UoB Student Update, Wednesday 9 September

Following on from last week’s Covid-19 guidance we wanted to share and ask for your cooperation with our new Community Conduct Commitment.  It is really important that we all work together, in the circumstances of an ongoing global pandemic, to keep each other safe and to do what we can to reduce the risk of infection across the City… and that means following the rules!  

Also this week, with digital channels more important than ever we’ve got an update on the full roll out of Microsoft Teams, a new log in process, and the upcoming launch of the exciting new MyUoB app for students.

If you have any suggestions for future issues, or any stories for us to shine a spotlight on, please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Covid-19 Community Conduct Commitment

At the University of Birmingham we expect all members of our community (students, staff and visitors) to act as good citizens and be proactive in taking measures to maintain the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others, as well as those living in our neighbourhood community.

We want to remind you that it’s important to follow UK Government and any local restrictions, whether on campus, or in your homes and gardens.

The most up to date advice about what you can and cannot do is available here.   

In England, from Monday 14 September, it will be illegal for any gatherings of more than 6 people to meet and socialise, either inside or outdoors.  The ban on larger groups gathering does not apply to education settings, so does not affect our plans for your learning and teaching in-person (nor organised team sports) where these can be managed carefully and safely.

We do understand that it is tough, particularly at the start of a new academic year, but we all have to follow the new requirements, and the current evidence shows an increase in positive Covid-cases amongst 18-39 year olds.  It is likely that regulations and requirements will continue to change and be updated and we will continue to bring you news and updates as any changes are announced.

We also want to be really clear that our Code of Conduct, for all students, can be applied in these circumstances to behaviour both on and off campus, and online.  We expect all students to follow the current guidance on:

  1. Social distancing;
  2. Social gatherings (including halls and private sector accommodation);
  3. Following Covid safety guidance on campus (including directional routes within buildings, maximum room capacities, and behaviour);
  4. Hygiene, particularly in public or communal areas;
  5. Wearing of a face covering (unless exempt);
  6. Test and trace (understanding the symptoms, getting tested immediately and working with the University and Public Health England to identify any close contacts).

Read the full commitment 

View the University regulations 

Where we receive reportsof inappropriate behaviour or conduct, these will be taken seriously and investigated.  Where necessary, the University will take appropriate and proportionate action against anyone found to be compromising the safety and wellbeing of others, in accordance with our regulations.

Microsoft Teams - a new way to communicate and collaborate

We are delighted to announce that Microsoft Teams will be available for students at the start of the new academic year. Teams is an online space where you can chat to fellow students, share files, take part in meetings and work collaboratively with classmates even when you’re not on campus.

The text and video chat tools in Teams are perfect for virtual group work, quick discussions or a chat with a fellow student to check in and say hi. You can separate your content by setting up a Team for working with others on a specific project, group work or a common interest. You can also set up Channels within a Team where you can store files, hold virtual meetings and have ‘threaded’ conversations.

Teams is fully integrated with all your other Microsoft 365 tools bring your University Outlook account, Calendar and other Microsoft 365 apps like Planner, Word, Excel, OneNote and OneDrive together. 

Microsoft Teams will be available from 17 September. Before you start using Teams, it is important that you have read and understood the guidance for use. 

Read the guidance and information on how to download Teams 

Changes to the way you log on to University services

We are simplifying the way that you log on to a number of University digital services including University email, Canvas, FindIt@bham and Verify. We aim to bring as many of our student systems under the same login experience as possible and to provide single sign-on into them making it easier to access everything you need.

Aside from looking a little fresher, the main difference to the new login screen is that you will need to enter your University email address instead of your username whenever you login to an associated service. The upside of this is that once you’ve signed in to one system, you’ll automatically be signed in to other enabled services for up to 14 days whilst on the same device.

You will also be able to use your email address to login to the PCs in the computer clusters in the Main Library and other locations across campus. And as an added bonus, you will now also be able to use your email address to use Eduroam WiFi to provide a more seamless experience when working on WiFi on all of our campuses.

Hello from around the world!

As we start to get ready to begin a new Semester together we wanted to shine a light on this fun video which highlights what a truly global University we are.

Watch the film

Tiverton Gym offers

 If you’re living in Selly Oak this year, Tiverton Gym is a convenient and well-equipped workout option, which offers discounted membership options for students who can exercise during their extended Off-Peak times. It also offers a Five Day Peak membership from Wednesday to Sunday. Starting 10 September.

Check out the membership options here  

Staying safe at UoB

A reminder that our Security team are here to offer help, support and advice 24 hours a day, all year round.  They provide services to help you stay safe, from securing your bike (with a free D-lock!) and your home, to guidance for when you are out and about. 

For more information visit Campus Security 

Guild Live Q&As

Many of you understandably have concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on your degree. How will you be taught this year? What additional support will you be given? This is your chance to have your questions answered.

New Education Officer for the Guild, Jules Singh, is working to deliver a series of live Q&As with College Directors of Education on their Virtual Neighbourhood.

To get involved visit the Guild website

MyUoB app launch

MyUoB is the University’s new official app, which provides easy access to timetables, emails, module information and more – wherever and whenever you need it. It allows you to move your favourite features around so you can create an app display that is personalised to you. It will contain timetable information from its launch in Welcome Week. The app will be available next week - so look for updates in your inbox.

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