»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË

I am writing to you with an important update following recent announcements from the UKÌýGovernment onÌýthe Omicron variant andÌýnew COVID-19 safety measures.Ìý

UCL’s University Management Committee has met to discuss the recent changes in government rules andÌýhow this mayÌýimpactÌýUCL.ÌýÌý

Face-to-face teaching in Term 2Ìý

Our priorities are to keep you as safe as possible, minimise the risks on campus, and follow the UK Government’s guidance.ÌýThese are uncertainÌýtimes,Ìýand the scientific and public health data are still unclear as to the impact and consequences of the Omicron variant.ÌýWhat we can be sure about is that the start of term will be anything but normal with all of us,ÌýstaffÌýand students alike, facing some disruption.Ìý

The advice from government is that universities should remain openÌýforÌýface-to-faceÌýeducation and learning support. That isÌýalsoÌýthe advice from our own Public HealthÌýexperts.ÌýThis means thatÌýallÌýof you, includingÌýthose basedÌýoverseas,ÌýshouldÌýplan toÌýtravelÌýto campus for face-to-face teaching in Term 2ÌýunlessÌýyouÌýare on a remote learning pathway.Ìý

Whilst the number ofÌýCOVID-19 cases is rising throughout the UK, the UK has aÌýhighly vaccinated population of staff and studentsÌýand recent data show that having a booster increases your protection against the Omicron variant of COVID-19.ÌýEveryone aged 18 or over in the UKÌýis encouragedÌýget a COVID-19 booster dose before the New Year. PleaseÌýÌýas soon as you can.ÌýÌý

UCL’sÌýInternational Student Support webpages have more information on the advice and support available as you prepare to arrive to London, including quarantining information, theÌýinformation about student vaccinations, as well asÌýorientation activities available to you as a new or returning international student.Ìý

Anticipated disruption toÌýcampus-based learningÌý

It is likely that there will still be considerable COVID-19 disruption globally at the start ofÌýJanuary. Some studentsÌýbased overseasÌýmayÌýstruggleÌýto join us in LondonÌýinÌýthe firstÌýfew days ofÌýterm dueÌýto coronavirus travel restrictionsÌýand disruptions.ÌýWeÌýalsoÌýexpectÌýthereÌýwillÌýbe some disruption forÌýmany already inÌýthe UK,ÌýwhoÌýmay become unwell orÌýneed toÌýself-isolateÌýfor short periods of time.ÌýIf youÌýare affected by these circumstances, we will support you as best we can to keep up with yourÌýstudiesÌýthrough a range of resourcesÌýuntilÌýyou can join or re-join usÌýin person.ÌýÌý

Your department is working hard to ensure your programme will have these plans in placeÌýto minimise disruption.ÌýTheyÌýanticipateÌýthatÌýthey will be able toÌýprovideÌýsome flexibility for the first 2-3 weeks of term in most programmes.ÌýThey will be in touch with you early in the New Year to let you know how you can keep up with yourÌýstudies if your arrival is delayedÌýor you are unable to attend face-to-face activities in person for short periods of time.ÌýÌý

Keeping safe on campusÌý

You can still access facilities and services on campus, including UCL Libraries and Support & Wellbeing, although some will beÌýoperatingÌýreduced hours over the winter break.ÌýSee what support and services areÌýopen during the holiday period.ÌýÌý

You must not come to campus if you are unwell or have been asked to self-isolate.Ìý

Please remember:Ìý

• Ìýor boosted against COVID-19 if you can.ÌýÌýatÌýBidboroughÌýHouse isÌýcurrently accepting walk-in appointments, although these may be suspended atÌývery busyÌýtimes.ÌýÌý
• Face coverings are mandatoryÌýwhile indoors onÌýcampus, unlessÌýyou are exempt.Ìý
• Get tested with a freeÌýÌýif you think you may have COVID-19 and report your test results to UCL Connect to Protect.Ìý
• Get tested at least twice a week with a freeÌýLateral Flow Test (LFT), and beforeÌýmixing with people in crowded indoor places,Ìýeven if youÌýdon’tÌýhave COVID-19 symptoms. Please report your test results to the NHS and UCL Connect to Protect.Ìý

Further supportÌý

The health and wellbeing of everyone at »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË is our top priority. Our own Public Health experts are meetingÌýregularlyÌýand we will continue to follow their advice and ensure we implement theÌýappropriate measuresÌýto best protect staff and students.Ìý

We understand that this is an incredibly uncertain time forÌýeveryoneÌýand the rising number of coronavirus cases will make people anxious.ÌýIf you would like to talk to someone in confidence about your situation or how the pandemic is affecting you, pleaseÌýget in touch with UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing team.Ìý

Please check theÌýÌýandÌý,Ìýas well asÌýUCL’sÌýcoronavirus information hub, for the latest information, especially if you are planning to travel over the winter break.Ìý

WishingÌýyou a good festive break,Ìý

Professor Deborah Gill,
Vice-Provost (Education & Student Experience)Ìý