All student email, Wednesday 23 Septemeber 2020

Welcome Week is here and it’s been so lovely to see some of you back on campus along with all our new students as we look towards the beginning of Semester One next week. Thanks to all of you that have been adhering to the new Covid guidance, it’s really important we keep everyone safe in the current environment so we’ve included a quick reminder in this week’s newsletter along with a new process for how to report positive Covid tests to the University. We’re also pleased to let you know that timetables are now live and can be accessed via the new MyUoB app which you can download on your mobile, or the web app version which can be accessed via the student intranet. With teaching about to start we’ve also got some useful resources from the library around online learning and a reminder that the new outdoor Lakeside event is live this week.

We hope these weekly updates have been useful throughout these unusual times, and wanted to let you know that as the semester starts we’ll be moving to a fortnightly e-newsletter, so stay safe and see you in a couple of weeks!

Timetables now available on the MyUoB app

Your personalised timetable is now accessible through the new MyUoB App which you can download onto your phone or access as a web app on your computer or tablet via the student intranet site. If you are having problems downloading the phone app then the web app is accessible here.  

All students have been assigned to a bimodal experience (a blend of online and on-campus sessions), except for those international students who have previously advised us, through our formal process, that they are not available to travel to the UK and commence their studies in person.

If you cannot attend any on-campus sessions for a period of more than 15 days, or you need to change your study location (for example, if you are arriving in Birmingham) then you can let us know using this form.

If you have a query regarding your timetable or believe that there is an issue, please contact your School Office. If you experience any technical issues with your timetable or downloading the App, please contact the IT Service Desk via phone (0121 414 7171) or via the IT Service Desk portal.  

Teaching timetables are always subject to minor amendments and, given the constantly evolving national situation this year and our desire to ensure your safety, we would advise that you check your timetable regularly for any updates.

Please note:  Because of the restrictions on capacity and the requirement for any contact tracing, you should only attend any taught sessions that have been scheduled for you.  Please don’t turn up or join any other sessions and remember that, on campus, you should not arrive at your timetabled venue more than 5 minutes in advance of the start (to avoid queues) and remember to bring your face covering!  

 

Keeping Covid Safe and new reporting system for positive tests

If you’re back on campus then remember the five ways to stop the spread of Covid:

  1. Cover up: wear a face covering inside wherever a 2 metre distance isn’t possible
  2. Keep your distance: and use the one-way systems on campus
  3. Wash up: wash your hands and sanitise them regularly
  4. Self-isolate and test: if you get symptoms, however mild, get tested straight away and follow self-isolation advice
  5. Socialise sensibly: follow local guidance on who you can socialise with and where – and that means following the rule of 6 and additional social contact restrictions in Birmingham.

If you haven’t already please also take the time to read our Covid-19 Community Conduct Commitment that outlines the University’s expectations of its students and staff.

If you do need to self-isolate then familiarise yourself with our Test, Trace and Protect process, which complements the steps taken by NHS and Public Health England.

If you receive a positive COVID-19 test you will need to let us know via the Test, Trace and Protect page. Please note: you will need to login with your UoB username and password to access this information.

On Film: Library 

We know many of you have been asking about the library so Guild Education Officer, Jules Singh, takes a look inside at some of the new Covid-secure arrangements…

Opening times will change with the Semester starting so if you want to safely study on campus then the Library will open at weekends and until 10.00pm on weekday evenings from next week; at the moment you still need to book in advance. There are also other study spaces available across campus including the Murray Learning Centre, which is open all evening and is near to the train station if you are a commuter.

 Watch the film

Get your discount books here

There is a 15% Discount for all UoB students on all print books ordered on the JS Birmingham website and free delivery to all UK addresses. This offer is valid until 26 October 2020.

Visit here to claim your discount

Lakeside is open!

Lakeside is now up and running on the Vale featuring a range of fun activities including outdoor cinema and mini golf, and various tasty food and drink options including Yard Bird and Disco Fries, Remember it’s open for ALL students no matter where you live or what year you are studying in.

Book tickets here 

Online learning guide

Learning at University is going to look different this semester. Your lectures will be delivered online to ensure that you can access them whatever the circumstances. Seminars and tutorials in small groups will be delivered in person and on campus where possible, and online where required. At first, this might feel unfamiliar, with new technologies and ways of learning to get used to, but it is also a great opportunity to develop new skills in communicating and collaborating online which may also be useful for your future career as we all adapt to this new way of working.

Library Services have produced a guide to help you prepare and increase your confidence studying online.

Access the online learning resource 

 

Student Spotligh: Lucy Thomas

Congratulations to postgraduate researcher Lucy Thomas who represented the University of Birmingham at a national Three Minute Thesis competition last week, and brought home the win for UoB!

Three Minute Thesis challenges doctoral candidates to present a compelling presentation on their research topic and its significance in just three minutes. Lucy gave an outstanding performance of her 3MT® titled 'Gravity is Pathetic! Shedding Light on Gravity with Models of Spinning Black Hole Mergers', making her the Judges Choice Winner and securing a £3,000 grant for public engagement.

Watch Lucy’s winning performance

 

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