The principal of an East Kilbride-based college says she is delighted to be welcoming back students – albeit with some safety measures still in place.
The past 18 months has brought with it much change and challenge and South Lanarkshire College has had to adapt to new approaches to living and working to keep everyone safe and protect the NHS during the pandemic.
But principal Aileen McKechnie told Lanarkshire Live she is incredibly proud of how students have adapted as she and her staff welcomed students back for the start of the academic year this week.
She said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome new and returning students back to our campus over the next few weeks.
"Students and staff have been wonderful throughout the pandemic, adapting to a new way of learning and teaching, continuing to complete courses and progress onto further study or employment, despite the many challenges.
"Although things are not completely back to normal, we are gradually and safely increasing the number of students on our campus over the next few months, in line with Scottish Government Covid-19 guidance.
"This will allow students to learn in a blended model, undertaking assessments and practical work on campus, getting critical face-to-face teaching in a social atmosphere on campus whilst also allowing the flexibility of online learning, which may suit some students.”
Ms McKechnie is quick to recognise the importance the pandemic has played in future of education and technology-led learning , as colleges adapted incredibly to online and blended learning over the past 18 months.
“With almost two years in a row of unusual learning, this autumn will, I hope, feel like a breath of fresh air as we return to our new normal," she went on.
"It will also be important as we go forward that we retain all the learning from the past 18 months or so – our digital expertise, our adaptability, our creativity, our flexible approach to business delivery, our resilience – and ensure we continue to build on that as we look to our future as one of Scotland’s top performing colleges."
The college will continue to have in place numerous health and safety measures across the campus to keep students, staff and visitors safe, as students return, including face coverings, 1m social distancing and free lateral flow testing kits.
There will also be perspex screens, regular deep cleaning, hand sanitising stations and touchless door entry. The college is also encouraging everyone who is eligible to get a vaccine when offered, if not already done so.
Ms McKechnie added: “Although we are gradually increasing numbers on campus, it’s still important to remember that we all have a part to play in stopping the spread of Covid-19. We want everyone on our campus to feel safe and confident as the start of the new term approaches.
"I can’t wait to get back to the buzz around campus over the next few weeks, welcoming new and returning students in what I hope will be a more ‘normal’ college year for our students, with the added benefit of all the learnings we’ve taken from the pandemic.”
To find out more about the college return to campus and the what is on offer at South Lanarkshire College's website.
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