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COVID-19 - FAQs

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The health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and visitors is always our primary concern.

The commitment of our University community is to ensure a fulfilling, fun and safe experience is provided for all new and returning students. We're working hard to ensure that you'll receive excellent teaching and support, and that your life as a student or as a member of staff will be as normal as it can be.

Important information and FAQs for students following the national restrictions effective from Thursday 5 November

We know you’ll have a range of questions about what the new national restrictions, effective from Thursday 5 November, will mean for you. To help keep you safe and up-to-date, we have provided key information and answers to many of the questions you may have.

The University remains open and is here to support you.

We have designed a Safety Net to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on your assessments in 2020/21. Please click here to find out more.

In line with the most recent guidance, please remember these key points:

  • Teaching and learning will continue as planned taking place on campus and online until the end of term. All on-campus teaching activities have been thoroughly risk assessed to ensure the safety of our community.
  • As for everyone under the new national restrictions from 5 November, you should stay in your current home. This means you should not leave your term time address to return to your parents’ or carer’s home until at least 2 December - and should continue to learn at university for the remainder of this term.
  • You must not mix households indoors. Guests and overnight visitors are not permitted.
  • You can exercise, or visit outdoor public places, with people you live with, or one person from another household, practicing physical distancing.
  • Your safety and well-being remain our absolute priority and we will continue to support you and keep you updated in our regular emails.

 

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do contact your personal supervisor or contact student services as appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

Is your on-campus accomodation open?

For those students that are currently on campus - please continue to do so. We have worked hard to make sure that our on-campus accomodation fully complies with health and safety best practice and the latest social distancing guidelines. To ensure your wellbeing, our accommodation has increased safety measures, hand sanitiser stations in high footfall areas and is based on a household model of around 8 people.

Accommodation will remain open for students and all normal services will continue to be operational, this includes laundry services and retail facilities.

Is the Multi Faith Facility and Chapel closed?

The Muslim Prayer Room and Chapel both closed on 17 March. We are currently working on plans to re-open both these facilities safely as soon as possible.

In the meantime, we’re advising students and University colleagues to get in touch with their faith’s facilities in the community.

You can also visit the official UK websites for your faith and denomination and follow links to their social media accounts to receive notifications of any announcements and updates.

Is the Hull Sport Park and Allam Sport Centre open?

From 5 January 2021, all Hull Sport facilities are now closed until further notice. Below we have outlined what this will mean in regards to your memberships moving forward.

As we don't yet have a definitive time frame of how long we will be in Lockdown, we are unable to confirm exact dates on when memberships will restart, however we will continue to update you with any further news that we receive.

  • Monthly Direct Debit members
    • Members paying by direct debit on a rolling monthly arrangement will have their payments suspended from the next payment (Date to be confirmed)
    • 1st January payment – any loss of service within January (4 weeks) will be offset against the member’s next future payment e.g. the next payment will be on the following month of reopening. For example. If we reopen 1st March the 1st payment will be 1st April.
    • Any period/loss of service will be redirected to the end of a member’s initial term
    • e.g. on a 12 month DD membership, if we were to close for 1 month the month of closure would be added to the end of the standard initial term meaning that the contracted initial term would end in month 13 opposed to month 12.
  • 2. Fixed term Members (annual/3 month non-Direct Debit)
    • If you have paid for a fixed period, any period / loss of service will be added to the end date of your membership
    • e.g. on an annual upfront membership - if we were to close for 1 month, the month of closure would be added to the end of the standard initial term meaning that the contracted initial term would end in month 13 opposed to month 12.
  • Services still available to you during lockdown.
    • Virtual Classes through Myzone.
    • If you are a Myzone Member:
      • 1. Click on ‘book a class’
      • 2. Select the day you would like to book
      • 3. Select ‘Book’
      • 4. At the time of the class, put your belt on and click ‘join now’ and enjoy!
    •  If you are not a Myzone Member:
      • 1. Download the Myzone App
      • 2. Register as HULLUK001
      • 3. Input Belt number ID as ‘0’
      • 4. The follow the instructions from 1 – 4 of a Myzone Member, just without the belt.
      • 5. If you would like more information on purchasing a belt, please email sport@hull.ac.uk.
Accessing ICT Services at home

You can now find a tile on the Support Portal home page called “Coronavirus – Using ICT Services at Home” where you can find key service information and the most common knowledge items to help you stay connected whilst studying away from campus.

The quickest way to receive help or advice from ICT is to use the search bar at the top of the Support Portal to find the information you require.

If you cannot find what you are looking for using the search bar, go to the service page that your issue or request relates to and complete the relevant attached form. This will mean your call is automatically directed to the appropriate specialist team rather than sitting in a queue waiting to be allocated manually, resulting in a faster response. 

You can also go to the "Can't find an answer?" tile on the home page, where you will find links to contact various departments.

For more information on using the Support Portal go to the “Using the support portal and logging calls” tile on the home page.

Protect yourself from coronavirus phishing scams

We are currently seeing a number of phishing scams targeting from fraudsters claiming to be from companies offering information about the coronavirus.

Please be vigilant. If you are not sure if an email is genuine, do not click on any links or open any attachments as a single click can compromise your account or device. All you have to do is forward the email to phishing@hull.ac.uk and then delete it.

For more advice on spotting a phishing scam, please visit the Support Portal and search “phishing”.

How will you ensure the campus is clean?

We are ensuring that there is regular, thorough cleaning in all high-touch points, teaching and social areas.There are hand sanitiser stations available in high footfall areas and social distancing will be managed by signage across campus, including one-way and two-way systems.

We also have cleaners who come regularly to accomodation.

They’ll clean all the public areas and high contact surfaces including corridors, lifts, kitchens, handrails and door handles.

Please do keep your household tidy, and empty your rubbish into the waste bins in your block or the ones outside. We also recommend washing your hands for 20 seconds when you come in and when you leave. You can also use our hand sanitiser stations at the entrance.

Staying alert and safe (social distancing)

On January 5, the Government introduced new measures in its response to COVID-19: National Lockdown. Full details are available here.

What to do if you have symptoms

For more information on symptoms and self isolating, please visit this page.

If you need medical help

If you need medical help please refer to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

How can I avoid catching or spreading diseases like Coronavirus, including social distancing

Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.

Do:

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble)

 

Don’t:

  • don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

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The following advice is also in place:

If you have symptoms of coronavirus, you'll need to stay at home for 10 days

If you live with someone who has symptoms, you'll need to stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person in the home started having symptoms

Please continue to check the NHS website for most up to date guidance.

Someone in my household has a suspected/confirmed case of Coronavirus. Should I stay away from the University?

For more information on symptoms and self isolationg, please visit this page.

What happens if there is a confirmed case of Coronavirus at the University – either a member of staff or student?

Please be assured that the University will follow guidance from Public Health England on any actions that need to be taken to reduce any risk to colleagues and students on campus.

Both staff and students who are required to self-isolate will be fully supported, which includes the provision of food and temporary accommodation for students.

Should you need to use it, you can find the University COVID-19 Self-Reporting tool here.

I have a weakened immune system or underlying health condition and am worried about the coronavirus. Who can I speak to?

For those students who are in a vulnerable category, we understand that you may not be able to attend campus throughout the period of national restrictions. We are here to support you. If you have any questions, please contact your personal supervisor or access the student support service you require.

Key Information

I am currently on campus - can I go back to my permanent (home) residence?

For students who have already travelled back to campus, or stayed in Hull over the winter break, Government guidance states that you should not move back and forth between your permanent home and student home during term time and should therefore stay in Hull

If you need any support during this period, please do get in touch as we are here to help. You can contact your personal supervisor or raise a query through MyHull for the Student Life team.

If you recently travelled back to campus, please make sure you have booked in for free, Lateral Flow COVID-19 testing.

Travelling to campus

The Government has advised that students who are currently at their permanent (likely home) residence, not at their term time address, should remain there and not travel back to Hull.

Exceptions to this include:

  • Students identified as being on ‘critical’ courses (listed in the next drop-down box)
  • Students on these courses are advised to return to face-to-face learning as planned and be tested twice, upon arrival or self-isolate for ten days
  • Students who are without access to appropriate study spaces or facilities in their vacation accommodation
  • Students who require additional support, including for mental health issues
  • Students who stayed in Hull over the winter break, including international students
  • Students on placements where the placement provider has COVID-secure measures in place, is permitted to open based on the relevant local restrictions and is content for placements to continue
  • Postgraduate research students who require access to specialist facilities on campus are able to do so
  • International students who have already made travel plans that cannot be delayed
Will face-to-face teaching and learning continue?

The Government has confirmed that, whilst universities are to remain open, teaching and learning should be delivered online - until at least the middle of February - except for a small number of ‘critical’ courses listed below. Students on these courses are advised to return to face to face learning as planned and be tested twice, upon arrival or self-isolate for ten days:

  • Medicine
  • Subjects allied to medicine/health
  • Veterinary science
  • Education (initial teacher training)
  • Social work
  • Courses which require Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) assessments and or mandatory activity which is scheduled for January and which cannot be rescheduled

For all those students on programmes of study not listed above, the Government has stated that they should remain where they are, wherever possible, and start their term online, as facilitated by their university until at least Mid-February.

In light of this updated guidance, we have been considering our position carefully. We want to be open, transparent and fair to our students and staff and while no-one can predict what will happen over the coming weeks and months, we believe that we should declare an intended date to resume on-campus teaching and learning activity for students not studying the identified critical courses. The Government has indicated this may happen in mid-February at the earliest, and we therefore think it is sensible to consider a date a short while after.

We have therefore made the decision that teaching this term for all courses not included in the above list will be delivered entirely online until 1 March. We believe this is the most responsible course of action in this complex and evolving situation. We will keep this under constant review and will confirm a final decision, closer to the time – but with adequate notice – considering the latest government guidance and the trajectory of the virus.

I am postgraduate research student, can I continue to attend campus to conduct my research?

Postgraduate research students who require access to specialist facilities on campus are able to do so.

How will you ensure my safety when on campus?

We have comprehensive risk assessments in place for all our on-campus activity and these will be regularly reviewed in line with any new COVID-19 health and safety guidance. We are keeping in touch through regular communications to make sure the University community is up-to-date with all of the latest health and safety guidance, and is reminded of what we all can do to help keep ourselves and each other safe.

You can find out more about how we are keeping you safe on campus here.

I am clinically vulnerable, what support is in place?

For those students who are in a vulnerable category, we understand that you may not be able to attend campus through the period of national restrictions. We are here to support you and please contact your personal supervisor or access the student support service you require.

I live at home and commute to university, can I still come to campus for face-to-face classes?

If you commute to University,and you studying a future critical care course you are still able to do so, taking account of all public health guidance on safer travel.

You should not travel if you have been told to self-isolate because you have received a positive COVID test result, or have been in contact with someone who has; or if you experience any COVID symptoms.

What is the current guidance on face coverings?

All students and staff are required to adhere to the new COVID-19 guidelines, such as observing physical distancing measures, new directional guidance (including one-way systems, etc.) and new cleaning and hygiene regimes.

All students and staff (except those who are exempt) are required to wear face coverings in all applicable indoor areas.

We will be encouraging appropriate behaviours to maintain the health and wellbeing of all our students and staff.

We will be mindful that some students and staff may have a disability, a medical condition or other reason for not wearing a face covering.

Students and staff should be treated with dignity and respect at all times, recognising the sensitivities and concerns presented by the current situation.

You can read more about our positon on face coverings here.

Will accommodation stay open and what services will be available?

Our on-campus accommodation remains open and our on-campus accommodation team will remain on site to support you.

Government and University guidelines surrounding accommodation remain in place and households should not be mixing at any time and no guests are permitted.

Am I allowed to socialise with friends I don’t live with?

During National Lockdown:

  • You must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues.

You can find the full guidance here.

Campus Facilities

What does this mean for the campus facilities?

We know that being at university is about a wider student experience, as much as it is about getting your degree. Our campus-based accommodation, library facilities and student services play an important part in this and we are committed to continuing to offer these safely and securely. We know, too, that the social aspects of university life are really important – sports, societies, and meeting up with friends. Our campus remains open:

  • The Brynmor Jones Library is available for students at this time.
  • The Library cafe is currently open for takeaway only.
  • The Spar retail outlet will remain closed until further notice.
  • The Allam Sport Centre is unfortunately now closed.
Is the library open?

We know that many students who are already with us in Hull – in our on-campus accommodation and housed across the city and immediate region.

The Brynmor Jones Library will remain open and accessible to students. The Library café will also continue to provide a takeaway provision.

Which Café and retail outlets will be open?

In correspondance with the national lockdown regualtions hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs; with the exception of providing food and non-alcoholic drinks for takeaway (until 11pm), are subjected to close.

  • The Brynmor Jones Library is available for students at this time
  • The Library cafe is currently open for takeaway only
  • The Spar retail outlet will remain closed until further notice
  • The Allam Sport Centre is unfortunately now closed.
Are the gym and sports facilities open?

From 5 January 2021, all Hull Sport facilities are now closed until further notice. Below we have outlined what this will mean in regards to your memberships moving forward.

As we don't yet have a definitive time frame of how long we will be in Lockdown, we are unable to confirm exact dates on when memberships will restart, however we will continue to update you with any further news that we receive.

  • Monthly Direct Debit members
    • Members paying by direct debit on a rolling monthly arrangement will have their payments suspended from the next payment (Date to be confirmed)
    • 1st January payment – any loss of service within January (4 weeks) will be offset against the member’s next future payment e.g. the next payment will be on the following month of reopening. For example. If we reopen 1st March the 1st payment will be 1st April.
    • Any period/loss of service will be redirected to the end of a member’s initial term
    • e.g. on a 12 month DD membership, if we were to close for 1 month the month of closure would be added to the end of the standard initial term meaning that the contracted initial term would end in month 13 opposed to month 12.
  • 2. Fixed term Members (annual/3 month non-Direct Debit)
    • If you have paid for a fixed period, any period / loss of service will be added to the end date of your membership
    • e.g. on an annual upfront membership - if we were to close for 1 month, the month of closure would be added to the end of the standard initial term meaning that the contracted initial term would end in month 13 opposed to month 12.
  • Services still available to you during lockdown.
    • Virtual Classes through Myzone.
    • If you are a Myzone Member:
      • 1. Click on ‘book a class’
      • 2. Select the day you would like to book
      • 3. Select ‘Book’
      • 4. At the time of the class, put your belt on and click ‘join now’ and enjoy!
    • If you are not a Myzone Member:
      • 1. Download the Myzone App
      • 2. Register as HULLUK001
      • 3. Input Belt number ID as ‘0’
      • 4. The follow the instructions from 1 – 4 of a Myzone Member, just without the belt.
      • 5. If you would like more information on purchasing a belt, please email sport@hull.ac.uk.

2020/21 Academic year

What does next trimester look like in terms of the teaching and learning experience?

The Government has confirmed that, whilst universities are to remain open, teaching and learning should be delivered online - until at least the middle of February - except for a small number of ‘critical’ courses listed below. Students on these courses are advised to return to face to face learning as planned and be tested twice, upon arrival or self-isolate for ten days:

  • Medicine
  • Subjects allied to medicine/health
  • Veterinary science
  • Education (initial teacher training)
  • Social work
  • Courses which require Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) assessments and or mandatory activity which is scheduled for January and which cannot be rescheduled

For all those students on programmes of study not listed above, the Government has stated that they should remain where they are, wherever possible, and start their term online, as facilitated by their university until at least Mid-February.

In light of this updated guidance, we have been considering our position carefully. We want to be open, transparent and fair to our students and staff and while no-one can predict what will happen over the coming weeks and months, we believe that we should declare an intended date to resume on-campus teaching and learning activity for students not studying the identified critical courses. The Government has indicated this may happen in mid-February at the earliest, and we therefore think it is sensible to consider a date a short while after.

We have therefore made the decision that teaching this term for all courses not included in the above list will be delivered entirely online until 1 March. We believe this is the most responsible course of action in this complex and evolving situation. We will keep this under constant review and will confirm a final decision, closer to the time – but with adequate notice – considering the latest government guidance and the trajectory of the virus.

How much of my teaching will take place online?

As you will already be aware, the trajectory of COVID-19 remains uncertain; therefore, we will continue with a blended learning approach, with lectures taking place online, and as much other teaching and learning, including field trips and placements, taking place face-to-face where possible.

You will receive your timetable for this period on 11 January.

Is accommodation open?

Accommodation will remain open for students and all normal services will continue to be operational, this includes laundry services and retail facilities.

For those students choosing to live with us this year, we are pleased to say that our on-campus accommodation is open. We have worked hard to make sure that it fully complies with health and safety best practice and the latest social distancing guidelines. To ensure your wellbeing, our accommodation has increased safety measures, hand sanitiser stations in high footfall areas and is based on a household model of around 8 people.

Student Support

How can I access Student Services?

The Student Services Central Hub, First Floor, Student Central is currently closed.

If you feel you need to see a member of staff in-person, please contact Student Services to discuss your needs.

Students can get in touch with Student Services by:

  • Calling: 01482 462222
  • Live chat: my.hull.ac.uk > talk to us > live chat
  • Online to send a message / ask a question at: my.hull.ac.uk > talk to us > ask a question > student services

We have provided some instructions on how to access Live Chat and how to raise an enquiry.

Student Services will be contacting students directly to check in and offer support. Please make sure your mobile number that the University has is up to date. You can check your current details and update them at: my.hull.ac.uk > my Details

Our Student Futures (formally Careers and Employability), Student Life, Mental Health Support, Disability Inclusion, Learning Support and Immigration Advice teams are all providing video and telephone appointments, call 01482 462222 to book.

What wellbeing support can I access?

Students struggling with their mental health at this time can access support via the NHS and online resources from Public Health England, along with support from mental health charity Mind. In addition to this there is the OfS-funded Student Space, Every Mind Matters for adults, and Young Minds for young people.

We also have dedicated mental health support provision, detail of which can be found here.

What support is available for students with symptoms or self-isolating?

We are here to provide support for any students who may need to self-isolate at this time. Details of the support available is available here.

Remember to immediately complete the University COVID-19 self-reporting tool via the support portal.

How can I apply for financial help?

We are dedicated to supporting students who find themselves in financial hardship when at University, we do this by offering a range of funds which students can apply for.

If you are facing financial hardship and are unsure which of the funds is most suitable for you to apply for, please visit our student financial support pages for more information or contact us using the MyHull portal:

my.hull.ac.uk > talk to us > student services > financial support

What other kinds of support can I access?

Our Student Services team remains committed to providing you with their full support.

You can contact Student Services Monday to Friday 9 - 5 pm, call 01482 462222, or Visit myHull Portal to raise an enquiry or speak directly to one of our advisors through live chat.

Our services include:

  • Mental Health Support - more information about the support available, how you can access some useful resources, and advice on dealing with the current situation is available here. 
  • The Student Life team are offering support and advice relating to academic issues, including assessment and engagement. They can also help with any worries and concerns regarding your University accommodation (for external private landlords, please see the HUU Advice Centre, or your landlord) and can support you if you are worried or concerned about the current situation.
  • Learning Support helps students with specific learning differences, such as dyslexia and dyspraxia.
  • Disability Inclusion support students with a disability and physical health concerns, both temporary and permanent.
  • The Financial Support team provide guidance to students who may find themselves in financial hardship.
  • The Immigration and Visa Compliance team support study-related immigration and Tier 4 sponsorship queries.
  • Careers and Employability support students to decide what to do next after University and help you to develop and fulfil your career potential. More information about the support available can be found here.
  • We have specialist staff available to support you with using our Assistive Technology equipment.
  • The Occupational Health team can be contacted for students support on occupationalhealth@hull.ac.uk or 01482 466010.

Urgent and 24 Hour Support

If you require urgent support around any of the issues below, please utilise your local emergency and NHS contacts. We are asking you to do this, as our priority is to make sure that you are safe and receive the most appropriate support quickly.

  • If you live in Hull or the East Riding and have an urgent mental health need, please contact NHS – Mental Health Response Team 01482 301701, in the first instance. For those not currently residing in the Hull/East Riding area, your GP can help direct you to your local equivalent service
  • For any urgent support with regards to sexual violence, please contact the police (999 in an emergency or 101, if there is no immediate danger) and Blue Door can also help 
  • For urgent support with regards to domestic abuse, please contact the police and Women’s Aid
  • If you have been a victim of crime please contact the police
  • There are some additional specialist services, such as Samaritans and shout who you can reach out to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week which can be found here.

If you need Student Services support out of hours, please contact our campus Security team in the first instance.

Emergency: 01482 465555
Non-emergency: 01482 466868

Accessing Students’ Union services
How can I get in touch with my Faculty Student Hub?

Faculty of Science and Engineering Student Hub
Email: science-hub@hull.ac.uk
Telephone: 01482 466340

Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education Student Hub 
Visit: MyHull
Telephone: 01482 465020

Faculty of Business, Law and Politics Student Hub
Email: fblp-hub@hull.ac.uk
Telephone: 01482 463633 

Faculty of Health Sciences Student Hub
Location: Allam Medical Building
Email: FHS-Studenthub@hull.ac.uk
Telephone:  01482 463342

 

The Doctoral College

For postgraduate research enquiries, please contact The Doctoral School on doctoralcollege@hull.ac.uk or 01482 466844.

How do I access library resources?

The Library is opened from 08.30 – 20.00 pm Monday to Friday and weekends 09.00 -1730, for current University staff and students only, as a safe personal study environment.

Numbers are limited to individual study spaces and available on the Ground, 1st and 6th Floors. Each space needs to be booked through the online booking system, which is available via the Library website. If you no longer need your booking please ensure you cancel this as we do look to ensure maximum usage by re-allocating spaces if bookings are not taken up.

Entry is via our South entrance, and you will need your student card to access the Library.

You can reserve books for collection using the library search. Whilst in the Library you can request assistance by emailing libhelp@hull.ac.uk our team are there to help you.

Skills workshops, webinars and personal appointments are continuing, but being delivered online. The Skills Team will continues to help you develop academic and digital skills to support and enhance your studies and research. The team cover study, writing, referencing, resource discovery, analysis, presentation and ICT skills.

All of this can be accessed through the Skills website. New skills guide to help you learn remotely. See the new and returning students webpage.

How do I access the careers service?

Our Student Futures team are available Monday to Friday offering online support via telephone, video conferencing and email. It is important to us that we provide students with the help and advice that they need and that we continue to deliver our support in ways that work best for each individual.

With this in mind, we are also inviting students to complete this form to let us know how we can help them further. Following the completion of the form, the Adviser for the relevant subject area will be in touch to provide support.

In addition, students can also contact us on 01482 462222 or by raising an enquiry via their MyHull portal. Guidance on how you raise an enquiry can be found here.

Accessing ICT Services at home

Accessing ICT Services at home. The best place to find information on how to access University ICT services from home is the Support Portal. You can log into the Support Portal using your University userID and password to access key service information 24/7, explore the Knowledge Base for handy tips, users guides and answers to frequently asked questions and if you cannot find what you are looking for in the Knowledge Base you can log and track your requests online.

On the home page of the Support Portal you will see a tile for a “New and returning students” page where you can find useful links to key ICT service information to help you get started. ICT help and advice. The quickest way to receive help or advice from ICT is to use the search bar at the top of the Support Portal to find the information you require.

If you cannot find what you are looking for using the search bar, go to the service page that your issue or request relates to and complete the relevant attached form. This will mean your call is automatically directed to the appropriate specialist team rather than sitting in a queue waiting to be allocated manually, resulting in a faster response.

You can also go to the "Can't find an answer?" tile on the home page, where you will find links to contact various departments. For more information on using the Support Portal go to the “Using the support portal and logging calls” tile on the home page.

Protect yourself from phishing scams

We are currently seeing a number of phishing scams targeting University students claiming to be from companies offering information about the coronavirus, as well as fraudulent emails trying to obtain bank and personal details by offering bogus grants, awards, and bursaries.

Please be vigilant. If you are not sure an email is genuine, do not click on any links or open any attachments as a single click can compromise your account or device, and do not give away any of your personal details. Instead, forward the email to phishing@hull.ac.uk and then delete it.

For more advice on spotting a phishing scam as well as keeping safe online, go to the “Staying Cyber Secure” page on the Support Portal.

Digital Access Grant

Any student who is unable to engage with study due to issues with computer or connectivity issues and has explored all other available options can apply for the Digital Access Grant. For details on how to apply please log an enquiry at my.hull.ac.uk

Teaching

New tools to help you learn remotely

Library support for online and remote learning. We have developed new induction videos to introduce the library, learning at university, academic skills and safety and security. If you haven’t already seen these videos as part of induction, you can find them on our webpage for new and returning students. We have a brand new Library Search, designed to help you find electronic resources including books and journals.

Need Library or ICT Support?

We can be reached via Library Live Chat or the Support Portal. The Library Skills Team has lots of useful SkillsGuides to help you make the most of your studies. Remote learning SkillsGuide. Microsoft (Office) 365 SkillsGuide. The Digital Student. Skills for Study 

The Library Skills Team will have an interactive workshop programme covering core university skills. Workshops start in November and will be available for booking before. The University has introduced new tools to help you develop your learning and connect with other students in your studies.

All students have access to Microsoft Office. Get started at 365.hull.ac.uk. Microsoft Teams is available to all students at the University of Hull. Immersive Reading is available for Canvas pages and throughout the Microsoft Office suite.

Immersive Reader can read text aloud, translate into different languages, highlight specific lines of text and visualise word meanings through illustrations. It is a great tool that can help you access the material in the course in a smart and efficient way. We do hope that you find it useful.

Graduation

Updated information regarding Graduation Ceremonies 2020/21

As you will be aware, our 2020 summer graduations ceremonies were postponed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We know this was disappointing for those of you who were due to graduate this summer, as you would have been looking forward to marking this major milestone and your time at Hull.

We would also like to inform you that due to the on-going guidance, our Winter 2021 ceremonies are to be postponed until July 2021. We know that many of you will be as saddened as we are at having to make this decision, but it is our main priority to ensure that our community operates as safely as possible.

We wanted to update you on our plans for the physical celebrations that are due to take place in 2021.

 

I am a Summer 2020 graduate

You will be invited to attend a ceremony in July 2021, week commencing 19 July. The dates of the individual ceremonies will be communicated to you later in the year.

I am due to graduate in 2021

Unfortunately, due to the on-going guidelines and situation, the usual January graduating ceremonies will be re-scheduled to July 2021, during the period 19 -31 July. The dates of the individual ceremonies will be communicated to you later in the year.

I am due to graduate in Summer 2021

Summer 2021 graduates will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony in July 2021, week commencing 26 July. The dates of the individual ceremonies will be communicated to you early in 2021.

Travel

International Students

We understand that some international students may have already made plans to travel to Hull from overseas and cannot change these to meet the new Government guidance, we want to assure students in this position that we are able to welcome and support you back on campus. If you need any advice regarding travel, please contact arrivals@hull.ac.uk

All international students traveling to the UK will be required to complete a passenger locator form before arriving in the UK, and passengers travelling from a country not on the exemption (travel corridor) list will need to self-isolate in their accommodation for ten days. Details of the support available for students self-isolating (including food deliveries, laundry provision, etc) can be found here.

What are the travel restrictions for staff and students?

For the latest UK Government travel guidance please visit the gov.uk webpage.

I’m returning to the UK from overseas, what should I do?

Additional Advice for new international students

Arriving in the UK

We would like to be prepared for your arrival in order to make your experience of coming here as smooth as possible. Please complete this form to let us know when you intend to travel to the UK.

Depending on where you are travelling from, you may need to self-isolate for up to 10 days on arrival. Our pick up service will be available all throughout the Christmas holidays for student living on or off campus.

It is vital that students book their pick up from the airport well in advance. Students arriving between the 23rd December and the 7th January, students MUST book their pick up imperatively before the 20th December.

There will only be a skeleton staff available to support your arrival and our normal service will resume from the 4th January.

Contact details and self-isolation

It is important to arrange at least a few weeks of accommodation prior to your arrival in the UK, as you may need to self-isolate when you arrive and will need to provide UK Border Control with your contact details.

Immigration advice

Students Currently in the UK

We appreciate that you have had to make difficult choices in the last few months, to travel to study in the UK, or to return home to study remotely. Thank you for keeping us informed of your decisions.

The International Engagement and Compliance Team is here to support you whether you continue to study in the UK, or if you are studying remotely in your home country and will soon be making plans to return to the UK.

If you are in the UK but plan to return home soon, please inform your Faculty Hub.

If you are in the UK and your visa is due to expire please contact our team as soon as possible.

Making your UK Student Visa application outside the UK

You should have enrolled on your course by now. Please continue to engage with your studies remotely until you obtain your visa, and are able to safely travel to the UK.

Your Student Visa

Your visa will not be affected if you are studying remotely (inside or outside the UK), as long as you engage with your course, by attending online teaching events, accessing your learning portal(s) and submitting any coursework or assignments you are expected to complete as part of your course.

Useful Links

UK Visa and Immigration, including Coronavirus advice for UK visa applicants and visa holders

UK Government foreign travel advice

UK Council for International Student Affairs, including Coronavirus and visa advice for international students

What does teaching look like for the 20/21 academic year?

The Government has confirmed that, whilst universities are to remain open, teaching and learning should be delivered online - until at least the middle of February - except for a small number of ‘critical’ courses listed below. Students on these courses are advised to return to face to face learning as planned and be tested twice, upon arrival or self-isolate for ten days:

  • Medicine
  • Subjects allied to medicine/health
  • Veterinary science
  • Education (initial teacher training)
  • Social work
  • Courses which require Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) assessments and or mandatory activity which is scheduled for January and which cannot be rescheduled

For all those students on programmes of study not listed above, the Government has stated that they should remain where they are, wherever possible, and start their term online, as facilitated by their university until at least Mid-February.

In light of this updated guidance, we have been considering our position carefully. We want to be open, transparent and fair to our students and staff and while no-one can predict what will happen over the coming weeks and months, we believe that we should declare an intended date to resume on-campus teaching and learning activity for students not studying the identified critical courses. The Government has indicated this may happen in mid-February at the earliest, and we therefore think it is sensible to consider a date a short while after.

We have therefore made the decision that teaching this term for all courses not included in the above list will be delivered entirely online until 1 March. We believe this is the most responsible course of action in this complex and evolving situation. We will keep this under constant review and will confirm a final decision, closer to the time – but with adequate notice – considering the latest government guidance and the trajectory of the virus.

What impact do the new restrictions have on my working arrangements?

Staff currently working from home will continue to do so with the support of their line managers.

Our strict health and safety measures and robust risk assessments mean those colleagues who are currently required to be on campus are able to continue doing so. However, if anyone has any particular concerns they should speak to their line manager in the first instance.

In response to the Government position on those who are clinically vulnerable if anyone has any specific concerns please speak to your line manager in the first instance.

How is the University supporting colleagues who are unable to return to campus (for example they are shielding)?

As we work to reactivate as much teaching and learning, research, services and facilities on campus as possible, we are continuously mindful of the need to provide a healthy and safe environment for all our staff at all times. We are working with managers to understand individual circumstances where staff continue to need to be at home either for personal health reasons or because of responsibilities for others.

I am worried about the impact on my workload, my team and our students if I am absent from work due to illness or self-isolation?

Many people may find this a difficult situation causing them to feel anxious about the impact of absence from work due to illness or self-isolation and disruption to planned activity.

Please be assured that our main priority is protecting the health and welfare of our students and staff and will mitigate the impact as far is possible and practical in this difficult situation.

If any colleague feels uncomfortable or anxious for any reason, please speak to your line manager in the first instance.

What do I do if I have IT problems at home?

You can find more information and submit a support request online.

Key Updates

The most recent email communication to postgraduate researchers can be found here.

Support for students

Support services

This year has brought many personal challenges for us all. The outbreak of COVID-19 has not only had an impact on physical health, but the restrictions on socialising and gathering have had very real impacts on mental health too. At Hull we are a community and we encourage everyone in our community to reach out for support if you need it. A comprehensive range of support is available and there are a number of different ways to access this. Find out more about the support available.

Doctoral College activities

In addition, the team here at the Doctoral College is here to support you. We run a range of groups and support services including our writing groups, our writing retreat, which is running online from 25 – 29 January. All postgraduate researchers are welcome to attend but you will need to sign up in advance.

The PGR Research Culture and Community Seminars are also continuing in 2021 - details are available here. The Online Peer-led Coffee and Chat sessions will also continue in 2021.

Social activities

Details of the activities the Student Life team are offering virtually can be found on the Hull Student Services Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. If you have not already, make sure you follow these accounts so you can keep up to date with everything that's going on.

On-campus facilities

Please visit the Accommodation and campus services tab on this Frequently Asked Questions page.

Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing at the University

Anyone returning to campus is urged to participate in our Covid-19 mass testing programme which has been available since January. Further details can be found here.

Access to campus

Like everyone, Postgraduate research students should work from home if it is reasonable for them to do so. However, campus remains open and PGRs can utilise campus space and facilities in a range of circumstances where they cannot reasonably work from home.

Importantly, labs and specialist facilities remain open, as does the Library and Library café. PGRs can continue to access these facilities where this is critical to their research projects. In the first instance, please liaise with your supervisor and local teams to arrange access and check relevant protocols. Do please also make your Associate Dean for Research aware should you run into any difficulties.

Please also be aware that if Government guidance changes, labs and other facilities may have to close.

Government guidance also makes it clear that PGR students travel to campus in order to access appropriate study space or facilities, or because they require additional support, including in relation to mental health issues. Details appeared in the Vice Chancellor's email of 6 January. Please contact your supervisor and Head of Department, Head of School, or Director of Research Institute (as appropriate) to discuss your needs.

Covid deliverable research

In the light of the latest lockdown, all Postgraduate research students are asked to revisit and revise their project Action Plans in conjunction with their supervisory teams. Some research projects will need to change shape as a result of Covid-19. Please work with your supervisors to develop plans for research that are – as far as possible – achievable in current circumstances and that avoid being reliant on COVID-19 restrictions lifting. This is undoubtedly challenging and it may be very disappointing not to conduct the project as originally envisaged, but changes to research plans are now unavoidable for some or all projects. Plans should be kept under regular review over the academic year ahead.

PGRs may choose to include a short statement outlining how the pandemic has impacted on the design and conduct of their research project in the preface to their thesis. Examiners will be encouraged to take account of such changes in considering the shape and scope of the research, even whilst the quality threshold for the award remains unchanged.

Supervision arrangements

Supervisory meetings are being held either face-to-face or online, depending on what is possible for both the PGR and the supervisor. Where supervisions cannot be held face-to-face or online, they can take place over the phone or if none of the above are possible, via email.

Progress monitoring

Like supervisory meetings, formal progress review meetings are being held either face-to-face or online, depending on what is possible for both the PGR and the supervisor. Where supervisions cannot be held face-to-face or online, they can take place over the phone or if none of the above are possible, via email. The outcomes are documented in the normal way.

Applying for an extension or suspension

New forms and guidance on applying for extensions related Covid-19 will be issued in late January 2021. In the meantime, you can access existing guidance and forms on Sharepoint.

Guidance on suspensions remains unchanged​.

PGTS modules

PGT teaching and learning activity will take place online until 1 March (with the exception of identified critical courses). As many of you are already aware, all PGTS sessions are already delivered online and will continue to be delivered in this manner throughout Trimester 2.

Term 2 PGTS modules begin on Monday 1 February 2021 and registration for them is open. If you would like to sign up to any T2 PGTS modules, please check the PGTS Manual and sign up using the PGTS training registration form by Friday 29 January 2021. All PGRs are allowed to change/add/be removed from PGTS modules up until the end of the third week of the module's teaching/delivery. After this, you can no longer sign up to a module as it is deemed too far into the course to catch up.

More PGTS information including the PGTS Manual 2020-2021 can be found here.

If you have a question relating to the module's delivery, timetable or anything else, you need to email the specific module tutor - the details for whom as in the PGTS Manual.

As we discovered last trimester, you now need to be registered on the module in SITS before you can see the module's timetable. The teaching timetable was released on 11 January.

Submission of theses

You can currently only submit your thesis electronically. Detailed instructions can be found here.

Please email the Doctoral College on doctoralcollege@hull.ac.uk if you experience any problems.

Viva-voce exams

Viva are currently taking place very successfully and smoothly online. Candidates joining their viva-voce exam via video conferencing will be asked to demonstrate to the independent chair that they are alone in the room and that they are not using any unfair means. We recommend that a friend or family member remains nearby (but not in the viva room) to offer emotional support before and after the viva.

Before the start of the exam, the candidate will scan the room with their webcam/phone camera to demonstrate that they are alone. They will position the camera in such a way that their face is visible at all times. Candidates are permitted to have a hard copy of their thesis, blank paper for notes and a pen with them during the exam. Before the exam they demonstrate that the paper is blank and that the print-out is their thesis only. The independent chair may halt and suspend the exam should they suspect that the candidate is using unfair means.

Should any of these instructions pose a problem for candidates who have declared a disability or are suffering from an illness, reasonable adjustments will be made by the independent chair. All candidates will state in an email that they agree with these viva-voce conditions. If a candidate does not agree with these viva-voce conditions, their exam will be postponed until such time that a normal viva-voce exam can be conducted. If you have any further queries please contact the Doctoral College on doctoralcollege@hull.ac.uk or your supervisor.

Visa compliance

The University will not curtail sponsorship for Tier 4 students who have left the UK, or have remained in Hull and are self-isolating due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this situation, the University does not need to notify the UKVI of a student changing their study location. The UKVI will not consider it a breach of sponsor duties to offer remote learning to existing Tier 4 students in the UK, those who have returned overseas but wish to continue their current studies and those who have started their programmes overseas while waiting for their visas and travel to the UK.

If students have any questions relating to visa restrictions or general immigration advice, the International Engagement and Compliance Team (IECT) can be contacted by raising an enquiry in MyHull portal. Tier 4 students also need to notify the IECT team of their intentions to leave or return to the UK.

PGR Fieldwork

Under a national lockdown, fieldwork remains extremely difficult. There will be no PGR research related travel except where it has been risk assessed, deemed research critical and formally signed off by the Dean of the Faculty, Associate Dean for Research or Institute Director. Decisions regarding fieldwork will be made on a case by case basis. Please ask your Faculty or Institute for a copy of the relevant form.

International students

If you are an International PGR and are currently overseas, you may want to delay your return to Hull and continue with your research via distance learning. You will need to agree this with your supervisor in advance. Alternatively, if you need to be on campus for your research, you will still be able to travel to the UK, but will need to complete a passenger locator form before arriving in the UK. If you are travelling from a country not on the exemption (travel corridor) list you will need to self-isolate in your accommodation for ten days. Details of the support available for students self-isolating (including food deliveries, laundry provision, etc) can be found here.

Postgraduate Researchers based overseas

If you are based overseas currently or permanently, please follow the advice of authorities given nationally, regionally and locally. If you are affiliated with a local university, please follow their advice. Please ensure that you keep in regular contact with your supervisor at Hull. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your supervisor, University of Hull Faculty/Institute PGR support or the Doctoral College at Hull.

Contact Us

If you have any concerns or queries please email us at doctoralcollege@hull.ac.uk and we will respond to your query as soon as we can.

The Doctoral College will be closed from 5pm Friday 18th December to 8.45am Monday 4th January. We will get back to you as soon as we can after 4th January.

Alternative support for students on and off campus is listed above under Section 2 of this webpage ‘Support for students on campus over the winter break’.

In the case of an emergency, and you are on campus, contact Campus Security on 01482 46 5555 who will coordinate the emergency services. An emergency is defined as something dangerous or serious, such as an accident, which happens suddenly or unexpectedly, and needs fast action to avoid harmful results. If you are off campus contact 999 and advise this service of the situation.

We are here for you

During this unprecedented time, the University of Hull is here to help you.

The health and wellbeing of our University community is our number one priority. Where possible, our business support teams continue to work from home, and can be reached as usual via telephone, email, video call and other digital platforms. Our staff have been working hard to prepare contingency plans and manage precautions as the situation evolves. We're closely following the latest advice and guidance issued by the UK government and Public Health England. We will continue to take all appropriate and necessary steps, as required by the official advice, to keep our community safe.

We offer a range of opportunities and networks for you to take advantage of, whether you are looking to invest in innovation and staff development or simply need help with sustaining your business during this period of uncertainty. Working closely with our business partners, we are ensuring we continue to progress new research and enterprise projects.

We’re already making a difference and playing a vital role in the fight against COVID-19, and we will continue to support new and existing partners in whatever way we can. See more information on our contribution to the COVID-19 crisis below.

We’ve put together a useful list of FAQs below. If you have further questions, you can contact us by emailing business@hull.ac.uk and we will do our best to assist you. We’re here to help you, and will respond to your requirements.

Can my business continue to engage with the University on consultancy projects and contract research?

Yes. While many of our academics and professional services staff are working remotely at the moment, they are still on hand to discuss new and ongoing projects. Those involved in active projects should speak to their existing point of contact, while those with new enquiries should email business@hull.ac.uk.

I am currently collaborating with the University on a project. How will I be affected?

A representative from the University will have been in touch to discuss your individual circumstances but our aim is to continue as planned where possible. Some funders have given us extensions, allowing the project timetable to extend but not the overall budget, which may cause some challenges if activities cannot be reprioritised. For any additional queries, please email collaborate@hull.ac.uk

My business may be able to provide a solution to the impact of COVID-19 and would benefit from academic advice and funding. Would this be possible?

Yes. Staff across the University welcome opportunities to discuss product development, innovation, and business solutions, including those relating to the Coronavirus outbreak. We would value your insights and can facilitate discussions with the relevant academics.

We are also in regular conversation with numerous funding bodies, including Innovate UK, and will be able to advise as to whether your solution is eligible to receive funding. For more information, please email rifo@hull.ac.uk.

I am interested in the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme. Is it still available?

Yes. Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) submission dates are still available throughout the year and Innovate UK is committed to supporting the programme. For more information, please email business@hull.ac.uk.

I am a University of Hull student or graduate seeking to start a business. Will the Enterprise Service be able to support me at this time?

Our Enterprise team remains on hand to discuss self-employment opportunities and start-up support for students and graduates. Please email enterprise@hull.ac.uk to discuss your proposed business venture and they will be happy to advise you on next steps.

Is the Careers team available to discuss recruitment opportunities?

Yes. While many of our staff continue to work remotely, we have adapted the way we work to ensure we can continue to support you and react to your business needs. If you'd like to speak to a member of the Careers team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing careershull@hull.ac.uk.

Will there be any placement opportunities for your students?

The University is actively encouraging businesses to continue offering placement opportunities for our students. We will work within a business’s own health and safety policies as well as our own, ensuring the safest possible experience for both business and student. We are also working with employers to offer virtual placements. If you’d like to find out more, please contact careershull@hull.ac.uk.

How the University of Hull is contributing to the fight against coronavirus

The University has been able to adapt quickly to make valuable and long-lasting contributions to help during this COVID crisis. Here’s just a snapshot of our contribution to the fight against COVID-19.

  • We have come together with our local health partners in order to make services work where national provision has failed. For example, we led a collaboration to produce face shields to support the NHS and other healthcare organisations, raising more than £100,000.
  • University of Hull experts tested a batch of COVID-19 face masks, to ensure they met the standard required before they were distributed to frontline NHS staff in the Humber region.
  • Staff from across all disciplines within health sciences were able to provide vital training for former NHS staff who re-joined the workforce to help fight the pandemic.
  • We have made several donations of clinical equipment to our local health trusts, and have offered around 200 rooms for use by NHS staff requiring residential accommodation.
  • The University has donated food supplies to help homeless adults and young people in need in our region.
  • Clinical academics have been released from academic duties to full time clinical practice to support front-line services.
  • As the UK continues to react to the Coronavirus pandemic, national newspapers and broadcasters alike have turned to the expertise of a University of Hull critical care expert. Nicki Credland, Head of Paramedical, Perioperative and Advanced Practice at the University, has provided invaluable insight into how NHS frontline services are coping with Coronavirus, and also was appointed Education Lead for the Nightingale Harrogate Hospital.
  • Prof Joe Cook (project lead) and Dr Fiona Walkley (CI) were successful in an application for funding to the UKRI Covid19 Rapid response which looks at how best to mobilise volunteers.
  • Prof Thomas Phillips (Mental Health) has supported NHS England & improvement in the development of their national guidance for alcohol dependence
  • Professor Alyn Morice has provided a rapid response to the pandemic – by initiating two international clinical trials for COVID-19.
  • Professor Fliss Murtagh has contributed to NICE guidelines on symptomatic management of Covid-19 patients
  • A multi-million-pound high-performance computer owned by the University of Hull is playing a crucial role in global COVID-19 research.
  • The University Business School has been running a series of virtual events to help advise local businesses during these unprecedented times.

Contact

Students

Call 01482 462222
Visit MyHull
Weekdays, 9 - 5

Postgraduate researchers

Email doctoralcollege@hull.ac.uk

Applicants

Call 01482466100
Email admissions@hull.ac.uk

Postgraduate applicants

Email pgadmissions@hull.ac.uk