TEST SANITISE PROTECT DISTANCE TRACK COVID-SECURE CAMPUS GUIDELINES UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON 2020
Our world-leading university sector is an important jewel in London’s crown. Universities contribute much to the capital, including delivering ground-breaking research, fuelling the city’s economic performance and bringing in students from a diverse range of backgrounds to develop the skills they need to succeed. That is why it is so important to keep London open to study. Given the impact of COVID-19, this must be done carefully and safely. So it’s fantastic to see that the University of East London has put in place such a comprehensive set of guidelines and for achieving that on its campuses.’ Paul Drechsler CBE Chairman, London First
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is pleased to support the University of East London in the launch of their dual-delivery educational model which provides an integrated learning platform (synchronously on-campus and on-line) for students. By hosting their Virtual Learning Environment in AWS Cloud, the University can ensure each student and educator has access to their learning modules whenever and wherever they need them. Our collaboration supports the University’s Vision 2028 to advance careers-1st education, reinforcing the digital skills agenda and increasing access to education through technology for all learners.’ Paul Grist, Head of Education, International, Amazon Web Services
INDEX 1.0 What is a Covid-Secure Campus? 2.0 An introduction to the Dual-delivery Education Model 3.0 Returning to Campus
3.1 The Four University Tiers 3.2 Returning to Campus 3.3 Remember Your Daily 123
4.0 Covid-secure environments
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8
Transport Public Spaces Teaching & Learning Environment Office Working & Student-facing Services Halls of Residence Accommodation Hospitality & Retail Sport & Sports Facility Provision Placements & Other Work-based Learning
1.0 What is a Covid-Secure Campus? While the course of the COVID-19 global pandemic remains uncertain, our University has begun its journey of transformation to adapt to the ‘new norm’; these guidelines set out to inform you on what our Covid-Secure Campus environment will be. We have three objectives that guide us:
What is a Covid-Secure campus?
While the course of the Covid-19 global pandemic remains uncertain, our University has now adapted to the ‘new normal’; these guidelines set out to inform you on what our Covid-Secure Campus environment looks like. We have three objectives that guide us:
1. Our safety first – we have created a healthy and Covid-secure campus environment, keeping our community informed and empowered with the knowledge required to keep ourselves and each other safe and protected.
2. An inclusive, high quality learning environment – our
actions have ensured all our students and staff will be able to access, engage and deliver a high quality, careers-focused, student-centred learning experience, irrespective of individual or community health requirements and risks.
3. Advancing careers 1st education & research – we will build on our advances in developing professional fitness, mental wealth and the employability-readiness of our graduates. Our education and research are centred on making a positive difference to people and planet
We have developed a set of Covid-secure campus guidelines, informed by the World Health Organisation, Public Health England and our own academic experts, and compliant with British government advice and regulation. The application of these guidelines has created a healthy, Covid-secure campus environment. We have a high level of confidence that our plans are managing and minimise potential coronavirus transmission. We have undertaken targeted risk assessments and created action plans for individual health needs where required. These have enabled the University to prepare for national changes to policy and response. These guidelines are based on five key principles: Test, Sanitise, Protect, Distance, Track.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
Our return to campus plans are underpinned by 5 key principles to safeguard our university community Test
Sanitise
Protect
Distance
Track
To provide reporting mechanisms for daily health self-assessment and on-campus key symptom identification through our Daily 123 – test, distance and track via an online health questionnaire, the SafeZone app and NHS Test & Trace. To ensure all high-use surfaces are regularly deep-cleaned and disinfected and, through our Covid-19 Community Pledge ensure that all Campus users are aware of their responsibility to maintain high standards of personal hygiene including access to hand-washing facilities. To ensure all campus users have due regard for and access to personal protective equipment and follow our face covering policy to prevent possible non-touch transmission. To ensure routes around campus sites and within specific environments provide clear guidance and adherence to necessary physical distancing measures and capacity requirements. To ensure that all learners have access to a learning pathway and that all staff members can deliver their roles in a Covid-secure environment aligned with individual health needs and national policy changes.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
CONTINUING TO PROVIDE EXCELLENT TEACHING AND SUPPORT SERVICES IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
EACH OF THESE 5 PRINCIPLES HAVE 3 BASELINE FOUNDATIONS OF PROTECTION These guidelines are continually monitored, evaluated and adapted to meet the latest national policy guidelines. We will keep this list updated and provide more information as it becomes available. Should any member of our community have questions which relate to the guidelines presented in this document, please contact us via: Covid19Enquiries@uel.ac.uk
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
Daily wellness reporting
Facemasks / coverings required on campus
On –campus temperature checks
Enhanced cleaning on high touch point areas
Direct to diagnostic & antibody testing
Daily wellness reporting follow up Personalised learning pathways Campus transmission alert level communications
Protective screens
Anti-bacterial sanitisers at all public entrances & elevators
Maximum capacity indicators across all environments
High intensity deep cleaning
Rotation schedules, advanced ordering & bookable services access Signed physical distancing walkways & environmental bubbles
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
2.0 An introduction to the Dual-delivery Education Model From September 2020, all University of East London programmes are accessible in an innovative ‘dual-delivery’ mode. Our dual-delivery model – prepare, participate, practice draws on evidence-based educational attainment models (including the flipped classroom, the station rotation and the flex model of blended learning). The traditional ‘classroom’ is transformed into a central learning lab (CLL) that can be accessed both physically on-campus, including digitally connected lecture rooms, labs, maker spaces, rehearsal rooms and simulation suites, at the same time as live, synchronous streaming of these timetabled sessions via cloud-based applications. Every module provides a structured approach to practice application of what you’ve learnt, solve real-world problems and develop professional competencies. Learning is moved from being primarily a ‘passive’ experience to an ‘active’ one for students with increased collaboration opportunities and regular feedback to enhance the development of competencies and skills. Specific disciplinary requirements across the University require adaptation of the dual-delivery model to ensure an optimum student experience. Which version of the model a student will be on will be dependent on the academic discipline of their course, their own personal health circumstances and risk assessment together with national changes in health policy. This document should be read in parallel with the Dual-delivery model guidelines available on-line at www.uel.ac.uk. There are three versions of this dual-delivery model:
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
Flipped & Flex Model all live, timetabled CLL sessions are available on-campus and on-line synchronously (which are also recorded for asynchronous engagement).
Station Rotation Students rotate on a ďŹ xed schedule between on-line, live CLL sessions and on-campus live, CLL sessions (which are also recorded for asynchronous engagement).
Individual rotation whilst the cohort overall may operate in either flipped or station rotation learning modes, students have a personalised schedule based on individual learning needs and health requirements.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
DUAL DELIVERY CENTRAL LEARNING LAB
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Digitally- connected lecture & seminar rooms, labs, maker spaces, rehearsal rooms & simulations suites
Live, synchronous digital streaming of on-campus sessions via cloud-based applications (which are also recorded)
24/7 GLOBAL, PERSONALISED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Expert- to-student & peer –to-peer increased collaboration & networking opportunities
Analysis, application, problem solving & competency development driven by Microsoft Innovative Educators-certified tutors, practitioners & state-of-the-art researchers
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YOUR DEGREE / YOUR CAREER PASSPORT / YOU’RE FUTURE READY The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
3.0 Returning to Campus Tiers of restriction – how the University will respond to changes in Covid-19 infection rates The University of East London’s priority is the provision of a Covid-secure working, studying and living environment for all students and staff, ensuring we comply with all government restrictions and guidance. We have been safely welcoming back students to our campuses since the start of September and implementing our plans for dual delivery education. This is our default position for the 2020/2021 academic year, known as Tier 1. The University will immediately communicate with all staff and students should our Covid-19 status change. Responding to change The Covid-19 situation globally remains unpredictable and can change rapidly. Therefore, if there is a rise in infection rates at the University or in the local community, the government has outlined four levels of restriction that need to be implemented, in partnership with the local authorities, in a phased manner. A key aim is to retain access to on-campus provision where it is possible to do so safely. These tiers apply to all UK universities and are designed ‘to provide services to students to ensure they can have an enjoyable experience, while staying as safe as possible.’ Universities will move both up and down the tiers as the local and national situation evolves. We have worked closely with Newham Public Health to decide the measures we will put in place at each tier to help reduce transmission. We have a jointly agreed Infection Response Plan in place and we will continue to evolve the plan in our managed and ongoing response to the rapidly changing environment.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
3.1 The Four University Tiers Tier 1 Our campuses are open and Covid-secure. The University of East London’s dual delivery educational framework provides a combination of on-campus and on-line learning. Teaching and learning on-campus is available two days per week with access to the full range of University education and services on-line via Track My Future. Tier 2 Teaching and learning on-campus is available one day per week for all courses. The full range of University education and services are available on-line via Track My Future. Limited on-campus services remain open. Tier 3 Most courses will move to online learning, retaining on-campus provision for courses requiring clinical, research or PSRB-required on-campus activity. Residential and essential service provision on-campus continues. The full range of University education and services are available on-line via Track My Future. Tier 4 Campuses closed except for residential and essential service provision. No on-campus teaching & learning. The full range of University education and services are available on-line via Track My Future.
TIER 1
Campuses open. Teaching and learning on-campus two days per week in addition to all University education and services online via Track My Future.
TIER 2
Teaching and learning on-campus one day per week in addition to all University education and services online via Track My Future.
TIER 3
Most courses move to online learning (check Track My Future). Residential and essential service provision on campus continues.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
TIER 4
We are now all online apart from residences and essential services.
3.2 Returning to Campus Only return to campus if you are directed to by Track My Future (students) or your line manager (staff). If you are returning to campus you will have to complete the Daily 123. Even if you are not returning to campus you should complete the Daily Health Check every working day.
3.3 Remember your Daily 123 For the health and safety of all In order to come onto campus each day, simply follow the three steps below that make up our Daily 123. These are part of our Covid-19 Community Pledge. The Pledge offers a set of simple steps we can all take to keep ourselves and our community healthy and safe from the spread of Covid-19. 1. TEST – Please ensure you complete the Daily Health Check every single working day, even if you do not intend to be on campus, to support the University’s work in keeping our three campuses and our wider communities safe and healthy. Before being able to complete the Daily Health Check, you will also need to complete the one-off Initial Screening Questionnaire (available on the same page). As we are now using a new system to capture these responses, this requirement also applies to staff who previously completed the questionnaire (apologies for the necessary duplication).
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
2. DISTANCE – Check-in when you arrive and leave campus using the free Safezone app. Download from any app store and sign in with your University credentials. This app helps keep you safe while on any of our campuses and allows you to be sent quick and reliable safety notifications, such as Covid-19 updates, wherever you are. Find out more, including data use. 3. TRACK – Download and use the NHS coronavirus contact-tracing app. Find out more, including data use and privacy.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
4.0 Covid-Secure Environments There are 8 main environments that our students and staff may find themselves in as part of their University experience:
The 5 key principles are applied to each of the following University Environments Transport
Public Spaces
Teaching & Learning Environment
Office Working
Halls of Residence Accommodation
Hospitality & Retail
Sport & Sports Facility Provision
Placements & Other Workbased learning
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OUTLINE HOW OUR 5 KEY PRINCIPLES AND 15 FOUNDATION PROTECTIONS ARE EXPANDED AND ADAPTED FOR EACH OF THESE ENVIRONMENTS. The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
4.1 Transport Travelling to & from Campus For staff that wish to travel to campus in their personal vehicles: – Car parking is free under 31 December 2020 on a first-come-first-served basis after which the situation will be reviewed. However, it remains the case that staff should continue to work from home where possible and unless otherwise agreed. – Additional cycle storage facilities will be made available at each site. – Government advice on travelling by public transport should be followed.
Campus to campus To ensure safe travelling for our staff and students in-between our campus sites, we will be: – We have introduced additional inter-campus shuttle bus services with a safe capacity maintained on board and at pick-up points. – Ensure social distancing is maintained while using the campus-to-campus travel service. – All passengers will be asked to wear face coverings on campus to campus transport and hand sanitiser will be provided at entry point. As per all public space safety measures high contact points will have enhanced cleaning in addition to the regular cleaning schedule.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
4.2 Public Spaces Heightened safety protocols and entry screening processes are in place in all designated entrances on our Docklands, Stratford and University Square Stratford campus sites. Following the Daily 123, all campus users will be will be required to scan in the QR code for the track & trace, use the temperature screening points and follow the face covering policy which, in brief, states that if you are on campus and in an indoor area, you must wear a face covering unless you have an exemption. Face coverings are not required outdoors. Library, Archives and Learning Services Building – Individual, silent study is available at Docklands and Stratford Libraries with some bookable study spaces. – Signage and floor markings facilitate social distancing. – E-resources and virtual support continue to be available. – Users are able to search and reserve items online and collect from both the Docklands and Stratford Libraries via the Click & Collect Service. – Self-service is in operation for account management. – Access schemes for external users will be made available early next year.
Knowledge Dock – External business users will have access to business units within the Knowledge Dock building. You will therefore be required to complete a self-risk assessment and the Covid 19 health and safety programme. Whilst in your allocated office face coverings remain encouraged to use.
Lifts – Access to lifts is limited to usage by disabled persons or persons with mobility issues only.
Reception & student facing services – Mobile screens have been placed in spaces such as receptions, service desks and other spaces where social distancing requires this. – To manage queues and avoid formation of large groups, student-facing services will be accessible both online and on-campus by bookable appointment.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
Walkways and routes around campus – One-way pedestrian systems have been introduced in high footfall areas. This includes pathways leading to teaching spaces, offices, retail spaces and buildings. – The track & trace QR codes are to be used around campus and when entering a building – Some spaces have been marked with physical distancing signage, and a monitored/managed queuing system is applied. In larger open spaces we are using floor chevrons, for example in the central square on our Docklands campus, to ensure social distancing measures are adhered to where outdoor seating space is made available.
Testing Covid19 facilities – We are facilitating testing in partnership with local General Practitioners and the NHS, linked to individual health, safety and risk assessments. – We are working towards making anti-body testing available on campus.
Safety – We have introduced the UEL SafeZone app, to include features which allow users to check in and out of campus, have direct contact with health and wellbeing services, facilitate reporting of matters of concern and stay connected to both the university Covid-19 information page and the government’s webpage. – We have introduced enhanced cleaning for high-touch surfaces and common areas such as lift panels and buttons, light switches, hand railings, door handles. In addition to this, hand sanitiser stations are in high-traffic areas, eg, campus entrances, exits, elevator, washrooms. – Hand sanitising dispensing unit’s installation eg, entry points to campus, lifts, office entrances, restaurants etc. – Clear sign posting on hygiene guidelines and use of public spaces.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
4.3 Teaching & learning environments Together, we can make our lecture rooms, classrooms and offices safe for everyone. If we play our own part in taking responsibility for the behaviours around be safe, be connected and be kind. On campus lectures & learning activities – Lectures and other teaching and learning experiences will be timetabled using the principles of around Station Rotation. Break-times will be scheduled to ensure that corridors, circulation routes and learning environments do not become overcrowded. – The Directors of Student Experience in each of the Schools have been working very hard to employ Station Rotation in large cohorts, and this is accommodated in timetabling. Students should be in a position to know when they need to be involved in learning events (on campus and online). In this way, students’ attendance/ participation in learning events are managed. – Equipment used in teaching and learning activities will be cleaned after use in addition to the usual cleaning schedule.
Research-related activities (including public engagement and knowledge exchange) – Activities of a type resembling those covered elsewhere in this document (eg deskbased research, such as involving archival materials or computational modelling etc) will follow the guidance provided. – Researchers and Post-graduate Research students (supported by their Director of Studies) working in conditions or performing activities not covered elsewhere in this document, will be required to complete a risk assessment to describe projectspecific risks and mitigation. The risk assessment will be assessed and approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
4.4 OfficeWorking We have created a #SafeUEL programme to inform staff of the workplace protocols in line with government advice. This includes: 1 Sanitise your work area 2 Stay as socially distanced from others as possible 3 Wearing a face covering in indoor areas unless you have an exemption 4 Don’t share supplies or food 5 Open a window, if possible 6 Keep movement and noise to a minimum – this makes it easier for students participating remotely to listen and learn 7 If there is an evacuation, you may disregard Covid-secure restrictions as you move towards the nearest exit. However, please socially distance once you reach a safe location 8 Be kind to others who are not following the guidelines – remind them gently that safety is everyone’s responsibility 9 Follow end-of-day protocols, particularly where an alternative team may be working on site. Maintain a clear desk policy 10 All meetings should be held remotely via MS Teams. Ad-hoc meetings should be avoided. Where in person meetings cannot be avoided, correct social distancing and face covering guidelines shall be followed.
4.5 Halls of Residence accommodation – Access to halls for residing students only – All residential students will complete a self- assessment risk and daily health questionnaire, in addition to watching a short Covid-19 safety video. This risk assessment will link into a personalised learning pathway where applicable, which may include specific requirements within the residential context.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
– All lobbies have hand sanitiser dispensers, and enhanced cleaning will take place in addition to regular cleaning process. This will include all touch points such as door handles, hand/stair rails etc. – Incoming international students staying on-campus will be provided with a quarantine support package for the duration of any government-required quarantine period following international travel. – Kitchen usage will be managed on a ‘shared-household basis’ and allocated shopping collection time from our on-campus retail store will be offered. – Service wash laundry services will be made available. – Residential students will utilise the UEL Safety app to keep in contact with support services, including informing the team if a period of self-isolation is required. – The Residential Life team and campus security will provide round-the-clock support and face to face meetings will be facilitated by appointment only.
4.6 Sport & sports facility provision Sport and sports facility provision Fitness centre – Changing room and lockers will be accessible with appropriate measures in place. – There will be a minimum of a 10-minute window in-between classes, so there is no waiting around in groups and adequate cleaning can take place. Group classes will be organised in a series of formations to comply with social distancing, with appropriate spacing between participants. – Classes will be streamed online for those who cannot access the Centre. – Circulation routes and learning environments do not become overcrowded. – Equipment used in teaching and learning activities will be cleaned after use in addition to the usual cleaning schedule.
Reception and access to facilities – The Reception desk will be open with social distancing measures in place. – Sports Dock Gym users to check their temperature before arrival and sign an induction/health assessment when booking slots.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
Arenas/Events – Our sport and physical activity provision will comply with UK Active, Sport England, BUCS and individual sport governing body guidelines at all times and fixtures and competitive games will be arranged accordingly. – Free sports sessions will be available to all students and will comply with NGB guidelines restrictions permitting). – Students will have to sign an East London Sports pledge before they are allowed to attend a session. They will then be required to pre-booking into the sports session via a CRM powered system and then scan their student cards on arrival at each session. – The sports sessions will be led by a qualified coach who will act as the Covid officer and all activities will be flexible with regards to being restricted or cancelled in accordance with further government guidance. – All high performance team sessions will run an invite-only system to manage numbers and student experience.
4.7 Hospitality & Retail – Under government guidelines water fountains have been taken out of use. Students and staff are therefore encouraged to bring along their own bottles of water. Alternatively, water is available for purchase at all catering outlets and vending machines throughout the campus. – Contactless payments only will be applicable until further advised. – Outlets will offer take away options and outdoor seating will be appropriately spaced to enable social distancing. We will review this in accordance to government guidance on indoor dining for restaurants. – Vending machines will remain in use but will be closed through specific times to carry out touch point cleaning.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
4.8 Placements & Other Work Based Learning Tier 4 Placements – The entire placement recruitment process including application, interviewing and induction is currently taking place remotely. We are offering 1-2-1 support with this. – Home/EU and Tier 4 International students are being allowed to complete placements remotely. Employers are being briefed on how to monitor outputs. – Attendance monitoring for Tier 4 students is still being done using the Career Zone Placements Module. Employer are confirming hours based on work outputs. – Students completing Extended Work Projects will be doing so using Teams. Group work will be conducted on Teams. – Academic supervision for the Extended Work Projects will take place on Teams once per week. A register will be taken for the meeting, and attendance will be confirmed using this register together with a review of the students’ monthly work outputs. – Students will be allowed to complete in-person placements starting in July and September. In this case the employer will sign to say that the work environment is Covid-19 safe as part of the Placement Agreement Form. – Additional advice will be provided to students and employers regarding how to manage in-person placements in a safe manner. Revised policies (with Covid-secure questions included) will be sent to students on remote placements/projects and in-person placements. – Placements team will be offering regular 1-2-1 meetings via Teams to support students and employers and speak about concerns. – The Placements Team will send regular surveys to students and employers to monitor placements and workplace safety.
The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.
TEST SANITISE PROTECT DISTANCE TRACK The information provided is correct at the time of publication however may be subject to change, depending on a number of factors.