The University of Bolton will remain “open for business” despite the coronaviurs crisis, the vice-chancellor has said.
Students are being sent on an extended month-long Easter break from today (Friday) while staff will work to set up virtual classes using video calls.
In a statement, university president and vice-chancellor Prof George Holmes said those in their final year of study will still get their degrees.
“Almost all staff, except a small number providing essential on-campus services, will work remotely at home,” he explained.
“Teaching will recommence for students on Monday, April 20. However, all classes will be mediated and facilitated using video conferencing technology and will not take place on campus.
“The reason for the extended student vacation is to give all teaching staff the time to become familiar with the use of virtual technologies and enable them to individually put in place arrangements with every student to enable them to dial in to normal scheduled class times remotely. Teaching staff will use their normal scheduled teaching slots each week to run a virtual class.”
Practical teaching such as engineering workshops and some health classes will be cancelled although Prof Holmes hopes the video lessons will allow “significant learning” to continue.
The university will not reopen until the UK’s chief medical officer gives the all clear.
This does not include pupils on work placements, who will be subject to the decisions of their employers.
Students are also being asked not to work in the library to comply with social distancing advice.
Graduation ceremonies have also been cancelled but Prof Holmes has promised that these will take place once the crisis has ended.
