A message from our Vice-Chancellor
We are facing a situation that is unprecedented in our lifetimes, and I know that coronavirus (COVID-19) is altering our lives in ways that would have been unimaginable only a few weeks ago. I wanted to take this opportunity to provide an update on what we are doing at Bath to help control the spread of the virus, to safeguard our staff and students, and to provide assistance to the local community.
In light of current advice from the UK Government, the University recently made the difficult decision to deliver all teaching online for the remainder of Semester 2, which ends on Friday 29 May 2020. Where possible, staff are working from home and delivering all necessary support to students digitally and over the phone. We want to ensure that our students receive the education they deserve and we will be working very hard to make that happen in a safe and effective way.
As you will know, there is a strong sense of community here at the University of Bath, and I commend our staff and students for the positive and calm way in which they have continued to look after themselves and each other. I hugely appreciate the ongoing efforts of our whole community, particularly as we continue to look after students who need to remain on campus including care leavers and those who may be unable to return to their home countries.
I am also very proud of the way in which the University has been able to respond to the needs of our wider community at this difficult time. Coordinated by our University Chaplain, the Revd Canon Nigel Rawlinson, our students have donated goods to the local food bank having recognised the sharp increase in demand, and need, for essential food items among Bath’s most vulnerable citizens.
We have also been working with the Royal United Hospital to provide much-needed equipment to tackle the effects of the virus on the local population.
Across a whole range of themes, we have experts available to help the media by providing analysis on aspects of the coronavirus crisis, enabling them to provide accurate and informed updates to the general public.
Wherever you live in the world, may I extend my heartfelt good wishes from here in Bath to you and your loved ones.
Professor Ian White DL FREng
Vice-Chancellor and President
Updates
Support for students affected by COVID-19
Thank you to everyone who has recently donated to the Alumni Fund – your generosity has enabled us to direct £10,000 to help support students who are facing financial hardship and other difficulties as a result of the outbreak. Find out more >>
SU provides social outlet for isolated students
Our Students’ Union has set up an online ‘Corona Community’, enabling people to stay connected. The group has over 2,500 members and offers cook-alongs, pub quizzes, virtual club nights, yoga and more. Find out more >>
Calls for universal basic income
University of Bath Prize Research Fellow, Dr Neil Howard, has organised an open letter signed by nearly 500 academics and thought leaders, asking governments to urgently implement universal basic income in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Read more >>
Is the NHS getting enough support?
A cash injection alone isn’t sufficient to help our health service through the current situation, argues Eleonora Fichera, Reader in Economics. Read more >>
Home exercise tips from Team Bath
Staying indoors needn’t mean the end of your fitness routine – as our Team Bath coaches demonstrate with their five ‘go-to’ workout moves.
Watch the video >>
Events
Join in wellbeing classes online
For the next two weeks, classes at The Edge – including yoga, choir and dance classes – are being held online and are free to join. Please note that spaces are limited. Find out more >>
Postgraduate Virtual Open Day – 1 April
Thinking about a postgraduate qualification? Find out more by logging on to our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day on Wednesday 1 April. Register now >>
Due to the current situation, many of our events have been postponed. However, we encourage you to mark these future dates in your diary:
London: ACSELERATE – 18 June
Join Bath African and Caribbean Society for an evening of networking with members of Bath’s BME community in London. Express your interest >>
London: Get Connected – 10 September
Save the date to join our expert alumni volunteers for speed-networking over drinks. Express your interest >>
London: Discovery Series – 28 October
Hear from Professor Saiful Islam and Dr Marianne Ellis as they share insights into some of their latest research around green energy materials and 'lab-grown' cultured meat. Express your interest >>
Going forward
We’re busy planning new ways to catch up with our alumni over the next few weeks, so make sure you follow our social media channels for news of future online events!
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