The RVC is committed to supporting all members of our community and will continue to provide regular updates via the website and the intranet in addition to targeted emails.

We want to reassure you that all of our Learning and Wellbeing services remain open and available to you and remember all these services can be accessed remotely.  

You can continue to book appointments with us via RVC Learn and your appointment will be held by phone or online to keep everyone safe, and to enable you to access support from wherever you are in the world. If you need to reschedule your appointment for any reason, please just let us know.  

You can reach us using the contact details below at the following times:

• Advice Centre
  Monday – Friday 9:00-19:00 (GMT)
  Email: advice@rvc.ac.uk  Telephone: 020 8051 3500   
  All services are available including disability, housing, international student support, mental health, money advice and wellbeing.
• Careers
  Monday and Tuesday 9:00-17:00 (GMT)
  Email: careers@rvc.ac.uk
• Chaplaincy
  Monday – Friday 9:00-17:00 (GMT)
  Email: chaplaincy@rvc.ac.uk
• Study Skills
  Monday – Friday 9:00-17:00 (GMT)
  Email: studyskills@rvc.ac.uk
• Digital Learning
  Monday – Friday 9:00-17:00 (GMT)
  Email: learn@rvc.ac.uk    

We also want to remind you that if you fall ill or if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have a concern about a fellow student, please report this immediately to the Advice Centre.

Please take care and remember we’re only a call or email away.

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 you should also visit NHS 111 coronavirus advice and follow the medical advice provided there.

If you fall ill or if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have a concern about a fellow student, please report this immediately to the Advice Centre.

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 you should also visit NHS 111 COVID-19 Online Service and follow the advice provided there.

For further guidance on how to self-isolate in education settings see Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings

Remember we have well established processes to support students when they become unwell, for any reason, during their course and during assessment. These will continue to be applied in the case of students who have COVID-19 related issues and have reported these to the Advice Centre at the time they first occur.  

Following the change in the mode of delivery and having made key adaptations to curricular scheduling, the RVC remains committed to delivering to its learning objectives and, in the case of professional degrees, the Day One Competencies and Skills (D1C&S) as required by the accreditation bodies.

In common with the rest of the sector in both the UK, USA and Australasia, the RVC’s position is that provided the learning objectives and D1C&S are delivered in such a fashion that the students can graduate in line with current schedules, no tuition fee reduction is warranted.

1. The RVC is committed to supporting all its students in their learning needs at all times, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and the concomitant societal restrictions.
2. Our commitment is to provide our students with the necessary learning opportunities so that they can achieve the course outcomes and, in the case of those studying toward registrable degrees with professional bodies, the requisite Day One Competencies and Skills.
3. The RVC understands that students may have legitimate concerns with regard to their ability to access suitable learning provision during the COVID-19 pandemic and both the Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan MP, and the Office for Students have been clear that universities must continue to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes by adopting a range of different teaching techniques.
4. Universities UK have issued a statement which says that where there is wide-ranging support for active and ongoing learning and progression, and where students can achieve the required learning outcomes for their course of study, individuals should not expect any tuition fee refund from their university. This echoes the FAQs recently published from the Minister Donelan, on 9 April 2020.
5. The RVC’s position, in line with the rest of the sector both in the UK and the USA, is that where it continues to deliver the learning opportunities that will lead to a student’s scheduled graduation, the full tuition fee is still payable.
6. The Office for Students requires us where necessary to find alternative means of providing the teaching and learning opportunities that will lead to successful graduation.
7. This experience is expected to meet accreditor requirements and, in that regard, will be equivalent but not identical to that originally advertised.
8. For most, this is transforming the learning interactions into online modalities which will include Lecture Capture, Personal Capture, digitally enabled interactions, tutoring, webinars, fora and video conferencing. For further information is available here: online learning FAQ.
9. For some, this also means a re-scheduling of teaching so that activity that can be managed remotely (e.g., research projects) is delivered ahead of schedule, thus enabling more intensive face-to-face activity to occur in the 2020/21 academic year.
10. To assure the quality of this alternative means of teaching and learning opportunities, we continue to follow guidance from the Quality Assurance Agency.
11. Assessment, whether formative or summative, continues to be subject to, and  benefit from, appropriate quality assurance processes, including standard setting, internal moderation and scrutiny by external examiners to ensure that work and assessment of student attainment meets national degree standards and, where applicable, professional body requirements.
12. In addition to learning opportunities, the RVC will continue to provide students with advice and specialist services to support studies and wellbeing. This has been enhanced with extended Advice Centre hours, additional support for those still in their student accommodation, and increased hardship funding to support those most affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
13. Should external factors prevent or delay the delivery of the necessary educational standards preventing achievement of learning outcomes, or where appropriate Day One Competencies and Skills, such that completion and scheduled graduations are delayed, no additional tuition fee will be payable.

This has been shared with the RVC Students’ Union.

Timetables are already available for undergraduate students studying Biological Sciences, BSc Comparative Pathology, BVetMed, Gateway and Graduate year programmes and are available on our intranet pages. 

Timetables will be available shortly for our taught Masters and Veterinary Nursing programmes.

We are managing this situation on a rolling basis. As normal all learning resources and information for classes will be posted onto LEARN 48hrs before the class or lecture is due to be delivered.

• Please check LEARN ahead of your class to make sure you have everything you need to participate.
• If you need to complete any work to participate in advance of the 48 hours, we will let you know.
• If you have any queries about the class, please contact your Year Leader directly with your question.

Laptop or desktop computer ·      

• A Windows desktop or laptop running Windows 7 or later operating system      
• A Macintosh desktop or laptop running OSX10.8 or later operating system.
• While you can participate in your classes on a tablet or phone we recommend using a computer if possible, particularly for assessments. Devices with small screens may make it difficult to adequately view the material provided. You should have at least 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 vertically for adequate viewing.  

Internet Access – Wifi speeds vary so we recommend you check your bandwidth here. 

If you have any problems, please contact: learn@rvc.ac.uk

Microphone/Speakers – This is important so you can talk and listen to your online discussions. You may these built into your device. If not then please make sure you have a USB headset/mic and speakers so you can participate in your classes

Webcam (optional) – an external USB webcam can be used if you do not have one built into your device.

An up-to-date web browser – We recommend the following browsers: Chrome from Google; Firefox from Mozilla; Edge from Microsoft; Safari from Apple. Please check your browser is up to date as this is important to maximise security when accessing the internet.

Up-to-date software - Please check for any updates to both the operating system, software and your preferred browser. The College provides access to Microsoft Office software. Please follow the link to make sure you have software needed to view and produce various files.

Logging in to RVC Learn and Echo360 - Once up to date please confirm that you are able to log in to RVC Learn and access your courses as well as accessing Echo360 video content.

We recommend you do this in advance so we can help if you encounter any issues.

If you anticipate any issues with your set up, please contact Learn@rvc.ac.uk  immediately.

Other Remote learning FAQ’s

We hope the below will help to answer some of the frequently asked questions you may have about remote delivery of teaching and assessment.  

What if my broadband won’t run live lectures? Online video conferencing tools can be broadband intensive especially when using both video and audio facilities. If you experience issues during a live online lecture, please turn off both your video camera and mute your audio. If problems persist you may need to ask your lecturer to ask the other student to do the same, in this way all of your available broadband capacity is focused on the lecturer and his/her presentation.    

How do I access these new online tools? If your lecturer is planning an online lecture, they will let you know the meeting URL through an Outlook calendar invitation. By clicking on the link you will be able to join in. Depending on the software used it might prompt you to download a tool when you use it for the first time. If your lecturer wishes to use other collaborative tools like Padlet he/she will set this up and invite you to contribute, you will receive an invite for this in your RVC email inbox. If your lecturer wishes to use online polling tools, he/she will provide you with the URL you need to participate. Guides for all of the online tools can be found in the Study Skills area.

Why are my lectures at different times, for example in the morning or evening now? Not all of your class colleagues are in the UK, so we have tried to schedule teaching events at different times so that students participating from around the globe can take part.

Do I need a password to take my open book exam? No. The exam is set to automatically open at the start time. At this time, you will be able to open the exam link and download the question paper. The Exam assignment may be open for up to 24 hours allowing student in different time zones to take the exam at an appropriate time of day.

If my exam is open for 24 hours, am I expected to be online for the whole time? No. You will need to access the Exam assignment link to download the question paper. After this you can complete the exam offline. Once you are happy with your exam paper (and prior to the exam assignment submission deadline) you will need to go back online to submit your work.    

If you need any further support or experience issues with your IT set up   E-mail: learn@rvc.ac.uk

If you need further support with online learning Email studyskills@rvc.ac.uk

Remote delivery is new for everyone so remember that issues will come up. It’s important to try to anticipate any issues where you can so you can take them in your stride. There are bound to be hiccups so try to be patient with yourself and your lecturers as you work to resolve them. Here are some top tips to help you adjust.

Set up a study area for yourself – Try to find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed when you are learning online. This may be challenging right now. You should also check different areas of your home to find the place where you have the best WIFI signal. Having a consistent place to study will help you keep focused and lessen distractions.

Log in early and regularly to your course page – Every week in the Announcements section you will find out what you need to do to prepare in advance for your teaching sessions. You should also check the forum area where you can ask questions about various issues. You will also find a formative Multiple Choice Quiz (MCQ) at the end of each week to help you to review the week’s teaching and see where you might need to do some review.

Establish a regular study schedule – Some of your teaching will take place at set times and some will be up to you to schedule.  It’s a good idea to set up a regular schedule for yourself so you can make time for any advance preparation. You may also want to integrate your study schedule into your personal calendar. In these unusual times a routine can be really helpful.

Anticipate technical difficulties and be patient – Sometimes things won’t always go to plan so. Try to not to get too frustrated as everyone is adjusting to new ways of interacting. Sometimes rebooting your device or your WIFI may fix the problem. If not get in touch for help Time management is key – Despite the flexibility of studying online, it’s important to have frequent engagement with your studies throughout the week. Try to space out your required readings, assignments, and online discussions. But it’s also important not to sit in one place too long. You might consider trying the Pomodoro Method. This technique helps with productivity and focus. The tool builds on 25-minute work sessions, to sharpen your focus on your online studies. The best way to use this method is to:

• Set a timer for 25 minutes and work uninterrupted for the scheduled period.
• Take a five-minute break to grab drink or get some fresh air.
• Once you’ve completed four ‘Pomodoro’s’, treat yourself to a longer, 20-30-minute break.

Keep you eye on your RVC email and Outlook calendar – Your calendar will have invitations to online discussions and events using Zoom, MS Teams or Skype. By clicking on the appointment in your calendar you will be able to join the event.

Communicate with your lecturer – If you have emergencies of a personal nature or technical issues let your lecturer and your tutor know as soon as possible. We’re all working at a distance so it’s important to maintain good communication even when you don’t have problems.

Get help when you need it – Don’t worry about asking for help. Everything is new for everyone and help is just an email away.

Technical issues: learn@rvc.ac.uk

Wellbeing issues: Advice@rvc.ac.uk

Study support: Studyskills@rvc.ac.uk

Check the Study Skills area on Learn for guides, tips and webinars on Studying Remotely

Recordings and activities for you to do in your own time Some of your teaching content will be pre-recorded and you will be able to view it at a time convenient for you. Your lecturer may have recorded a presentation and posted this onto RVC Learn for you to watch. Lecturers may also have added additional content and tasks in the form of forum question and answer resources, Padlet boards or Learn quizzes.  Check the Announcement area on your course page on a weekly basis to find out what you need to view in advance and to help you schedule your time.

Live streamed lectures and discussions Your lecturer may also arrange for the class to meet online using a video conference tool such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Skype for business. In all cases you will be able to access the meeting using the meeting URL link and your web browser. The links will appear in your Outlook calendar. These live lectures may also be supplemented by the use of Padlet and online polling questions with TurningPoint.   

Taking your assessments online Many of your assessments may now be online and you will use tools such as Learn Quiz or other tools to complete them. Some assessments may be open book and you will find guides in the Study Skills area to help think about the best ways to prepare.  Specific details for each online assessment including when, where and duration will be communicated to you by your course team prior to the exam. If you have any queries please contact exams@rvc.ac.uk

We recognise that students may wish to interrupt their studies for a variety of reasons. All interruptions must be approved by the RVC and approval will only be given due to exceptional personal circumstances. We will not normally approve interruptions requested due to the necessary adjustments being changes made to teaching and assessment due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

You must request formally request an interruption by emailing the appropriate team as below:

We will investigate the impact that any interruption will have on your studies, RVC accommodation, funding arrangements and other implications as appropriate to your personal circumstances (e.g. Tier 4 student sponsorship). We will advise you of all implications so that you can then make an informed decision as to whether to take a break from your studies.

Interrupting your studies may change the tuition fee that is due for academic year in which you are deferring  – please see our Student Fees Policy 2019/20 for further information. Interrupting study will always delay completion of your course and when you can graduate. For some accredited courses, there are specified time limits for study as set by professional bodies – for further information please see our General Regulations for Study and Award.

If you do fall ill, you must self-declare by contacting the Advice Centre to let them know of your condition.

In addition, if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 you should also visit NHS 111 COVID-19 Online Service

RVC regulations currently state:

• Assignments
  Students unable to meet the deadline for medical reasons or unforeseeable, unmanageable or uncontrollable personal circumstances should seek an extension to the deadline from the year or course leader with accompanying medical or other independent evidence. It is likely that you will be unable to obtain medical evidence if your illness is Covid-19 related. In these cases, your report of your medical status to the Advice Centre will be accepted as appropriate evidence to warrant an extension. They will then be able to advise on the implications for your studies and refer to the relevant teams to support your continued learning and assessment wherever practicable once you are well; your priority must be your health and recovery.
• Exams/Online Assessments
  A candidate unable to sit these as a result of illness or other unavoidable cause, should present independent evidence to the relevant progress committee and seek a deferral of the sitting. Deferrals may only be granted prior to the examination. It is likely that you will be unable to obtain medical evidence if your illness is Covid-19 related. In these cases, your report of your medical status to the Advice Centre will be accepted as appropriate evidence of your inability to sit the assessment. They will then be able to advise on the implications for your studies and refer to the relevant teams to support your continued learning and assessment wherever practicable once you are well; your priority must be your health and recovery. 

Please read the following carefully so you can identify the specific advice that relates to your situation:

• Graduating year means you are due to graduate or receive a professional qualification this year 2019/20.
• Non-graduating year means that you are due to graduate in 2020/21 or later.
• Formative assessment A “formative” assessment is an assessment that will help you to understand how well you are doing. Whatever the mark, it is not a barrier to progression in the course. You may receive a numerical mark and/or find out how you performed relative to your peers; if appropriate, you may be encouraged to seek advice on how you could improve your performance.
• Summative assessment means an assessment that can be a barrier to progression or graduation unless the pass mark is achieved.

Non-graduating years

ALL face-to-face teaching is suspended until August 31st at the earliest.

For those NOT in a graduating year ALL SUMMATIVE assessment is suspended. Wherever possible and sticking where we can to original schedules, we will provide FORMATIVE assessments. You must attempt these formative assessments unless prevented from doing so – and you must inform the Advice Centre in advance of your inability to engage with these formative assessments.

• The formative assessments will be accessible remotely online.
• There will be no physical presence required on campus.

This relates to:

• BSc 1
• BSc 2
• Gateway
• Graduate and Accelerated
• BVetMed 1
• BVetMed 2
• BVetMed 3 
• BVetMed4
• All VN examinations in years 1 and 2.

As we work through these arrangements, we cannot tell you exactly the format of the formative assessments.  As soon as details are finalised, we will contact you

We will work with those of you who have issues with IT resources or connectivity.

We will work with those of you who require additional support.

Graduating years

Should the ability of our students to complete final year assessments normally required for degree award be compromised due to Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic restrictions we reserve the right to make awards based upon partial assessment completion within the final year. Awards may therefore be made on a pass/fail basis without classification.

Should the ability of our students to complete all final year assessments normally required for degree award and professional body registration be compromised due to Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic restrictions we reserve the right to make awards based on a portfolio assessment review of achievement to date. This will include a review of required learning outcomes and professional competences/competencies against completed assessments to ensure that they have been met to the required standard. This holistic approach to standards and competences/competencies may result in the removal of some current assessments that will not need to be recovered.

We are working hard to develop the format and content for formative assessments and Open Book exams.

Our quality assurance processes ensure they are of equivalent standard to previous years’ exams, even though the format is different.

The Study Skills Team are available to provide support and guidance on studying for and taking Open Book exams.

• Study Skills
  Monday – Friday 9:00-17:00 (GMT)
  Email: studyskills@rvc.ac.uk

The International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) have updated their information regarding the April schedule of the North American Veterinary License Exam (NAVLE) testing window.

• The latest information can be found on the NAVLE website - www.icva.net/news-and-updates/
• Students registered to take the NAVLE during the April testing window can defer taking the test until the 16th November – 12th December 2020 testing window at no additional cost.
• Testing Centre’s worldwide will be closed from now until 15th April.
• The ICVA have sent a message to all NAVLE candidates informing them of the current situation and students currently scheduled for 13th, 14th, or 15th April to let them know that they have authorised extensions of the testing window in order to facilitate rescheduling.
• For queries or support with NAVLE contact studyskills@rvc.ac.uk

If you are prevented from taking either a formative or a summative assessment in 2019/20, you can delay taking the assessment until it is next offered. If you wish to defer an assessment, you must contact the Advice Centre in the first instance to let them know that you want to delay your assessment and the reasons why. The Advice Centre will then liaise with wider teams and staff as appropriate so that your deferral is considered and if approved, recorded so that arrangements can be made for you to take the assessment at the next opportunity.

Deferring an assessment will not change your tuition fee as the assessment will be taken at a later point. Deferring a first attempt at an assessment effectively moves your first attempt to the delayed date; as a first attempt the mark awarded will not be capped. If you had already attempted the assessment and are already on a re-sit opportunity, your mark remains capped.

In 2019/20, we are operating a “no detriment” policy for summative assessments that have been modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that if you are taking a modified summative assessment at the first attempt and do not pass, your mark will not be capped at the second attempt. Your mark will be capped if you need to attempt the modified summative assessment more than twice.

If your assessment in 2019/20 has been changed to a mandatory formative assessment you do not need to achieve the pass mark as specified in the Assessment and Award regulations for your programme in order to progress to the next stage of your programme. However, you are required to attempt these mandatory formative assessments so if you are prevented from doing so you must inform the Advice Centre, as described above, to arrange their deferment as failure to engage with mandatory formative assessments may prevent you from progressing to the next stage of your programme.

Below is a brief clarification of the current AHEMS requirements. Please note, that along with all the other UK vet schools, we are in discussions with the RCVS and as a result these guidelines might change. However, we thought it important that you understood what is currently in place for your particular year group. If there are changes to these guidelines in light of ongoing discussions with the RVCS and/or changes to government guidance, we will of course, inform you immediately.

Please be assured that any future changes in the AHEMS requirements will not involve an increase in the tariffs/requirements over and above what is covered below.

• The current RVC AHEMS requirement for progression to BVetMed3 is a minimum of 8 weeks. This is for BVetMed1, 2 and GAB students. Please note that this requirement is constantly under review and may be subject to change as the situation evolves.
• For Gateway students due to enter BVetMed1 in the next academic year (commencing Sept 2020), the AHEMS requirements for your progression into BVetMed3 are under review and will follow the 2020/21 BVetMed1 requirements once these are formalised.
• The requirement that BVetMed1 students complete 8 weeks of AHEMS in their first year has been removed. There is now no minimum number of weeks for progression to BVetMed2.
• During the Easter period 4 days were counted as a working week. What is defined as a working week has now reverted back to the standard period as defined in the AHEMS handbook (generally 6 days for agricultural placements and 5 days for practices/kennels/labs).
• The species and consecutive weeks requirements have been removed. However, it is anticipated that a balance of placement types will be maintained as far as possible to maximise your learning opportunities.
• AHEMS bookings for summer placements are currently being processed; this situation may change.  We would like to emphasise that even if you have a placement booked it is still critical that AHEMS is only actually undertaken in line with the current Covid-19 guidelines regarding movement restrictions and social distancing referable to the relevant region (local/state/national). If possible, please attach evidence to prove adherence to these guidelines with your booking form. If this is not possible at the time of booking, the placements team may request further information at a later date: please respond positively.
• There is no limit to the amount of AHEMS that can be undertaken overseas and bookings can be made outside the UK in the summer break if it is safe and convenient for you, notwithstanding any local/state/national restrictions.
• The AHEMS booking process and the requirements for insurance remain as usual. However, as stated above, if possible, please provide evidence of planned adherence to local/state/national guidance on movement restrictions and social distancing be attached to your booking form.
• All forms and enquires should continue to be directed to AHEMS@rvc.ac.uk

With gradual changes being announced in the Covid-19 ‘lockdown’ across the globe, we are now re-opening clinical EMS bookings.  Please send all booking forms (and attachments) to ems@rvc.ac.uk.

We would like to emphasise that it remains critical that clinical EMS is only performed in line with all Covid-19 guidelines regarding movement restrictions, social distancing and any other relevant requirements referable to the relevant region in which you intend to undertake your EMS (local/state/national) at the time of the placement. This means you may be making a booking in the hope that restrictions currently in place will have been lifted by the time of your placement.  If restrictions are not lifted at the time of your placement clearly you will not be able to undertake the placement. If possible, please attach proof of adherence to these guidelines with your booking form.  If this is not possible at the time of booking, the placements team may request further information at a later date: please respond professionally.

For pre-existing bookings, if possible, please send proof of adherence to local/state/national Covid-19 guidelines to ems@rvc.ac.uk. Again, the placements team may request further information: please respond professionally.

Finally, remember there is a lot of variation amongst veterinary practices in their ability and willingness to accommodate students on EMS placements as well as their ability to process your requests. Please remember that you are asking to be a guest of the practice and be considerate in the process of arranging your EMS placements.

BVetMed Year 3 (Graduating 2022) students

Clinical EMS bookings for placements from the end of third term (summer vacation) and beyond will open on Monday 4th May.

BVetMed Year 4 students (Graduating 2021)

Clinical EMS bookings for placements starting from Monday 1st June 2020 will open on Monday 4th May. 

Whilst there is no limit to how much EMS you choose to book during this time, please remember there are numerous opportunities for you to undertake EMS embedded in your face to face programme starting in September and you will need to have completed your RP2 project and submitted your report before the 7th September.

BVetMed 4

Please refer to your email of 7th May 2020 with full details of remote online rotations covering both core and tracking learning opportunities. You have access on demand to all the recorded seminars, quizzes and problem sets in all of these rotations.  These are all formative so you can sign up for as many rotations as you wish. The sign up process for the interactive sessions is now available and can be accessed at the bottom of the Rotations Information page on LEARN.  

For quick reference, the rotations that will be offering these opportunities are listed below: 

• Anaesthesia & Analgesia
• Small Animal
• Internal Medicine
• Small Animal Emergency Medicine
• BSAH
• Equine Surgery/Ambulatory
• Equine Medicine/Equine Emergency and Critical Care
• Pathology/Veterinary
• Public Health
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Farm Animal
• Blue Cross
• Cardiology
• Critical Care
• Neurology
• Oncology
• Small Animal Orthopaedics
• Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery
• Shelter Medicine
• Equine Diagnostic Imaging
• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology

We are confirming that there will be a physical “in person” graduation celebration with all the pomp and ceremony that befits an RVC graduation.

Given that the likelihood of large social gatherings taking place in the UK anytime this calendar year is close to zero and the pressure on suitable venues will be high given all the London based universities will be trying to reschedule, we are currently looking at a separate ceremony for 2020 graduates at our 2021 Graduation on 12th July 2021 in Royal Festival Hall.

We will confirm this as soon as we can and certainly before the end of this month.

To mark this year, we will be running a virtual event for each graduating class. We are looking to hold these on the following dates at a time to be decided to allow graduates located in different time zones to take part in the celebration.

BVetMed
18th June 2020, afternoon                                                                

FdSc and BSc Vet Nursing
7th July 2020, late morning

BSc, MSci, PGDip, MSc VetMed, MRes, MPhil,PhD
7th July 2020, afternoon

Again, we will confirm date and time but in this case by the end of next week once we have audited and built the necessary IT requirements and can provide you with fuller details.

For those students who will be registering with the RCVS, this will take place electronically and will managed by the RCVS.

The President will still provide an address at the relevant virtual celebrations described above. You will be receiving a letter from the RCVS.

• Students and sponsors will not be found non-compliant if they undertake online provision.  “In light of the current advice on self-isolation and social distancing, the Home Office is also waiving a number of requirements on visa sponsors, such as allowing non-EU nationals here under work or study routes to undertake their work or study from home”
• The Home Office issued a press notice on 25 March 2020 - Visas extended for those currently unable to return home due to COVID-19 - which covers various visa-related issues:-
• Visa extensions - now available until the end of May (from end of March initially). An extension can be obtained by simply emailing CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk to provide the following information:
• Full name (including any middle names)
• Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
• Nationality
• Existing visa details
• Reason that has required you to extend your stay (for example, the suspension of all flights to your place of permanent residence)
• Please note this email must be in English
• In-country visa switching is now permitted across all routes for those who are currently in the UK and whose visa expires/d between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020
• Students and sponsors will not be found non-compliant if they undertake online provision.  “In light of the current advice on self-isolation and social distancing, the Home Office is also waiving a number of requirements on visa sponsors, such as allowing non-EU nationals here under work or study routes to undertake their work or study from home”
• Further independent advice can be obtained from the UK Council for International Student Affairs
• Please also email the Advice Centre if you have individual queries regarding your student visa as our International Student Advisor can also help.

Please liaise closely with your supervisor over specific arrangements regarding your PhD and working from home as productively as possible.  We fully appreciate that these restrictions will affect each student in differing ways, depending on the nature and stage of your project.

As the RVC laboratories are now closed, if you have outstanding lab work that is the only remaining aspect of your thesis work that needs completing, discuss how essential this work is to your thesis, how long it will take and how this fits in with the revised time line for your thesis.

In the first instance, do discuss contingency plans with your supervisor such as changing the phasing of work to bring forward some activities and to delay others.

Where this is impractical, it may be possible to revise the objectives of the research project or to alter its methodology to enable research to be completed within the stated period of study. However, if productivity is impeded due to the current situation, it is imperative that any delays are well documented and the impact on progress clearly outlined. This should be shared with the Graduate school at the earliest opportunity.

The College will view such delays sympathetically and ensure that research students are helped to progress to completion and discuss possible options with the funding bodies where needed.

The College has well-embedded concession mechanisms already in place for circumstances such as extension to studies and thesis submission extensions, extension to re-submission deadlines, interruption of studies and requests to move into part-time study.

Do discuss this with your supervisors and contact the Graduate school if you would further information on the above.

Students who may have child-care or other responsibilities and are unable to continue on their studies full time can request to switch to part-time study (0.5FTE or 0.8FTE).

Stipend payments will be pro-rated as appropriate and this should be fully discussed and have the approval of your supervisor.

Appraisals should be scheduled as normal. However, in these circumstances, video-conferencing should be used and copies of the forms emailed to RDOfficer@rvc.ac.uk on completion.

Scheduled meetings between PhD students and their supervisors should continue, replacing face-to-face meetings with virtual meetings by telephone or videoconferencing (e.g. Skype, Zoom or Teams).

The expectation is that the frequency of such meetings should be increased, if possible, in the current climate.

PgR Manager should be used to document and keep track of such meetings.

Although the British Library service is currently not running, the library have managed to gain access to articles directly from the publisher where they seemed to have relaxed their restrictions due to COVID-19.

The Learning Resources Manager (Steve Cook - stcook@rvc.ac.uk) should be contacted to help with any specific requests.

In addition, regular ‘drop-in’ and one-to-one sessions will be continuing online instead.

In the first instance, do discuss contingency plans with your supervisor that will enable you to continue to work productively on your research project or thesis without having to consider the need for a potential interruption. This may include changing the phasing of work to bring forward some activities and to delay others. It may also be possible to revise objectives or add complementary ones that can be achieved whilst working remotely and will add value to the body of work to be included in the thesis. However, if, despite your best efforts, productivity is impeded it is imperative that any delays are well documented and the impact on progress clearly outlined. Consider whether switching to part-time study (0.5FTE or 0.8FTE) is a possibility, in particular where you have additional responsibilities due to the current situation. If an interruption to your studies is still the preferred option, this should be discussed and agreed with the funding body, including whether they agree to a no-cost extension (any period of interruption will automatically result in a commensurate extension to the end of the studentship). Unfortunately the College is not currently in a position to fund students during a period of interruption and so stipend payments will be halted when a student chooses to interrupt. Our normal policies on pay during interruptions for maternity or sickness leave will continue to apply.  The normal processes in applying for extensions to College funded 3 year studentships also continue to apply.

During the current COVID-19 outbreak, hard copies of your thesis will not be required, and examiners will be sent the electronic copy only.

The PhD submission form can be found on Learn and we do not require physical signatures. An email confirmation in lieu of the signature is enough.

Viva voice examinations should be conducted by video conferencing rather than face-to-face.

Please contact the Graduate school (researchdegrees@rvc.ac.uk) for more information and then do please discuss specific arrangements with your supervisor.

We recognise that students may wish to interrupt their studies for a variety of reasons. All interruptions must be approved by the RVC and will normally only be approved due to exceptional personal circumstances.

In the first instance, do discuss contingency plans with your supervisor that will enable you to continue to work productively on your research project or thesis without having to consider the need for a potential interruption. This may include changing the phasing of work to bring forward some activities and to delay others. It may also be possible to revise objectives or add complementary ones that can be achieved whilst working remotely and will add value to the body of work to be included in the thesis. However, if, despite your best efforts, productivity is impeded it is imperative that any delays are well documented and the impact on progress clearly outlined. Consider whether switching to part-time study (0.5FTE or 0.8FTE) is a possibility, in particular where you have additional responsibilities due to the current situation.

If an interruption to your studies is still the preferred option, this should be discussed and agreed with the funding body, including whether they agree to a no-cost extension (any period of interruption will automatically result in a commensurate extension to the end of the studentship). Unfortunately the College is not currently in a position to fund students during a period of interruption and so stipend payments will be halted when a student chooses to interrupt. Our normal policies on payment during interruptions for maternity or sickness leave will continue to apply.  The normal processes in applying for extensions to College funded 3 year studentships also continue to apply.

We are committed to supporting all students via the Advice Centre regardless of where you are living.

Again, a reminder: If you develop COVID-19 symptoms and need to self-isolate please inform the Advice Centre immediately so we can provide the appropriate welfare support.

We recognise that everybody’s financial status is different, whether with loans or self-funded, and that those with part-time jobs will most probably not be able to work currently. Hardship will be found in many quarters and to that end we are seeking to bolster our Hardship Funds in order to provide support where it is needed most.

Students in NSV, College Grove, College Close (where relevant)

• If you have left your room and taken your belongings, there will be no charge for Term Three.
• If you have left your room but your belongings are still in the room, there will be no charge for Term Three on the condition that, should we need to use the room e.g. for key workers or NHS staff, you are content that we put your belongings in storage.
• If you are not willing to agree to this condition, we will regard the room as occupied and payment will be due at normal occupied rates. If you are still in accommodation, normal charges will apply to the end of the contracted tenancy period but any extended stay beyond this due to continuing Covid-19 restrictions will be free of charge up until the start of the next session.
• While you are in residence, should there be any change in your personal situation or your health you MUST update us via the Advice Centre immediately.
• It is important for you to remember that we will continue to maintain our essential facilities and that we have a duty of care to you; when necessary deliveries of food and essential items will be available to you.

Students in Other Halls (Mary Brancker, Mannequin, etc.)

To the best of our knowledge, the same or similar conditions and arrangements are in place at these other Halls. However, for clarification you should contact your provider.

Students in Private Accommodation

With respect to students in private accommodation, we are lobbying the Government regarding rent holidays and other contractual issues and are bolstering our hardship funds for those in most need.

We are committed to supporting all students via the Advice Centre regardless of where you are living. Again, a reminder: If you develop COVID-19 symptoms and need to self-isolate please inform the Advice Centre immediately so we can provide the appropriate welfare support. We recognise that everybody’s financial status is different, whether with loans or self-funded, and that those with part-time jobs will most probably not be able to work currently. Hardship will be found in many quarters and to that end we are seeking to bolster our Hardship Funds in order to provide support where it is needed most.

For students who remain in Halls, your accommodation room is considered to be your home during this period of lockdown so we would like to remind you of the need to comply with the guidance from the government on when you should leave your house (flat) and of the importance of social distancing at all times. See Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)

You should only leave the house (your flat) for very limited purposes:

• shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
• one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
• any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
• travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home.

These reasons are exceptions - even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household.

Your household is considered to be the students living within your flat. This does not include other students living on campus in other flats.

These measures must be followed by all students remaining on campus.

• We appreciate in exceptional circumstances you may want to return to your room to collect essential belongings - for example to collect medicine.
• If that is your situation, please contact accommodation office to arrange a time to collect your belongings.
• Please consider your trip in the light of the government guidelines around essential travel.

• The bus service will continue to operate but at a reduced frequency - see Hawkshead Bus Timetable (PDF). The service will continue to operate seven days a week to allow you to purchase essentials. Keep alert to timetable changes which will also be updated on the RVC app and the intranet.
• All students staying in RVC’s Hawkshead accommodation will be allowed to bring their car onto campus at any time.
• Please don’t worry about applying for a parking permit - but please do make sure you have your student ID card with you at all times.
• Currently our restaurants are open and providing takeaway food only. Fuller details will be provided to students in halls.