quarter of students were living with parents indicating some students have had to reconsider their living arrangements as a result of the pandemic.
Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, NUS Vice-President for Higher Education, said: “It is astonishing that the UK government has placed students under lockdown yet are still requiring them to pay rent for accommodation that they cannot legally access. It goes to show the level of disregard that this government has for students.
“We need rent rebates immediately to ensure that students are not out of pocket for rental payments of properties they are not living in. Over two-thirds of students are already concerned about their ability to make rental payments, and this will have only increased with the most recent lockdown announcement.
“Students deserve better than to be financially punished for following public health guidance.”
Ellen Fearon, NUS-USI President, said: “Governments have been dodging the problems facing student renters throughout the whole of this pandemic. We have consistently raised the fact that students are in a unique situation, being unable to claim Universal Credit and therefore unable to access housing support if they lose their income, but these calls have fallen on deaf ears.
“In September students were brought back onto campuses only for many classes to be moved online in a matter of weeks and for some students to find themselves effectively locked in their halls. It’s not surprising that so many students feel they have been exploited for profit. Students deserve better than to be used to prop up a failing business model.”
Universities will stagger the return of undergraduate students to campuses over at least six weeks, within a package of measures to minimise the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
With only very limited exceptions, undergraduates should initially plan to restart their studies at home and only return to campuses and term-time accommodation when notified to do so by their universities.
When students return to term-time accommodation, they will be offered lateral flow COVID-19 testing, similar to that offered ahead of Christmas. All students are being asked to restrict their social interaction for a fortnight before they return to university and for the same period after they get there. College students – who largely do not move away from home to go to education – should return as planned, in line with the protection level for the area their college is in at that time.
Other student measures for Term 2 include:
any student who has remained in university and other accommodation during the holiday, can continue to do so, whilst observing the relevant levels restrictions
universities and other student accommodation providers should plan for how best to manage shared accommodation in ways that reduce the risk of transmission of the virus between students and between households, drawing on lessons learned from the autumn term
universities and providers should offer additional support for any students who may have to self-isolate upon their return
Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The Scottish Government, our colleges and our universities have a shared priority to ensure transmission of the coronavirus is minimised for the safety of all in our community.
“We also wish to see students have a positive educational experience in the coming spring term, including a blend of digital and in-person provision.
“The spread of the virus is, however, uncertain and prevalence is stubbornly high in some areas. So we are proposing these arrangements for the forthcoming term to ensure a safe return to college and university for students, staff and wider communities, building on the positive work done by colleges and universities based on the experience of the first term.”
Scottish Government guidance on colleges and universities will be made available to reflect these arrangements including key dates and how this will be kept under review.
Plans announced to support students to return safely
Thousands of students in Scotland will be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) under plans to allow those wishing to return home at the end of term, to do so safely.
In a statement to Parliament, Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead outlined the measures being taken by colleges and universities to support the safe return of up to 80,000 students ahead of the winter break.
The plans include a widespread COVID-19 testing scheme, which is expected to be rolled out by the start of December.
Enabling easy access to testing for students with COVID-19 symptoms has already proved to be effective in controlling outbreaks. Now Scottish students will be included in a UK-wide initiative to test some asymptomatic students prior to the end of term.
The Government is working in partnership with institutions and the UK Government’s testing programme on the logistics of offering both lateral flow testing – a new rapid test currently being used in Liverpool, which can deliver a COVID result in about 15-20 minutes – and if needed a more sensitive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which may take up to a day or longer to produce a result.
The other measures outlined by Mr Lochhead include:
All students will receive early, clear advice on staying safe. Those who chose to stay in student accommodation over the holiday period will also be well supported
There will be staggered and early departure from campuses, with universities being asked to make any necessary adjustments to scheduling, to ensure in-person teaching and assessment ends early enough to allow students time to get home at the end of term
Any student who wants to return home for the end of term, is being asked to voluntarily reduce their social mixing for two weeks before going home. This means going out only for essential reasons and exercise
All college and university students travelling home will be given advice on how to do so safely, which includes following public health advice on the use of public transport
Mr Lochhead said: “Covid 19 is a challenge for all of us, our students included.We have all worked hard to support students in gaining an education this term, and like everyone else we have learnt and adapted as we have progressed.
“Our challenge is to look after the wellbeing of our students by enabling them to return home, while at the same time keeping them, their loves ones, and communities safe.
“Testing will play a role – but only a limited role. My message to students is, ‘thank you for all your efforts, and please keep doing all you can to keep yourself and others safe’.
“I have no doubt the majority of students will want to act responsibly, and will follow the measures that will be set out.”
Students across Scotland will have access to more support to help them deal with the mental health impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Additional Scottish Government funding will allow support staff to carry out more frequent checks to identify potential mental health issues, as well as wider welfare concerns, such as access to food deliveries and other necessities.
The funding will also help to increase the number of drop-in chats for students, which will offer counselling on a digital platform.
Staff will also be able to direct students to the appropriate services, including referring them to a clinician, if appropriate.
Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey said: “We want students and their families to feel reassured that practical and welfare support is in place, particularly given current circumstances.
“This extra funding will build on the support already in place, including the additional counsellors provided by our recent investment of £3.64 million.
“During the pandemic we have committed £6 million of funding to improve mental health throughout Scotland. And on Monday, we announced £15 million to respond to the mental health issues of children and young people. Students have access to all services available to the general population, including the Clear Your Head campaign to support people to take care of their mental health and wellbeing.
“We have also expanded the NHS24 Mental Health Hub so that it is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and increased the capacity of the Breathing Space telephone helpline and web support service.”
NUS Scotland President Matt Crilly said: “We warmly welcome today’s additional funding which will help to support students’ mental health and wellbeing after a tough start to the academic year.
“The impact of COVID-19 on students has undoubtedly taken its toll – academically, financially and socially. Now more than ever we need to ensure that their mental health and wellbeing is looked after, and this funding is a welcome start to ensuring that every student who needs support, has access to it. We look forward to further details of how the funding will be allocated and spent.”
Director of Access, Learning and Outcomes at the Scottish Funding Council, James Dunphy said: “Positive mental health is fundamental to students’ ability to progress and make the most of their education experience.
“We know the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental and emotional health of many students, both new and returning, and so we welcome this additional funding.
“Colleges and universities have made great progress with the funding they have already received, employing additional counsellors to support students in need, and this additional funding will enable them to target their support in more flexible ways, including increased access to online services, crisis intervention, and wellbeing support for those in isolation.”
Universities will have accessible wellbeing services, with details on their websites.
The Student Information Scotland website has the student support pages of every institution to signpost students to the support which is available.
Two of Scotland’s finest chefs have created mouthwatering vegan recipes for students staying in University of Edinburgh accommodation.
The nutritious meal suggestions – devised by Michelin-starred Martin Wishart and Tom Kitchin – are part of a range of recipe cards to be included in food packages for students if they are self-isolating in halls.
The Edinburgh-born chefs have developed their recipes with student kitchens in mind. Each uses a variety of high-quality, fresh vegetables and herbs, and take less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Tom Kitchin – chef and owner of award-winning restaurant The Kitchin, The Scran & Scallie, Southside Scran and The Bonnie Badger – launched the project by creating a fragrant tofu and noodle broth.
Martin Wishart (above), proprietor of the award-winning Restaurant Martin Wishart, has prepared a colourful vegan box with stir-fried vegetables and chilli noodles.
Much-loved local eateries Bross Bagels and Civerinos Slice have also created vibrant meal suggestions for students to enjoy.
The recipe cards are the latest addition to the package of support students receive if they are required to self-isolate in University accommodation due to Covid-19 restrictions. University chefs have also created recipes, which include jackfruit casserole, chilli bean ragu and smoked mackerel fillets with potatoes.
University staff are working 24-hours a day to ensure that students receive a balanced diet, with self-isolation packs consisting of three meals a day to students in catered halls as well as up to 800 grocery boxes per week for those in self-catered. Essential items are also being delivered on request.
Staff have been delivering up to 2,400 packed meals per day to students in catered halls and more than 800 grocery boxes per week to those in self-catered across 48 different locations.
Round-the-clock care is also on hand to ensure that students can speak with staff either on the phone or in person if they have any worries or concerns. As well as counselling and online support services, the University has almost 200 Residence Assistants and Wardens on site to help students.
From Friday, the University is asking students to share their kitchen creations on social media to win a three-course meal from The Scran & Scallie or Civerinos Slice for their household.
Chef Tom Kitchin said: “This is a really brilliant initiative by University of Edinburgh and I am delighted to support it. We all know that eating well and planning a good meal start with the use of good ingredients.
“With a little bit of imagination and some cooking tips along the way, some students might discover a love for cooking. Times are challenging for many so it’s more important than ever that we stick together and support the community, especially the young generation in all this. I’m excited to see what dishes the students will come up with and what new ideas are coming our way.”
Carina Svensen, Director of Accommodation, Catering and Events at the University of Edinburgh, said: “We are thrilled to provide students with these fantastic recipe ideas and work with local businesses.
“Tom and Martin are renowned for championing fresh Scottish produce, and Bross Bagels and Civerinos Slice are really popular, so we are sure this will be a hit with our students.
“This year has been tough on all of us, but I hope that this will give our students a boost and encourage them to showcase their creative flair. We are keen to continue this initiative and work with other Edinburgh businesses to create more exciting opportunities for our students.”
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “This an excellent initiative from celebrity Michelin-starred chef’s Martin Wishart and Tom Kitchin.
“Students starting university this year have faced far more challenges than a usual student intake and this is friendly gesture which acknowledges these challenges.
“Since the start of this year, looking out for each other and sticking together has been hugely important and this is another example of the kindness on show in local communities.”
People on low incomes will be eligible to receive a new £500 grant if asked to self-isolate.
The new Self-Isolation Support Grant will help those who would lose income if they needed to self-isolate, such as those unable to carry out their work from home.
This grant is for those who will face financial hardship due to being asked to self-isolate and will be targeted at people who are in receipt of Universal Credit or legacy benefits, with some discretion to make awards to others in financial hardship.
Applications are due to open from 12 October and will be delivered through the existing Scottish Welfare Fund, which is administered by local authorities.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville (above) said: “Self-isolation can be tough, but it is essential to protect people and reduce the spread of coronavirus. To ensure people do not experience financial hardship as a result of doing the right thing, we are introducing this new £500 grant for people on low incomes who have been told to self-isolate.
“We want to do everything we can to support people throughout this challenging time and these payments will help ensure people do not have to make a choice between self-isolating and supporting themselves financially.
“While we continue to press the UK Government for clarity around consequential funding for the support scheme they recently announced, it is essential that we act swiftly so that people who need support are able to access it. I am glad that the scheme has the support of local authorities and that we have a means of delivering it from next month.”
COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson Councillor Kelly Parry said: “COSLA, on behalf of Scottish local government, welcomes this scheme. It will help ensure those who are affected and qualify are looked after and won’t need to go to work, which will help reduce the community spread of the virus.
“Councils have vast experience of providing local support of this type to communities and are the best placed to deliver this measure. We are keen to agree the details with the Scottish Government as soon as possible and look forward to getting much needed support to the people who need it.”
Minister says physical and mental wellbeing the priority
Scottish universities must ensure students self-isolating on campus receive the highest possible standards of support to maintain their physical as well as their mental wellbeing, according to Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead.
He was updating Parliament on the latest Government measures to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the university sector.
Mr Lochhead also said every possible effort is being made to allow students to return home safely at Christmas if they wish to do so, and that the Government is now exploring the merits of some ‘targeted surveillance COVID testing’, to better understand the level of asymptomatic cases of the virus among the student population.
Universities Scotland, which represents Scotland’s 19 universities and higher education institutions, has now confirmed a package of 10 measures it will be using to support student wellbeing.
The Government published additional guidance to inform students wishing to return home right now, of their options and how the latest national restrictions apply to student households.
Mr Lochhead said the Government continues to work alongside universities, accommodation providers, unions, and other key stakeholders to keep campuses and their wider communities safe, and to support students and staff to comply with existing COVID-19 measures.
In its planning for the return of thousands of students for the new academic year, Mr Lochhead added the Government had balanced the negative impact of limiting access to education on students’ personal development, their wellbeing and life chances, with the country also needing the stream of talented and trained individuals produced by Scotland’s world-leading colleges and universities that underpins the economy.
He emphasised to manage that, the Government had consistently planned for some face-to-face teaching in colleges and universities as part of a blended return to campus, during phase three of the Government’s route map.
Mr Lochhead said: “Universities and student accommodation providers have a duty of care to their students – right now, this must be their number one priority and I expect them to take every possible step to look after their safety and wellbeing.
“That is why all universities will now provide a stay-at-campus support package for any students self-isolating, and we have asked the sector to ensure that’s gold standard.
“Our key message right now encourages students to remain living in their current households and on campus if they are able to. We are now working together with the sector on the best approaches on how to handle the Christmas break.
“Universities should also look sympathetically at students who have left or want to serve notice on their tenancy and re-apply at a future point – Ministers are urging the sector to apply the utmost flexibility on this point.
“We remain mindful of clinical advice about the limitations of asymptomatic testing and the need to prioritise our testing capacity. However, we are also exploring the merits of some targeted surveillance testing focused on institutions which present particular concerns, to understand the level of asymptomatic cases.”
Additional guidance has been published for those living in student households after new measures were announced last week to protect the population from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Richard Lochhead has written to college and university principals and student accommodation provider networks to set out the new guidance. It has been developed in consultation with the National Union of Students Scotland and Universities Scotland.
The guidance is intended to address questions from students and encourages them to remain on campus if they are able to do so. It outlines what students can and cannot do and what they need to think about if they are considering a return home on a permanent basis.
This includes where students are isolating and require support to allow them to comply with the requirement to self-isolate. Under the guidance, the household students are returning to are asked to also self-isolate and states that public transport should not be used.
Mr Lochhead said: “Our priority is to try and keep people safe from a virus that, even for young people, can do a lot of damage to physical health.
“We would encourage students to remain living in their current accommodation where they are able to, so they can continue to benefit from both a blend of digital and in-person learning, where that is possible and the opportunity to engage with others, within the restrictions, to build new networks and to make new friends.
“However, we know that many students may be struggling with the prospect of not being able to return home to visit family and other support networks, especially if is the first time in their life they have been away from home.
“Knowing what to consider in deciding whether to return home will help support wellbeing and enable students to make informed choices, but it is important to stress that adjusting to life away from home is always challenging.
“And, as the First Minister has made clear, we are strongly advising that students do not visit pubs and restaurants for the remainder of this weekend.
“I’d like to thank students for playing their role at this very difficult time when they are trying to benefit from further and higher education against a backdrop of a global pandemic.”
Responding to the updated guidance, NUS Scotland said: “Today’s guidance provides welcome clarity to the students in halls, who will be considering their next steps.
“We welcome that students will be able to return home on a permanent basis.
“However, we are disappointed that the government continues to talk up in-person teaching, which may keep students on campus and increase risks unnecessarily. We continue to call on the Scottish Government to strengthen teaching guidance so remote learning is the default, and a reality for as many students as possible.
“We recognise that some students may want to return to halls at a later date. We would welcome this opportunity to be open to them, so long as it is safe to do so.
“Students can, by law, end their student accommodation contracts by serving notice for Covid-19 related reasons. We’re calling for institutions and private providers to go further. This isn’t what students signed up for. If students want to end their contracts and return home, they should be fully refunded. And if they wish to defer study, they should be supported to do so.
“For those who wish to remain in halls, they must be provided with first-class support from their institutions – including practical support like food deliveries, as well as mental health and wellbeing support. They deserve nothing less.
“We also welcome guidance for students who may need to return home because they require the support of a friend, family member or other supportive person, to allow them to comply with the requirement to self-isolate.”
The body representing Scottish universities said student welfare must be a priority.
Responding to the additional guidance, Professor Gerry McCormac, Convener of Universities Scotland and Principal of the University of Stirling said:“With the support of their universities, students need to choose what is right for their own physical and mental health.
“Unfortunately the current situation with this pandemic means these choices do need to be balanced within the wider public health context. There is a real benefit, we believe, in staying at university this semester and benefiting from the blend of both digital and in-person learning and the wider range of services and support that is available.
“The Scottish Government’s additional guidance about households puts the emphasis on staying within existing households and avoiding overnight stays elsewhere for now, but not at the expense of an individual’s wellbeing. It also makes clear that a change of household is possible but offers guidance to limit this to cases where a change then become the person’s main or only residence on a long-term basis.
“It has been a very difficult start to the new academic year for the entire student community, both those returning to university and in particular, those attending for the first time. It is particularly worrying for the students who have tested positive for COVID-19 and for those who have been asked to isolate to protect other students, staff and the local community.
“A great deal has been asked of students in recent times so that the transmission of the virus can be limited, but the prevalence of this virus has been increasing for several weeks and while students have been severely affected, the responsibility for this increase does not just lie with them.
“Nonetheless we must do all we can to curtail the spreads of this deadly disease while ensuring students and staff are fully supported. Universities are providing practical, emotional and financial support to students and every student should feel able to reach out and ask for any support they need – we’re here for you.
“We’re all facing unprecedented challenges whilst trying to protect education as a priority, second only to public health. In institutions, student leaders have been and continue to be a key part of the planning process for managing the virus and there is wide support for the actions taken.
“Looking ahead, the student voice will be a key part of discussions regarding how to manage the approach to the rest of the academic year. Actions taken now to reduce the spread of this disease will help ensure we can integrate further with each other and our loved ones as we head towards the Christmas break.”
