Dublin Universities Cancel Campus Activities, Move Most Classes Online

THE FOUR UNIVERSITIES OF DUBLIN have suspended most activities on campus and moved classes online as it appears that tighter Covid-19 restrictions will be implemented in the capital.

UCD, Trinity College, DCU and TU Dublin announced that all teaching and learning will take place online, except for hands-on workshops and lab classes that cannot be done remotely. Third tier institutions have also suspended all student club and social activities on campus.

It comes after the National Public Health Emergencies Team (NPHET) advised the government that Dublin should move to Level 3 restrictions.

The Irish Universities Association (IUA) said the institutions agreed to introduce an enhanced set of measures in response to a request from the government and NPHET to address the increasing incidence of Covid-19 in the county.

The Minister of Continuing and Higher Education, Simon Harris, praised the universities for their “commitment, initiative and willingness to adapt to the situation.”

“The introduction of increased restrictions for Dublin at the exact time most students are beginning their academic year has created a unique set of circumstances. Earlier this week, in light of the deterioration of the Covid-19 situation in Dublin, and following the request of NPHET, the government requested that institutions of higher education and beyond consider improved protection measures, ”he said.

UCD emailed the students this afternoon to inform them that it is moving to Level 4 because the government has instructed higher education institutions in Dublin to take extra precautions to limit the congregation of groups.

The message, which was sent by Professor Mark Rogers, UCD Registrar, announced that no activity will take place on campus for the next week “unless specifically informed that it will occur.”

The move means freshman orientation will be held online and scheduled face-to-face conferences, tutorials, and labs will be held online or postponed.

Campus libraries and study areas will remain open and on-campus research will continue. The UCD gym will also continue to operate and the campus catering and residences will also remain open.

Professor Rogers urged students to observe the public health guidelines and said he will write to them again next week to provide another update on the university’s plans.

“I want to assure you that whether your classes are held remotely over the next several weeks or on campus, you will still experience the best education we can offer,” he added.

The reopening of institutions outside of Dublin will proceed as planned with a ‘blended’ model of learning on campus and online.