Campus News

Access to libraries and resources over the winter break

November 30th, 2020

Libraries will be closed for the winter break from Monday 21 December until Sunday 3 January inclusive. Denis Arnold Music Library and Manuscripts and Special Collections will close a little earlier on Friday 18 December.

During this period, physical buildings and the library helpline will be closed but you will still be able to access online resources including e-resources, how-to guides and more.

Library staff are here to make sure you have access to the resources you need. Contact Libraries by email, phone or Live Chat and we’ll help you get ready for the break.

Library loans

Your library loans will continue to auto-renew every day unless requested by someone else. If this happens, you won’t be expected to return your books until the start of the new term, from 11 January.

We will waive any fines for requested books during this time. Please check your account on NUsearch regularly to see if your books have been requested.

Before the break, we advise you to:

  • Request any books you’d like to borrow online using Click and Collect
  • Return any books you no longer need to the boxes outside libraries
  • If you have requested books that aren’t yet available, please cancel the request on NUsearch
  • download the Library Access browser extension for easy access to eresources off campus

You can check the status of your loans, requests and fines on NUsearch. Library staff can help with any queries before we close on 20 December. Contact us by email, phone or Live Chat.

For the latest information about the winter break, please visit the Libraries website.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in News | Comments Off on Access to libraries and resources over the winter break

University parking enforcement suspended until January 2021

November 26th, 2020

For the rest of the calendar year anyone will be able to drive to the University Campuses and park without displaying a parking permit.

The University will remain open as now, and continue as planned with current research activities. Transition plans for moving teaching from face-to-face to online in accordance with the government’s ‘Student Travel Window’ remain unchanged. Travel remains permitted for work and education purposes.

Action Required

Staff who have paid for permits for the year
For staff or associates who have paid for their permit in full for the year 2020-21 please email the Parking Team on parking@nottingham.ac.uk to arrange a refund for the month of December. Please include your payroll number in your email.

Staff on monthly payments
For staff members who pay monthly, your payment for December will be cancelled automatically and there is nothing further for you to do.

Staff using vouchers
If you have a voucher permit please keep your vouchers and do not use them until 2021.

Students
If you are a student you can either request an extension to your current parking permit for the period of the restrictions or you can request a refund by e-mailing parking@nottingham.ac.uk. Please include your student ID number in your email.

The parking team are working in a COVID secure office and as such are a small team. Please be patient while they work to process the refunds.

January 2021

Car parking charges on campus will resume at the beginning of January 2021. For more details of the permit scheme, including how to apply, please refer to the ‘permit applications’ section of the Car parking webpage. The page also sets out support for alternative modes of transport.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on University parking enforcement suspended until January 2021

Healthcare enrolment window open

November 25th, 2020

The enrolment window for private healthcare is open – and you have until Thursday 31 December to register.

Private Healthcare is a voluntary benefit which offers you quick access to eligible health treatment; from seeing a specialist for diagnosis to receiving the appropriate care during a stay in hospital. More details are available on the Employee Hub (login required) including:

  • HealthCover4lifebrochure – a summary of benefits including prices
  • HealthCover4lifemember handbook – detailed information on what is and isn’t covered
  • Doctor@Hand – access to a GP through your phone 24 hours a day!
  • FAQs
  • Enrolment form

You can register yourself and your family members up until COB Thursday 31st December 2020.

Private healthcare is just one of the ways the University supports you in taking care of your health. Click on the links below to find out about other healthy benefits available to you as an employee of the University of Nottingham.

Health Insurance and COVID-19 information
The private healthcare sector is currently supporting the NHS in their response to COVID-19 and also adhering to social distancing. It is expected that there will be delays in non-essential, elected surgery due to this. PHC AXA have provided this summary and FAQ’s on the scheme in light of the pandemic.

 

Tags: , ,
Posted in News | Comments Off on Healthcare enrolment window open

Outdoor gyms on campus reopen

November 24th, 2020

The Active Trail on University Park and Diamond Wood at Sutton Bonington campus are now open for use.

In addition to exercising alone, you can also use this equipment:

  • with the people you live with
  • with your support bubble
  • with 1 person from another household

If training with someone from another household, you are asked to maintain social distancing.

Please also follow good hygiene rules and wash your hands before and after using these facilities.

Posted in News | Comments Off on Outdoor gyms on campus reopen

Launch of Covid-19 test booking service for students

November 24th, 2020

The University’s system for students to book a test to check whether they might be carrying Covid-19 is now live.

Taking a test is part of the step-by-step process the University has set out in order to support Government guidance for Winter Departures.

Even though students may feel perfectly fine, it is possible they may have the virus without any symptoms. In taking a test they will be helping to limit the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of infecting friends, loved ones and others on leaving campus.

There are two different types of asymptomatic tests available at the University. The website above sets out the differences between each test, how many are required and when they are available. Tests should only be booked through the University for those who are asymptomatic (not showing any symptoms of the virus).

When booking a test, students are asked to make sure that this doesn’t compromise their ability to complete an online assessment or engage with a required face-to-face or online session.

If a student receives a negative result, they should continue their departure plans. If they receive a positive result, they should take an NHS test, also known as a confirmatory Pillar 2 test, and will need to isolate in their accommodation for at least 10 days. They must also notify the University under the Isolate, Notify, Test process so they can be supported during this period.

We will be writing to all PGR students later to this week to update them on plans.

To help us manage a staggered and safe departure for those who have chosen to return home for the break, students have also been asked to complete a survey about their plans. This also ensures we have support and welfare in place for those who remain in Nottingham.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in News | Comments Off on Launch of Covid-19 test booking service for students

Asymptomatic testing service expanded

November 24th, 2020

We have expanded the number of campus testing stations for our asymptomatic Covid-19 testing service. This service is now available to all University staff, postgraduate researchers, and hourly paid workers who are regularly teaching, supporting or working directly with students on campus or on placement.

We anticipate that weekly asymptomatic testing will be available for staff until the end of this month and reviewed thereafter based on capacity.

Testing is, of course, voluntary, and it is hoped that by expanding our service we can continue to ensure the health and wellbeing of our staff and students, offer further reassurance at this time, and keep our community safe.

Please do be aware that the asymptomatic testing service is, by definition, for staff who do not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms. If staff have symptoms, they must book an NHS test as soon as possible.

How staff use the testing service
Staff do not need an appointment to obtain and submit their test. They need to visit one of the campus testing stations listed at the locations below – please note the Trent Marquee testing station has now moved to the Portland Building.

University Park Campus 

  • Portland Building, the Welcome Zone on C floor
    Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:00pm
  • East Midlands Conference Centre, Conference room 3
    Monday to Thursday, 9:30 to 4:30pm
  • Coates Building, room A01
    Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:30pm

Jubilee Campus 

  • West Atrium (previously Jubilee Conference Centre)
    Monday to Thursdays, 10am to 4pm

Sutton Bonington

  • Bonington Student Village, room A32
    Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 3:30pm

How to take an asymptomatic test
Staff should visit the staff testing section of the testing service website to find out more, look at the instructions on how to submit saliva samples and log samples online at the testing service website. Samples should be returned to one of the above locations within two days of taking the test.

Antibody testing

All testing stations will also have antibody tests available for you to take. This is a test to find out if you have previously been exposed to Covid-19 by checking for antibodies in your blood. The antibody test is part of a research project being undertaken by scientists at the University of Nottingham to understand how and where the virus has spread so far.

You only need to take an antibody test once and if you are told you do have antibodies it is essential you don’t assume that you’re immune to Covid-19 as not enough is known yet about reinfection, so it’s vital you continue to follow government guidelines on social distancing and hygiene. More details can be found on the antibody pages of the website.

Full details of the support available to students and staff is available on the University’s coronavirus pages

Thank you very much for your support in helping us tackle the spread of COVID-19. Should you or colleagues have any questions about the service, please contact testingservice@nottingham.ac.uk.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Main News Story, News | Comments Off on Asymptomatic testing service expanded

International Women’s Day – get involved

November 23rd, 2020

International Women’s Day takes place on Monday 8 March 2021 with celebration events at the University taking place throughout March.

The theme will align with the international theme of ‘choose to challenge’. This may include, but is not limited to, challenging and calling out gender stereotypes and bias, seeking out and celebrating achievements and challenging oneself.

Planning committee

A planning committee has been convened for next year’s International Women’s Day celebrations, with opportunities for another four members to join.

The committee will coordinate a programme of events, with a centrally led opening event taking place on International Women’s day.

If you are interested in shaping the University’s delivery of International Women’s Day events by being part of the planning committee, please email the EDI Coordinator team by Monday 30 November.   

Call for funding

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to EDI, we are inviting applications for the celebration of International Women’s Day.

This funding initiative is designed to support multiple locally planned International Women’s Day activities.  Funding will be awarded to host local events or activities to a maximum of £200 with applications to be assessed by the International Women’s Day Planning Committee.

The funding is available on condition that it will be matched by funding from another source (this could be the associated School/Department/Group or an external source).

If your application involves face-to-face events, then please visit the University’s Coronavirus webpages as your main source of information and guidance.

For applications, please complete this form by Friday 11 December 2020.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in News | Comments Off on International Women’s Day – get involved

LGBT+ History Month: A call for funding applications for local events

November 23rd, 2020

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), we are inviting applications for funding for the celebration of LGBT+ identities and achievements to take place during LGBT+ History Month in February 2021.

This funding initiative is designed to support multiple locally-planned LGBT+ History Month activities throughout February 2021, which can align to the theme of mind, body, and spirit. Funding will be awarded to host local events or activities aimed at staff or students to a maximum of £200 with applications to be assessed by the LGBT+ History Month Programme Board. The funding is available on condition that it will be matched by funding from another source. This could be an external source, or the associated School, Department or Group.

The funding is available to staff from any job family or any level. Student activities will also be considered if supported by a school/department. If you want to celebrate LGBT+ history month locally, please consider getting involved.

Some examples of projects funded previously include educational talks with guest speakers, jazz performance evenings and online exhibitions. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we recommend you plan for all your events to be delivered virtually.

To apply, please complete this form by Monday 7 December 2020.

For queries, please contact BR-EDICoordinators@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in News | Comments Off on LGBT+ History Month: A call for funding applications for local events

Brexit – transition, immigration and settlement

November 23rd, 2020

The UK and European Union continue negotiations to secure a trade deal, which would need to be reached in the coming weeks to be ratified by the end of the Brexit transition period on 1 January 2021. The alternative remains for the UK to revert to World Trade Organisation rules. In either scenario, commentators are predicting a period of disruption.

The University’s Brexit team has recently reviewed central critical supply chains, alongside legal and contractual requirements and travel services, to reconfirm that they are resilient and prepared for whatever outcome emerges from the current negotiations.

Dedicated Brexit contacts in each school, department and professional service area have been asked to reconfirm local plans and highlight any services, materials, travel, contractual or legal commitments that might be affected during a period of disruption.

The Human Resources department has in particular requested that current staff who are EU nationals aim to secure pre-settled or settled status as soon as possible, if they have not already done so. For further support or information, please contact hrbrexitadvice@nottingham.ac.uk.

Recruiting managers should also be aware that new immigration rules and costs will apply to new staff who are EU nationals arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021 onwards. Appointment and arrival by 31 December 2020 would ensure eligibility for the EU Settlement Scheme and associated rights like access to public funds and bringing family members to the UK.

While the political situation continues to be uncertain, colleagues are invited to bookmark and study the University’s Brexit webpages which are updated regularly as new information is confirmed. Should you need further assistance or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your relevant Brexit contact listed on the webpages.

The University of Nottingham will remain a globally-focused University, supporting our EU colleagues and students and committed to the global values that make us who we are.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in News, Side news story | Comments Off on Brexit – transition, immigration and settlement