Oxford University has announced they are planning that most teaching in the new academic year will be delivered in-person.
In a newsletter sent to students, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education Chair of the Conference of Colleges confirmed the move, adding that teaching will be “enhanced by high-quality online resources” and possibly “online teaching”.
A variety of assessment types, both online and in-person, will be offered depending on the courses. The newsletter told students they will find out how their course will be assessed at the start of the academic year.
The University has contingency plans in place if Government restrictions are re-introduced, or cases in Oxford rise to a high enough level. These could involve moving more teaching online. “Decisions will be made based on the level of local cases in the Oxford area and the prevailing health advice in the run-up to the start of term,” the email continued.
The University hopes that “as many students as possible” will start Michaelmas term in-person in Oxford. However, that travel restrictions may mean some international students will be unable to arrive at the start of term. In recognition of this, residency exemptions will be in place for students from regions on the UK Government’s Red List. Information on the support available to students quarantining after arriving from Amber List countries can be found here.
Health measures currently in place at the University will remain in place at the moment. However, the newsletter said they would be “kept under review”.
The newsletter says that a “fuller update” containing more details about teaching and health measures may be available in early September.
Students are advised to check the webpage for offer holders and returning students, or contact their department for further information.
