School Closures
As primary and secondary schools are now closed, we've heard lots of concern from parent and carer students whose circumstances have just gotten much more challenging. We're connecting with Mature, Parent & Carer students via the Network's Facebook group, so please head there to keep up to speed.
If you're a parent concerned about technology that your children can use whilst learn from home, the government has a scheme to support families which you can learn more about here.
Success for Students: The University committed to loaning parent students an extra devie via their long-term laptop loan scheme in order to support those students whose children may not have a device to access their own online learning!
Digital Poverty
With more of us staying at home, we know that access to laptops or other devices you'll need for your course may have just become much harder.
Remember that the University does have a scheme where you can apply for a free, long-term, laptop: apply here or read details about the scheme here.
Mental Health
By now we all know how tough lockdowns can be. We're encouraging the University (course teams and services) to stay understanding and empathetic in their communication with students and we'd like to say a big thank you to students for behaving similarly.
If you need support during these tough and strange times, there is help online.
You can access the Start to Success Resources, use the 24/7 online Togetherall tool, or find key contact details and helpline numbers on the University's wellbeing webpages.
Accessibility
Learning support is still on offer from Libraries (which remain open) and your Course Teams, but we understand that students, and especially disabled students, will be apprehensive about getting appropriate academic and pastoral support as circumstances change for us all.
For queries around Learner Support Statements (LSSs or formerly LSAs), relevant accessibility software, equipment, or tools, please contact disability@staffs.ac.uk or 01782 294977
Accommodation
The Students' Union has published an update on the legal position of students wanting to terminate their tenancies early.
The current crisis does not affect the law of contract regarding fixed-term tenancy agreements, but some private landlords are offering concessions i.e. a reduction in rent. You can find advice and a template to contact your landlord here.
We continue to highlight and seek solutions to these problems, including working with the NUS, so that students get the advice and support they need during this time.
Success for Students: following our lobbying on the issue, the University have committed to a rent reduction shceme for any students who haven't been able to return to their accommodation due to the national lockdown. You should have recieved an email with more details,