It is wrong to suggest that universities have not put the interests of students at the heart of their response to the pandemic (The government has failed thousands of students in England. They deserve a refund, 14 January).
From the start, Russell Group universities have worked hard to provide the best possible experience for students. Whether it is investing significantly to move courses online and devise new ways to teach medicine or geology, or creating Covid-secure campuses to complement that online learning with in-person teaching whenever possible, universities have taken their responsibilities very seriously.
It is true to say that when campuses reopened in September, there was a rise in Covid cases, but thanks to the steps taken by universities in partnership with local health authorities – with support from students themselves – case numbers fell drastically well before Christmas.
Like all parts of society, universities are having to adapt to circumstances that they cannot control. Inevitably, that will mean a different experience for many, but different does not mean second best, and universities remain focused on delivering high-quality learning outcomes for their students.
Dr Tim Bradshaw
Chief executive, Russell Group
