Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
Last updated: 1 June 2020
Winchester Student Union continues to work closely with the University to ensure the wellbeing of students and staff during this time and we have and will continue to respond to the situation as it develops. As you are probably aware many of the issues that have arisen due to Covid-19 are unprecedented, and this has resulted in some issues taking longer to resolve than anticipated. We appreciate your continued understanding and patience.
Status of the University: University campuses remain on lockdown, with all non essential services curtailed or provided remotely. All teaching and practicable assesment is now online.The Library is closed, but most course books are available online. The only University catering outlet open is Cyber Italia in the KKB, and it is open for take-away food only. Reception, Student Services and the Chaplaincy are operating remote support. The IT Helpdesk is also operating a remote service. We are expecting the University to make a statment about operations in the 20/21 academic year in due course.
Status of the Union: The Union is still operating on lockdown and note that we will only continue to operate our shop 'face to face', with all other services provided remotely where possible.
All events and social gatherings remain cancelled in line with government advice.
Services including the Advice Centre and Elected officer support are being provided remotely.
Should you have need, please seek to contact the Student Union via email, telephone or our official social media channels:
Tel: 01962 827418
Email (general enquiries): su_admin@winchester.ac.uk
Email (for activity group enquiries): suactivities@winchester.ac.uk
Web (for wellbeing enquiries/to book a virtual appointment): https://www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice
Twitter: @winchestersu
Facebook: /Winchesterstudentunion
Current Government instructions:
Help control the virus by staying alert. This means you must:
- stay at home as much as possible
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
- wash your hands regularly
Please see our FAQ below for more details or contact su_admin@winchester.ac.uk with any queries.
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The Positive Pandemic - Facebook support community for Winchester Students.
Stay At Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives
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Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled some FAQs for our members about the current situation:
What are the University doing?
We are working closely with University to ensure the wellbeing of students and staff. The University Senior Managers are meeting on a daily basis and are providing frequent updates to all staff and students.
In addition to the decisions already taken to alleviate pressure on assessments for students, there are some significant policy decisions still to be made, including those affecting students living in halls. As you might appreciate, these are complex decisions in which the University have to weigh up many factors to make the best decision for those students affected and for the long-term future of the University. A reduction of rent for semester three has been agreed for all students in University managed Halls & Housing.
No detriment - In recognition of the current exceptional circumstances facing our students as a result of Covid-19, the Senior Management Team has put in place a ‘No detriment policy’ for students at all levels of undergraduate and taught postgraduate study through the 2019/20 academic year. More information about this can be read on the University SharePoint.
The Union continues to advocate for our members in these issues.
Are Shops & Bars still open?
Our King Alfred Quarter Shop remains open, but West Dowsn Shop and all bars and venue spaces are closed. There are further limitations on using our shop services including, cashless only, no more than 3 customers in the store at any time, and please remain at least 2m away from staff and other customers.
- King Alfred's Quarter Shop: 12pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday only.
Is ILOVETOUR Sport Tour still taking place?
I LOVE TOUR have confirmed that this event has now been cancelled. They will be contacting all customers to advise how to claim a full refund. Any affected student should contact I LOVE TOUR.
Is ILOVETOUR Amsterdam scoiety trip still taking place?
At this stage, we have been advised by ILOVETOUR that Amsterdam is planned to go ahead. However, they are keeping a close eye on the current situation and will update us accordingly; this includes actively monitoring the information and guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Organisation (FCO), GOV.UK website, the NHS, and Dutch Authorities.
How can I reduce the risk of infection?
We recommend following NHS advice which includes:
- Frequently clean your hands with soap and water or by using alcohol-based hand sanitiser if washing facilities are unavailable
- When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and a cough
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider
- Please ensure that you are registered with a local NHS general practitioner (GP).
Are event bookings at the Union effected?
We are happy to continue to facilitate event bookings for June and beyond, unless the Government issues further advice about this type of activity. Unfortunately we can't consider a booking between now and June 1st. If you have an existing booking then one of our team will be in touch to discuss your plans. Alternatively, please contact suevents@winchester.ac.uk
I've bought tickets for a cancelled event, will I be refunded?
Yes, all event tickets have been automatically refunded to the card holder. However, while this process would normally have been undertaken within 15 working days of the point of refund (16th March), our website provider has advised us they are experiencing unprecedented levels of requests for such refunds at this time. This has resulted in a delay to their expected schedules, which is outside of our control. We will continue to work with our web provider to expedite these refunds.
Will assessment week events, such as the Summer Ball, still take place?
As the University has indicted that they will not by requiring students to return after the Spring break, we have unfortunately taken the decision to cancel the Summer Ball. Anybody who has purchased a ticket will receive a full refund within 10 working days from 16th March. We will continue to assess the situation and may look to provide several early summer events in lieu of the ball, if practicable. We will also monitor the situation in regards to planned celebration events such as Colours and Student & Staff Recognition Awards, and update here in due course.
I need to organise an activity group election, what do I do?
We would encourage all society, sport or network leaders to ensure that all their members have signed up via our website. We will then be able to assist you with running online elections and handovers.
These elections will be taking place as follows:
Nominations open (via our website) - Thursday 23rd April
Nominations close - Monday 27th April
Voting for all eligible activity group members - Monday 27th to Wedensday 29th April.
Can sports/societies/networks still meet?
We are urging that all activity groups adhere to the social distancing measures that the University is putting into place and is being reccommended by government. This means that all University space and facility bookings will be automatically canceled and no sport/society/network meeting, social or gathering should take place.
BUCS have postponed or cancelled all matches and competitions.
If you have any specific concerns about existing commitments, please email suactivities@winchester.ac.uk.
I’m worried about my studies.
Winchester Student Union is working with the University to ensure that everything possible is being done to minimise any negative impacts of ending the semester early. If you have any concerns about the alternative arrangements put in place by the University, the quality of your academic experience or practicality of your assessments, please contact our Advice Centre for guidance and support.
The University has also brought into place the following emergency measures:
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Blanket assessment extension - two weeks. To recognise the changes to teaching and assessment the university put in place and to help give some extra opportunity to adjust to a different way of working, the University have extended all assignment deadlines for students by two weeks for all assignments due between 18 March and the end of the scheduled assessment period (22 May). Read more about blanket extension here.
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Self-Certification in cases of suspected or actual Covid-19, or significant caring responsibilities for an individual with suspected or actual Covid-19.
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Applications for Extenuating Circumstances (ECs) due to IT related problems, following learning, teaching and assessment activities moving online.
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Self-Certification due to an unexpected caring crisis.
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Applications for ECs for Forces Reservists being called into service.
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Links to other related artiles:
SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH COVID-19: KEEPING ACTIVE AND MEDITATION
SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH COVID-19: 20 THINGS TO KEEP YOU BUSY
SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH COVID-19: WELLBEING
RUGBY TEAM VIRTUALLY RUN TO CROATIA FOR THE NHS
SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH COVID-19: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH COVID-19: UNION STAFF & OFFICERS TALK THE BEST & WORST OF NETFLIX
