Coronavirus advice and support
The Students’ Union will regularly update this page with the latest information from the University in response to coronavirus/COVID-19. We know this is a challenging and anxious time for our students. Your elected student officers and the Students’ Union staff are working closely with the University to push for solutions that work for our students.
We emailed all students with an update on our progress so far with the University on 30 March 2020. You can find the newsletter here.
Latest information
We have compiled information on assessments, extenuation circumstance claims, money, rent, tuition fees, software access off-campus, wellbeing services and much more. Saves you searching to find everything you need.
Your course
The University has launched a new assessment framework to manage assessments such as coursework and exams. You can find our simplified guide to the new assessment framework here.
Extenuation circumstance claims for assessments
If you are struggling to complete your assessments under the new assessment framework, we recommend that you read our guide on how to submit an extenuation circumstances claim. The guide explains how submitting a claim could affect your studies which will help you decide if this is the right option for you.
Student accommodation rent
The Students’ Union have spoken to the University on behalf of students who live in halls to have a refund scheme put in place. The University has agreed to a refund policy for students who have already move out of student accommodation.
We know that there are students who are stuck in halls for various reasons and are dissatisfied with the University’s refund policy. We recommend that these students should contact Residential Life about their personal situation. If after speaking to Residential Life, you still have concerns, please get in touch with us.
Tuition fees
The University has stated it will not waive any tuition fees. The Students’ Union will continue to engage with the University to ensure they understand that many students (and their parents) are struggling financially and have lost jobs or other sources of income.
If you are in financial hardship and are already late with your payments, you should contact the Income and Credit Control team. You may be able to agree an alternative payment plan.
Financial support
The University has several funds to help students who are struggling financially. They have also launched a new fund in response to coronavirus called the UEL Exceptional Hardship fund. The application form and guidance notes can be found here.
Your wellbeing
We know that the current situation is challenging, and you might need some extra support to help you through this time. There are wellbeing resources available from the University here.
- If you want to speak to the Student Wellbeing service and arrange an appointment, you can email them and they will respond within 24 hours (Monday to Friday)
- We also recommend joining the Big White Wall online community. It is an anonymous space for you to seek support from trained professions 24 hours a day all year around. Find out more here.
Software and IT needs
The University have put together information about studying off-campus. If you are having any software or IT challenges, let us know at the Students’ Union. We have been gathering feedback via one of our surveys to share with the University to make sure that you have what you need. Visit the following pages to find out how to download software and more.
- Access free Microsoft Office 365 on your laptop and smartphone wherever you are. You have access to the latest versions of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and much more.
- Need a refresher on Moodle? Information on how to log in, access your profile and much more here.
- There are lots of online tools that your lecturers might use to deliver online teaching. Find out about Panopto, an online video platform and more here.
- Microsoft Teams is an online platform that includes file storage, video calls, chat and much more. Download Microsoft Teams.
- Students who need access to Adobe Creative Cloud off-campus can access it by following these instructions.
- Having problems with your password? Find out how to reset or change your password here.
- Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDFs.
Library help
If you are struggling to access a journal or a book or need some extra help finding a resource for your assignment, then the Library have put together some useful resources. Start with their information on library services during the Covid-19 situation.
-The Library team have a YouTube channel where they put out videos on how to access online resources and also vlogs on tips to help you with your course.
- Not sure how to access online resources off-campus? Visit this page to learn how to access articles, e-journals and e-books. The easiest way to find any resources is to use the library search.
- If you have a specific question, you can have a look at the FAQs or you can ask them directly through chat to a librarian.
The Library has also announced that if you have a library book, then fines will not be applied during this time. All books will be automatically renewed to 2 June 2020.
Student support – The Hub
The Hub has information about coursework, SMART, complying with regulation for international students, disability and dyslexia support and counselling. Find out more here. If you have an urgent question, you can email them at thehub@uel.ac.uk.