Return to campus update - Wednesday 14 April

As you may know, yesterday (Tuesday 13 April) afternoon the Government confirmed the disappointing news that they will not be allowing any further student returns to in-person teaching until 17 May at the earliest.

The Universities Minister has written a letter to students, which she has asked us to share with you, together with updated FAQs for students on the OfS website.

We have also been informed that universities and students will be given one week’s notice of any further easing of restrictions.

Finally, the Minister has confirmed a small amount of additional hardship funding for the sector - £15m to supplement the previously announced £70m. (Once we have more information on when and how this funding will be made available for Solent students, we will update you as soon as possible.)

We are aware that this news will be upsetting for those students who are not currently able to return to campus, and want to reassure you that we have been actively working with the sector to lobby against further delay.

However, please know that we will continue to do everything we can to support you and your learning, and to ensure you are able to complete this year’s studies successfully.

Do contact your Course Leader directly if you have any questions about what this means for your or your course specifically, and we will be in touch as soon as possible with more information about our future plans.

What if I already have a confirmed return date?

Last month the Government confirmed that students on certain practical and creative courses could return to in-person teaching.

If you have received communications from your Course Leader confirming a return date then that information is still accurate.

The Government announcement made yesterday is regarding their decision on further student returns - i.e. those students whose courses do not fall into that 'practical and creative' category.

Please do get in touch with your Course Leader directly if you'd like any further information or if you have any other questions.

In line with Government safe travel guidance, if you are moving back to campus, please arrange to arrive as close to your teaching start date as possible, and follow all Covid-19 testing rules ahead of and following your arrival.

What does this mean for my term time accommodation?

Those students in university-managed accommodation will be receiving a direct update later today confirming the financial support being put in place by Solent for those unable to return.

If you have any questions about your private accommodation, please contact your landlord or accommodation providers directly in the first instance to discuss your individual circumstances. However, if you need any help or support, you can contact private.housing@solent.ac.uk.

Understanding ‘no detriment’

We’ve produced this short video taking you through Solent’s ‘no detriment’ policy, and what it means for your studies. Please take a few minutes to watch, and if you have any questions your Course Leader will be happy to answer them. You can also find more information on the policy online here.

Don’t forget you can find all the information you need about Covid-19, our campus safety measures, testing and more online here.