UoB Student Update, Wednesday 29 July 2020

 

As you know we are working hard preparing to welcome you home to campus in September. This week we wanted to let you know about a useful new area we have created on the student intranet that summarises all the information we have shared so far. Also in this week’s newsletter, we offer advice on avoiding housing scams, introduce the new Guild officer team and share some exciting news that the Bhangra Society will feature on the BBC next week.

 

We would love to hear from you so if you have any suggestions for future issues, or any stories for us to shine a spotlight on, please email: mailto:studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk 

Welcome back to UoB – new student intranet area

 Over the last few weeks we have shared key information about coming back to campus within these weekly newsletters, and we have now created a dedicated area on the student intranet for everything we have shared so far, broken down into easy to access sections: Welcome back to UoB webpage. Please keep on checking these pages as we will add information as it gets confirmed, for now we have summarised some of the essential info below.

Your academic experience

All of the core curriculum will be covered during your course so that you can meet your programme learning outcomes, although we will deliver it in different ways.  Your lectures will be online which means that we have extra space on campus for the hands-on experience in labs and workshops. You will get time on campus, with, wherever possible, seminars and small group teaching delivered safely in person.  Your new weekly tutorial group meetings will be a great opportunity to share and support your learning with your peers and your dedicated Personal Academic Tutor. 

Your Birmingham experience

Campus will be open and we are looking forward to welcoming you back to the Library and study spaces with social distancing in place. 

UB Sport & Fitness will be open, and for members who live locally we are re-opening the gym, swimming pool and squash courts from Monday 10 August.  The Guild of Students, and the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy will be open again in September and our catering outlets will also be open, although, just like on the high street, you should expect some changes to the menu offer and the way you are served.

Your safety and wellbeing

This is our top priority and we are working on a range of measures to ensure you stay safe, happy and healthy while at University. Buildings are opening in a phased manner and so far nearly 60% of buildings have reopened with full opening due to be completed over the summer. Each building will be assessed carefully and appropriate measures put in place to keep everyone safe before they reopen. Campus signage is in place as a reminder to practise social distancing and regular handwashing. Handwashing facilities are available along with hand sanitiser in busy areas.  We will also be issuing all students with a washable, UoB branded, face covering, which you are encouraged to use in areas where it is difficult to keep a two metre distance.

 Welcome back to UoB

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood, has provided an update on the academic experience you can expect when you return in September.

 Watch the video 

NHS Test & Trace

It is important that everyone acts responsibly, in line with the UK Government advice.  Anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, can receive a test now; it is free, quick and easy to arrange via the NHS and is available to everyone in the UK, including international students. 

Find out more about NHS Test & Trace.  You should be registered with a local General Practitioner (GP) so that you can access health care if you need it and local to your term time address.  Find out how to register with a GP.

IT Services’ notice

Changes to intranet login

IT Services is moving the University’s intranet into the cloud. As part of the move, they will be introducing Microsoft Azure authentication, which means that you will notice a small change to the way that you login to the intranet. You will now need to click the button ‘staff and student login (Sign in with AD FS)’ and enter your UoB login details on the Microsoft page. Further information is available on the IT Services’ knowledge base.

 

my.bham: Security error message

We're aware that a security access message is appearing for some students upon visiting my.bham.ac.uk. Please visit IT Services’ status page for updates and workarounds if you are affected.

Housing scam targeting students

 There have been recent reports of some students being targeted by people requesting substantial amounts of money in relation to renting a property. Find out where to get advice and support to avoid scams.

Advice on scams

 

Calling all budding entrepreneurs

 Would you like funds to make your business idea come to life?  Birmingham graduate, Ronjon Nag has created a £5,000 prize for a student tech project or business idea with the strongest commercial potential!  Closes 16 August 2020.

Apply here

New officer team at the Guild

 Last week the Guild of Students, your Students’ Union, officially welcomed their new Officer Team for 2020/21. Find out how they can support you.

Officer team 2020/21

Student Spotlight: Best at Bhangra

 Students from the Bhangra Society are to feature in a BBC documentary that follows them as they train to compete in a national competition.

Watch the trailer

Colleges

Professional Services