The University recognises that the pandemic continues to present particular circumstances for students which may impact upon their ability to undertake examinations or complete assessments. In line with current arrangements, if you are unable to attend an examination or complete an assessment, you can apply for the opportunity to have your circumstances taken into consideration, using the process outlined on the Directorate of Academic and Student Affairs website.

For successful applications, students may be granted additional time or deferral of continuous assessment or coursework, depending on the circumstances. For examinations, class tests and similar fixed time assessments, students may be granted the opportunity to take a new examination at the next available opportunity as a first attempt. This applies across all programmes.

Further guidance is available on the Directorate of Academic and Student Affairs website.

The Students’ Union has requested specific interventions to support students dealing with the ongoing challenges presented by Covid-19. I am pleased to advise that the following further mitigations have been agreed and will take immediate effect:

• From Monday 17 January, for the remainder of Semester Two (until 3 June 2022), an automatic 48-hour extension for coursework/continuous assessments will normally be available. In cases where a 48-hour extension cannot be accommodated, your School will let you know what arrangements will be in place.
• The maximum permitted self-certification period in relation to exceptional circumstances applications for short-term illness, and Covid-19-related personal circumstances, will increase up to 14 calendar days, effective for assessments with a deadline up to and including 31 January 2022.
• Students will be able to avail of fee-free re-sit examinations this year.
• All activity, including clubs and societies, can continue on campus, following NI Executive and Public Health Agency Guidelines.
• Students in University accommodation who paused their contracts until 31 January 2022 will have access to their accommodation from Saturday 29 January 2022. There will be no charge for 29, 30 or 31 January 2022.

 For further information, please visit the My Queen's website.

It remains essential that all members of the Queen’s community follow the University and public health guidance – including wearing face coverings as set out in our Covid-19 FAQs. For the latest position on asymptomatic testing using lateral flow devices, please see the COVID-19 testing information on the NI Direct website.

In particular, we strongly encourage all staff and students to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible to help protect themselves and others.

These relaxations align with our plans for 2021-22 which are set out in our Campus Intentions, communicated to you in June 2021. Our intention continues to be to deliver teaching face to face from September 2021 – complemented by flexible digital solutions which enhance student learning opportunities.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our first priority and all the necessary measures are in place on campus. The University continues to encourage a range of mitigations as set out below.

Visit the My Queen’s website and the Students’ Union website for information on getting ready for the 2021-22 Academic Year.

Information on teaching, learning, assessment and your student experience is available on the MyQueen's website.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our first priority and all the necessary measures are in place on campus. Students and staff must also adhere to University and public health guidance regarding Covid-19, taking personal responsibility to ensure that transmission is minimised.

A range of mitigation measures and precautions are in place on campus:

• On-campus vaccinations: Vaccination offers the most effective way to protect against serious illness from Covid-19 and we are encouraging all staff and students, who have not already done so, to register for vaccination as soon as possible. Queen's is working with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency to support and encourage students to get vaccinated against COVID-19. To make this as easy as possible, we have arranged on-campus walk-in vaccination centres for any students who have not yet received their first jab.
• Ventilation: We have a range of ventilation protocols in place on campus. This includes mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation or a combination of mechanical and natural ventilation.
• Social distancing:
  • While legal restrictions regarding the requirement to socially distance have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage everyone to continue to keep their distance as much as possible when moving around campus.
  • In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency asks universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
  • If you are a PhD student using work and laboratory space on campus, your School will advise you on the social distancing requirements in your workspace.
• Face-coverings: Students must wear face coverings as follows:
  • While legal restrictions regarding the wearing of face coverings have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage everyone to continue to wear a face covering in teaching, learning and study spaces, including the library. Face coverings should also be worn when circulating around campus buildings, including corridors and communal spaces. By wearing a face covering, you are showing your support and consideration for others together with playing your part to limit the transmission of the virus. Find out more about face coverings on campus here.

• Hygiene: Hand sanitiser and sanitising wipes are available across the campus. A number of external hand-washing stations are also available. Staff and students are encouraged to make use of these before entry to the building. 
• Download the StopCovidNI app.
• Signage and one-way systems: There is no longer a requirement to follow signage displayed regarding one-way systems, priority access, capacity numbers etc. However, in some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency ask universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.

In line with current NI Executive guidance, face-to-face teaching will resume with no social distancing requirements in place for teaching spaces. 

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our first priority and all the necessary mitigation measures are in place on campus.

• Vaccination offers the most effective way to protect against serious illness from Covid-19 and we are encouraging all staff and students, who have not already done so, to register for vaccination as soon as possible.
• Face coverings: 
  • While legal restrictions regarding the wearing of face coverings have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage all students to continue to wear a face covering during teaching sessions and when circulating around campus buildings including corridors and communal spaces. By wearing a face covering, you are showing your support and consideration for others together with playing your part to limit transmission of the virus.
• Cleaning: An enhanced cleaning regime is in place for teaching spaces.
• Hygiene supplies: Hand sanitiser and wipes are provided in teaching spaces.
• Download the StopCovidNI app.
• Scheduling: For larger teaching sessions, your lecturer or tutor may schedule the beginning and the end of the session to allow time for you to enter and exit in an orderly manner.
• Social distancing:
  • While legal restrictions regarding the requirement to socially distance have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage everyone to continue to keep their distance as much as possible when moving around campus.
  • In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency asks universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
  • If you are a PhD student using work and laboratory space on campus, your School will advise you on the social distancing requirements in your workspace.
• Ventilation: All lecture theatres, teaching spaces and laboratories on the campus are able to be ventilated using mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation or a combination of mechanical and natural ventilation.
  
  To support this, University heating systems will be carefully monitored and configured to help keep ambient temperatures comfortable for students and staff in naturally ventilated spaces during the winter months. When deciding what to wear on campus, we encourage you to consider that spaces will be ventilated.

No. Do not attend face-to-face teaching if you:

• have symptoms and are waiting for a test result
• have tested positive
• are required to self-isolate

 Students or staff experiencing symptoms should isolate and get tested.

• Vaccination offers the most effective way to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and we are encouraging all staff and students, who have not already done so, to register for vaccination as soon as possible.

• Download the StopCovidNI app.

• All students and staff should continue to follow the latest public health and University guidance and continue to adhere to protective measures and sensible precautions to suppress coronavirus (COVID-19). 

• It makes sense to practice good hygiene and follow advice published on the PHA website.

• Immediately self-isolate if you develop symptoms / test positive

• There are other steps we should all be taking on a daily basis. Please continue to:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Practice social distancing
• Wear face coverings
• Follow the latest Public Health Agency advice
• Review Queen's FAQs for staff and students

Your wellbeing is the University’s first priority. Please do not let any concerns about your work or studies stop you taking this advice.

No. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.

In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency ask universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice.

• While legal restrictions regarding the requirement to socially distance have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage everyone to continue to keep their distance as much as possible when moving around campus.
• In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency asks universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
• If you are a PhD student using work and laboratory space on campus, your School will advise you on the social distancing requirements in your workspace.

No. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.

In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Authority ask universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice.

PhD students using work and laboratory space on campus will be advised by their School on the social distancing requirements in their work space.

While legal restrictions regarding the wearing of face coverings have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage all students to continue to wear a face covering during teaching sessions and when circulating around campus buildings including corridors and communal spaces. By wearing a face covering, you are showing your support and consideration for others together with playing your part to limit transmission of the virus.

View official guidance on exemptions from wearing a face covering.

The NI Executive have provided guidance regarding the maintenance and disposal of face coverings here and you are asked to familiarise yourself with this guidance.

To access or utilise certain services and spaces on campus, staff, students and external guests will be required to show proof of their COVID status.

At present this includes Deanes at Queen's, Upper Malone Social Space, the Speakeasy Bar and the QFT Cinema and Bar.

In addition, we understand this will also include any room or space on campus where alcohol is being served; for example, the Great Hall, Riddel Hall or at other venues across campus.

Everyone attending Winter Graduation will be required to provide proof of Covid status.

More guidance around this new scheme is still coming out from the NI Executive; therefore, we will continue to update our procedures inline with the latest guidance.

If you are unsure or have placed orders for hospitality, a member of the Campus Food and Drink team will contact you and explain how they will carry out these checks.

In line with current restrictions and public health guidance, one of the following three pieces of evidence will be required to place an order in a café or attend an event in one of the outlets:

• Proof of double vaccination; for example, using the COVIDCert NI app or another recognised form of certification;
  
  OR
  
  
• Proof of negative PCR or Lateral Flow test (with ID, taken no more than 48 hours prior) using the email or text issued by the NHS after an individual registers their test;
  
  OR
  
  
• Proof of a positive PCR in previous 30-180 days (with ID) using the email or text issued by the NHS after an individual registers their test.

Failure to provide proof of Covid status will result in refusal of service or admission to a venue.

If any member of staff has any questions in regard to this, please email r.wallace@qub.ac.uk in the Student Plus Directorate.

Please contact covid-19vaccinationprogramme@health-ni.gov.uk for advice.

You should now follow the normal procedure for reporting sickness absences from study due to COVID-19. Regulations for Students 5.11 states that students must inform the relevant School Office of absence due to illness within three working days of returning to studies. Medical evidence will be required for absence longer than five working days. You can find information on getting an isolation note on the NHS website.

If you are absent from campus due to isolation but well enough to continue with your studies, you do not need to report sickness absence. However, you can get an isolation note using the link above and you should advise your School that you are not able to attend in person. Your School will do what they can to support you with your studies during any period of self-isolation.

As the PHA will carry out identification of close contacts, the University’s on-campus contact tracing team will be stood down and our self-reporting portal will no longer operate – except for students living in Queen’s Accommodation, who will still be required to use the portal to report if they are self-isolating due to symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.

If you are aware and/or are notified that you are a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should follow the appropriate guidance. This includes guidance found at NI Direct and any self-isolation advice you are given by the PHA, if required. 

You can find out more about contact tracing on the NI Direct website.

Your health and safety is the University's first priority, so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following any of these steps or public health advice.

During a period of self-isolation, you cannot come on to any part of campus.

Reporting absences from study

You should now follow the normal procedure for reporting sickness absences from study due to COVID-19. Regulations for Students 5.11 states that students must inform the relevant School Office of absence due to illness within three working days of returning to studies. Medical evidence will be required for absence longer than five working days. You can find information on getting an isolation note on the NHS website.

If you are absent from campus due to isolation but well enough to continue with your studies, you do not need to report sickness absence. However, you can get an isolation note using the link above and you should advise your School that you are not able to attend in person. Your School will do what they can to support you with your studies during any period of self-isolation.

As the PHA will carry out identification of close contacts, the University's on-campus contact tracing team will be stood down and our self-reporting portal will no longer operate – except for students living in Queen's Accommodation, who will still be required to use the portal to report if they are self-isolating due to symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.

You can find out more about contact tracing on the NI Direct website.

Public Health Agency contact tracing

The PHA’s contact tracing service works to minimise community transmission of COVID-19. Close contacts will be contacted by the PHA’s contact tracing service team using the following phone number: (028) 9536 8888. Please save this number to your phone and be sure to answer any call from them, should they get in touch. 

'StopCOVID NI' app

A Northern Ireland-specific contact tracing app 'StopCOVID NI' has been developed by the Department of Health. To help protect yourself and all within the Queen's community and wider public, we are encouraging all our staff and students to download this free app, which will support contact tracing, support our health service, help prevent another lockdown and save lives. 

The app works by telling you automatically if you've been near another app user who tests positive and can also let them know if you test positive, though the app never knows or shares your identity or location. 

You can download from: 

• Google Play Store 

• Apple App Store 

Text alert service

View the schedule for on-campus walk-in vaccination clinics at Queen's.

For those unable to attend our on-campus vaccination clinics, you can book your vaccination at: Get Vaccinated | COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Northern Ireland.

It is important that we all monitor our own health and watch out for any of the following symptoms:

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature); OR
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual); OR
• a loss of or change in sense of smell or taste.

If you feel unwell with any of these symptoms, you should follow these important steps:

• Self-isolate immediately. If you are on campus when symptoms begin to develop, please put on a face covering straight away and return to your home or accommodation, avoiding public transport if you can. Where required the University can assist you in booking a special COVID-secure taxi to transport you home, please call 028 9097 5098/5099. Please note that there is a cost for the taxi.

• Arrange a test. You can do this online via this link or by calling 119. If you have no access to transport to access a drive through test, the University can help you arrange a special COVID secure taxi, please call 028 9097 5098/5099 for further assistance. Please note that there is a cost for the taxi.

• Students in Queen's Accommodation: Students living in Queen's Accomodation only should inform the University that they are self-isolating via this online portal: http://go.qub.ac.uk/covidupdate. Other members of your apartment will be contacted and you will be provided with the necessary support.  Members of staff should also inform their line manager or school manager separately.

Your health and safety is the University’s first priority so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following any of these steps or public health advice. 

If you receive a positive test, you will be given clear guidance from the health authorities to continue to self-isolate and you should update the StopCOVID NI app.

Your health and safety is the University’s first priority so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following any of these steps or public health advice.

• Students in Queen's Accommodation: Students living in Queen's Accomodation only should inform the University that they are self-isolating via this online portal: http://go.qub.ac.uk/covidupdate. Other members of your apartment will be contacted and you will be provided with the necessary support. 

• call Security at 028 9097 5098/5099 (this line is staffed 24/7)

and they will contact Value Cabs on your behalf to make the booking. Please note that you will cover the cost of the fare.

If you are notified that you are a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community, you should follow all of the guidance you are given – including self-isolation if required.

If another member of your household has been traced but they are not displaying symptoms, please check the latest advice here.

If you live in Queen's Accommodation and have been asked to self-isolate via the contact tracing system or by a medical professional, please inform the University via the dedicated portal. 

Your health and safety is the University's first priority, so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following any of these steps or public health advice.

No. LFD tests are unsuitable for post-arrival testing.

Students must box and pay for PCR tests - you will find information on how to do this on the NI Direct official travel guidance.

This is a challenging and anxious time for students and in some cases, this may be exacerbated further by financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. 

International students who find themselves facing significant financial hardship during their studies, due to exceptional or unplanned circumstances can access the University’s own Hardship Fund.  The same application and assessment process as the Student Support Fund applies and includes providing copies of 3 months bank statement and evidence of accommodation cost, to demonstrate the financial hardship.  If a student meets the criteria, and demonstrates evidence of significant financial hardship, a one off payment will be made. 

You can apply to the University Hardship Fund online by logging into your Qsis Student Account at https://qsis.qub.ac.uk/      

To help keep you up-to-date with the latest support, information and updates, we continue to regularly update the information and support information provided on our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs website and MyQueen's website so please review these pages regularly.

Please follow public health advice published on the PHA website.

If you are a student who is concerned as a result of COVID-19, the University’s Student Wellbeing Service can offer support and guidance. Please contact the Student Wellbeing Service by emailing studentwellbeing@qub.ac.uk. A member of staff will get in touch with you directly.

Find information about current restrictions and what they mean for you on the NI Direct website.