A statement from The SU Officers regarding in-person teaching on campus.
We are extremely disappointed with the latest announcement from the Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan, confirming that the majority of students will not be allowed to return to face-to-face teaching until 17 May. This builds on our constant frustration throughout the pandemic, where university students have been routinely not mentioned in major government announcements, leaving students stuck in limbo.
A huge number of students are in Bath, and we are focused on doing whatever we can to return to levels of normality, safely and within guidance. We have worked with the University to ensure facilities are reopened on and off-campus at the earliest opportunity to support the student experience. We feel that teaching on campus could reopen safely, and we have great confidence in the processes surrounding in-person activity. Unfortunately, the Government has restricted a return to in-person teaching for many students, although many elements of life in the UK return to in-person activity. The level of disregard shown by the Government to students who pay ridiculous amounts of money in tuition fees is frankly disgraceful.
We are here to support you and make sure the impact of this announcement is as minimal as possible. Those of you who have a contract with University-managed halls will be receiving an email from the University detailing the next steps in terms of rebates and extensions to contracts given the circumstances. We continue working closely with the University to raise your voices and your issues and to make sure we do whatever we can to improve your student experience, in spite of the contempt shown by the Department for Education, the Universities Minister, and the Government as a whole.
Make sure you do get in contact with us. We are here and we keep working hard to represent you. Get in touch with us directly or seek support from the SU Advice and Support Centre, which offers confidential and independent advice on academic and personal issues.
In solidarity,
Tom, Franci, Annie, Freya, and Fritz
The SU Officers