The majority of teaching will continue online next trimester, University College Dublin (UCD) has announced, as the university plans to continue operating under the current government restrictions beyond the current ‘lockdown’.
In an email to students from Registrar and Deputy President, Professor Mark Rogers stated that classes will continue to be delivered remotely in the spring with some limited activity on campus permitted. Students who are currently required to attend in-person classes ‘should plan’ to continue their attendance in the next trimester.
Classes which commence online in spring could be made available on-campus if government’s guidance regarding Third-Level education changes in the coming months, and UCD has said schools will be supported in providing face-to-face teaching should they consider it ‘educationally appropriate’ and ‘in compliance with health and safety guidelines’.
However, Professor Rogers confirmed today that the online option will remain available to students who choose not to live in Dublin in the new year. This commitment, he said, has been given now so students can begin to plan ahead for next semester and will not have to relocate should restrictions ease.
The email highlighted that individual Schools and faculty retain the autonomy to decide how modules are conducted and that any changes will be notified to students directly from module coordinators.
On-Campus Residences, libraries and study places will remain open next trimester. Scheduled access to libraries and other onsite study space will remain for those students who do not otherwise have suitable facilities or home environment to access learning remotely.
Following the announcement of Level 5 restrictions nationwide last month, face coverings are now required across all teaching and learning events, in all the libraries and internal public spaces of the campus for all visitors to the university with some exceptions for eating and drinking areas.
Gemma Farrell – Assistant News Editor
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