Last reviewed: 11 January 2021
Are our campuses open?
The University and its halls of residence are open to staff and students only.
Following Government guidance for the national lockdown from 5 January 2021, our campuses are restricted to essential staff and a small group of students who are permitted to attend face-to-face teaching or conduct essential laboratory research.
Services such as the Library, cafes (takeaway only) within University buildings are only open to staff and students at this time.
Brookes Sports is closed during the national lockdown from 5 January.
What support is the University providing for students in self-isolation?
Please see the Test and trace, reporting and self-isolation webpage for more information.
What support is available from Student Support Coordinators?
During this unprecedented time, the University is aware that there are a lot of changes happening very quickly and this can feel overwhelming and cause worry and anxiety.
Student Support Coordinators (SSCs) are still working hard to support students with the many new processes being put in place. SSCs are also still able to help with your everyday questions and support needs as usual - further information on the support they provide can be found here.
How are the University’s campus buildings being ventilated?
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government’s advice is to increase ventilation in buildings where possible. Research shows that being in a room with fresh air can reduce the risk of infection from particles by over 70% - further detail and a video can be found on the Government website.
Oxford Brookes’ Health and Safety Group has reviewed the types of ventilation systems within buildings and their optimal use. The University has considered the potential transmission of Covid-19 and is drawing upon latest Government and industry advice, including best practice from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and the Building Engineering Services Association.
In accordance with this guidance, windows will be open and the heating on as appropriate in University buildings. It is therefore advised that you dress appropriately for these conditions, take regular breaks and keep yourself warm if you need to be on campus inline with latest guidance.
Any further enquiries related to ventilation should be raised via Service Now.
What library resources are available?
The library website provides information on services available and opening hours. Library Help - our support chat service - can provide a valuable signposting service as well as direct help and support.
Please don’t forget that our Academic Liaison Librarians can also be considered a key resource available to you during this time and can be contacted.
What do I do if I do not have a suitable IT device available to me?
If you think you will have difficulty accessing online exams, please contact exams@brookes.ac.uk. We are unable to make any on-campus IT facilities available for students during this exam session so you will need to make use of network access and IT kit available to you. If you do not have sufficient facilities available to you then you can contact COVID-19@brookes.ac.uk to see if a hire can be arranged, or whether you are eligible for financial support with the cost of equipment. If, having done this, you are still unable to access IT equipment for your resit assessments, you will need to apply for exceptional circumstances.
For IT-related issues with equipment and access, either when checking in advance or on the day, please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance - Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm BST:
Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 48 3311
Chat via the portal (including 24hr Self Service): https://service.brookes.ac.uk
What will happen if you need to close the University?
If we need to close the University, you will be informed immediately to your Brookes email account. Halls of Residence will contact students directly with any local arrangements. We will advise students of what services remain open, and how to contact them.
I’m due to go on a field class which counts as an assessment. What will happen if there’s a local or national lockdown?
If assessed events are disrupted by a local or national lockdown, teaching colleagues will make arrangements for the assessments to take place in a different way. You will be contacted by Module Leaders with more details.
I’m on placement in a workplace affected by coronavirus. What do I do?
You should follow your employer’s instructions in relation to any action taken by your workplace in relation to coronavirus. If this disrupts your study, then the Exceptional Circumstances process will apply. Further guidance is also available for students studying for programmes in the faculties of Technology, Design and Environment and Humanities and Social Sciences and Oxford Brookes Business School.