COVID-19 Information
For students and staff
Our priority is to provide a safe learning, research and working environment for all our students and staff, whilst also protecting our local communities.
We must play our part in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and follow the latest Scottish Government guidance closely.
We continue to work with the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland, Highlands and Islands Students' Association, and Comann nan Oileanach to ensure everyone is aware of our responsibilities whilst on and off campus. One of the strengths of our university partnership is our relationships with our local communities all over the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire and we are very grateful to those who have been complying with the Scottish Government guidance and ensuring that they keep themselves, and their communities safe.
Campus, learning centre and study arrangements
Campus, learning centre and study arrangements
We’re delighted to welcome students back on to our campuses and learning centres this September. We’re playing our part in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, so some protective measures will still be in place. Please visit your local campus, learning centre or department for more information.
Students whose courses are delivered remotely, or networked across more than one campus, will also be able to continue to study remotely or can choose to study at their nearest campus.
The UHI buildings at Ness Walk, Bryden Lodge, Fairways, An Lòchran and the Centre for Health Science in Inverness are currently closed to visitors, with access only to authorised staff and students. If you do need to make a request to visit these buildings, please make a 'Building access request' via Servicedesk form.
Assessment regulations applicable for degree students in AY21/22
Assessment regulations applicable for degree students in AY21/22
We appreciate the achievements of our students during the Covid pandemic and are proud of the way that we have worked in partnership to meet students’ needs and ensure that academic standards are maintained. We also understand that you want clarity and timeliness on issues relating to our students and assessment. Together with representatives from the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, the university’s team responsible for academic quality matters has reviewed the position on fair assessment , taking into account the evolving situation and impacts of COVID-19, and the regulatory requirement to meet national academic standards and quality expectations, and practice in other universities.
We have analysed data on our students’ achievements and outcomes over the last two academic years, and we are delighted to see that most students have been able to continue to engage with their studies successfully, and/or gain their qualification.
It is now appropriate to revert to our normal academic regulations for progression and award of undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees, as the student learning experience settles into the ‘new normal’. We believe that this will support effective student engagement in their studies, fairness in assessment, and that students can be confident in the value of their awards, now and in the future.
The exceptional arrangements for final award classifications applied in 19/20 and 20/21 will therefore be discontinued, except for continuing students who were enrolled on their final level of study during those years. We will also discontinue the exceptional use of Ungraded Credit to support progression.
We recognise that Covid continues to affect us all in our daily lives, and the uncertainty this brings. We know that the student learning experience is not yet ‘back to normal’. We will continue to support students to engage effectively with their studies, while maintaining the academic standards of our awards. We have put in place an ongoing package of support measures for students. These include :
- adjustments to learning and teaching approaches, as appropriate to specific degree programmes
- use of alternative assessments, such as ‘open book’ exams through Brightspace
- mitigating circumstances process - in the event of illness or other reasonable cause
- individual advice and guidance via Personal Academic Tutors or local student support services
We will continue to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis, and will review this position in conjunction with HISA, in the event of significant unforeseen pandemic impacts.
As always, we welcome feedback on this, or any other matter, through the Red Button and HISA. We wish you well for an enjoyable and successful academic year.
How will I receive up-to-date information?
How will I receive up-to-date information?
We will stay in touch with students and staff via email so please check regularly for updates, and we will also post important information updates on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages so give us a follow if you have an account. Our campuses also have social media accounts and use these regularly to share information.
Students can also direct questions to your local student support team, your course leader.
Our student support teams across the university partnership are here to help and details of local contacts can be found on our support page, or contact the red button team.
Health and safety measures
Health and safety measures
What health and safety measures can I expect at my local campus or learning centre?
In line with up-to-date guidance from the Scottish Government and the move to ‘Beyond Level 0’ our campuses and learning centres are pleased to welcome students and staff back, however your health, safety and wellbeing is still our top priority. Please visit your local campus, learning centre or department for more information.
Testing
Testing
Coronavirus testing kits are available from the Scottish Government website. Anyone in Scotland can order a supply of tests to be delivered to their home.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations
We encourage all students and staff to take advantage of COVID-19 vaccinations when offered. The vaccine is now available to all over 16s and children aged 12 to15 who are considered at higher risk from COVID-19. Information on how to book appointments or upcoming drop-in sessions is available on the NHS inform website
International students are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated before you arrive, please check the current information available on the NHS inform website.
Test and Protect
Test and Protect
If you have Covid-19 symptoms or think you might have coronavirus, do not go your local campus, learning centre or usual place of work, you should self-isolate immediately.
Seek a PCR test by visiting the Scottish Government website available to anyone living in Scotland, or call 119.
Symptoms include:
- A high temperature or fever
- A new, continuous cough
- A loss of, or change in a sense of smell and taste
If you test positive for COVID-19 please notify your local campus, learning centre or department using their absence reporting process.
Protect Scotland
Protect Scotland
Students and staff are encouraged to download the Protect Scotland app from NHS Scotland's Test and Protect. This free, mobile app is designed to help us protect each other and reduce the spread of COVID-19.