University of West London Suspends Teaching on Campus


Students will be offer online learning support as an alternative

University of West London
University of West London. Picture: Google Streetview

March 18, 2020

The University of West London has halted all teaching on campus as a measure to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Face-to-face learning was suspended at the end of Tuesday, March 17, and instead university bosses will put on “online learning support” beginning from next Monday.

It comes as the government ramps up its advice calling for ‘non-essential’ contact and travel for the public to help contain the deadly bug.

Meanwhile on-site services across Ealing, Brentford and Reading campuses , such as the library, basic catering and student services will continue to run.

In a statement, a spokesperson said, “We know that many people in our university community are anxious about the impact of Covid-19.

“Over the last few weeks, we have been working with Public Health England and the NHS to take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all our staff and students. This has been, and always will be, our number one priority…

“By moving to online learning support, the University can decrease the overall number of students on campus whilst maintaining access to on-site resources and specialist equipment.”

The institution’s student union (SU) also backed the move, adding: “We support the university’s decision to suspend all face-to-face teaching from Wednesday 18th March to April 19th.

“Our focus is now on ensuring students are reassured in terms of all of the questions and concerns they have. Our absolute priority to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

“We know that the situation is changing by the day and we want you to know that we’ve got you.”

According to the union, it is waiting for confirmation whether students who self-isolate are able to get an extension or mitigating circumstances for their work.

All sports events are also cancelled across the UK until 1 April , and the SU also said it closed the student bar due to staff shortages from coronavirus.

Award events planned by the body have also been announced as cancelled, however “alternative” ways are being looked into for celebrating achievements.

Anahita Hossein-Pour - Local Democracy Reporter