University
Express
Volume 24 | Issue 1 | Tuesday 29th 2020
“It is certainly okay to make mistakes and it’s important to ask for help when you need it” - pg 8 ‘The Transition from School to College’
UCCExpress.ie
“I think we had to develop a bit more confidence in expressing ourselves, instead of thinking we had to write straight up rock music” - pg 24 ‘Bitch Falcon, interviewed’
“Despite the heartbreak of this year’s cancellation, he sees the extra year as a big opportunity for the Irish rowing squad” - pg 36 “What’s Another Year?”
UCC GOES ONLINE AS UNIVERSITIES MOVE TO LEVEL 3 OF COVID-19 NATIONAL PLAN Writes Maeve McTaggart, News Editor In the attempt to flatten a growing curve of new coronavirus cases, the government has requested that all higher education institutions will operate under Level 3 of the phased health plan for at least 2 weeks. UCC was set to reopen through a model of blended learning and strict adherence to health guidelines on Monday 28th September until the government announcement late Friday evening dashed hopes of returning to campus. Intended to prevent the virus from once again gaining a foothold in communities, the enhanced public health protection measures focus on “limiting the cross country movement of students and avoiding congregation of large groups on campus,” the Irish Universities Association (IUA) has said.
Similarly, with adequate social distancing and the mandatory use of face coverings, Boole Library will also remain open at a level of reduced occupancy. There remains just 850 seats.
Any events scheduled to occur on campus until 9th October, inThe enhanced measures will re- cluding social and societies acmain in place at UCC until Friday tivities, will be postponed, can9th October. During this two week celled or take place virtually. period, the majority of all lectures shall be delivered online with the In an email addressed to all staff and exception of pre-existing arrange- students, sent to update them of the ments made for lab-based, clinical enhanced public health measures, and practical-based teaching. All Interim President Professor John research activities can continue. O’Halloran said: “I realise you have been looking forward to the start of The Mardyke Arena, the Glucksman term on campus and the latest nationGallery, Áras na MacLéinn and all al guidance, coming at short notice cafés on campus including the New ahead of the start of the academic Bar are entitled to remain open subject year, may be unsettling. UCC is comto existing infection control measures. mitted to support you through these
challenging times.” Mr O’Halloran expressed his gratitude for the patience of the community as the latest public health advice is implemented. UCC campus and its spaces for work, learning and study had been transformed into socially-distanced and regulated areas for the expected return to campus on Monday 28th September. Over 5,000 safety signs had been installed across campus, with 10,000 face coverings so far distributed between staff and students. To support the resumption of campus life, a COVID-19 safety support team—to be made visible on campus in bright green jackets—had been launched alongside a joint social media campaign with UCCSU.
shared responsibility of staff and students in keeping the community safe, was published this past week with commitments to respect health guidelines and avoid UCC campus if symptoms of COVID-19 develop. The symptoms of COVID-19 vary, and have evolved over time as experts have studied the progression of the virus. Common symptoms include a cough, fever, breathlessness, a high temperature or a loss or change in the ability to smell or taste. If such symptoms develop, a test for COVID-19 is warranted and, if returned positive, all close contacts of the case will be traced by HSE Contact Tracing and told to restrict their movements for 14 days.
The COVID-19 Community Charter, a set of principles to affirm the Story Continued on Page 3...