‘The absolute imperative is that we move our learning and assessment online as a matter of emergency,’ Hugh Brady says

Update: The Uni are adamant that exams will NOT be suspended, despite Biochemistry students being shown a slide that read: “The suspension will include the normal examination sessions that were to be held in the summer examination period between 18th May and 5th June.”

Wednesday (18th March) will be the last day of teaching at the University of Bristol due the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The University communicated this to all staff via a live stream.

Vice-Chancellor Hugh Brady said: “The absolute imperative is that we move our learning and assessment online as a matter of emergency.”

He continued: “We are not closing the university, many of our international and UK students will continue to live on campus, staff will be available to give support to their students working on dissertations and final year projects.”

The uni has decided to suspend teaching with the aim of enabling staff to make alternative teaching and assessment plans, as well as allowing students to return home early if they wish.

Teaching is set to resume on Monday 20th April but it is unclear as yet what form this teaching will take.

The uni buildings including the libraries, wellbeing services and research facilities will remain open.

Uni accommodation will remain open.

All overseas field trips have also been cancelled.

During the livestream, Chief Operating Officer Robert Kerse was asked whether it would be possible that the university would completely close. He said: “The institution could never close totally. We have students in halls, we have animals and buildings we need to look after. We will continue to follow government advice.”

Kerse added: “If it becomes necessary to close and we are guided to do so to protect the health and wellbeing of out staff and students then that is what we will do and we will communicate that at the appropriate point.”

A University statement is expected shortly.

More to follow.

Featured Image: SWNS stock image